The event stops with the pattern it's been keeping so far by doing away with the starting flashbacks and going straight to the title card. This episode is called Everyone Together.
Things then tune in to the Christmas day hero show as Ryekie prompts the children in the audience to call his name out to help him save the day. The children do so, and narration describes how it's been a day since the Kaibutsu elimination, so it's Christmas now. The kids shout as one in response to Ryekie's call, and the show is taking place in the central plaza where the tree was before. A special stage has been set up, and Ryekie is doing his best to make the audience happy.
Over in the backstage area they have, Mokdai talks about being worried
about how the show would go because of the monster attack, but he's glad
that people have come to see it. You talk about how it was a big mess
last night, say they’re strong or whatever, then note that it still
looks like some people have just left the resort. Huckle says they may
be used to Kaibutsu being around, though that sounds bad when you put it
like that. But in this age, monsters showing up is an every day thing,
and it seems that the idea that if the monsters are exterminated, then
everything will be fine. So in that sense, people are strong.
Nessen notes that it's true some of the guests have decided to leave, but there's also a lot of people who decided to stay. A lot of people also came in today to stay at the resort too, which he and the staff are happy about. Flamier suggest that it might actually because of the incident the day before that people are here. When people are uneasy, they start wanting to see someone, which applies to adults as much as it does children. So once all the unease passes, everyone starts gathering together to be with each other and comfort one another.
Toshu talks about how they don't know how Kaibutsu appear in the world, but with the way things have calmed down at the inn you'd never have guessed they showed up here. That's why he thinks the festivities are continuing. Shouen says it really is best to have children smiling since seeing that calms the heart. Sui says that's all well and good, but she questions whether it was a good idea to have Akashi presenting the show. Since he's frozen up on stage, it looks like Ryekie's had to run things along by himself.
A quick cut to the stage shows Akashi freaking out at all the cameras pointed at them, and he stands there with a death grip on the mic while standing upright like some kind of mannequin. You are either concerned that Akashi isn't moving at all, or you comment that he's not doing well. Mokdai sighs and says he put him out there hoping to get him used to it, but welp this idea was a bust. He then starts talking to Akashi through the headpiece and prompts him to start talking since this isn't amateur karaoke hour. Huckle comments it's going to take a while for Akashi to get over his camera shyness, though he notes that he's fine if he doesn't think about the cameras.
Another quick cut to the stage has Ryekie ending the show, asking that everyone keeps cheering him on. As he starts walking to the backstage area, Mokdai takes note of this and asks you to get a chair for him. You express surprise at this request and move to grab one. Ryekie nearly collapses when out of sight of the public, so Akashi moves to help support him, although he does find Ryekie to be heavy. Huckle thanks Akashi for catching Ryekie, then tells Ryekie you got a chair for him so he should sit down now. Ryekie nods and apologizes.
Ryekie goes to sit down on the chair and exhales deeply. A bit of blood is starting to seep onto the stomach portion of his suit. Mokdai notes that Ryekie really does need some sort of waist supporter for now, and Akashi said he did suggest cancelling the show today as he says Ryekie pushed himself. Ryekie laughs and says so many children came to see him today. He wanted to give them what they wanted, even if it was a little reckless. That said, he does admit to going overboard the day before, then asks for water because he's hung over. You comment that it's a combination of a hangover and his injury, say he's hurt all over, or just give him the water. C gets an extra line where Ryekie thanks you, then apologizes for making you fuss over him.
Huckle comments that Ryekie is amazing in a lot of ways to put on a brave face on stage despite his current state. Ryekie says Huckle's punches hurt when he hit him on the right side of his face, though he admits he was the one who made him mad. Huckle responds that he said he'd punch him two or three times so he should be glad Huckle decided to only punch him once. He also says Ryekie's not the type to get anything from words alone. Ryekie comments he knows him so well after knowing him for so many years. Huckle says that's a weird way to compliment someone, but he calls himself an idiot too for sticking with him despite all the grief. Ryekie laughs and says he's the one sticking with him and says it's fine for dopes to stick together. Huckle suggests he change if he knows he's stupid, then laughs too.
Akashi is confused by the turn from scolding to laughing between Huckle and Ryekie, then calls them weird. Mokdai points out that Huckle is still the boss, then suggests that some things get across because you've been together with someone for so long. Maybe the same thing will happen for the rest of you guys if that much time passes with you all together, though he doesn't know right now. Akashi wonders about that, and you say you both do and don't want to know, think about it being a deep bond, or say you'll know one day. B and C has Akashi baffled by your expression as he asks what you know.
Some time later, Nessen comes by and thanks Ryekie for putting on the show despite his condition. He also thanks everyone for all their help in saving the town. It's because of you all that the town stands to see another day, and Nessen bows deeply to everyone. Ryekie laughs and says Nessen doesn't need to bow that often, then says they did what heroes should naturally do. Things like saving people and protecting places is pretty much their mission, and Ryekie says he feels all the heroes here are thinking the same thing.
Akashi, Mokdai, Toshu, Shouen, and Flamier all smile and nod. Ryekie points out that Nessen became a hero because he wanted to protect the town and the people coming to it. That makes them friends who carry the same mission and are moving in the same direction in life. Nessen has to think about that for a moment before he agrees that it's probably true and smiles back at everyone.
Nessen talks to you and Huckle and says that if there's ever anything he can help you guys out with, you can ask him to help. Just as you've come together to help protect his town, he'll come help protect your city. Huckle nods and thanks him, asking him to do as he sees fit. You say you'll count on him for sure, ask him not to jump out next time, or say you wanna see his cool outfit again. In A, he nods and says please do. In B, Nessen laughs about you going at that point about him and says he'll try not to think too much about it. In C, Nessen is surprised by the comment before he says you're good at flattering people. He then thanks you shyly and says he's not used to people complimenting his looks.
Anyways, Nessen has an idea come to mind at that moment and has a suggestion for you guys. This isn't meant as an apology, but since you guys have gotten hurt over the course of the incident, he suggests you guys relax the day's stress away. He also offers to open up a banquet hall for you guys if you'd like. Mokdai is thrilled at the idea and thanks him. Huckle attempts to politely decline the party hall suggestion, but Ryekie argues that they ought to take up Nessen's kindness. A party at a hot springs sounds awesome! He turns to Akashi and Mokdai and says they should do it and let him thank them. He wants to help and thank you all, which is the wish he had during that battle.
Huckle asks if that was the wish that led Ryekie to transform since he's surprised that such a sudden wish can trigger one. He admits that it did happen though, but it's not something his path finding ability can do anything with. He then wonders if that means you have that ability as he mutters to himself, looking sternly at you. You notice him looking at you and ask in concern if something is wrong, so Huckle says it's nothing, asking you to not worry about it. You still wonder about it though.
Huckle talks about how he gives you work in the business since he trusts in your communication ability, but he finds it strange sometimes how things always go well despite how shameless you are. But anyways, Huckle decides that they can accept Nessen's offer since he's making it already. You guys never did get to have any time to visit the baths yesterday and you luckily have the day off tomorrow. He then tells Nessen that they will go ahead and use the banquet hall then.
Nessen nods and says he'll serve you guys to the best of his ability. Akashi cheers about going to the hot springs today, especially since Toshu and the teachers will be leaving today. Toshu informs him that they're also planning on leaving tomorrow actually and teases him about trying so hard to not bathe with him. Akashi is taken aback by this and tries to hide his shock by pretending to be happy about this, so Toshu sighs about how obvious he is. He says he won't harp about the report and says he can relax. Toshu says Akashi does need to work hard at his studies, but he needs to take breaks too. He then compliments Akashi for his efforts this incident.
Akashi is surprised at Toshu being nice and offers to wash his back as
he thanks him. Toshu is taken aback by this sudden change in attitude
and tells him trying to butter him up won't help with his grades.
Flamier notes that it's not often that Toshu acts nice to any of his
students, and Shouen says lots of odd things happen at New Years. You
wonder if it'll snow, suggest going to the baths together to Akashi, or
say you want to go with the teachers. In A, Toshu gets shocked as he
asks if you're making fun of him and threatens to discipline you. Shouen
has to tell him to calm down since the children outside will hear him.
In B, Akashi blushes at the suggestion, declining at first but adding
that he's not against it. Sui asks why he's blushing so hard, so Akashi
says he isn't and tells her to stop staring. In C, Toshu is surprised,
but if you're offering to wash his back he won't say no. Shouen notes
that Toshu has accepted you and says he'll join too if you're fine with
the long bath.
Sui floats the idea of going back on her own since she's worried a second day stay will cause trouble for her teacher. A female voice responds to that and asks who would be troubled by that, and Sui is surprised to hear her teacher's voice and asks where she is. Mokdai tells her that Maculata/Begonia isn't actually there. He just got on the phone with her and now has the speakers turned on as he shows it to her. Her teacher's voice is described as a bit mellow.
Anyways Maculata/Begonia sighs and says Sui is still in her late teens, and that she'll age herself if she worries so much about things. She herself will be fine, and conveniently enough she's got a project she'd like to concentrate on by herself until tomorrow. Sui might as well have some fun and act like a kid for once since she tries to act mature the rest of the time. Sui is surprised, then says she will.
Mokdai suggests to Sui that she enjoy the trip with you guys for a while longer since she's here. She nods and agrees after a moment, and you wonder what sort of person Sui's teacher is, invite Mokdai to the baths later, or invite Sui to the baths. In A, Mokdai asks about you having not met her and says you probably will sooner or later. Mokdai then describes Sui's teacher as a competent adult and obsessed with fashion so she can be strict. She's also someone with fur like him, so whenever they meet she brushes his fur for him and tells him to take better care of it. In B, Mokdai is surprised by the invite and wonders if he'll be okay and not get strangely nervous. Sui then asks if he's okay since he's sweating so much. In C, Sui is surprised and asks why you guys have to go together. She's not saying no though, but she'd prefer the reserved bath since she's embarrassed about the public one.
Camera shifts to Subaru, who is hanging around quietly in the central plaza. With the show over, the children who came to watch start leaving and walk around Subaru. Subaru looks as surly as ever as he turns around and starts heading to the station. A voice calls out to him and asks if he's not going to say anything to anyone. Subaru turns around to find Kyoichi talking to him, so he asks why he's here since he figured he'd be with everyone else backstage.
Kyoichi says he's the type of guy who wants to enjoy things in the same way children do, so he's been in the audience the whole time. Subaru comments that it does sound like him since he chose to be an elementary school teacher. Kyoichi asks again if he's leaving and says he thinks it'd be good if Subaru said something to the rest of you first. Subaru is surprised as he thinks he said enough yesterday and asks what more needs to be said. Kyoichi sighs at how laconic he is and asks if he's ever thought about networking some more.
Subaru says he has a day job just like how other heroes do, and his involves quietly writing a bunch of sentences so he doesn't need to talk to other people. And since he doesn't need to talk to other people, he doesn't need to deepen his relationships because of how pointless it is. Subaru also adds that he's bad at talking with people anyways. Kyoichi laughs and says that for all of Subaru's arguments, the biggest issue he presents is the thing he ends on. He calls him as shy as ever, though he's actually reassured that Subaru never changed that part about himself. Subaru gets annoyed at that and tells him to stop as he heads off.
Subaru walks a few steps before he suddenly stops. Kyoichi asks about this, so Subaru says that while socializing isn't needed for his job, he spins around with a small smile and says it's not as bad as he thought to have a friend he can rely on. It's something that came to mind from the day's events yesterday, and he thanks Kyoichi. Kyoichi is surprised by this, so Subaru immediately denies he said anything and says he'll see him later. Kyoichi watches Subaru walk off again mouth agape for a moment before commenting on how Subaru's never upfront with his feelings.
Camera follows Subaru as he walks into some dim alleyway near the resort's entrance as if trying to avoid people's eyes. He takes a look behind him and sighs before calling out, saying he knows he's been watched, which is why he went into that alley. He suggests that whoever was tailing him show themselves. A voice responds, mildly surprised at being noticed and says that a novelist's observational skills truly are high.
Exio reveals himself, then jokes that calling what he did monitoring them to be an ugly way of describing things. Couldn't he have just called it seeing him off instead? Exio then greets Subaru by name, prompting Subaru to say he doesn't want him to be acting so buddy buddy with him. Exio seems surprised by the reaction as he comments on being hated, and Subaru says that while he is a misanthrope, he tells Exio he's filed him under a special category to hate as he faces him and glares.
Subaru decides to go the direct route and asks if Exio is responsible for this event. Exio does not make any attempts to deny it right away and asks why Subaru thinks so. Subaru explains that he found an ether crystal in the Kaibutsu's remains, which should make for a possible lure for them. Small as it is, he definitely found it in the tree's roots. It's not enough on its own to be an effective lure though. Subaru then suggests that if there was a bunch of these crystal fragments buried into the soil and taken in by the tree, it might work.
Subaru starts talking about how analysis has found ether crystals to be formed of something very similar to the ether that fills the universe. That's why ether crystals are called as such. Ether can also be found in the atmosphere and water on Earth, which means it's not unthinkable for a tree to absorb dissolved ether crystals. If this hypothesis is true, then it's possible there were a lot more fragments buried underneath the tree, enough to draw the attention of Kaibutsu.
Exio nods at the reasoning, so Subaru continues talking about how this brings up the question of why it took some time for the Kaibutsu to appear instead of the moment the tree was planted. There is a noted time lag until the monsters appeared, which Subaru figures to mean that there was something else to trigger their appearance. Subaru then says he once witnessed Exio doing what looked like bringing monsters over, though he's not sure how he did it. He then asks Exio if he knows what he's getting at, but Exio stays quiet.
Subaru says it's the same as leaving bait out for insects in some enclosed space, by which he means there has to be a hole for them to enter through. If it's necessary for there to be some sort of path to be opened to whatever fresh hell they come from for the Kaibutsu to be here, then it would fit if said path was made by someone like Exio who has a superpower. Subaru also points out that Exio is present here. He admits it only amounts to circumstantial evidence, but it's enough to be suspicious of him.
Exio complements Subaru saying he's both great at writing books on human nature as well as mystery novels. He also says he's amazed by Subaru's deductive and observational abilities. But that said, Exio informs Subaru that his reasoning is wrong due to overlooking something. Subaru asks about this, so Exio brings up Subaru's reasoning that a path had to be made to lure the Kaibutus using ether crystals. Exio then questions why the monsters showed up so much in town if that were the case. If Subaru's reasoning were correct, it'd have to mean that there are as many summoners as there are monsters. Would things really be so convenient for them every time? And are there really that many path creators out there in the universe?
Subaru is unable to explain that away, so Exio goes on and says that even if someone doesn't open a hole for them, the Kaibutsu can create their own paths if some other condition(s?) is/are met. Wouldn't that idea be more natural? Exio then denies having done anything in this incident. He just came to watch things out of curiosity. Subaru questions how true that is and brings up the possibility of other motives, but Exio looks surprised as he denies it, saying he wanted to know what happened to the tree in the end. He talks about how the tree was brought in from another planet, and on the way the transporter got mixed up with some ne'er-do-wells who hid a large stash of ether crystals in the tree's roots as part of a black market deal.
But anyways, the tree then became a Kaibutsu-luring tree, the great gathering of people, heroes, and Observers acted as a trigger, and the rest is history. That's the gist of things, and Exio reiterates that he's not the criminal behind this incident. Subaru looks put out as he thanks Exio for explaining. He sighs and looks down for a second, then reaffixes a glare at Exio. He asks if Exio is okay with talking about all that since he now has new suspicions. Why does Exio know all this? The amount of details he gave makes it sound like Exio has some connection to the crystal smugglers, and Subaru asks him what that connection is.
Exio says he can't tell him, but he concedes that he did talk too much
about that. He says he shouldn't go talking so much and chalks it up as a
habit that comes from being a masseur. Exio then adds that he doesn't
actually need to worry though. If he ever has a slip of the tongue, he
can just have the memories of it erased. Subaru is surprised and asks
what he means by that, but Exio signals to someone else in the area. A
voice calling him Master Exio responds from the dark, described as a
young girl or lady's voice. They don't show themselves, though they
release some sort of pale light that fires off for a moment. Subaru
attempts to run, but something pricks his head. His vision darkens, and
Subaru soon passes out.
A few hours later, Subaru wakes back up in the alleyway near the gate to the resort 'for some reason.' He doesn't feel ill or anything, and he isn't hurt, so it's like he just conked out cold somehow. Subaru questions what he was doing and why he's in that alley, but he decides to just go home since he'd rather not see his publishers again. He dusts himself off and picks his things up before walking over to the station. Exio peeks out from wherever and comments that being too perceptive can be a problem.
Back at your end of things, it is now evening while the people of Parallel Flight is in one of the small banquet halls in the hot springs inn. Luxurious dishes are brought in one after another and piled onto the table. Akashi is surprised at how high class the food is and asks if it's really okay to eat it. He also comments that this is the first time he's seen a fancy ass sashimi boat. He recognizes some of the fish as bonito, then asks in amazement if some of it is abalone since he's never had that before. You either comment on how excited he is, compare him to a little kid, or call him cute. In A, Akashi gets embarrassed and says he's just surprised, not excited. In B, Akashi gets embarrassed and tells you not to treat him like a kid. In C, Akashi sputters and calls you a jerk for making fun of him.
Sui says she doesn't like raw fish, so she offers hers to Akashi. Akashi is taken aback and says she'll be cursed for bringing up her preferences at a time like this, though he accepts the fish anyway. Mokdai suggests Sui have some of the stew that's there if she doesn't like raw fish and says he'll give her some. Sui then comments on the flavoring of the bok choy and is happy to have extra of it since she likes it. Mokdai is surprised at her tastes and comments as such.
You ask if it's okay to eat before the toast, ask about Sui skewing heavy to one side in her choice of foods, or comment that Mokdai likes taking care of people. B gets extra lines where Sui doesn't feel her diet is unbalanced, but she has been often told she has a lot of particulars in her likes and dislikes. If she doesn't pay attention, she won't eat fish or meat at all. Then she thinks to ask Mokdai if it's okay to eat before Ryekie gets there. C has different extra lines where Mokdai is surprised by the observation and says the stew was just sitting in front of him, so he had in on the brain. Since he wanted everyone to see how good it is, he started doling it out without thinking about it. Sui then asks if it's okay to be eating before Ryekie gets there.
In any case, Mokdai notes that Ryekie isn't here yet, and the stew just keeps stewing. Akashi says he is pretty late, so he wonders if something happened. The sliding screen doors open with a bang right on cue as Ryekie walks in, leaning on Huckle's shoulders. Ryekie apologizes loudly for keeping you all waiting since he ended up taking a lot of time in the bath. Huckle says that since Ryekie couldn't move much, he went to help. Dressing Ryekie took some time.
Mokdai remembers that Ryekie said something about going to the bath after work, and he says it was pretty tough. Akashi asks if he went to the big public bath, though since they didn't pass each other he asks if he went to a different one. Huckle answers that he was in the private open air bath since they were worried about Ryekie being in the public one with his injury. Sui says it must have been cramped with the two of them, so you either express sympathy, say a bath with Ryekie sounds nice, or gulp at the thought of bathing with Huckle. B gets extra lines where Ryekie seems excited by the idea and suggests going later and washing each others' backs since he doesn't mind at all. Huckle protests that he does mind since he thinks it'd be a lot of effort for you to look after Ryekie. In C, Huckle seems okay with the idea and says he hasn't gone in to relax since he's been busy with Ryekie. He then asks why you're making a face at him.
Anyways, Huckle prompts Ryekie to sit down and mentions he got a taller floor cushion for him. He then asks Mokdai to call for the drinks since everyone is here now. Mokdai proceeds to do so, so the drinks that have been ordered earlier get brought in. Once everyone has their glasses, the end of the year party is ready to go. The Japanese looking banquet room has a bit of a Christmas mood to it what with the champagne and turkey present too.
Ryekie asks Huckle to make the pre-toast speech. Huckle is taken aback at this and protests that he's not good at this. Ryekie points out that Huckle is the company director, so he tells him to puff his chest out and get on with it. Huckle concedes the point and picks his glass up, thinking for a moment before he starts speaking again.
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