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...
You are slowly coming to.
...
You sit up. Looking around, you realize that you don't know where you are. The area looks like it's made of...pixels. It reminds you of the Tower of Owen from Final Fantasy III, or maybe one of the temples from Zelda II...
...What happened to you? How did you end up here?
You struggle to remember. You were at the station, and then...some overly happy guy was talking to you...then, everything went dark...
*"Ah, you're awake."
A voice interrupts your train of thought.
Someone is looking down at you.
*"You've been asleep for a while."
He helps you up off of the ground.
You look him over. He is dressed in knight's armor. It makes him seem like a very imposing person, though you can't help but stifle a laugh upon seeing his goofy pink helmet.
You can't stop looking at him. He actually looks rather...handsome. You want to tell him so, but something stops you.
"Who are you?"
He smiles.
*"I am the hero Mitsuo."
...What?
You're pretty sure that you are Mitsuo.
Who is this guy, and why is he using your name? You want to ask him, but right now your primary concern is getting the hell out of here.
"So what do you want with me?"
He comes closer.
*"I'm here to take you away from this place."
He extends a hand toward you.
You don't trust him. However, the surrounding area has a strange and unsettling aura about it. Something tells you that trying to find your way out alone isn't a good idea. Reluctantly, you take his hand.
He leads you through the winding halls of the dungeon-like structure. The place is eerily quiet, and both of you are silent as you continue on.
Suddenly, he breaks the silence.
*"I understand that a lot of people are trying to hurt you."
You give him a strange look. He doesn't seem to notice.
*"You don't need to worry anymore. It is my duty to protect others from harm."
He turns to face you.
*"So if anyone comes after you, I'll protect you."
You feel ridiculous. Does he really think you're that helpless?
Well, he can think what he wants. Right now, you just want to leave.
*"After all...that is what you sent me to do."
You stop.
"W-What do you mean?"
He chuckles softly.
*"You wished for someone to protect you from the outside world. That is why I am here."
...What is he saying?
"I don't need you to protect me!"
He seems taken aback.
*"Are you sure?"
You really want to hit him, even though you would only hurt yourself in the process.
"I'm not a baby! I'm not helpless, so stop treating me like I am!"
He is silent for a moment before he speaks again.
*"...Very well. But just remember that I am not here solely to protect you from everything in the outside world..."
You listen as he spouts his nonsense.
*"...I am here to protect you from yourself."
You go cold.
"From...myself?"
He goes on as if he did not hear you.
*"However, if you think you are ready to handle the truth, then I suppose there's nothing I can do."
With that, he turns and walks away.
You stare after him as he leaves.
...
Suddenly, you realize that you have no way out.
"Hey, wait!"
You shout after him.
No response.
You're trapped.
You continue to shout after him, even though you know it won't do any good.
You shout until your voice is hoarse. Tired, you crumple to the ground.
You are alone.
Again.
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