Character Quest:Taurus Mask:VN:1

Title: The tag team of glory!

Location: Shopping district’s arena

He was a weak boy.
Of weak spirit. Of weak body. He led a weak lifestyle.

Without a purpose, he let himself be carried away by the surroundings
leading an unbearably mediocre lifestyle.

However, a certain day.
He had a changing experience.

Arena

On top of the ring,
there was a fight between two wrestlers.

An exchange of techniques. The match drawing to a close,
going back and forth.

Cheers for one of the wrestlers became louder,
but the opponent managed to land a direct hit.

The end of the match was imminent.
If it continued like this, his defeat would be assured.

… Hah!!

A shy young boy raised his voice.
He yelled the wrestler’s name.

Rather, the name of his hero,
he shouted it again and again.

The wrestler couldn’t disappoint him.
He stood up, and let out a big roar.

A swift combo, quick jabs.
Everyone’s voices started counting down.

The spectators let out the biggest cheer yet.

That was the day when everything changed for that boy.
The day where he was given a reason to live.

A world that he didn’t know much about,
that day, a fascinating new universe opened for him.

“I want to be like him”

From that day on, he will aim to become a hero.
Those memories in his chest. Glory as his motivation.

… Yes.
A hero, a profesional wrestler.

- Ikebukuro, Underground Arena -

IIIIIt’s me! Tauruuuuuus Maaask!!

Among loud cheers, there was one man standing on the ring,
howling towards the sky.

His fingers pointing to the skies, with an inspiring speech
and his trademark bull-shaped green mask.

It was a battleground, the Ikebukuro Underground Arena.
And in the middle of the ring there was a young raging bull.

Now, how about this technique?! If you are able to endure this… Then, prove it!

Taurus Mask threw the microphone he was holding,
and jumped on top of one of the posts of the ring.

The mike made a shrieking noise when it hit the floor.
After every move, the audience’s cheers grew louder.

Leg lariat, elbow smash, high flyer.
Hip attack, kick drop.

Although still a bit unrefined,
he performed numerous wrestling moves. And then…

Datsushiaaaaaaaatsu!!!

The cries of victory reverberated across the arena.

Waiting Room

Hah… Hah… Hah…!!

Alright, I won… I really won! I knew I could do it!

If I maintain this momentum, I’m sure that event will also be a success! Fight! FIGHT!! You got this!

That’s right, this is the real me! Everyone’s favorite wrestler student! And that name is…

At that moment, someone from outside
called Taurus Mask’s name.

---

2 options
Tauruuuuuus Mask!	Great work.
Thank you for coming! Thank you!	O-oh, thank you!

---

GAH, mask! The mask!!

That was close. Ahh, good evening, Brother!

Waaaahahaha! Name’s Tauru… Hey, wait a moment!

Oh, if it isn’t you [Player]! So you decided to come see me today!!

I want to know your honest opinion, Brother! How was it, how was it?!

---

3 options
It was really cool!	Not very good!	Why don’t you try wearing fewer clothes?
Really? You really think that, Brother?! I’m happy! I’m sooo happy!! Everything was decided when I countered with that leg lairat, my heart was about to burst from the excitement!	Ah, guh…! I still have ways to go. The way of the wrestler is a hard one, Brother… !	Do you want me to wear fewer clothes, Brother?! W-well, that would be too embarrassing…! But I’ll consider it. However, the mask can’t go… And this singlet is Bathym-san’s… Awawawaw, I don’t think that will be possible!

---

Eh~, why am I calling you Brother? I’ll tell you, Brother!

Since the first time I met you… I saw in you a burning soul!

There is no barrier between genders or races! Our souls got attracted to each other, that’s all there is to it!

… To be honest, my memory is very fuzzy. And I think I’m becoming more and more depressed.

The game that made me become a wrestler… for some reason, I cannot remember it very well!

I was so shocked, back home I covered myself with my futon and cried to sleep!

Well, no reason to doubt myself now, I don’t need to worry about that! Yeah!

Oh, that’s right! There is another match I have to attend later today.

And you are invited, [Player]! I promise that you are gonna like it!

I hope there are still tickets left… But please, come! It’s not too far away!

---

3 options
It would be my pleasure!	I have other plans…	How much is it?
Yaaahoooo! I knew you would accept!	Ehhhhh… Well, I guess it can’t be helped if you have something else to do. I’ll feel lonely… Huh, you lied?! You tricked me! Enma-sama(*) will cut your tongue! (*)The Yama (閻魔), also called Enma (閻魔 or えんま) in Japan, is a Buddhist equivalent of the Hindu god of the same name. This is the judge of the deceased that decides who goes where after death. Yama can look into the past deeds of any person, and it is said that no one can pass through their sermons without being scolded.	You don’t need to pay for the ticket. You can just come and watch the show!

---

Well then, let’s go! Let’s go!!

Shopping district

Well, back in this place! It’s been a while since I’ve been in this shopping district! It feels like it was yesterday!

This man-made street, always going straight! Compassionate with the times! A road filled with strong and tender emotions!

For a student, life looks like a big labyrinth. And I’m a student wrestler! Battling, winning, that’s the way *I* decided to take!

Hey, don’t start clapping! I-I come to this shopping district often!

---

3 options
Wait, cheers?!	Are you like this everytime you are here?	(Just ignore him for now…)
This homely feeling… Thank you very much, everyone!	I-I don’t do this everytime I’m here! I don’t want to bother people that are shopping! Only sometimes, occasionally! Specifically only once a week!	No, you definitely can’t ignore me! It’ll make me think about a bunch of things before going to bed!

---

Waiting Room

This is the local venue of the shopping district! In here there is a ring where they did exhibition matches!

I had to beg to Claude-san and Snow-san to borrow the mat, posts and equipment from this place!

And look, this poster is the best! Coooool!!

These posters were stuck all over the premises of the shopping district. They did a pretty good job, right?

The poster showed Taurus Mask right in the center
with a confident pose.

I felt selfish asking people to take my picture. But anyway, I got this amazing photo taken!

These were all over the shopping district, of course. I hope all the seats were taken!

To celebrate the battle that young and old were waiting for! And today is the day! Don’t miss it!

And this time I was able to ask for cooperation to one of the most prominent figures of pro-wrestling from Tokyo~ !

Negotiations took a while, but I had some contacts in the underground arena.

Since this is such a small town I was expecting that they would refuse… But they ended up agreeing!

Huh, what about the operating expenses? I’ve decided to use the money I win fighting!

---

1 option
Don’t pay it all on your own!

---

Y-you shouldn’t be that surprised…!

When I was young, there once was a professional wrestling organization in this same shopping district.

I usually was there watching matches… I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

But… that’s way in the past, you know? Today there’s no interest investing in this small district.

However, I really want to do this. In the future, I want to perform in a pro wrestling match in this place.

The underground arena also helped me with the money. I was fortunate that it was a reasonable amount.

Today’s children may be less interested in wrestling, but maybe… maybe…

Like old times… There may still be some children interested in it.

If I keep them in my mind, then I’m motivated to push forward.

Ah, it’s my phone. Give me a moment.

Shopping District

Ehhh… ?! I won’t be able to make it on time?!

Wait a moment! Such a sudden…!

A flock of cows are blocking the highway…? Oh no, this must be a joke!

Because if I can’t go… If either of the opponents don’t show up, there can’t be a match!

This can’t be…! The kids are waiting…!

There may even be a kid like me in the audience… !

…

…This is bad. The organizers are gonna be angry. Rampant cows aren’t unusual in this place.

I’ll explain the situation to the organizers during a break. Troubles… They can happen to anyone.

But I’ll overcome them! I’m Taurus Mask! One or two inconveniences, that’s nothing!

…

Waiting Room

…

---

3 options (same response)
So this is the place, huh.	Did you ask when it starts?	So… What did they say?

---

…

Gah, what should I do… I’m finally here, but…

I thought about various excuses… However… they…

The audience is already gathered. I cannot announce a cancellation anymore.

Everyone in the audience looking down on me…! My face… burning up…!

Uuu-…

---

1 option
Will you let me help you?

---

…Huh?

---

1 option
Let’s do it.

---

… [Player].

T-that’s right… A tag team...

Yes, that’s it! A single match!

If we decide to…!

I’m the ferocious green bull Taurus Mask! I will not lose to any difficulties! Not now, not ever!

It happened in a peaceful shopping district. There, Taurus Mask faced a big crisis!

However, when he arrived to the arena… There was someone missing!

His opponent disappeared! A hero cannot fight without an opponent!

But who could help him… [Player]! It can only be you!

How about it, Brother?! I will entrust everything to you!

There won’t be many rewards. You won’t gain much fame.

However… There are people out there still waiting and believing!

I ask you to cooperate! Believe in me! Don’t try to find a reason!

---

3 options
Leave it to me, bro!	I’ll completely defeat you!	My reward will be Taurus himself!
That’s the answer I expected, Brother! Then, lend me your power!	O-oh! That’s the spirit! But try to be gentle with me…!	Leave it to me! I’m pretty good at physical labor! After all, I work as a removalist! Huh, you don’t want me for that? Whatever it is, I’ll absolutely return the favor to you!

---

Wait a minute, I said you didn’t have to find a reason, but… there is one!

I, Taurus Mask, will be your reason!

Yeah, I can hear it, the people in the venue are getting impatient.

So, I guess this is time. You’ll be Taurus Mask’s rival.

I always bring a microphone with myself. Leave the explanation to me.

Are you nervous? Don’t worry! You’ll be fine. Of course I have no basis to believe that!

But you are my Brother. So… I promise you this.

You’ll be hearing people chanting “Taurus Mask!” before you realize it.

That will definitely cheer you up!

…

If possible, if possible… For our first performance, I wanted to form a tag team with you.

At least, a bit more tan just a helper… I wish someone else were the villain!

Ok, then let’s go ahead! When I give you the signal… jump out!

Wait for me!
People in the audience!

Now, it’s time for the hottest plate!
What you will see today will be kept burning in your memories!

---

1 option
Come on, I only need a few people…

---

Yo, Taurus Mask senpai! I came to cheer for you!

Well, this place is great! Everything is cheap, tasty and in big quantity! I like it!

Come on, Ashigara senpai! I couldn’t eat barely anything!

---

1 option
There!

---

Arena

Thanks for the applause, everyone! However, I have an announcement to make!

There is gonna be a modification to the schedule for today’s match!

Wait wait wait wait wait waaaait!!!

Eh?

Suddenly from right beside Taurus Mask,
someone unexpectedly slapped his back, throwing him to the ground.

Huh? What? What’s going on?!

Gahahahaha! This is payment for last time, Taurus Mask!

Waah!

Oi oi oi, what are you laughing at? Is my face that funny?

It’s really bizarre to say the least. Where did you pick that up?

Oh right, I’m just the assistant! Please treat me well!

W-w-w-well then! Taurufufu! You cucumber, l-l-let’s put an end to t-this!

But don’t chew on him! That would be a problem!

Remember to not be cruel to your senpai! You are making him even more nervous!

We are just some passerby masked wrestlers! Doskoi Mask and Rugby Mask!

G-get ready! Ta-ta-taurus M-mask!

Eh, uhm… right, let’s…

I mean! Who on earth are you?!

---

1 option
That’s enough!

---

Hey, you bastard! Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?!

---

1 option
My name is Taurus Mask 2!

---

Taurus Mask… 2… ?

I understand… I understand, Brother…! Although I can’t see your face, your soul is shouting to me!

---

1 option
Let’s do it!

---

Oh oh! I got it, number 2! We will make a tag team!

Rather than a professional wrestling match, this became a hero show, but whatever!

Now, this will be the match I envisioned together! Behold both of us, Taurus Mask!

Oh, no no no, come, Rugby Mask. So you wanted us to be the villains, huh, [Player]?

Wasn’t that enough?! Doskoi Mask senpai!

(Battle)

Bokuuuutsu!

Bokuuuutsu!

Gouhutsu!!

Taurus Mask’s high flyer
threw Doskoi Mask to the ground.

W-w-w-which way?!

However, Doskoi mask got up immediately,
and started running towards his opponent, ramming into him.

Gwah…!

This took him by surprise, and Taurus Mask
was thrown off against one of the posts.

Hey, wait a minute Ashi--, I mean Doskoi Mask senpai! Pro wrestlers fight… like this?!

I’m beginning to get the knack of this! Partner, now’s your turn, crush this villain!

Now’s my chance! Gaaaahhh!!

G-gwah…!

You too, Gun-- uh, Rugby Mask senpai?!

Hah, because he said he was the villain… The honorable Rugby Mask will fight seriously!

Besides… [Player] told us. We need to take this seriously rather than half-baked.

Guh…!

O-oh…? W-we may have gone too far…!

Ah, what a shame! Gaaahahahaha!

This makes me look like the villain…!

Damn… They didn’t go easy on me… I was quickly overwhelmed…!

I have to stand up…! Or else… I’ll lose this game…

But… My body… ! My whole body is in pain…

“… igh… ma…”

Suddenly.
Among the loud hustle, only for a second.

In a really soft voice.

There was a voice calling my name.

“… igh… Taurus Ma…”

As I’m opening slightly my eyes…
I could recognize the figure of a young boy.

“Fight… Taurus Mask…!”

That small voice was calling out for me.
And that small voice gradually got louder and louder.

He was grasping both his hands tightly.
Such a small body, but his voice was so loud.

Ah, that reminds me of my old self.

The hero was knocked down…
But this kid was still cheering for him, just like myself long ago.

…That’s right, I’m a hero.
At least, I’ll be the hero for that kid.

I know exactly what I must do.
Then, what are you doing that you are not getting up?

Yes, this is my dream as Taurus Mask.
I have been waiting for this for a long time.

“Fiiiight! Taurus Maaaask!”

Those words give me the power.
Those words give me the courage.

The hero always stands up.
Time and time again.

I will show this kid a miracle.
Yes, I want him to believe that miracles like these can happen.

…Gah!!

Taurus Mask stood up.
Still shaking, he pointed to the skies.

With [Player] watching over him.
Everyone was staring at Taurus Mask.

That great wrestler that changed him a long time ago.
For a moment, his presence overlapped with Taurus Mask.

Wooooooohh!!!

The roar of the ferocious bull reverberated all across the venue.

The new legend of Taurus Mask.
Today, a new episode starts.

Waiting Room

Owowow… I’ll have to pay a visit to Mineaki sensei…

Those intruders, I really wasn’t expecting them… But as a result, it was a huge success!

But… Who on earth were those guys? Doskoi Mask and Rugby Mask.

---

3 options (same response)
Eh…	Are you seriously asking that?	You’re hopeless…

---

Oh, did I say something strange? I couldn’t tell because of the masks.

Gaaaaaahahahaha! That felt refreshing! It was some great exercise!

Here you have, Taurus Mask senpai. This is an ointment from Mineaki sensei.

I got carried away… I’m really sorry.

Ah, don’t worry about it Gunzou! Everyone got really excited!

Why are you apologizing, though? Were you Rugby Mask?

Huh?!

Hah, no way! They were fantastic villains. I want to fight with them again in the future.

Apart from [Player], I didn’t mean to be a villain.

But, Taurus Mask senpai. He really didn’t recognize us…

Well, the game is over, but the celebration must continue.

Hey Ashigara, let’s go eat. Thie food in this place is delicious!

Yes, I’m down! I’ll eat everything in one go!

Well, Taurus senpai. Great job out there! See you again at school!

Please, take a good night’s rest! Well, if you excuse us.

…Thank you for everything, Brother.

Even if we didn’t earn anything, I think we got other kinds of rewards.

The cheers, the applause… How was it, Brother?

---

3 options
It was awesome!	It was alright.	I can see myself wearing a mask again…!
Awesome… I see, awesome…! Hahaha. Well then… I think you recieved the best reward!	Hah, you really are frank! …Many thanks. You definitely saved me.	Oh, did something wake inside you? In here there are never too many people! You are welcome anytime, Brother!

---

Hey. Can you see that, Brother?

That’s the line to take photos and signatures with the fans. It’s getting really long.

And there isn’t only one for me. There are two, for you and me.

…

He got silent.
Taurus caressed his mask.

... You listened to my wish. Thank you for your help, [Player].

You and I, as partners… Thank you, [Player].

After all, you are the best partner I could hope for. My Soul Brother!

Someday in the future… I might be able to show you my true face.

W-why not now? Awawa! ... B-but, you see… H-here…

Taurus Mask’s face turned red and began to speak quickly.

Well, that will be for another time! Now, start smiling! It’s the basic of the basics for meeting fans!

Let’s go, Brother!

While holding their hands,
they rushed to meet the fans.

And again as a tag team
they marched forward, and the gong rang once more.

Taurus Mask Character Quest Episode 1

ーENDー