Halloween Police Episode 1 Part 2

Over in a part of Yoyogi there's a good-enough event area built up where Ashigara, Wakan Tanka, and Daisuke are lined up. Next to them is a line of random visitors carrying candy and queueing up for something. You express surprise at how quickly the event room was set up, take notice of Ashigara and the others, then ask what kind of event is going on. Rather than actually answering, Durga prompts you to join in and gives you some candy in lieu of a participation ticket. Yasuyori prompts you to follow him when you're ready and asks you who'd you'd like to pick. You then either pick Ashigara, Wakan Tanka, or Daisuke.

In A, Ashigara is happy you picked him and says you've got guts for doing that. Since you're involved he figures it's okay to not hold back as much, and he tells you to get ready to do some ukemi. He then charges at you yelling Trick or Treat, eyes flashing like a fighter running at his target. Ashigara proceeds to use his big strong hands to lift you up, and his hair stands on end as he starts to turn your body around. Or shake you I think? Anyways Ashigara then stops as he compliments you for bearing through that and takes your candy from you. He waves to you saying he'll see you later, and you leave the event zone to go back to the party.

In B, Wakan Tanka happily greets you with a smile, saying he saw you a little while ago and is happy you chose him. He says his heart is flying at the opportunity to show you the hot American football soul, and he proceeds to charge at you eyes glinting like a warrior seizing victory. Wakan then hits you with his tackle, a serious expression on his face as he glistens with sweat and holds you close. He carries you in his thick as log arms, dashing across the field... When he's done, Wakan sighs and asks you how it was. He then takes the candy Durga gave you, saying it was short but fun as he says he'll see you later, waving to you as you head back to the party.

In C, Daisuke is so surprised to see you that he slips up and calls you Brother, then backtracks and asks you to pretend he didn't say that. Nerves start getting to him, and he tries to psyche himself up about not needing to hold back before he asks if that's okay. If it hurts he asks that you let him know, and he charges yelling Trick or Treat. His eyes glint as he grabs you around the waist with a cobra twist in an instant, displaying his powerfully trained technique of a full body bind that doesn't hurt yet won't let you go. When Daisuke lets go he asks in concern if you're alright and apologizes. He then takes the candy you got because that's how this event they're doing works. He thanks you for coming, then asks that you not hate high school wrestling as he sees you off, looking half-worried and half-glad.

Anyways, you walk back to Li Chou, Ebisu, and Hotei all shocked silent at whatever just happened. Durga just laughs but says it's not a surprise they'd react like that as she says this is her school's special centerpiece for Halloween. Yasuyori explains that every sports team is having its students show off their moves under the pretense of it being a trick, which leads to Maria understanding why everyone lined up for it has candy with them. Yasuyori then says that giving the candy will end the trick, so that's how they're doing the trick or treat thing, though it's more a trick and treat after he gives it more thought.

Durga says that while it may look dangerous, they're very particular of keeping things safe. The senpais are doing their best to not hurt anyone, and Durga notes that it's been pretty popular, comparing it to being able to see famous athletes up close. Alp gasps at this and agrees they're giving off popularity vibes that he can try to study. Touji has his misgivings but can deal with it if he thinks of it as a master showing the basics to a newbie. Arc says only someone who went through it can understand it, so they ask what you thought of it. You say it was amazing, overwhelming, or awe-inspiring.

Back to the lines, a boy walks up to Ashigara. Ashigara asks him if it's his turn and jokes about playing tricks. The boy asks about this, so Wakan Tanka asks if he can take everything he can throw at him. The boy however questions the whole thing saying it's supposed to be kids playing tricks. Daisuke shrugs and says the kid has a point, then asks if he's going to do something. The boy decides he should do so since Halloween is the day children can play tricks, and Azathoth pops out laughing about how he looks enough like a kid.

Randos start yelling about how children are pranking the jocks with all the gravitas of someone saying there's a knife murderer on the loose, and this alarms the party. You yell about it finally happening, say it's time for the Halloween Police to roll out, and/or ask what kind of kids are acting up. Azathoth cackles before yelling Trick or Treat, demanding that people let him play tricks on them since he doesn't want candy.

Hotei is taken aback and tries prodding people into action instead of just standing there. You however have a bad feeling about trying to stop Azathoth as you call him the Greatest and Worst Prankster Ever and say the game is unwinnable. Azathoth thinks aloud about what sort of trick he should play, then decides it should be something everyone can laugh about. Arc is shocked at Azathoth being around since he usually only cares about his games. Arc also notes that Azathoth is wearing that costume Harlot secretly got for him, then starts commenting Harlot would be crying and yelling happily if she were here. You either remind Arc that the important point lies elsewhere or suggest sending a picture of this to Harlot. In the former (AB), Arc gets embarrassed and apologizes for getting caught up in things. In the latter (C), Arc does so. Harlot immediately sends back an emoji text full of hearts and tears.

Anyways, Azathoth has finally decided on what he's going to do, so he calls to the jocks and says them not being in costume must mean they're open to being pranked. His big idea is to teleport them into the sky, and he proceeds to make them float midair like rag dolls. Daisuke and Ashigara freak out about this, but Wakan Tanka laughs about how they're all up in the sky like eagles.

Back on the ground, Azathoth brags and asks if they're having fun as he cheers about Halloween and tricks. Random kids think the jocks flying in the air is cool, and you are confused at this being less intense than you thought it'd be or be amazed. Arc however says it's actually dangerous, so Maria asks if she's concerned. Arc explains that the jocks aren't actually flying, Azathoth is more playing them like yoyos. The biggest problem would be Azathoth getting bored of this, and Hotei figures that means Azathoth will dump everyone to the ground when he's tired of that.

The random children present laugh about how tricks are great and call Azathoth scary-cool. Since no one is actually stopping him or getting mad they think the rumor must be true and consider doing something themselves. Li Chou alerts you guys about how the costumed kids are starting to act strangely, and he asks if they're being influenced to play tricks. Ebisu asks if someone starting something causes the pranks to explode from there, and Durga is alarmed at things getting serious if you guys don't stop Azathoth. Maria asks how you guys can do that as she asks if Azathoth is the type to listen to others. Azathoth for his part laughs and considers aloud whether to send the jocks into space.

You note that Azathoth seems pretty excited and have your doubts that he'll listen to you guys. Touji tries to think of something and suggests physically forcing Azathoth to obey, but you point out that would be counterproductive with children and that you don't think it would be enough to begin with. Touji agrees after a bit more thought, but he has trouble coming up with anything else. Touji then tries thinking about what Hougen would do here, so the game plays a quick flashback to Hougen telling him that maybe people will find something while playing at being police because they weren't part of the force to begin with.

Touji has a eureka moment and tells you that the party should pretend to be like the Halloween children. You either ask Touji to explain or say you get what he means, and Ebisu asks anyway if you didn't. Touji points out that Azathoth said himself that he wouldn't be playing tricks on the kids dressed up in costumes, meaning he's dividing people between those in costumes playing tricks and those who get tricked. So, if you guys dress up you can pretend you aren't against him. Then you guys can use the Halloween tradition of giving candy to make him stop.

Arc expresses doubt about Touji's plan working since Azathoth plays by his own social rules and will happily ignore conventions. Touji clarifies that his intention is for the other children to pick up on what you guys are doing, surprising Arc. Touji explains that the party will show the children a different way of doing Halloween than Azathoth is doing, as it should be enough to prevent them from joining in on playing tricks. If they calm down then Azathoth may decide to stop himself, which Hotei compares to a comedian failing to get a reaction from their routine and stopping it. The idea of that happening makes Hotei shiver out of nerves.

Touji says that with the plan made, the problem is what you guys will dress up as. You think aloud that it has to be eye-catching and cool, and Ebisu agrees that if you guys had something as loud as Azathoth's you guys could gather attention. Li Chou adds that sometimes something terrifying like Sanat Kumara may be necessary at times. Durga starts thinking of something that would fit those criteria, and the party starts looking at Touji.

Hotei cheers about how the police outfit is the only option since children definitely have some fear towards them. Touji protests that it's a bit much for him to go it alone, but Hotei says he'll take care of it and tells everyone to keep up with him. You call out to Hotei and say you'll go together as you two run off, leaving Ebisu to call to you guys to slow down. Durga says she'll help too since her senpais are in trouble, and Alp volunteers to come along since he needs to stand out more than Azathoth.

Arc asks Maria to help them by combining their artifacts to make a net to catch the jocks just in case, figuring that would at least keep them from dying. Maria readily agrees, and Li Chou says he understands what's going on now. Touji says he'll abide by Hougen's teachings and prompts you to come along. Yasuyori on the other hand has no idea what's going on and tries to ask for an explanation.

A bit of time later, Azathoth is laughing and asks if his trick is thrilling. Hotei calls out to him to stop, causing Azathoth to complain about him ruining the mood as he talks about Halloween being the day it's okay for kids to play pranks. He points to the other children enjoying things, and rando kids are laughing about the bear and bull flying around. Daisuke tries politely asking to be let down since he's getting tired of it, though it is somewhat fun. Ashigara says it's nice that the children are laughing, but he's not thrilled that they're pointing at them while doing so. Wakan Tanka obliviously says he's happy that everyone is laughing while looking at them, prompting Ashigara to yell that making people laugh and being laughed at are different and say he really doesn't like him.

Hotei concedes that the children are laughing, but he insists that it's all wrong even if he can't articulate why. Azathoth says there's no answer anywhere, but he laughs about how he kinda likes that. He then asks if you guys really are gonna battle him as he calls himself Last Boss Tier. You play along and say you guys can't win if you go head to head with him, and Hotei laughs about it being time for the others to come into play. He calls Halloween a day where anyone can be anything, then prompts everyone to raise their police badge. You are either taken aback at this or do as he says. Ebisu, Durga, and Alp look surprised as you yell out Halloween Police Badge, and a bright light shines. What looks like a lead up to a transformation sequence instead seems to be Hotei quick-changing everyone himself.

You express amazement, say everyone looks cool, and/or think to yourself that changing clothes in a hurry is tiring. Ebisu is baffled as he asks if Hotei made the outfits, saying he still hasn't caught up to what's happening. Durga says it's kind of embarrassing, but she still resolves to become top cop. Alp simply thinks it's cool. Azathoth meanwhile laughs and enjoys this development. He says he can't hold back against you guys and considers that fair warning if his best tricks make you guys cry. Hotei leads everyone on as he says you guys are the protectors of Halloween's peace, tacking on his sunglasses as he leads things up to the title card and the episode battle. The episode title is Special Vigil! Halloween Police, and more happens after this.

Things tune back in with Azathoth cackling and seeing how things are going Like That, then laughs as he looks at one person in particular among your party. He talks about how he has to Act That Way if that's the game being played, and he hammily falls over about losing the battle, still throwing in a laugh while down. You are surprised at how easily Azathoth gave in and say he did so deliberately. Arc is also surprised and is about to ask Azathoth about it when Li Chou snaps at you guys to declare yourselves the winners already. Also you guys need to be loud enough for all the children to hear, so you turn to Hotei and ask him to do it.

Hotei starts grandstanding about how the Halloween Police have protected the peace and how they'll never stand for any pranks that make people sad. He thanks everyone for what they did and loudly hopes they'll keep doing it. Hotei then adds in a PSA about how kids should stop playing tricks if they're given candy, asking them to promise that to them. The kids start yelling about how cool the Halloween Police are and talk amongst themselves about how they really do want candy so they'll stop with the pranks. Meanwhile Arc and Maria have caught the jocks falling out of the sky and asks how they are. Daisuke, Ashigara, and Wakan Tanka are okay-ish aside from the fact that they did fall into a web of thorny vines and chains on fire.

Some time later, Hotei declares the current mess at Yoyogi to be over and cheers about the Halloween Police thing being a success. He figures if you guys keep it up the pranks will stop, and he says it's worth trying out. Yasuyori compliments you guys for doing well and says Li Chou did great handling the command of the battle and the catching of the jocks. Li brags that he has past experience he learned from and has a firm grip on safety, and this comment reminds Maria that Umamichi does hero shows.

Alp is thrilled about what went down and says next time he wants to be in the spotlight and praised again. Touji says he was worried about how things would go for a second, but for now it looks like you guys have a plan of counterattack. Maria says she has something else she has to get to and excuses herself, inviting you guys to see Daikanyama if you have time. Li Chou says Umamichi is doing stuff there too and insists that you guys take a look sometime. Alp says they're starting their stuff at Ueno too, and he asks everyone to see their festival for sure.

While all this is going on, Durga runs after Ebisu and is glad she caught him before he left. Ebisu thanks her for her efforts and asks if she needs him for something, so Durga says she wanted to say something to him. She brings up the stuff he brought to the party for lunch, so Ebisu says he's confident in it as a trial product and asks what she thought. Durga says they were great and is sure they'll take first place. She brings up that they do have the feel of "I want everyone to try this because I'm confident it tastes good," but she also says she got the feeling it also says "I'm not confident in anything else" and that the presentation is preemptively apologizing for it.

Ebisu is surprised at that comment, and Durga struggles to word her thoughts. She starts talking about how she likes running no matter what form it takes and how it fulfills her. She likes being first in a lot of things, so she likes being the winner. Durga tells Ebisu he doesn't need to put her thoughts together, but she does feel like it's a shame he doesn't have more confidence. Thinking you'll lose before you even begin just seems sad, especially with how good it is. That's the sort of thing she's getting at, and she encourages Ebisu to have more confidence. Durga also decides to suggest that Ebisu call his new dish the Ebisu-maki, then says bye to him as she's finished telling him what she wanted to say. Ebisu stands there silently, lost for words.

Arc starts talking to Azathoth saying they want to ask him something. Azathoth prompts her to go on, so Arc asks Why Azathoth pretended to lose. If he felt like it, it should be impossible for him to lose to you. So what is it he's thinking? Azathoth is quiet for a moment before calling Arc sharp, then answers that "the other game was more interesting." Arc is surprised by this, so Azathoth talks about how games always have rules. The game here is to pretend to be something else, which is both scary and fun, he laughs.

Azathoth looks over at Something (Hotei in his vending machine guise) and starts laughing like that's the only thing he can do. Arc says they still don't get what Azathoth is getting at, but they're glad he's having fun. Azathoth says that's why he likes them (I think), then suggests going home now. Touji apologizes and says he needs to go back now too since he has reports to fill out and junk. He does say dressing up the same as you and making some noise together again isn't as bad as he thought it'd be.

Hotei runs up to the two of you, glad to have found you guys as he asks you guys what you think. Touji has to ask him to clarify, so Hotei says he's talking about continuing on with the Halloween Police thing. He then asks that you guys come meet him again tomorrow morning before running off to Touji's surprise. You either protest and ask if you guys are doing this tomorrow too, or you excitedly agree. Solomon then pops up to comment he thought things would go this way and says it feels pretty messy. Still, he thinks you looked cool in your police outfit, and he says you guys will just have to protect Halloween at this rate as he wonders how it'll go. The party then leaves Yoyogi, but this wild tale has only begun as chaos crawls impatiently for Halloween in the darkness of night. End of episode.