Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Santa Students: SUPER SANTA SPECIAL ATTACK
The Santa students attack Taromaiti from three different directions. They've got good leadership, but their lack of experience shows.
Taromaiti: Fencing Flurry!
Wolf A: Agh!
Guy B: My artifact!
Taromaiti charges in close to Girl C, sweeping her off her feet and gently catching her.
Taromaiti: Don't make me get rough since I don't want to hurt you.
Girl C: I'M GOING DOKI-DOKI...wait, aren't you a thief!?
Taromaiti: A knight thief here for reasons. You've been training for this day haven't you? Your courage and determination is stunning.
Girl C:  OH NO MY HEART
A gentle touch, tender words, and an enchanting scent from Taromaiti's clothes make Girl C's knees give out.
MC: Is it the fencing or the theater acting doing this

Taromaiti winks in response before quickly focusing again, and she goes to cover Benten who is kiting a crowd.
Taromaiti: Go on ahead! Jiraiya, you can just jump past them all, right?
Jiraiya: Yeah, but I can't bring everyone else with me with the police surrou--
Hermes: I'll jump! You use your artifact to reach the second floor!
Jiraiya: Wait what?
Hermes picks MC up like it or not.
MC: What!? / Ooh, how bold! / (cling silently)

Hermes: Jiraiya, do it!
Jiraiya: ...alright! Come, toad!
Hermes holds MC in one hand and pulls out his flute in the other, activating it on nearby enemies.
Santa Students: Stop! ...wait why are we the ones going away!?
Nomad: What!?
Hermes then jumps off of Jiraiya's scarf up to the second floor carrying MC, rolling on the ground upon landing.
Hermes: Whoops, I messed up the landing. You okay?
MC: Yep! / I'll get you for this / I can feel your warmth right through your--
(A) Hermes: Cool! Let's go.
(B) Hermes: Aww come on. But you must be okay if you have time to be mad.
(C) Hermes: SHUT UP! But yeah you seem okay.

Hermes: Alright, we're moving on ahead guys!
Jiraiya: You sure are quick. But sure, I got this!
Nomad: Stop!
Jiraiya: No YOU stop! (blocks the way) I've been asked to hold the line, so nobody's gonna get past me! (throws out a bunch of ornaments and presents from his coat)
Tajikarao: MY EYES
Smoke, noise, and light fills the area.
Jiraiya: Your turn Benten!
Benten: ...oh wait I get it now! Noble Phantasm activate! Nobody's leaving all that smoke!
Nomad (coughing): My nose...! ...bwaah!
Jiraiya: Nothing escapes the toad's tongue. Nobody's moving an inch! Taromaiti, now!
Taromaiti: Got it! Sorry Mr. Detective, I'm tying you up for now.
Nomad: God this sucks!
Benten keeps the smokescreen running, Jiraiya catches someone, and Taromaiti binds them, and on and on for each person there.

Over with Hermes and MC, the two make their way through the second floor avoiding barricades and have to go through a classroom.
Hermes: Hey this door is unlo--hmm!?
Surprise, the door is actually Ose who reveals himself and grabs Hermes.
MC: Hermes! / There you are, Not Ose!
Ose: You two did well getting this far.
Hermes: Sup dick. I figured you'd be waiting somewhere inconvenient, but your artifact targets a person's cognition too, huh?
Ose: ...oh right, you two saw me disguised as Jiraiya before. It'd be natural for you to think I have a disguise power then.

Ose: Hey Hermes, I've studied up on your artifact while observing you. You designate a target with it and change its cognition. More accurately, you change what its currently believed status is and overwrite it with a shaken or reversed faith. The power to control faith is a strong ability, but it has its weakness.
Ose takes a slow step forward.
Ose: You can't use it on me right now even though you want to, right? Because my power means I don't have a definite form to have a cognition of.
MC: So there's no state to reverse / what?

Ose: Yep. It's just a guess so far though. Buuut since he hasn't used it yet on me, it probably means I'm right. What do you say, Hermes?
Hermes: No comment. And what if I said you aren't worth using my power on? We're fighting head on. What point would having a disguise have?
Ose: Heh...so you're saying disguises is all I'm good at? I know it's a cheap taunt, but I'll play along... (flash steps in close to Hermes)
Hermes: OOF!
Hermes attempts to counter, but Ose blocks it with one hand and open palm strikes Hermes back with the other.
Ose: Right. You aren't worth using my power on either. I've already learned how to keep away falling grains of fire before.
MC: Unbelievable! / I let my guard down since he wasn't holding his gun! / you guys this isn't the Berserkers arena
Ose: Oh don't worry MC, I'm not gonna be rough on you. I'll be gentle when capturing you!
Hermes: Get bent asshole!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Ose keeps up the close combat, pushing the party back. Hermes is fast and definitely not some rando could hope to catch, but Ose being as good as he is in combat and espionage means it's not hard for him to keep up.
Ose: Nope!
Ose kicks Hermes' flute away when he uses it as a staff, but MC takes the opportunity to attack Ose. Ose however slides in closer, grabbing MC's arm with one hand and putting the other around their back.
Ose: Hey baby. Wanna dance?
A blue scarf wraps around MC and pulls them away.
Jiraiya: You guys I am here to help!
Hermes: Wait what are you guys done downstairs already?
Jiraiya: Mostly. The girls have it covered!
MC: Thanks Jiraiya / You saved me / Who's a good toad boy~
(C) Jiraiya: Aww, that's sweet of you. Hey wait stop licking us! We're still in the middle of work!

Jiraiya: You're the last one left, Not Ose! I'm forcing my way through! (poof)
Ose looks to the door, but Jiraiya isn't there. Jiraiya attacks from above, which Ose narrowly avoids, but Jiraiya presses the attack.
Ose: Oh is this what people mean by being quicker than the eye? You aren't all talk, Jiraiya! (catches Jiraiya's fist)
Jiraiya: ...go guys!
MC: Okay, good luck!
Hermes: ...we're counting on you!
MC and Hermes continue forward. Along the way they come across a broken window, probably where Benten broke in. It probably drew everyone nearby to her because the way is clear. When they get to the office...
Hermes: Wait, let me open it just in case.
Hermes unlocks the door quickly and pushes it in. Ded's bag is visible within. The two cautiously step in when...
MC: Ah! Fireworks? Is it a signal?
Fireworks start going off outside, and the PA system turns on.

Black: Game's over people, listen up!
Hougen: Hello everyone this is Hougen. The thieves have reached the checkpoint. Sooo...
Black and Hougen: Our special emergency training is over!
Police and Santa Students: NANI
Santa Students: It was just a drill? I was really trying!
Police Students: Oh...we were tricked!
Santa Students: Y'know, who'd really send a calling card?
Police Students: Yeah no one ever does that.
Santa Students: Yeah...time for Christmas!
People start shaking hands and complimenting each others' efforts. However...
Hermes: Sup MC, why you making a face like that? Drill's over, right?
MC: Hermes...were you really going to steal something? What's your deal?
Hermes: (smirks)
End of Episode

Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

Zeus, the official World Representative and the Pillar that upholds everything in the world and the origin that connects everything in the world. In Olympus there is also a System that supports Zeus, the 12 Olympians, and Hermes is one of them. The role of the 12 Olympians is to coordinate the world. Zeus is at the center of Olympus and everything has a bond of fate tied to him. Everyone is related to him in some way, whether son (child I guess), sibling, lover, or wife.
Hermes (narrating): Inconsistencies are gonna happen, and my job is to fix them. My given role was to spy on my relatives and deal with the undesirables of my world's faith. Sometimes it's giving the people of Olympus what they don't have to make things fit. Other times I deal with inconvenient truths to the world by being a messenger or negotiator, pulling scams and thefts, and sometimes even murder. It's all to Avoid Contradictions and bring prosperity to Cronos's bloodline.

Day of the heist
The party is lying in wait at a point they set up earlier and are scoping the situation out. There are several spots in the Santa School campus that are unlikely to be found, but getting close looks to be hard with the security and patrol routes.
MC: I'm getting nervous / Good luck guys / I wonder if Benten is okay
---
(A) Jiraiya: Hey, just remember you got the great thief Jiraiya with you. Now we just gotta wait for Benten.
(B) Jiraiya: Right! First thing to do is to make our big entrance! Now we just gotta wait for Benten.
(C) Jiraiya: Pssh, it'll be fiiine. I taught her the ropes!
---
Hermes: I know this was a rush job, but the plan turned out pretty bold, huh?
Taromaiti: It'd have to be if we're going to circumvent Not Ose or whatever his name is. They're strong, but I have to do my best as a thief and member of Cafe Asterism.

Elsewhere
Benten: ...this is a pretty important job. If I mess up the whole thing's gonna be a bust. I'm getting nervous...why'd I think going solo would be easy?
Benten looks around. Security on the roof is lighter, and the cops are guarding the entrances in. Searchlights are sweeping around to erase the shadows, but Benten moves through the blind spots as Jiraiya taught her.
Benten: Y'know sneaking around isn't REALLY my style...but maybe being a stealth influencer could be good?
Benten looks around again, then has an idea come to mind when she looks at the tower the highest searchlight is shining from.
Benten: Hmm...spotlight...having everyone see my mistakes...these nerves...I got it!

Ded's office.
Daikoku: So this was all my suggestion, but I'm surprised you pulled things off as well as you did, Hougen.
Hougen: It's the fruits of everyone's efforts in the Santa School. Right Ded?
White: You are too kind. It's thanks to your police students' efforts...today's the day I'll be seeing how everyone's hard work all year will be paying off. It's almost time to start, so we should go to the broadcasting room. Would you like to join us, Superintendent Daikoku?
Daikoku: I will--
Benten: YOOHOO! Hey Daikoku, are you there? Look, it's me! (shreds biwa)

Hougen: Huh. Isn't she calling out to you?
Daikoku: (OH NO BENTEN WHY IS SHE HERE? I can't risk running into her!)
Daikoku: O-oh you know me, pretty famous in my own right, lots of people have heard about me. It's so lovely when the public remembers me, haha! Oh look at the time, got work to do, money to count, I'm sure you understand. Thanks for the offer, but I can't make it.
White: Oh, well thank you for coming.
Hougen: I'll tell you how the training drill went later.
Daikoku: Splendid! Okay gotta go kthanksbye

Benten: This searchlight is my spotlight tonight! (stands on the rooftop with a megaphone)
Benten: It's that Magica--I mean--Mysterious Beauty Thief here to steal the Holy Night's bangers! Thanks y'all for coming to my thief debut concert, come watch me take all your views away! (waves)
Benten: Okay so idol concerts typically go a certain way, but we're gonna go backwards and do the meet and greet BEFORE the songs! Come get me boys!
Cops: CATCH THE CRAZY GIRL

The cops start running towards Benten, but Benten has scattered something all over the roofs that make standing upright difficult.
Water Cop: Oh no it's slippery! Reinforcements!
Benten: Catch me if you can! My appearance fee is this school's treasure! You better be ready to pay me my money!
Krampus: Get her!
Santa Students: YEAAAH
More cops and Santa students run in. They don't notice the oil slick either. Eventually a mountain of tripped people piles up.
Benten: ...this toad oil is awesome! (swings down on a wire and jumps over to a second floor window)

Back to the rest of the party
MC: Whoa! / She's acting like this is a concert!? / She really went with that title...
The party moves out upon hearing Benten crash through a window.
Jiraiya: Benten did great! The details are off, but she lured out the cops and that works for us!
Taromaiti: So, at least half the students are up there?
Hermes: Meaning we have to deal with the rest ourselves. Let's go.
Hermes leads the party into the school. A bunch of cops are guarding a backdoor to a storehouse and start coming your way. Hermes takes out his flute and activates it on the doors and windows.
Light Cop: OOF! The door shut while I tried to open it! (falls over)
Jiraiya: Dang, nice power Hermes!
Hermes: Right? It's my specialty!
MC: Awesome artifact / I want it! / Shut up you guys!
(B) Taromaiti: W-why?
(C) Jiraiya: Oh, right. We gotta be careful going forward.

Jiraiya takes the lead now.
Hermes: So it's just the security team left. I probably can't cast Sleep on them the way things are.
Taromaiti: Is it different from the time you met those cops the other day?
MC: It changes depending on the person? / It changes depending on the situation? / That artifact can do a lot of things.
Hermes: Locking a door someone tries to open or putting someone to sleep are just scams in the end. My artifact has the power to invert someone's cognitions. If you want to open something, you close it. If you want to be on high alert, you go to sleep. The stronger something is, the greater the effect in reversing it. That's why I had to piss those cops off.
Jiraiya: Ooh. So it won't do much on people who don't go to physical or emotional extremes? ...can you narrow your power down a bit?

Later
Fire Cop: This is Area C. No sign of the thieves yet.
Shadow Cop: ...is there really more than one of them? That thief girl showed up all on her own and made a show of it.
Fire Cop: Didn't I say to consider she could be a decoy? She made too big an entrance for someone trying to sneak in.
Wood Cop: Focus guys. We can't embarrass Tajikarao-senpai.
Flute noises
Wood Cop: D'ya guys hear tha--YOUR PANTS FELL DOWN
Shadow Cop: But I tied my belt up and everyth--wait so are yours!
Fire Cop: Oh no! Quick, get into that locker room and chang--
Jiraiya: Hi guys. (WHACK) Bye guys.
Taromaiti and MC catch the KOed cops and gently set them down. Then the party sneaks and hides in another room.
MC: I didn't know you could use an artifact like that / Just like Hermes? / I want it even more now
---
(C) Taromaiti: Hermes is being a bad influence on MC
Hermes: We're in the middle of a heist! It's just for today!
---
Jiraiya: Now, the way to Ded's office is...
The party continues on, making progress with little issue. The staircase is blocked by a wall of desks, meaning the only way up is through the grand staircase at the front entrance atrium.

Front entrance stairway
Nomad: There you guys are!
Hermes: Hey, a real detective. So we're getting to the best part of the case?
Nomad: Hehehe--I mean shut up! It's not like I'm happy punk ass thieves are calling me a detective or anything!
Jiraiya: Welp, things have been going to plan so far. Benten's got like half the student force chasing after her, so if we get past these guys the goal's not too far away!
MC: (So Touji IS here) / (I wish I wasn't up against Tajikarao) / (Nomad looks cool)
MC prays they aren't noticed by the opposition. Jiraiya stands ready while hiding his artifact and remembering the plan. The police side starts taking positions too. Suddenly...
Benten: I can't take this anymore! WAAAAH
MC: Benten? Why is she coming here?

Santa Students: Stop, Thief Girl!
Benten: Nobody told me there'd be this many people! I can't run forever! Oh wait, oh no! Out of the way cops, aaaaahhh!
Jiraiya: Benten, jump!
Benten: What!?
Benten understands upon seeing something blue come for her and jumps. Jiraiya's scarf pulls her towards the party.
Benten: Thanks senpai! Also sorry I couldn't play decoy for so many people!
Jiraiya: Nah, it's cool! You bought us plenty of time to get this far already!
Hermes: But now everyone else still up is all together.
Taromaiti: Yeah, I don't think we can win in a head on fight.
Jiraiya: But this is where things get fun! Time for the Jiraiya Phantom Thieves to show their stuff!
MC: Go bro! / I'm getting nervous! / Is that really our group name!?
Nomad: Get them! Show them what you learned in school!
Krampus, Touji, and Tajikarao: YEEEAAAAH
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 5: Silent City (Abridged)

Merc Green: Surrender, or else!
Yoshiori: Or else what!? BANG
Merc Green: Aaah!
Yoshiori: Weakling! You'd die in a REAL battle!
Monomasa: I'll handle this. Yoshiori, get the thing.
Yoshiori: Okay, I'm off to get the thing! Kick some ass!
Monomasa: I got it. Monomasa Whip!
Merc Red: Augh!

Barrel: Whoo, these villains sure are tough.
Gammei: Strange times. We can't keep losing, Barrel!
Ryekie: Yeah! We're pro heroes!
Barrel: Right! We gotta show our stuff too!
Kyoichi: Yeaaah, that's kinda not happening here!
Toshu: Stop being a wimp. Samurai Swing!
Merc Yellow: Aahh!
Kyoichi: T-thanks Toshu...
Toshu: Hmph. A samurai does not turn tail and run at the first sign of trouble.
Kyoichi: But I'm not a samurai
Toshu: STOP RUINING THE MOMENT I'M TRYING TO BE COOL
Shoen: We have the upper hand now. Think we can break through if we keep it up?
Victom: We can't let our guards down. They still outnumber us.
Shoen: Agreed. Stay sharp and look out for an opportunity.

Merc Blue: This isn't working! I better go for the noncombatants!
Crowne: WAIT WHAT
MC: HELP
Sui: Think again!
Mokdai: Knew it! Mokdai Punch!
Merc Blue: Wha--AAAH
Melide: Are these people really the nation's defenders?
Exio: I mean, there's a reason "if you want to defeat a general, shoot his horse" is military wisdom. We've got that covered though.

Sadayoshi: How are we being pushed back despite the numbers advantage!? Well I didn't want to use stronger moves against citizens, but--
Akashi: Gee, thanks for holding back!
Sadayoshi: !! (barely grazes Akashi's attack and starts soloing him)
Sadayoshi: We can still be lenient! Stand down, and I will lighten your punishment!
Akashi: Piss off! You'd still be treating us as in the wrong anyway!
Sadayoshi: Why won't you agree to our plan to sacrifice a megalopolis to save the rest of the people!?
Akashi: Why in hell would we agree to not be part of the people you'd be saving!? (charges in)
Akashi: You said Orient City's your home! Do you seriously not want to save it!?
Sadayoshi: Of course not! It's where the people and the places I love are! But when I thought about the whole country, there wasn't any other option!
Akashi: SO!? Are they holding you at gunpoint to agree!? Have we not beaten in the point that you have a personal opinion on this to death yet!?
Sadayoshi: !!
Akashi: An opening! (bashes Sadayoshi away)
Merc Red: Colonel! ...ah!
Yoshiori (driving a huge truck into the area): Beep beep, outta the way assholes! Now get in losers, we're getting out of here!
MC: Okay! / I'm scared of sitting in the rack! / Ooh, breezy!
(B) Yoshiori: It's cool, I'll go as safe as I can!
(C): Yoshiori: Ha ha, you're funny.

Barrel: (gasps) Truck rack riding is illegal!
Yoshiori: Bitch, they are going to arrest you!
Gammei: ...Barrel, get in! I'll allow it and look the other way!
Barrel: W-well...okay!
Ryekie: Hey, you better drive safely alright!? Especially so the non-heroes don't get thrown out!
Yoshiori: Yeah, yeah I know! Are you guys in yet!? We're going on ahead!
Sadayoshi: ...w-wait! Ugh...
Crowne: (frown)
Yoshiori floors the gas. Those who lived within defined lines watched with mixed emotions as those who refused to be boxed in zoom off. In moments, the party disappears into the distance.
Merc Red: Damn them! Colonel, aren't we going after them!? Your orders!
Sadayoshi: ... (destransforms and stares at his hands)
Merc Red: ...Colonel?
Sadayoshi: ...what I want to protect. My own feelings...the people and city I love...

Over with the party
Yoshiori drives the truck north up the highway, closer and closer to the quarantine borders.
Ryekie: ...oh. So you hid out near the quarantine borders to patch up and had Yoshiori gather information?
Exio: I'll just say it's nice to have a good doctor as a customer. It's how I stayed alive. It's better than that one time I took even worse injuries and couldn't get treated.
Monomasa: Yoshiori has scouting experience from when he was part of his homeland's army, plus he has his special Presence Concealment vs. non-heroes and non-Observers. It's not that hard for him to go get information from the National Defense Department hidden areas.

Barrel: Honestly I thought the Invisible Soldier was an urban legend, but I never thought I'd work with him like this...
Kyoichi: Is it really okay for you to show a secret like that since we're usually enemies?
Yoshiori: You'll figure it out sooner or later if we're working together. We might as well tell you ourselves then.
Toshu: He makes sense. We're currently going rogue against the state as things are.
Gammei: So you were bluffing about having spies earlier?
Melide: ...no. We gained information by gradually taking strategic steps. It's just...we also wanted some insurance.

Shoen: So you sent him in to get conclusive evidence?
Furlong: Does that mean there really are villain agents in the upper government levels?
Victom: It happens with groups that big, especially ones that keep kicking each other down.
Sui: We live in a world where we go up by playing dirty against each other? This sucks.
Exio: That's not limited to politics. Disputes like that happen in any setting where social status and honor are things. Greed knows no bounds.
Mokdai: ...huh?
MC: What's up? / Something about the conversation hit you?
(B): Mokdai: Oh, no! It's not to do with what we're talking about now.

Mokdai: I was thinking something felt up for a little while. Don't you think it's weird we got this close even with all that noise we made earlier? Like, it wouldn't be weird for people to chase us or border guards to come attack, but I haven't seen them or any normal people at all.
Yoshiori: ...yeah it's weird to me too. It doesn't even seem like people are watching us to see what happens. It's too quiet. Get ready for anything happening.
Akashi: Like that giant monster?
Yoshiori: Dunno. Just be ready to fight.
Crowne: Urgh... (grabs the back of her neck)
MC: Crowne?
Crowne: I've been getting the chills just now. I don't think it's just my imagination... (looks towards the city)
Crowne: ...it must be them.
Exio: ...

Later, when the party reaches the city with no issues
Akashi: ...we're here. That was anticlimactic.
Mokdai: No one was at the gates. Creepy...
Sui: ...I get the feeling someone's watching.
Ryekie: You've gotten sharper, Sui. That means you're picking up hero skills too. And this isn't just anyone watching us. It's someone who wants to kill us.
Crowne: ...! Here it comes!
Ryekie: Justice Rock Throw!

Ryekie knocks down a spear that stabs into the ground by Crowne instead.
Melide: ! That's the same spear that stabbed Exio!
???: HAHAHAHA!
MC: WHOMST
Crowne Alter walks out.
Crowne Alter: FINALLY you shits are here!
Crowne: YOU
Exio: So the weird chills Crowne felt was because of getting closer to someone with her same existence.
MC: So, that really is Crowne's...?

Crowne Alter: Did you finally figure it out, dumbass? Yeah I'm Crowne Applefield, a what-if version of that dumb bitch over there.
Crowne: !!!
Barrel: What!? Why are you here then!?
Furlong: We can use our Parallel Weapons because they come from parallel what-if worlds, but...!
Victom: I've never heard of anyone actually coming from a parallel world!
Crowne Alter: That's 'cuz I'm special, jackass. There's barely any Observers capable of what I can do, aside from MC over there. Assface up there really likes you for some reason, always nagging me about how you're the only one I can't kill. Now look at me and tell me if it looks like I give a shit. You piss me off and that's all the goddamn reason I need to murder your ass!
MC: OH NO
Crowne Alter: Don't think you're alone. There's also Exio and Bitchtits over there on my hit list too. Actually you know what? Fucking everyone who wouldn't let me be me can kiss their asses goodbye!

Crowne Alter starts cackling as dark light shines around their arms. When they wave their arms out, a familiar sensation fills you as a familiar silhouette appears.
MC: There's Monster Procy and Monster Gomeisa now!
Gammei: Why are they there!?
Ryekie: That's not actually them! They're just Monsters that look like them.
Mokdai: But we struggled when it was just Monster Procy!
Melide: There may be more of them, but look closer.
Monster Procy and Gomeisa: Bzsz Wehrrr (flicker)

Monomasa: Are they weakening?
Sui: ...it feels the same as when we faced my mother.
Crowne Alter: Do you guys know how long I had to wait for your stupid faces to show up? But now you finally are! You're all gonna die!
Exio: It looks like...the Monster and parallel world paths are wavering. It's likely because of the other Crowne's wavering heart.
MC: What?
Exio: A Path's stability is highly influenced by an Observer's mental state. Mental exhaustion and instability on their part leads to the path being unstable as well, along with dragging down the power of Heroes and Monsters.
Melide: ...if they came here the same way Monsters do, they can't leave the city. Moving too far from their exit point weakens their existence. They must have waited here and called over Monsters in the meantime and kept the path open, which would've sapped their energy the whole time.

Toshu: They want to kill us that badly?
Shoen: Or in other words, they cut at their heart for that goal...
Kyoichi: ...wait. Are they why there aren't any guards around!?
Akashi: Oh my god, that's awful!
Crowne Alter: Awful? YOU guys are the awful ones here! Do you know how much effort it takes to reject Mister Broke Ass's calls!? Whatever! Hurry up and transform already since I apparently want to see a fight!
Ryekie: There's no other way out of this. MC, transform us!
MC: Right! Execute!
The party transforms.
Crowne Alter: Hahaha! The worm brigade is all here! I'mma crush and stomp every last one of you, and then I'mma rip and tear my other self with my own goddamn hands! EVERY ONE OF YOU SHITHEADS DIE RIGHT HERE!
Monster Procy and Gomeisa: Rrgh. Argh.
Crowne: Bitch!
Meanwhile in Space
Broker: ...it's finally started. Ridiculous. A lot of effort went into that one but it's time to write them off. Oh well. Disposal time.
BATTLE START

Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Hermes: Let's go! (picks up MC and practically flies to the second floor)
MC: omg so fast! / I'm gonna blow up chunks / can we stay like this forever
---
(A) Hermes: Surprised? I'm quick on my feet!
(B) Hermes: Sorry, did I go too fast? You okay?
(C) Hermes: WHAT? You're walking the rest of the way!
---
Hermes (putting down MC): So, where's Miss Wild and Crazy?
MC: Let's try Ded's office / Hmm... / Head empty, Hermes you choose!
(A) Hermes: Oh okay. So we ambush her at the goal line?
(B) Hermes: Well if we think about where the treasure would be...Ded's office then?
(C) Hermes: Well don't blame me if punting the work on me blows up on you. Okay I'm kidding, that's just how I'd normally be but now's not the time. Alright, fine. How about Ded's office?

MC and Hermes head over for the office, passing by a broken window and turning a corner to find...
Hermes: ...why are all these policemen lying on the ground!?
MC: OH NO THEY DEAD / Are they unconscious? / (move closer)
---
(A) Hermes: I know it's rich coming from me, but you really like jokes don't you? (walks over and checks)
(B) Hermes: ...not really? (walks over and checks)
(C) You discovered Krampus.
Krampus: I'm the great...Enma...zzz
---
Hermes: They're all asleep. Did she do this? If she did she might already have gotten to the treasure spot.
Hermes: We gotta hurry! I'm going on ahead!
MC: I'm counting on you! / I'll come too
---
(A) Hermes: Right! You meet up with Nomad and Not Ose!
(B) Hermes: Sorry I'll be running full speed ahead, so you might not be able to keep up. Don't worry, go meet up with Nomad and Not Ose!
---
Hermes: Later! (zooms off in an instant)
MC: How fast is he!? / ...should I have let him go alone?
(B) MC remembers what Ose said from the other day and starts getting anxious about the sudden forced split up.

Just as MC is about to go too...
Benten: OMG MC! What are you doing here!? Oh wait, did you come running when you heard about my guerilla concert!?
MC: OH NO BENTEN / Why are YOU here!? / (Why'd she come from the opposite direction from Ded's office?)
Benten: Aww, don't feel bad about being so surprised. I bet you're wondering why I came over here instead of where the treasure is, huh? (strums biwa)
Benten: Well, I doubt you'd understand how I feel. Nobody understands me, running around in a strange school like a headless chicken with no clue where things are!
MC: Oh
Benten: SHUT UP I'M NOT LOST! Now tell me where the treasure is! If I win, you take me there! If you win, I'll go with you! Fight me!
MC: Sooo I go with you either way / Girl I'm in a hurry here / Stop, thief!
---
(A) Benten: Stop sweating the small stuff! You are messing up my GROOVE here!
(B) Benten: D-don't harsh my vibes like that so quickly! You are messing up my GROOVE here!
(C) Benten: ...yeah, that's the spirit!
---
Benten: Okay ready? Let's do it!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Benten: I am le artiste, so I gotta make a bang don't I? Let's go, Sarasvati Wipeout!
Before Benten activates her artifact, she throws a small ball overhead which starts shining like a spotlight on MC.
MC: MY EYES (shuts eyes)
Benten: (continues rocking and drops some other balls that pop into colorful lights) C'mon, here comes the hook of my song!
MC manages to regain their sight and starts charging in sword in hand. Benten starts stomping on the balls she dropped at the same time, and once smoke comes out she takes a big step down.
MC: Wait, are those firecrackers!? This isn't Benten's power!

Bright sparks and loud explosions abound, and MC upon realizing what's happening quickly shuts their eyes and ears. By the time the noise stops, the smoke from the firecrackers drifts over despite there being no wind.
Benten: I figured you'd avoid the first wave, so I've split this into two waves! Think you can catch me in this smokescreen!?
MC: Noble Phantasm activate! I cut the Flow of this smoke!
With Benten's power dispelled from the smoke, the smokescreen starts dissipating.
Benten: What kind of instincts do you have!?
MC: Too bad. Did you get all those tools from Jiraiya?

Benten: Yep! All Jiraiya customs! We got a spotlight flash bomb, firecracker sparklers, and smoke bombs! Jiraiya also made me take sleep smoke for protection I just used up and some toad oil!
MC: Wow.
Benten: Well now that you've figured me out, my tricks won't work on you anymore. Which means...
Benten lowers her biwa and starts approaching slowly. MC also decides to let their guard down.
Benten: ...brute force is my only hope!
Benten swings her instrument, but barely grazes MC's nose.
Benten: Dammit, I missed!
MC: omg / would you stop with your biwa? / is that an ax or something!?
Benten: I thought you understood me a little...but not enough! I'm not giving up that easy! Now gimme what I want if you don't wanna get hurt!
MC: (I'm running out of time...I have to get to Ded's office. Maybe I should talk to Benten?)

MC starts stressing out about getting to Ded's office since Hermes could get there any second. Maybe nothing will happen, but something about him seemed off when he left.
Benten: (notices something behind MC)
Daikoku: ...oh no Benten!
Benten: Daikoku, is that you? I can't see well past the smoke. You sound and look different from what I remember, but whatever! You must have changed since back then! (starts running towards Daikoku)
Benten: Daikoku you are the WORST! If you came here you should have said something t--WAH! (judo thrown)
Daikoku?: Girlie, you are a walking cyclone. (pins Benten's arms behind her)
MC: OMG BENTEN / Super Smash Lucky Gods! / ...sooo you aren't Daikoku?
Daikoku?: I said I'd protect you, and so I'm here like I said I would yesterday. (reveals himself as Ose)
MC: Thanks Ose

Benten: Daikoku what's with the snooty li--YOU AREN'T DAIKOKU
Ose: How do you do, Mysterious Beauty Thief? Sorry I wasn't who you thought I was. I apologize for the inelegant meeting, but we're tying you up for now. All that's left is Jiraiya, but I think that'll sort itself out sooner or later. So, MC?
MC: Yeah, I'll go after Hermes.
Ose: ...I'd like to go with you, but we can't spare a second. You've noticed, right? We can't leave him alone.
MC runs off towards Ded's office. Policemen out cold can be seen from far away, and once MC gets to the door and tries to open it, party poppers and firecrackers go off. And then the loudspeakers all turn on.

Black: Game's over people, listen up!
Hougen: Hello everyone this is Hougen. All thieves have been captured. Sooo...
Black and Hougen: Our special emergency training is over!
Police and Santa Students: NANI
Inside Ded's office
Hermes (in a new outfit): S'up MC, you got here fast. Didn't you see Benten? ...what, why are you looking at me like that? Drill's over, right?
MC: ...was this your goal all along?
Hermes: (smirks)
End of Episode

 

Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

Zeus, the official World Representative and the Pillar that upholds everything in the world and the origin that connects everything in the world. In Olympus there is also a System that supports Zeus, the 12 Olympians, and Hermes is one of them. The role of the 12 Olympians is to coordinate the world. Zeus is at the center of Olympus and everything has a bond of fate tied to him. Everyone is related to him in some way, whether son (child I guess), sibling, lover, or wife.
Hermes (narrating): Inconsistencies are gonna happen, and my job is to fix them. My given role was to spy on my relatives and deal with the undesirables of my world's faith. Sometimes it's giving the people of Olympus what they don't have to make things fit. Other times I deal with inconvenient truths to the world by being a messenger or negotiator, pulling scams and thefts, and sometimes even murder. It's all to Avoid Contradictions and bring prosperity to Cronos's bloodline.

Day of the Santa Sendoff Ceremony
The party is hanging around on standby in an area near a side door.
Nomad: Why the hell are you here again, Not Ose?
Ose: Aww, don't be like that. I know I threw wrenches into things but I'll be working to make up for it! Plus, haven't you heard of "it takes one to know one"? Who better to catch the thieves besides me or Hermes?
Hermes: Don't just casually bring me up like that or say I'm like you!
Ose: You're no fun. I'm still gonna size you up and all.
MC: Huh / You guys seem to be getting along? / Are you guys actually being friends?
(C) Nomad and Hermes: NO
Ose: Tee hee.

Nomad: ...so, I kinda feel bad for the students who think this is a legit case, but honestly I've enjoyed some parts of all this. Once a detective gets to work, the police get awkward with you while the public shuns you. You can't afford to mess up, or else your life is in danger. It's not often that I get to put my skills to the test with others in a no-holds barred, risky battle. I still wish I had more respectable teammates though.
Hermes: Ruuude...not that you're wrong about my respectability.
Ose: Since I'm doing this for kicks...I can't deny that either.
Nomad: YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DENY IT YOU DICKS! Couldn't I have more normal teammates instead of a punk who sets off traps or an admitted double agent!?
MC: I'll never betray you, Nomad! / (Is Hermes okay?) / (Ose is business as usual)
---
(A) Nomad: ...you realize there's a hundred times more severity to that sentence than you think, right?
---
MC looks at the rest of the party while thinking about Ose's conversation from the other day.
Ose: You seem nervous. Take some deep breaths. Don't worry. All the world's a passing dream. Let's have fun with the upcoming showdown, shall we?

Ded's office.
Daikoku: So this was all my suggestion, but I'm surprised you pulled things off as well as you did, Hougen.
Hougen: It's the fruits of everyone's efforts in the Santa School. Right Ded?
White: You are too kind. It's thanks to your police students' efforts...today's the day I'll be seeing how everyone's hard work all year will be paying off. It's almost time to start, so we should go to the broadcasting room. Would you like to join us, Superintendent Daikoku?
Daikoku: I will--
Benten: YOOHOO! Hey Daikoku, are you there? Look, it's me! (shreds biwa)

Hougen: Huh. Isn't she calling out to you?
Daikoku: (OH NO BENTEN WHY IS SHE HERE? I can't risk running into her!)
Daikoku: O-oh you know me, pretty famous in my own right, lots of people have heard about me. It's so lovely when the public remembers me, haha! Oh look at the time, got work to do, money to count, I'm sure you understand. Thanks for the offer, but I can't make it.
White: Oh, well thank you for coming.
Hougen: I'll tell you how the training drill went later.
Daikoku: Splendid! Okay gotta go kthanksbye

Benten: This searchlight is my spotlight tonight! (stands on the rooftop with a megaphone)
Benten: It's that Magica--I mean--Mysterious Beauty Thief here to steal the Holy Night's bangers! Thanks y'all for coming to my thief debut concert, come watch me take all your views away! (waves)
Benten: Okay so idol concerts typically go a certain way, but we're gonna go backwards and do the meet and greet BEFORE the songs! Come get me boys!
Cops: CATCH THE CRAZY GIRL

Dark Cop: Did she just say Daikoku? As in our chief Daikoku?
Water Cop: Whatever. GET HER!
Light Cop: YEAH!
Krampus: We're going in too, guys!
Black Santas: YEAH!
Tajikarao: Couldn't she be trying to be a decoy and--no, stop!
Hermes: ...so what do you think?
MC: Well... / She's a decoy? / Let's go too
(C) The rest of the party shake their heads.

Ose: I wasn't expecting such...forward diversionary tactics.
Nomad: Right? And so many people fell for it. But I guess I can't blame them since they don't know how many of them there really are.
Ose: Indeed. For now we should stand guard for the rest of them with the remaining students.
Tajikarao comes in with some mob cops.
Tajikarao: Oh, you're all still here! It looks like all of us here are the only ones who didn't chase after that girl.
Ose: This is good enough. Will you help us?
Tajikarao: Of course! ...do you have a plan?
Ose: (looks at Hermes)
Hermes: ...of course you noticed. Fiiine, I'll show you the cards I've hidden.
Ose: Tease. I bet you're just itching to go!
Hermes: No, that sounds like a pain in the ass! ...but I DO wanna kick the thieves' asses. Alright, let's get to it. MC and Nomad, help me out.
The party heads towards the first floor back entrance.

Tajikarao is up front with the cops standing guard according to plan while the rest of the party is lying in wait. Nomad hears a noise first. Ose does next, and signals to Hermes and MC with his eyes.
Nomad: (Yep, that's a Wa no Kuni ninja's Presence Concealment alright.) (signals to Hermes that two people he can smell are about to arrive)
Hermes blows his flute, causing the door Jiraiya and Taromaiti was about to open to slam shut instead.
Taromaiti: Wait what!? It's not moving at all!
Jiraiya: Ambushed!
The cops and the party reveal themselves.

Hermes: As patron of thieves, I call upon thee! Noble Phantasm activate! (blows flute and causes all other doors to be sealed as well)
Hermes: Man, we called this a secret plan, but things went exactly as Nomad predicted in his redone strategies partway through. And with the intel Not Ose got of the thieves' plans, we narrowed down the possible routes to two. We could have guarded both of them, but you'd get past anyway. But once you consider how the thieves would avoid the barricades the students built up, they'd come this way for sure!
MC: Oh, I see / Pretty handy artifact there / (didn't it do something different last time?)

Hermes: Don't bother with the doors. My power can reverse the state of what I use it on from where it was. If you try to open it, my power closes it even if you have the key. You could get out if I dispel it, though!
Nomad: Heh heh heh...you aren't getting away from me, the ace detective Nomad!
Ose: Just so you know I'm not gonna be your assistant.
Jiraiya and Taromaiti square up to fight even as they look surprised.
Taromaiti: Well I never saw this coming.
Taromaiti (whispering): What do we do, Jiraiya? If Hermes is telling the truth, I can't see how we can win. IF.
Jiraiya: Yeah, "if". My homeworld believes toads can't win against snakes, but you know what? It also believes slugs beat snakes and toads beats slugs.
Every power between heaven and earth will always be tied to a role. People who gain special powers also carry a secret weakness which sometimes leads to their death.
Jiraiya: There has to be a way around it we haven't figured out yet.
Taromaiti: Breaking preconceived notions? That's my specialty! We're not surrendering here!
Jiraiya: Yeah! I'm not someone who gets stopped this fast! Put 'em up!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Taromaiti: Secretknight Stab!
Wood Cop: Ahh!
The thief side has surprisingly taken advantage of the narrow hallway to force the battles to be one on one. Jiraiya pulls a cop in with his artifact, and Taromaiti KOs them. When someone attempts to attack her during the opening she leaves after her own attack, the two of them switch attack and defense roles.
Jiraiya: We can make things work if we use other advantages even if numbers are against us! Impressed!?
MC: Wow they're good at fighting as a team / Nice costumes! / Sup bro!
(B) Jiraiya and Taromaiti: (flattered)
Nomad: OH MY GOD FOCUS
(C) Tajikarao (shocked): Why are you encouraging them!? They're thieves!

The party's attacks are starting to slow down. Nomad and Ose keep trying to step forward, but Jiraiya keeps forcing nameless cops up instead. The police side is getting whittled down, and while Nomad is trying to figure a way around this he has doubts about something.
Nomad: (Why are they going so slow with this fight when they feel so good with their chances? They could've focused on Hermes if they wanted to run. Unless...)
Nomad: !! Hermes! Cancel your power!
Hermes: What? Why?
Nomad: These guys are the real decoys! Crazy girl from earlier is the real thief going in for the goal!
Hermes: ...oh, I see.

Ose: Huh. The little lady draws the bigger crowd away while you guys keep the ones who see through it occupied. So she must have some crowd control tricks then? How audacious.
Jiraiya: Tsk, they figured it out. Let's skedaddle!
Taromaiti: Right! And I've figured out how your power works now, Hermes! (opens the door by attempting to close it)
Hermes: !
Taromaiti: You're reversing our senses, turning our wanting to open the door into an action of closing it instead.
Jiraiya: kbye! (reaches for his pocket)
Nomad: Oh no you don't! William Blake reference! (zooms like a red comet at Jiraiya)
Jiraiya: (drops a smoke bomb and manages to block Nomad's punch by reflex)

Jiraiya: I never thought I'd be fighting you, Nomad!
Nomad: Give up, "whoever you are!"
Jiraiya: Oh right we're pretending not to know each other for this
Taromaiti: Jiraiya--(gets shot at)--I guess it's not gonna be that easy, huh!
Ose (warding off a combo string while separating Taromaiti away): Nice moves. Now let's really go one-on-one.
Nomad: Hermes, MC! You two go on ahead! The rest of you unimportant losers, guard the halls and stairs! We just need to keep these two from leaving!
Hermes: Counting on you guys! Let's go, MC!
End of Episode Part

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 4: The Marionettes (Abridged)

Sadayoshi (narrating): I don't remember how I became part of the Ikusabata family. When I was old enough to understand what was happening, I was given the name of Sadayoshi and raised as the heir of the famous Ikusabata family.
Flashback
Ikusabata Patriarch: USELESS excuse for a soldier. If you want to be a REAL Ikusabata and loyal to glorious Japan, you must remember that your will is less important than your orders. Your opinion is less important than the country. Get rid of your friends who talked you into breaking curfew. But politely!
Sadayoshi: ...yes Father.

Sadayoshi (narrating): I was raised to be obedient to my father's orders, and I became a soldier like they wished. I learned martial arts, became a hero, went through many battles, and attained a position that wouldn't embarrass the family. But when I was younger...an evil thought asked if it really was okay for my life to turn out this way. Was the soldier I was raised as actually who I really am?
Sadayoshi (narrating): That thought disappeared when the people I saved smiled and thanked me. Validation for fulfilling the expectations set on me. It made me realize that saving the people and cities I love is my duty as a soldier and my reason for living as a person.

Present
Sadayoshi: Soldier Punch!
Sui: Ahh!
Akashi: Damn he's strong!
Ryekie: You two! Urgh, we really are at a disadvantage!
MC: Justice, behind you!
Ryekie: Wha--ah! *(punched right at the back of the head and falls)*
Huckle: Ahh! Mr. Ryekie!
Kyoichi: Dammit...total wipeout.
MC: Oh no, we lost!

Mob A: ...Colonel, all targets subdued.
Sadayoshi: Good work. Put all the heroes and Operators except for one of them onto the watch list, then move them to the observation center.
Mob A: Yes sir.
The military group start arresting the party.
Mob B: You too. Hands in front.
Crowne: M-me!? Why!?
Mob B: Someone who looks like you was spotted at the attack last week illegally opening Paths. You are to be added to the government watch list and detained as a possible person of interest.
Crowne: T-that's not...umm... (gives in)

Mob A: ...you too, arms in front. Resistance is useless.
MC: ... (handcuffed)
Sadayoshi: Unfortunately, since you all tried to break into a restricted area you will all be held inside an observation center. Please understand.
Akashi: NO! Let go dammit!
Sui: ...
Akashi gets shoved into the prison bus they have.
Mob A: ...your turn. Please get in.
MC: Dammit...

Huckle: Wait, please!
Sadayoshi: Mister Huckle. You are not marked for observation or detention. The only people to be put into custody are those who fought in this battle and Ms. Crowne. Since you didn't fight here as an Observer, you have been exempted from arrest.
Huckle: Never mind me!  Your reasons for arresting everyone else is unacceptable! This cannot be how this country's government acts!
Sadayoshi (struggling to say so): ...they have already decided upon it.
Sadayoshi turns and boards the bus, then locks the door before it drives away.
Huckle: No! (bites lips in frustration at his powerlessness)

Later
The prison bus is driving through the suburban streets of Orient City, and a sign says it's another 10 km to the lockdown border.
Victom: We left the southern ward rather fast. It looks like we're heading to the metropolitan area.
Akashi: But that's not where we wanna go! Dammit, I can't get out of this!
Ryekie: The bus is blocking electric signals. I can't call Huckle.
Barrel: (sigh) I can't believe I'm the one in cuffs this time. As a policeman this sucks.
Furlong: Where ARE they taking us? I heard observation center but...
Gammei: I bet we're detouring around the lockdown area to the holding area in the eastern ward. They got all the newest gear there and can block off all electric signals from outside. Perfect for holding heroes and Observers.
Mokdai: We're being treated like criminals...
Sui: Aren't we criminals now? To them at least...
Shoen: How regrettable that we cannot save the city...
Toshu: Is this how it ends...?

Crowne: ... (slightly shivering)
MC: Crowne? Are you cold?
Crowne: ...nah. It's just...I've been getting chills for some reason now. Bugs? No, wait. It's getting stronger the closer we get to town. What's going on?
Sudden bus shaking and brakes!
Ryekie: OH WHAT
Akashi: MOKDAI GET OFF OF ME
Mokdai: S-sorry, it was the sudden brakes!
Gammei: Ow. What happened?
Victom: Was that...an earthquake?
The bus shakes again like before. Soldiers outside are yelling something.
MC: I hear yelling but I can't hear through the windows being so thick.

Barrel: I hear yelling and...gunshots?
Furlong: Did Monsters show up? There was that earthquake.
Knocks come from the back of the bus.
Familiar Violent Voice: Get away from the door!
MC: This voice! / Who
Kyoichi: MC, get away from there! (pulls MC into a protective hug away from the door)
A bright light covers the bus door. Then...
BOOM
Akashi: OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED
Crowne: (coughs) W-was that an explosion!?
Yoshiori walks through the smoke.
Yoshiori: Sup punks. You in trouble?
MC: Yoshiori! / Yay, it's Yoshiori!
(B) Yoshiori: WHAT DON'T JUMP AT ME, LEGGO

Sui: Y-Yoshiori!? Why are you here!?
Akashi: And actually, where have you been!? How's Exio!?
Gammei: Hey isn't that the guy who
Yoshiori: Talk later! Time to cut everyone's cuffs!
Everyone gets out after Yoshori destroys the cuffs, and outside they find...
Melide: MC. I'm glad you're alive.
Monomasa: Sorry we couldn't give you a proper goodbye earlier.
MC: Melide! Monomasa! You guys!
Yoshiori: Don't forget about this guy. (walks back lending his shoulder to...)
Exio: Hi. I came to save the day.
MC: Exio!

Crowne: You're alive!
Exio: Yes, but not totally okay. Enough to not slow everyone down though.
Exio has a bandage wrap on and is holding where Crowne Alter stabbed him.
Sui: I actually think it's amazing you can move even though it hasn't been a week yet.
Barrel: Are you guys the villains Akashi and the others talked about? Why'd you come save us?
Yoshiori: Because you guys sucked so bad we had to do something.
Melide: No Yoshiori, that's not it.
Monomasa: We both want to stop the giant Monster at the Invisible Mountain and stop that one Observer, so working together would be better.
Exio: Yes, that. We aren't here to make you guys owe us, so relax.

Toshu: ...MC, is it okay to trust them?
Kyoichi: Y-yeah I'm worried if there's any strings attached too.
MC: Yep. Maybe. I know they're shady...
Mokdai: Monomasa is right that we have the same goals. We worked with them when the Monster was half awake, but I don't think they're lying. It should be okay.
Ryekie: They're villains, but they're legit strong!
Victom: ...okay. Feels weird to work with villains.
Furlong: But it's true it's comforting to have more people around!
Shoen: Umu. I agree with temporarily aligning with them. We don't have much time to argue the point anyway.

Yoshiori: I just kicked all their asses and they're back for more already. That was fast.
Monomasa: Their boss is here too. We should be careful.
The mobs surround the party again. Sadayoshi slips forward.
Sadayoshi: A new risk factor to consider? You must be highly trained to push us back so far. Why do you oppose us? What is your goal?
Exio: Our goal's the same as these heroes, so of course we'd help them. Also, I have something I need to make sure of, so I can't let you stop them here.
MC: What?

Sadayoshi: ...you would obstruct an operation that would save a majority of the nation's citizens for a personal goal? I must say that sounds highly foolish.
Yoshiori: Ha. So dropping the HFCM space nuke is the sMaRT choice?
Sadayoshi: !! How did you know?
Monomasa: What's foolish is thinking you have no traitors in your midst. We know what your plans are.
Exio: Wanna check out my client list sometime? It's in the lockdown area buried under rubble.
Sadayoshi: ...

Monomasa: Blowing up the city along with the Monster for lack of better ideas is the planning of a child. You honestly agreed to that?
Sadayoshi: ...because we have no alternatives.
Monomasa: I'm not talking about a lack of options. I'm asking if you truly agree with your current plan.
Sadayoshi: ...it is unfortunate. The decision will not be overturned.
Yoshiori: Stop avoiding the question, hot shot!
Sadayoshi: ... (grinds teeth in frustration)

Akashi: You really don't, do you? We all saw you slipping up and showing your personal feelings yesterday.
Flashback
Sadayoshi: ...Orient City is my hometown, and I do not want to lose it. There are many parts to this operation I have difficulty accepting. The National Defense Department attacking a part of its own country is getting its priorities skewed to the utmost!
Present
MC: That's how you really feel, right?
Sadayoshi: ...I also said the plan wouldn't be reversed. There's nothing to be done about how destroying the city will save even more people. On that part...I agree.

Crowne: ...you're such a yes-man.
Sadayoshi: Of course I am. I must give all of myself for this nation's people. I must always...obey my superior's orders. That was how I was raised.
Monomasa: ...that sounds like the life Monomasa lived. He was tired of such a life and withdrew while you accepted it. Such opposites. That must be why Monomasa hates you so much.
Crowne: Sure, there are people who'd choose that life for themselves. I won't deny that, but it sounds like we're never gonna see eye to eye.
Sadayoshi: ...how regrettable it is to be disliked in this way. But that is the reason I cannot forsake my duty. (transforms)

Sadayoshi: We will put you all under surveillance. Prepare yourselves.
Kyoichi: Get bent! We're gonna carry out our own justice!
Toshu: Know that there are those of us who cannot obey you as we have found a worthy cause to support!
Shoen: Rivals teaming up, or being in the same boat, as they say?
Furlong: This time we're gonna win!
Victom: It's not about winning. It's about how we can't let ourselves lose here!
Barrel: We'll be back at square one if we get caught. We have to break through!
Gammei: Get ready, guys!
Ryekie: The goal is to cut our way through!
Sui: Okay! We just need to shake them off!
Mokdai: They have more power on their side...but I don't want to give up!
Akashi: Yeah! MC, suit us all up so we can bust on over!
MC: Right! Execute!
Exio: I'll help too. Melide, can you lend a hand?
Melide: Okay. If we're just trying to get past, I can try harder too.
The party transforms.
Yoshiori: Alright! Hey, general! Lemme introduce my fist to your face!
Monomasa: I won't let you have your way. Let's go.
Sadayoshi: You took the words out of my mouth. All hands, engage!
BATTLE START

Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Since ancient times people have said wandering performers were also spies investigating other nations. Entertainment and spying are deeply intertwined, as where people gather, information gathers. The clever and eye-catching entertainers are always drawing information towards themselves, and Nakano Entertainment Academy is an intel agency that recruits and trains spies and ninjas from every other world.
Many students are publicly listed as part of the school's entertainment courses, and as part of the intel course. These students lead public lives as actors and entertainers on one hand, and use their wiles and looks to gather information in the underside of society. These people hold both personas at the same time and use their position on a case by case basis.
Hermes is one of these people, pulling in many with his flute music. When he spends all the time he needs to do his job, he quietly leaves without anyone noticing. That's how he lived his life, here and in Olympus. Music was his only companion.

Once the plans have been revised, the party breaks off for the time being. By the time the sun has set, Hermes is hanging beneath some overpass. He puts his bag down and takes out his flute, then sets his hat down for tips as he starts to play. Since he's a little ways away from the station plaza, not many people pass by or stop. He never seemed to care whether he'd get an audience. The instrument he holds is a wind synthesizer he received from a bandmate he was with once. He recalls the time from back then about how novel music playing felt. Once he finishes his song, he notices that someone threw a coin into his hat. Hermes looks up to see MC and...
Benten: ...
MC: Hi / ...

Hermes: Sup guys. Came to continue our talks from earlier about my past?
MC: Well--
Benten: Do I look like I care!? Hermes, I challenge you to a MUSIC DUEL!
Hermes: ...wat
Benten: You have things you don't want to tell people right? Yeah sure whatever, I'm not gonna force you to talk. I still have a problem with your attitude though, so MUSIC FIGHT ME!
Hermes: girl you crazy
MC: welp / Benten's just like that / please humor her

Benten: (sets up amp) If you don't talk with your fists, then talk with your music. You're not half bad at it, you know? Music's the one thing that won't betray you, so that's why I'm challenging you on it. I'll give you MC as a handicap! Now FIGHT ME!
Hermes: Yeah you're cuckoo for cocoa puffs. But fine, let's do this. MC, I'll lend you something. Which one do you want?
MC: I wanna try the harp! / I can sorta do the flute? / I can't play!
---
(C) Hermes: It's cool! Just wing it and I'll work with you. We'll get something done.
---
Benten: Ready? Let's GOOOOO!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

MC: (get into playing) / (keep up somehow) / (pretend to play)
The group's music starts echoing into the surrounding area. Hermes and Benten's improv jam sometimes harmonizes, sometimes clashes.
Hermes: (shit this feeling...)
Hermes starts remembering an old friend back in Olympus he gave an instrument too. He could just be himself and talk through the music without having to care about positions and duty. The feeling from then was something he forgot and wanted to forget...
By the station
Little Girl A: Isn't she the Viral Dreamers girl?
Yasha B: omg yes she is! Why's she here!?
Little Girl A: Guys look! Viral Dreamers is doing a street performance! With vocals!
Wolf C: Like oh my goood no WAAAY! I stan!
Girl D: Real shit y'all!

Back to MC's end
MC: (Awesome!) / (HOW DO WE STOP!?)
The three meet eyes, prompting Benten to strum all her biwa strings and drawing the audience's attention for the ending. Benten then makes a big jump and flourishes like a rock star to end the song.
The audience claps.
MC: huh / who are you people!? / Heeey!
Benten: Thanks for listening everybody! (waves)
One passerby picks up Hermes's hat and puts a tip in before passing it on. This goes on until the hat passes back to MC.
MC: Look at all that money! / (wave) / I'll tip too

Benten: Holy crap, thanks people! You know what, I'll put on in too as a thank you!
Hermes: But we were playing against each other!
Benten: Deal with it! We just got an audience together, I'm not leaving without putting something in! Okay peeps, I'm doing my own song from Viral Dreamers! Feel free to join in if you know the lyrics!
Hermes: Heh. Okay fine. (joins in on playing)
MC: I'm in! / (continue playing) / Break time!
The clapping, the instrumentals, and singing all join as one as they fill the night sky. When the second song finishes, Benten waves to the audience while Hermes and MC bow.

Hermes: ...music is nice.
Benten: Inorite? I especially love live performances! It's nice having an audience joining in! Really makes you feel like you have a connection with people even though they're supposed to be total strangers.
Hermes: Yeah.
Benten: Nice expression on your face! New idea, I'm gonna trust you now! It doesn't matter if you stab me in the back later! And did you notice something about our performance earlier? I called it a duel earlier, but your technique and volume was a match for mine! That meant you chose to take this as a group session we'd be doing together instead of against each other. That means you DO trust people, right? So you saying you don't trust anyone? I don't care about that. I picked up that I can trust you, so I'm gonna hang onto that feeling.
MC: Same / That's Benten for you / ...

Benten: I walk my own path and hell if no one else can understand. It's not like I can understand everything going through anyone else's head. If that leads to breaking up the band over creative differences, it's just how it is. But didn't it feel great to play together? That's what I got from your music Hermes. Let's do it again sometime! Then I can learn more about you. It's how I got this far, and it's how I'll keep going. The three of us are gonna make some new music! AWESOME! You just do whatever you want, Hermes. That's what I'm gonna do myself. Me and MC will always play with you at least. Right?
MC: Yep... / Yeah! / Can I not
(C) Benten: You're supposed to say yes here!

Benten: Don't you guys think so too? (waves where the crowd was where Taromaiti and Jiraiya are now)
Taromaiti and Jiraiya nod, though it's unclear if they heard Benten.
Benten: Whew, that was good. I'mma go home now. You guys better get some sleep too! Oh right, before that I'mma take my share of the tips. (grabs some money before handing the hat back and leaving)
Hermes: !?
Hermes: ...ha. Girl's a living tornado.
Taromaiti: I was worried when Benten said she'd come looking for you, but I guess there was no need to worry, just like you said.
Jiraiya: Eh, things at this level of seriousness happen all the time with newly made groups. Brings back memories. The two of them have music in common. Not really my thing so much.
Jiraiya: Alright, now that the group isn't in danger of falling apart we just gotta win this match!
Taromaiti: Heh, you're right. We should go too.

MC: Hermes, here's your instrument back.
Hermes: ...oh. Right.
Hermes: ...you and Benten are pretty stubborn. I tried to keep you guys away and cut any bonds to you two, but you both came chasing after me. Living like that...is a little too much for me.
MC: You can do it. Remember the crowd just now?
Hermes: They don't come out like that when I'm on my own. Ever since I met up with her at Shibuya, that girl's being making waves pulling everyone along. There's no point in going against it since there's no telling where she's going.
Hermes: It's a huge pain in the ass...but I don't hate it. Have my screws gone loose?
MC: But you want to be friends, right? / We're here for you / Let's get to know each other better

Hermes knows how easy it is to make that wish happen. All he has to do is reach out for it, so he warns himself that he can't no matter how much he wants to. If he tries to reach out and touch something, it'll fall apart and overflow.
Hermes: Welp, it's late. You head on home, MC.
Hermes couldn't bring himself to answer MC, so he avoids the subject with a practiced smile and attempts to end the meeting by being concerned for them.
MC: Later. / (stay) / (leave silently)
---
(A) Hermes: ...yeah, later.
(B) Hermes: Aren't you in a dorm with a curfew? You never got permission to be out, right? They'll get mad. C'mon, I'll see ya tomorrow.
(C) Hermes: ...MC. Later.
---
MC: (waves and leaves)
Hermes: ...I gotta do what I have to do, whether people are good or evil.
Is that sadness or a defiant smile on his face?
Hermes: Welp. Almost time for the showdown.
End of Episode.

Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

Nakano Entertainment Academy, a school teaching about entertainment on the surface and a spy school beneath the surface. Plenty of the students who go there have ties to both. One of the students who go there, Jiraiya, has another name he used to go by: the wandering warrior Ogata Shuma! He lived happily with his warrior father as a little kid serving their lord, but then it all came crashing down when the rest of them were killed. To gain his revenge, Jiraiya wandered and became a student of hermetic arts at Mt. Myoko in Echigo!
In the end, he gained the ninja power to summon giant toads and turn them into his own strength. For example, he can turn his scarf into a toad tongue to grab and restrain anything. That is the Role of the toad that returns things to their original place and the power tied to his way of life. Eventually he cornered his adversary, but the fate tied to his power would eventually lead Ogata Shuma to his end.
Just when Jiraiya was about to get his revenge, his foe's minion struck him down instead. That minion had a Stone Conch artifact, which has the power of the white snake that Serves Benten. Its shape wound around like an actual snake. Conceptual belief says a toad that's stared at by a snake will never win against the snake. And so the ronin Ogata Shuma died, except not really. What happened? He's never gonna tell. He's living his life now in Tokyo as the chivalrous thief Jiraiya, Stealing Back What was Stolen from People.

Present, the day before the heist happens
The party is gathering at Cafe Asterism on its off day. The early comers put together lunch with the tea Taromaiti makes while waiting for Jiraiya to get out of his job.
Jiraiya: I'm here guys! Let's go over our jobs for tomorrow! ...after we go over our opponents! Ded's given me info on the security team like he promised he would when he first invited me to join this thing. (puts out papers on the table)
MC: Odell's a security member / Nomad...he'll be tough / wait it's just two people?
(A) Benten: You know that stuck up cat?
Jiraiya: He's a bodyguard and he's agreed to help with this thing since day one, like me.
Taromaiti: These papers make it hard to tell what he's like.
Hermes: Bodyguard eh?
(B) Hermes: Ohh a real detective. This'll be fun.
Benten: He's gonna be a huge hit on Not Twitter! I have to get a pic of him after it's all over!
Jiraiya: Benten we still have a job to do first, calm down.
Taromaiti: Aha. I get how she feels though. It's not everyday you meet a detective in your normal life.
(C) Taromaiti: They still have a lot of police guys over there.
Jiraiya: Yep. They totally have the numbers against us.
Benten: Aww, so no frontal assault.
Hermes: You actually thought about doing that!?

Jiraiya: Well that's who we're going against. Now for the floorplans and escape routes. The school will be an Enclosed Area tomorrow, so everyone inside is an app user or someone with an artifact.
Jiraiya lays out a ground plan of the Santa School. Notes about patrol routes and security cams are written down along with information the party gathered the other day. Everyone discusses their assigned parts and new suggestions.
Jiraiya: Okay, we're set! Now we just wait for showtime.
Benten: Wow there was a lot more to go over than I thought. Hey Senpai, do you do this all the time? Is that why you're never at school?
Jiraiya: Secret. I'll just say that the plans this time are a lot more complicated than usual.
Benten: ...
MC: We go tomorrow, huh / I hope it goes well / I'm getting nervous
(C) Benten: I'm here! No need to worry at all!

Jiraiya: Okay, time to go for the day if there's nothing else to talk about.
Taromaiti: Oh. Gotta be rested for the big day?
Jiraiya: (nods)
Hermes: Wait we're leaving already? Can't we hang around some more?
Jiraiya: No Hermes I--
Benten: How about we do a pre-victory party? We're gonna break up this band after the job's over anyway.
Hermes: Yeah! We still got daylight!
Taromaiti: Feels kinda premature...but since this isn't a real heist we're doing I guess it might be okay? If we're gonna make some memories, I'll go along if you like.
Jiraiya: You guys are taking this too lightly! Just don't stay up too late and make yourself tired tomorrow. I'm heading off now and--
Hermes: Aww, come on! Join us!
Benten: Yeah! (grabs Jiraiya's arm)
MC: Yeah! / Making him stay seems wrong though / (Jiraiya seems desperate to go)

The real Jiraiya pops in
Jiraiya: Sorry I'm late! There were snakes on the way back and--
Benten: Oh my god two Jiraiyas!
MC: Who's the faker!? / Ninja body double!? / I want a Jiraiya!
Hermes: Nobody move! The two of you, go stand over there and be quiet. Benten, you keep a hold of his arm. Taromaiti, MC, you two...(etc etc)
Hermes: Now we gotta figure out which one is the real one and--
Jiraiya 1: Will you let go? I'm not gonna resist or anything. I'll just cancel my artifact. I didn't expect things to turn out like this...

Jiraiya 1 reveals himself as Ose.
Ose: I was hoping my trick to buy time would last longer, but yeah those snakes were my doing. I'll go get them later, no animal cruelty here! Also I'm surprised you guys would throw a party before the big heist. You really are a weird one, Benten. So bold, no one would've thought you're a first time thief.
Benten: Aww, it's totes normal! But props to you for noting my charm!
MC: Not Ose, you were in disguise? / I never noticed / Huh, you're a kid today.
(AB) Ose: Hi again MC. I see we're on different sides this time.
(C) Ose: We're banned from getting information from each other today, right? So I figured I should avoid looking like that when I went out.

Hermes: Sup Not Ose, you got too into being Jiraiya, huh? I wasn't expecting someone with such an open personality to be so weak to snakelike persistence. You'd have done better shaking us off, but I guess your pro sensibilities kicked in?
Ose: No, but I have to commend you for noticing the disguise. You were the first to stop me after all.
Hermes: Oh, no, I didn't actually see through it or anything.
Ose: Hmm... You don't say?
Hermes: Nah, I just figured if anyone is quick to leave a big meeting alone they might be a spy. It never crossed my mind you weren't Jiraiya.
Ose: I see...amazing. So you're the type who trusts people but doesn't dismiss the worst possibilities. Or you're the type who never trusted anyone to begin with.
MC: Huh? / What are you saying? / (Oh no I get what he's trying to do!)
(C) Ose smiles at MC as if to say "too late."

Hermes: ...yep. I never trusted anyone here.
Party: ...
Benten: ...Hermes, what's that supposed to mean?
Hermes: ...I said what I said. I never planned on getting closer with any of you.
Ose: Which means your continued presence here signifies that you have a different goal of your own?
Hermes: ...yeah.
Benten: So what is it!? Tell us in a way we can understand!
MC: Benten calm down / She has a point / ...

Hermes: ...sorry, but I don't have to tell you.
Benten: ...you wanna fight!?
Ose: Benten can you let me say a few more words first?
Benten: Why are you getting between us!? You're on the other side!
Ose: Well if Hermes isn't gonna say anything, how about I tell you guys some good info?
MC: Okay? / No wai-- / (He's taking the lead!)
(BC) Ose shushes MC.

Ose: The short version: Hermes, you did spy stuff in the past didn't you?
Benten: Huh?
Hermes: ...yeah.
Ose: I knew it. While no one else could understand how you think and what you say, I could. Hiding your origins and getting close to your enemies is what spies do. They say that the best way of gaining someone's favor when you first meet them is to be complimentary and affirmative of what they talk about. Then you try getting what they think out of them. You've done it so much you can do it in your sleep, right? Someone who lives that way can't easily trust people. They could never. Letting your guard for a second could make or break your mission and take your life with it.
Benten: ...so
Ose: Right. Doubting everything will exhaust you and make your mission impossible to complete. That's why we have ways of easing doubts.

Ose: Hey Hermes, why have you never done any of that? It's just a guess on my part, but if you're a high class spy, you could have used symbols or codes to identify who is who. You could also have set up anti-spy plans. Is your not using any of those things a sign that you didn't want to know those things?
Hermes: ...who can say? Don't you think you talk to much for a spy, Not Ose or whatever?
Ose: Oh, I'm sorry. Did I hit a nerve? I can hear how mad you are. Since you've disrupted my work, I've gotten a little interested in you. I just tried guessing at things based on what you've said and thought so far.

Jiraiya: ...could you leave it at that? Your theories are interesting and all, but they don't necessarily apply to Hermes.
Ose: ...are you planning to ask him directly? Even if he won't answer?
Jiraiya: It's all in the past. Hermes might have changed. Who cares if he talks or not? It's important that he chooses to talk himself. I'm the great thief Jiraiya, and I won't leave my friends on their own even if it's a one night thing! Especially if someone's tryna talk shit about them and drive them away!
Ose: ...I see. You're a good friend Jiraiya. Okay I'll stop here.

Jiraiya: ...one more thing. You tried to be me and take my place, so I'm betting my pride on getting you back for that!
Ose: Oh so that's what gets you mad. Is that why you're slightly resistant against Santa and so insistent on being a chivalrous thief?
Jiraiya: It hurts to know I need more training. I gotta refocus on that, sure, but one day I'm settling the score on which of us is the real phantom thief!
Ose: Sounds fun! See you tomorrow. (leaves)
MC: ... (awkward)

Jiraiya: ...there's plenty of people who are cautious in the world, and they all have their own reasons for being that way. Everyone decides how much they'll trust in others, and I won't judge them for that.
Benten: ...
Jiraiya: I just have one thing to say. (sits down)
Jiraiya: If there are things the world won't accept, then people will just have to confront it head on. I'm gonna get ready for tomorrow, which means I'll have to redo all the plans. What are you guys gonna do?
Taromaiti: ...I'm used to the things Hermes says, so I'm not gonna say anything about that now. It does make me a little sad though. But I bet Benten is--
Benten: Yeah, I'm not gonna accept what you said Hermes. Sticking it out to the end is my personal style. You got anything to say to that!?
MC: W-wait, Benten! / Hermes!
Hermes: :/
Hermes: ...dicks will leave sooner or later. Later guys. (leaves)
End of Episode Part

Live A Hero Chapter 5 Episode 3: To Battle! (Abridged)

Night
An awkward tension fills the room.
MC: awkward / ...
Huckle: Oh, day's over everyone. Good work. We should...head off.
Ryekie: ...yeah.
Sui: ...good work everyone.
Everyone slowly starts heading for their rooms when suddenly...
Mokdai: I hear tons of footsteps.
DOORSLAM
Gammei: Huckle, Ryekie! What the hell is going on!?
Ryekie: WHAT

Victom: Is it true they're gonna drop the HFCM on Orient City!?
Furlong: I'm sorry, when I heard the city might be destroyed--
Barrel: We can't just take that lying down!
Mokdai: You guys know!?
Barrel: ...sorry. I wasn't planning on eavesdropping, but I had to tell everyone when I heard what was up.
Akashi: Whatever happened to police confidentiality? ...though maybe that doesn't mean much in this case.
Huckle: Did you guys tell anyone else?
Barrel: ...sorry again, I blabbed.

More running footsteps
Toshu: I'VE HEARD!
Kyoichi: Oh my god there's so many people in here!
Shoen: No space...
Crowne: Welp that's every agency temp running in the resort hotel.
Huckle: O-okay, first calm down everyone. MC, can you get cushions and tea made for everybody?
MC: O-okay / suddenly a crowd, huh / yep, it's packed in here

Later
Toshu: ...I see. It's almost about to wake up.
Gammei: But the Future UN is in charge of us. Why didn't they tell us about this?
Victom: UEHA and Future UN have separate chains of command. They probably filed this as a UN only thing without asking UEHA for help. The bosses of both sides don't get along with each other. UEHA always takes Monster cases away from the UN, so maybe they're trying to use a national level emergency as a way to regain face?
Gammei: ...stupid old goats. Is personal pride all they think about?
Furlong: Do you think that's why the Chief got called over to Osaka?
Gammei: Dunno... but if they are trying to keep us down, then it'd explain a hell of a lot.

Shoen: It's such a reckless plan they came up with to blow the whole city we risked our lives to save along with the Monster.
Kyoichi: Can't we do anything!? We can just take down the Monster ourselves, right!? I mean I'm not sure we can pull it off, but I'll stake my life on it if it means the city won't get wiped out! It's proof of what we fought for!
Barrel: Same! The city's future matters more than our own future! I'll defend it even if I get branded a criminal!

MC: Everyone's so determined... / Is this what it means to be a hero?
Mokdai: We all love Orient City, me included. It's where I met and worked with a bunch of heroes, and became a hero because of you. It's where all my dreams came true...so I don't want it to disappear.
Akashi: Same here. Like sure I grew up here, but... meeting you, growing up with you, and being able to fight together with you is all thanks to this city. This place is proof that I lived. I'm never gonna let it get nuked to hyperspace!
Sui: ...this city used to be the place my teacher brought me to, but it's also the place where I learned my craft and met everyone in Parallel Flight. And I'd never have met MC either if it weren't for this place. I'm scared of the giant Monster, but I guess my wish to protect the city is strong too.
MC: You guys...

Ryekie: ...looks like we're all on the same page.
Crowne: I can feel it...this passion. That must be why everyone here is a true hero.
Ryekie: Alright! Time to start planning the operation! We are infiltrating Orient City and fighting that big ol' Monster! Right Huckle!?
Huckle: Huh!? O-oh, yes...
Huckle: ...
Ryekie: What's wrong? Are you against it?
Huckle: N-no, it's not that. Saving the city is what a hero does, and if everyone is in agreement, then I don't think it's wrong to take action. I support the idea too.
Ryekie: ...great! Let's get started! Mokdai, get the whiteboard!
Mokdai: But I just taught you how to use a tablet the other day! We have the tools to have meetings without needing ink! Please, please learn how to use them!
Ryekie: I-I can't! The pens keep warping!
Mokdai: You broke them AGAIN!? Stop holding them so hard!
Huckle: :(

Later, as the meeting goes well
Ryekie: Okay so, we're splitting into three teams divided by agencies to try going in at different points and times. Now about the team members...
Gammei: We've got four heroes and an Operator on Space Zoom to work with here. I treated a junior Operator to a meal recently, so I'll ask them.
Barrel: Uh, Detective. That kid cried and said they couldn't defy you because of your position back then.
Furlong: That one person from the traffic department, right?
Victom: Stop trying to flex when you can't afford to cover all your own food expenses.
Gammei: SHUT UP! Why not pull every string I can in an emergency!?

Kyoichi: Well we have three heroes here and a Space Zoom Operator to go with. I contacted them and just got an answer. It's good to have an Operator friend you can rely on in times like these!
Shoen: ...friend?
Toshu: Are you calling that youngster you tried to seduce a friend? How bold of you.
Kyoichi: RUDE! I just thought they looked hot!
Akashi: Senpai...
Kyoichi: Stop looking down on me like that!
MC: Detective, you so sly... / Kyoichi, Mr. Playboy / welp

Ryekie: ...right! So on our side of things, we got us four heroes and MC for an Operator. Also, I want Crowne to come with us.
MC: Wait, what? Why?
Mokdai: ...in case They show up. Y'know, the one who tried to kill Crowne and Exio and destroyed the Director's memories and abilities as an Observer.
MC: Oh...
Ryekie: They backed off before, but they might slip in during the chaos again. We also need to think about keeping the people they said they'd kill safe. It'd be terrible if they showed up while no one was around to defend Crowne.
Akashi: ...so it'd be better to have Crowne with us, huh?
Crowne: ...sorry to bother you guys with this.
Sui: It's not your fault. Just focus on your own safety first. We'll definitely protect you.
Crowne: ...right. Thanks Sui.
Akashi: That goes for you too, MC. They had their eye on you. Tell us right away if you feel unsafe.
MC: ...okay. / Scary...

Huckle: ...wait, what about me? I'm not an Observer anymore and I can't turn into a hero.
Mokdai: ...that's why you should stay here, Director. Please.
Huckle: !?
Mokdai: You died as an Observer. You'll be easy pickings without a way to defend yourself, so if you're away from us it's less likely you'll be killed off with us if it comes to it. I doubt they'll come to kill you the way you are now, so please, wait here.
Huckle: I-I guess, but...!
Ryekie: It's too dangerous for you to be in the field without your memories and Observer abilities. I don't want you hurt anymore, and I don't want to lose you because you're my best friend. I know it sucks, but please...can't you stay back and wait for us this time?
Huckle: Mister...Ryekie...
Huckle: :(

Huckle: ...okay. Be careful, and come back. I'm sorry that...I can't do anything to help.
Ryekie: ...Huckle.
Huckle: ...I wish...I could at least become a hero again. Then I could go with you guys... (balls fists)
Phone: (buzz)
MC: ?
Phone: nxnn-n0xnnBEEPreaderror
MC: This is new. What happened?

Space
Broker: !
Broker: This has never happened before. What is the meaning of this? (hand on chin thinking)
Broker: ...preposterous. He may not be an Observer anymore, but it is impossible for someone who became an Observer to become a hero. Still...I should keep watch some more. (ponders his crystal ball showing MC)
Broker: Do wonders never cease with you. Is this another one of your miracles...?

Back at the Hot Spring Resort, later at night
Crowne: ...oh hey MC. Shouldn't you be in bed? We leave tomorrow morning.
MC: Can't sleep. What about you?
Crowne: Haha, same. Not out of having a bad feeling or whatever though. Just can't sleep for some reason. But maybe...I'm afraid.
MC: Afraid? About them?
Crowne: ...couldn't tell you. Maybe they really are me from another world. Too many pieces fit, I can't explain it any other way.
MC: You mean the possibility you could've turned out the same way? / What do you mean? 

Crowne: Yeah. "What if?" and that sorta thing. The way they act hits me in the heart. If things had been different...I might've been the same way. (stares sadly at the springs)
MC: Why'd they ever turn out that way?
Crowne: ...well. Actually, maybe it's okay to tell you now.
Crowne: Everyone's always told me how weird I was. "You're a girl. Why do you like playing with machines?" "You're a girl. Why do you like playing sports like boys?" "You're a girl. Why do you like doing things boys do rather than boys themselves?" That sorta thing. I never changed though. I like what I like, you know?
Crowne: No matter what anyone thought of me, I kept chasing after one dream since the very beginning. After graduating high school, I got into the college I wanted to get into and join the research lab I admired. I was looking for someplace my dream would be accepted without having to change who I was.

Crowne: The day I finally made it in to the place I wanted to be, there was some asshole who wanted to defile me as a woman.
MC: Oh man...
Crowne: ...well you're old enough. I don't need to spell out what that means, right? I was tied up to some machinery then. I actually seriously thought about cutting myself out, even if it cost me my arms and legs.
MC: That reminds me...the script says their arms are weird even though the sprite clearly has normal arms. / So that's the divergence point?
Crowne: ...at that point, my professor arrived to save me. He brought me to somewhere I could do what I liked, so I owe him everything.
Crowne: But what if he never came? What if I really did have to chop off my arms? I think I'd start hating everything, like they do. Everything in the world, myself...the works. And if I was given power after that, I'd probably try to destroy the world too. Heh...holy shit, right? Who'd believe someone whose dream shattered like that would go insane like that?
Crowne: ...

Crowne: ...what if they want to see their dream again and are lashing out because of it?
MC: What?
Crowne: Lately, I haven't been thinking about my dream much 'cuz of what I saw in reality. But back then, I was still pursuing it. It motivated me to do anything I was doing, to live. If I lost it like that back then...maybe that's a hint to figuring out who Robo Arms really is. Not knowing who they are means that we don't have any ideas on how to defend ourselves against them.
MC: Did you give up on your dream?
Crowne: Uh...well...
Crowne: ...I don't know. But, maybe I still have it somewhere inside me.
Phone: Digivice Beep. Path found for Crowne. Signal Strength: Weeeak
MC: ...huh.
Crowne: (stares at the stars) My dream, huh...

The next morning, at the main entrance to the resort.
Ryekie: ...well that's all of us! Let's go over the plan one more time!
Mokdai: We'll be avoiding the south side gate because of high security and all the refugees coming in from there. We'll be splitting by agencies to circle around to less defended gates, then sneak in with as little fighting as possible.
Victom: Those of us in Team UEHA will take the undersea tunnel through the bay, then head for the gate in the mountains from Shizuoka.
Kyoichi: Team Heroic Educators will be going up across the mountains and head for the country area gate at the border of Kita Ward.
Ryekie: And those of us in Team Parallel Flight will take the coast highway to the artificial island with the space port and go for the gate there.
Toshu: Every team will be in secret contact and hide in the city until we can confirm if the giant Monster is awake. If it is, we gather in one place and begin battling it. Correct?

Barrel: When the battle starts, we start streaming and try to appeal to everyone. If the government knows we're there, they might stop the HCFM nuke plan.
Shoen: We also need to be careful of the Crowne doppelganger. All of you in Parallel Flight should be extremely careful.
Crowne: ...
Ryekie: Right. This is going to be the biggest battle of our lives. There's no guarantee we can keep each other safe, but there are people here who can't defend themselves this time: Operator MC and noncombatant Crowne. Everyone, keep them and yourselves alive!
Akashi: We're gonna save Orient City!
MC: Let's go!
Everyone: YEAH!
Huckle: Good luck everyone!
Crowne: I hope they don't show up...

Suddenly mercenaries surround the party and hold you all at gunpoint.
MC: WHAT
Huckle: They have the sun outline and cherry blossom crest on their chests. Are they with the Defense Department!?
Crowne: Oh look it's the welcome wagon!
???: I was right to keep watch on you all.
Sadayoshi: Good morning citizens.
MC: Colonel, you knew!?
Sadayoshi: Yesterday when I took my leave, I noticed evidence suggesting that we were overheard. As rude as it may be, I took the liberty of keeping you all under surveillance since then.
Ryekie: !!

Sadayoshi: I had suspected that you wouldn't agree with my position, but it truly is unfortunate we could not reach an understanding.
Akashi: Well what did you expect!? We don't want to give up on Orient City!
Kyoichi: I'm not letting a dud of a bomb get dropped on the city where my memories of my students are!
Sadayoshi: Now that was uncalled for. It is not a dud, it is a work in progress. And I believe I have already said I don't want to give up on Orient City either. It pains me deeply as well.
Sadayoshi: An operation must always keep an eye on the big picture. There are times when cold, harsh judgments must be made, and those passed down must be enforced. There are times where I must abandon my own sentiments, so I...!
Barrel: I'm hearing a lot of excuses but nothing about what you actually wanna do!
Sadayoshi: !?

Barrel: Sorry, but what you're saying is "orders from the top, deal with it." That's all I hear from you, nothing about what you personally think. I know it's the same in the police, but you can always say you're against things if that's how you really feel!
Sadayoshi: ...unfortunately, your opinion comes up short in many ways. In an organization if one person acts on emotion, all harmony gets disrupted, especially if they are government workers like ourselves. If you all work in service of the nation's citizens, you should be thinking about how to best serve the majority of those citizens. At the very least, that was what I was taught since infancy.
Huckle: Something you were taught since infancy...?

Sadayoshi: I've been ordered to restrain you all a while ago, and now I have come to do so. Please do not resist.
Sadayoshi: (speaks into phone attached to glove) Transform. Begin the transmission.
Sadayoshi: Transformation complete. Path connection is extremely favorable.
MC: WHAT / That Parallel Weapon is huge! / Oh no he seems strong!
Gammei: Focus! MC, transform us too! He'll crush us if we let our guard down!
MC: O-okay, here we go!

The entire party suits up
Furlong: Can we win!?
Toshu: I don't know, but we can't back off!
Shoen: ...we're surrounded on all sides.
Ryekie: We aren't alone! There has to be people who believe our actions are just! We have to believe in that and stand up!
Mokdai: Director, Crowne, stick close to us! If it comes to it we might need to break through!
Huckle: O-okay! I'm sorry I can't do anything to help...
Sui: You have nothing to apologize for. We'll protect you, so try not to get hurt.
Crowne: ...okay. Careful, guys!
Akashi: Let's do this, MC!
MC: Right! It's all or nothing!
Sadayoshi: If you are streaming to the public, then that is more reason for us to demonstrate that we are in the right. Hostiles confirmed, all hands prepare for battle.
BATTLE START

Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Nomad (narrating): This one time, in the past, I was saved by my future self. I escaped the prison you supposedly can't escape on your own and with no one apparently there to help me. All I had to talk to was my imaginary friend. But now I get that they weren't really imaginary. Imaginary friends can't open locks! But I couldn't think of anyone from my past who'd come help me since I gave up my past. So whoever helped me? They had to be from the future! Like Holmes says, eliminate all impossible conclusions and what's left no matter how strange must be the truth.

Present
Hermes: >:C
Ose: I win this time. Oh wait we're dragging things out, I should get going.
Nomad: Hold up! Are you really gonna pass stuff on to the thief team? If you're stabbing me in the back I'm gonna--
Ose: No, I'm not gonna betray you or anything from this point on. I've already shown you the cards I have to play. I've disclosed everything about my goals, so you can't call it a betrayal. Betrayal is what you describe as happening to future expectations. If you're going to question anyone about betrayal, how about him? (gestures)
No one is there. Then, neither is Ose.
Nomad: GODDAMMIT we fell for it! And if the client knows about this happening I can't complain about it! Ugh! If we lose my detective's reputation is going down the drain!

MC: (silently looks at Hermes) / Hermes...will you explain things to us?
Nomad: ... (starts approaching Hermes while thinking)
MC: Nomad, wait--!
Nomad: (stares at MC like he's looking at something from his past future)
Nomad: ...relax. I won't harm him. (headpats MC)
Nomad: Hermes, I know there's things nobody wants to talk about. I'm not gonna pry into your past, but--
Hermes: Haha, it's no biggie. Like I said, I'm just some wan--
Nomad: Just hear me out.

Nomad: You're a smart guy, but that actually makes it easy to figure out what you're thinking, especially when people invade your space. You think about what's the best and worst moves, what lines to draw. You think about whether to play dumb, run, or lie in the moment. But whatever crosses your mind, it unconsciously shows on your face for a sec. I noticed it when Not Ose pressed you, and Not Ose was able to trip you up because you don't care about what everyone else besides him thinks. I get it. I'm the same way.
Hermes: ...
Nomad: I'm here in Tokyo because I have a goal, and that goal is why I keep working as a detective. It's the same for you, right? You're here because of things you can't tell people. There's tons of people here of all kinds, but there's no need to open up to them no matter how close you are to them. At the very least, the two of us here don't care about your past. Right, MC?

MC: You're you Hermes, no matter your past.
Nomad: ...yep. Just like Watson says. You can't change your past, but every rando walking down the street is gonna try digging it up. Being trapped by the past is like being chained up in prison. No one will come save you. You'll have to save yourself. What you've done before and if you're going to turn traitor later are two different questions.
Hermes: ... (thinks of people who are similar to him as the kind of people he should be most on guard against)
Hermes: ...sigh, I messed that up. It could've gone better. Thanks guys.
Nomad: Anyways I'm mad we have to redo our entire plans dammit. We're gonna go see Hougen! ...after a bathroom break! Gimme 15 minutes!
Hermes: Sure whatever. I'll go on ahead then.
MC: (notices a card fall out when they turn to leave)
MC: Hmm?
Card: Come to the headmaster's office.

Later
???: Come in. We should be quick before the others get back.
MC: This dandy voice! (Adult Ose) / This cute voice! (Child Ose)
Ose is sitting on a red sofa inside.
Ose: Okay MC, I should tell you my real name.
MC: I know. It's Ose, right? / Tell me!
(AB) Ose: Yes. I'm honored you remember.
(C) Ose: I'm Ose. I just go by Odell in work stuff like this.

Ose: I know about you more than you think I do since I'm a proxy for the All Knowing One who received the protection of the Mimir. I wish we could talk about more pleasant things now that we're alone, but I have things to tell you and only you.
MC: What's up? / A confession? / It's about Hermes, isn't it?
---
(B) Ose: Heh. I'd shower you with loving words if you wish, but it'd have to wait until another time. I can do so at my leisure later...after this practice drill is done.
(C) Ose: Correct. You've noticed too, haven't you?
---
Ose: You saw our little talk earlier, right? He's likely like me...someone who's worked as a spy. I know privacy about one's past should be respected, but I need to prioritize your safety.
MC: ... / You're overthinking things / But Hermes helped me
(AB) Ose: Do you remember the time you met Hermes in Shinjuku?
(C) Ose: Oh, you're talking about that time you saw Hermes in Shinjuku right?

Ose: Back then when you bumped into that wolf and it looked like it was going to be a fight? Was it really a coincidence he showed up then to put a stop to things?
MC: What? / Where were you watching!?
Ose: For the record I wasn't there. I just picked up enough information that I could see how it went down as if I was. But back to what I was saying, I wanted to tell you that wasn't a coincidence. Hermes set it up to get in contact with you for some reason.
Ose: From what I can tell, Hermes has been following you since you left the Santa School. He'd been waiting for a chance to get close to you, while the wolf was just someone he used to get there. He must know the police is watching him, and he may have figured the wolf would try to scam you. That's how he could pass off meeting you as a coincidence.

MC: But... / How convenient
Ose: I still had to work my butt off. A great agent gets overused. And unfortunately, while I may know a lot of things, I'm not omniscient myself. Oh right, since I don't know what Hermes's goal is, we shouldn't doubt him too much. But on the other hand it's dangerous to think everything he's hiding is just something awkward for him to open up about. That means the best and only thing to do is to prepare for the worst case scenario and work with him.
MC: Don't you know everything, like the future?

Ose: I don't know what that worst case scenario, meaning my cause of death and actual end, is. That's the restriction I have with the role of all-knowing I have. What demonic wolf is gonna eat me at the end of the world? That sort of thing. That's exactly how and why I can enjoy my thrills, but I'm getting off topic.
Ose: I've given myself three missions. First is working as a participant in this practice trial. Second is ascertaining Hermes's nature and abilities. It's why I pretended to be a teacher from here the other day, but like I thought, he saw through me.
MC: Huh, okay / You haven't figured out anything about Hermes?
(B) Ose: Nope...because he's just like me. We partially share a role, so my crown's power can't work on him. Funny how there are gaps in how my power works. Exciting!

Ose: And finally, my last mission is to inform you of the truth and protect you. Everything I've told you now, I wasn't using my power to do. ...will you believe me?
MC: ...okay / yes / I'll keep it in mind.
Ose: That's fine. So until things end I--
MC: So help me. Let's make a deal.
Ose: ...
MC: I want to know how Hermes really feels / I want to trust Hermes / I want to face Hermes head on.
(A) Ose: I think he'll be a tough nut to crack even for you, but that's probably why you're asking for my help...
(B) Ose: You're confused about how he saved you and used you, but you still want to trust in his secret side he hasn't shown you, just like the detective is...?
(C) Ose: ...heh. So do I. What's life without some excitement?

Ose: Very well. I'll both protect you and help you grant your wish. That means I can expect some compensation from you when this is all over, right?
MC: Depending on how things go / I don't have THAT much spare cash / Anything!
---
(C) Ose: Whoa...that's a bit of a shock. Be sure to say things like that only to me, if you would.
---
Ose: Let's see...for my compensation, I--
Ose quietly whispers to you when it gets dark. A sweet floral scent reaches your nose as a piece of cloth held up to you gently falls. When you awaken, Ose is gone, leaving a hankerchief and a card in your lap.
"If you're late for the meeting, tell them you found Odell but he ran off on you."
It's almost time to meet up with everyone again, and so you hurry on over.
End of Episode