Saturday, October 31, 2020

Fortune Festival's Happy Illusion Episode 5 Part 1

Things start off with Balor again, who is now hanging around somewhere in Little Tir na Nog instead of back at Nerima like I figured every other meeting was at as he waits for another meeting that he's arranged. That turns out to be with Tezcatlipoca, who turns up greeting him and apologizing for the wait since he's been busier than expected with festival committee work. Balor in turn laughs at how much of a good mood Tezcatlipoca is in, and Tezcatlipoca says he's as solemn as always the way he'd accept his punishment of his own will. Tezcatlipoca then laughs some more about how Balor is Doing as He Pleases and how great all his allies are Living as They Choose too. Most fear death, shun loss, distance themselves from old age, and avoid destruction. The rest of them however like, love, and get familiar with those things. The life they seek lies beyond those things after all.
 
Balor sighs, glaring at Tezcatlipoca as he spews some smoke from his mouth. He says he's told him a bunch of times already, but he doesn't want to be lumped in together with Tezcatlipoca's Other Allies, particularly the one from Deva Loka. If he has to be lumped together with anyone, he'd prefer it to be with the World Representative of Shangri-La, who he describes as someone awkward or smoky. Tezcatlipoca swears on his heart that he'll remember, but he notes he doesn't have it anymore (the expression he used involves something else but same thing.) And speaking of people from Deva Loka, Tezcatlipoca notes that Balor is trying really hard to avoid anyone of that description.
 
Balor says of course he would, because the beliefs of Tir na Nog and Deva Loka are Too Incompatible. They approve of loss like Tezcatlipoca does, but they also reject the old age that Balor loves as unnecessary. Balor then says he wants to talk to Tezcatlipoca about something he's been planning on saying for a while now, and he asks if he'll listen. Tezcatlipoca spaces out for a second to think about Tvastar as he thinks on the faith of Deva Loka. Balor tries to get him to respond again, so Tezcatlipoca apologizes saying he had something on his mind before asking Balor what would happen if his faith got mixed with Deva Loka's. Would that cause an Exception, or would something else happen?
 
Balor is amused Tezcatlipoca feels like listening to him for once. But to answer his question it wouldn't cause an Exception, and Balor thinks the most appropriate way to explain is to say it'd cause the fairies to get into a drunken frenzy. Tezcatlipoca asks him to elaborate, so Balor explains that fairies are, as the word entymology suggests, things closely connected to fate and the wheels of life and death that are a part of it. The power of Tir na Nog is to devour death and old age and replace them with youth and life. What fairies eat and drink are different from what's in the present world. Balor then asks if Tezcatlipoca has heard of these two sayings: "someone of this world must not eat anything from the faeries' world" and "you can't return to eternity twice (I'm pretty sure I have this wrong)." After that, Balor asks if Tezcatlipoca knows what the people of Deva Loka normally eat.
 
Balor says the answer is soma, the drink of youth that creates the System of Deva Loka. Tezcatlipoca doesn't say anything in response, and Balor says that if a fairy drinks it things would mix and become dangerous, which he laughs about. Even with normal alcohol, if you mix things that normally aren't put together, you'd most likely get super drunk from the concoction. Balor brings back up that he referred to life and death as two wheels of fate. A vehicle that has lost one side of its wheels becomes unpredictable in where it goes. Driving such a thing while drunken mad is not the action of someone sane. Who knows where'd they go? He asks if Tezcatlipoca thinks that would be dangerous too, and Tezcatlipoca laughs at the idea as he says Balor's good at agitating him. If he's warning him against it, then Tezcatlipoca says he'd jump in with a laugh.
 
Title card pops up, and this chapter is called Festival Gourmet Food! Toasting Together in a Food Fight!?
 
Narration then picks up and says it's the morning of the final day of the festival in Little Tir na Nog. The place is overflowing with nature as the name of the world this floor is imitating suggests. No one is at the festival area, so the mood is relaxed and carefree. Then at your inn room, everyone is getting together to eat breakfast. Tvastar is there, saying all the vegetables and eggs were raised there in Little Tir na Nog, grown with his specially made fertilizer. Tezcatlipoca is here eating here too. He comments that he doesn't eat Japanese food much, but he likes the fried egg. He then tells Agyou he shouldn't be picky or else he won't grow as big as he is. He then brags that his usual healthiness can let him create worlds according to his whims.
 
Agyou is shocked and amazed at this as he swears to eat everything. Moritaka is also shocked, thanking Tezcatlipoca for encouraging Agyou to eat but reminds him that there are things only he in particular can do. Kengo is shocked at how casually Tezcatlipoca thinks of creating of a world, telling him to not be so carefree about it and asking how El Dorado must be from that sort of attitude. Cait Sith is off talking about how good the cat food buffet is, pointing out things like bonito flakes, soy sauce, and miso soup. Touji is a bit taken aback at how spirited Cait Sith is being and decides he'll get some rice with bonito, soy sauce, and seaweed.
 
Kijimuna is enjoying the bonito flakes as well, enjoying how it wiggles when heated and compares it to dancing. Hanuman has some too, and he decides to mix his with soy sauce and butter. Solomon thinks out loud about what to get and considers getting some natto, only to be dismayed at how sticky it is. Cait Sith suggests he makes it the way he likes it so that he can make some one of a kind cat food. He then laughs as he comments on how everyone is absorbed with their own food, then leads some quick pre meal formalities. Once he's done with that, he sighs about how great the food is and that he was living his life for this moment. You comment on how big a family things have gotten and/or that it's a lot livelier around the table now.
 
Tvastar laughs about how the power of life and the growls of stomach are rising, and comments that it's been a while since he's eaten together with so many people. Shirou asks him about being one of the Kamata Crafters and if that means he normally gets together with the other members to eat. Tvastar says he doesn't since artisans and researchers typically all go by their own schedule. Plus, he and Vritra are on the move a lot, so it's usually just the two of them. Ryouta asks if he's going to anywhere specific, but Tvastar says that's a no too. Most of the time they're just aimless. Vritra is his precious baby boy, and he says that sharing anything with anyone is already a memory at this point.
 
Shirou says he understands how Tvastar feels, which Tvastar is so happy about that he offers to mod him as a special service, specifically offering to give him eyeglass laser beams. Shirou quickly passes on the idea and notes that this wouldn't be modding him directly. R-19 thinks about this and suggests it'd be better if Shirou could shoot laser beams by turning around, and Shirou is shocked R-19 is getting in on this too.
 
Camera shifts over to Mononobe's room, who can hear the noise your party is making and tells Furufumi he wouldn't mind if he went to join you guys. Furufumi declines the suggestion since it's too noisy for him. He's also worried about leaving Mononobe alone since he feels he'll just up and leave for somewhere. Mononobe laughs and calls him kind, and Furufumi sighs as he says that way of phrasing things is mean.
 
Back to your side of things everyone has finished eating, and Tezcatlipoca starts talking to you about how long it's been since he's been at a breakfast with so many people, talking with friends and children. Ryouta mentions that he was surprised Tezcatlipoca showed up since he said no the first time, then asks why he came this time in his new body. Tezcatlipoca laughs and says even he changes his mind. He also thought it would be good to do something together with you guys, and he turns to Tvastar for agreement. Tvastar says he's also glad to check on how the new body is doing and asks him for feedback on how it works for day to day living.
 
Shirou then decides it's time to start talking about the day's plans, and Kengo pleads for him to not make it another study session. Shirou laughs and says he can read the mood too, but he starts mentioning that there doesn't seem to be any other plans set up. Ryouta immediately jumps in to ask Cait Sith if Little Tir na Nog has any famous places in it. Cait Sith is a little surprised but says there are, then asks if he's interested. Ryouta assumed there wasn't and reacts along those lines until he processes what Cait Sith said. Cait Sith says he was planning to go after this, then says he can come too if he feels like it. Ryouta asks Shirou for permission to go, and Shirou says it's okay but tells him to be back by midday.
 
Touji gets curious and asks about Shirou not going. Shirou says he has a lot of things to get ready, but he has enough help so you guys don't need to worry about him. You decide to take him up on his offer and tell the others to help him as best they can. Hanuman and Kijimuna assure you that everything will be fine as you leave.
 
After everyone finishes cleaning up after breakfast, time passes to the point where Cait Sith is guiding most of the party along down a calm, tranquil path. The sounds of the streams flowing mixes with the sounds of everyone's footsteps, and a gentle breeze blows past carrying the scent of nature to everyone's noses. Kengo takes in a deep breath and talks about how nice the air is, and Ryouta comments on how far you guys can see in the distance with no large buildings in the way until he remembers this is technically indoors. Touji expresses some surprise at how big the place it and the other areas under the casino are, even though he's known already that they're supposed to be big.
 
Agyou starts reminiscing about how he'd walk some countryside roads with Ungyou, saying they'd keep on going forever even if he ran. Tvastar comments on how nice the sunlight feels as he talks to Vritra. Solomon says it's so peaceful here that he's starting to get sleepy, so he asks you to hold him. Moritaka then asks Cait Sith what this place is that you're all going to is like. Cait Sith struggles to find some words to describe it as he first picks some sound effect, then says it has a lot of clean water, has fairies flying around, and has an air of mystery. He eventually settles for calling it a power spot. Ryouta thinks it's a terrible description to Cait Sith's surprise, and Tezcatlipoca hmphs to himself.
 
You guys eventually reach a pretty spring, shining with light streaming through the leaves as Ryouta and Tezcatlipoca among others voice their amazement at it. Cait Sith explains that this is an imitation of a spring from Tir na Nog, which is said to be where fairies sing and magical power resides. He mentions having heard that it's an old custom for Japanese festivals to go purify yourself at springs or waterfalls, so he's trying it out here. Cait Sith is also having anyone hoping to participate in the ending event of the third day of the festival to purify themselves here too.
 
Touji approves of the purification ceremony, and he mentions having thought of something else when Cait Sith said power spot earlier. Tezcatlipoca mentions feeling a noticeable solemnity from the spring, and Kengo remarks that Touji (I think?) is always taken in by customs and traditions. Mononobe happens to already be here and greets you guys. Ryouta reacts in shock at his presence and that he's dressed (or undressed as it were) for doing some purification too. Mononobe explains that heard about this place being a power spot, and he wanted to see if it'd help with his back pain. Kengo turns to you and wonders if Mononobe is confusing this place with a hot spring. You ask about Furufumi and if he's staying back at the inn or something.
 
Mononobe answers that Furufumi is hiding right behind him, and he moves out of the way to reveal him. Furufumi says he was told to have a fundoshi or a bathing suit on so he's feeling a little uncomfortable, but he's expected as much. He's also put out that Ryouta is here too since he never found the time to go apologize to him for before. Mononobe tells him to stop being so shy, and to let go of his fundoshi so that he can move again. You either complain about wanting to grab onto him too or suggest to everyone to get in.
 
Solomon laughs as he comments how novel it is to see you and Chubby over there dressed for purification and that you guys look good in it. Ryouta laughs and suggests that Furufumi join in together with them. He's confused for a second before becoming surprised as he asks him to not pull him along. Ryouta argues that if they go in together it'll be half as embarrassing and twice as enjoyable, so Furufumi sighs at how nosy he is. He decides to join him in the end though.
 
Mononobe laughs about how this is Furufumi trying out something new, saying that personal possibilities and possibilities from the world mix together to form something new. Once you can see yourself trying it out, he says that's when the teacher's favor is used up. Even if you fail, multiple times even, he'll be there watching you get back up. Even if you've been at it for a long time now, once you try, Mononobe says he'll be glad he became a teacher. Even he'll start feeling like trying something he's never tried before. You either turn to him curiously, or you complain that you want him to pay attention to you too and not just to Furufumi. If you go with the latter, Mononobe laughs as he asks if you miss him, but he's happy you feel that way.
 
Mononobe goes quiet for a second before he talks to you again, saying you've been busy running around doing one thing or another. He then asks if he can have a bit of your time after the festival is over. He promises he won't be lecturing you again, saying he wants to talk to you on a personal level instead of as a teacher. He'll be waiting near where you met him on the first day of the festival, so come by if you feel like it. At that point, Ryouta calls over to you guys, so Mononobe suggests going over then.
 
Agyou starts yelling about how cold the water is and remembers that this is what the purification ritual entails. Tezcatlipoca comments on how sharp the cold is, but he thinks it's a good thing. Tvastar sort of thinks the power of life is welling up as he shivers, and Tezcatlipoca asks Agyou if they just go into the water. Agyou says he's not actually sure and wishes Ungyou taught him this in more detail. Touji says he'll teach everyone how to go about it, but then he gets splashed.
 
Kengo is not particularly bothered by the cold and says it's all about that tensing feeling to the core and wishes there was a waterfall around. Moritaka agrees with him and suggests that they go to one on the next vacation. Ryouta is shocked that they can talk so animatedly and asks if you guys really are supposed to walk into water that cold. Mononobe says they'll never get in if they're afraid, saying this is where you need guts. Furufumi says he agrees with Ryouta as he mentions how cold and embarrassed he is again. You join with them and prompt them to jump in together with you as you count off.
 
Ryouta and Furufumi yell about how cold the water is once more. Cait Sith is quiet for a bit before he tries to pray that the festival will end safely. He also prays that his magic show will work out okay, then wonders how the king of cats would handle all this. Tvastar watches in silence.
 
Some time later, Tezcatlipoca suggests to you that it ought to be time to go. He's looked at the schedule for the festival and says there's still a chance to do the purifications later tonight. Ryouta agrees and thanks Cait Sith for telling you guys about this place. Kengo notes it's about lunch time and remembers that Shirou was getting something ready. You notice that there's a message to you on the App, and that Ryouta has one too. Ryouta is surprised to hear that and wonders who it could be from. You see it's from Shirou and are surprised by what he's written. Ryouta panics and tells everyone they need to hurry back, and the episode part ends with everyone else wondering why Ryouta's freaking out so much.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, October 30, 2020

Live A Hero Golden Spirit of Dawn Episode 7

Barrel opens up with narration, using a more normal pronoun than the civil servant one he's been using when speaking. But anyways, he talks about how he likes Westerns. Everyone else around him said they were old and violent, but to him there was an adventurous romanticism to them. Simplistic though they may be, he was engrossed in their stories. The just sheriff fires off the bullet of righteousness at the evil villains who would harm innocent civilians. He knows how these stories go, and he knows the side of justice was made to look as good as it can be. The absolute sort of justice that is almost callous in its nonacceptance of evil was made to look so bright to him. And when he realized it, he had become a devotee to that sort of justice. Barrel says he ended up wanted to embody that sort of justice. He admired justice, which is why he became a police officer and a hero. He'd become a sheriff of righteousness, shoot at evil, and protect the people he loves. He'd be the ally of justice who'd never stand for evildoings.
 
Now back to to our regularly schedule plot, a couple of mobs are beaten down as Barrel demands they cough up where Procy is. The leader in yellow is surprised by the question but quickly understands why you guys are here. He derides the idea of kindly telling you guys that and rallies the others to continue attacking, and Barrel is surprised when he gets pincered. Narihito says he'll cover his back, then shouts out Zap the Justice's name. The mobs are shocked that Narihito is using lightning now since he was using fire earlier, and those guys go down for the count.
 
Barrel is amazed, then asks why Justice's power was used there. Narihito explains that this is his Parallel Weapon, which has the ability to recreate the heroic figures of heroes in his memories as far as he is able to remember them. The lightning attack he just used is from a memory of him seeing Justice use such an attack. He isn't able to perfectly recreate the strength behind the attack, and if a given memory fades even a little bit the recreation becomes unstable. You react in surprise at this being possible and can call it overpowered.
 
Akashi is also surprised that this is a power that exists and comments that all sorts of heroes are around. A mob gets the jump on him since he's distracted, and just as Akashi thinks he's been beaten Gomeisa saves him by summoning a wind blast of green light to blow them away. Gomeisa then asks if he's okay as he heals him, which Akashi is amazed about as he thanks him. Gomeisa waves it off, saying he's better at this than fighting.
 
Akashi wonders how many people are actually here, which brings something to Gomeisa's attention as he looks around. Some mobs are moaning in pain, which bothers him. Akashi tells him to not look at them too much since this is what happens in a fight. Gomeisa says that's true but still has issues with it. Barrel responds with someone pulling out a strong move by busting out one of his own, and Narihito blasts on as he notes how there's no end of mooks coming.
 
The enemies hurt you guys, and you guys hurt them back in turn. Those unable to fight further have their transformations come undone before they retreat, and so the pattern continues. This is the sort of scene that Gomeisa has seen multiple times since becoming a hero, something he should have gotten used to by now. He is obviously upset however. These particular mobs are ones who have come at him with evil intentions, but...Gomeisa starts crying out against all this, and Akashi tries to ask him what's going on with him.
 
Gomeisa's memories of That Day repeat and tie up his heart, and he yells for the battle to stop. You react in shock to this, and a momentary lull does happen. Barrel also reacts curiously to Gomeisa's outburst as Gomeisa walks up to a hurt villain and kneels. The mob reacts in confused shock, but Gomeisa tells him to quiet down. He's going to try healing him all the way to the bone, though he can't do so completely. After a flash of green light, his wounds disappear.
 
Barrel demands to know what Gomeisa is doing since helping them would put the rest of you in more danger. Gomeisa concedes that these mooks might have been beaten down by Procy at one point. He argues though that this battle would never have happened if you guys didn't try sneaking in here. You guys are partly responsible for this battle happening. Barrel argues that you guys are in the right since the villains have kidnapped Procy, and that there's no need to show mercy or leniency to evildoers.
 
Gomeisa argues that everyone is alive, whether an ally or enemy. Everyone feels pain and suffering. Justice and evil is a matter of perspective, but both sides are made of living people. Barrel is shocked but concedes that point, and lowers his gun. Everyone else follows suit, then all look towards Gomeisa. You are surprised that the battle has stopped and that everyone is alive. Gomeisa tirelessly continues, moving to heal the next mob after finishing with the first.
 
Gomeisa apologizes, saying that while he said something high handedly he admits to just being afraid. He's sad to see other people hurt, and he just doesn't want to see it. Mokdai sympathizes with him, and Narihito briefly explains some things from Gomeisa's home planet. The Mother Tree is the mother of all things, and the people are fruits grown from the blessing given by the trees. Under that perspective he sees how Gomeisa can say good and evil are both alive. There isn't supposed to be any teachings about against hurting one another though, so he supposes this is Gomeisa's personal values.
 
The lead mob calls Gomeisa a hypocrite. And if he meant them sincerely, he's a dumbass instead. He approaches Gomeisa and asks if he's sure he should have helped them like that, reminding him that they are the villains who Took Him Away from his home planet. You, Akashi and Mokdai react in shock to this while Narihito stares quietly. Gomeisa has a gentle expression on his face as he heals a knocked out mob, and he says that even if that's true, the villains are alive too. If you are alive, then he's sure there's a chance of coming to an understanding. That's why he can't stand to see someone wither and die. You express concern and doubt, saying he might be too kind and/or that such an understanding might not be possible.
 
Gomeisa admits to being dumb and not understanding much. It's his dream, however, that everyone can live together in peace singing and dancing. There'd be no such things as good and evil, heroes, villains, and Kaibutsu. No one would hurt each other either. He lives his days thinking that this day will one day come, not that it may or may not happen, and he turns towards you guys with a smile. Wouldn't that be a happier way to live, he asks. Barrel thinks on it himself.
 
The lead mobs says that even pipe dreams don't go out that far and calls it ridiculous. If he keeps showing mercy like that, he warns that someone might sweep Gomeisa's feet from under him and kill him. The lead mob then pokes Gomeisa's cheek with his arm blade. Barrel yells out in alarm, and Gomeisa reacts in surprise. Blood seeps from his cheek, but Gomeisa stays still and looks at the villain.
 
The boss mob decides that tell Gomeisa where Procyon is. When one of his underlings protest and ask if that's okay, the lead says he's gotten bored from how dumb this all is. Plus, their boss is the one who decides how to handle Gomeisa in the end, so if they get rid of him now he'll probably kill them all. The lead mob detransforms, so the rest of the mobs follow his lead.
 
Mokdai says he'll end the hero live there, which Akashi acknowledges. The lead mob looks down on the squatting Gomeisa and speaks again. He tells him that Procyon is currently heading for Point Yh to talk with the boss about how to deal with him. Gomeisa thinks on the information, and the lead mob has his group pull out in case other policemen show up. As they leave, Gomeisa calls out to them and thanks them. The mob leader decides to thank him too for helping his underlings, and he hopes they won't meet again. Barrel looks on, dumbfounded.
 
Mokdai asks Gomeisa if he's okay. Akashi asks what Gomeisa's past dealings with the villains are as he brings up the bit about being taken from his home planet. Gomeisa smiles sadly as he says he'll properly explain why he's on Earth and how he met Procy as the episode ends.
 
 
 
 
 

Live A Hero Golden Spirit of Dawn Episode 6

Things begin over at Gammei's office, where he hears a knock and tells whoever's there to come in. Barrel then enters, greeting Gammei and thanking him for all his work so far. Gammei does the same for him, saying it's thanks to all you guys that a lot of information has been collected. Barrel then asks Gammei for some directions on where to investigate now, since he felt things were going smoothly but now he feels like he's hit a wall. Gammei comments that it feels more like you guys hit a dead end, and Barrel says he'd like to find Procy for Gomeisa's sake.
 
Gammei tells Barrel he doesn't need to rush things since doing a search investigation is like fishing in that things tend to go slow and steady. He also brings something else up as he pulls out some papers from his desk, saying he hasn't been sitting around on his end and has found some info. Barrel is impressed and says he admires him, then asks what the papers are. Gammei prompts him to read through them, saying there's something surprising and something he expected in there. Barrel's brows start scrunching as he looks over the materials. Barrel is about to say something, so Gammei comments on his reaction and how natural it is. After all, the case has now become one that's much more suspicious.
 
Title card pops up, and this chapter is called Shadows of the Past.
 
Camera then tunes back in on your end at Parallel Flight where you sigh about being stuck and your irritation at that. Mokdai sympathizes, noting that the city police haven't called yet. Even if there is some information on hand, you guys can't do anything right now. Huckle says there's no point in you guys panicking about the investigation since that's normally police work anyway. You guys are just working with them, and all you can do is deal with what work comes your way. Also, even if you guys went out, the heroes aren't here at the moment anyways.
 
At the mention of heroes, you ask where Akashi is. Mokdai answers that he's at school today and will be coming in during the evening. He notes that until he gets there, Huckle is right in that there's not much to be done. Gomeisa then returns from the office kitchen telling everyone he's put on tea and food, inviting everyone to have some. Mokdai thanks him, then asks how he's feeling given how he fainted yesterday.
 
Gomeisa says he's fine thanks to you guys and apologizes for the trouble. He says there are times when he can't hold himself back, which leads to things like that. That usually causes Procy and everyone around grief and worry over him, so he does his best to thank people and make up for it when it happens. Anyways, what Gomeisa has brought over is black tea and some sandwiches, stuff that looks like they'd come from a cafe. The sandwich bread has been lightly toasted, and one of them is ham and veggies. Another is a simple egg sandwich, and then there's a fruit jam sandwich that's redder than strawberries or raspberries. You ask about that one, commenting on the bright color and nice smell.
 
Gomeisa explains that it's his handmade jam using a fruit known as wahyatisomun, which resembles cranberries. There's a greenhouse built on the roof of the building the pub is in, and Gomeisa says he lives there together with a bunch of flowers and trees. Sometimes they bear fruit and drop it, and that's where he got the ingredients for the jam. Huckle talks about how Gomeisa raises a lot of plants in there, from those common to earth to fruit bearing plants not native to the planet. Gomeisa says it's a lot of work to make sure the pollen doesn't escape the greenhouse, but it's nice how his work gets him some delicious fruit. Procy and his customers have told him how great they taste.
 
You and Mokdai decide to try out that sandwich, and you say it's great, say it's sweet but not cloying, or say it tastes fresher than you thought it would. B and C has Mokdai agree as he says he thought it'd be more sour, but the sweet freshness is great. Gomeisa is highly pleased to hear so, saying he'll tell the tree you thought that. At this point Huckle realizes what time it is and says he needs to leave for some other stuff. You ask about him not sticking with you guys today, so he explains he promised to be with Ryekie for his rehabilitation today. He had been insistent on getting better as soon as possible so that he can fight again. Since Ryekie is stubborn, Huckle figures he'll be out all day and asks you guys to lock the door behind you. He then excuses himself and thanks Gomeisa for the food. Gomeisa in turn is glad and tells him to have a nice day.
 
After Huckle leaves, it's down to you three. Mokdai says Akashi will be at school for another three hours, and he says it looks like the day will end with you guys having done nothing. Gomeisa reluctantly agrees but says all you guys can do is wait. You decide to ask where Barrel is, and Mokdai starts telling you he's meeting Gammei when the bell rings. He then goes to answer the door.
 
Narihito turns out to have come over and greets you all, and you either say his name, yell that you were waiting for this, or demand to know how he got the office's address. B has Narihito be taken aback by the reaction as he asks what's going on. C has him protest that he didn't get it through any shady means or anything since he's come here once before. Anyways, Narihito explains he just came from the police station where he exchanged notes. He's learned some stuff, so he came to tell you guys directly. You ask if that means he has new information.
 
Narihito confirms that, saying he's turned up a bunch of things while investigating some things he had on his mind. He's got into contact with Gammei through Barrel, and when they shared their info he's started to get an idea of the whole picture. It seems like it'd make for a good article. Gomeisa immediately gets into Narihito's business and presses him for answers as he asks where Procy is. He also starts shaking Narihito hard, alarming Mokdai into telling him to ease up on him. Gomeisa does so and apologizes for getting worked up.
 
Mokdai asks Narihito why he didn't just text you guys since that ought to be easier. He's a news reporter, he ought to be great at writing things out. Narihito says that he is good at communicating through the written word, but with what's going on there's too much of a risk if texts leak. Mokdai is surprised and asks further into that, so Narihito asks you guys to let him go over things in order. It might take a while since it also concern's Procy's past. You ask about that, confused.
 
Camera jumps back to the police station as Barrel reads out the name Meridian Eyes, a multi-planet spanning mafia organization. Gammei says that Procy had dealings with them in the past. He used to do a lot of dangerous work that was one step away from the line of villainy. He did anything for money, even take on jobs for the mafia. Barrel asks if that means Procy was a mafia member himself. Gammei says he wasn't as he just stayed as a close collaborator. Plus he had cut ties with them for a long time now.
 
Barrel takes note of how Gammei phrased that and asks if that means the relationship has been opened up again. Gammei doesn't know how close they are now, but his impression is that there's no benefit to them realigning together again. Gammei then says he found a letter inside Procy's room, which says "we need to talk about That Guy you took with you."
 
Scene switches to your side again to continue with the exposition as you ask about the guy referred to in the letter and wonder who it is. Gomeisa reacts with comprehension and shivers, but doesn't say anything. Mokdai and Narihito both notice, with Mokdai asking if he's okay. Narihito meanwhile watches intensely in silence before he returns to his notes. So even if you leave aside the person mentioned in the letter, Narihito says chances are high that Procy has gone to see the letter writer. Narihito says he's found information saying that the mafia has come to Earth just recently. Conveniently, they have come to this city here, in Japan. You ask about this.
 
Mokdai asks if that means Procy is likely to be somewhere in the city too. Narihito says he thinks it's probable. Gomeisa then says you guys need to go get him Quickly, but Narihito reminds him that they're talking hypothetically. Gomeisa is disappointed by this, and Mokdai notices something might be significant in Gomeisa having said 'quickly.' Narihito says that the mafia is spread through the galaxy, so he thinks it's unlikely they're sitting still in one place inside the city. If you guys are to find out for sure, he says you'll need to see them directly. You react in disbelief at the suggestion, and Narihito comments that he's gotten involved in something big. He tells you he's got info on a hidden base and asks if you're mentally ready for it. And back at the station, Gammei tells Barrel this is an infiltration mission, so he better be prepared.
 
Time skips a bit to you guys getting to the location and Akashi has been briefed on what's new. Mokdai apologizes for having him run there and for being late with the explanation, then asks him to be quiet. Narihito says the guard's eyes have turned away, so he prompts Gomeisa to move forward. Gomeisa does so.
 
Akashi asks why Gammei isn't here given that this is probably his main job. Barrel says the mafia knows what Gammei looks like, so if you guys make a wrong move while he was with you it'd be dangerous. Mokdai says it must be tough to be a detective, then says the guard left. Gomeisa moves forward again, and Akashi wishes you guys didn't have to sneak into a mafia meeting. You either ask if he said something or agree with him.
 
Akashi asks what all this is as most of what you see is darkness with light coming out of little holes in the wall. Narihito signals Gomeisa to raise the ceiling, creating a space between the wall and floor. Each time the wall moves, so does the party slowly, and this process repeats. Mokdai says you guys are in a cargo shipping container, the ones you see at stations and harbors. Akashi says he meant his question in the sense of what are you guys even doing. Then he sneezes. You ask him if he's okay since he's been sneezing for a while now.
 
Akashi apologizes, saying that when he was showering after practice, the water heater broke. Narihito hushes him, saying people might be around. Akashi apologizes, then asks why you guys are moving so slowly. Mokdai says that's what you guys have to do since the shipping container was the only thing big enough to hide Gomeisa in. Barrel says you absolutely need a box to hide in when you're on a sneaking mission. Akashi argues that a box isn't that necessary and says you guys agree on the weirdest things. Narihito says there should be tricks to keeping Gomeisa hidden and moving with his huge body. He feels moving around using a container as a disguise would be a lot easier to pull off. Akashi is in disbelief over this, and Barrel says to be quiet since someone is coming.
 
One mob reports to his leader that their regular patrols are done. The lead mob asks if anything weird was dropped, and the underling says no before asking if that guy really is going to see the boss. The leader shrugs, saying Procyon isn't one to bend on things. Akashi takes notice that they're talking about Procy. Narihito wants to listen in more but figures it might not happen. Akashi starts feeling a sneeze coming on, so you tell him to hold it in.
 
Akashi barely manages to stop himself from sneezing, which Barrel is relieved about. Narihito then sneezes himself, which startles Gomeisa into giving you guys away. He knocks the container over, which of course makes a ton of noise. Narihito awkwardly apologizes, to which Akashi says is not going to help. Mobs then start rushing over to investigate, and when they see a giant around they move to surround you guys. Mokdai panics a little at you guys getting cut off, and you either react in alarm or sigh in frustration and look at Narihito. The latter gets an extra line where he apologizes again saying he couldn't hold it in.
 
Anyways, Barrel says there's no choice but to break through now. Akashi says you guys should make the mobs tell you where Procy is since it'd be a lot faster than what you were doing. The two of them both ask you to transform them, and you proceed to do so. Narihito mentions not liking violence, but he decides he should take responsibility for this turn of events and calls in for his transformation. You react in shock at this.
 
Light covers Narihito, and when he's done transforming he announces himself as Great Memorias, ready to make up for his blunder. Narration notes how he looks like an old school movie hero, and Akashi asks in shock why he didn't help out earlier if he was a hero too. Narihito apologizes, initially saying he was scared before he takes it back and says that to pay his respects to the legends that lend him their power, he tries to not transform and fight too often or else it'll cheapen them. Barrel asks what he means by pay respect, but Narihito says he'll explain his power later since you guys should deal with the villains first. Akashi agrees with the point.
 
With battle about to break out, Gomeisa looks around again in a daze. The villains laugh at there only being three heroes put up against them, and they threaten to kill you all. Gomeisa mumbles about how it's the same as before back then. He makes his decision as he balls up his fists, and he asks to be allowed to fight too. You react to this in surprise and ask if he's sure or okay. Mokdai tries to talk him out of it, and Gomeisa admits to being bad at fighting and of being scared. He often forgets to bring his comm device to contact his agency, and he has so this time. But he says if he curls up and cries like That Time Procy saved him it'll be the same thing over again. This time it's his turn to save Procy, so he asks to be put forward. Your phone beeps about finding Gomeisa's parallel path and asks if you want to open it. You either agree or ask if he can do it. B has him say he can and asks you to transform him.
 
You tap the message window and go through with the transformation. Gomeisa says he's ready after he changes, then says he'll do his best. The mobs recognize Gomeisa now and are mad that he's going up against them, so they threaten to make him cry like he did back then again. Gomeisa says he won't cry, and This Time he won't run until he gets Procy back. Barrel takes note of Gomeisa making these temporal references and asks if he's connected to the mafia too. Narihito doesn't say anything, and the villains start to attack. Mokdai wishes you luck, and you nod as you say you'll have to do it and/or wonder if you can handle supporting this many people as the episode battle begins.
 
 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Fortune Festival's Happy Illusion Episode 4 Part 2

We open up to a flashback as Mononobe talks to Furufumi, commenting that he finally showed up on the second day and saying it was a good idea to bait him with the secondhand book market. Furufumi then takes over narration as he calls Mononobe mean for exploiting how he can't sit back if there's a rare book from another world around. He says that if there's a book he's never seen before, he's going to go read it. It was something he decided to do after talking to him.
 
Furufumi talks about how his ancestors once served a certain high class family in the distant past, before Tokyo had been walled up. As generations and eras passed, his family continued to serve that other family. This family founded Shinjuku Academy, and this familial relationship continued on even now while slightly changing how it existed.
 
This bond also went to Furufumi, which led to him going in and out of the old schoolhouse since a young age. The library within was his playground. He read through every book he got his hands on, and eventually...he noticed something. History up until now has been repeating itself, and so it will after this. An endless waltz of war, peace, and revolution. History is a cycle of these three things repeating themselves, and that is what Furufumi noticed. The set may change and the actors may switch, but the same old story plays out once again. Furufumi decided he might as well just pay attention only to his books, and so he threw himself into his reading. Books will become his replacement for the world outside, and it was natural that he became distant to student life. And he, that person who was here in the school before Furufumi, was the one who protected him when he was disconnected to school life.
 
Plenty of people have told Furufumi to look at the world around him. They reprimanded him, saying he shouldn't stick his nose in books all day. He needed to experience the world outside they said. There are things that books can't replace, they said. But he didn't. He was the one to tell him he could stay as he is. Even if someone told him it'd do him good to go outside, Mononobe was the one to say he didn't need to do so the same way they did. If he sincerely chose to not have something, then Mononobe said he'd respect that. If he ever did decide he wanted to go outside, Mononobe said he should do so. Furufumi looked at Mononobe again when he said so, seeing the face of an adult who had lived longer than he had. He saw him as someone worn down by many things. he saw him as someone tired from all he had lost. But as tired as he looked, Furufumi felt he was as brilliant as the stars.
 
Back to the present the camera tunes in at the teachers' party gabbing with one another. Mononobe comments how hopeful it is to have Ziz and Shennong joining as guides for the students. Jinn and Triton are getting more reliable by the day too, so he says that if he's ever gone, things should be okay. Jinn disagrees saying Mononobe needs to stay and guide them too, and Triton agrees with Jinn on that point saying there's no one who could replace Mononobe. Ziz is surprised by the remark while Shennong doesn't say anything.
 
Mononobe laughs saying he's glad they're saying so, but he brings up not even the students are going to be in school forever. And as teachers, they don't know what the future holds. That especially goes for him, what with how long he's been at Shinjuku. If something were to happen to him, there'd be others to protect the students in his place. That's a fact to be happy about no matter what, and he thanks everyone for having come to the school. Jinn and Triton are moved by this, and Mononobe smiles as he holds his ringed hand tightly.
 
Camera then jumps over to wherever Li Chou is, freaking out about how everything is happening and that he has no time to sit down. You and Furufumi have met with the others in the committee, and Cait Sith says he welcomes his help but awkwardly asks who he is. Furufumi gives his name and says he's your senpai. Cait Sith thanks him for his manners but suggests he leaves things to the festival staff. Furufumi however insists on being allowed to help if there's a rare book at stake. Li then comments that running around isn't going to help and is at a loss for what to do. You ask about the running around in confusion and if there's an actual location to go to.
 
Li Chou says running around is cooler, and he quotes some expressions about running around here and there because you're so busy and running like you're chasing after something. You turn to Cait Sith to ask what the rare book looks like. He describes the book as shining like fairy scales were scattered over it, so you should recognize it when you see it. It's also pretty big so it can't be put into a bag, but Cait Sith doesn't know where the person who took it went off to. He brings up the possibility that they took the book to somewhere that can't be seen from the outside and panics over this situation. Solomon expresses concern for Cait Sith and wishes he could do something, but then something catches his attention. Cait Sith is confused too that someone turned on the App.
 
Furufumi says he's going to use his artifact to guide him, though he doesn't know if it'll work. He's never actually used it this way before, but anything for a rare book. He casts his NP, and incomprehensible words appear in the pages of his book. Furufumi reads it, bringing rise to a vision of the future. In it someone yells crash and laughs, and Furufumi sees himself with a bunch of other people, namely Hanuman, Nezha, Tetsugyuu, Krampus, and Benten.
 
Furufumi says it seems to be a place indoors within the stall area, where a bunch of hot blooded students in uniform are running wild. Li Chou is confused by what Furufumi is talking about, and Furufumi mentions seeing a sign that he'll need to focus harder on to see. Once he does so, he sees the sign says Scare Cabin, leading Li to yell in shock asking what in hell is going on.
 
Time passes as Li Chou leads you to the Scare Cabin since he had an idea of where it is, and the place is described as a large scale stall attraction. Li mentions this is where they were working and sighs to himself about how he thought they'd already be up to something anyways. You ask what the Scare Cabin is and ask if it's different from the other haunted mansion attractions you passed by. Li focuses on the scare parts when he answers, saying it's all about the chills and thrills. Since ghosts are common in Tokyo though he shrugs and says it's probably just marketing differentiation.
 
Cait Sith asks how this place is related to the rare book, but Furufumi suggests going in right now, sure the book is inside. He turns off the App and starts walking in. You call after him, comment that he's different when books are concerned, and or suggest following after him. Li Chou decides to ready himself to go in since there's a problem happening, and Cait Sith asks you guys to slow down and wait for him too. Solomon says you guys should go in as well, and he reminds you to keep the App ready. Gouryou is acting as the doorman and thanks you guys for coming before he notices you're all part of the committee and asks what's going on inside.
 
Inside the attraction, Cait Sith notes how dark and quiet it is, and midway through talking about the place's concept he freaks out about something warm and soft touching him. His heart's pounding, his legs are shaking, and he is just hating it all. But he reminds himself to stay at it because the next king of cats has to stand tall and proud. Something touches him again, causing him to scream about going home and eating cat food. You notice that Cait Sith was touched by some konjac jelly and comment how classic but effective it is.
 
Cait Sith talks about how the place is the opposite of happy power, with his knees shaking and body shivering in fear. Li Chou thinks it's weird how the guys haven't shown up and are using tricks like this. Two people start screaming for help, and which you point out. Furufumi says the book might be there, so he says they should all go see. Li agrees and says he's going to find out what those dopes are doing.
 
In the next room or whatever, Nezha, Hanuman, Tetsugyuu, Benten, and Krampus are acting as scares as they announce themselves old school era style. They are respectively: a nonstop runaway car, a flying monkey (or sky running monkey technically), a wild ox man, a social media viral biwa girl, and a scary face. Random visitors scream in terror at all this, and Cait Sith says the tension is running really high, though it would be surprising to have them pop up all of a sudden. Li attempts to call a time out to ask them if they've seen a book, but Hanuman leaps at him interrupting him. Li evades by throwing himself into a dogeza bow, barely dodging. He gets back up outraged asking if Hanuman was seriously trying to attack him.
 
Nezha and Tetsugyuu laugh. Benten strums her biwa, and Krampus just stands there looking creepy. Cait Sith freaks out some more and says they all have their unique ways of scaring people. Li Chou attempts to talk to Nezha and Hanuman again before he says they don't even seem to hear him calling to them. Furufumi wonders if they've lost their minds, but he seems to realize what's up. He gets cut off by Hanuman calling to Nezha trying to show off for them and saying how much he loves them. Nezha ignores him and turns their attention to Tetsugyuu instead who they say they love and find cool. Benten asks where the Treasure Ship is and where Daikoku went, saying she's going to play him her love song. You yell that their relationships have turned into a mess, wonder what happened, or yell that it's all scary.
 
Furufumi asks what you're surprised about until you tell him that everyone's normal relationship connections have been mixed up from normal and switched around at random. He compares it to William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" where fairies have shaken up the relationship charts of people and calls it a closed circle. Furufumi then realizes something might be up when he focuses on 'fairy tricks' and this being Little Tir na Nog. Cait Sith says you guys need to solve the current issue first with the terrorizing of guests, and Furufumi tells you guys to be careful since the scare squad is coming, and the episode battle starts. More happens after that.
 
After the battle, things tune in midway as Li Chou yells in frustration for Nezha and Hanuman to wake up. Cait Sith has been attempting his cat punch on them, but this hasn't had any effect in making them do anything different, so he's freaking out in fear. The scare squad use their powers to terrify the party, and you either freak out that they are doing so despite the app being off, or you wonder if it's because this is an enclosed area.
 
Nezha and Hanuman start chasing Furufumi around in circles, and you exclaim that you can't hold them off with just one sword. You still try to defend Furufumi, and Solomon calls out to you. Nezha and Hanuman react in surprise to you as you block them, as does Cait Sith who is amazed you and Solomon are breathing in synch. He also saw Solomon turn into another sword, which he calls awesome magic. You thank Solomon, or ask how he went inside but push the question aside to ask if Furufumi is okay.
 
Furufumi answers that he's fine, then apologizes for dragging you down despite being your senpai. He sadly wonders if he should never have tried to go outside and just stayed in the old library. You deny this, pointing out that his book of prophecies helped as you ask him to try again. Furufumi is surprised, then remembers he made a promise with him. He reminds himself he wasn't buried in his books, he Chose to be buried in them.
 
Furufumi thinks back on what he promised that day, and of the person who affirmed him when all he did was read. Furufumi then asks his artifact to help him. He can't do things like other people, but it's because he is who he is that he can do things no one else can. He casts his NP once again, and his artifact glows. He reads and understands the words that pop up that no one else can, and he says he's seeing a continuation of the earlier prophecy, a new future.
 
The vision Furufumi sees is set after this particular incident is over and done with. You, Mononobe, and himself are there all smiling, and he finds his presence there strange. And when he left the Scare Cabin, he was holding a shining book he never saw before. Furufumi recognizes it for what it is, then thanks his book. He then runs off, and you call after him asking why.
 
Furufumi answers that his book had told him that he'd leave the cabin with the book in hand after this. He reasons that if he goes to the exit, then he'll find the book. He runs as hard as he can back. and he sees a light that he saw in his vision. Furufumi exclaims that he's found the fallen book, which Cait Sith doesn't clearly hear but gets excited about the book being found. Li Chou asks if it's the source of everything happening, and if it is there's only one thing to do. He tells you guys to go get it while he holds everyone else back.
 
Benten pops up when Furufumi calls out to Li Chou, and she pulls her biwa up high for a swing. Cait Sith intervenes with his Magic Magic, switching his and Furufumi's positions. Benten ends up swinging at some smoke, and then she beans Cait Sith with her instrument. Cait Sith is able to hold on long enough to say his trick is a success before he collapses. Furufumi stammers out an apology and his thanks, and then he runs at full speed towards an open book. He points it out to you, saying things will be solved if something can be done. You partially abbreviate the invocation spiel to use your NP, and you cut at some power that is inside the book. With the spell broken, Furufumi sighs and closes the book in his hand.
 
Furufumi thanks Li Chou, Cait Sith, and you for all your help, giving a shy, awkward smile. Solomon reverts to his normal form too as he thanks you for your work, then he asks what happened. You either react with shock that he doesn't remember helping you and/or you say you don't remember what happened either. Cait Sith tells you two you guys are amazing and calls you geniuses. Solomon brags about how it was easy, but he thinks to himself that he really doesn't know what happened.
 
Solomon changes the subject to ask about the happy power collection. Cait Sith has forgotten all about it, but he tries to claim that it wasn't the goal this time as solving the problem came first as a festival committee member. But now that it's been brought up again, he mentions that he's feeling tired. Solomon wonders if he said too much in that case. Furufumi asks what happy power is supposed to be, so you give a quick run down. Li Chou points out that scares would be the opposite, so there's not much to be done about that. Solomon prompts you to cheer up Cait Sith somehow for his sake as well, so you protest that you don't have an idea on how, say there isn't any happiness here to work with, or comment on how friendly he is with him.
 
Cait Sith, Li Chou, and Furufumi all react in surprise as your happi starts glowing. Solomon asks what's going on and if happy power really is being generated here. To the side, a mage girl says she was so scared and asks her fencer date to keep hold of her hand. He agrees and says they should cuddle up more. Also, a mermaid says she can't move her lower body, but she's fine with it if she's together with that maid she's with. The maid calls her senpai and asks her not to say so as she admits her legs have given out too. Cait Sith, Li, and Furufumi understand where the happy power is coming from now, and you either suggest or prompt everyone to go outside.
 
Some time later, Cait Sith decides to call it case closed. Problem's been solved, and you got some happy power out of it. Furufumi turns to him and says he wants to thank him for saving him earlier. Cait Sith gets a little embarrassed by this, but he says he was doing what a king would naturally do. Furufumi is surprised by that and asks if he's a king, so Cait Sith tells him he's an apprentice. The previous king is really something else. He wants to be like him and better than him. You either say he's working hard or comment that the old king must have been amazing.
 
Cait Sith agrees, saying that compared to the king who could do just about anything he's lacking in a lot of things. He sighs about how it seems like the day he'll get that far is pretty distant. Furufumi however questions this, saying there is always a ruler in the world. There have been as many monarchies out there as there are stars in the sky. Not every king was all powerful though, and even if the successor had the same level of power it didn't mean they were happy.
 
Cait Sith is surprised into silence at this, so Furufumi apologizes if he's made him upset. He does say that there's no need to be the same as a great leader. Rather than that, he mentions there are many cases where an almighty king is unable to trust in anyone imperfect and doesn't hand the reigns off to the next in line. Furufumi then suggests that it's when you get old and weak and can pass things on to the next generation that you understand what you're lacking in. He admits this is something he's read from a book though, and he smiles proudly despite that.
 
Cait Sith doesn't say anything, and Li Chou says he understands how people are always comparing themselves, especially when they're comparing themselves to someone great. He turns to Cait Sith and says it's fine to walk your own path though. Cait Sith is quiet for a bit, then thinks aloud about the idea of knowing what it is he doesn't have and about the road he wants to take. He looks above into the starry sky as he talks to himself, and narration notes it will be the night of the full moon tomorrow. It will almost be the last day of the festival, and the episode ends.
 
 

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Fortune Festival's Happy Illusion Episode 4 Part 1

Camera tunes in with Balor reacting with surprise that Hakumen has come back to talk to him. Hakumen says she had some work to attend to and finally managed to block off some time to continue their conversation, which she picks back up with the part about how he said Little Tir na Nog was missing Death and Partings. She aims for perfection in all she does, so she came to ask him what that actually means. Won't he please tell this innocent 'little girly' what he means in more detail? Shennong is surprised at how perky she's being while Balor stays quiet.
 
Hakumen excuses herself and says she was being serious. She does want to make Little Tir na Nog as best as it can be, but she says it's also important that Kitty Sith becomes a Real King. She then laughs to herself saying being a Kingmaker suits her so much. Balor still doesn't deign to respond, so Hakumen points out that this should also work with his allly Tezcatlipoca's plans. There had to be a point that his plan to collect happy power or whatever took place in Little Tir na Nog. Recreating Tir na Nog accurately should be desirable then. She does admit that she doesn't see how this would benefit the death row inmate she's talking to though.
 
Balor actually speaks this time and says he doesn't mind, offering to help as much as he can. If it'll help Tezcatlipoca, then he has no reason to object at all. Hakumen comments that that's some admirable camaraderie before she asks if it's something else. Balor replies that it's just fun to do things together, then puts his motivation for this as something like empathetic commiseration or helping out someone who has the same concerns. They represent the wills of their worlds, horribly shitty worlds that live a long time by greedily coveting things like Old Age and Incompleteness.
 
Hakumen comments that for all of Balor's talk that he and Tezcatlipoca are sad and grieving, it doesn't look like it to her. Balor replies that of course they do, since they both are happily accepting old age and incompleteness. If you're wondering what's so great about getting old, Balor says that means he can hold his cute grandchild, so cute they could barf sparkles. Balor then talks about how seeing someone so similar to you can feel funny and pleasant, which is the biggest reason he goes along with Tezcatlipoca. That said, he says he ought to return to the main subject.
 
Balor brings back up that Hakumen said she wanted to make things perfect no matter what she had to add and that she wants to get what she's missing. He laughs at this saying it's useless, it's all useless. As he said before, getting old and losing things are the things that approach death and partings. Those are what makes Tir na Nog complete. The answers to do so are "accept that you will grow old and get closer to death" and "rejoice in what you lack." Balor explains that the fairies will sniff those out and come closer and bring changelings (Trade Death and Old Age for the World's Immortality).
 
Hakumen notes that this is all very abstract and asks for a more concrete example. Balor says he'll teach her how to Overlay the Present World with the Fairy World, which he says is one of the most famous fairy tales in Tokyo. He asks if she's ever heard of Walpurgisnacht (re: Enclosure of the Dead). Hakumen repeats it back (as Walpugis Night) and asks further into it. Balor explains that it's a belief of a Summer Night's Dream where witches run dominant. And an Indispensable part of a witch is a Black Cat familiar. If you put together 1) the night, 2) a black cat, and 3) someone who has accepted their old age and loss of things to the faith of Tir na Nog, that is when the wily fairies will manifest for sure. Balor then laughs as he mentions he was asked to bring a book that talks about the faith of Tir na Nog to the festival.
 
Title card pops up, and this chapter is called Festival Ghost Story! A Prophecy of Terror in the Horror House!?
 
Things pick back up on your end of things as the gang reaches the area around the watchtower at the center of the festival. Cait Sith announces that you guys have made it to the rest area, and Ryouta expresses some mild surprise about a rest area being there. He also notes that there's already a lot of people hanging around there. Moritaka also points that out and suggests there might not be any empty seats for you guys. Kengo asks what you guys will do then, then says that there is still the plan for you all to just sit scattered about by yourselves. Narration describes the place as a prefab building filled with long benches and tables and visitors who are all talking. Cait Sith says it'll be fine and asks you all to follow him.
 
Cait Sith takes you guys to a part of the rest area that is slightly wide where some broadcasting equipment is placed. It's the only space in the area where normal visitors are not sitting around so it's mostly vacant. Cait Sith greets the few probably festival worker people there. You ask Cait Sith about this section, note the empty space, and say you guys can sit there at least. Cait Sith explains that this was a prep area for the festival committee, but it was just opened to the rest and dining area. Moritaka observes that you guys could relax there and enjoy some food from the stalls. Ryouta mentions being tired from standing for so long, so he decides it's time for a snack party.
 
Kengo mentions remembering that these things happened in festivals when he was younger too, but all he remembers now is the stupid old men including his dad drinking together. Li Chou says that in festivals like this, it's best that they treat customers as the most important thing. If tons of people come and stay a while, they ought to spend a lot of money too. Cait Sith greets Li and asks if anything happened. Li answers that there's been an increase in visitors, but things have calmed down. It's time to eat after all, and everyone is engrossed with the gourmet food. You comment that you like enjoying your food, and that everyone else seems to be the same way.
 
Li Chou thanks everyone for their work and asks if you want any cold drinks. He's got juice, soda, tea, and coffee. Ryouta cheers about this and says that a cooler filled with ice and drinks really feels like a festival thing. Shirou asks about the stall food as there are a bunch of such stalls nearby selling stuff. Touji says something seems to have happened near there earlier since he noticed the flow of movement changing.
 
Agyou asks if anyone else thinks that there's more people constantly coming in, and he compares the activity level to New Year's shrine visiting. Li Chou says the festival is exploding on social media, and at the rate things are going it's going to be jam packed by the last day. Cait Sith laughs and says that's good news as Hakumen should be happy with him for that.
 
Kijimuna is around and asleep, which Shirou notices. He sighs that he'll catch a cold if his yukata slips open like that. Touji then notices that Hanuman isn't around and asks if he was with someone. R-19 opens up his phone tracking function he apparently has, then announces that Hanuman is still within the festival area, probably with some other people. Moritaka then speaks up and says Hanuman told him he'd be heading off to do something else because his school friends are here. Shirou remembers that Hanuman's school friends would be from Umamichi and comments it'll be lively then. Li Chou agrees and expresses disbelief that they haven't caused a problem yet. Nezha has crashed into a stall, but that's all that's happened between today and the day before.
 
Shirou changes the subject to suggest bringing some food for everyone. Ryouta volunteers to come along since he can't carry all the food for everyone by himself. Shirou thanks him and says he'd prefer to have one more person come along, so Ryouta elects you as he suggests looking for new unseen festival foods. You either agree, shrug and say fine, or reject the idea. In A and B, Shirou apologizes for having you help when you're tired, so he suggests getting it done quickly. In C, Ryouta tells you to stop that since everything is unimportant compared to food. Plus it's a chance to go pick things you like! Solomon pops up to tell you he wants to eat that thing that's like okonomiyaki wrapped around chopsticks. Cait Sith agrees with him saying he wants some hashimaki too, with lots of bonito flakes as a topping. The two of them then thank you for taking their request and laugh.
 
Time skips a bit to you, Shirou, and Ryouta at the stalls, where Ryouta is ordering a combo platter of yakitori and several orders for large sized yakisoba. He also orders garlic fried edamame beans, chicken skin gyoza, cold tofu, and fried cheese among other things. Shirou mentions that the rest area allows alcohol, so the stalls are offering a lot of things that go well with it. Ryouta says that while he can't drink, he loves the snacks. Eating ones that go well with soda gives him this sense of being an expert. Shirou laughs and says he'll go put in the actual order, then asks you guys to wait.
 
At this point, Ryouta panics as he notices that he's gotten a lot of messages, then quickly moves to respond to them all. You ask about these messages and note that he has a lot, so Ryouta says he contacted a lot of his friends. With all the crowds though, it's been hard to go greet them. He asks you to wait for a moment as he continues texting people, moving his fingers so fast they turn into a blur. You then comment that Ryouta is amazing or point out that he might not actually be able to tell his friends are around among all these people.
 
Furufumi walks by soon after and makes eye contact with you, and he responds to this by running away. You are surprised to see him there. Ryouta finishes up with his responses and turns to you, then asks if you saw something unusual. Shirou returns too, and when he sees your expression he asks if you saw something difficult to describe. You turn to Ryouta to ask him a question about Furufumi. He tells you he tried to invite him, but he said no.
 
The three of you return to the rest area, and Shirou invites Li Chou to join you guys for dinner. Li accepts, saying that he had some snacks before, but he just can't get enough of the smell of stall foods. Cait Sith apologizes saying more people has come, so he asks people to squeeze in a bit. He also mentions that these people seem to know you guys. Shirou asks about this, so Cait Sith points them out. Kengo reacts in alarm, and the rest of the gang reacts in surprise to seeing all the named staff at Shinjuku so far here.
 
Mononobe greets you guys and comments on seeing a lot of familiar faces. You either say his name or try to talk to him, and if you go with the latter he notices and gestures for you to stay quiet for now. But anyways Jinn laughs about how he wasn't expecting to run into all of you guys, and Triton reminds you guys not to go too crazy at the festival. Shennong comments on the coincidence, and he's about to mention he already knew you were here before he decides to back out of that. Ziz says that it's so novel to see you guys outside of the school, which she feels kind of excited about. You voice your own surprise at them being here or ask why they're all together.
 
Ryouta cheers excitedly over this coincidence and compliments Mononobe and Ziz on their yukatas. Ziz laughs and thanks him, complimenting his happi in turn. Kengo asks them why they're all here and complains about the festival going down the drain now. Shirou asks if this is a part of student guidance, which they'd normally do with doing some patrols. Triton laughs and says it's natural he'd think so, but no they're here for a more private party. Ziz adds that she suggested they also make this Shennong's welcoming party and that Mononobe asked them to come over.
 
Shennong apologizes to them about going through so much trouble for him, saying he never expected this when they asked if he had plans. He then laughs about how convenient it was that he was already planning to come here because of a request from his old haunts. Kengo expresses annoyance at the teachers having a party nearby and complains his food is getting bad now. Jinn teases him for being a downer and says he ought to have a drink. Juice of course. Triton joins in and offers Kengo some juice too, and Kengo complains that they smell like sake and asks if they're drunk.
 
Li Chou freaks out and tells Kengo not to get closer to him because he'd be at a disadvantage against teachers because he's a delinquent. Mononobe introduces himself to the non-Shinjuku people in your group, and Cait Sith greets him back. Ryouta then takes the opportunity to take a picture of the teachers as he prompts them to look his way. After that's done, Mononobe asks you if you're enjoying things. He then asks if you're upset. You then complain that it was supposed to be a secret between you guys that he was here.
 
Mononobe apologizes saying Jinn caught a hold of him and he wasn't able to turn him down. He then notices that you seem to have something on your mind and asks you about that. You tell him you have something you want to ask him, but Mononobe asks to go first and tells you he invited another student to come over. He came over today and they were together for a bit, but then he ran away when the other teachers ran into him.
 
Camera jumps over to Furufumi where he wonders what he's doing after making the effort to come all this way. Narration says that Furufumi has slipped in between stalls and is standing still near some supply delivery path, just hiding. Furufumi continues talking to himself saying he's not good at dealing with crowds and lots of noise, which he feels is like everyone is laughing at him. He knows it's in his head, but he still wants to leave. He's ambivalent about that though because there's Something here that he wants to look at.
 
Furufumi freaks out at some noise and asks who's there, and it turns out to be you looking for him as you ask why he's hiding there. Furufumi freaks out again upon seeing you and asks why you snuck up behind him, then remembers you said you found him and asks if you need him for something. You answer that you came to get him, so he sighs about how much you always do things your own way. He comments that looking at you reminds him of another person, even if your looks and personality are different.
 
Furufumi goes quiet for a bit before he asks if you'll stay with him until he calms down, even if it's just a moment. You either say you'll gladly do so, or be more casual and refer to him by name. In A, he says he came with someone else, but he got separated. In B, Furufumi is taken aback by you using his name and says he'd like to keep some distance still since he's not sure what he'd do if people think you have some special relationship with each other.
 
Furufumi stands there for a few moments. He eventually comments that the moon looks beautiful, then makes a point of saying he's not using literary Japanese to say he loves you. He also apologizes for suddenly running away when he saw you earlier. He was invited by Ryouta earlier, but he told him no. He didn't want that known when he saw you which is why he ran, and he calls himself a horrible person. You tell him that he's worrying too much about it. Ryouta isn't fussing about it either, and more likely he'd be happy to know he's here.
 
Furufumi asks if you'll let him explain. After he turned Ryouta down, Mononobe invited him to go too. He had a hard time saying no because of some personal stuff. He also tells you he has one other reason for coming to the festival, so he had to come no matter what. Wen you ask him about that, Furufumi says it's about an old rare book. There's an old book market happening at the festival with a bunch of rare books on display. These would be proof of histories from other worlds including Tokyo, a treasury of records from before you guys were born.
 
Furufumi starts stepping closer to you as he rants/explains about how there are other books coming in from historied schools besides Roppongi. He's not sure how true it all is, but he says he has a duty to check it all out. As the caretaker of Shinjuku Academy's old schoolhouse library, he can't just sit there if there's a book around that he's never read before. He then starts panting and apologizes for getting worked up. You either nod along, say you understand his passion, or comment how aggressive he is today.
 
Anyways Furufumi laughs and says he's glad if you understood how he felt even a little bit. Again, he was with Mononobe earlier, but he ran off on reflex when the other teachers came to talk to him. He's then stood around here wondering if it would have been okay to tell him he'll walk around by himself and that he'll be fine. It was Mononobe who invited him over and even got a happi ready for him, and Furufumi's brain starts locking up when he gets to that point. You either ask him what's wrong, say he looks good in it, or comment that it's a must for festivals.
 
Furufumi freaks out and crouches, yelling and asking you to not look at him. You react in shock that he's only now processing or caring about wearing a happi. He stammers that he forgot about it while he was talking about you and is embarrassed to be seen in it. It's not that he has anything against people wearing a happi, and he knows it's a cultural thing. He's just embarrassed to be seen in it by people. You either comment that he has no chill, say he looks good it in, or say you like how bold he is. Furufumi moans to himself that he won't get anything done at this rate, even with a rare book he's never seen before possibly being around. You suggest going together and/or gently grab his hand. Furufumi is surprised and touched by this, and he eventually thanks you and agrees.
 
Some time later, you and Furufumi reach an area where he says old books and stuff are being sold. He also comments that the flow of visitors around is different too. He says it's like a flea market, and he suggests going to where all the books are. There's a specific stall he wants to see, so he asks you to come with him. He also asks you to not let go of his hand, or else he'll freeze up. You two eventually reach a stall that is really a canvas roof set up over a wagon filled with books, and Furufumi's eyes light up in excitement upon finding it.
 
Furufumi expresses his amazement and says it's glittering like a treasury. There are a lot of codexes from other worlds, and he sighs happily about having such history and knowledge at his fingertips. Fufurumi then asks you if it's okay for him to look at them for a while. You say it's okay since you'll be there and/or that you want to see them too. Furufumi gets nervous as he starts looking into the books, and you keep your eyes on him. He mumbles stuff about one book using Eden's methods and something about Gehenna's treatment of books. He also finds a scroll from Wa no Kuni, something from Hourai, and even something from Old Ones.
 
Narration talks about how Roppongi is where a collection of rulers from different worlds gather. Their books are no exception to this. Many records from other worlds in the form of Manuscripts are being sold, from books on cultures to books on cooking recipes to books for pleasure. To Furufumi it's all a treasure vault of riches, and a bit of red excitement rises to his light skin.
 
Solomon shows up saying he was asked to find you, then asks what this place is. Solomon's attention falls on a random book, and he's interested enough in it that he asks you to buy it for him. It's an old book on arts or skills of some kind. Furufumi notices you looking at the book and asks to take a look as well. After he does, he notes that the whole thing is in bad shape, but the damage is less from it becoming old and more that it was just used that much. Furufumi also finds the subject surprising and asks if you're interested in magic (as in sleight of hand).
 
You react in surprise, so Furufumi says it's a book that's published here in Tokyo. You could probably find one in better condition in the bookstores in Kanda or Jinbocho, but if you're really into this one... To the side, Solomon nods to you, so you tell Furufumi that you do want that book. Furufumi says you guys can buy it together, and he offers to fix the binding at least. He feels the book would be happier that way too. Solomon thanks you and laughs. As you guys shop, you start hearing some yelling. Furufumi wonders what that's all about before saying it's got nothing to do with him. Solomon alerts you to a phone call coming in from Cait Sith.
 
Cait Sith apologizes for the sudden call but says it's an emergency. He's asking for all festival staff and related parties for help, which includes you and Solomon. Something that was put on display as an attraction was mistakenly sold to someone. Furufumi tells you it's okay to go and thanks you for sticking with him. He's not good at dealing with problems that involve a lot of people anyways, but Cait Sith yells that the thing that was sold is a Rare Book from another world that's so rare only one copy exists, and the episode half ends with Furufumi reacting in shock as he hears that.
 

Monday, October 26, 2020

Live A Hero Golden Spirit of Dawn Episode 5

We begin with a flashback set at Gomeisa's homeworld. A giant Kaibutsu has just tore its way around, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, and the story focuses inside some forest. The Mother Tree has barely escaped unscathed, and people descend in groups from spaceships chained to it. Gomeisa looks up to his parents who dwarf him in size as they talk about something he doesn't seem to hear. He then asks his mother what they're talking about and who the people from the ships are.
 
The answers are not shown, but Gomeisa talks about how that time has come for him. He's still small, but now he can be helpful, which he's happy about. Gomeisa then sees the look on his mother's face, and he asks why she looks so sad and lonely. It was she who told him that this was an honor. Everyone in the forest said so. Everyone had gone on a journey, and now it's his turn to go...right? So why? And why is he crying now?
 
Back to the present, Gomeisa sleeptalks calling for his parents. Huckle notes that he's speaking his native language and wonders if he's dreaming. He then expresses some sympathy for him, and he softly wipes away a tear in Gomeisa's eyes without waking him.
 
Title card pops up, and this chapter is called Purple Haze.
 
Camera then tunes back in uptown as the curtain of night falls and the lights of the skyscrapers turn on. In this area are beautiful, old-fashioned, and high class looking buildings that seem to be built out of brick and mortar, and the party walks downtown the Sengen district looking for that one shop. Akashi points out the random businesses he sees, like brand name shops, night clubs, sushi bars, restaurants, and jewelers. Even the people walking around are wearing pretty high class clothes, and Akashi is feeling out of place.
 
Barrel observes that this is a town for adults, and he thinks the superiors in the police station probably hang around there too. He then realizes he probably shouldn't be saying any of that, saying he should zip his mouth. Mokdai mentions that he's been here before. He was brought here by the boss of some other company, and he was so nervous he doesn't remember how the food and drink was anymore. Akashi figures it was a business entertainment sort of place and asks what kind of store he went to. Mokdai is surprised by the question and has reservations about answering it. You ask him why he's hesitating, ask if he went to a sexy kind of store, or tell Akashi he shouldn't ask.
 
In A, Mokdai says he's totally not feeling guilty or anything and that it was totes a wholesome business establishment. He's just feeling awkward about talking about nighttime businesses to a student. Akashi protests in shock that they aren't that far apart in age and that he shouldn't be treated like a child. In B, Mokdai blushes as he tries to deny it, and Barrel tells you you shouldn't pry into Mokdai's dirty stories. He's an adult after all. Akashi is taken aback by the concept that these stores actually exist, and Mokdai insists that there was nothing unseemly about the place he went to. In C, Akashi is baffled and doesn't understand what you mean. Barrel does catch your drift, and Mokdai insists it was most definitely an upright respectable business place.
 
In any case, Barrel says that according to the directions on the ticket Polaris Mask gave you, the parlor is in a building down some alleyway. Said alleyway is of course slightly darker than the bright and dazzling main street, where there is already a small group of suspicious looking mobs. They glare at you guys as you walk past, like they're watching you. You either express some fear, wonder if you're going to somewhere dangerous, or glare back at them. C has Akashi tell you to knock it off in alarm since he's worried it'll cause extra trouble.
 
Anyways Akashi asks if the directions are right, and Mokdai worries that the thugs might attack you guys because he thought he saw them flick a knife or something. Barrel says you can't carry out an investigation if you let something like them intimidate you, then he sees the building you're looking for. The party then enters some solid looking building, and one of the mobs get irritated at seeing you guys go in.
 
Time passes as you all take the elevator to the top floor, and the door opens up to a coolly lit lounge sort of place. The interior has a unified chic look to it all, indeed the sort of place that comes to mind if someone were to think membership-based salon. Akashi is amazed by the decor and wonders if it's okay for him to even be there. Barrel says of course it is since they're here on an investigation. That said he takes a sniff and comments on smelling a strange scent, wondering if it's an aroma. Mokdai says the smell seems both familiar and not. You comment on it smelling like pineapples, strawberries, or something sweet.
 
Mystery Man walks in and says the scent is Purple Tone Cosmos. He says it's also described as the "scent of the universe," and that it's a specially made scent. Narration describes him as having a solid frame and looks with a certain bewitching air around him. Barrel freaks out over his sudden appearance and asks how long he's been there, and Mystery Man replies he came to see who came into his store. Barrel says he sees and tries to laugh off the awkwardness.
 
Mystery Man asks about you guys not having an appointment, and he says that the business is strictly members only and by appointment. He goes into the customer service spiel about having to turn you guys down without a member's referral or reservation when he stops midway after catching sight of you. He sudden leans in closer to you, and his eyes look over you as if observing you. You are thrown off by this reaction and ask him what's going on.
 
Mystery Man is quiet for a second before he apologizes, saying he couldn't help himself with how charming you looked. He hopes you can forgive him. Akashi is weirded out by him and asks if you're okay. You try to collect yourself and say you're fine, say you were surprised, or say you felt your heart flutter. C has Akashi get further weirded out as he says your tastes haven't changed.
 
Anyways, Barrel explains that you guys came to ask questions instead of getting treatment, and he pulls out his police ID to show the man. Mystery Man is surprised by this and asks what questions is he talking about. Barrel brings up that a hero came by earlier today, and Akashi notices something. Mokdai asks him why he's looking at the window, so Akashi says he thought he felt someone watching you guys. Since he doesn't see anyone he wonders if he imagined it, but someone somewhere is indeed quietly watching.
 
Time passes a bit as you guys are lead to some sofas in the lounge and given some tea and pastries. You comment that the tea is nice, say that tea and scones are so stylish, or say that you're relaxing so much you might drop off. C gets Akashi to tell you to stay awake because you're still on the job. But anyway Mystery Man talks about how the tea has a nice aroma. He makes it for his customers, but it's plenty popular besides that. Back when he lived in what remained of Australia (re: the British Commonwealth), he had some hangups about what he put out for tea time.
 
Barrel asks Mystery Man if it's okay to call him by name instead of a title, which seems to be Exio Grant. He also tries to get the investigation back on track. Exio apologizes for getting sidetracked and confirms that Procy, full name Procyon Floud(?), was there at 12 o'clock earlier. Akashi is confused by the use of Procyon and asks if his name wasn't Procy. Barrel points out that the paperwork has Procyon written on it, and he suggests Procy is just a day to day nickname.
 
Barrel looks through the customer logs, and he reads off the details of Procy's visit. He showed up just before 12 PM, prep and treatment went on for about an hour, and he left around 1:30. Barrel asks Exio about this half hour time period between the treatment and Procy leaving. Exio explains that he has customers change their clothes when undergoing treatment, so half that time was Procy changing clothes. The other half he puts down as small talk. It had been some time since Procy last came over, so the talks went on for a while.
 
Barrel asks if Exio can tell him what his conversation with Procy was about. Exio says he can't go into more detail because of customer privacy concerns, but he does reveal that someone Procy knew for a long time had just come to Earth, so he was going to go see him. You ask about this person, and Exio says that Procy came for an adjustment because he was going to see them.
 
Since you're on the subject, Barrel says he's heard this is a hero-oriented massage parlor, and he asks what adjustment actually means in more concrete terms. Exio declines to give details citing it's a trade secret, but he does say that customers who come to him often have been feeling out of tune in their recent battles and come in to prepare for an upcoming important fight. Procy seemed to have come in for the same reason. That's about as much as he can say. Barrel doesn't press further and thanks him for telling him what he has said so far.
 
Akashi is surprised that's it and asks if he's not going to ask any more questions. He could ask about this longtime acquaintance of Procy's or the effects of the massage since there's still a lot of stuff unexplained. Barrel says that while policemen on TV and movies do that, in reality this is how questioning tends to go. If clear relevance to a case isn't established and a search warrant isn't given, you can't forcefully interrogate someone who isn't a suspect into divulging what they aren't willing to share. Exio adds that since he deals with the privacy of many customers, he wasn't supposed to tell you as much as he did. He doesn't know much about Procy's old friend or other, and he apologizes if it doesn't help.
 
Barrel waves it off and apologizes for the sudden visit. He says it's time for you guys to go, and he prompts Mokdai to get up. Mokdai is taken by surprise at this and asks for a little more time to finish eating the scone with cream he has. Akashi is taken aback and asks what he really came here for. Exio laughs and says he doesn't mind. In fact he made those scones himself, so he's happy Mokdai likes them so much. You comment on how devoted he is to his appetite, point out that this is why he's fat, or point out that he has cream on his face. A simply has Mokdai be embarrassed as he says he's heard it before, but he's never felt like doing anything about it. B has Mokdai recoil in shock for a second before saying the same thing. C has Mokdai get embarrassed at the fact. Akashi is the one to say this is why he's fat, and Mokdai says the same thing as the above.
 
Anyways, Barrel thanks Exio for cooperating with the investigation and excuses himself. Exio says he'd be happy if next time you guys came as customers, and he takes the time to bow to everyone one by one as you head to the elevator. You are the last in line, and you say your goodbyes. Exio however leans in and whispers to you, saying he'll probably be seeing you again later as he calls you by name. This catches your attention since you've never told it to him. Akashi tells you to hurry up, so you nod to him and get going with not much else to say. Exio just smiles and watches you off like he didn't just do something suspicious, and as you leave you get the feeling like the back of your head is being pulled on.
 
Camera focuses on Exio for a bit, and he talks to himself about how unexpected it was for him to meet you directly. But then, this is apparently Just As Chosen. He thinks it's fine since you still don't have a grasp on the full extent of your powers, but the moment you do he thinks you'll probably be a Threat to the Universe. Exio looks up towards the sky, and he talks as if someone were up there. In the end, will this experiment turn up a favorable result or an unfavorable result? He then addresses the Broker and says this is quite a show.
 
Camera then jumps back to the party as Akashi asks what you guys will do since you're stuck now. Mokdai says you did get some new information, but it's also kind of vague. Barrel points out that Narihito is investigating things too, so it'd be best to get in touch with him to compare notes and see if he's turned anything up. You agree and hope he did find something, or you wonder what's up with Exio. C has Mokdai asking if you're okay as he's noticed you look a little pale.
 
A voice calls out to you guys, and the three thugs from before step out of the shadows and approach you, looking more severe than the first time you passed by them. Red asks Barrel why he was in Exio's store, but Barrel declines to answer saying it's confidential. Blue threatens to throw hands if he won't spill and brings up how you guys had tea and snacks, and he is so jelly about this. Barrel is dumbfounded to hear this.
 
Green points to you, which you are confused about. They demand to know what Exio whispered to you about because Exio never did that for him. They also demand to know what sort of relationship you have with him. You either protest that this is your first time meeting him, or you say it's a secret. In C, Red gets pissed while Akashi freaks out and tells you to stop poking at the nerves of weirdos.
 
The mobs focus their attention on Barrel being a cop again and ask if he came to arrest Exio. He denies it, baffled. Red declares he won't let you guys upend his place of rest and relaxation, at least until he tells Exio how he feels. Blue gets pissy and says Exio's love is HIS, and of course Green claims Exio for himself. The party is baffled as the thugs start glaring at each other now.
 
Mokdai points out how there's suddenly some internal conflict brewing, and Barrel calls it a tangle of blind love. Probably not too weird if you spend some time with Exio. Akashi however points out this is more a bunch of fans swinging at each other and guesses they've never actually talked to Exio before. Mokdai wonders how they even knew you had tea with Exio, at which point you remember something from before. Akashi asks if it was them when he felt someone watching him before (in a parlor that apparently takes up a whole top floor mind you), and Mokdai remembers him saying that. Akashi then asks Barrel to arrest the three stalker suspects. Barrel has reservations against it though he does admit stalking doesn't require being formally charged. You suggest just leaving since you can't stay.
 
Mokdai agrees with leaving since the thugs look like they might be at this for a while. You attempt to slip past, but the thugs return their attention to you guys and tell you to stop. They declare that they won't show mercy to anyone who'd keep them from seeing Exio, and they all thrust their arms out forward. They transform and tell you guys to get ready, and Akashi is surprised that they're villains. Barrel threatens to charge the gang with assault, but the mobs say you can't be a villain if you're afraid of the police. Mokdai freaks out a little as he tells you it's time to fight. You get ready and say this is annoying, but you guys should finish this quick. The episode battle then starts as the mobs yell about divine punishment.