Summer River Adventure Epilogue

The sun is shining, the wind by the river is nice and cool, and bugs are screaming in the distance as they do in Japan in the summer as the party is in the middle of one of their breaks. It's a peaceful moment with the sounds of flowing water and birds chirping, and everything that's happened up to this point feels like a dream now. The boats have been tied up, and everyone is doing their own thing to relax in this time. Also the alchemists are here tied up in rope, and because they're all so tiny there doesn't seem to be any danger of the boats capsizing with them on them. They're also described as being remarkably calm and show no signs of attempting escape.

 

Magami gives a happy whine and pants, saying it's like paradise here. The warm sunshine and cool river would make this place perfect for a nap, which Tajikarao agrees with before telling Magami his tail wagging is hitting him. Magami just passes it off as him being in a really good mood and tries talking Tajikarao into accepting it as a part of a casual free-for-all socialization. Tajikarao laughs at this knowing it's a bit of manipulation and going with it anyway, then falls asleep for a bit.

 

Arachne giggles at Tajikarao and Magami napping together, then says she's glad she brought a blanket to put on them so they don't catch a cold. She mentions being surprised that going downriver on the stream somehow plopped you guys back upstream, but she's not going to question that. It's an overworld shift, wizards did it. So never mind all that, this place is super pretty and filling her head with inspiration. So much so that she can almost forget about her deadline coming the next weekend.

 

Thunderbird flies in and lands, noting that everyone is taking it easy. Arachne greets him back and asks what that nice thing he has in his hands are. Thunderbird answers that he picked up some decent coconuts, so he figured he may as well use them to make some tropical drinks. Magami and Tajikarao immediately pop up and try to have some, except they do this by attempting and failing to bit into the coconuts themselves. Thunderbird laughs and says that's not actually how it works. He's gonna punch a hole through the shell instead and put the drink inside it. 

Arachne comments that she's heard of karate chopping the shell or using a thumb to make a hole, then asks if Thunderbird is going to go all superman martial artist master on it. Jugo and Shiva immediately take interest upon hearing this, so they grab the coconuts, chop the things with their hands, then drink up the coconut juice. Arachne is taken aback at this and shrugs this off thinking it takes all kinds, then compliments the drink when she has a sip.

While all this is going on, there's one person among you not really saying anything, which would be you as you quietly sip your coconut juice. Arachne takes notice of you staring off into the distance and asks if something is wrong. You admit to her that you've been so focused on what's been happening this incident that you didn't really record a video and try to laugh the tension away. Arachne is shocked at this, and Jugo goes 'oh' at finding out what your original job in being in the area was about. Shiva seems to sympathize as he comments on understanding why you've been fooling around with your phone.

Arachne goes quiet as she closes her eyes for a while, then opens them back up again when she resolves herself. Magami tries to speak up for you by saying it's ultimately his fault for dragging you guys along on his personal trip of conscience and requests that Arachne punch him in the stomach if she's mad. Tajikarao also volunteers to take responsibility as both a handler and senpai, but you step up and say you're ready to take responsibility yourself and let Arachne hit you.

Arachne actually laughs at how serious your expression is, then assures you it's all okay. You are surprised by this since you have precisely zero footage to give her, so Arachne says she's been thinking about a lot of things over the whole incident. There's been a lot of sensitive stuff going on, like everyone's feelings, determination, past, and things that leave behind things that aren't physical. Even if things get washed away, it's not like it never happened. There will be new things that start from there. Jugo agrees with the point, saying he forgot about his all-consuming training for a bit and have some fun this summer. Shiva admits that he forgot about his past grudge for a bit too.

You apologize to Arachne and/or thank everyone for supporting you. Arachne says that while there just isn't a record in the form of a video of what happened, there's still an effect of it all within her. To her that's good enough, and she says the memories can be something she treasures. Thunderbird talks about how Great Spirit's value system sees equally dividing resources and treasures among everyone as a virtue. The summer memory will be hard to divide equally here though, and it's hard to communicate the feelings people hold equally to others. And even if you tell someone about how you feel, it's not always the case that they'll feel the same way you did about whatever it was you were talking about. Everyone has their own way to feel about things.

You either say you still want to tell people as a story about what happened, or you ask Tajikarao if that's okay. In the former, Arachne agrees saying she wants to share the excitement with her brand customers, though she concedes it'd be hard without a video. In the latter, Tajikarao says he has to write a report about what happened, so there has to be a record of this incident. Still, a report and a memory are different things, and he says he understands that point very well. He wishes he could communicate the festival excitement that happened earlier, but he shrugs and says he'll just have to make the one he's organizing a good one.

Either way, Thunderbird says that's fine and talks about needing to show up the way he is now sometimes. Heroes need to be mysterious and all. Jugo agrees, saying everyone has stuff they don't want people to know, like his Mizuchi curse for instance. He then starts stammering about remembering saying something embarrassing, then turns to Shiva asking if he agrees that'd be troubling. Shiva is shocked at this and claims that he has never done anything shameful ever. Arachne teases him by bringing up how he went to see you before everything here, so Shiva gets pissy, jumps over to your boat, and demands that you give him your phone so he can obliterate it. Tajikarao freaks out at this sudden leap because it's threatening to make his boat flip over.

Magami says he feels he doesn't need to make everything a secret; it's just that there are things he just can't convey well enough to others. Shiva is curious about this, so Magami explains there are things you want to tell people, things you can't tell people, and things you want to say but just can't put into words. Everything that's happened this adventure falls under one of those categories, he says as he smiles at everyone and pats at his stomach. Shiva then says he can understand that.

You speak up and ask if they're okay with you taking a picture or video right now since it seems like a good chance for that. Arachne likes the idea and prompts everyone to smile. Jugo is alarmed and asks about this being used in Arachne's branding, saying he and Shiva don't really have anything to offer for that. Shiva takes offense at being included in that statement. You either say Jugo was cool this incident, say you want to make memories with Shiva, or ask him if he's against the idea. In A, Jugo is surprised into briefly babbling before saying Mizuchi will get loose again. He's not objecting to the compliment though, he just never expected you to say that especially since he's not used to hearing that from anyone. In B and C, Shiva is taken aback at you saying you want to take a summer memory picture for commercial purposes. He seems flattered for a second before turning around and yelling about you bothering his training again. He demands you get through your head why he's mad, then says to come at him of your own will instead of at someone else's suggestion.

Anyways, Arachne tries to smooth things over and says her brand is inevitably coming and making everyone's shadows shine. Her ideal for clothes isn't just in its design, but also its texture and performance surface helping its wearer express what it is they want to express. By that view, everyone present can act plenty well as models, and Arachne prompts you to start taking pictures.

Thunderbird laughs about how you and Arachne have enough initiative to overwhelm martial artists. It all seems fun, but he's dipping here because he has other things to attend to. He's about to say something else when you ask if he's leaving already, shrug with some reluctance if it's a secret, or ask if you'll see him again. In A and B, Thunderbird asks that you not look so sad since he'll always be watching you in secret. Plus, he's made some great memories here, especially of the 'birth of a new hero.' His greatest treasure is the fact that he could stand next to you and fight together, and its light can help him continue fighting on. In C, Thunderbird says of course you will. Call him whenever and he will come. He then suggests that the next time you two meet it'll just be the two of you, saying he'll look forward to it.

Thunderbird pulls you into a hug, and Arachne says she needs to advise him on something. Thunderbird has to lean in since she's whispering, and Arachne tells him that the next time he makes an order at her studio maison, he should make it a discrete order that hides the logo mark. It'd be nonsensical for her to figure out a hero's secret identity that way. Thunderbird awkwardly laughs and says he never expected to run into the actual holder of the clothing brand. Arachne laughs and says she just feign ignorance of anyone relying on her brand. The idea that things that are hidden are also the best is another one of her ideas, and she asks that Thunderbird keep up his patronage.

The two wink to each other once this part of the conversation is done, and Thunderbird thanks you guys for the memories before flying off. You wave him off and say you'll see him again, thank the superhero, or warn him against being seen as someone suspicious again. C gets a slight variation noting that Thunderbird is taken aback as he flies off and swerves a bit before disappearing into the sky.

After Thunderbird goes, Tajikarao says parting ways with friends is as sad as a festival ending. Magami laughs, surprising Tajikarao into asking him why. Magami pats at the place Thunderbird was, saying that while saying goodbye is sad Thunderbird is wishing in his heart to see you guys again. That's something to be happy about, and if both sides hope to see each other again he's sure it'll happen. Tajikarao laughs at the cheek of him, and Arachne suggests taking a picture for now and not worry about her advertising. A memory you leave a record of is important, especially because she wants to take it with her, and she asks if that's fine with everyone.

Jugo agrees saying it sounds great for friends. Shiva also likes the idea and says he'll be a part of it. Tajikarao asks that it be a super casual party, then prompts Magami to join in. Magami complies enthusiastically by apparently jumping to the same boat Arachne is on, causing her to freak out for a second before prompting a new picture to be taken. Tajikarao poses for the picture and tells everyone to join in. Jugo is excited to have a picture with Shiva so he can show his teacher, which Shiva finds interesting. Your camera phone starts clicking repeatedly as the boats shake and light glitters off the surface of the river. Everyone stops minding getting wet for the moment and laughs loud enough to drown out insect noises as they enjoy themselves.

By the time the party reaches the original campground it is evening, and Shirou is the first to welcome you back as he gives you a towel to wipe off with. Jugo and Shiva are tying the boats to dock or whatever, and Tajikarao and Magami are moving the alchemists to wherever. The place is bustling with activity and laughs, and an appetizing smell wafts around.

Kengo comes by and notes that you must have played around a lot given how wet you are, though he can understand that with how hot the summer is and cool the river is. Shirou sighs as he says Kengo also turns up sopping wet if he disappears for a while, but Kengo laughs this off and says Shirou and the Evils have gotten soaked too. Shirou protests that he couldn't help it since the Evils grabbed his sleeve and dragged him in with them.

Touji comes over to tell you guys the food is almost ready and everyone is waiting for you guys to get back. Moritaka prompts everyone to come along if they're done drying up, saying the food has been made with heart. Gullinbursti has apparently turned up at some point, saying he's been waiting for you to come back with everyone and inviting you to come warm up. You express your surprise that everyone's here now, comment on his presence, and/or be excited for dinnertime.

Touji says he was late to come by, but originally he was supposed to show up with Hougen. He was originally going to come by to check on some of his police academy students doing some sort of training, but some other business came up he had to deal with. Moritaka says he came as soon as he was done with his own training since he was really excited about the idea, then suggests going to eat if you're done wiping off. Gullinbursti says he helped collect ingredients and everyone has been looking forward to your return.

Some time later, Ryouta declares it's time for dinner and says he's been helping out with random things and cheering people on. He makes a show of revealing the meal everyone got together to make, and you get excited about the smell of miso and all the meat and veggies. The rest of the party sans Shiva excitedly says it's pork soup. Ryouta says that with so many people around, if anyone has any food allergies they should speak up because there's something else made for them. Robinson says the pork soup is just as good as curry, then says you should have as much as you want since there's a ton made. Hanuman says they peeled tons of potatoes and guarantees their taste...because he snuck some earlier. Ryouta asks they save the talking for later and get to handing soup out, so the guild kids obediently comply.

Thunderbird walks up in his civilian guise and asks if he can join in on the fun. You either express surprise at his presence and almost call him by name before he stops you, or you welcome him wholeheartedly. The totally mysterious bartender who looks like some hero you've met winks at you, his sign saying he's just here as another regular guy and blowing his cover would be a stupid move.

Time passes to the point Hougen shows up, laughing and asking how Tajikarao thought Magami did as his handler. Tajikarao answers that Magami is curious as ever, but he believes that's one of his good points. He's not ready to make a call yet, so he asks for a bit more time. Hougen is taken aback at how seriously Tajikarao worded his question and says it's fine. He's also okay with letting Magami's rule breaking slide this time, saying a report, a written apology, and cleaning the dojo should be enough. Tajikarao asks if he's sure in surprise, so Hougen says he's high enough to make some calls on his own. He might get into another spat with the police chief though. But whatever, Hougen laughs and says they can go enjoy themselves. Tajikarao promises to save a front row seat to the mikoshi race for Hougen, and Hougen says he's looking forward to it. Tight swimsuits are nice, but festival wear is cool too.

Touji walks up at this point to bring pork soup and grilled rice balls for Hougen and Tajikarao. Hougen is surprised and says he has work to be getting back to, but Touji insists on giving him the food since he helped make them and is proud of them. Hougen mildly freaks out at Touji invading his personal space and quickly accepts it, then says he still has time before his meeting. Hougen comments on how nice the miso smells, then prompts Tajikarao to have some too. Tajikarao happily does so, then says the soup, riceballs, and the pickled radish included are great.

Elsewhere Mushussu is back with Marduk again, and Marduk is happy to see him again. Mushussu is also accompanied by the wyverns from before, which Marduk takes as his friends and decides to give them food too. He says there's plenty prepared so there's no need to fight, but of course Mushussu attempts to eat Marduk over his protests.

Arslan laughs, glad that the place is so lively and thanking Zabaniya for his work. Zabaniya humbly says it's been a good experience for him too, somewhat surprised he can smile as happily as everyone else. Zabaniya then notes that there's been a lot of laughing from the side for a while and asks Arslan about it, so Arslan answers that one of his students is training by the campground. He was originally his rival's student, but stuff happened and he was introduced to him. Arslan notes that they're a different kind of inflexible from Zabaniya, worrying about their lack of talent and bound by past grudges. He's starting to move forward now though, and Arslan is excited to see where that goes.

Balor finally gets his chance to talk to you and asks about you having a fun war earlier. Kind of a dick move to ditch your grandpa who came to spend time with you this summer! But there's still time though, and Balor says you guys can talk about what happened while giving shoulder rubs. He's surprised when Kijimuna and Agyou bounce in wanting to join in on things, but he enjoys it when they rub his shoulders. Kijimuna is actually using his moxibustion on him and asks how it feels, saying everyone says it works as well as a hot spring when it comes to relaxing. Agyou brags about his water ball cushion being good too. Balor says both are good and says they're both good kids as he laughs.

Cthugha shows up crying and complaining that you ditched him after going through the trouble of inviting him over. He's also overwhelmed by how many people are around after spending so much time alone, then accuses you of trying to make him feel all alone for the summer. He's surprised when Zaou pops in to agree and call you a horrible kouhai for going to a mountain while he was stuck in extra lessons. On another note, he asks Cthugha about whether he's interested in mountains.

Cthugha freaks out at Zaou and asks who he is, but Zaou obliviously blathers on about how great mountain climbing is for making summer memories. Chernobog comes by and agrees that mountain climbing is fun, with mountain climbing with friends even more so. He asks Zaou if he's had a nice break, then starts gently but firmly pulling him away to get back to his extra lessons. Zaou calls him a terrible kouhai and screams about wanting to climb mountains, and Cthugha says you have it rough after the two of them are gone.

Some time later, the alchemists are also having the pork soup and analyze it a bit as they proclaim it delicious. The panda proclaims it a miraculous chemical reaction and sighs about how he'd never have known about it if he weren't summoned to Tokyo. He's surprised how the soup and grilled rice balls can taste so good and says they've forgotten about these little things while trying to get recognition. Thunderbird talks about how impatience and anxiety can eat away at the heart and crimes can be made up for. If they're willing to do so, then Thunderbird can introduce them to an attorney friend he has. They're still young, but he's sure they'll be a big help. The panda thanks him, then says the food is great one more time.

Elsewhere, Magami wonders aloud whether the alchemists have tried the soup. Maria agrees, saying that while she isn't part of the police she asked a favor of someone reliable. She's sure the soup will get to them along with Magami's feelings. Magami agrees and thanks her, saying he feels he'll definitely see them again because they feel that way too.

Anyways, everyone eats as they listen to you talk about what happened. They laugh, they react in surprise, they get sweaty hands. And sometimes they stop eating for a bit to listen. Who can say what people will take away from your tale of this adventure? No matter how many details you include, your words probably won't be able to convey everything you've felt. But in time, this fragmented will be seen as the spirit of adventure and romance. When they think of it, they'll think of going out and looking for the unknown as this desire gets carved into their hearts. Even after braving dangers the quest for adventure will spur them on, and your tale is sure to become an irreplaceable treasure for someone else. The End.