Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 3 (Abridged)

Amduscias: You guys!
MC: Whatcha looking at? / Wasn't he...? / (greet)
---
(A) Amduscias: UHHHH NOTHING
Leanan Sidhe: You know my classmate?
(BC) Leanan: Oh I know him! I'll introduce you guys.
---
Leanan: He's a demon that can make unearthly sounds. He also...actually, never mind. But he's a great songwriter!
Amduscias: Hey, you're a great producer too.
Leanan sees the music video and changes the subject.
Leanan: Oh, Apollo. He's so popular, Amduscias keeps picking up his new albums even though he says he isn't into him.
Amduscias: Uhhh, yeah.
Leanan: He's a top idol alongside Gabriel. Pretty much everyone stans them.
Amduscias: Huh. I TOTALLY DON'T know much about idol music, but that's important info I guess.
Amduscias relaxes thinking he hasn't been found out.
Solomon: Hmmmm, sus. But maybe we don't need to poke at him?
MC: You hate idols? / What's so different about pop idol music? / YOU LIKE IDOLS?
(A) Amduscias: Not...really? Just good reference for writing. Stop looking at me like that.
(B) Amduscias: Idol music is so much deeper! So many factors to think about making a smash banger! Uhhhh, that's what school says at least!
(C) Amduscias: What, you don't believe me? I just listen to what's popular for studying.

Amduscias is distracted, wondering what passing randos are looking at even if it isn't supposed to be him.
MC: So...wanna be an idol? We need help.
Amduscias: WHAT
Amduscias looks excited. MC and Leanan Sidhe notice.
Amduscias: ...there's no way I can be one.
Amduscias shoves his hopes and dreams back into the closet.
Amduscias: I just said I don't care about idols! I'm better as a songwriter than a performer! Leanan just said Apollo and Gabriel are the top idols right now, so even if I became a temp idol I can't get any fans to come, so why bother? Why would you even want a big lunk like me!?
MC: Joke's on you, I'm into that shit! / Why not make a new kind of idol? / hmmmm, you sure know a lot about idols
(A) Amduscias: You trying to make me a dancing bear or something!?
(B) Amduscias: Sounds nice, but it ain't realistic. I don't wanna be a joke!
(C) Amduscias: UHHHH NO I DON'T

Leanan Sidhe: (stares)
Amduscias doesn't seem into this. He's into idols, yeah, but he worries too much about if people would like him to try. Leanan sees through him.
Leanan: Sorry Amduscias, we didn't want to push you. MC believes in you, but you have a musicality no one else has. I can see it.
Amduscias hesitates.
Leanan: I won't judge MC's choices, but you know how good a producer I am, right?
Amduscias: Yeah, the whole school knows.
Leanan: I believe in what I saw in MC. What about you?
Amduscias has no response.
MC: I think you can make it and not be some gimmick, but I have no proof.

Amduscias: ...geez. Fine, I'm doing this for you Leanan Sidhe. Not because I want to.
Leanan: Hehe, I know how it is. Thanks for hearing MC out!
MC and Leanan promise to call with details later and leave.
Amduscias: (frown)
Amduscias has mixed feelings about going for his dream and his feelings on the impossibility of it.
Amduscias: Can I really make it?
Amduscias's legs shake.
Amduscias: Does MC really believe in me?
Later, at Shinjuku Station
Leanan: Thanks MC! I think this group of four will work! I think you convinced them, so cheer them on! Training comes after this!
MC: Yeah! / so it begins / welp, it's all them now
---
(A) Leanan: Good energy!
(B) Leanan: Yeah, everyone's going to grow.
(C) Leanan: Hmm, really? How they turn out depends on your direction.
---
Leanan: School's set up the dates, place, and mentor. We'll start after we get ready and let everyone know. Good work today, MC!

Leanan leaves, and MC heads home.
Back at the dorm
Mononobe: Did you say you'll be out a while for idol training?
Giving the parental unit stand in notice of the event plot!
Mononobe: Oh, you'll be a producer? Weird. And a form from Nakano Performing Arts? Around this time, the admins always--never mind. They did call earlier. Anyways, go on, don't worry about school stuff.
Solomon: Yay, good for you Master! Thank you!
Mononobe: Good luck, this is all I can do for you.
And on the day of idol training camp...
Party: WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S IN ANOTHER WORLD???
End of Episode 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

Leanan Sidhe: Let's look for people this weekend!
Time skip to the weekend! Now it's time to pick somewhere to find idols...
MC: (check Shibuya) / (check Akihabara) / (check Shinjuku)
1st location picked
Leanan: So why here first?
MC: Idol scouting happens in Shibuya! / The idol holy land / big crowds
(A) Leanan: So true, bestie.
(B) Leanan: Oh yeah, huh?
(C) Leanan: Makes sense.

Shibuya Section
Welp, time to start scouting! Leanan Sidhe rejects the randos busking nearby, so she and MC start walking around to see who's around.
Solomon: Oh my god so many people! Look at that poor girl being pushed over!
MC: Echo? / Hey, wanna be an idol? / Whatcha doin'?
---
(A) Echo: Um, hello MC.
(B) Leanan: Wait MC, start off by being nice!
(C) Echo: (gasp!) Oh, MC? Funny coincidence seeing you here.
---
Echo: Um, I was trying how to figure out how to get past the crowds.
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe. How about we go with? We can show you how to get through together
MC: Sure / OUTTA THE GODDAMN WAY, PEOPLE
(AB) Echo: Okay, thank you!
Leanan: Sure, so glad to meet you!
(C) Solomon: Master, you'll freak out your friends like that!

And so MC and Leanan Sidhe walk Echo to where she wants to go: Cafe Asterism. Lots of people in, especially this time of year. Meaning lots of people hitting on Shinya! But Kalki and Taromaiti politely make them behave.
Echo: Wow...
Echo sighs over Taromaiti.
MC: Always so busy / Wow, her customer service / Did you want to talk to her?
---
(A) Echo: Yeah. Good thing we conveniently got seats today.
(B) Echo: Yeah!
(C) Echo: UM...not really.
---
Echo: I sort of worked on my issues and now I can initiate conversations, but I'm still too scared to talk to people I've never talked to before. Makes me wish I was like Taromaiti...
Leanan: The first step is always hardest...
Leanan knows how she feels. Echo went through Valentine Timeslip, but she still wishes she were more proactive this time of year. Anyways, Echo attempts to change the subject!
Echo: Hey, the cafe workers kind of remind me of idols, heh.
Leanan: They soooo are for their stans.
MC: Wanna be an idol?

Leanan Sidhe: Yeah we want to talk to you about that!
Leanan explains this is all her doing.
Echo: For your exams? Really? I don't think I can help...
Leanan: Hmmmm... but doing it could help you be braver! Pleeeease?
Leanan Sidhe has already used Talent Scout's Eyes on Echo!
Echo: Well, I like singing, but...can I really be an idol?
MC: I'll get you the top spot! Together! / (look away)
---
(C) Solomon: I get the feeling, but you're supposed to reassure her and sell the dream, Master! Okay, I'll talk you through it!
And then Solomon helps MC relax Echo.
---
Echo: O-oka-ack! I bit myself...can I really do this?
And then MC and Leanan give Echo the schedule before leaving.
Leanan: Good job MC. We'll produce her until she's far away with the stars.
Time to pick somewhere else!

2nd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay, why here?
MC: I have someone in mind / I think I know someone here / I hope they accept...
(A) Leanan: Really? Wow!
(B) Leanan: Wow, you're like famous!
(C) Leanan: Your social web is SO big! Nice!
Akihabara Section
So many idols and idol nerds, but the goal is someone who ISN'T an idol. Someone is waddling slowly this way!
MC: Hi Vapula. You look sad. / S'up, nerd!
(AB) Vapula: Oh, MC. What vabrings you around here?
(C) Vapula: Vaput a sock in it, MC! You're a nerd too, not a jock like Akiha!

Vapula: Oh hey Leanan Sidhe. Nice seeing you, even if I can't vaput a smile on my face.
Leanan: Is it the exams?
Vapula: DO NOT VABRING UP THE FORBIDDEN--wait, are you getting MC to help you!? NOOO I MISSED OUT!
MC: Wow you knew, Leanan? / Model figures are hard, man / I'll help!
---
(A) Leanan: Creation is so deep, no matter the form.
(BC) Vapula: Oh no I already made something. I can't be vaproud of being a model maker if I can't handle that! I'm just having vaproblems with something related...
---
Vapula sighs. Then his stomach rumbles.
Solomon: Hmm, maybe you should hear him out. Hey Master, ask him out to lunch or something.
MC suggests going to the community workspace.
Leanan: I'm up for that too!

Akihabara Comm Workspace
Hey the other Creators are here too
Vapula: (munch) So we're doing this classmate collab vaproduction now. Except we have to hand out tickets for vapublicity and I suck at that.
Akiha Gongen: But we need to advertise the collab or nobody will come.
Hecate: Think of the commission clients who might show up!
Appealing to various people is hard, man.
Vapula: I knoooow, but I just wanna create things. Now I gotta vaput myself out there and ask vapeople to come? Yeah yeah, price of fame and all, but what if randos ignore you??? Akiha, vaplease go advertise instead of me!
Hecate: You can't. You'll be alone when you try some new genre.
Akiha: I mean I would, but she has a point...

Vapula: Man, why can't I be a self-vapromoter like Bael or Bathym?
Solomon: Quick, Master! There's your in!
MC: Well I know a way if you don't mind jumping in the deep end.
Leanan Sidhe: Become an idol!
Vapula: WHAT
Hecate, Catoblepas, and Kuniyoshi: I'D SUPPORT YOU
Vapula: WHAT
Kuniyoshi: A furry idol? BEST IDOL!
Hecate: Oooh, the inspiration for shipping doujins! Rivals to lovers, or boss and employee forbidden romance?
Catoblepas: It's almost like a magical girl plot!
Hmm, Vapula doesn't seem totally against the idea.
Vapula: ...y'all just setting me up for vaproduction inspo.
Akiha Gongen: I think you can do it! ...whatever idol work is!
Vapula: You're just saying that! But, hmm...
Thinking Vapula.
Vapula: Maybe I actually will go for it if everyone vaputs so much faith in me!
MC: Thanks! / You've got a long road before your debut...
---
(C) Leanan: That's where you work hard!
---
Vapula: I'M IN
MC gives Vapula the schedule and heads off.
Solomon: ...is he gonna be okay?
Leanan: Vapula can be the friendly type of idol that everyone loves. I believe in you, MC!
Time to pick somewhere else!

3rd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay. Why here?
MC: (shrug) / Fate told me / Gurren Lagann reference!
(A) Leanan: Instinct, huh? Cool.
(B) Leanan: Good idea!
(C) Leanan: Optimism!
Shinjuku Section
Solomon: Oh yeeeah, Shinjuku, our home turf! We can find an idol easy-peasy! Hey, you wanna--oh no they're already gone!
Everyone's moving fast and not interested in talking to strangers.
MC: Too many people. Maybe we should get out of the station?
Leanan: People on guard. Maybe because of crimes. Or just rudeness. Well, let's look around.
Solomon: We're not out yet, right Master!?

Lots of people around outside.
???: Hi, you lost? Maybe I can--
Hmm, a wild fusser appears!
MC: Tomte! Going home? / Good timing!
---
(AB) Tomte: Oh hi MC, haven't seen you since Christmas!
Leanan Sidhe: You know like literally everyone! Though I guess this could just be normal school stuff?
(C) Tomte: Oh my god you need me to take care of you!? YES!
Leanan: He's weird, but I know that feeling.
---
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe...you're from Tir na Nog too, aren't you?
Tomte: Yeah! I go to Santa School but I do farm work when it's not Christmas. Setagaya farm work, then sauna, then home! What brings you to Shinjuku?
MC: Stuff / (uhh...)
Tomte: Actually how about we talk over cafe drinks? I'm happy to help if possible!
Solomon: Yeeep, that's Tomte alright. Wait, don't leave me!

Later
Leanan Sidhe: Okay so no biggie, but we're idol scouting.
Exposition!
MC: No go so far. You interested? Or know anyone?
Tomte: Hmm...OKAY!
MC: WHAT / you wanna be an idol? / do you even know what idols are
(A) Tomte: Well apparently you'll have a ton of work to do, so me being an idol would make things easier! If you're okay with that.
(B) Tomte: Oh, was I supposed to ask for stuff? Don't you have a ton of work to do by Valentines?
(C) Tomte: Just a little! Some kid asked me to sing and dance with them over Christmas.

Leanan Sidhe: I never heard of someone being an idol because they wanted to help before, but I support him! What do you think, MC?
MC: He'll be popular / I know that feeling / boy we'll take anyone, huh
---
(A) Leanan: Okay!
(B) Leanan: I'll help too!
(C) Leanan: You'll make it work!
---
MC: Well thanks for joining, Tomte! / I'mma whip you into shape!
---
(AB) Tomte: Thanks for having me!
(C) Tomte: Interesting. I can take it!
---
Leanan: I've got great hopes for you!
Tomte goes back to Santa School once everything's done.
Solomon: Welp, that was random. But you can do it, Master!
(Still other places to check) Leanan: So, where next?
(All three places checked) Leanan: How about we head back to the Shibuya train station?

Moving on!
Shibuya train station
Amduscias: (stares)
Amduscias is watching an idol music video on the Crossing big screen and bopping to the music.
Amduscias: I got the whole song and dance memorized, but just copying isn't good enough to be an idol...I still wish I could be one.
Oh, that sweet summer child.
Amduscias: Huh?
Amduscias notices MC and Leanan Sidhe!
End of Episode part 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

Staff A: Five minutes until showtime! Where's the damn star!?
Tensions rising backstage!
Staff B: Uhh, I'll check the green room!
Staff C: No, they'll sue if anyone besides the manager goes! Oh right you're new. Well he'll be here soon. Not like even rising star Apollo would cancel last minute.
Green Room
Apollo: Meeeeh, go away! I got five more minutes, don't I!?
Agent A: Sir yes sir!
Agent B: You're so hot, Apollo!
Agent C: I'll lick your shoes Apollo!
Apollo's off being a little brat on the floor while the agents prep him up for the show.

Agent D: Look Apollo, fancy chocolate!
Apollo: Ooooh, nice. More!
Agent D: Oh yes sir, plenty more!
Apollo: We got a party later today right? I'm not feeling the usual place.
Agent E: It's cool, I guessed as much already and booked a new place!
Apollo: Aww, thanks babysitter manager! Okay I think I can go sing!
The agents look relieved.
Agent F: Thank you, Sir! I'll walk you to the backstage!
Stage face on!
Apollo: Cool, gonna kill it for my fans out there! Thanks managers!
Agents: Break a leg!
Apollo leaves.
Agent A: ...okay finally he's out there. Good job guys.
Agent C: Apollo was being a bigger baby than usual, huh?
Agent D: Aww, this your first time? Nice.
Agent E: At least he's cute. And when he switches on he appreciates us.
Agent C: Haven't you guys tried telling him to stop being a bitch before?
Agent E: SHUT UP HE'LL HEAR
Agent A: Break's over, back to work now. Hype team, audience industry plants! Prep team, clean up and set up for after the show! Go! 

Stage Area
Apollo: Hey you guuuuys! Having fun yet!?
Huge cheering crowd! Big fancy show and special effects just blowing the audience members' minds!
Randos: OH MY GOD APOLLO
Soooo much screaming over a pop idol that has surprisingly few media appearances and a private enough private life that no one knows what he does on his off time. Magical Tokyo security be next level, yo. So of course there's tons of stans for a mystery idol having a religious experience as Apollo sings!
Some music studio
Amduscias: Apollo is SO COOL!
Amduscias is glued to his screen.

Amduscias: He's a big a star as Gabriel with his boyish charms in mature outfits. Not like me...oh, video's done. And now I'm back on Earth again, sad.
Amduscias puts his laptop down and hooks it up to a sound panel. He checks to make sure his new song file is fine, then unplugs. Still thinking about the skill level difference between Apollo and himself, but not jealous.
Amduscias: Well, lots of people like my songs too. But no one wants a big beefy idol...
Japan's business numbers show no mercy on the demand. Oh well, time to go. Anyways, New Years just passed and Amduscias is at Nakano Performing Arts Academy at winter break. No holidays for show business!
Amduscias: Cold.
The chill of winter, or the chill of dissatisfaction? Again, who would ever want a big guy like him to sing and dance on stage?
Amduscias: Well, I guess I should focus on writing my next song. At least my newest one should fit the subject.
Everyone at Nakano is busy.

Elsewhere
Leanan Sidhe: MC, please help me with my end of term tests!
MC: WHAT / Not the T word! / Performance rolls, got it
---
(AB) Leanan: Oh it's okay, it's not actually academic stuff.
(C) Leanan: Oh thank you! But it's not singing or dancing I need help with.
---
Diner meeting with Leanan!
Leanan: So Nakano's tests are more practicals for your study specialization. And as a producer...
Flashback!
Important Teacher: Okay Leanan, you're almost perfect if you weren't so casual to your teachers! So I'mma give you a special test and make you a producer of producers. Go find a new rockstar!

Present
MC: what / oh I see now
---
(C) Leanan Sidhe: Wow you get it already?
---
Leanan: Okay so everyone I've ever produced for turned into stars, so now my teacher wants me to make a star producer. Weird, right? But he's right that I never did anything like this before since I don't think I can be a star myself. My power's the power to find talented other people, and a producer has to discover new talents. I had to think about it, and I think I know how to make this work now!
Fascinating Leanan Sidhe.
Leanan: I used my artifact to figure out who could be a star producer and you were the only result for some reason.
Leanan grabs MC's hand with both of hers.
Leanan: Pleeeease help me?
MC: NO??? / Not sensing any faith in me here! / Me, a producer?
(A) Leanan: I know you don't believe me, but I'm sure you have the chops!
(B) Leanan: I believe you'd say yes. You know you can do this!
(C) Leanan: Too sudden? I believe in you!

MC: I'm in! / okay I guess / I take no responsibility if this blows up
Leanan Sidhe: Yay, thanks MC!
Relieved Leanan.
Leanan: Okay, the assignment. We have three months for you to train and showcase some idols. Don't worry, I'm not throwing you into the deep end without any clues. I can handle the planning and business side of things. I even have a plan already.
MC: You do!? / such initiative / cool, show me
Presentation time!
Leanan: So in Japan, idols don't just perform. They inspire hope! Which means marketing! Since Valentines is soon, let's do a seasonal idol group to market some chocolate! With a diverse lineup for maximum appeal! What do you think?
MC: ooh, cool idea! / do we have any business leads? / is anyone gonna join...?
(A) Leanan: Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
(B) Leanan: I've already checked with school, they found someone who agreed.
(C) Leanan: I found a business through the school. We just need to get fans in.

Leanan Sidhe: Welp, it's up to you now. I wonder what diamonds in the rough you'll find?
MC: what now / scouting time! / guess I should ask people I know
---
(A) Leanan: Idols!
(B) Leanan: Good luck with that!
(C) Leanan: Well you do know like half the metropolitan area. But maybe you should check who's around town first?
---
Leanan: See you again this weekend! You decide where we'll go looking for people.
And that's how MC started up as an apprentice producer.
On the way home...
Solomon: Hey Master! Soooo, you looking for new idols hint hint?
MC: Talent spotted! / but people can't see you / I'm stuck with shenanigans again
---
(A) Solomon: Yup, that's me! New rock star!
(B) Solomon: And it SUCKS! I can totally be a rock star!
(C) Solomon: Oh you. But I'll be there with you!
---
Solomon: Idol training was part of my Running Gag Rank 3 Cert in Extremely Specific Tasks, so I can advise you! Can't wait to see who you come up with!
MC: Thanks! / this cannot end well
And so began MC's unprecedented producer life.
End of Episode part 

Live A Hero From the Chocolate Volcano With Love Episode 2 (Abridged)

Ah yes, Garundera, the volcano planet. Volcanos everywhere, with earthquakes and eruptions happening like all the time. But not everywhere! Some places, people can actually live there.
Ryusei: Hey MC, we're here!
Rexer: Ooh, nice and quiet here.
Hitomi: That was a long flight. The air is so clear here!
MC: Pretty! Let's get streaming right now!
TV support staff starts up a camera drone for the party.

Hitomi: Hey guys, we made it to Garundera!
Ryusei: Nice place, especially for a workout!
Rexer: So, we need to find the ingredients for the Phantom Chocolate or something?
Ryusei: Yeah, but first a tour for the viewers!
Rexer: Oh, right. Also wow, that's a lot of plants!
Hitomi: Yeah, lots of greenery as a frontier planet!
Ryusei: Not like Earth, huh. Kinda hot too.
Hitomi: Look, a village with decorations!
Ryusei: Are they waiting for us? Let's go!
MC's on camera duty. TV Staffer Green hands over a cue card.
MC: wait what
Green runs away!
MC: WAIT WHAT

Rexer: W-what's up, MC?
The rest of the party looks over, then sees Green jumping into the ship and starting it up!
Hitomi: Wait, our ride!
Rexer: Are they ditching us!?
Ryusei: Wasn't that one of the TV crew who came with us!? Then--
The space ship flies off!
Ryusei: Welp! They did say our guide would be the only help we'd be getting.
Hitomi: Wait, they're really leaving us here!?
MC: Um, he gave me this thing.
Card: Mission: Find your guide! Hint: You'll need the best [INSERT TYPE HERE] crafter in the village to find the rock cacao!
Party: WHAT

Title Card: Every Day Here Has Been Busy

The party reaches the village! Ryusei is looking at the cue card with a smile.
Ryusei: Well this is a toughie.
Hitomi: Do you think they have more surprises for us?
Rexer: Then I guess we better find our guide soon? I can scout out the village first.
Hitomi: I'm sure they haven't put us in THAT dangerous a situation.
Ryusei: Yeah, probably just make things slightly more difficult to be entertaining.
Rexer: O-oh, okay?
Rexer thinks.
MC: Something up?
Rexer: Oh, uh, nothing. I'm just not used to filming at physical locations. Usually I edit videos and do commentary.
Ryusei: Relax a little. We'll be here a while and we're here to help too!
Hitomi: Yeah, we just started. We may as well have some fun!
Rexer: R-right, thanks.
Rexer brushes his thoughts aside.
Rexer: Let's go then. MC, run the camera!
MC: Okay, here we go!

Hitomi: Hi everyone, we got ditched by the staff, but we should press on!
Rexer: We'll need to find out guide here in town.
Ryusei: Time to start talking to people!
The party walks into the village to find...
Villager A: Hello everybody!
Villager B: Make yourselves at home out here in the middle of nowhere!
Villager C: Wow, Earth celebrities! Pictures please!
It's the welcome wagon! They even set stalls up for this.

Rexer: Okay, wow.
Ryusei: Looks like they were waiting for us!
Hitomi: They're so nice! Let's go check the stalls later! Oh wait, look over there!
Hey there's human fans too!
Fan A: OMG RYUSEI
Fan B: HITOMI, OVER HERE
Fan C: REXER, DO YOUR POSE PLS
Hitomi: Wow, did they come all this way to cheer for us?
Rexer: But the trip here took hours!
MC: Okay wow, they're like Mokdai.

Rexer is slightly surprised as he waves at the fans.
Hitomi: Wow, true fan love. I'm getting excited!
Ryusei: Yeah! We gotta do our best now!
Rexer: R-right!
Hitomi: Yeah Rexer, we need to pay back everyone's kindness!
Hitomi waves. Ryusei poses. The crowd goes wild!
Rexer: Okay wow, I need to get used to this too.
Rexer is whispering to himself.
Hitomi: Actually maybe we should talk to them if they came all this way? Someone might know something about our mission!
Ryusei: Yeah, we can ask them about our hint too!
Rexer: But what goes into the blank spot on the card?
Ryusei: I've been wondering about the mention of rock cacao too.
Hitomi: Yeah, not really a word you associate with chocolate...
MC: Hmm...

Thinking party. Rexer starts thinking aloud.
Rexer: Maybe we should look for some sorta crafter? Dunno what kind though...
Hitomi: Maybe we should research the rock cacao then?
Ryusei: Sounds good! Let's try asking people about that! Hey, anyone know anything about rock cacao?
Boy A: I do!
Ryusei: Awesome! Could you tell me about it? (squats to kid's eye level)
Boy A: Wow, you don't know? It's super delish! It's super hard at first, but if you heat it until it's red it gets all melty!
Ryusei: Wow. Where can we find it?
Boy A: In the ground! Like real rocks!
Surprised party!

Hitomi: Uh...is it a kind of potato?
Rexer: Well it must be a fruit if it's called cacao...
Ryusei: But we have to mine it? Weird...
MC turns the camera towards the party.
Rexer: Doesn't that mean we'll need digging tools?
Ryusei: So we should find someone who makes them?
Hitomi: Yeah, it'd hurt to dig them out by hand.
Rexer: Who would even--whatever, maybe a blacksmith makes those?
MC: Wait, that's it!
Party: Blacksmith!
Ryusei: Thanks, kid!
Hitomi: Excuse me, is there a blacksmith in the village?
Rexer: We're looking for one!
And so the villagers started talking.

Later
Hitomi: The villagers said the smithy is this way.
Rexer: Okay I see it! Let's go in!
Ryusei: Rexer, you need to talk into this camera.
Rexer: O-oh, right.
MC: Okay, starting the stream back on!
Rexer poses for the camera before awkwardly opening the door.
Space Dwarf Ganran: Oh you guys finally made it!
MC: Hi, we're with the Chocoful program... / HOT OLD MAN
(C) Ganran: Haha, WOW that's the first thing you say to me?
Rexer: Uh, MC we're live now.

Hitomi: Hello, are you a blacksmith?
Ryusei: We're recording for the Chocoful show!
Ganran: I heard the deal! Okay, one minute...
Rexer: Uh, what?
Ganran pulls out a cue card.
Ganran: Uh..."ya-hah! You found me, the village's best blackschmidt!" I mean, smith! Yep, that's me. Oh right, "fight me if you want me to be your guide!"
MC: wow watch out guys, we have a space grammy winner here
Ganran crosses his arms and laughs.
Hitomi: So you're the guide!
Rexer: Did you just say fight you?
Ganran: Yep! Operator!
Remote transformation, go!
MC: Welp, let's do this!
Click, party transformed!
Ryusei: It's muscle time! Oh man I am killing it today.
MC: Ooh, so that's what your hero suit looks like.
Ryusei: Thanks!
Rexer: Violence, huh? Well that makes things easy.
Hitomi: Showtime!
Ganran: Haha, nice! Go big or go home! Let's GOOOO!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Ganran: Damn, nice fight!
Ganran cancels out of his suit.
Ganran: Okay, I'm your guide Ganran! Let's have a good time! (tosses cue card)
The party detransforms too.
Rexer: Glad to have you. I'm Rexer. You're tough, old man!
Ryusei: Whoa, nice muscles! Oh right, I'm Ryusei!
Ganran: Haha, well I work out every day as a hero too!
Hitomi: Well it paid off for you! I'm Hitomi Ayauta!
MC: Hi, I'm the Operator and cameraman MC!

Ganran: Okay cool, you guys are celebs? Never been on a normal TV show before, but I can show you around! Oh right, first off, welcome to my smithy.
Ganran opens the door to his smithy. Lots of stuff inside.
Ganran: So yeah, I do metalwork! Whatever you want, if it's metal I'll make it!
Ryusei: Wow, this is my first time in a blacksmith.
Hitomi: Same. We can 3D print stuff, but making stuff from scratch is nice too!
Rexer: Yeah, crafting's something I only see in games nowadays.
Ganran: True, but printing can't help with everything, especially in the middle of space nowhere. And passing down crafts is how you be a crafter.

Ganran: So anyways, you guys know about the rock cacao yet?
Hitomi: Oh yeah, the villagers told us about it!
Ryusei: I still can't wrap my head around it being something we need to dig up first...
Ganran: Cool! You'll use this for digging!
Pickaxes for everyone! Ganran points to a huge mountain.
Ganran: We can find the rock cacao there, on Choco Volcano. We'll head out tomorrow!
MC: Wait, it's a volcano!?
Ganran: Yep! You guys climbed mountains before? This one will be hotter than your average mountain!
Ryusei: Ooh, sounds like a good workout! Gotta warm up for that!

Hitomi: Okay I kind of guessed as much when I heard this was a volcano planet, but really? What if the hike ruins my makeup!?
Rexer: R-really?
Hitomi: Hello, I'm an idol! Makeup is a huge deal for me!
Rexer: O-oh! Ryusei, you worried about that too?
Ryusei is talking to his own thighs.
Ryusei: Good stretch!
Rexer: ...the trek is TOMORROW, stupid!
MC: He's so into it / Awesome!
Ganran: Welp, guess you guys will be fine! Oh yeah, you came all the way from Earth right? Lemme show you way to your hotel!
And so Ganran hangs onto all the pickaxes and leads the party to a ridiculously fancy hotel.

Later
???: Damn, look at all these new minerals!
MC: Familiar voice!
Obsidius: Oh wow, MC? Damn, imagine running into you all the way out here! Exciting!
MC: Obsidius! / Haven't seen you since Aques!
---
(B) Obsidius: Yeah! Miss me? Kidding!
---
Rexer: Oh, you know MC? Nice to meet ya.
Obsidius: Oh hey, I'm Obsidius, Heroic Educators hero and mineralogy professor. I worked with MC once before.
Obsidius looks at the party and figures the deal.
Obsidius: Oh, you guys doing the Chocolate Hunters thing?
Ganran: Wow, you guys are famous!
Hitomi: You know about that? Thank you!
Ryusei: Yeah, we're here to make the Phantom Chocolate.
Obsidius: So MC's the cameraman with the camera drone? Nice meeting ya guys!

Obsidius: Wild how the show reserved a whole ass volcano!
MC: WHAT
Obsidius: Yeah I'm here for a geological survey when Neo Talents called me up and asked if I'd help with the show. Then they told me about the reservation. Also, there's so many new minerals around here!
Obsidius shows off his haul!
Ganran: Nice! Dunno about rocks, but I might have some spare metals.
Obsidius: Awesome!
Hitomi: They get along so well.
Rexer: Yeah, dude loves rocks!
Ryusei: ...wait, is our show getting in the way of science stuff then?
Rexer: Oh shit, maybe?
Obsidius: It's cool! Just me anyways, and this is all I could carry back before the show started.
Big backpack.
MC: Oh so that's why you're dressed like that / Nice outfit!
(A) Obsidius: Yeah, good for mountain hiking. This is my usual fieldwork fit!
(B) Obsidius: Thanks! But it's college issued for mountaineering. I like it though!

Obsidius: I'm pretty much done with sample collection. No need to hurry on my account, I could take forever on the analysis!
Ryusei: Oh thanks!
Hitomi: We'll finish things with the rock cacao as fast as we can!
Obsidius: Ohh, that. Did you hear that it's an edible mineral?
Rexer: WHAT? It's not some rock hard plant!?
Obsidius: Yep. It's a legit rock you can eat. I was SO pumped to dig some up, but it's pretty hard to find.
Ganran: Oh yeah, I've barely seen any myself.
Ryusei: W-wait, can we really find any then?
Rexer: Cool, rare item hunt!
Obsidius: That's the spirit! Leave some for me! ...kidding. Anyways I'll be around, but I'll be watching you guys! Good luck with the thing!
Obsidius walks off to his room.
Hitomi: How wild. Also he gave us a lot of info on the rock cacao.
Rexer: That's a rock specialist for you, right?
Ganran: Nice, good luck tomorrow!
Ryusei: Sounds exciting!
Hitomi: Let's do our best, everybody!
Party: YEAH!
MC: ...and cut! Good job, guys!
Drone's off, everyone relaxes and claps for each other. But also...
Rexer: Tomorrow, huh...?
End of Episode 

Shining New Year Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Qinglong: Ah, MC. How nice to see you again.
Amanojaku: H-hi MC, Touji. I'm glad to see you.
Reverse Amanojaku: BUT NOT REALLY
Guess who?
Qinglong: How is everyone? Busy with school work?
MC: Hey! Oh wait, phone call from Sensei, excuse me!
Qinglong: Heading for the stalls? Let's go together.
Later
Mononobe: Hello MC, we can finally talk now.
MC: Thanks for coming, Sensei! / (introduce everyone) / (hug Mononobe)
(C) Mononobe is surprised but okay with this.

Mononobe: So you know MC? I hope they didn't put you through any shenanigans.
Qinglong: Oh no, they're a great help.
Yig: What is your relationship with MC, Mononobe!?
Mononobe: Uh, homeroom teacher and legal guardian.
Yig: (gasp!) And how did that come to be!?
MC: It just happened.
Yig: (GASP!)
Mononobe: Your school paperwork's finally processed. Have you thought about whether you'd be a student or teacher? Also, have you contracted with someone yet?
Touji: Oh, right, I forgot that you are a Stray.
Takeminakata: Ahh, and now you can do some Sort Of Familial New Year customs with your guardian here. Such a capable leader.
Yig: WHAT
Mononobe gives exposition.
Yig: Y-you already have a father figure MC? And this contract would put you above me???
MC: what

Yig: This strange man referred to his muscles as some Buddha Sensor nonsense and asked where I was going before saying he'd be back next semester. I wanted to be a father, but what even is that anymore?
Some weirdo spitting pointed asks! And now some replacement's in front of him.
MC: Um, wanna contract? Or we could go look for someone to take you. (holds out hand)
Yig: O-okay.
Yig takes MC's hand. MC's phone gives an error message!
MC: WHAT? ...zero type?
Zero types have no unique role/power combos. Yig's fangs autotarget anyone not his children. Anyone not tagged as his children is defined as an enemy. Logic error, identity crisis! Yig goes out of control and starts crushing MC's hand!
Qinglong: Wait, Yig or whatever your name is. What disturbs you so?
Reverse Amanojaku: What the fuck is up with those fangs!?
Mononobe: Is it reacting to MC or my All type!?
Touji and Takeminakata: MC!
MC: wait WHAT HELP

Touji and Takeminakata run in to help when Yig wraps around MC! MC gets saved and a battle area deploys before Yig tears something off!
Yig: wait what was I--
The battle area deploying draws Yig's power out and returns his mind! But he's still unable to control himself...
Yig: OH NO HELP
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Yig: NOOOOO
MC: Too fast! Protect Sensei!
Mononobe: I'll be fine, I can defend myself.
Touji: He'll grind us down at this rate! Yig, hold on!
Yig: My fangs unconsciously curse anyone I see as an enemy!
Qinglong: Hmmmm. That means MC can conveniently solve this and end the battle.
Takeminakata: How'd you figure that out!? And how do we do that!?
Touji: Business as usual. We'll create an opening.
Mononobe: But the elemental type chart!
Amanojaku: Oh no, MC! Look out below!
Some fang animates into a snake and jumps out! Another flanks from behind!
MC: OH NO

Mononobe shoves MC out of the way!
Yig: YOU
Yig's fang snakes attack Mononobe!
Qinglong: Leave him, focus on Yig! Amanojaku, go!
Amanojaku switches to Reverse Amanojaku!
Reverse Amanojaku: Reverse magic!
Reverse Amanojaku causes the fang snakes to switch targets to Yig!
Reverse Amanojaku: It'll last that one attack!
Qinglong: Well then, I trust you to follow up after me.
Takeminakata: wait what do???
Qinglong: Noble Phantasm activate, Azure Dragon's Protection!
Takeminakata: Ooh, I get it now! Sumo wrestler's lucky tradition thing!
Takeminakata grabs Yig and slams him down!
Yig: OOF
Touji: Right. Don't mess this up, MC.
MC: Plot sword, activate! (POW)
Amanojaku: (gasp!) So violent!
Mononobe: Well damn MC, hold back a little.
Flashback!
Jizo: What does thou seek and wish to be sought for? And for whom?
Present
Okay, battle over.

Later
Yig is handing out apology food.
Qinglong: Such delicious sweets. Also well done back there, Amanojaku.
Amanojaku: Ehe, thanks for believing in me.
Takeminakata: It all ended okay. Dang MC, all your friends are strong.
Touji: MC pulls us into enough nonsense to kill us if we didn't get stronger.
Mononobe: MC, are you okay? You seem fine from the outside...
MC: Yeah. What about you? Sorry you got caught in that thing.
Mononobe: All that matters is that you're okay...but yeah I'm fine, thanks. Let's have snacks then.

Yig stares. MC looks happy to be spending time with Mononobe. Mononobe seems happy spending time with MC, maybe? Qinglong and Amanojaku are...something he can't place.
Yig: I guess you win, Mononobe.
Mononobe: At what? I lose like all the time.
Yig: What?
Mononobe: The other day I was so lost my students had to help me. And I struggle with being a legal guardian. Maybe we can learn together?
Yig: Hmm...always studying to be a father? I never thought of that. Is that what he meant...?
Inari: Hello! I had some downtime and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Inari. Agyou told me about you, Yig. You on break?
Yig: ...no I'm about to reopen. Sorry guys, I'll talk more and thank you later since I chose to do this work myself.
Touji: And I have shrine customs to get ready for.
Qinglong: I'll go see the bonfire. See you later.
Amanojaku: Later!
Mononobe: I'll check out the charms on sale.
Takeminakata: I have no plans. Anyone need help?
Touji: Help me cook New Year's food then?
Takeminakata: Okay!
MC: (help Yig) / (help Takeminakata) / (hang with Mononobe)

[Yig's Section]
Yig: You want to help me? Well...okay. Can you handle the money and sales while I cook?
Procession of mobs!
MC: People are coming and saying it's good. How much did you practice?
Yig: I was up all night. Here, more snacks are up.
Yig: (blush)
Yig: Wow it's really nice being helped by someone who might become my child. You can sit on my tail if you're tired!
His tail is crawling over already. Cold, smooth, and a little stretchy.
Yig: Hmm. I've changed after contracting you and I believe I know why after what happened. I do not qualify as "father" and am now just Yig. I identify as a father figure, but I originally was just there. The world changes, then so does my identity. Good enough for now. I'm still going to be the best dad ever!
And so Yig and MC have a sort of family experience and sell out their things.
MC: (go see Takeminakata) / (go see Mononobe) / (go see the gang)

[Takeminakata's Section]
Helping Takeminakata since there's time before other New Years event stuff!
Takeminakata: Okay yeeeeah there's a ton of stuff to move so thanks! You know, I'd love to make a huge pot of stew.
Time to chop meat and veg.
Takeminakata: So the New Year's mochi is a wish for money and health. Which means my job is symbolically supporting those wishes. Anyways, we boil this with the dashi and then we're done. Thanks for helping MC, we should make stew together next time.
Boiling time! Takeminakata seems shy all of a sudden.
Takeminakata: It's just us now so...here's my autographed hand print. For good luck.
MC: Thanks! I'll hang it up. (hug)
Good times. Takeminakata looks after the pot and MC wanders off.
MC: (go see Yig) / (go see Mononobe) / (go see the gang)

[Mononobe's Section]
Mononobe looks surprised MC is coming to see him.
Mononobe: Aren't you going to hang with your friends? You want to be with me? Well okay, I'll buy you a charm. For whatever it's worth given the stuff you get up to.
Mononobe and MC walk through the shrine. Lots of people, so Mononobe puts a hand on MC's shoulder to guide them over to the line.
Mononobe: As your teacher and guardian, I do have to tell you to stop getting into shenanigans, but part of me thinks that's cool too. Like earlier today.
MC: It's because you're here. / You'd fight for your students. / You saved me, Dad.
Mononobe: Heh, oh you. Well let's just say I'm old. I'll try to keep up until you graduate...stop looking at me like that, I'm just saying that you little weirdo.

Later
Mononobe: Okay, these good luck charms then.
MC: (put them on) / I think I'm good now / wait I really should pay!
Mononobe: Charms are supposed to work when someone gives them to you. Besides, not like I can do much else for you.
Calming aura.
Mononobe: Well we still have time, so how about we get in line for the shrine visiting? Nothing serious, I just have little time to be with you because of my job. A little family time would be nice.
When MC and Mononobe get in line for the shrine box...
Solomon: Psst, Master...you look happy. Must be nice, but it's fine since I'm your butler. I'll do you and Father proud so--
Solomon and Mononobe AR scene!
Solomon: UHHHH
Mononobe: Happy New Year, Salmonis. And good job.
Solomon: O-oh, happy...New Year...Father...
Mononobe: I bought good luck charms for you too. MC? Let it go for today. I'm so glad we all got to greet the new year together.
A prayer for happiness that will withstand the flow of time...
MC: (go see Yig) / (go see Takeminakata) / (go see the gang)

[Moving on!]
Almost time for the new year's mochi! Yig gets to the meeting spot first.
Yig: My child MC, I ran out of food but that let me get here early. I have to thank Inari for his help. Also I was going to tell your guardian, but I think I'll go attend Shinjuku as well since you're there. Your guardian might teach me to be a better father too.
MC: Kouhai? / No kidnapping, okay / Call me your child
---
(A) Yig: Kouhai, father, either works.
(B) Yig: I DID NO SUCH THING AND I WILL NOT SAY OTHERWISE...I'll be your kouhai, father, whichever.
(C) Yig: Heh, if that is what you want then no one will stop us! ...I'll be your kouhai, father, whichever.
---
Yig: And the guild thing? I'll join yours and make it my home. Any invaders must die, yes guildmaster?
Handshake! The underground snake who stood in for the sun and a father but was never either not ever saw the sun sits beneath the new year's sun now.
Yig: I am Yig, father and student! Time to learn what kids these days are saying!
Where will he go in his bright new future? What does he hope for? Nobody knows.
The End 

Shining New Year Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

One day, Father Yig noticed he was alone. How does a father end up alone? He blessed his children and cursed his children's enemies. How??? They flocked to someone else? The utter betrayal! Protecting his children means not protecting anything else. The rebellion they committed after? How dare!? And then everyone stopped calling him Father and went away. And then Yig thought, "what's the point of being a father with no children?" And then he realized he didn't know what his children were thinking. What does children even mean, and what differentiates them from him? The void gives zero answers, and Yig fears history repeating if he gets new children.
Flashback!
Mononobe: Oh okay, come study at Shinjuku then. I'm like you, always learning from my students. Oh whoops, I got work to get back to. Okay see you again later, bye.

New Year's break at the dorm
MC wakes up late.
MC: what time is it? / five more minutes...
---
(C) It's break time, the world can go away for a bit.
Yig: Oh okay, I shall guard your slumber.
---
Yig: Hello MC, did you rest well after all you did last night?
MC: !? / oh I'm still dreaming / morning
(A) Yig: Are you still sleepy? Very well, rest more.
(B) Yig is in a good mood and here for some reason.
Yig: Hello MC! It was pleasant watching you sleep.
(C) Yig: Hello MC! It was pleasant watching you sleep.

Yig joined the Summoners! He's living with everyone at the safehouse to teach him Japanese customs.
MC: Why are you here!? / How'd you get in? / Were you watching me all this time?
---
(C) Yig: Indeed.
---
Yig: Good thing Foreigner Teleport still works without nerfs. Now I can reach you at any time if--
knock knock
Touji: Hello MC, I sensed Yig here. Motoori told me about him. Yig, this is a no trespassing zone.
Yig: (gasp!) I can't even enter my child's room!?
MC: is the paperwork in yet? / only if no one finds out!
(C) Yig: Oh, you make a fine point!

Touji: It means it's a big deal if people find out!
Yig: Even though I'm a father, even if not officially so?
Touji: The law doesn't care. MC would also get penalized if you stayed without permission.
Yig: (GASP!)
Touji: So go back to the safehouse. I heard that's where you're staying now.
Yig: Very well. Come see me soon, MC!
Yig curls up, rattles his tail, and teleports out.
MC: Nice handling / wow you're letting so much slide / happy new year's Touji
---
(AB) Touji: ...you're a bad influence.
(C) Touji: Ugh, you. Happy New Year's.
---
Touji: Hougen-sensei says thank you. As do I for helping on short notice.
MC: You too. How was shrine work? / Sorry we didn't ask you about stuff
---
(AB) Touji: Busy, but no big trouble.
---
Touji: Yig joining us isn't too surprising. If he's trying to integrate, I will help as well then. Come down when you're ready. There is...so much mail for you from other schools.

Later
Yig: Life in this world is haaaaard. Oh wait, I need to pull it together. I must learn the ways of love so my children won't LEAVE ME THIS TIME! ...oh, they're here!
Yig almost bumps the ceiling and checks to see if anyone notice.
Yig: Hmm, why does MC enthrall me so? My soul is screaming I'm your father now, yet something seems strange...
Foreigner Teleport!
Tsathoggua: I can't believe I'm leaving my room to TALK to people on New Years. But anything for MC, hehehe-- wait what?
Yig: !?

Outside
Agyou: Oh right, Yig has Foreigner Teleport too. But using it to actually go see someone is sad, huh. I know how it--ACTUALLY NO I TOTALLY DON'T!
MC runs into Agyou on the way to the safehouse and open the door.
Yig: :angry:
Tsathoggua: And this item is...
MC: oh right same homeworld / wow they're getting along playing? / Daddy!
Yig: ...
Yig: OH! Hello MC!
Tsathoggua: Hello MC, Agyou! I was in bed this whole time and forgot to call before coming over. Yig told me he's using modern RPGs to learn culture.
Yig: I-indeed. Hello Agyou. Are you two cold?
Awkward silence.
MC: awkward / wait

Agyou: Uhhhh, weird but maybe not that bad?
Tsathoggua: Well, things happened.
Yig: MC, have I ever told you of the utter betrayal my children committed once? They left me for HIM! Why!?
Tsathoggua: Uh, I dunno either.
Yig: Well maybe I'll find out soon!
MC: okay weird relationship / you don't blame him? / (Agyou, explain)
Agyou: Wow, you didn't curse him?
Yig: ...it only works on people I see as enemies of my children and I know Tsathoggua did nothing at all really.
Agyou: Whatever then! Let's go have fun!
Yig: Indeed. MC, play a game with me?
Tsathoggua: I'm in. Hanuman's coming later too, so let's play some team games!
MC: You're going down, Yig! / Let's go, dad / You're cleaning if you lose, Tsathoggua
(A) Yig: Come at me! Also, what is a team game?
(B) Yig: Of course! Also, what is a team game?
(C) Agyou: Cool!
Yig: Ooh, something new to study.
Tsathoggua: Then I get unlimited honey candies all day if I win!

That night
Yig: What manner of sorcery are these games?
MC: aw, you were like a kid / u mad / I had fun
---
(B) Yig: How can Tsathoggua be so skilled...?
(C) Yig: ...that's good then.
---
Yig: I'm doing better next time. And I promise not to break into your room again.
And so MC goes back to the dorm.
MC's Room
Solomon: Yig is so cool! But I know what he's missing because I know Father so well.
MC: what / hmmmm
Solomon: Father probably won't ever just say it outright. Anyways, good night!

Next day
Yig: Hello MC, I made this thing you call lunch!
Kengo: did you stick scissors into alien octopus with a crumbling tofu ball thing?
Moritaka: W-what am I looking at?
Yig: An Old Ones special. Eat!
MC: uhhhh? / hm, smells fine
Evils: Yay!
Shirou: Well that's a first.
Touji: Which would mean--Ryouta wait, we should get Tsathoggua's opinion first!
Ryouta: I can't turn down food without trying it first! (munch)
...
Ryouta: I CAN SEE THE RAINBOOOOW (flop)
Gang: RYOUTA!

Some other day
Takeminakata: That happened? Huh. How about I teach you how to make a stew for sumo wrestlers then?
Some OTHER day on the longest New Years break ever
Agyou: Oh my gods this mess. Fine, I clean up and you wipe up okay?
Yig: Very well then. Would you like to be my child?
Agyou: I'M NO CHILD AT ALL! And I have Grandpa Ungyou!
Yig: Oh okay. What's he like then?
Agyou: Okay I guess I can tell you that...why'd you bring bleach and detergent?
Yig: Wouldn't mixing them together be better for cleaning?
Agyou: NO WAIT STOOOOP

Some day after school starts again
Yig: MC, let's go visit the shrine!
MC: okay / again? / oh right you didn't really do the visit thing
---
(A) Moritaka: Wow you can roll with anything.
---
Touji: It's not like shrine visiting is restricted in any way, and next holiday is Jan. 11th for mochi things.
MC: Yep. Also might give another shot at asking HIM to come too.
Yig: I also asked Touji to evaluate my cultural studies. Let's go!

January 11th
Time to go to Shinjuku Shrine! Yig is getting stuff ready. Takeminakata comes to talk.
Takeminakata: Look at the snake decorations! Is Yig making the stew I taught him about?
MC: You did that? / Teach me! / maybe...
---
(A) Takeminakata: Wait, I wasn't supposed to say that!
(B) Takeminakata: Okay! ...wait, I wasn't supposed to say I taught Yig about the stew!
---
Takeminakata: He tried hard. He should be fine, especially if Touji thinks so too.

Shrine grounds
Yig seems happy among the stalls.
MC: Wait, Yig's manning a stall!?
Yig: Ah, MC you've come! Hello Takeminakata. Apologies for being late, but Touji said it gets busy after noon.
Takeminakata: Are you making mitarashi dango?
Yig: Indeed! A moment while I make some.
Yig cooks up some dango sticks!
Takeminakata: Wow! Sweet soy sauce, red bean paste, and what's this one?
Yig: Green soybean mash and ramune soda. All handmade!
MC: That was fast. And this time we probably won't have a medical emergency.

Touji: Hello. I taste tested the food and it is safe for consumption. It's surprising how well he's gotten in just a few days.
Yig: Shirou taught me. Look! I made a snake out of bean paste and sugar.
Takeminakata: Wow, you really learn fast.
Yig: I'm not the Father of All Snakes for nothing! Maybe I will find children who will be mine while I show I can make a living. You will all call me Father in time! Such an ingenious plan of mine.
MC: So motivated / No going crazy / let's cook together!

Yig: Oh go on and play with your friends MC. Maybe they'll become your brothers.
Touji considers saying something but doesn't. The gang eats snacks and walks around.
Touji: I have...concerns with Yig's idea of what a father is.
Takeminakata: Seems fine to me?
MC: He's just new / he's def a good guy! / yeah, not feeling the dad vibes
---
(A) Takeminakata: Oh yeah, not even two weeks huh?
Touji: I suppose so.
(B) Takeminakata: Yeah, he's been around less then two weeks.
Touji: Hmm, that could be it.
---
Touji: I get the feeling Yig's lost and confused.

Later
The gang comes back. Yig has no line at his stall.
Yig: But why though!? They were here five minutes ago!
Okay some people buy his stuff, but no one is really lining up.
Yig: Whyyyy? It's the snake year.
Boy A: Look, some fox guy is selling awesome bentos! He's blowing up on Twitter too, I gotta get one before he runs out!
Girl B: Ohh, me too!
Yig: Hmmmm... >:C
Inari's line
Inari: Hello, get your special bentos right here!

Yig: (gasp!) Could MC be in that line too!? A curse on their house...if they actually are there! I must find them!
???: Beg pardon, I'd like to order something, Sir Grumpy.
Yig: How DARE you interrupt my vindictive grumping! A curse upon YOUR--
Jizo: I WANT ONE OF EVERYTHING THOU HAS
Yig: HELP???
Later
Jizo: Ah yes, this will surely be loved by children! Just give it a few more minutes until people want sweet things after lunch time, as it so happens to be right now.
Yig: Wait, THAT'S why I have no line now?
Jizo: Indeed, unless you keep putting on that fearsome face. Now, a tip for you. What dost thou seek and from whom do you want to be sought by? For what?
Yig: W-what?
Jizo: Ah, my Buddha's Muscle Sensor is going off! See you next semester or something! (pop)
Yig: What. Well that distracted me...
Yig might've actually cursed someone if he wasn't distracted since his artifact subconsciously activated.
Yig: ...would MC have abandoned me if I did? What is parental relations even?
Mononobe: Hello I've brought milk. Is MC and their friends here?
Yig: YOU
End of Episode half 

Live A Hero From the Chocolate Volcano With Love Episode 1 (Abridged)

Danzo: YOOOO Dz.Ninja IN THE HOUSE! We're here with Neo Talents Production's new show!
Hitomi: Hey you guys, welcome to Chocolate Influencers! We're here to spread Valentines across the galaxy!
Danzo: Hey Hito-chan, ready for some HOT SICK BEATS?
Hitomi: Yep! Presenting our new song Chocofull!
Danzo: Hell yeah!
Showtime! Neo Talents Production is a big name in the Earth Sphere or whatever, so this show is playing EVERYWHERE on Earth!

Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Yay, hot chocolate with marshmallows! Here's yours, Sui.
Sui: Thanks, I love hot chocolate.
Mokdai: 'tis the season! Oh look it's starting!
It's the show Danzo and Hitomi are on!
Mokdai: Oh my god it's there new song!
Sui: You seem excited today.
Mokdai: Because a bunch of Neo Talents peeps are getting together to put on a show! Chocofull was all they said about it before, so everyone was wondering what was up! What kind of nerd would I be if I passed on watching!?
Sui: O-oh, okay then.
Mokdai: Also I heard you made Hitomi's outfit. Wow!
Sui: Yeah. Master did Kouki and Danzo's. Dancer adapted fits.

The door opens.
MC: Hi guys, smells good in here. God it's cold out!
Akashi: Hey guys, it's real cold outside.
Ryekie: Haha, Akashi, don't forget to gargle, wash your hands, and dump static electricity?
Akashi: Uh, okay? Did all that...oh right you blew up a computer the other day.
Ryekie: Yeah...I don't want Huckle on my case again!
Mokdai: Hi guys, there's hot chocolate for three all set up.
Akashi: Cool! I'll go make them then.
MC: I'll help! / Thanks, Akashi!
(A) Akashi: Nah, it's cool. You seemed pretty cold while we were out, so you can wear my jacket if you want.
(B) Akashi: No problem. Go sit down.

Ryekie: So what's on the space TV?
Sui: I did Hitomi's dress design so we're watching her program. It's good reference too.
Ryekie: That dress? Wow, cool design!
MC: Oh my god, pretty! And Danzo's there too!
MC and Ryekie sit down too.
Studio
Danzo: Cool song, huh!? Thanks for listening!
Hitomi: Show's not over yet though!
Camera pan...
Kouki: Wasn't that amazing, Sirius? Hello, Kouki Inukura here! And we have more Neo Talents heroes on set!
Rexer: I'm Rexer! Game on, guys!
Ryusei: And I'm Ryusei! Look at my modeling!
Kouki: Let's move on to the interview portion where we heard about a Phantom Chocolate! Remember that, Sirius?
Sirius: Bark!
Kouki: I know right? Okay, play the video!

Beep boop
Kouki: Hello!
Girl A: OMG CUTE???
Kouki: Thank you! We're doing an interview for our new show and spreading chocolate awareness across the galaxy! Can you share any memories related to chocolate?
Girl A seems excited.
Girl A: UHHHH WOW I'M ON THE SPOT NOW SO uhhh...well when I first came to Earth I heard it was a way of showing love. We don't have that on my home planet so I gave chocolate to everyone and blew some minds.
Kouki: Wow! Did you know you can also give other things too?
Girl A: Whooooa! Oh right, have you heard? Has anyone told you? The rumor of the Phantom Chocolate! Somewhere in space, there's a planet where you can find cacao beans as pretty as jewels! And if you make your own chocolate with it and give it to someone, you'll be together five-ever.
Kouki: Woooow! Thanks, time to ask other people next!
And then Kouki goes on to interview other irrelevant people.

Studio
Kouki: So yeah, giving chocolate is mostly an Earth thing!
Ryusei: But giving presents to express yourself happens elsewhere too at least!
Rexer: Yep. Also wow Kouki is popular.
Ryusei: I wonder what this Phantom Chocolate thing is?
Rexer: If it's rare, I want it!
Kouki: Well, about that!
Kouki snaps his fingers. The lights go off for a second. When the lights turn back on, the Neo Talents heroes are grouped up!
Kouki: Okay, we're going to spread the chocolate gifting culture in and out of the Earth Sphere! We'll be working on it from this end!
Danzo: Your hosts Dz. Ninja, Kouki, and Sirius will be doing the talk show here in town! Then...?
Hitomi: The three of us will do a documentary bit on the outside of the Earth Sphere!
Rexer: Hitomi, Ryusei, and I will be Chocolate Hunters over on the frontier planet Garandera. Fingers crossed we figure out the Phantom Chocolate thing!
Ryusei: And we'll also showcase Garandera's customs too!
Excited audience! Kouki and Danzo smile for the camera!

Kouki: We're also going to put the Chocolate Hunters through game show shenanigans while they make it!
Danzo: Damn, so the only people helping them on site is their guide!?
Team Chocolate Hunters: !?
Kouki: Yeah, the TV staff will be there to cause problems!
Danzo: Welp! And now it's time to randomly pick a collab Operator and cameraman and hero from some agency!
Kouki: Will Team Chocolate Hunters manage to make their chocolates!?
Danzo: And who will they give it to!? WHOO!
Rexer: Wait, this isn't just some talk show!?
Hitomi: Y-yeah, this is news to me too!
Ryusei: Same.
Kouki: Surprise! The agency told us not to tell you.
Danzo: Well just making chocolate isn't that exciting, so good luck with that. Anyways collab roulette, go! Whoever gets picked is going on site too!
And then the roulette wheel starts spinning.

Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Wow, exciting!
Sui: They kept it from Hitomi too? Wow.
Ryekie: Well that sure is surprising!
Akashi: Hi guys, the hot chocolate is ready--!?
Beep boop, the roulette wheel has stopped!
Kouki: Hmm...the lucky winner is... PARALLEL FLIGHT!
Surprised gang!
Ryekie: Wow, that's us! ...wait.
MC: UHHHH
Gang: WHAAAAT
Akashi: What just--ow, I burned myself!
Sui: Akashi, are you okay!?
Mokdai: Wait, was this recorded earlier!? I haven't heard of anything!

Melide: Hello. W-why are you all yelling?
Yoshiori: Ugh, you dopes. What is--wait what!?
Ryekie: HUCKLE! HUUUUCKLE!
Monomasa: Why are you being so loud? ...I mean that's normal for you but still.
Yoshiori: Wait, what the hell is going on!?
Sui: If you're fine, take off your clothes before they stain.
Akashi: NOW!? W-wait, I can take it off myself!
Mokdai: Guys, the show's still explaining stuff! I can't hear!
Yoshiori: Why the hell are you going topless!?
Akashi: Because it was hot, stupid!
Yoshiori: It's winter right now! Did you bang your head on something!?
Exio: (walks in) Hmm… MC, explain?
MC: Well...
The studio audience is getting loud and excited. Parallel Flight is getting even louder.

Title Card: To Whom It May Concern, How are You?

Rexer: Long time no see, MC and Parallel Flight!
Several days after the show...
MC: Rexer! / Wow, so many celebrities! / Haven't seen you since the Hero Grand Prix!
---
(A) Rexer: Yeah, haven't been around much but I've been doing hero work with Neo Talents.
(B) Rexer: Sounds weird being called that.
(C) Rexer: Yeah, thanks for back then. It's thanks to you I can do this!
---
Hitomi: Hi everybody, it's me! Hitomi Ayauta!
Ryusei: Nice to meet you all! Hitomi and Rexer told me about you guys. I'm Ryusei, fitness model!
MC: Nice to meet you! / a what now / hot
(A) Ryusei: So you're the one everyone's talked about! Glad to meet you!
(C) Ryusei: Wow thanks!

Ryusei: Oh right, introductions! I used to be an athlete and now I do shows and events about getting fit! (flexes) Man I'm in top shape today!
More checking himself out.
Sui: Uhh...
Ryusei: Oh, sorry! Checking my muscles is a habit now!
Mokdai: Oh my god I got to see Ryusei checking himself out!
Akashi: Oh yeah, you stream your workouts all the time huh!
Ryusei: You watch those? Thanks!
Akashi: I work out for baseball, so those help!
Rexer: Ryusei helps with my workout routine too. He's like a personal trainer.
Ryusei: You're still growing, so you'll beef up soon!

Time to change the subject!
Rexer: So you saw the show the other day, right? We came to ask for your help.
Hitomi: Could you start filming like right away? Footage for the documentary!
Ryusei: It'll be edited for broadcasting, but you also good with livestreaming?
Huckle: Oh yeah, the producers mentioned a main show and a behind the scenes stuff. We're fine with that, right?
Akashi: Y-yeah! ...I still get stage fright outside hero work.
Hitomi: Just relax and it'll be fine!
Akashi: O-okay...!

Sui: We're focused on fighting when on stream, right? I still get nervous doing research and stuff in public.
Ryekie: You'll get used to it!
Yoshiori: Maybe if you're Zap the Justice, I guess...
Exio: I think he actually believes that. Well if we have camera work to do, we should hang back. Except for Yoshiori since most people still can't see him.
Monomasa: Let's go to another room...Melide, what are you looking at?
Melide: Wow, celebrities...
Melide is still looking at the Neo Talents heroes while Monomasa leads her away by hand.
Sui: I know we work under two famous heroes, but it's still weird having stars in the office.
Akashi: But we had a king and a Santa come in already.
MC: No sweat / help / autographs?

Huckle: Guys, focus. Sorry about all this.
Ryusei: It's cool! I like talking to people!
Hitomi: Let's get filming out of the way and talk more later!
Rexer: Yeah! Get the drone started!
click
Rexer: Ahem, I'm Rexer of the Chocolate Hunters and we're at Parallel Flight.
Hitomi: We're asking them to help with the show!
Ryusei: This is the agency Zap the Justice is in!
Hitomi: Say hi to Director Huckle, everybody!
Viewer friendly explanation of the program to Huckle.
Rexer: And that's what we're doing.
Ryusei: Can we get an Operator from your agency to come to Garandera with us?
Mokdai: We saw your show!
Ryekie: I couldn't believe it when I saw the results!
Huckle: It was surprising, but we'd be happy to help.

The next room over
Yoshiori: ...this is a rush job to find replacement people, isn't it? Man they're doing good to fix things from that.
Exio: Hero business is still business and Neo Talents has the biggest spread. Sounds like a good deal to me.
Yoshiori: Oh, um, well...
Monomasa: Wait, are you worried about MC going off alone?
Yoshiori: !?
Yoshiori: L-like hell I am, dumbass!
Melide: Yoshiori, they'll hear you if you keep shouting.

Main office area
Huckle: Anyways, let's introduce our Operator.
MC: Hi, I'm MC!
MC takes a step forward towards the drone.
Hitomi: Thank you for joining us, MC! Oh, I've worked with them before actually!
Rexer: Same. They were my Operator at the Hero Fest!
Ryusei: Cool! I was wondering what they were like when you guys told me! Thanks for joining, MC!
Handshakes all around.
Hitomi: So yeah, we want you to come with us and work the camera. And be our Operator if it comes to that for making the Phantom Chocolate.

Rexer: They got live volcanoes over there in Garandera. Apparently the Phantom Chocolate ingredients are there?
Ryusei: At an active volcano? Really?
Rexer: Don't look at me. But because of that, they call it the Choco Volcano.
MC: Welp, gotta check it out! / sounds legit / uhhhh
Hitomi: Interested? Well they call it Phantom because you can only find a little bit at a time.
Ryusei: Guess we gotta see for ourselves!
Hitomi: This will be fun!
Team pose!
Huckle: Be careful over there, MC!
MC: Right! Thanks for having me, team!
Rexer nods back.

Later
Rexer: Okay, that's enough filming!
Hitomi: Thank you again, everybody!
Akashi: Oh my god, I only introduced myself and I already need to sit down.
Ryekie: Well we put our name out there, so that's fine! It was more about asking for an Operator anyways! It might be a lot of editing, but good luck out there!
Rexer: We'll be there too, no worries. Oh, but make sure you have everything you need.
Hitomi: Right, we're going in next time we meet!
Ryusei: We'll keep you safe, promise!
MC: I'll do my best too! / wonder what the place is like? / So exciting!
And that's how MC got on a work trip to another planet.
End of Episode