The Shadow laughed at Tazendra's quip. He found it pretty funny. Unfortunately, an angry Santa interrupted his good mood and said Hero had to be held back by two strong arms grabbing his wrists.

"Really? I'm just expressing what I really feel, and you're going to stop me?" He sighed. "I shouldn't be surprised."

"Aoi...don't..." Duster managed to gasp out, rubbing his stomach. He had recovered enough that he could stand up again, albeit hunched over. He gripped K'pandolu's shoulder and pulled himself up the rest of the way. "This is my Shadow, okay? I gotta figure out why he did that myself."