| Location: Shinjuku
---Every time when you're mad,
you'll say that like a habit.
Santa will not come,
for a naughty boy like you.
Some time later, I gave up being a "nice" kid.
Because, Santa never came at all.
A "naughty" boy like me should---
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What's the matter, Youl?
We're still in the middle of Santa Marathon?
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Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Principal.
It's nothing.
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A clear fine afternoon.
Ryouta and [Player] decided to do some shopping,
and now walking along the retail street after class.
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Yawn~~
I'm so tired after class......
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That's why, we should get something to eat!
Buying something to eat after school is a student privilege afterall!
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Cakes are tempting, ice-cream is nice too.
The new Hawaiian pancake place is also something you can't miss.
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There's too much and I can't choose.
What do you want to eat, [Player]?
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Oi~, [Player]?
What are you doing there, standing like a wood.
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Oh, you found a delicious looking restaurant?
Where is it?
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---Hmm?
Those big horns over there......
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Ah-, it IS Youl.
Your big horns are so easy to recognize!
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Ryouta! [Player] too.
Merry Christm---I mean, good afternoon.
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It's been a while isn't it.
Are both of you doing well?
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Yep, as well as you can see!
I'm enjoying every meal and growing my happy belly!
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You haven't changed a bit.
If you're concerned about your weight, do you want to join the Santa training?
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I will need to refuse politely!
I don't really know, but the name already says how hard it is!
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Youl:(shock face)
I-I don't think it's that hard.
How are you doing too, [Player]?
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| 3 options
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| It's been a while.
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I'm fine thank you.
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I went through numerous sleepless nights missing you.
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That's good to hear.
Doing well is great for everyone.
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E-eh!? T-that's......?
You missed me, that much......?
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Hey, Youl. Do you have time?
Do you want to have some desserts with us?
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As much as I want to join you two......
I'm sorry. Allow me to refuse for today.
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What's wrong?
Is there something troubling you?
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Because Youl, everytime when you are troubled,
your nostrils starts to twitch. Did you notice?
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You should've told me this earlier!
When did it start......it's so embarrassing.
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So?
What's bothering you?
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......I'm no match for Ryouta.
You never draw back in these situations.
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Do you remember this bag?
Back from Christmas---
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Youl drew out a big white bag,
and showed it to the two.
| 2 options
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| It's Santa's present bag......
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It's a big white garbage bag......
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I'm glad that you remember it.
It was a big mess by that time wasn't it.
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Of course I remember it.
Being a deputy Santa is something I can't forget even if I want to.
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NO!?
It's not a garbage bag ok!?
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This is the "sacred treasure" of our Principal, Ded Moroz.
The big white bag, symbol of Santa Claus.
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But, it's not even Christmas,
why are you carrying it?
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Did you......
Don't tell me you've taken it out without consent again, Youl.....?
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N-no! It's not like this......
Mr. Principal lent it to me.
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Remember back at Christmas I cannot fully
utilize my "sacred treasure's" power?
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After that Mr. Principal has told me to carry it day by day,
and think of how to use the "sacred treasure".
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But Mr. Ded will need the bag,
in order to fulfill his "role" as a Santa isn't it?
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It's impressive he lend it to you,
even when it's so important to him.
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I'm also worried so I asked,
but he said "I can only use it on Christmas Eve anyways"......
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But I think this should have some meaning to it.
"Something" in order to become a great Santa Claus.
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| 3 options
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| Then you have to work harder.
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He doesn't seem to be a person lending out something without reason......
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Is Mr. Principal doing well by the way?
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Yes, that's what I'm aiming for too.
I'll try my best as not to let Mr. Principal down!
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He pushed himself too hard with the students yesterday......
Now his lower back pain worsened, and is still resting.
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He's been lectured by vice principal, "You're not young anymore,
so stop using your full energy and run the Marathon with the students."
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But, why are you here,
standing in the middle of the road in the first place?
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If I was Youl, and borrowed this amazing bag,
I'm sure I will want to put it to good use right?
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Ah, yes......
I have heaps that I want to do but......
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......Everything seems uncertain now.
Even when I was so proactive back at Christmas.
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Is something bugging you? Mind to share it?
Or do you want a chocolate crepe first?
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Umm, actually......
please don't laugh at me and listen.
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......Recently,
although only from time to time, I can feel someone is staring at me.
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---Hmm.
What an interesting conversation you're having here.
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I sensed it again while I was running the marathon......
Although I wasn't harmed, I'm just a bit concerned.
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Heh-. There are always kids
finding Youl for presents.
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If that's the case then it's a good timing!
Wouldn't it be nice if you become Santa and give him presents?
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But, the strange thing is......
There's nobody when I turn around.
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Eh, what is this. A ghost story?
I'm not good at this to be honest.
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Maybe there is something to do with
the bag Mr. Principal lent me......
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Did the number of people just increased naturally!?
A bear and a primary schooler to be exact!
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Erm......eh!?
Kenta-kun and, Mr. bear?
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We were just passing by,
and happened to see you all talking.
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Long time no see.
It was since Christmas when we met Youl.
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Barguest:(smile face)
Thanks for your help,
to both Kenta and I, back then.
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No problem, it's a nice experience for me as well.
Good afternoon to you too, Kenta-kun. And you too Inugami.
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G-good afternoon......
Inugami too, say hello to Mr. Santa.
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Inugami waved its tail,
as it popped up from Kenta's ransel.
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The two of you together......going for a stroll?
It's a nice weather today. A perfect Santa say!
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Santa day?
What kind of day is that!
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We have business around here.
Passing through here is just a coincidence.
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The conversation you just had......
There are places that interests me.
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---Reindeer Santa.
Did you feel you're being watched at multiple places?
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I was in the middle of Santa Marathon then,
so there where several places, what's the matter?
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I'm sorry, but can you show me those places?
The reason---I'll explain as we move.
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With Youl's guidance,
the crew walked to the several places Youl has felt being watched.
Barguest slowly started to explain
as they were walking along the way.
Near the river
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Remember what happened at that Christmas night.
When we first met, you were attacked by Ghosts.
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Kenta and Inugami were able
to hold off them at that time, but---
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School grounds
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---the "core" which controls the Ghosts
were nowhere to be found.
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Umm, the Ghost's "core"......what is that?
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Oh right, I have to start explaining from there.
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There are different types of Ghosts. For example,
one type is where you lose your body but keeping your soul and ego.
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The second type is, born at a place where you call the underworld,
a "so called living being" which and entirely made up of spiritual matter.
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The third type is, where one lost their body and ego,
and left as fragments of emotions in this world.
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Like those forgotten fragments when you wipe a cassette tape, leaving as irregular recordings.
Think of it as something like a noise.
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......Excuse me, what is a cassette tape?
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Y-you don't know what is a cassette tape?
Right, it's the new generation......!
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Hmm, nevermind.
Let's continue the talk......ahem.
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For this time, it is the first case,
where the spirit lost its body but---
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That kind of Ghost was an unstable existence to begin with.
If it cannot retain its ego, it will doomed to vanish.
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However in rare cases, it didn't vanish and continue to linger---
A Ghost which still hold it's ego.
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Park
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Obsessed with something, or regrets to this world.
Although different reasons, the Ghost will form a "core"---
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The thoughts will lure and absorb other spirits---
And soon, become a powerful cluster of Ghosts.
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Because of my unfortunate condition, I can attract Ghosts easily.
I act as a decoy to capture them all at once but......
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Streets
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It was a bit different when back at Christmas.
It was coming for Youl instead of me.
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So, why do you think the Ghosts
were aiming for Youl?
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The target was---Santa's big bag.
Attracted by it's magical power, I assume that is why they attacked you.
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They were trying to snatch Santa Claus' big bag......
and turn it as their own.
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Forest
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Youl.
You said someone was staring you isn't it.
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Was it when, you received Santa's bag?
It was only a theory---
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What if the escaped "core" from that time,
was attracted again by the bag---
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Library
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Setting things aside, isn't the travelling distance a bit too far!?
My legs are killing me already!
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The Santa Marathon was a bit long......
T-the next stop is the last one.
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Alleyway
As the crew arrived at an alleyway,
Kenta's Inugami has made a reaction.
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......Uncle Bear.
Inugami is growling.
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Ah.
So they're hiding in this alley.
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Why, I can feel the chill down my spine......!
Where is this coming from......
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Y-yea.
That's what we felt from Christmas......
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| 1 option
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| ---Youl, back down!
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Suddenly, there was a freezing current of air flowing
from the end of the alleyway.
It wasn't actually cold air.
It was the flow of spirits.
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Uwa......! This feeling......!
It's so cold! Also......I feel sick......!
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GUAAAAAAAAA!!
The ominous power twisted the space into a spiral,
and formed into something that is indescribable by words.
The huge irregular being entwined itself around the ominous power,
and started to attack.
There it stands---
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Come, Inugami.
It's time for a meal.
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Inugami, who flew out from Kenta's ransel,
swallowed the growing being in one gulp.
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......We've finished eating.
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Not talking too much was not enough to explain the situation,
The whole crew fell into silence.
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W-what just happened......?
Kenta's Inugami just......snapped up......!
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Kenta's Inugami feeds on Ghosts.
And as you see, it has a big appetite.
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But, it only ate the outer part of the Ghost.
The important "core"......is still, there.
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Eh, a boy......?
And he's a......ordinary boy too.
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I want to meet Mr. Santa......
Only once will be fine, I want presents......
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Mr. Reindeer has come......
But, Mr. Santa is not here......
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Because I'm a naughty kid?
I just want to meet Mr. Santa that's all......
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Yes. That's the reason Mr. Principal......
Lent me this bag afterall.
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No problem. I'm Santa Claus.
Making the kid smile......is my job.
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No, that's not correct.
I'm Santa Claus. An apprentice though.
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If it's not Santa......
.
I don't need you...... Nothing.
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Don't say things like that.
I've come, all the way to give you presents.
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Present......?
Really......for me......?
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Yup, that's right.
You see this bag, anything could come out from it.
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What do you want the most?
Toys? Sweets? Or---
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Youl reached his hand into the bag.
However deep in his heart---there was a small thorn.
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It was a bit different when back at Christmas.
It was coming for Youl instead of me.
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So, why do you think the Ghosts,
were aiming for Youl?
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The target was---Santa's big bag.
Attracted by it's magical power, I assume that was why they attacked you.
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They were trying to snatch Santa Claus' big bag......
and turn it as their own.
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Eh......!?
Why, the presents......!
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The presents---didn't come out......!
That's impossible......!
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I-I'm sorry.
There must be something wrong.
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Erm, hold on for a second.
The presents......!
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They really didn't come out......!
This child......he's......
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Words spoke, and he immediately shut his mouth.
His suspicion in the bottom of his heart,
and his anxiety, formed into words.
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N-no!
This is......I mean......!
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I knew it......
Why Santa didn't come......
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If that's the case......
If he don't come to me......!
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I'll become a naughty kid......
The bag, the presents......
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The anger of the boy shakens the air.
Unexpectedly, Youl let go the Santa's bag from him.
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Ah, the bag!
No, give it back!
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The boy rode the wind as he put away the bag.
In the same time, the trembles in the air became violent.
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Now I have the bag......!
Now everyone won't get to receive presents......!
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If I can't get any presents......!
I don't need Santa!
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Damn......!
Santa's bag......!
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Although he still looks the same......
Watch out! The matter of the Ghost is changing......!
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Eh, Inugami......?
No, stop......calm down......!
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Is Inugami......
Reacting to the Ghost......!?
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Ah, stop......no......
Inugami......Inugami......stop it......!
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Inugami flew out from Kenta's ransel,
and faced the boy who turned into a Ghost.
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Wait, what's going on!?
Inugami has become ferocious!
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The Ghost has turned powerful,
and Inugami trying to counter it......!
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It's all my fault......!
Because I said cruel things to him......!
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| 1 option
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| Don't give up yet.
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| 1 option
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| You're going to bring smiles to the kids right?
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| 1 option
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| Hang in there! Santa Claus
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......Yes.
That's right, [Player].
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I'll have to, go for the boy......!
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[Player]! Ryouta!
Please......lend me a hand!
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Let's stop them!
Inugami and the boy!
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If we can disable the Ghost......no, the Evil spirit,
Inugami should return normal too.
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The boy is not an Evil spirit.
That's boy, is just......
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Bargurst:(smile face)
......I know.
I'll leave that kid to you, Youl.
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Yes! Understood!
Let's go! [Player]!
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(Battle)
The ghost of the boy cried with a screaming voice,
soaring up in the air trying to sake off Inugami.
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H-he can still move!?
The sky---he's going to escape......!
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It's the Santa's bag.
The bag is continuing to provide "power" to the ghost.
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That's bad......! If he keeps growing stronger,
there's nothing we can do then!
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......Mr. Santa, listen.
That boy......he's crying......
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Inugami told me......
as it came back......
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He is like me......before meeting
Uncle Bear and Inugami......he's all alone.
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The boy is not angry.
He's crying......Always, always......
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[Player]!
Hop on! Let's get to him!
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---Are you going to charge onto him?
You'll be blown back instead!!
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Thank you, for coming with me.
I won't be able to do it......if I'm alone.
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My "sacred treasure"---
It's not only a sleigh for riding.
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It's a sleigh---
That's guides Santa Claus to the children!
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Please, Korvatunturi!
Take Santa......me, to where the kid is!
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Santa Claus apprentice......
In the name of Youl the reindeer!
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God's delivery(天郵神助)......!
Korvatunturi---!!
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Mr. Santa......
No......Don't come......
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Because, I did something very bad.
I stole Santa's bag. And---I consumed it.
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That is a very bad thing.
That's why Santa didn't come to me.
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......Mr. Reindeer......?
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I took a hard landing.
But, I came for you.
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Sorry for waiting!
Santa has come to you!
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Lies! Santa didn't come!
Because, I'm a "naughty kid"......!
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Why do you keep saying
you are a "naughty kid" yourself?
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That's because, you are reflecting back on yourself.
By saying "I've did something wrong, I was a 'naughty kid' ".
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That's why......I believe in you.
You're no longer a "naughty kid" anymore.
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That's why, I'm giving you.
The present from Santa Claus.
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It doesn't matter if it's out of season.
It's a Christmas present just for you.
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The bag of Santa Claus glowed with light.
That was, the present for him that Youl hoped for.
It was a big big present box.
Youl handed it to the boy.
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It's a bit late but......
Here you go. Merry Christmas.
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You've been waiting for this all the time isn't it.
Sorry---for keeping you waiting.
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I've been waiting......
Because, Mr. Santa didn't come......
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Because, I was always a "naughty kid".
All I want to say......for all these times, was I'm sorry......!
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Hehehe. That's not right.
When you receive presents from someone---what do you say.
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---Can you tell me.
Your honest feelings. To me only.
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Reindeer onii-chan......
No, that's not right.
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Thank you for your present!
Reindeer Santa onii-chan......!
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---I see it has come to an end.
You have done well. My beloved apprentice, Youl.
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Is that sleigh Youl......
They're not coming down at all.
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Are you lonely? Deliverer of happiness.
It's all right. They will return soon.
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......It's okay. Compared to me,
it's better to have [Player] with him.
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So, let's go home together Kenta!
Let's go have a meal with onii-chan!
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E~veryone worked so hard,
Let's all go to eat some delicious food!
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Barguest:(smile face)
Yes, It's okay to do it from time to time.
Kenta, you should go first.
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Has Inugami calmed down?
I wonder what the boy eats.
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Now that's a case closed.
God......What a problematic world.
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Again, my gratitude to you.
You have helped my beloved apprentice a lot.
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Barguest:(smile face)
No need to thank me.
A reward is already most satisfactory.
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However, what on earth
were Youl and the others doing?
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......The fact is that "sacred treasure" of the bag is not
for giving out presents to begin with. You can use it that way, nevertheless.
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It sorts out the black and white, and "delivers to the target without fail"
the suitable consequences---that's how it actually works.
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If you do good you'll receive the suitable present(award),
If you done bad you'll receive the suitable present(consequence).
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The fate could not be avoided and certainly
delivered to the person, and one cannot counter back.
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For those who were deeply sinned
will of course have a server consequence.
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But---for a youngster,
a punishment like that does not seem suitable.
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The child is suffering for a long time.
I think that should make up for all the things he had done.
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That's why, the bag has prepared the suitable present(award).
The thing that he most wanted.
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The thing he wanted.
Not toys. Nor sweets.
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What he wanted was,
A "chance" for him to say "sorry".
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Barguest:(smile face)
I see.
Presents are not bounded to physical objects as well.
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However, the bag is only a tool used by Santa.
Coming up with this conclusion---You've grown strong, Youl.
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---Hm, sorting out black and white?
I've heard of this......somewhere. It's like---
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You're correct, I was also
a "receiver of presents".
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Ded:(white_smile face)
Every Santa was once---a youngster.
They shall never forget---
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That day, that time, the fact that Santa came before them.
And then the youngsters now---became the ones who deliver dreams.
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But, let's stop the conversation here.
For he is---too embarrassed to talk any further.
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A glow of light had risen into the sky.
As if, a soul was rescued.
Watching as the light rose up into the air and disappear.
Youl spoke to [Player].
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The boy was told that he was a bad boy.
That's why he couldn't receive any presents.
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I was like that too. Because I was a reindeer......
I was told I couldn't become Santa.
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That's why, I kind of understand......
How the boy feels.
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Is that......
Really the best for him.
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The person the boy wanted to meet,
was Santa Claus, not a reindeer.
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I'm a reindeer.
I am one, and will always be one.
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I cannot change that.
A reindeer Santa sounds a bit disappointing right.
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| 1 option
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| It doesn't matter if you could laugh in the end.
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| 1 option
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| That is the proof.
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Yes. Thank you, [Player].
Even I'm knew it alreay, but being a Santa is tiring.
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......It sound bad to Ryouta,
but do you want to have a stroll in the sky?
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I want to be with you for a little longer.
I might cry if I'm alone.
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| 3 options
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| I'm with you
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(Put hand on his shoulder)
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(Squeeze him around your arms)
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......!
I-it's kind of embarrassing......!
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Thank you, [Player].
Please......support me next time too.
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Eh, wait......You're too bold!
Er......even if you say there's no one watching......
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Ah, but......don't let go.
Even just for a little longer, stay like that.
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Youl's sleigh soars slowly through the sky.
Even if there are troubles.
Youl is going to proceed through.
Looking at the problems he is facing,
He has a strange confidence that he will work it out someday.
Because sitting besides him, there was [Player].
The one who gives him strength.
Someday, when he becomes the Santa Claus
every child dreamt to be---
---END---
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Transient Stone x1
