[COD] Masked, and Cthulhu

This story is based on the game Call of Duty (COD). You can read it even if you haven't played the game.

★ Krueger's story:

You accidentally wander into a fog-shrouded forest and pass out after getting lost. Krueger carries you off.

He values money above all else, yet treats you very well.

Alone and friendless, you've long since been beaten down by society into someone who is “sweet-talking and good at getting along with people.” Before long, Krueger treasures you, and your place in his heart keeps rising until you rank ahead of money.

In fact, not long after meeting him, you started having all sorts of strange and indescribable dreams.

Gradually, you realize that something is really wrong with Krueger.

He can even sit silently and stare at you for an entire day without saying a word...

You're scared, so you leave Krueger a coin that you never part with, then make off with all his money.

Krueger finds you with ease.

The eerie atmosphere from your dreams now unfolds before your eyes. “Have I ever told you that you can only stay by my side?”

★ Konig's story:

After performing three major surgeries in two days, you're on your way home in the early hours of the morning when you come across a “big dog” covered in wounds and close to death.

You take the big dog home and care for him devotedly.

To repay you for saving his life, the big dog, Konig, dotes on you and remains utterly loyal.

But in his innocent eyes, there seems to be some kind of feeling that wants to devour you whole.

The lab staff eventually find you. “Doctor, hand over that monster. It escaped from the laboratory. It's the most dangerous test subject!”

“No, not a chance!” Once again, your actions show that you've chosen Konig without hesitation.

Konig wraps his arms around you and sings a hymn from the depths of his soul. “I like you. I really, really like you.”

★ Nikto's story:

You're the rarest test subject. Thanks to the rampage of the most dangerous test subject upstairs, you escape from that terrible laboratory with him.

But your escape is fraught with danger. Nikto has been assigned to capture you and take you back.

You've long heard of his ruthless reputation.

As he hunts you down, you and Nikto trade blows and counter each other's moves.

Nikto's eyes are fierce and feverish, as if he'll turn you into a sieve at any moment. “Run, or I'll shoot.”

“C-could we hug you...?” Nikto's voice is incredibly gentle, and he holds out a little teddy bear to you as if to win your favor.

You stare at the white stuffing poking out through the cut on the teddy bear's cheek, at a loss for words.

At the final moment, when life and death hang in the balance, Nikto suddenly says, “You're so warm. We have to hide you away forever.”

★ Ghost's story:

During a mission to suppress a disturbance in the laboratory, you, despite your considerable skill, are once again put down by your nemesis, Ghost.

“Damn you, Ghost! Next time, I won't hold back!” you say indignantly, stroking the plush toy shaped like a “ghost” that has been with you since childhood.

After all, your relationship with Ghost is like water and fire, utterly incompatible.

You look down and stroke the toy in your arms, unable to remember how you met this “Ghost.”

Ever since you were sent to the base as a child to be trained as a soldier, “Ghost” has always been by your side, listening to all your joys and sorrows.

What you don't know is that the “Ghost” you hold every day, the one that knows all your secrets, shares a psychic bond with the real Ghost...

★ Keegan's story:

Your husband Keegan gives you a good-morning kiss every day. He keeps all your joys and sorrows close to his heart and takes care of everything, from your meals and clothes to your home and travel. He treats and serves you like a princess.

He even affectionately calls you “Kid.”

But you know something is wrong with him. Very wrong.

You've been married for years, but your marriage is in name only. He's always been cold and distant toward you.

Ever since he changed, you've been swept up in love every day.

The man he used to be has disappeared. Now, an unspeakable “monster” has taken his place.

Determined not to sink completely into the lies woven by the “monster,” you decide to kill him after a night of passion...

Keegan gently coaxes you, “Kid, once more.”

Reader's guide:

1. You are YN (Your Name), so feel free to substitute your own name. Your character is different in each story, but they're all you.

2. Masked characters and Lovecraftian horror. Some scenes may make your Sanity drop dramatically.

3. All the male leads are hopeless romantics.

4. Lovecraftian elements, but not strictly faithful to the original principles.

[Let them scream as loud as they want]

Theme: Love is a superstition dependent on the right time and place.