Character Quest:Krampus:VN:1

Title: Hero of Dream

--The young man, patiently waiting for that day to come.

Spawned by the queen of the underworld and given the "claws", the tribe bore the role of becoming servants of the saint--

Inherited by the bloodline, the "claws" and "name" had reached the time to become his.

Hence, the young man, proud by his heart, shaked his body that scarred from training and accepted the "claws".

--The young man's joyful expression slowly twisted, and then a scream filled the space.

Crouching and holding head with arms, the crying young man received words of blessing from his smiling predecessor.

"Congratulations. From this day on, you will become 'Krampus'", so said--

---

2 options (Same Response)
......Huh?	What is this place......

A space of fog; the concept of distance obscure. One cannot even tell if one's feet are stepping on the ground or floating.

As to why and when oneself came to this place, no answer can be given either.

2 options (Same Response)
......Should I start walking?	I wonder if there is an exit somewhere.

In the fog that emphasizes disturbance, [Player] decides to proceed.

There is no measurement of the distance passed, yet it is clear that the view starts changing.

2 options (Same Response)
Is the fog clearing up?	Seems like the exit is......

[Player] looks at the perceived "exit" and hastens the pace.

Finally, the white fog is clear from sight. [Player] has gotten out of the mist.

Right in front lies a widened view--that is, countless amount of woods reddened by the sunset.

Tall birch trees stand one after another, showing dark silhouettes upon the sky.

Whenever the cool, chilling winds slip by, leaves drop from the shaking branches and dance their way onto [Player's] steps.

Upon visual inspection of the surrounding, [Player] understands that this is a forest located somewhere cold.

3 options (Same Response)
......A forest?	It's a bit chilly.	Anyone there--!

--At that moment, someone's presence from behind is sensed.

Heavy footsteps, which are suddenly heard, stop right behind [Player].

And then, a heavy voice speaks at [Player].

?????: --[Player]? ......right?

2 options (Same Response)
Who, who is it!?	This voice is......

?????: Wai-, wait, wait!! Hold on, please put your "sacred artifact" down!

Aye, that was close...... It, it's me......

3 options
Krampus!	Senpai!	I was really scared, so comfort me!
		Whoa!? Is, is that so; you really were scared? It is fine now...... Hey、you! The tail is a no-- Eeek! Ummmmm......!!

I thought I was just gonna get cut in half...... Why are you here......?

......Don't tell me you are "suddenly here when you realized" too, are you?

2 options (Same Response)
"You are 'too'"......?	That means, senpai, you too?

Aye. I was already wondering in this forest when I noticed. Just when I was walking around, I discovered you.

...... However--

Krampus looks around again, narrowing his eyes as though watching the sunset.

Why am I "back here"......? I did not even think of coming back.

2 options (Same Response)
"Back here"?	Where are we?

............ This place is......

Krampus wants to say something, but holds back for a moment before speaking again.

The original world of mine......the forest I was from. It's a forest protected by the tribe of many "Krampus".

......Or saying that there was no other place to live than here should be a more correct description.

This is a place referred to as "the cave of hell" and feared by those "bad kids" who had been put in the cage of the "Krampus".

That's right......A very scary forest of monster inhabitants. It's a forest that should never be approached......

Krampus shows a sorrowful, greaving expression.

2 options (Same Response)
......Senpai?	Krampus?

--It's dusk already. Judging by the clear sky, it will likely be cold tonight.

Krampus:(unhooded serious face) We should first leave this forest. There is a village not far ahead.

You......should live there for the night. Since you're a human, you should be treated with hospitality.

3 options
Are you not coming, senpai?	Let's sleep together, alright?	I want to spend the night at Krampus's home.
I......I'm fine. After all......it'll be like that again anyways. --No, nothing. Don't worry about me.		No, you can't......! In the first place, something like my place is-- --No, nothing, never mind. To be straight forward, it's not a place for you to stay over.

Al-alright, let's go. Don't stay here for too long--

--At that moment, Krampus' whisker tightens.

--Uh! Stay down!!

2 options (Same Response)
Woaaah!?	Wh-what!?

Something resembles a brick flies through their head, and then......

Suddenly, something grow from the ground--Those are the inorganic, wall, wall, and walls.

Appearing one after another, the walls, as if chasing the two, form a ring which encloses them.

As if they are alive, the walls gradually close up the distance from them.

2 options (Same Response)
What's going on......?	They're clearly hostile......!

I don't even know. I had been living in the forest ever since I was born. I've never seen this before.

--[Player]. Calm yourself down and don't move.

Having said so, Krampus stares at the walls while carefully approaching them.

Krampus:(unhooded serious face) ......Walls like these should be of no big deal. They're thin and full with "malice"--

Krampus:(unhooded serious face) If that's the case, these "claws" should be able to cut through......!

The moment Krampus equips the "sacred artifact" of "claws"--hanging at his waist with a lock--

2 options (Same Response)
Huh......!?	What, just......

For a moment, other views appeared in [Player's] sight.

Unlike here, those were places of desolation. What appeared there......were countless "eyes of mankind".

Sooner or later, the speaking of a language whose origin unknown can start to be heard.

......Uhh!! Wh-why......Uhhh!!

Why, would "you guys"......! Stop, please stop......!!

Krampus starts moaning in front of the walls. His body shakes, skin sweats, and breath disrupted.

2 options (Same Response)
Krampus......!?	Break the walls, hurry up!

Please, please, don't condemn me......! Don't look at me with "those glances"......!!

Ah...... Ahhhhh,Ah......Uhhh!

It's like the wall is showing him "something scary".

It's like he is hearing "something" [Player] cannot hear--

When Krampus opens his eyes again, tears are flowing down, and his tail hangs low, unlively.

The approaching walls are closing up to capture Krampus and [Player].

3 options (Same Response)
Senpai!	We're gonna get crushed like this!	Then I should......!

Just as [Player] holds tightly the "sacred artifact"--

Thunderbird:(4star icon face) Ihanbla Gmunkaaaa!!

The bright lightnings dance, tearing down the walls in a blink.

?????: --Hmmm. I guess that was really close?

Wipe your tears away, baby! Thats right......the hero has come!

The protecter (hero) of the Insulted and Humiliated, and of those lonely ones-- Thunderbird! Hereby arrives!!

Thun...... Thunder......bird......

3 options
Thunderbird!	Who, who are you......?	So cool......!
Yo, how's it going baby? It seems that you guys are the type to be involved with troubles.	The hero protecting "dreams" of his people...... Just remember this, for now, baby.	( face) Hahaa, thank you babe. To protect a sweetie like you, I can even run in the speed of lightning.

Ex, excuse me......! What really was that......?

--You should have known, too. About the space we're in now and those "monster of id", right?

I, have come to save you from collapsing. However, that's about it.

......Mr. Thunderbird...... I......I......

--Save the words for later, babies. Let me get hold of this; take cover to hide.

After all, these are very "powerful" monsters. I'd have no choice but to fight seriously.

Monsters of the other world: (deep noises)!!

......Phew! Don't even try!!

The walls spear through the air onto their target. Meanwhile, thunderbird avoids such attacks and accurately destroys them.

Quick! Take this gap and leave!

2 options (Same Response)
Indeed, it's dangerous here!	Krampus, let's run!

Woaaaah......!? [Player]......!!

[Player] takes the hand of exhausted Krampus and escapes at full speed.

Monsters of the other world: (deep noises)!!

The walls quickly chase behind, yet--

Haaa!!

Thunderbird breaks apart those walls; the shine of lightnings lasts until the two covers themselves with shelter.

---

2 options (Same Response)
It should be fine here, right?	Are you alright, senpai?

Krampus:(3star icon face) ............ ............

2 options (Same Response)
Senpai?	Krampus?

......Ah, Ahhh. I'm, fine......

I'm...... I'm sorry......

If the first 2 choices are the exact same while the 3rd is different.

3 options
It's alright.	I'm here for you.	You should be thanking Mr. thunderbird.
Thank you. ............		Krampus:(3star icon face) ......That's right. Hmmm......

Krampus embraces his keens and crouches; his hood adds on a layer of shade on his already dark face.

2 options
What are those "eyes" and "voices" all about......?	Do you have an idea about the identity of those "walls"?
Krampus:(3star icon face) ......So, you witnessed too, huh. You saw that......and heard it......

............ ............

Silence fills the space for once. Krampus slowly lets out the words after a pause.

Krampus:(3star icon face) That was......"memory". Of this "sacred artifact"......of us "Krampus".

1 option
"Memory"?

Krampus:(3star icon face) ......We Krampus, are "monsters of claws" spawned by the queen of the underworld.

Krampus:(hooded serious face) This "sacred artifact of claws" she gave us serves as a proof of our identity.

Krampus:(hooded serious face) Therefore, these "claws", along with the name of "Krampus", was passed across generations...... At last, I inherited them.

Krampus:(3star icon face) By that point, "terror" had been drilled in many "bad kids", and "old scars" were revealed......while being feared by them.

At the end of the lock hanging from Krampus' neck, the sharp edges of the "claws" are reflecting the faint light of the setting sun.

Krampus:(3star icon face) You've seen......and heard too, right? That was the "memory" these "claws" showed to me.

Krampus:(3star icon face) Born with a role, servicing his majesty (santa), loyally achieving tasks, we "Krampus"--

Collected "terror" flowing through these "claws"...... Stacking up sights and voices witnessed by these "claws"......

Those, are the "eyes" and "voices" you experienced. It was the incarnation of the "trauma" replays recorded by the ugly, cruel beasts through their lives.

[Player] recalls. Even though the meanings were not understood......those voices were filled with hostility.

2 options (Same Response)
"Trauma" you said......	I see, so......

---

Krampus: --The day I inherited these "claws"...... The moment I came into contact with the "claw"--

Krampus: That "memory" flew into me. Happy to become a "Krampus", I......

Krampus: --was really shocked. It felt really strange. Unimaginable amounts of terror, hatred, and sights of despise......

Krampus: I then realized the container in which those were filled is these "claws". It's the existence of "Krampus" itself.

---

Krampus:(3star icon face) --As soon as I equipped the "claws", I started sensing the glances and hearing the voices.

Krampus:(3star icon face) I was ashamed and not able to express myself-- Those were certainly reasons for it. However......

Krampus:(hooded serious face) I could not rebel against them and kept obeying. I tried my best to act "villain" on the surface and was thus mistaken.

If I hadn't done it...... I felt that I would've collapsed from the weights of terror.

Krampus continues to hold his knees and curl his body. Finally, his face can no longer be seen due to the hood covering.

Krampus:(3star icon face) I've understood everything. This place is my memory; that "wall" is my own "trauma".

Therefore, it would keep chasing after no matter how far we escape; it would continue to regrow regardless of how much we get rid of--

I......am afraid of that "wall". I can't help but keep being overly afraid of it......

1 option
............

---

Thunderbird's voice: --Uhhoh......!? Gaaaaa.....!!

......Uh! That voice was......!

2 options (Same Response)
Thunderbird......!?	He's having a hard time......!

Krampus:(hooded serious face) Mr. Thunderbird...... ......Uh!!

2 options (Same Response)
Senpai!?	Krampus!

---

Krampus:(3star icon face) It's because of my "trauma"...... Mr. Thunderbird is in trouble.

Krampus:(hooded serious face) Then......I would have to go, right? It is a problem I myself should be dealing with in the first place.

............ On top of that--

---

At that time......all Maria-chan and I could do was run--

Senpai was really handsome at that time! You showed up with coolness and left without telling your name......

That appearance was just like a hero! So, please sign for me!

---

Ded b:(3star icon face) Hero" and "villain" are like the two sides of a coin-- They can easily interchange with each other depending on the viewpoints of others.

Ded b:(3star icon face) Although black santas may be vied as merciless "villains"--

Ded b:(3star icon face) If you look at it from the other side, wouldn't they be great "allies of justice" who bear the role to guide those who have stepped on the wrong paths?

---

I've......made a promise--that I……would become a "hero".

Krampus:(hooded serious face) A "hero" who does not lend his hand to those in need...... will for sure be laughed at by the "good kids".

Krampus tightens his sight, gathers up courage, and soothes breathing.

--Nonetheless。

Huff......Huuffff......! ......Why, why......!

Having cooled down, the feet aren't moving; strength is not reaching his fists.

The body is refusing from within; it is afraid of confronting the "trauma".

Dammit......! Damn......it

I must go. Even though I......must go......I'm, I'm such a......

Under the complete lack of courage, regret and shame make tears drop from his eyes.

Krampus' fear towards "trauma" is deep in his mind.

The burden of "Krampus" he has always been running away from is indeed heavy.

The fetter named "memory" is perhaps too much a weight for him the most timid among his kind.

Krampus' hand is shaking from whimpering in front of [Player].

Seeing so, [Player]--

2 options (Same Response)
(Takes hold of the hand)	(Hugs him)

......Huh!? [Player]......

2 options (Same Response)
Wait here.	I'll take care of it.

But, but......! You......!

3 options (Same Response)
The one who helps those in need--	The one who stands for someone else--	Is what a "hero" is, right?

............!!

[Player] lets go of Krampus' hand and runs from the shelter towards the countless "walls".

Krampus:(3star icon face) ............ That person......

Krampus holds up the "claw", his stance stoic.

Krampus:(3star icon face) ......That's right. No matter when, that person is......[Player] as always--

Krampus:(3star icon face) Strong......cool, and provides me with courage......

......I'm such a dead weight. Aye, really, nothing good to speak about......

So he deprecates, fists tightened, with just a moment of thoughts--

Krampus:(hooded serious face) --Hmm!!

Krampus claps on his cheeks to knock the hesitation and confusion out of his body.

Krampus:(hooded serious face) ......Alright!

---

2 options (Same Response)
Dammit......!	It's no use regardless how many I break......!

The walls respawn where they're broken and rapidly attack again.

Blocking by the layered walls, even voices cannot reach Thunderbird's location.

[Player] attempts to use the "artifact", but......

2 options (Same Response)
--Huh!?	The "artifact" is not working......!

For some reason, the "artifact" does not respond. [Player] is in an immediate danger.

Catching that gap in defense, the walls right in front grow back and directly come at [Player].

2 options (Same Response)
This is bad......!	I will get hit--!

---

Suddenly, a shadow appears in sight, followed by noises of walls being broken.

......Uhh! You alright, [Player]......!!

2 options (Same Response)
Senpai!	Krampus!

Looks like Krampus broke the walls with his bare hand. Blood is dripping from his right fist.

2 options (Same Response)
Your hand......!	Doesn't it hurt......?

This, it's nothing......! Comparing to you being hurt in front of me and then regretting, this is much better!

Krampus is still shaking in fear. However, his fists are tightly clenched--

Krampus:(hooded serious face) ............ ......Uh!

Against the incoming "wall", Krampus keeps staring without moving his sight.

They're really, scary......very, scary. The "eyes" and "voices" of "you guys"......However!

Krampus:(hooded serious face) If "you guys" are the burden we "Krampus" must bear-- Regardless how scary you are, I'm......not escaping anymore!

Monsters of the other world: (deep noises)!!

Krampus:(hooded serious face) His majesty (Santa) who trusts us and assign us tasks-- All the people I encountered in Tokyo, and......

Krampus:(3star icon face) My "summoner" who is here, my buddy in the ring...... my very, very important friend, [Player]!

Because everyone is supporting me-- because [Player] has taken hold of my hand--

Krampus:(3star icon face) I will accept my destiny......and stand with my own strength! I will continue to swing the "claw" while carrying you guys!

Krampus:(3star icon face) Ahh, no matter how much "you guys" increase, I-- will perform my job of punishing the "bad kids!

Krampus:(unhooded serious face) This is "Krampus"-- This is, who I am!!

Krampus wears the "claws" that hang from his neck on his hand.

Disastrous atmosphere arises and is absorbed towards Krampus.

Meanwhile, a satisfying sound of someone snapping finger comes from somewhere.

--Alright, you should be able to use your "sacred artifact" as well. Swing it with all your strength, baby.

2 options (Same Response)
Thunderbird!?	What is with all this?

A hero is able to use some lesser "magic" here. For now, you just need to remember this.

However, why have you not gotten used to the rule of "this place" despite having made your way here already?

You shouldn't have been able to come here unless you "used a different method from mine" to break the boundary between dream and reality...... Ahh, it's not quite the time for this yet.

Look, the "walls" are coming! Let's fight together, shalln't we!

Krampus:(b2 4star full face) Heeeeyaa--hahahaaa!! Oraoraaaa, let's do this you brat!!

Krampus:(b2 4star full face) As you guys wish, I will slash you up with this! Prepare yourselves for the worst!!

Fight

Krampus:(b2 4star full face) Oooraaaaa!! Let's go let's go let's gooooo!!

Krampus:(b2 4star full face) The "role" is "Executioner"! The "rule" is "Revealing"!

Krampus:(4star icon face) Bells of Certain Punishment, Der Wilde Mann!!!

Krampus slashes and destroy the last piece of wall with his claws.

And then, the countless "walls" that were once in front of them are now nowhere to be seen.

There is not even a piece of broken wall; nothing but the quiet forest stands under dusk.

Haaa......Haaa...... Is it, over yet......?

2 options (Same Response)
Looks like it	I'm so exhausted......

......Right! Mr. Thunderbird!

......Huuh? He's not here...... Where did he go......?

Krampus and [Player] both inspect the surrounding.

Not only the walls, but also Thunderbird is nowhere to be found.

2 options (Same Response)
He's gone......	What a mysterious person.

Aye...... A mysterious hero who comes and leaves without a trace......

What......what's with that face! You already know that I like this kind of stuff!

--I wish I could have at least thank him in person......

Again, that fog has started to surround the forest in sight.

It is like sunlight spearing into a dark room--

The forest is dissolving into the fog that reflects the light.

Krampus:( face) ............ [Player].

Krampus looks at [Player's] direction with a serious glance.

I'm......sorry for letting you see my weakness.

I......will try hard. I will try hard not to run away no matter how scared I am.

Well, of course......it may not be as cool as Mr. Thunderbird, but--

Krampus:(unhooded serious face) It's also for you whom I bond the summoning contract with...... I will become your strength, become your "hero".

So......will you be willing to fight by my side, from now on, too?

3 options
You bet!	That should be my line.	You really won't escape again?
......Ahh! Thank you......!		Of, of course......! Please don't say something malicious like that......! Krampus:(unhooded serious face) I swear. I will protect you.

Krampus puts out his hand--grabbing [Player's] hand with uncertainty.

Krampus' face, clenching in embarassment, is likewise dissolving into the fog.

---

--Thereafter, [Player's] conscious drifted away as though falling into a deep sleep.

---

--Mmhmm. Was I interfering a bit much?

---

--The next day.

Santa school

--And that's what happened. Such a weird dream.

Youl came to wake me up. I opened my eyes just to see that my right fist was soaked in blood.

He helped to treat it in his panic, and this is the outcome.

Krampus looks at his right hand: It is surrounded by bandages in a pitiful manner.

I wondered if I really went to that place...... It can't be real, right?

It must have been because that I watched some tokusatsu yesterday and subconsciously moved in that dream......

--Aye, I wonder if Youl saw that happening? I'm suddenly panicking so much I feel like dying......

2 options (Same Response)
If you're talking about that dream--	I had it, too.

What!? Is, is that true, [Player]!

That, that means, it was real......? Wait a sec, if that's the case, why was I in bed already when I noticed?

What, what really happened......? I don't understand. I really don't understand......

--Talking about that, are you okay!? Did you find yourself hurt when you got up!?

2 options (Same Response)
I'm totally fine.	Senpai protected me, didn't you?

Is, is that so. I guess it's alright then......

--It was really cool, I mean, you. Or I should say you remained the same.

Krampus:(unhooded ㄇㄧㄠ face) Those lines you spoke, were like coming from a real hero--

Krampus suddenly recalls--

The dream consisting of [Player's] posture yielding the "sacred artifact", [Player's] words that cheered himself up--

--and, taking hold of [Player's] hand.

Ahh...... ............

2 options (Same Response)
Is that hand really alright?	......Senpai?

......Huh? Ahh, aye! Yea!

2 options (Same Response)
What's wrong?	Your face is pretty red......

Ehhhhh......!? Uhh, I mean!!　That's--

Not......nothing! It's nothing! I mean it!!

Blushing and sweating, Krampus runs away like he's escaping.

2 options (Same Response)
Senpai!?	Where are you going!?

I-I'm......feeling weird. What's wrong with me......!?

That person is my "summoner", my friend...... but......how come......

How come, merely holding hands...... made my heart pounding this fast......!?

2 options (Same Response)
Wait!	Why are you escaping!?

I-I said it was nothing!

Please......don't look at me right now!

Krampus runs away with his hood on.

His posture consists of nothing that can resemble a "hero".

The work he has to push through......does seem to be endless.

End