Thursday, July 17, 2025

Live A Hero Santa Claus Workout Episode 4 (Abridged)

Some forest. Dusk. Fall.
Astar Lily: One, two! One, two!
Well he's been working out.

MC: I see I'm back here and so is that kid. Did he get bigger?
Boy is sweating SO HARD as he runs around! Kind of sounds like he'll pass out from how hard he's breathing...
MC: HOLY CRAP, STOP!
Astar Lily: AAH! Oh it's you again, Voice. Yay, you're back...
Astar Lily smiles up at the sky.

Astar Lily: I've been working out ever since we talked, every day all day! I've gotten a little tougher, but I get so tired out when I'm done. Why is that?
MC: Did you remember to hydrate yourself?

Astar Lily: Ooh, so I should drink water after I'm done! Thank you for telling me!
Astar Lily pulls out a canteen and chugs water.

Astar Lily: That was really nice. Running is great, I can run until I stop thinking! When I stand around I start worrying about things.
MC: About what? Santa?
Astar Lily: Yeah...I need stamina to be Santa, but won't I need other things too? Presents, reindeer...and what are "good" children? How do I do things on my own...?
Astar Lily is facing and talking to the sky like MC is somewhere up there.

Astar Lily: What do you think, Voice?
MC: ...there's stuff you can't do, so go all in with what you can.

Astar Lily seems slightly surprised but nods.
Astar Lily: ...oh yeah, huh. Nobody can do everything...so I have to have things only I can do.
Astar Lily thinks for a bit before puffing out a breath and smiling.

Astar Lily: Thank you Voice, I'm going to try my best!
MC gets the sensation of looking at a hero while looking at Astar Lily.

MC: Huh. Feels like Observing a hero, but...
Astar Lily: What's a hero?
He seems curious.

MC: Okay so, I'm an Observer.
Astar Lily: Um, what's an Observer?
MC: I can see people's dreams and materialize them or something.

Astar Lily: What can people do if they become a hero?
MC: Depends on the person, but their dreams give them power.
Astar Lily: Oh, then...!
MC: They can do what they can't currently do.
Astar Lily: W-wow, I want to be a hero too then! Then I can be Santa! How do I do it!?
MC: You need a clear dream and the determination that it'll come true.
Astar Lily: Hmm...
Astar Lily thinks. It's getting darker.

Astar Lily: Oh, this is like last time. Are you going soon? I'm going to focus on my dream, and I want you to make me a hero! I'll be waiting!
And so the world fades...

Title Card: Christmas Carol

Present
The party enters the Yatomi Circus big top in hero mode! Nobody seems to be around.

Astar: Huh. It's surprisingly fancy inside here.
He sounds surprised, but he looks unfazed.

MC: (That boy is past Astar, isn't he? The observation was kinda vague tho)
Astar notices MC looking at him.

Astar: ...what?
MC: Huh, feels like when my phone is giving some weird message again.

Melide: ...MC, did you see that boy again?
MC: Yeah, it's like the opposite of dreaming. When the boy's around, things are fuzzy.
Melide: Oh, okay. We'll talk later.
Monomasa: This is that circus again? Are we doing a pro wrestling match here?
Polaris Mask: Nah, slight change of plan. More hero business than pro wrestler business!
Monomasa: what
Trainee: Sorry for the wait, they're here now!
The circus staff brings the party over.

Yasuhiko: Whoa, you're all here! Even MC and Melide? Awesome!
MC: Hey Yasuhiko! / whomst / did you lose weight
(A) Yasuhiko: Shows with your operating's always a huge hit! Looking forward to next time!
(B) Melide: He's the circus ringleader, Yasuhiko. We worked with him before.
Yasuhiko: I hear a lot about you!
(C) Yasuhiko: Wow you can tell? I've been trying to practice acrobatics and--wait, stop touching me! And are you cursing me to get fatter!?

Hydoor: Huh, MC? I heard an on-site Operator was coming but wow I was right. It IS you.
Anna: Like OMG Hydie, would it kill you to smile? We're teaming up to do a show at the circus!
Hydoor: STOP CALLING ME THAT, GODDAMMIT
MC: Hydie! / Anna! / whomst
(A) Hydoor: Not you too, UGH! It's Hydoor, jackass!
(B) Anna: Haiiii~! OMG this is so exciting! Let's go all out and have fun!
(C) Polaris Mask: They're Anna and Hydoor, and they're in my agency! Hydoor's a swimmer and Anna's a pro-level student dancer!
Anna: Polaris-senpai, I'm not THAT good yet like sheez! But yeah, that's me! I'm still a high schooler, NTMY! Can I call you EmmySees? Call me whatev you want!
Hydoor: Damn, nothing ever stops this girl. I'm Hydoor, I've heard about you. Show me what you got.

Polaris Mask: Wait, where's Rad or whatever his name is? I thought the agency called him up too.
Hydoor: The bike bingus? He ditched us for some race he just HAD to be in.
Anna: It's at Galaxy Stadium! That sounds SO cool!
Polaris Mask: Oh okay then!
Monomasa: ...so Galaxy Athletes, the pro sports specialist hero agency?
Polaris Mask: That's us! And now we got an agency collab hero show using our special skills to do an acrobatic performance! Cool, huh?
Monomasa: Oh. So more of the shows using hero skills like before?
Yasuhiko: Yep! The program changes with every agency in, so it's time-limited! Kinda hard to plan it out, but things oughta be good with Galaxy Athletes here!

Hydoor: ...Polaris, you said you'd be getting a Santa suit, but what's up with those gloves?
Polaris Mask: (shrug)
MC: Sorry / they're cute tho
---
(A) Polaris Mask: Nah, ain't your fault.
(B) Polaris Mask: Not the problem, man! ...but you like this sorta thing?
---
Polaris Mask: I hate how familiar it looks. Still not cool with it sticking with my idea of Santa, though if anything I'm surprised you could see this.
Polaris Mask has a flashback!

Polaris Mask: ...guess I still care about him.
MC: Him?
Yasuhiko: Oh wow, it's time to go people! But first, rehearsal. Let's do it, wrestlers and Santa!
Wrestler Blue: Yeah!
Monomasa: Right, I'll help as best I can.
Astar: Ho ho, time to do what we can.
MC: The Santa beard again, I see.

Several hours later
Show time!
Spotlight falls on Yasuhiko after one of the acts.

Yasuhiko: Hello everyone, it's time for a special show! A collab with Galaxy Athletes for an acrobatics and battle performance! With Santas!
Astar: That's Mister Santa to you.
Anna: Now now, let's not get all bent out of shape. It's like SO cool you've been Santa for like forever! Time to go ho ho ho and have a blast!
Astar: Huh. Anna, right? Ho ho, you are correct indeed!
Monomasa: Whoa, Anna got through to him in less than two minutes?
Melide: Hey look, they're ready. We can start any time.
Polaris Mask: (frowns)
Polaris Mask is staring at his hands as he opens and closes them.

MC: You okay?
Polaris Mask: ...yeah!
MC: Okay then. Show time!
Everyone: YEAH!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Hydoor: Territory Creation, ocean!
Hydoor creates a water zone from his Parallel Weapon! Yasuhiko follows up with a whip attack!

Yasuhiko: Come, Bogdan!
Yasuhiko creates a light construct tiger!

Yasuhiko: Hey did you know tigers can swim?
Yasuhiko rides his tiger as it swims fast!

Hydoor: Oh goddammit. Polaris Mask!
Polaris Mask: Right!
Polaris Mask deploys his wrestling ring Parallel Weapon around Yasuhiko!

Yasuhiko: OH NO
Yasuhiko sinks as his tiger poofs away!

Polaris Mask: My turn now!
Polaris Mask jumps in!

Yasuhiko: OOF! Heavy gravity!
Polaris Mask: Yeah, eat it! Here I--whoa!?
Suddenly Polaris Mask's gravity field stops working!

MC: OH NO

Polaris Mask lands awkwardly due to being thrown off!
Polaris Mask: B-but why tho?
Yasuhiko: wait what?
Trainee Red: He's open! Flank attack!
Trainee Red breaks off from fighting the wrestlers to get at Polaris Mask!

Wrestler Green: Hey, you can't just disengage before I do my super cool move!
Hydoor: Don't just let him go! After him!
Melide: !!
Melide: Astar, Hydoor, Monomasa, help him.
Hydoor: Ugh, fiiiine.

Hydoor jumps in and whips his rope line out to block for Polaris Mask, then creates his ocean again around the trainees!
Trainees: OH NO
Monomasa: Hey. Go through me first.
Astar: Ho ho ho, yes. My fire can take away heat.
Monomasa turned his legs to springs and jumps in carrying Astar. Monomasa then blocks an attack and Astar counters with his fire!

Trainee Red: Oh god it's hot! ...no wait, it's cold?
Trainee Green: Huh. Suddenly I don't feel like fighting anymore.
As Astar's fires intensify, the trainees lose even more metaphorical heat.

MC: Huh.

Hydoor: Go Anna!
Anna: I gots this! Polaris-senpai, show's still on!
Anna swings her veil and throws healing light at Polaris Mask!

Polaris Mask: Thanks! Okay let's try this again.
Gravity field reactivated! Polaris Mask goes for the high jump!

Yasuhiko: OH NO I CAN'T STAND AGAIN
Polaris Mask: Fighting Spirit "Polaris Buster"!
Meteor Kick!
Darkness. Then light again. Everyone is lined up, and the audience roars with applause!

MC: Okay wow we made it
Melide: Yeah, but...
Melide looks at Polaris Mask, who is smiling.

Later
Temp Green Room

Yasuhiko: Thanks guys, we're trending on Space Twitter! Kinda dicey there for a sec, but we're all okay!
Polaris Mask: Yeah. Thanks for helping, guys.
Hydoor: Yeah. You're really off your game today, Polaris.
Anna: True dat. Senpai you can usually, like, bounce back from any misstep. You okay?
Polaris Mask: UHHHH
Melide: ...your weapon has been unstable enough that other people can tell. Maybe your current dream isn't working right...?
MC: Wait...

MC looks at Polaris Mask's bear claws.
Monomasa: What are those claws anyway? You don't seem to have them under control.
Polaris Mask: (frowns)
Polaris Mask looks away, then sighs.

Polaris Mask: Okay yeah, I'd better talk before anything happens again. Yeah, it's these claws' fault. I remember them from my dad.
MC: what
Hydoor: Oh yeah, he's an ex-pro wrestler?
Wrestler Yellow: Oh yeah, I saw them in old vids of him! Like always off in the corners of the heels and--
Wrestler Yellow Blitzen shuts his mouth.

Polaris Mask: It's cool. And yeah, Dad was a heel. We wrestled differently, and he put on these claws during the Christmas season.
Anna: So the Parallel Cue or whatever picked up on your memories of it? OMG was he like Santa to you???

Polaris Mask: I mean, it would be so easy if he were? I'm trying, but I just can't accept him.
Monomasa: ...it does sound like you think a lot about him.
Polaris Mask: Mmmmaybe? His wrestling was a mess, but he got guts. Always didn't like it when I was younger tho. Ma and I always had problems with what he did.
Polaris Mask's hands shake.

Polaris Mask: He was kind of a bullying bitch who shoved shit onto weaklings who can't say anything for whatever reason, so I won't ignore those weaklings.
MC: But I could still observe it?

Polaris Mask: Yeah yeah, it means my idea of Santa has a strong impression in this. Still can't let go what he did.
Polaris Mask shuts up for a bit and looks mad.

Astar: Hmm. Whatever went on with your family, if that's a crime, then I think it's not one to be made up for or one you have to forgive.
Astar seems to be thinking of something else.
Surprised Monomasa.

Polaris Mask: Astar...
Polaris Mask looks shocked.

Polaris Mask: Not doing the Santa voice? The wig's on.
Astar: !?
Astar: I mean, ho ho ho! That is my opinion, yes.
Hydoor: But didn't he just drop it a second ago?
Anna: OMG Hydie-senpai, you're like supposed to pretend it didn't happen!

Polaris Mask: Pffft! Damn, you'd actually pick something over Santa? But yeah, you're right. I don't have to forgive him if I don't want to.
Melide: ...is it something you want to forget, Polaris Mask?
Polaris Mask: Nah. It sucks, but it's part of what made me Polaris Mask now, and I wanna stay as I am.
Melide: Oh. Hmm...
Polaris Mask: Still kinda wish I could do something about this.
Polaris Mask waves his hands. He still looks serious.

Polaris Mask: But for my dream as Polaris Mask, I haveta accept these somehow.
MC: You mean your refusal to abandon the weak?

Polaris Mask: Yeah. I hate calling people who can't speak up weak, so my dream self won't abandon them. Heh. Well I better pick myself back up from this.
MC: ...don't push yourself to do it all alone.
Polaris Mask: MC...
He seems taken aback.

Polaris Mask: Lookat you talking all big! But yeah, it's cool!
He sounds like he's joking...

MC: (He's totally gonna do it alone. Can I help somehow?)

Yasuhiko: Polaris Mask...
Polaris Mask: Sorry about the poor showing.
Yasuhiko: Nah, it's cool. I hate my dad too, but I can understand him now. I'm sure you will too.
Polaris Mask: Heh. Maybe.
And so the party decides to head off as the sun starts setting.
Later

Melide: So it was a little later from last time?
MC is talking to Melide about seeing Astar Lily again.

Melide: Never heard that happening before. I wonder if...
MC: Did you figure something out?
Melide: Well I can't prove it, but if your phone says Astar's dream is unstable and you're looking at his past...what if it means you're watching as it happens?
End of Episode 

Magical Snow Land Episode 2 Part 2 (Abridged)

Boy A: Yay, cute doggie beans!
Robo Moritaka: Beep boop, I am not a dog.
Girl B: Ooh, fluffy tummy!
Well Robo Moritaka seems to be popular.

Yoshito: Ah yes, but of course children like Moritaka. (*Delusional thought)
Tianzun: Yeah, so many kids say he's cute! You might win!
Team Frosty seems fine.

Koropokkur: Damn he's not doing that bad actually. Maybe he'll beat you.
Jack Frost: Pfffft, I haven't been Frosty all this time for nothing. Watch me!
Jack walks up to some children.

Jack Frost: Hee ho kids, want a picture with me? Whoa, a phone case of me? Thanks!
Girl B: Frosty, sign my T-shirt!
Happy kids.

Koropokkur: ...I've been watching you for forever now.
New cheering!

Boy C: Wow, the Little Prince!
Hastur: WHAT? Stay back!
Boy D: Can we take pictures with you?
Tianzun: Me? Sure!
Children are crowding Hastur and Tianzun now!

Koropokkur: Well this is cool too!
Children approach Koropokkur too.

Koropokkur: Wait you want pictures with me? I'm helping Frosty right no--OKAY OKAY GEEZ. Just don't put it on Twitter, okay?

Children approach Yoshito too!
Yoshito: Nex--wait me too?
Boy E: Yeah, pictures please?
Yoshito: Maybe you should ask someone else? ...I mean, you can if you want.
MC: Take the picture! I'll hold the camera. / You're cute, Yoshito!
(AB) Yoshito: ...well okay Master. I don't smile very well.
(C) Yoshito: M-Master, that's not something you can just say to people besides Moritaka!

click
Boy E: Yay, thank you!
Boy E runs off. Yoshito smiles.

MC: Good for you / Nice smile / He sure seemed happy
---
(A) Yoshito: Is it? Maybe he'll wish he took a picture of Moritaka instead...but I'm a little happy he enjoyed it.
(B) Yoshito: O-oh, I'm smiling? Well it was nice to see him so happy.
(C) Yoshito: Yes. So am I, strangely enough.
---
Yoshito: I think I understand a bit why Frosty is here.
Snegurochka enjoys how the rest of the party is drawn into the popularity contest.

Snegurochka: Oh! Maybe I can use some of this for the Santa Sendoff!
Time's up!

Jack Frost: ...okay I win. No more running your fat mouth if you know what's up.
Snegurochka: Jackie, you can't say that about his dream!
Yoshito: No, I lost. Frosty and the children showed me I underestimated things.
Jack: Uh. W-well as long as you get it!
Yoshito: You like making children so you act as Frosty, correct? Of course I didn't win since I only thought about Moritaka.
Snegurochka gets mad for some reason.

Snegurochka: Jackie, no gloating!
Jack: Who peed in your frosted flakes this morning!?

Yoshito: Make no mistake Jack, it was me who lost this time. Not Moritaka! Everyone will understand his glory in time! Thank you Snegurochka for helping me get closer to realizing my dreams. Viva la revolución Moritaka!
Snegurochka: I'm glad you feel better.
Jack Frost: What? It's your fault I had to suffer through this nonsense!
Snegurochka: Noooo not the noogies again! Besides, you can be Frosty like usual in front of everyone now. Tee hee, you've grown.
Yoshito: Ah, you were using me? I was surprised Jack agreed to engage at all.
Snegurochka: No I actually thought it'd help your dream! Jackie talks about children the way you do about Moritaka.
Yoshito: I was kidding. Thank you.
Jack: First Hastur and now him? What kinda guy do you take me for, Snegurochka?
MC: Hmm, makes sense... / Yeah he's an even bigger downer

Tianzun: Hastur seems to like being surrounded by kids.
Hastur: Silence, fool! I was tired of trying to not unwittingly crush them to paste!
Koropokkur: Don't you people have an event to plan?
Snegurochka: Oh, right! So I have an idea now and--
Moritaka: (runs in) YOSHITO WHAT IS THIS
Yoshito: M-Moritaka! Why are you here!? ...if you are here to kill me then I shall have no regrets.
Moritaka: What are you talking about!? What is that giant version of me and why is it here!?
Tanetomo: Why is any of this a surprise to you, Moritaka?
Masanori: Greetings Yoshito and MC. You look nice in those clothes.
MC: WHAT / why are you two here? / (hmmmm)

Snegurochka: Wow, the real Moritaka! It's like I've known you forever ago.
Moritaka: Oh, hello I am Moritaka. I apologize for Yoshito...
Snegurochka: Oh no it's fine! The children love you!
Yoshito: I must spread your glory!
MC: Kinda turned into a one-man pissing contest there / it's okay you can be mad / Moritaka bares it all!
Moritaka: ...Yoshito. Take that thing apart this instant.
Yoshito: NO PLEASE RECONSIDER
Moritaka: I said do it.
Yoshito: okay...I'm sorry I couldn't understand you Moritaka.
Moritaka: Hey! I'M the real one! Ugh, you have me right here, no need to keep our relationship hidden.
Yoshito starts fantasizing about Moritaka and falls over!
MC: Yoshito, wake up! / I can't believe Yoshito is fucking dead / Moritaka this is your fault

Hastur: What is this chaos that I have to see with my own eyes!?
Tianzun: It's Yoshito's happy face, haha!
Here comes the Ueno gang!

Yuma: (wheezing) Moritaka, so fast...
Alp: GASP! Frosty!
Pazuzu: What's everyone running fo--giant Moritaka! And my cute little lizard and friends!
MC: Pazuzu! / You guys know Moritaka?
(B) Pazuzu: Of course! What kind of oil baron would I be if I don't talk to people?

Hastur: Why are you all here!?
The Ueno gang look away.

Yoshito: Actually yes, why are you here Moritaka? You refused the ticket I tried to give you.
Moritaka: WHOA! Where do you get off after what you just did!?
Yoshito: Ohh, you want to be here with Master? Why didn't you say so?
Moritaka: Back off! Uhh, I...
Tanetomo: Tee hee, he was worried about you.
Yoshito: !?
Yoshito: O-ohh. Hehehe...

Pazuzu: And we were worried your new friends were bullying you, my cute lizard!
Hastur: How dare you treat me like a child!
Koropokkur: Said the lizard playing around like a kid.
Hastur: S-silence!
Pazuzu: Haha, you seem fine so we'll just go.
Hastur: Yes, leave! ...I will bring presents later.
Yuma: (frown) Hastur, you don't want me around?
Hastur: I never said that! Maybe later, but for now I--
Hastur looks back. The party is smiling at him. Pazuzu smiles too.

Pazuzu: Have fun. Let's go, Yuma, Alp.

Moritaka: We should leave as well. Yoshito, no more tomfoolery.
Yoshito: ...yes, of course. Enjoy yourselves.
Moritaka: ...huh, I figured you'd try to stop me.
Yoshito: Oh, did you want me to? I still have things I want to do with the party. It's my turn to help her with her dream after she helped with mine.
Moritaka: ...alright, good luck.
Yoshito: Thank you. Moritaka Land will happen, one day.
MC: I see / I'll help / how about I help you think up other ways of making it...?
Yoshito: ...I didn't think you would ever say such a thing.
Yoshito thinks about how he thought he'd always be alone and wouldn't be able to talk about his dreams with his Master.
Yoshito: Maybe with you as my Master...actually never mind.
Moritaka: wait what
Yoshito runs back to the party.

Hastur: What. You aren't going back with them?
Yoshito: I was about to ask you the same thing.
Hastur and Yoshito frown before smiling.

Hastur and Yoshito: ...whatever.
Snegurochka: You guys! So about the Santa Sendoff...!

The next day
Santa School

Snegurochka: I got an idea while at the theme park!
Poof!

Snegurochka: Witch Girl Snegurochka is here and casting a spell on you!
Wolf A: Wow! How'd you do that without the app!?
Snegurochka: Tee hee. Anyways I've called in a collaborator from Ojimachi and some outside help!
Hastur teleports in with Yoshito and Koropokkur!
Hastur: This is a waste of my power as an Entity of the Outer Realm.
Snegurochka: Thanks Big Bro Hastur! You're the only one I could ask for this.
Hastur: W-well fine, I said I would help. Every Foreigner knows about rocket science!
MC: You know, why didn't you just teleport away from the tails the other day?

Hastur: Q-quiet you! I never considered the idea...
Yoshito: Master, this must be the playing dumb stratagem!
Koropokkur: Were we stuck with you so you wouldn't make out with MC or something?
Hastur: I will melt your impudent mouth off!
Snegurochka: Um, t-these are my collaborators!
Shocked Santa students!

Snegurochka: I thought, maybe we can meet children at the theme park for a special Christmas thing! They can see Santas, magical girls, and other cool things. Why don't we dress up and be what children want to see?
Guy B: Wow, like a hero?
Girl C: And I can be a cute mascot!
There's a conspicuously empty seat.

MC: No Jack, huh. Or Tianzun for that matter.
Snegurochka: I believe in Jackie. But what happened to Tianzun!?
MC: Hmm. He probably went to buy milk again.
Elsewhere

Tianzun: Hey Jack, slacking off?
Jack: Meh. Off looking scandalous?
End of Episode 

Magical Snow Land Episode 2 Part 1 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Isaac: Ya-ha, you found me! So, you hoping to get cyborg body help?
It's unusual for anyone not a World Rep to somehow get into Isaac's lab.

Yoshito: Yes, I'm good with strings.
Isaac: Oh okay. But why do you need my help?
Isaac seems perfectly fine, even though he totally isn't. The power of Science™ and multiple kanji definitions! But yeah, why would Yoshito need help if he seems perfectly fine too?

Yoshito: I need to expand the range of places my adopted brother can live in.
Isaac: what

Yoshito: Moritaka saved me long ago when I should be dead by now. So now I can't stand for anything to happen to him, so I want to now die for him if anything happens.
Isaac: ...okay makes sense now. I can vibe with wanting to save your brother instead of fixing your own defects.
So sayeth Professor Guinea Pig.

Yoshito: He fixed me.
Isaac: Aww, I'd love it if my siblings said that about me. But reminder, this is all something you are thinking, not you as him. You will always still be you, but I'll still help you be closer to that new you.

Present
It's time for Housamo Kart! ...at extreme speeds!

Tianzun: Yeeeeaaaaah!
MC: Yeeeeaaaah! / OH MY GOOOOOD / (freaking out)
Hastur: Earth carts can go at these quaint speeds? Impressive.
Snegurochka: I'm winning this one!
Hastur: How dare! Behold my Foreigner driving!
Snegurochka: DID YOU JUST TELEPORT???

Sidelines
Jack Frost: ...how DO our safety mechanisms work?
Koropokkur: Future tech accident prevention. Speed limits? Height limits!? Pfbfbft! I can protect anyone here!
Jack: Is that why you made me of all people a mascot and let the police or whatever stake out Hastur?
Koropokkur: Also I referenced the Santa School sleighs for these carts.
Jack: Uhhh, they aren't that hardcore tho?
Yoshito: Master, go!
Koropokkur: Haha, wow Snegurochka. Get 'em, MC!

Racetrack
MC: How am I supposed to catch up!? / Thanks! / I'M SO WINNING THIS
Tianzun: Where's the love for ME!?
Hastur and Snegurochka are fighting for 1st! Hastur's starting to win!

Snegurochka: Okay I might actually lose!
Sidelines

Jack Frost: ! Don't lose, Snegurochka!
Racetrack

Snegurochka: !! Oh, thanks Jackie!
Snegurochka starts catching up! It's a dead heat! She and Hastur cross the finish line!

Snegurochka: wait who won
Hastur: ...you did. Impressive.
Snegurochka: Oh my god, really!? I'm going to brag to Grandpa!
MC: Congrats, Snegurochka! / Aww, Hastur / One more race, dammit!
(A) Snegurochka: Thanks! You did good too!
(B) Tianzun: Hastur, you big softie you.
Hastur: I know not what you two are talking about.
(C) Koropokkur: Haha, you're such a kid sometimes. I'll race you!

Snegurochka: Jackie, I won because of you!
Jack Frost: Yeah I saw. I'd totally have won if I was in.
Hastur: Hmm, big words boy. Care to put your money where your mouth is?
Snegurochka: Oh, do the next race then Jackie! I'll watch!
Jack: Psh, you'll see that I kick ass with my grades even with all the class cutting.
Tianzun: You don't go to class? Hmmmm...
Jack: Oh shit. NOT EVERY DAY, ALRIGHT?
Tianzun: It's cool! Next time you skiv off, call me so I can show you somewhere fun!
MC: you what / what kind of teacher are you / Me three!
(AB) Tianzun: Behold the dao of making cutting class alone boring!
(C) Tianzun: Even better! So when I'm not there things will suck!

Tianzun: Y'all getting addicted to me yet~?
Jack Frost: Nope. Also geez, there's teachers like you for real?
Yoshito and Hastur don't seem to know what to make of this conversation.

Koropokkur: Snegurochka. Don't be like him.
Snegurochka: But he's a good guy! But anyways, let's race again! I'll win this time too!
She seems excited.
Jack: ...you do remember you're here for Santa School stuff, right?
Snegurochka:
Snegurochka: AAAAAA
MC: what? / you were!? / ooh fun

Koropokkur: Yeah, it's Snegurochka's idea to work with Ojimachi Academy and the theme park this year. I'm here to start discussions.
Snegurochka: Oh no, I have so much to do! I'm sorry for acting so smug, Jackie...
Jack Frost: It's cool, you're a kid, it happens.
Snegurochka: But I don't have much time left and I was so sure of my time management skills...
Jack: And everyone chose to play with you. Stop moaning.
Snegurochka looks at the rest of the party.

Snegurochka: I-I'm sorry for ruining the mood.
Tianzun: It's cool! Can we help? I love events and can give some guidance.
 Snegurochka: That doesn't feel right...
Tianzun: C'mon, we're fraaands. Friends help friends! Right guys?
Hastur answers first.

Hastur: Very well then.
MC: Sure! / Am I gonna be any help...?
Snegurochka: You guys...!
Yoshito: Um, I have an idea.

Later
Yoshito: (frowns)
MC: You okay? (sits next to him)
Yoshito: Master. I apologize, I thought I had a good idea...
Flashback!
Yoshito: Let's open Moritaka Land!
Shocked party!
Koropokkur: Uh, no.
Present

MC: It'll be okay / I thought it was good? / (uhhhh)
(B) Yoshito: You do? I knew you were my forever Master!

Snegurochka: Oh, Yoshito! Let's go back to everyone together.
Yoshito: No, the world can go on without me if it must.
Snegurochka: Aww come on.
Snegurochka tries to drag Yoshito back! But it didn't work.

Snegurochka: Oh my god how strong are you???
Yoshito: Well, I do train with an exoskeleton.
Snegurochka: For Moritaka? Tell me more.
MC: Actually I wanna know too. / Is it okay to ask?
(AB) Yoshito: It's nothing special to anyone but me.
(C) Yoshito: Yes. It means a lot to me, though maybe not to anyone else.

Yoshito (narrating): My parents died while I was a baby so I was adopted as a servant into another family. They just treated me as a tool for dirty work and I thought I'd die that way. But then I met Moritaka and it felt like we were really brothers. He opened up my world.
Yoshito: And so I will now die for him.
Snegurochka: Omg mood! I want to pay back the Santas since Santa created me! So you dreamed of making Moritaka Land for him?
Yoshito: Oh no that's just me being a filthy simp.
MC: wait what / going a little overboard there / Stanning and simping are different things, huh

Snegurochka: ...right.
Yoshito: Huh?
Snegurochka: Nothing! I'm cheering you on, Yoshito!
Yoshito: You...do? I haven't even told Comrade Masanori about this!
Snegurochka: Yeah, let's make Moritaka Land together! Oh, but it'd freak him out if this suddenly happened, huh?
Yoshito: Yes, but I'm sure he'll accept it. When I asked, he said it'd be weird and to stop but he didn't say it felt wrong.
MC: cool / um / but he said stop???
Snegurochka: You think of him like a big brother, huh?
Yoshito: Hmmmm...
Snegurochka: Tee hee I'll help as much as I can.
Yoshito: Thank you, you must already be busy with the Santa Sendoff.
Snegurochka: Yeah, but theme parks are supposed to support all dreams!
And so Snegurochka and Yoshito think up ideas before returning to the rest of the party.

Tianzun: Oh hey guys. We came up with some ideas and--
Yoshito: Jack Frost Frosty, I challenge you for Moritaka and the theme park mascot position!
Snegurochka: I'm Magical Girl Snegurochka and I support this match.
Jack: EXCUSE ME WHAT
Koropokkur: Cool! Fight him Jack!
Jack: but why tho
Koropokkur: I run a goddamn theme park, that's why. Were you going to sit on your ass until you grow up?
Jack: (frown)
Koropokkur: Look him in the eye and kick his ass, unless you want the park to have its own revolution.
Jack does so and sighs.
Jack: Fiiine, just gimme a minute to get ready.
Yoshito: Thank you. I must get ready myself, for that matter.

Gift Shop
Tanetomo: Now what should I get Yasuyori and His Excellency?
Alp: I wanna buy presents but then I'd rat myself out on coming here without them...
Moritaka: ...I think someone has been watching us.
Tanetomo: You mean Yoshito? What else is new?
Moritaka: No not that! I mean like little kids have been staring!
Yuma: I want Frosty doll!
Tanetomo: Ooh a doll. Or maybe I'll get Yasuyori a hair ornament.
A wild group of children appears!

Boy A: Yay, the doggie from before is here!
Moritaka: I am not a--wait, what do you mean before

Elsewhere
Jack Frost: where did my life go so wrong? MC, what's wrong with your friends?
MC: Sorry, play along please? / (apologize) / Hug me, Frosty!
(A) Jack: ...meh, whatever. Not like I'll lose here.
(B) Hastur: !? I saw the way you looked at me! This all happened because of you!
(C) Jack: YOU GET BACK! You'll freeze if you get close!
Hastur: Oh is that all? MC will ignore that sort of threat completely.
Jack: ...okay fiiiine, Frosty can hug you. No bitching about how cold it is.
MC: Not like that! / Say it like you mean it! / Yay!

Yoshito: I'm back. Moritaka is ready.
Giant Moritaka!

MC: OH MY GOD HE'S HUGE / what
Yoshito: Lord Isaac gave me a giant robot body I made to look like Moritaka. It's fluffy AND a giant robot, so of course children like it. I'm going to win!
Jack Frost: You seriously expect to win with this dumb thing!?
MC: Is Moritaka actually okay with this? / what's the robot actually for? / Ooh, toughie
(A) Yoshito: Moritaka is public property...but I'm still stabbing anyone who sullies him of course.
(B) Yoshito: I plead the fifth.
Koropokkur: Shady shit then.
(C) Yoshito: Pick Moritaka, Master.

Jack Frost: ...how are we even doing this thing?
Snegurochka: Child popularity contest! With mascot character greetings in a time limit!
Jack: Oh, so I just gotta be efficient.
Snegurochka: Right! So I'm arbitrarily adding a rule about cute points! You only get points if the children call you cute!
Jack: UHHHH...well I guess it makes sense.
Yoshito: Oh? You don't think you're that cute? I'm winning then!
Jack: What? No, I get called cute tons of time.
MC: Yoshito sure is confident / nice / Good luck, guys!
Snegurochka: Okay, Koropokkur can you attend to Jackie?
Koropokkur: Meh, I guess I AM his boss.
MC: what / like a cameraman or something? / Then I'll attend to you, Yoshito
(A) Tianzun: Support role.
(B) Yoshito: I'll take up that role on my end.
(C) Yoshito: Really!? Thank you, Master!

Snegurochka: Hastur, Tianzun, you two keep track of the cute points!
Tianzun: Mkay, I'm in. Maybe I can join too?
Hastur: Heh, I suppose I can assist.
Snegurochka: Yay, thanks um...Big Bro Hastur!
Hastur is pleased.

Jack Frost: wait you're calling him Big Bro now?
Hastur: Did you want to as well? By all means.
Jack: What, you want me to?
Hastur: !?
MC: He tried making me say it too / Big Bro Hastur! / Big Bro Jackie!
(A) Hastur: N-no, I merely wanted to establish my superiority over you!
Snegurochka: Isn't it great!? It feels like we're getting closer!
(B) Hastur: UH. Wait, wait...at least say it with more respect.
Snegurochka: Isn't it great!? It feels like we're getting closer!
(C) Jack: W-what? I'm not your brother either!
Snegurochka: Isn't it great!? It feels like we're getting closer!

Children are getting interested in Giant Robot Moritaka.
Boy A: Wow is that Frosty's new friend?
Boy B: Look, Frosty! I thought he wasn't here today!
Jack Frost: Hi guys, thanks for waiting for me!
Code switch, on!

Yoshito: Okay it's time. Hitting the button!
BATTLE(?) START

End of Episode part 

Friday, July 4, 2025

Live A Hero Santa Claus Workout Episode 3 (Abridged)

Some forest. A ruined house or something. And a Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid standing in front of it.
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: ...what am I supposed to do now?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid cries.

MC: Hmm...this is kinda like what happened in the Imaginary Point, except not. The memory dive.
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: W-who's there!? Oh wait, I need to hide!
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid hears a voice despite no one else being around.

MC: Wait can you hear my thoughts or something?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Ah! Wait, thoughts? I hear something in my head.
MC: Uhhhh, it's cool! I'm not a weirdo or anything!

One explanation later
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: ...so you don't know how you're talking to me?
MC: I sorta done this before, but telepathy's a new one. / What do I sound like?
---
(C) Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Um, like a bunch of different voices?
---
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: But wow, you can see? Are you one of those god things this planet talks about?
MC: No I'm just some worker!
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Oh...if you were god, I wished you could turn back time.
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid looks out of it.

MC: Wait are you hurt!?

Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: N-no...nothing to do with what I just did. But I have to be Santa...because I said I could do it.
MC: Hmmmm, sounds familiar...
Flashback!

Astar: I'M TEACHING YOU ALL WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SANTA!
Present. Or whatever

Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: B-but how do I do it? I'm all alone...
MC: I think anyone can be Santa?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: What?
MC: I'm blanking out but I think I heard someone say that before?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Really? Wow...
Flashback!

Astar: Anyone can be Santa. Santa needs stamina!

Present. Or whatever
MC: Something something Santa needs stamina?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: O-oh, that's gonna be hard.
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid wipes their face.

Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: But I'll do it! Thanks, um...what do I call you?
MC: Umm...
Psychic noise!

MC: Who am I again?
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Um, how about I call you Voice? Oh right, I never told you my name. I'm Astar.
Astar Lily: Thank you, Voice. I think I can try my best--
Weird distortion sensation!

Suddenly Astar!
Astar: (stares)
MC: OMGWHAT
Astar: You fell asleep during my Santa lecture, punk. You're getting extra lessons!
MC: wait what / ...Astar?
---
(C) MC mentally compares Astar and Astar Lily.
Astar: Um, why are you staring? Whatever.
---
Astar: Now onto the history of Santa, you guys.
Red: Hey, could you stop referring to all of us with "you guys?" We legit have actual names!
Astar: !?
Astar: Oh. What's your names?

Red: Hellhound Red!
Blue: Kraken Blue!
Green: Mandragora Green!
Purple: Lord of the Rings Reference Purple!
Yellow: Cyclops Yellow!
Mob Wrestlers: Together we are Top of the Heels!
Astar: I can't remember all that shit. You guys are now Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Dunder, and Blitzen.
Mob Wrestlers: WHAT
Red: You can't just change a wrestler's name!
Astar: You're trying to be Santa now, not a wrestler. Right?
Red: I'msorrysir.
Polaris Mask: Aren't those reindeer names tho?
Melide: ...hey MC, were you really just sleeping earlier? I felt a Path open. Were you Observing something?
MC: Wow, you could tell? Well... 

One explanation later
Melide: You talked with that boy? Hmm...
MC: Something weird?
Melide: Everything. I need to think about it...
MC: wait what
Melide: Your memory was vague, you saw a boy named Astar, and you could talk with him. I have to ask, are you feeling okay now with your memory?
MC: Yeah, just felt like I couldn't remember specific stuff. Like I'm missing something?
Melide: Okay. I'll let you know if anything seems off...wait.
Melide seems surprised that she felt relieved.

MC: What's wrong?
Melide: N-nothing. Well if you're fine, then okay. If you talk to that boy again, will you tell me?
MC: O-okay. (She looks serious.)
And so the party rides off into the sky.

Title Card: Father Christmas (by Rayman Briggs)

Polaris Mask: Hey Astar, what sorta work does Santa do in your view? Is Santa not a fairy tale guy in your universe?
Astar: Hmm...well he is folklore, but the original legends have mostly disappeared. I - we - started trying to bring them back by doing Santa things. He's not so different on the macro scale, presents for good kids and rides a sleigh with reindeer sorta stuff. That's my goal.
MC: Damn, there really are all kinds of universes.
Astar: Oh, but in my universe Earth never got up to space travel level, so aliens hide themselves on Earth.
Monomasa: Okay wow that's different.
Melide: ...are you from an older era than us?
MC: wait that's a thing with parallel worlds?

Melide: Well it'd be the past compared to this timeline. Like some heroes here connect to their future selves. Exio said that not all time branches come from the same timeline.
MC: Oh, that makes sense. I guess if some use future selves, then past selves could happen?
Polaris Mask: Ohh, so Astar's Santa is a mask he made up? Cool!
Astar: ...I tried, but then I ended up alone and...
MC: What?
Astar: Nothing. So there's time until we hit our next destination? Santa drills then.
Green: Finally!
Yellow: Yeah, movement!
Astar: Okay reindeer drills first.

Monomasa: ...Astar, do people do reindeer things in your universe?
Red: Yeah!
Astar: Dunno about this world, but our Santa's reindeers weren't literal reindeer.
MC: excuse me what / damn you suck at explaining things
---
(C) Astar: !?
Astar: Okay, special reindeer training for you.
Melide: Maybe you should say sorry, MC...
---
Astar: It was some author who called them reindeer. They were originally atmospheric region automatic precision work air frames. They're gone and I haven't seen one in forever, but we'll make up for it with work.
MC: what / ...so they're precision support?
(C) Astar: Yep.
Polaris Mask: You actually got that?

Astar: They go everywhere to give kids presents, jumping walls and roofs. Too finicky for spaceships. They also move around fast to get everyone in one night. So yeah, reindeer is manual mode for the ship, supporting from the outside.
MC: Annnd you call them reindeer? / Authors do that? / cute name
Astar: It wasn't my idea, it was the designer's.
Astar frowns, but he doesn't seem that put out by it.

Astar: Well anyways. Operators or whatever? Transform everyone else.
MC: O-okay! / Melide, together.
(B) Melide: Right.

Monomasa and the mob wrestlers suit up!
Astar: Here we go. Command code, input.
The ship transforms.

Polaris Mask: Wait hold up, we're technically in space!
Purple: OH GOD I CAN'T BRE--oh wait I can breathe?
Blue: And I'm not cold. Isn't space supposed to be cold?
Astar: What? The ship has an atmospheric control shield around it. It's the outermost part, so we're fine no matter what the inside is like if it's intact. The ship even has a train and boat mode.
Monomasa: ...is that related to what you said about aliens hiding themselves before?
Astar: Yeah. Camouflage for wherever it is. I was taught it's a huge pain in the ass if people know you're an alien.
MC: Weeeird / what / that aside, cool!

Polaris Mask: But anyways, this is so cool!
Monomasa: Most spaceships don't focus on transformation after all.
Astar: Hmm, we should reach our next destination soon. How about we try actually pulling the sleigh? Everyone out and front so I can teach you.
Astar jumps out.

Polaris Mask: WAIT WHAT
Astar: ...what? I just said there's a shield around the ship.
Astar is apparently walking midair!

Monomasa: ...so it's still like moving while inside the ship?
Astar: Yeah, here's mostly the same as over where you guys are standing. Now get over here.
Polaris Mask: Space walking!? I'm so in!
Red: Wait, me too!
Blue: Same! OMG this is so cool!
MC: well they're sure excited / Aren't they scared!? / Yeaaaah!
(AB) Melide: Maybe I should be more like that...
Monomasa: Nah we should take it slow Melide, MC.
(C) Monomasa: Slow down MC, Melide and I will go together with you.
Melide: Tee hee, it's kind of fun watching everyone.

Later
Astar: Okay time for the reins. Command code input.
Suddenly!
Melide: Wait, there's reins on me now?
Reins of light connect everyone to the sleigh!

Astar: Okay there's a trick to starting up, lemme show you. First, standard operations. The ship guarantees the speed while the reindeer controls the ship. Just make sure you don't let the ship run you over.
MC: wait hold up
Astar: Alright, go!
Astar grabs the reins! Power courses through everyone!

Red: Wait, how do I control this!?
The sleigh boots up!

Astar: Get ready to go.

Later
Red: Oh my god, I'm running IN SPACE
Purple: Look at me, girl, daddy's gonna be a reindeer!
Everyone's speeding up!

Melide: L-let's be careful as we go! But I'm surprised we can keep running like this.
Astar: The sleigh maintains it. The reindeer control the direction and acceleration.
Monomasa: This is still clearly not normal running speeds, how fast can this go?
Astar: Hmm, we should start heading down. Command code input!
The sleigh starts descending! REALLY diving now! Everyone's having a good time! And then Astar lets go of the reins.
Rest of Party: WHAT

(Almost) free fallin'~
Red: Oh god what now!?
Purple: My little girl's not even school age yet!
Green: MAMAAAA
Astar: Calm your tits, the shield's still working. Just hold onto the reins, think of where you want to go, and run.
MC: Uhhhh, like this...?
Everyone follows Astar's directions. Still free fallin'~! If anything, the ship is going meteor mode now. Atmospheric friction!

Melide: Um, I don't think this is working right...
Polaris Mask: I got gravity magic, I got this! Let's goooo!
Polaris Mask deploys his wrestling ring Parallel Weapon around the sleigh! The sleigh starts reangling a little!

Polaris Mask: Okay this should help a li--wait what
Back to zooming down like a meteor!

Polaris Mask: BUT WHY THO!? I still have the wrestling ring as a Santa wrestler!
Monomasa: We're approaching clouds and the surface now, focus on flying!
Polaris Mask: Dammit, I guess it's literally fly or die now! We are making it through this!
Blue: Y-yeah, I'm not going out like this!
Yellow: We're gonna make it, we're gonna make it, we're gonna make it!
Everyone keeps trying, though things still aren't looking any better! Preeetty close to the ground now!

MC: WORK GODDAMMIT
Melide: Please...!

Going past the clouds now! The surface is getting detailed! The ship is starting to level out and slow down!
Monomasa: D-did we stabilize?
Astar: Seems so. Not bad for your first time.
Astar nods with his arms crossed.

Polaris Mask: Were you just gonna let us die if we didn't pull it off!?
Astar: I was gonna put on the brakes if it came to it.
Polaris Mask: Man, Sparta didn't toss kids into waters this deep back then!
Astar: They also didn't have deadlines this tight. You guys got it the first time, so it should be fine going forward.
Green: Guys are we dead
Purple: I'm gonna write my daughter a letter or something...
Blue: We still have a show to do...maybe I should call in sick.
MC: Damn, being Santa is hard / you know this seems kinda cool actually

Melide: ...I'm worried about what he'll make us do next.
Monomasa: He's fearsome...
Astar: Guys stop whining. Look, we're almost there.
Looks like some city in the subarctics. There's a big tent over there with hot air balloons with signs.

MC: ...Yatomi Circus? Wait.
And so the party sets down, cold winds setting in as the sleigh's shield disengages.

End of Episode 

Magical Snow Land Episode 1 Part 2 (Abridged)

Tianzun: Yeeeeaaaahhhh!
Hastur: Hmm. I did not know puny humans could withstand G forces of this level.
Part of the party's on a roller coaster that's about to go down a slope.

MC: (scream!) / (cheer!) / (not even on the ride)
(A) Koropokkur: Haha, wanna hold my hand?
Tianzun: Wait, that's my job!
Koropokkur: We picked seats with RPS, deal with it.
(B) Tianzun: Yeah, louder MC!
(C) On the ground
Jack Frost: Roller coasters? Meh.
Yoshito looks surprised.

Jack: Hey! You think it's weird for a punk or park mascot, huh!?
Yoshito: Oh no, everyone has their own reasons for things.
MC: You could've gone on / Sorry to make you stay with me / I bet you're fine with other kinds of screaming, huh?
Yoshito: It's fine Master. I'm supposed to stay with you.

Break time from the rides! The party decides to poke around some gift shop. The Frosty stuff is the most popular, and Jack Frost has his hood up because that feels weird.
MC: (hug a Frosty doll) / Frosty sure is popular / I've got the real thing, I'm good
(A) Jack: It's WEIRD seeing you so happy with that thing, but whatever...
(B) Jack: The power of theme park marketing.
(C) Jack: WHAT? I'm not taking any blame if you catch a cold!
Tianzun: Jack, MC, over here!

Jack Frost and MC turn to the party.
Tianzun: Look! Balloons! Also maybe Hastur really should dress up. MC, go bug him to change.
Hastur: What!? MC, you think I'm fine as is don't you!?
MC: Well if you're that against it... / Come onnnn, do it
---
(A) Hastur seems happy.
(BC) Hastur: ...fiiiine, I suppose I can.
---
MC: Yoshito where'd you get a Moritaka balloon / Yoshito you're really getting into this
(AB) Yoshito: You noticed, Master?
Jack: Forget noticed, where'd it come from!?
Yoshito: I kept this hidden away in case Master decides to bring "viva la revolución Moritaka!" here. Oh wait, that's still a WIP.

Tianzun: Why aren't Koropokkur and Snegurochka back from changing yet?
Well looky there!

Snegurochka: Hi guys, I'm back as Magical Wizard Girl Snegurochka! How do I look?
MC: Cute!
Snegurochka: Thanks! I'm the story hero who saves people! Tianzun can be the sort of evil threatening sorceror...or my minion! And Yoshito the guard captain!
Tianzun: Okay! I'mma terrorize all the little people...with fun!
Snegurochka: Awesome! Like...Sleeping Beauty or something!
MC: Nice / what about me? / (watch)

Jack Frost: Isn't anyone gonna point out how dumb this is?
Snegurochka: Jackie, come on! You'll be my familiar Frosty!
Jack: Pffft, I don't wanna be your flunky. Can't I be something else if I have to?
Koropokkur: ...hey you guys I don't think I fit the theming here.
Spacesuit Koropokkur!

Koropokkur: Who knows what those dicks I know will say if they see me in this!?
MC: Nice!
Koropokkur: ...okay fine I'll wear it then.
Snegurochka: You can be the space invader out to brainwash people!
Koropokkur: OOF! ...but maybe I can work with that?

Meanwhile...
Pazuzu: Hmm, are they having fun...? They are dressed up though.
Yuma: Too many people...
Alp: But we came all this way to have fun! I wanna go on the roller coaster!
Pazuzu: Let's just make sure lizard boy is having fun first, then we can go. Here, Frosty ice cream and candy!
Yuma: Ooh...
Alp: Thanks Senpai! Hmm, Frosty's popular. Maybe I should scope him out a bit...
The Ueno gang is spying on the party. Also...

Moritaka: Oh good, I was worried Yoshito wouldn't react well to strangers.
Tanetomo: Then why didn't you just go with?
Moritaka: I thought about it, but Yoshito just said "you should go with Master without me." I can go anytime, so he should take this time for himself.
Tanetomo: Aww, you sound like a father. Your relationship with him is a bit different compared to the rest of us.
Moritaka: He's changing now, but we did have a secret oath of brothers back in the day.
Masanori: Ah. Well things seem fine.
Moritaka: WAIT
Masanori: What is it?
Moritaka: This Frosty dessert is so good!
Tanetomo and Masanori are unimpressed, then they and the Ueno gang notice each other.

Pazuzu and Moritaka: um

Anyways, back to the party! Nobody's noticed the tailing friends yet. Time to split up for some tea cup ride!
Tianzun: Guys we are going to burn the rubber SO HARD!
Nyoom!

Jack Frost: OH GOD HELP
Koropokkur: Why'd I get stuck with you people!?
The other half of the party is watching them go.

Snegurochka: So Yoshito, did you make that doll yourself?
Yoshito: Yes, I made it to look like my childhood friend Moritaka.
Snegurochka: Ooh, tell me more!
Yoshito: Um, I don't have much I can tell in polite company...too much sinning.
Snegurochka looks sad.

Snegurochka: I don't think Moritaka would mind if he modeled for your doll.
Yoshito: Oh, he tried talking me out of it. He gave up first.
Snegurochka: Oh, heh. Well I'm sure he cares about you.
Snegurochka looks off into the distance, smiling. Hastur seems distracted.

MC: What's up? Didn't want to ride with me?

Hastur: Hm? No. I just have concerns whether it's safe for me to be in a public human setting.
MC: You worried about that? / Elder God problems? / Uh, yeah totally?
---
(A) Hastur: Must you insist I state the obvious?
(B) Hastur: Silence, Foreigner in a human meatbag, I know how strange this is for me.
(C) Hastur looks genuinely surprised.
---
Flashback!

Hastur: Yuma? MC?
Welp, Hastur somehow slagged Yuma and MC. Forensics identification level, impossible.
Elsewhere

Mob: And that's the short movie the Entertainers picked up from some past loop. Tokyo's in a time loop by the way. We were given this from someone with loop memories.
Hastur's sorta picked up old loop memories from some other way, so he believes it.

Mob: So, think you'll always be able to control your powers?

Present
Hastur: Since coming to Tokyo, I believe those with power need to know how to control their power. I had some expectations too, but maybe I didn't think it through enough. But I must not let my guard down precisely when I am enjoying things, or else...
Hastur seems to remember something and shuts up.

MC: I want you to have fun! We're here anyways. / (take Hastur's hand)
---
(AB) Hastur: Pffft. I wish I could.
(C) Hastur: CEASE! Before you start clinging like moss the way you do!
---
Hastur: Besides, others may have issues with us. Have you noticed we're being watched?
MC: No? Isn't it the costumes? / Yeah
(AB) Hastur: You stupid dullard. I've seen familiar faces from the watch organization who keep tabs on me.
(C) Hastur: I've seen familiar faces from the watch organization who keep tabs on me.

Hastur: Irritants, all of them. Understandable but still. They must be...
MC: Who cares? / But you aren't doing anything wrong / Okay, ass kicking time.
Hastur: ...thanks, though this is still a bit of a mood wrecker. Maybe it's time to go.
Tianzun's cup ride is over! Everyone in gets out.

Tianzun: What's up guys? Not fast enough?
Hastur: ...I'm leaving soon.
Tianzun: Why the long face? You get into a fight?
Hastur: No. Go enjoy yourselves.
Hastur tries to leave.

Snegurochka: NOOOO! No fighting!
MC: um. It's not like that.
Hastur: !!
Hastur: Curse you for ruining my attempt at being considerate.
He seems happy despite himself.

One explanation later
Snegurochka, Jack Frost and Tianzun: OMG WE'RE BEING WATCHED!?
Hastur: Stop shouting, damn you all!
Yoshito: Ohh, so our tail was watching you?
MC: You knew? / Wow, nice job Yoshito / Why didn't you say anything!?
(A) Yoshito: Yes, and I was going to dispose of them if they tried to harm you.
(B) Yoshito: O-oh, thank you Master. I was going to dispose them if they moved to harm you.
(C) Yoshito: I-I'm sorry! I thought there would be no need if I were to just dispose them if it came to it...

Yoshito: Koropokkur knows about our tail too, yes?
Koropokkur: Hm? Oh, yeah. I can tell when people are looking.
Jack Frost: Ugh, this is supposed to be a fun place. Forget about what's outside for a bit!
Koropokkur: So says Frosty!
Jack: ...yep. Same goes for you man. How about I give you the prince treatment?
Hastur: Hmph, I doubt you'd enjoy being with them.
Yoshito: So what now, Master? Do I go over and stab everyone?
MC: Okay / wAIT / maybe something else
(A) Koropokkur: No, not okay!

Hastur: They have official power and will use it if they need to.
Snegurochka: But it's wrong of them to impede Hastur trying to have fun!
Tianzun: Yeah! I have a special idea now.
Hastur: You what?
Tianzun: Operation Sneakout! We just lose them in the crowd!
Most of the party looks unimpressed.

Tianzun: W-what!? Okay lean in so I can whisper the deets...
Hastur: ...that's your idea? Is that really necessary!?
Tianzun: Well what's your bright idea!?
Hey wait the mob group of tails is mobilizing.

Mob A: Target is acting weird. Keep your guard up.
Mob B: After him!
BATTLE(?) START
(more happens after)

Mob A: We lost him!
Mob B: Wait, he went that way! Towards the Ferris wheel!
MC: Yeah they're still following us. Just as planned!
Hastur: How did it come to this? And why are you so casual about being tailed?
MC and Hastur are lined up for the Ferris wheel. Plan is to lose the tails here and regroup at the castle in the center of the park.
Hastur: Well I suppose this does allow me to have fun with you all. And I'd never stand for anyone getting in the way of my enjoyment time!
Okay, MC and Hastur's turn to get on the Ferris wheel! Still being watched.

Later
Mob A: ...why's it taking them so long to ride a Ferris wheel?
Mob B: We've been watching this whole time...hey wait, those randos went in AFTER the target did!
Mob A: They shook us off!?
Castle

Hastur: Ha! We lost them, MC! And now I look more like the King in Yellow and The Little Prince of Evil from the stars.
MC: Awesome!
Hastur: Make no mistake, I do not enjoy being part of your gaggle of buffoons. But at least those watchers are gone for now.
Hastur looks around. Nobody else is here.

Hastur: Where IS everyone else?
MC: Oh! Right! Here. (hands over a balloon)

Hastur: ...hmph. So, do I look like a part of this bundle of buffoons now?
In Old Ones, Hastur lived in was confined to the cursed city of Carcosa. It had the lake with two setting suns and the stone library of the Elder Gods' knowledge. Here there be disease and death where no puny humans should get near, just like the Foreigner Hastur.

Hastur: Perhaps a little fever dream is permissible. You may...call me Big Brother Hastur. We sort of are half-siblings in a way.
MC: Um, Big Bro Hastur? / Do you want me to? / Never.
(A) Hastur: O-oh. Well, not bad.
(B) Hastur: N-NO!? It was just in jest!
(C) Hastur: You're making me look dumb here!

Hastur drags MC close with a tentacle.
Hastur: Did you come to Tokyo and take that form to experience this fever?
Imposing Hastur.

MC: WHAT / okay / (dokidoki!)
(AC) Hastur: What? You never stopped when I told you to back then. You can cut yourself away from anything if you wanted to. Unless...? Fool, madness will take you long before you touch anything!

Koropokkur and Yoshito are here judging. Snegurochka and Tianzun are taken aback. Jack Frost seems embarrassed.
Snegurochka: Wow Hastur, you look handsome!
Hastur: WHERE'D YOU PEOPLE COME FROM AND WHAT WERE YOU DOING
Tianzun: Yoshito talked things out with someone he knew who used to be with the police.
Yoshito: I will stab you if you do anything untoward to Master.
Hastur: L-like what!? Who would even--
Yoshito: (gasp!) How blind you are to Master's charms!
Hastur: UGH. We were just doing a little pretend like you were before, you irritating fools!

Snegurochka: Oh you wanted to join us? Why didn't you just say so?
Koropokkur: Welp, sucks to be you. One of us! One of us!
Hastur: Fiiine.
Snegurochka: Yaaay! Okay now...
Jack: Stop looking at me like that, I'm not joining in!
Sibling fight!

Hastur: ...I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you.
Surprised party!

Snegurochka: I'm fine with it! Where do you want to go next, Hastur?
Tianzun: That's a good idea! Now the fun's really starting.
Hastur: Hm? Well...
And so the party goes to Hastur's suggestion. The day's only just begun.

Elsewhere in the park
Masanori: Alright. I'll try asking myself through an intermediary.
Moritaka: Wait, did Yoshito notice us?
Tanetomo: Maybe? Tailing clearly doesn't seem to be your strong suit.
Masanori: Apparently we weren't the only tails.
Pazuzu: I think I know. Mind if I join in?
Masanori: By all means.
Tanetomo seems to figure it out.

Tanetomo: So what now, Moritaka? I think they'll notice if we keep following them. The ~~police~~ decoys have reached the end of their usefulness.
Moritaka: Wait what police!?

Yuma stares at Moritaka.
Yuma: Moritaka. Shake too?
Yuma: Wow Yuma you sure seem into Moritaka! I guess it's because you're a wolf thing?
Moritaka: What do you mean, "too?" I am no dog!
Yuma: Tanetomo, shake?
Tanetomo: No? :)
Yuma: I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry
Tanetomo checks the time.

Tanetomo: Maybe now we should split off, avoid the event party, and enjoy our time here?
Alp: Awesome! I'm done with spy stuff for today!
Moritaka: Yuma, do not anger the Tanetomo or...
Tanetomo notices. :) Moritaka shuts up.

Tanetomo: I'm like a princess you find in stories. I'm not much different in and out of a theme park.
Alp: Oh, oh! I wanna be the most popular cast member!
Moritaka: (cough) ice queen (cough)
And so the theme park day begins for Moritaka's group.

End of Episode 

Magical Snow Land Episode 1 Part 1 (Abridged)

Jack Frost: Hey kids, it's me Frosty! Welcome to Magical Snow La--
Jack: !?
Surprise for Jack and Snegurochka!

Snegurochka: W-what are you doing, Jackie?
Jack: OH MY GOD YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO SAY MY NAME WHEN I'M IN CHARACTER
Jack muffles Snegurochka and checks if anyone heard!
Jack: Why the hell did you follow me? Just leave me alone.
Koropokkur: She was lost so I brought her here.
Jack: Goddammit, boss!
Koropokkur: Now now, you're still on the job "Frosty."

A bunch of kids run up to Jack Frost!
Kids: Yay, Frosty! Pictures! Hugs!
Jack: Sure, get in line!
Boy A: Ooh, nice and cool skin.
Koropokkur: Hey, I'll take a pic for you!
Girl B: Frosty, headpats please!
Jack: Okay! Look at the camera and say "Frosty!"
Snegurochka is taken aback! ...then joins the line.

Jack: Damn you move fast. Is this for blackmail? It is, isn't it? I'm so dead.
Snegurochka: What kind of person do you think I am!? I just want a picture with Frosty!
People start noticing Magical Girl Snegurochka is here and ask for pictures too!

Koropokkur: Okay back off people, Snegurochka's not working right now.
Snegurochka: Oh, it's okay!
Snegurochka and Jack Frost whisper when things calm down.

Jack: ...so you skipped school too? Starting your delinquent arc?
Snegurochka: You promised you'd tell me what you were doing if I came with.
Jack: I didn't think you'd go for it! So what are you here for? Gonna shout from the rooftops? Make it extra loud so the class at school can hear!
Snegurochka: UGH, I said I'm not gonna! Why are you keeping this secret though? Grandpa knows and said it was okay, right?
Jack: Suuuure, it's totes easy for the school punk to say he part times as a wholesome little park mascot. Not like I don't have a rep or anything.
He seems touched though.

Snegurochka: I'm sure you'd be popular if you spoke up about it!
Jack Frost: I-it's not like I care about that or anything... Little kids are better, they all run up to me in the winter.
Koropokkur nods along.

Snegurochka: Does that mean you like me since I'm a little snow girl?
Jack: ...not really.
Snegurochka: But why though!?
Jack smiles at Snegurochka's pouting.

Snegurochka: Tee hee, well tell me if you ever change your mind. Magical Girl Snegurochka will help you!
Jack is surprised and is about to say "thanks" when...

Boy C: Frosty, take pictures with me!
Jack: O-oh, sure!

Later, Santa School
Snegurochka: Hey guys, how about we do the Santa Sendoff at a theme park? Oujimachi Academy's staff runs Magical Snow Land, so we could ask for a school collab.
Guy A: Cool idea, Snegurochka!
Girl B: Isn't that an elementary school with lots of good kids? Seems weird for Santas to ask them for help.
Snegurochka: I was thinking of asking for help with making events exciting! And I might know a guy...
Guy A: Oh my god, someone in show biz!?
Snegurochka: Tee hee, it's a surprise!
Snegurochka winks at Jack Frost! Jack just sighs.

Flashback! Lunch time for Jack Frost and Snegurochka! It's super cold in the school courtyard, but they don't care.
Snegurochka: This is great!
Jack: ...can you stop following me already?
Snegurochka: Am I in the way...?
Jack: W-why are you acting all soft all of a sudden? And no. But now people are talking about how you keep calling me Big Bro...
Snegurochka bursts into laughs.

Snegurochka: Haha, you fell for it! But it's sweet of you to try to push me away. But I'm a TV star, remember? People gossip about me all the time, Big Bro. You couldn't persuade me either. Unless...?
Jack Frost: Why you little--!!
Snegurochka: Nooo, not the noogie!
Jack and Snegurochka are shocking passing randos.

Jack: ...so why didn't you blab about my theme park gig?
Snegurochka: Oh my god Jackie, you're okay with telling people now!?
Jack: Nah...I mean, I thought maybe sorta...?
Snegurochka: Oh, then I've got an idea!

Present
Jack Frost: (How was I supposed to say no!? Maybe I should have anyways...)
The class is looking at Snegurochka as she talks about the theme park.

Jack: I guess I could always call out as Frosty on Christmas. And it'd be weird if I were here for Christmas...
Jack looks at Snegurochka again.

Jack: Okay, I'm gonna try talking with people this time!
Jack: (thinks)
Jack: ...make it next time.

Later
Magical Snow Land

Jack Frost: ...why are you here again?
Snegurochka: Prelim checks since we're doing the Santa Sendoff here.
Koropokkur: Yep! Anything to entertain the kids! Also Santas are some of the good adults.
Snegurochka: Thanks, we'll make the Sendoff a wonderful time!
Koropokkur: It's no big deal. Tell me if you need anything!
Jack wants to say something but can't because he's on the clock. Anyways, here comes the rest of the event cast!
MC: omg cute polar bear! (gets in line) / damn, look at all the ankle biters
(AB) Hastur: That's what you're into?
Yoshito: Master, Moritaka's fatter and fluffier!
Tianzun: Let's take pictures! Too bad Hastur wouldn't put on a costume...
(C) Tianzun: It's okay, anyone can come have fun! But it's too bad Hastur won't put on a costume...

Hastur: Why should I!? And why take a group picture!? ...me and MC will suffice.
Yoshito: I feel strange smiling...also why am I here instead of Moritaka?
Tianzun: So I can fix your sad boy vibes! Good times for everyone!
MC just took everyone along instead of deciding, as one does. Koropokkur notices.

Koropokkur: Oh hey MC, come to be a kid again?
MC: I guess? / Why are you here? / I came to hang out with everyone!
---
(AC) Koropokkur: Cool! How about I guide you around? I own this joint.
(B) Koropokkur: Because I own this joint!
---
Koropokkur: I made this paradise for kids with another person.
MC: The polar bear over there? / You sound like an adult / You're not kicking me out, are you?
(A) Koropokkur: Him? Nah.
(B) Koropokkur: (GASP) The forbidden words!
(C) Koropokkur: Oh, you want me to toss you into the river while frozen? Kidding. Besides...it was the wish of the one I worked with to make this place open and fun for everyone. Surprisingly, I don't hate every minute of it.

Snegurochka: Do you know them, Koropokkur? Hello, I'm Snegurochka!
MC: (introduce yourself) / OMG I'm a huge fan and watch all your shows!
---
(BC) Snegurochka: Aww, thank you!
---
Snegurochka: Anyways, you all look friendly. Nice outfits!
Tianzun: I know right? This idea was awesome! Man Hastur, you really should've dressed up.
Hastur: SILENCE! It physically pains me to be seen in your presence!
Snegurochka: But dressing up helps you get into the right state of mind!
Tianzun: Mood, girl!
MC: Why do you have so many outfits? / Cosplay, awesome! / Is that why we came here?
(A) Tianzun: There's a parade coming! Costumes are part of the deal!
(B) Tianzun: Yeeeaah!
(C) Tianzun: Yep! This place is okay with it unless it's not an event season.

Tianzun: Okay guys, I'm a villainous little devil! You can spank me if you want, MC.
Yoshito: I can give you more than a spanking if you won't stop lewding Master...
Tianzun: No wait, stop! I was just kidding and trying to lighten the mood!
Koropokkur: Oh my god MC, you can't just bring people here who might start stabbing each other. This is a public facility!
MC: Yeah I'm worried / He's good. I think. / I'll handle it.
Koropokkur: Okay yeah I'll guide you guys! We'll go clockwise!
Hastur: Behold, MC! There is a VR space ride here! Bold of them to put place one before a Foreigner's eyes!
Yoshito: I'd like to...visit the Ferris wheel and castle.
MC: Sounds good / What should we do while waiting? / What's our lunch plan?
(B) Tianzun: I can handle that! With mini-games!
(C) Tianzun: I've already looked the place up!

Snegurochka seems sad everyone else is having fun.
Snegurochka: ...can I join you guys? I came alone today.
The party looks at each other for the hell of it.

Tianzun: Sure! Right, MC?
Hastur: It'd make this party less crazy at least.
MC: It's okay! Honestly I'm wondering if it's actually okay to ask you along.
Snegurochka: Thanks! Too bad Big Bro Jackie's busy...
Koropokkur: What, you wanna go play with Jack? I can go get him.

A minute later or something
Jack Frost: Feels like you're getting meaner lately, Koropokkur. Also, you want me to hang around a bunch of complete strangers?
Koropokkur: Bitch, you owe me for hiring you on as Frosty when you were bumming around Oji and Aragawa.
Jack: Dude, what? And wouldn't it look bad for me to wander around here out of my mascot suit?
Koropokkur: It's cool, your vibes are way different in and out of suit. If I have to, I guess I can give you Presence Concealment with my artifact.
Jack: Pffft, weirdo. You know I'd never huddle under it with you.
MC: Your brother's a polar bear? Wow! / You seem so different now. / So cool!

Koropokkur: Whoops, you got found out...oh well! MC's not part of Santa School, so it's cool.
Jack Frost: Dammit, are you the type of asshole to cancel me over Twitter or something? 'cause I will so drag you with me to hell if you do.
Koropokkur: They're cool, stop huffing your paint fumes.
Jack groans, then sizes up the party.

Snegurochka: Nooo, Jackie! This is why nobody likes you at school! So you guys, um, this is my big brother Jackie and he's actually a nice guy and--
Jack: Ohmygodshutup!
Snegurochka: So, um, please be friends with us! We don't really have any...
Jack is silently dying of cringe behind Snegurochka.

Tianzun: Becoming friends sounds great, huh guys?
Yoshito: Maybe not from someone like me who might literally backstab you.
Hastur: And I could stomp out you puny things in seconds. B-but I might still grant you an audience if that is not an issue.
Tianzun: Would it kill you guys to just say yes?
MC: Well if you're okay with weirdos. / Oh you guys~ / I'm in!
Snegurochka: Tee hee, you're just like Jack. He's always pushing people away saying they'll catch a cold near him.
Jack: What the everloving hell kind of guy do you think I am???
Hastur: A Foreigner like me? Just like him? In what galaxy!?
Jack: How about the one where I put you on permanent ice, lizard face?
Hastur: Lizard!? HOW DARE
MC: Mkay, moving on / Aww, friends! / Shut up, guys!

Snegurochka: I-I'm sorry, I keep running my mouth without thinking...!
Tianzun: Now now, girl, that's not how you should act with friends. Chill.
Koropokkur: Ugh, you are all a pain in my ass. Ahem, ~Frosty~!
Jack suddenly stops and smiles...then gets pissy at the trick.

Koropokkur: Didja see that, Snegurochka? That's a magical spell that works on Jack!
Jack: GODDAMMIT
Yoshito: I'm starting to get excited among all these people.
MC: You look like you're enjoying yourself / Looking forward to things? / I'm glad you're excited
(A) Yoshito: I...suppose. This makes me nervous, but not unpleasantly so.
(B) Yoshito: Perhaps...ever since I put on this outfit, I think.
(C) Yoshito: P-please, don't worry on my account!

Hastur: So where are we going to already?
Snegurochka: Um, there's something I want to go ride on! Line's long, so can you tell me about yourselves in the meantime?
Tianzun: Okay! Me first! So when I first met MC...
Yoshito: I have something too! When MC and Moritaka met...
Jack Frost looks so done with this. Snegurochka smiles at him.

Jack: Fiiiine, I'll come with.
Koropokkur: Lemme tell you about when I first Jack, where he got frozen out by the class and--
Jack: NOWAITSTOP
There's somebody spying on the party...

Mob: Target found. Tailing in secret...
Hastur: (stares)
MC: What's up? Don't fall behind now! / (drag Hastur along)
---
(AB) Hastur: Oh, you want me to come with you, do you? Well I'm coming.
(C) Hastur: Don't touch me so casually, fool!
---
Hastur looks back one more time before continuing on.

End of Episode part 

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Live A Hero Santa Claus Workout Episode 2 (Abridged)

It's the first day of Polaris Mask's Christmas tour, and the party is running around the forest at Mt. Fuji.
Astar: Hup, two, three, four! Move your asses, people!
MC: Sir, yes sir! / (wheeeeze) dying...
Astar: Santa's all about stamina! This is a drill AND a test! I better not see anyone fall outta line!
Sunrise! The party has been doing laps near Astar's temp place.

Polaris Mask: Welp! The basics are the basics no matter the job, I guess!
Polaris Mask is up front. He seems fine.

Melide: Huff, huff...
Monomasa: Melide, are you okay...?
Melide: I'm... fine... I... said I'd do this...! I've come this far before!
Monomasa: Oh. Okay then. It's alright to keep up with me.
Monomasa runs alongside Melide, who looks a little tired but calm.

Astar: Girl's got guts. I think she's still a child as humans go? Amazing she's trying to be Santa instead of wanting a present...
MC: Wow, she's got more stamina than I thought / why / help!
---
(A) Astar: You too. Keep it up until we get back to my place!
(BC) Astar: You expect to be Santa like that!? Move those legs and don't stop until we get back!
---
MC: SIR YES SIR / Oh god, Drill Sergeant Nasty! / regretting my life choices now
Eventually the party finally makes it back.

MC: Oof. Legs hurt. / Okay, warm now.
---
(AB) Melide: Me too...
(C) Melide: Wow MC...I'm tired.
---
Polaris Mask: I'm doing great, guys!
Monomasa: It feels good to have a morning run.
MC: They sure are heroes.
Astar: You two could be good Santas. Good kinetic aptitude.
Monomasa: What? I think that's a compliment?
Polaris Mask: We pass right? Cool!
Astar: ...I only checked your mobility so far. The road to Santa is long and hard, people!
MC: So grim faced / whoa / tsun senses tingling
(C) Astar: What? Uh, you good to run ten laps then?

Polaris Mask: Hey Astar, isn't it almost time to go?
Astar: Oh right, did the pre-trip stuff now so yeah. We're going to...Germany. Some things just never change.
Astar puts on his Santa suit and seems to remember something as he makes a face.

MC: You know the place? / You know about Germany? / Bad memories?
---
(AB) Astar: Yeah. In the other world we...I touched down there and made base there.
(C) Astar: ...weird thoughts. Just a name I recognized from my home universe.
---
Polaris Mask: But anyways are you sure you got us covered for our ride?
No space cars or whatever around.

Astar: Yeah, lucky my sleigh came over too. It's parked nearby.
MC: A sleigh? Like Santa's?

Astar: Yeah, my temp cabin doubles as the sleigh.
Astar looks at an open space in the woods.

Astar: Magic Christmas phrases.
Astar's quiet voice seems to echo through.

Polaris Mask: wait what just happened
Astar's sleigh pops into being!

Polaris: wait WHAT
Astar's sleigh solidifies into shape!

MC: omg??? / Those Christmas phrases were pretty cute
(C) Astar: WHAT? It was Ni--the creator's idea to do that!

Monomasa: Were those command codes?
Monomasa stares at the sleigh. It's pretty big for a sleigh but...

Melide: ...I think it'd be a squeeze for all of us to get in.
Astar: Huh. I'll change its shape then. New Magic Christmas phrases about change and blimps or something.
The sleigh shifts and shuffles into a new form!

Astar: Okay, we should all fit now...damn, I haven't seen this in a while.
MC: WHAT / OMG COOL
(C) Melide: Um, MC, you look like Mokdai when he's nerding out over heroes.
Polaris Mask: I KNOW, ISN'T IT GREAT!?

Polaris Mask: Astar, this thing is awesome!
Monomasa: Interesting. Is it still sturdy enough though?
Astar: Yeah. The sleigh's like maybe too sturdy while this form is a prototype. Whatever, let's get going already.
A ramp slides out.

Polaris Mask: I am so in! Let's go, MC!
MC: Yeah!
A moment later

Astar: Okay, we're in. Time to go. "Legs to the sky."
Loud engine noises!

Melide: Um, I don't think blimps are supposed to sound like that.
Astar: More Magic Christmas phrases.
More noises! It kinda sounds like a rocket taking off...

Monomasa: Wait. Astar, are we leaving the planet?
Astar: Don't be dumb, this thing can totally fly around the planet. Fly, fancy feet!
NYOOM

Polaris Mask: Holy shit what!?
MC: AAAAAA
Still going up high!

Melide: Wait is this a space ship!?
Astar: Stop phrase.
Welp, the party is at the outer edge of the atmosphere where the Satellite Bands are!

Astar: Okay which way was Germany from here? Gimme the coordinates.
MC: Hold up, when were you gonna tell us you were gonna take us on a spaceship ride!?
Astar: Wait I didn't tell you? ...eh, whatever.
Polaris Mask: Awesome ship, Astar!
Monomasa: Not really the sort of thing you wave away with whatever. Well, Polaris Mask seems fine. You okay, Melide? MC?
Melide: Mostly, yes.
MC: I'm good, thanks. / best ship ever
(C) Monomasa: You like transforming ships? I'll keep that in mind.

Monomasa: Well if you don't feel well, say so. Want to come closer like Melide?
Monomasa seems strangely nice.

MC: Huh, Monomasa seems nicer than usual. Oh, Melide!
Melide: Hm? Why the whispering? ...Monomasa seems nicer?
Monomasa: Something going on?
Melide: Monomasa seems the same as ever to me.
MC: (Okay yeah he's always like that with her. Maybe he's just in a good mood.)
Astar: Huh, energy collection's really fast. My home world wouldn't get me this much, but then the ether level seems weirdly low...?
Astar checks the meter before noticing something.

Astar: What's that outside anyway? We didn't have that in my world.
Polaris Mask: Oh, the Satellite Bands? They're like giant comm lines or something.
Astar: Huh, maybe that's why I'm getting ether so fast? Maybe I should use them as roads.
Monomasa: wait what
Astar: Let's go, Change Mode. Number 8 Steam Wheel.
The ship transforms again and pops out six wheels!

Melide: A-are we in a steam train now?
Monomasa: Uhh...
Astar: Time to get to Germany.
The ship starts moving. First slow, then fast!

MC: hOLD UP / ooh, this should be quick
---
(C) Polaris Mask: Woohoo! Awesome!
Melide: MC, have you just stopped thinking about things? Maybe I should too.
---
Monomasa: Are you just using the Satellite Bands for a boost? I guess it's fine if you aren't taxing them...?

Title Card: Song of Sinterklaas

Several hours later, the party arrives in some town in Germany. Christmas decorations are up.
Polaris Mask: Damn, your ship's cool Astar!
Astar: It's Santa's sleigh, not my ship. Sleigh form command phrase.
The ship transforms back into a sleigh.

Astar: Those bands made for good roads. I'm gonna use them again.
Monomasa: I think people will complain if they notice you doing so...
MC: wait where's Melide?
Not here.

Monomasa: She went to go change into the clothes she got.
MC: wait what

Melide in Christmas clothes!
Melide: Okay that took longer than expected. Um, how do I look?
MC: Awesome!
Melide: Oh, thanks. Sui gave them to me.
Monomasa: Yes, you look great. Let's do our best together.
Astar: Whoa. Okay you're Santa now too. Get to training!
Polaris Mask: Nice! Now you'll look great for the event t--
Polaris Mask stops as he sees something.

Green: Put 'em up kids! We gonna take you for a wild ride!
Red: YOU gonna get a ride! YOU gonna get a ride! All y'all gonna get a ride!
Kid A: Help!
Kid B: Save us!
Astar: WHAT
Monomasa: You know those people, Polaris Mask?
Polaris Mask: Heel wrestler gang called Top of the Heels. Pretty straightforward. MC, Melide, transform us!
MC: omg battle already? Melide!

Melide: R-right, though this doesn't seem like a normal kidnapping...
The party transforms!

Polaris Mask: Polaris the Great is in the house! Come at me, bros!
Blue: Polaris Mask, finally dragged your ass here huh?
The wrestlers let the kids go and start approaching!

Purple: ...you sure took your sweet ass time.
MC: OH NO! ...wait, this doesn't actually seem serious.
The kids are following along looking excited. One of the mob wrestlers steps forward and puts their hand on Polaris Mask's shoulder.

Red: I thought you tripped and broke a leg, asshole!
Yellow: Yeah, we already got all the stage and stands setup done!
Green: Damn, cool singlet bro! But not as cool as mine!
Astar: wait what
Polaris Mask: My bad, we're ready now!
Purple: Wait hold up a minute. First, these kids want your autograph!
Blue: Hey Dude, Dudette! Want some German Christmas bread!?
Kid A: Is play time over? Boo!
Kid B: Yeah, lift us up again!
Green: Welp too bad! Play time's over kiddos!
Red: Show time's starting soon!
Excited screaming kids swarm around the mobs!

MC: Huh. Cute and nice.

Polaris Mask: Yep, that's them. They all like kids, so some of them even work childcare if they have kids of their own.
Melide: Oh, that's surprisingly disappointing. Also this bread is nice.
Monomasa: That explains things. Can I get another slice?
Blue: Sure!
Red: ...hm? Wait oh my god guys, look!
The mobs crowd around Astar.

Red: Whoa, cool Santa!
Yellow: This show's gonna be awesome!
Astar: Ho ho ho, yes I'm Santa!
Astar pulled a white beard from somewhere and is putting on a voice. The mob wrestlers are mindblown at this.

MC: Where'd that come from and why did he put it on?

Astar: ...I need it to get the children's attention. I'm not the real Santa, but I'm acting as Santa. I don't need to be Astar.
Astar's whispering to MC.

MC: Um...
Monomasa: !?
Melide: What's wrong? Why'd you hold your chest just now?
Monomasa: Nothing. I think?
Kid A: Whoa, Santa!?
Kid B: Did you get my letter!?
The kids are mobbing Astar too now.

Astar: Now now, Christmas is still a while away, so as long as you be good you'l--
Astar: !?

Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Hi Santa! I forgot to send my letter, so will you take it please?
This kid looks like he's the same race as Astar.
 Astar: Uh...y-yeah, of course. Santa will definitely visit you.
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid: Really? Yay!
Suspiciously Familiar Looking Kid runs off to play with friends.

Astar: (frowns)
Astar watches him go for a while...

Astar: Okay kids, be good and Santa will visit you.
Astar smiles like nothing happened.

Polaris Mask: Damn, you really killed it out there as Santa!
Melide: Something seemed off...
MC senses it too.

MC: (It looked like he was suffering.)
Ding!

Purple: Ooh! Show time, kids!

Later
Welp, everyone's in the ring. The stands are filled with kids and their families waiting for things to start.

Yellow: It's TIIIIME, Santas!
Blue: Hand over the presents and we won't have to kick your asses.
Polaris Mask: How about we kick YOUR asses? We can take them, right team?
Monomasa: Um, r-right. We'll keep the presents safe.
Astar: Ho ho ho.
Melide: ...so that's the story?
MC: Let's do this! / welp / this is kinda dumb...
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Match over, big success! Now it's cleaning time after the meet and greet.
Red: That was awesome!
Blue: Thanks guys! The kids loved it!
Melide: I think it's because you wanted to entertain them. We just helped.
Green: Thanks girl! How about a hug?
Melide: Um, no thanks.
The mob wrestlers sure seem happy.

Polaris Mask: (frowns)
Monomasa: (frowns)
Polaris Mask and Monomasa however are not.

MC: Something up with your Santa suits?

Polaris Mask: My big bear claws feel WEIRD. Like they aren't really part of things.
Monomasa: I feel like something's missing but I'm not sure what.
MC: I wonder why? / Can we do anything about it? / Sorry.
Astar: ...we still have jobs to do as Santa. Sometimes you just have to work things through.
Polaris Mask: Damn, your Santa style's pretty rough. Suits me though!
Monomasa: Makes sense...sometimes we do need to work with what we have.
Yellow: Come onnnn, whatcha dudes so down for?
Purple: Well the last show's on Christmas. Let's keep at it!
MC: Wait, we're all together for everything after this?

Polaris Mask: Oh I forgot to mention. Yeah, we're touring with them and this was just the first match.
Red: Yep! Santas versus the Present Thieves! Doesn't that sound awesome!?
Melide: I don't understand what these people actually want from their audience...
Blue: Christmas is still a while off. The rest of you guys sticking around? Sometimes we got other jobs to drop in and out of, so we can always reschedule stuff.
Polaris Mask: I promised we'd be together the whole way through! Which does mean we'll also be getting some other stuff done together too.
Yellow: Get what done now?
Astar: Ho ho ho, Santa training.
Mobs: WHAT
MC: Yeah we don't get it either.

Green: Uhhhh, does the Santa training mean we'll finally be Santas!?
Astar: Of course! But it's not an overnight thing. I'll get your through it, somehow. If you can do it, then anyone can be Santa.
Still the kindly old man act.

Red: AWESOME!
Yellow: The kids will love it!
The mobs seem excited.

Monomasa: !?
Monomasa: It happened again...
MC: Wait, is something wrong?
Monomasa: I think Monomasa is reacting to something, but I don't know what that means...
Book 2-2 flashback!
Present

MC: I wonder if he has something to say?

Monomasa: Hmm...I'm not sure, but I think he's...bearing with something?
Yellow: Santa, we gotta a favor to ask!
The mobs bow in classic Japanese fashion to Astar!

Yellow: Please train us to be Santas for however long you can!
Astar: Oh...?
Astar's eyes glint.

Purple: I wanna show my kids I've been Santa!
Red: A heel Santa's a new and cool idea! Think of all the doors it'll open!
Blue: I wanna entertain kids even better!
Astar: ...ah, so you definitely want to be Santas?
Mobs: YEAH, DUDE
Astar: Even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done?
Mobs: YEAH, DUDE
Melide: Um, MC...?
MC: they're so dead

Astar takes off the beard and the kind old man act!
Astar: Got it. Follow me, punks.
Mobs: wait what
Astar: No takebacks you pansies. Nut up and get it done. You'll be reindeer this time, but I'll still be teaching you Santa stuff. Don't even think about skipping out...
Red: Wait, what happened to you just now!?
Green: Polaris, help!
Polaris Mask: We'll go to hell together!
Mobs: OH NO
MC: Welp / Yes! Misery loves company!
The mobs scream. Astar is taking none of that.

Melide: (frowns)
Melide is thinking as she looks at her hands.

Melide: (I'm sure it's on both me and Monomasa if his new variant suit isn't working right. What am I not seeing...?)
End of Episode