Chapter 13 Episode 1: Ship of Theseus 1 (Abridged)

(Chapter 12 translations are coming soon so I'm jumping up ahead to save myself the effort.)

 There's always tons of crows flying in Tokyo, and they always watch people. And now here's Isaac who's lying in a research lab's med office bed staring out the window. He was a genius with great expectations placed on him. He was cloned from somebody and given both great intellect and a stable personality. But then one day he contracted some strange illness that would eventually completely paralyze him. This illness differs from others in that it's highly likely for clones to get it. And this is back when the Academy's top valedictorian first contracted this illness. Nothing could be done about it, even by him. He dreamed of flying free in the sky in an aircraft he designed himself, going somewhere, anywhere. It never happened. But because he was so smart, those around him decided they only needed to save his brain. And if the brain were to go, they could just use his intellect. He became 90% machine. Then 99% machine.
Isaac: ...
Isaac hardly took interest in this. But then he thought: if I lose my original body and then my brain, am I still myself? The Ship of Theseus paradox! If a ship gradually has its parts replaced until all its original components are gone, is it still the same ship? There lies Isaac's future. He would become sealed in a steel coffin, never to see the sky again. So he looks outside again. There are crows flying once more.

Present
Duo: Okay, Healing Program D done. Robert Bertro, can you move?
Bertro: ...yes. What's going on?
Duo's treatment has now brought Bertro back to a stable condition. The loops have pushed the bodies of the designer children to their limits. Bertro also has Isaac's paralyzing condition that should have worsened over time, but Duo gives his answer.
Duo: You and Karen Curren couldn't think of anything else besides replacing your bodies when you'll eventually lock up. All I did was take over the treatment plan drafted up meant for HIM. That medical chart I brought out from Chuo was the lynchpin I needed to finish this program.
Bertro: Was that really why you went over to where Curren was?
Duo: It wasn't done in time for Isaac, but it was for you. That said, since your DNA is pretty similar I could use it mostly as is for you.
Bertro: Oh I see. You used the program for him/me--
Duo: Yes, the top of the top group I'm the spare for. Oh, you still can't move freely yet so don't push yourself too much.
Duo: So, the game's going through an upheaval right now. Tell me what you know so I can carry out my plan. Where is Isaac's brain?
Bertro: ...

The predecessors of what is now known as the Tower of Babel are the artificial geniuses gathered by the Academy. They argued, "how should humanity evolve?" After much planning and verification, Plans A, B, and C were put forward. Plan B suggested battle, technological development and aggravation of war. Plan C suggested having a super intelligence raise humanity up. The geniuses' sense of duty couldn't be measured by others. The Tokyo Loops are an experimental cage meant to prove these plans. The geniuses lost their original bodies, meddled with their minds, and continued observing even after becoming different people...

Isaac was the boy who got all A's in the Academy. His plan is to remake humanity entirely via assimilation, erasing the border of one's self and another to become something new. According to him, the world's problems come from individual differences. The basis of all disasters come from differences in affiliation, physical status, intellectual status, and wealth, so naturally blobbing all life together into one thing would stop that.

Duo: ...he was a good guy, which was weird for geniuses like us.
Duo talks about how Isaac was a cheerful guy who never looked down on others for being inferior.
Duo: And he was smart enough to be a genius among geniuses. He developed technology to digitalize the brain and connect them as part of his thesis. I was surprised his first subject for that would be himself though. His illness took his original body, and now he's transplanted himself as a information-based life form with Plan A. That's all I know since you three were REALLY good at keeping things secret.
Bertro: ...what exactly is your plan "Duo"?
Duo: I deeply respect your pride for your identity, "Bertro". Part one of my plan is to use this program to save all the geniuses. "Isaac" got it first, then you. "Curren" is probably next. I'm probably next in line after that, then my brother.
Duo theorizes that accelerating the intellect slows the body down as a reaction to that.
Duo: I don't consider that fate a good thing, so I will save you and Isaac.
Bertro: ...so what are the other parts of your plan?
Duo: Prove Plan D of course.
Bertro: ...okay then. I owe you anyways, right? I promise to tell you what I know.
Duo: Good trade! Now tell me the current situation of Tokyo...

Duo: So the Tokyo Game has 23 Players (re: World Representatives), the representatives of each world's majority will who wield great power based on their world's faith. They're in it for the trophy given to the winner. The game's judges and observers are the geniuses from the Academy, and they save their records over the loops by either remodeling themselves or expanding themselves.
Duo: The first two Players to drop out are the two who were part of the Otemachi guild, Surtr and Azathoth. All that's left of them is their artifacts. The guild's activity has been suspended, but the guildmaster still remains. Surtr and Azathoth's artifacts have been recovered by the Tower of Babel's terminal. Because of course we can't have 2 of the 23 Votes unaccounted for. The other 21 Players have been split into three groups fighting against each other.

Duo: To the west, the Warmongers. You were the guildmaster, but now on paper I've taken over. Of their ranks, Tezcatlipoca and Shiva are now gone. Five are left...actually maybe four. Balor's gone missing after a fight with the Invaders. He was last seen with some Transient teacher from Yoyogi. Reports say a native student with an artifact related to Theseus was there too, but details are unclear. Anyway...
Duo: To the south, the Invaders. Fuxi and Smoky God are out. And as far as I know, Isaac hasn't been seen anywhere either. I've checked using the authorities I got as your acting replacement, but the Tower of Babel's System can't pinpoint him. He's definitely SOMEWHERE in Tokyo though. I've looked everywhere but couldn't find him, which is unprecedented. The plans can't be compared if one of the three big guildmasters is gone, yet the Tower of Babel doesn't have a problem with this for some reason. Why?

Duo: Bertro, where is Isaac's brain?
Bertro: Hmmmm. You said you checked everywhere in Tokyo? No wonder you didn't find him. It isn't anywhere on the surface.
Duo: what
Bertro: It's in the deepest part of Tokyo.
Duo: Are you talking about the dungeons? Or the deepest cyberspace people call the dark web?
Bertro: Neither. He's physically deeper than the dungeons and conceptually deeper than the deep web.
Duo: what
Bertro: The Tokyo underground physically goes down like 10-x m, but Tokyo has a information network deeper at over 100 m, right?
Duo: WHAT
Bertor: You know the Akihabara Creators guildmaster?
Duo: You mean Turing?
Bertro: Yep. He made an AI to take real control of Tokyo's dark web. He's smart enough in his own way to be a good a genius as good as us. If you had his help, I bet it's possible to construct a new information network in the deepest part of Tokyo!

Nakano
Ose: ...the Tower of Babel's familiars include many giants, beasts, and birds.
Ose whispers the names Freki and Geri, Huginn and Muninn to himself.
Ose: They've got some nerve using other people's familiars as their own. But now I see how you can watch all of the city from the sky. Viewing down from the sky, and looking up from the sea like so, huh? Surprise, I also have the authority to use That as Odin's proxy.
Ose smiles and narrows his eyes like he's synching with a crow's vision.
Ose: Okay, I need to send in a complaint over stolen possession as the owner's proxy. Time to go to the next destination, Tokyo Rainbow Bridge. It's the greatest building that spans Tokyo Bay and the Portal of the sea floor cable network.

Rainbow Bridge
Turing: ...I just wanted to try proving the nature of humanity.
Turing is talking to someone when there is nobody else around.
Turing: What is humanity? Who am I? People might casually say they're the only one of themselves in the world, but I wanted to understand could figure out what kind of person I am from appearances alone. But aren't people just a mix of carbon, water, calcium, and other materials? I didn't want to believe that illusions like that which control us could be the real answer. I turned ugly in just a few years. Is that really who I am?
Minds and bodies change as time passes. He wanted to prove unchanging values like eternal math formulas.

Turing: Oops, I was just trying to be dry and snarky like a real Brit. Guess I shouldn't have been saying that to you when you had to leave your body due to illness. But I can't accept that this is What I Really Am. Right?
Nothing that can really respond verbally is there, just some lights that occasionally flicker back like they're signaling something.
Turing: Heh, thanks for pardoning my rudeness. I need to fulfill my promise like a gentleman. I, Turing, the Akihabara guildmaster, will bear witness to your revolution. And after the revolution I will judge whether you are human or not. Look! They're starting to attack. The time for revolution has finally come!
Wakan Tanka Inf. and Tangaroa Inf. appear(?).
Turing: ...I have to thank you since my research hit a standstill. My approach to humanity's uniqueness through pursuing AI hit its limit. If you never spoke to me, I might have been stuck there, just...
No one could hear the rest of those words over the wind that blows.
Turing: ...shall we go too, He that Used to Be Isaac? It's time to deconstruct the game by having everyone lose their bodies and their illusions.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Melodic Meteorite Christmas Episode 7 (Abridged)

Flashback
Christmas Eve the year before in Taiyou News's Far East Main Office, Hero News Department
A communal computer brings up a visitor alert.
Narihito: Hello, welcome to Taiyou News! Name and business plea--
Kalaski: S'up Narihito. Got a favor to ask and--
Narihito: Ooh, Kalaski! You came back to Earth? What's up? Hot new scoop!?
Kalaski: I came back for a bit from my stay on Tenteres for an ongoing report on supplies and business. Don't have anything you'd like, sorry. But anyways can you unlock the office for me? My ID card expired.
Narihito: Oh okay, gimme a sec to go to the door.

Later
Kalaski: Thanks Narihito. The guard was an asshole treating me like a kid even after seeing my ID. I'm kicking his ass the next time he does that!
Narihito: Haha, gee I wonder what happened out there. Why didn't you call me ahead of time if you were coming back? I could have gone to pick you up.
Kalaski: (stares) ...remember how last time I called, I asked if you needed a camera man and you dragged me directly to your next interview gig?
Narihito: Uhh, n-nope! Haha, couldn't be me!
Kalaski: Nerdyhito you fight using your memories of how other heroes work you can't pull that one over me. Ugh. Also I know it's rich coming from me, but are you like ever here in the office much?
Narihito: Okay point. Hero scoops await me across the galaxy! 

Kalaski: (frowns) ...are you pushing yourself? You look tired.
Narihito: (mildly surprised) ...you can tell? I can't slip anything past you.
Kalaski: People's emotions come out in subtle ways on their face. I'm just good at spotting those. So...what's up? Did you bomb an interview or something? (reactivates ID through phone)
Narihito: ...nothing like that. I've just been so busy lately that I haven't followed up on things and missed out on an appointment I finally managed to set up because I had to do other stuff... Also I finally got an article written but another agency got their article on the same thing out first. I'm just down because of all the things like that happening. It's not anyone's fault. (sighs)
Narihito: ...being a journalist is fun and important to me, but hero work is just as worth doing. I think you know how it is.
Kalaski: Yeah, I can tell from how you usually are. It's your life's work. If this were last year you'd be yelling about a Christmas hero show, so I thought it was weird you were quiet. Take it easy.

Kalaski turns to leave now that his ID renewal is done, but then Narihito jumps up.
Narihito: WAIT WHAT DAY IS IT!?
Kalaski: W-what? It's Christmas Eve. I figured you'd know at least that much with how good your memo--
Narihito: It doesn't matter how good my memory is if I'm not thinking about it! Can I still make it!?
Kalaski: ...well it's still daytime so I guess. I'm not helping. Gotta get back to work on Tenteres.
Narihito: I-I know! I can handle it on my own! Let's get lunch together sometime the next time you get back! Okay bye! (runs off with his bag and notebook)
Kalaski: Okay coo--oh he's already gone. That much is like him at least.

Outside
Narihito is looking up nearby hero shows and the participating heroes.
Narihito: I can't schedule an interview appointment at this point. It'd be nice if I could get a meeting without an appointment...
Narihito stops at a traffic crossing. He can see families, groups of students, and people on dates talking and having fun.
Narihito: Oh right, it's Christmas Eve. I've been so busy lately I hadn't noticed.
Christmas songs can be heard in the distance, and everyone around looks happy.
Girl: Mommy I want a hero doll for Christmas and I'm gonna ask Santa for it!
Mom: How lovely! Is it from the show you always watch? Which hero do you like?
Girl: Uhh...ooh, ooh, this one Mommy! (points to a display in a toy shop window)
Narihito looks over and sees his tired reflection.
Narihito: ...I remember when I did that too.

Narihito stops and stares at the figurines. He thinks back to how he looked at them all bright-eyed and excited like that little girl is now. He looked at the superhero who protected the city, saved the weak, and promised to always win. The superhero was decked in red and gold super armor, an invention of Doctor X he used to face off against giant enemies.
Narihito: ...kids nowadays like way different shows than I used to watch.
Now that he's grown up, Narihito can see how unrealistic his old show looked, but he still loves it. That one Christmas morning he found that figure in a present by his bed, and he was so happy he ignored the cold to show it off to his family.
Narihito: ...I wonder if I still have that thing? It's probably stored in the closet.
Narihito then walks off again to do his thing, feeling excited.

Title card: As Fast as Stars Fall

Present
It's been a few hours since the Christmas concert started. Night has fallen, and stars are beginning to appear.
MC: Mokdai, there are Micros on the backstage! Borealis, incoming attack! Narihito, go after the one in front!
And so the battle continues.
Borealis: ...an attack that weak cannot interrupt my performance.
Narihito: Ugh, what can I use in this place...!? This one! Legends, lend me your power!
Mokdai: ...okay gottem! Careful everyone, there's more Micros!
Mokdai sounds resolute, but is starting to audibly tire. Everyone is weakening over this battle of attrition.
Mokdai: I wonder if the heroes in the other areas are okay? It's been a while since things started...
orealis: ...Mokdai, you are breaking up the rhythm. Focus on the battle and concert here.

MC is checking status updates while operating the team.
Narihito: Enemies cleared over here! ...this is getting kind of rough! There's really no end to them all! I can't believe the big on is falling while all this is happening...
Just as Narihito wipes off some sweat...
MC: ...Narihito, behind you!
Narihito: wait what
A Micros Narihito took down earlier jumps up and stabs him!
Narihito: OWW THAT'S HOT! I can't believe it's still alive!
Mokdai: A-are you okay!? Don't move, I'll heal you!
Borealis: Narihito, close your eyes and steady your breath. I'll lend you a hand.
Mokdai and Borealis step in between Narihito and the Micros.
Borealis: Now my esteemed audience, listen to the sounds of the brilliance and lives of heroes! Heed the supreme tones! Sonata "Grandioloqua"!

Borealis raises his baton, causing his music drones to bring the music to a climax. The sounds amplified by his Parallel Weapon causes the VP count to surge.
Mokdai: W-whoa, this is Borealis's power! Thank you very much! Okay, I'll help Narihito too!
Mokdai releases the power of his Parallel Weapon and summons a sleigh filled with a mountain of energy presents.
Mokdai: Everyone has the right to be happy on this night, so I'm giving presents to everyone! Festival "Megaton Slider"!
Mokdai scatters the presents into the sky and they all make it to the other heroes fighting wherever they are. One also goes to Narihito and covers him in a gentle light.
Narihito: BURRRNIN--o-oh, wait it's healing!
After looking at his healing stab wound, Narihito slowly looks up to see Mokdai.
Mokdai: Good, it looks like it got to everyone! Now to take care of the Micros...charge!
Mokdai runs the Micros over with his sleigh. Narihito starts projecting someone else over Mokdai, a familiar hero who never gave up and fought with his own hands even if he had no other ways to act.

Narihito: Oh...it's just like the superhero from that one anime...
MC: Narihito are you okay!? / I'm glad it wasn't serious.
MC runs over to Narihito after watching Mokdai run the Micros over.
Narihito: Oh, MC. I'm fine thanks to Mokdai. I guess I was just a little tired from how long the battle's been going on...
Narihito slumps to the ground, but MC pulls them back up.
MC: Yeah, it's hard...but let's keep at it a little longer!
Narihito: I realize this isn't the best time to be talking about this, but...do you think it's possible for me to be a superhero that can solve any problem and save everyone like in cartoons too?
MC: Well that was sudden / You already are / Those are fictional
(B) Narihito: ...thanks. Maybe I was leaning too much on your kindness by asking that way. Sorry.
(C) Narihito: ...right. Well, I know they don't really exist. But still...

Narihito looks over to Borealis and Mokdai doing their things.
Narihito: ...seeing Borealis and Mokdai fighting they way they do makes me feel out of place here. Parallel Weapons are a reflection of your wish, and I'm sure it's a manifestation of your dreams to fight against reality.
Narihito takes a step back towards the fighting again.
Narihito: ...my power is borrowed power, nothing more than a recreation of other legends. I know I look strong in front of a camera, but I know myself best. I can't do anything on my own. I'm just a coward who deflects people's attention away from that with what I borrowed from legends. Maybe big things like lives, the city, and the future are getting a little heavy for me...
Narihito looks down and MC fails to come up with anything to say. But then their phone beeps.
MC: ...what's this popup message?

Message A: Hang in there you guys! I'm watching you!
Message B: Mighty Knuckle, Great Memorias! You guys are the MVPs today!
Narihito: !
Message C: This is my first time watching a hero show and it's so exciting! Please win!
Message D: Great Memorias are you okay!? Don't give up!
Message E: OMG SO COOL
MC: W-whoa...
More messages stream in with the cheers of the audience. MC sends them to be played on the big screen.
Narihito: T-there's this many people watching us!?
The number of messages shine on the concert and battle stage, and the cheering voices reach Mokdai and Borealis too.
Mokdai: W-wow, thanks everyone! I'll do my best!
Borealis: ...what a wonderful harmony. It's surprising how such intricate sounds can become so beautiful!
MC: Whoa, look at these View counts on the main and secondary channels!

MC quickly checks the VP counter on their phone, and that count is rising like crazy. Borealis's Parallel Weapon starts glowing white with the VP charge.
Borealis: ...t-this is...! My baton is shining! I can hear it! A great flood of sounds! Are all these cheers playing a song...!? MC, Mokdai, Narihito! Can you hear it too!? This is their sounds that I hear!
Borealis waves his baton, and the rest of the party can hear the sounds go right through their hearts.
Narihito: W-wow, what!? I-I'm getting tears in my eyes...!
Mokdai: I-I can hear them...!
Borealis redirects and spreads the intense emotional sounds, and inexpressible wishes join with the music he plays.
Narihito: ...
A little girl's face comes to Narihito's mind, desperately cheering on the superheroes. He had the same feelings she did towards the superheroes he admired at her age.

Narihito: ...MC.
Narihito looks up, all the worries in his eyes gone now.
Narihito: ...I'm all grown up now, and I know cartoon superheroes don't exist. But right now, I want to be that kind of superhero, even if they're fictional! I'm going to BE that hero!
Beep beep
Narihito: I have to protect this city's happiness! I can't believe I almost lost sight of that! I can go facing the legends like this! I am a HERO!
MC: Narihito, you pushed past your worries!
Narihito: Yep! Thanks to all those messages!
Narihito looks over at Borealis. Borealis closes his eyes and flows with his music playing, then opens his eyes to look at Narihito.
Borealis: ...nice sound, Narihito. It's crystal clear. Is that how you truly sound like? My melody is harmonizing with your sound. You can do it now.
Borealis hasn't actually spoken aloud. The notes he's playing are conveying his thoughts.

More Micros crash into the stage, announcing that the bigger Monster will be here soon.
Narihito: Borealis, I understand! Leave it to me, I'll give it my all! MC, can you send me some VP!? Any legend can cut through this situation. I want to try doing so with my own power!
MC: Okay! Here we go!
Beep beep!
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Narihito. Connectivity: Very High
MC: I hear your new wish!
MC connects the new path, and Narihito starts shining as light gathers into him.
Narihito: I'm gonna follow up on all the memories of the legends I can recreate now! "A believing heart will protect the future! I'm gonna be a super hero!"

Narihito steps forward in a new suit of red and gold when the light fades, looking just like a shooting star cartoon super hero.
Narihito: ...wait what!? Oh wait, did I get a new power like Mokdai just did!? Oh my god, wow! MC, promise me you'll do an interview with me later!
Mokdai runs over after destroying some Micros.
Mokdai: Narihi--Narihito you got a new suit too!? It's so cool! Can I touch it? Hey, isn't this...!?
Narihito: Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the super hero I once saw in my dreams following my memories. If this is that suit Doctor X invented then...I was right, my right arm can turn into a cannon!
Mokdai: Oh my god that's so cool!
Borealis: Impressive. With that power, you should...hmm?
Borealis hears a discordant sound and frowns as he looks up. Then Hisaki calls in.

Hisaki: MC, can you hear me!? I'll get to the point! Giant meteor type Monster incoming in five minutes! We figured out its landing point, which is where the Pseudo Parallel Weapon is! If we don't change its trajectory somehow it'll destroy the cannon before we can destroy Megas! Do something!
The R&D heroes are going crazy behind Hisaki trying to do something. Narihito can hear the call and takes a step forward.
Narihito: I'll go! Actually, let me go! I have a chance at winning this!
MC: What? You have an idea!?
Narihito: I can't explain in detail, but I'll definitely--no, I WILL destroy that Monster! Mokdai, Borealis! I'll need your help for that! Mokdai, can I borrow your sleigh Parallel Weapon's power? I want to get close to the cannon's firing hatch! Can it do that?
Mokdai: I-it can, but it's dangerous going that high, ri...no wait, okay I believe in you! If you say you can do it, I'll help however I can!
Narihito: Thank you, Mighty Knuckle! I believe in you too! MC, I want you to send me as much of the VP Borealis got us until I get to the highest I can go! Then leave it to me!
Narihito looks up into the sky with all the falling stars.

Narihito: That's the plan! Hisaki, we'll handle the big Monster! You handle Megas, please!
Hisaki: ...okay. Three minutes incoming! Careful out there!
Narihito: Okay, let's do this Mokdai, MC!
Mokdai: Roger! Ready!
Mokdai summons his sleigh, and Narihito sits up front.
Narihito: Yeah...oh, Borealis! If you don't mind me asking for a favor, I'd love a battle song here!
Borealis: Heh, very well. Have one to boil your blood!
Borealis shifts the song tempo to be more passionate and stirring.
Narihito: ...yep, we so got this. MC, please keep your eyes on me!
MC nods.
Mokdai: Time to fly...3! 2! 1! Take off!

Mokdai's sleigh blasts off, soaring quickly up to the cannon's mouth. Narihito hangs on, and the presents sitting in the sleigh fall over and turn into light that covers him.
Narihito: I WILL save this city. I am a hero, and everyone is waiting for me. That's good enough for a reason.
The sleigh flies past the cannon, and Narihito jumps further up into the sky.
MC: NOW!
MC sends in tons of VP the moment the sleigh goes out of sight.
Narihito: Change! Buster Mode, deployed!
Narihito charges the VP into his right hand cannon, charging a ball that gets larger and larger like the Pseudo Parallel Weapon did. Then...
Narihito: It'll all work out! Sacred power, save the world! Holy Cannon!
Narihito fires a beam of light into the sky that blasts into the giant incoming Monster. The Monster releases high heat into the surrounding area as it continues falling.
Narihito: G-gahh! M-my arm!
Narihito continues firing even while tanking attacks from Micros and the big Monster fragment, causing lights to shine in the sky.
Narihito I-I can't lose here! I'm gonna save the city with everyone's power!!

Narihito fires his charged shot at the big Monster.
Narihito: Yes! I can clear a path like this!
Narihito uses up all the VP sent to him and closes his eyes. In his mind, he sees that little girl smiling at the superhero figurine.
MC: The meteorite Monster's trajectory has changed! Narihito did it!
Mokdai: Oh no he's falling!
Mokdai calls his sleigh and flies to where Narihito is falling and uses his present bag Parallel Weapon as a cushion.
Narihito: OOF! Wow I never thought a bunch of presents would catch me like this. But I'm getting healed!
Mokdai: S-sorry this was all I could think of! But I'm glad you're okay...!! And thanks to you we won't be taking a direct hit!

Mokdai brings Narihito back to the stage for everyone to regroup. And then the meteorite Monster drops into the audience seating area.
Borealis: ...so I want to say you two did good, but that seems premature.
Narihito: ...agreed. I doubt the Monster there is gonna sit quietly and enjoy the show.
The Monster starts floating over.
Mokdai: ...is anyone else seeing it coming this way!?
Borealis: Look closer. It's actually going toward... (looks at the cannon's gun battery)
Borealis: Huh...did it instinctually perceive a threat towards Megas?
Mokdai: Do they even have instincts!?
Narihito: Whatever, we can't let it get to the cannon! MC, how's our VP collection progress!?
MC looks at their phone.
MC: We're almost there!

Mokdai: ...so we need to hold off the Monster until the second shot is ready!
Borealis: Yes, and we need to prevent it from destroying the cannon. And we still need that last bit of VP to gather.
Mokdai and Borealis take battle stances.
Mokdai: ...it's a big boy, but...I'm gonna save Christmas's peace time and give everyone the gift of victory!
Borealis: Any rude guests that stand up in the middle of my concert must leave immediately. This is a perfect development for the climax of the performance!
MC: Time to hold the line! Operation ready!
The rest of the party nods. Narihito takes a step forward to glare at the Monster.
Narihito: I won't stand for any creeps messing up Christmas! I'll protect everyone and the city with a super hero's power!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Melodic Meteorite Christmas Episode 6 (Abridged)

Narihito: Dammit they keep coming! Mokdai, behind you!
Mokdai: Ow, hot! My robe got a little burned! Borealis, MC, are you two okay!?
Borealis: ...ugh, these things are getting in the way. It's somewhat hard on the ears, but not enough to be a problem for the concert.
MC: I'm okay! / S-somehow!
Mokdai and Narihito are dealing with the Micros on stage while Borealis continues performing. The battle and music are coming together like it's all one show.
Borealis: ...oh, nice sounds Mokdai. Go help Narihito, I'll gather Views.
Mokdai: Okay! Present for you, Narihito!
Mokdai pulls out a shining present box out of his bag Parallel Weapon and gives it to Narihito.
Narihito: What?
POOF
Narihito: Wow, I feel power flowing through me!

Mokdai: Eheh, my Parallel Weapon's meant to give people hope and courage!
Narihito: Cool, lemme interview you after this! But first, time to pull this out for the Micros! (activates his notebook Parallel Weapon to Mega Man Mokdai's default power glove)
Mokdai: I-isn't that mine!? Oh right, Narihito Great Memorias you can do that!
Narihito: Ditto power activate! Megaton Crusher! (high jumps and slams the fist into the Micros)
Micros: HISSSS (shatter)
MC checks the VP collection status while operating.
MC: Great comboing everyone! The Views are coming in, so I'll call Hisaki!
Mokdai: Okay! Our suits won't cancel out if you're looking away for only a little bit, so we'll handle the battle!

MC nods and calls Hisaki.
Hisaki: MC, nice timing! I was about to call you myself! We'll have enough VP to fire the cannon in a few minutes, and it'll fire as soon as that happens! There might be a shockwave, so grab onto something!
MC: WHAT
Hisaki: The heroes should be fine, but tell them just in case! Make sure you don't get blown back either! ...okay, VP charge complete! Changing phases, confirmation that the artificial satellites have--(click)
MC: Guys, the cannon's about to fire soon! Get ready for the shockwave!
Borealis: ...understood. Mokdai, Narihito! Time for a grandiose performance! Make it brilliant, we are doing all this for Views to begin with.
Mokdai: R-right! Camera drones switching over to cover mode! Switch to the low angle shot! Get Borealis and the cannon behind him in the shot!
By the time Mokdai finishes his inputs, light gathers at the top of the cannon. The ball of light gets bigger and bigger from all the VP pouring in.
MC: MY EYES! / Fire round one! / I need to grab onto something...

The cannon fires off the shot like a giant lance of light, paired with a surge in Borealis' music. The shot pierces Megas, putting a giant crack on its body and exposing its core.
MC: The shockwave!
MC manages to grab onto something, but the force of the shockwave still blows them away.
MC: AAAAAA
Mokdai: MC! A-are you okay? Are you hurt?
Mokdai catches MC, and Narihito and Borealis turn to look.
Narihito: MC! ...oh good, you seem to be okay. Watching the cannon fire was amazing...I'm still seeing stars.
Borealis: ...I wasn't expecting the cannon to be quite so loud. Maybe I overdid the performance? Still, not bad Mokdai. All my music drones are okay. Time for Act 2.
Borealis grips his baton again, and the drones restart the concert. Suddenly, Crowne calls in.

Crowne: You guys okay? I kinda saw it coming, but it's still my first time seeing a cannon blast off like that.
Mokdai: Honestly I was almost blown away too...for now, we're all okay. Anything happen, Crowne?
Crowne: Right, news update. We've succeeded in making a huge crack with that shot just now. That was some pretty thick armoring. Next is the pinpoint shot to take it down. Calibration will take some time, but that's why we have high precision optical weaponry. Everything is going as planned. But... (frowns)
Crowne: That fragment we shot off? It's falling this way and it's bigger than the Micros.
Mokdai: A huge Monster is coming this way!?
Crowne: Yeah, you gotta hold it off while getting the VP for the next shot. Here's a picture of it. (shows a picture of the giant meteor piece along with a ton of Micros.)
Borealis: ...Wha-!?
MC: ...Borealis?
Borealis's hands stop, and then so does the music.

Title card: Starlight Elegy

Flashback
This was the home planet Borealis was born on, the place he spent with his friends and family. And this was the day its fate was decided.
Operator: ...it's finally time. I'm nervous.
Borealis: ...yes, but don't be too tense you snap.
Operator: ...yeah. I have a bad feeling though...
Borealis: ...how unlike you. You usually smile at times like these.
Operator: ...right. It's because it's time like these I should smile! (pumps himself up and pats down his chest)
Operator: Oh right, here's a present!
Borealis: For me? ...what is this?
Operator: Earplugs! I had to get them from another planet since there aren't any here. You can still have normal conversations with them on, but they'll block out ambient noise. It was hard finding large size ones! You can hear heartbeats right? I thought that could be tiring...
Borealis: ...thank you, I'll treasure them.

Borealis puts the earplugs in.
Borealis: ...how do I look? I've never had anything like these before.
Operator: Great! I'm glad they fit perfectly.
Borealis gives a small smile back, then pulls his sleeves up and puts his conductor baton out.
Borealis: ...our help request for heroes of other planets went through. You and I will need to hold out against the meteorite until they arrive. This planet WILL have a future. I'll need to get you a return gift after it's saved.
Borealis puts his serious face on.
Borealis: ...I'm going to do another check. The smaller meteorites will be coming in first. First we should protect the only terminal building on the planet and our home. I probably cannot handle the giant meteorite on my own, so we will need the reinforcing heroes all together to stop it. If they can't make it in time...if we see the light of the meteorite, this operation has failed. In that case, you should take the remaining residents to safety and tell the ones with the spaceships to get as many of them as possible off planet.
The planet's tech level was unable to keep up with the rest of the galaxy, so there is no large scale refuge ship available for the citizens.

Borealis: ...okay, time to start the hero livestream. My concert's sound waves should be able to slow down the meteorite's falling velocity and even destroy the smaller ones.
Operator: ...okay. Activating the transformation!
After transforming, Borealis starts focusing on sounds. The earplugs block out the sounds of the blizzard and the Operator's heart...
Operator: Let's go! We have to protect this planet!
Turns out Borealis can still hear the Operator's heart but pretends not to because they hoped for that. Most of the time things are background noise, but Borealis can pick it out if he tries. And right now, Borealis can hear bits of anxiety and discord coming from his friend.
Borealis: ...right. Beginning the concert.

Several hours pass as Borealis and the Operator continue the fight alone. Fatigue sets in as Borealis keeps it up.
Borealis: There's so many! But I won't let you stop my melody!
Operator: Incoming from behind! At this rate they'll collide with the Terminal Building's central sec--we don't have enough VP, we won't make it!
CRASH
Borealis: What!? Dammit! W-what is this sound!?
Loud noise is coming from the hero-operator connected phones because the comm facility has been destroyed.
Operator: No! The phone is down! Can you hear me!? Video streaming errors are happening! We'll lose all VP at this rate...!
VP leak sprung.
Borealis: We need to fix it, fast! Reinforcements will be here soon!
Borealis attempts to call the reinforcements. The call fails to connect, but the meteorites keep coming. Then a giant meteorite falls in between Borealis and the Operator, creating a giant chasm they can't jump over.
Borealis: No!

Borealis grabs his phone hard enough to crack the screen.
Borealis: Can you hear me!? Go on ahead and lead everyone else to safety! Get as many of them as you can out of here! I'll go around this hole and head to the space port as soon as I--
Meteorites crash into the ground one after another, and many shooting stars cross the sky.
Operator: B-but I can't leave you like this...!
Borealis: LEAVE! NOW!
The Operator cannot bring himself to say anything else, so he nods reluctantly, tears in his eyes as he looks at Borealis one more time before running to the space port.

Borealis: ...
Borealis collapses to his knees, tension cut from his body. His friend's heartbroken expression is seared into his mind. The Operator disappears from view shortly, and all he sees anymore is snow and falling meteorites.
Borealis: ...what good is being a hero anyway?
Borealis's phone says he only has 1 VP left. And now that last person watching him is gone. What can a hero with no Views do?
Borealis: What was the point of being a hero!? I couldn't save my friends, family, or home! I'M POWERLESS!
Borealis's rage is drowned out by the meteorite impacts. The VP counter drops to 0, and Borealis's suit cancels out.
Borealis: Why can't I protect anything!? Why am I...!?
The endless rain of stars destroys Borealis's home planet, smashing it to pieces. Borealis takes out his earplugs and holds them to himself.
Borealis: I...! I...!
Borealis's wordless laments echo across the ruined world. So ends Borealis's hero career.

MC: Borealis! The music's stopped!
Borealis: !!
Borealis snaps back to the present, then makes a grand sweep of continuing the concert while hiding his emotional state. Things continue organically like he had just adlibbed the blank section in. Only he hears what MC says next.
MC: O-oh, was it supposed to be like that?
Borealis: No, I had to play that off as an improvisation. Sorry for losing focus, and I want to ask you to handle the operation again. We will continue the concert and battle like so. You may have instructions for Mokdai and Narihito, but keep me on the line too.
MC looks back at the falling Micros. Mokdai and Narihito are still keeping on top of things with the livestream.
Mokdai: They're coming from above! Here's another present!
Narihito: Thanks, Mighty Knuckle! Time to get aggressive!
MC: Mokdai, fight hard! Narihito, over there!

Borealis: ...
Borealis watches the rest of the party fight while he continues performing, projecting his old memories onto what's currently happening.
Borealis: MC, that image I saw earlier reminded me of my past.
MC: Back when you stopped conducting? ...did something happen?
MC: When I first met you in that back alley, I heard a familiar sound from you. A very unique one...oh, and I don't mean what we normally think of at the word "sounds." I can hear the tone of your very being. If I listen closely, I can tell how someone is feeling to some extent. I have better hearing than the average person, so it's something of a special skill of mine.
MC: Wow! / I see. So when you say familiar...
Borealis's shoulders rise in surprise.
Borealis: ...you believe me. Of all the people I've told, the only others to understand so quickly were...my best friend and family.
MC: Well you don't have a reason to lie about it, and I don't think you're a bad person.

Borealis: ...no, I am bad and aware of that.
Borealis keeps his focus on his conducting so his attention doesn't slip while he keeps talking.
Borealis: I was a hero once, but I failed to save my family, my friends, and my home planet. It was then that I realize how powerless heroes...or rather, I was. I only talked to you because your sound resembled my friend's... I've treated you rudely. I'm sorry. I know you and he are different people, of course...that's all the resemblance between you two, and it made me think he was alive here.
Borealis adjusts his grip on his baton. The Micros are still falling. There's a sadness somewhere in the intense war song playing.
Borealis: ...it was terrible. A crumbling planet truly seemed like hell. Stars were falling then like this too. If I were stronger...if I were able to gather more views...maybe things wouldn't have gotten as bad as they did then. I can't help but think that.
MC: I see... I'm glad you're okay.

Borealis: I was saved by the heroes I asked for backup who came late just before the planet completely collapsed. I don't actually remember much from that period, yet the part I want to remember least is the bit that's clearest. After I recovered, I looked everywhere on a nearby planet, but I found nothing about my friends and family... That's why I decided to devote all the power I had into finding them.
Borealis scoffs at himself, like he's okay with you laughing at him.
MC: You aren't powerless, Borealis.
Borealis: ...MC, there's no need to console me. I failed at being a hero. I am only helping here because it would benefit me. I told you, I am a bad person. You can think of my talking to you as an apology for my rudeness towards you. That's all.
MC: ...I see. What if I had an ability to know what other people feel like you do?
Borealis doesn't hear this over his earplugs.

Borealis: ...it's natural you wouldn't understand, but these ears aren't as great as you think they are. There are times when I hear thing I don't want to...it's like a curse. Sometimes I wish I could plug them up.
Borealis lightly touches his earplugs.
MC: But if you do that you can't hear the things you DO want to hear.
Borealis makes a small frown since MC's serious operation voice has a bit of kindness mixed in.
MC: Try listening. There's great applause happening!
Borealis: What? (turns off the noise blocking function of the earplugs)
Mokdai: We're gonna win this battle! Here's a cool video present for everyone watching! The highlight of this battle is Great Memorias's attack, Millennium Fist!
Narihito: Haha, thanks! I'll protect everyone with the borrowed power of legends!
Mokdai and Narihito turn to talk to the camera.
Narihito: Okay, all you watchers! You too can be superheroes with believing hearts that protect the future!
Mokdai: Right, I gotta step up too! Cheer for me, guys! We'll put up everyone's messages on the secondary channel! Don't touch that dial, folks!

Mokdai: Woo, nice recording there Narihito! Also that line you said earlier...
Narihito: Oh you got the reference? It's from an old hero cartoon I love! I was hoping I could be a cool superhero like that!
Mokdai: Yeah, I got it! Awesome! Maybe I should put that episode on the channel later...
Borealis: W-what!? What's going on!? I haven't heard anything about a secondary channel or hero show being shown... Mokdai, you aren't ruining the concert mood, are you?
Mokdai: I-it's okay Borealis! The secondary camera is shooting somewhere else from the main camera!
Narihito: Yeah! There's tons of different people enjoying the concert and hero show on both channels! Great editing, Mokdai!
Mokdai: Look at all the messages cheering us on!
Mokdai and Narihito start streaming these messages on a holographic screen visible on the stage from all sorts of people.
Message A: I'm so happy I can listen to Borealis's concert in real time!
Message B: My family's cheering you guys on! Go heroes!
Message C: This is the most moving Christmas ever, I'm in tears! Good luck!
Message D: Thank you for the great Christmas present! Best wishes to the heroes of Orient City!
Borealis: ...w-what...!

Borealis can hear the kind notes coming in through the screen.
MC: Look at all that support!
Message E: My home planet was eaten by Monsters, so I hope this time the heroes win! Go, fight!
Mokdai: This one came from a refugee camp! How nice! Right...heroes are hope to people from destroyed planets. I don't remember much of anything of my home planet, but I painfully know how that feels! ...okay, let's take down Megas and make those kids happy!
Borealis watches as Mokdai thumps his chest.
Borealis: ...
Borealis: ...I see. So this is the sound you wanted me to hear.
MC: Yes, even if they're away we share the same feelings...so we have to protect this planet!
MC smiles. Their heart is worried and nervous, but there is an honest will inside. It's similar yet different to the sound Borealis heard from his friend that day, and hearing it makes him smile a little.

Borealis: ...very well. I have no plans on cutting any corners of course. It is my belief to play the best music, whether this is a concert or a hero show. Also, I will not permit a performance to be stopped partway through... you will be staying with me until the last note ends, MC.
MC: Of course!
Narihito: MC, Borealis! More Micros incoming!
MC and Borealis nod without looking at each other, but they feel both is feeling the same.
Mokdai: I can keep going too! It's back to back, but we're counting on you to operate, MC!
Narihito: I'm good too! I'll try holding out a bit longer to live up to those cheers!
Borealis: ...of course. I still need to think of an encore. Time for a splendid melody!
BATTLE START

Valentine Fantasy Epilogue (Abridged)

Otemachi
Harlot: ARC WHERE WERE YOU? I'm sorry, I won't hit you again...! (hugs Arc)
Arc: No, I'm sorry too for what I said. And...thank you for scolding me when I'm doing something wrong.
Arc goes on to hug Surtr and Azathoth.
Surtr: I was so worried! I'm glad you came back.
Arc: Sorry for worrying you, Dad. I wanted to see you again too.
Azathoth: lmao I was bored without someone to play with
Arc: Sorry Azathoth. We can play later then.
More family hugs.
Arc: ...oh right. I made chocolates for the three of you.

Roppongi
Cait Sith: Whew, I'm finally back, meow...
Cait Sith flops onto the ground. Cats start gathering around him.
Cait Sith: Ngaaah, let me rest for today at least...wait what? You made me chocolate?
Cait Sith gets up and sees a mountain of chocolates.
Cait Sith: Uhh..."thanks for everything"..."you're the best king"...? Aww, thanks you guys! I'm so happy you guys support me so much I might cry!
Some cats struggle to bring out a bigger chocolate that has "Sorry" written on it by the cats who supported Balor in making Cait Sith an eternal king.
Cait Sith: ...no, it's okay. You guys expect a lot of me, and I'm glad you guys want me to be your king forever, but there's a difference between something that is eternal and something that can only be eternal. I think the second one is wrong. If there's something I can't do, then maybe the king after me can do it. I might be super, SUPER greedy, nyaha. Here's to working together even more!
The cats pull out instruments and start partying over Cait Sith's reign until the maids come to complain.

Itzamna's art class
Itzamna: Cooold...
Benten: Hey Sensei! Feels like it's been a while since I saw you because we were doing so many classes in VR.
Itzamna shivers as he starts to get up from a kotatsu and start class but the students stop him.
Licht: We could just join you in the kotatsu for class...
Itzamna: B-but that's improper...
Kuniyoshi: We don't care! Everyone has their own circumstances, especially the furries I've seen and [RANT REDACTED]
Itzamna: Haha, then maybe I will take up your suggestions. Oh wait, before I forget...I have chocolates for you all. I made each one especially for you individually. I hope you enjoy my masterpieces.
The art class trio get excited.
Benten: THIS IS SO GONNA BE A HIT TWEET
Kuniyoshi: This furry shaped chocolate is too beautiful to eat...!
Benten: Kuni you already opened yours!? Then I better open up mine! (does so) OH EM GEE this is so photogenic!
Licht: H-how much effort did you put into making all these?
Itzamna: Oh, quite a bit. I wanted to see you three happy. And my friend taught me to treasure those important to me. (looks out the window)

Prison School
Yasuyori: I-Instructor Balor is giving us chocolate? Thank you! But, uh...
Tanetomo: Tee hee, are you suggesting there's poison in it? Oh what a surprise, I thought so too. Taste test it for me.
Yasuyori: N-no, I would never think...!
Balor regrets his decision already.
Tiger Man: That was good, Instructor! It reminds me of something...
Balor: Yeah, that old lizard fart taught me how to make them.
Tezcatlipoca: Where's mine? Oh wait, are you challenging me to fight you for on--
Balor: I wouldn't say no to that, but calm your tits. Here.
Tezcatlipoca: Ooh, what a sweet scent it has!

Balor: Hey wait a tick, why didn't you come along to the VR world? You wanted a forever war with MC, don't you? Now that I think about it, it was unnatural how you bothered telling me about all that.
Tezcatlipoca: What, you really have to ask? My BRRRROTHER would never try to run from a battle he was locked into!
Balor: ...so what would you have done if I forced MC to stay?
Tezcatlipoca: You did, but you didn't go through with it. HAHAHA!
Balor: GUHAHA. You talk like you know me! Ugh, why'd you ever tell me to begin with? You wanted to laugh when I failed and came back?
Tezcatlipoca: Hey, I did what I did out of the pure kindness of my heart. I hear the nightmares you have every night. If you had more good memories with MC, I thought they'd get better.
It's true the short time spent in the VR world felt like a dream to Balor. And ever since he came back his dreams have been surprisingly good. It still pisses him off that Tezcatlipoca turned out to be right.

Balor: ...you...ck...
Tezcatlipoca: what?
Balor: YOU GIVE THAT BACK, FUCKER!
Tezcatlipoca: Haha, why should a god give back an offering? Take that, grandsoncon! But I promise I'll get you something for White Day!
Balor: PISS OFF WITH THAT BULLSHIT AND LEMME STOMP YOUR FACE IN
Fight fight fight. Tiger Man cheers, Yasuyori dithers about whether to stop them.
Tanetomo: Oh this is delicious. Yasuyori, tea time.
Yasuyori: B-but...shouldn't we stop them?
Tanetomo: No. We can't anyways, so let's just enjoy it.

Shinjuku Dorm
MC: ...Solomon, you here? I want to say sorry.
Solomon: (poof) Waaaah, Master! Is it really you? What happened!?
MC: Sorry / Stuff... / I'll tell you later.
Solomon: Waaah, I thought I'd never see you again! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so push!
MC: I'm sorry too
Solomon: It's okay...I'm glad you're back safe! Umm...please brush me! Oh, but first pets!
MC: Oh that reminds me. Here.
Solomon: Is that chocolate!? Hooray! Ehehehe, no one has a better, loving master/servant relationship than us!
MC: I'm glad you like it / Cute / Oh right, Cait Sith...
Solomon: OH! Sorry, I had a surprise chocolate for you too, but the fake Master found it and ate it! WAAAAAAH
MC: That bitch...but I expect something for White Day.
Solomon: Oh right! I swear I'll get you something really good!
And so MC talks about their VR adventure and Solomon talks about Fake MC's shenanigans.

Next day
MC: Wow it feels so long. I'm getting nervous. Did the fake burn my life down!?
The fairy tale adventure felt both short and long. And to the side of the school is the school's flowerbeds where Boogeyman usually works in silence.
MC: He's not there...
The wind blows.
Ryouta: Hi MC! You okay?
MC: Hi Ryouta. So weird question, did I do anything weird lately?
Ryouta: Oh, you're back to normal! We were all talking about it. We thought something was different about you but couldn't say how. What happened? We guessed stuff like lovesickness, actual sickness, not enough exercise, and a whole bunch of stuff!
MC: Oh good, the fake didn't totally destroy my life. So anyways...

One explanation later
Ryouta: A pretender!? I can't believe Shirou's long shot guess was right! I'm sorry I didn't realize you were replaced!
MC: Well they tried not to be discovered, but you noticing something off at all is amazing! We really do have a bond.
Ryouta talks about what the pretender was like in class and at the guild while the two of you head to class. Once MC gets to their desk, they notice that something's in there.
MC: Hmm?
There are three chocolates inside. As MC tries to think of who they came from, their phone beeps with text messages.
Cait Sith: My adventure with you was fun, MC! Let's go again with Solomon sometime!
Itzamna: I will always be your friend, MC. Talk to me if anything ever troubles you.
Balor: To my beloved grandson. I'll see you again soon. Wash your neck for some reason and wait for me. Also my chocolate has more love in it than these two dicks, haha.
Cait Sith: No it doesn't! Mine has tons of love!
Itzamna: Stop fighting over minor details you two. We literally trespassed so we had to leave quick...also mine has the most love in it.
Balor: Don't YOU try to score points all sneaky like that!
Cait Sith: No fair! Oh, but we can just ask MC later what they think, right?
Balor: ...
Itzamna: ...
MC: Well you three are getting along. Thanks, love you. (smiles at reading the messages)
Ryouta: Oh my god you got three chocolates! Are you in your popular phase!?
MC: Maybe. I need to get thank you presents together. 

Flashback?
The sad, lonely fairy kept scaring children out of doing naughty things, yet he was still alone even after all the thanks he got from the grown-ups.
Boogeyman: I'm still lonely, forever alone...
One day, the fairy met a dragon that was his total opposite. The dragon was kind to everyone and was loved by everyone.
Boogeyman: No fair...how do I be like that dragon?
The dragon still gave the fairy kindness. When the fairy opened up to them, they became best friends. And thanks to the dragon, the fairy made even more friends. He met a cat who taught him how to make children smile.
Boogeyman: Yay, I'm not alone anymore!
But it couldn't last forever because he stopped scaring children. He got weaker and weaker, but he was okay with it. It was better than being all alone again.

Classroom
Boogeyman: And so the fairy disappeared happily as his friends watched him go. The end.
Zhurong: WAAAAH! He died...!
Boogeyman: Haha, I know it's sad but it was a happy story for the fairy. He made lots of friends before he disappeared thanks to all the kindness around. You guys should be kind to others too, okay? Promise me.
The children say yes and ask for another story.
Boogeyman: Okay, tomorrow then.
Boogeyman is about to leave for their next lesson when the door opens.
MC: Mononobe-sensei told me to come here to help an--BOOGEYMAN!?

Boogeyman: Hi MC. You look like you've seen a ghost.
MC: But you died! / I'm so glad! / I knew you'd be back.
Boogeyman hugs MC and smiles. It's a smile that'd scare children, just like the first time you met him.
Boogeyman: I was supposed to die...but the VR world's System kept me alive. The fairy tale world is the inside of my artifact, and my faith of terror was stolen by Balor. When Balor lost as the top of that hierarchy, the whole world was supposed to be destroyed. But Utopia tech also says that world's time flow was accelerated to the utmost limit, which meant the instant it was supposed to blow up, the deceleration's backlash flipped back my faith and hierarchy position.
MC: What?
Boogeyman: Oh, Balor had to explain it all to me later too, and I'm just repeating what he said. But he says that in the flow of time, the hierarchy system is all built off the same thing. I don't know what that MEANS, but short version is that I got my master of terror position back. Honestly that wasn't supposed to be enough to bring me back to Tokyo though. Tokyo saved me somehow. The moment you all went back while I was disappearing, I was allowed to come back because you all remembered me as a friend and teacher.
MC: Why didn't you say something earlier you jerk!? / ...okay

Boogeyman: I mean I wanted to see you guys again as soon as I could too, but it was a mess because I was put down as having disappeared. Then I decided to surprise you...whoo~.
MC: Suing for emotional distress! / I can't take any more... / Because you were scared?
Boogeyman: Heheh...oh, this is for you. Valentine's chocolate. I want you to open it in secret somewhere else. You know what they'd make of a teacher giving chocolate to a student like that.
MC: Thanks... / Jerk... / I'll get you for this!
Boogeyman: Haha. Oh right, there's one more person waiting for you. You made some kind of promise didn't you? They said they'd be on the roof.
MC: Okay...let's talk again later. Look forward to what I'll give back then.
And so MC leaves.

Boogeyman: Okay, time to go to my next class.
A bunch of students start talking to Boogeyman on his way to his surprise. Normally they'd never say anything to him.
Students: P-please take this!
Boogeyman is given Valentine's chocolates.
Boogeyman: Are these for me? Thank you, but what brought this on...?
Wolf A: Thanks to you reprimanding us for our fight earlier, we were able to keep our friendship!
Girl B who wasn't involved back then: These are our thank yous! Um...I made it with love, so please try it...
Boogeyman remembers them after thinking about it. They made the effort to bring something to thank him with even if it was possible he'd get mad they brought something unrelated to school with them.
Boogeyman: Oh, thank you. I'll be sure to try them later.
The students look surprised but happy.
Guy C: I didn't know you could smile like that. I thought you were scarier.
Boogeyman: Haha, well you're right. But I changed thanks to my friends.
And so Boogeyman walks on with the students with a lighter spring to his steps.

School roof
A familiar person is waiting up there, brushing a finger through their hair and waving upon noticing you.
Arc: Thanks for coming, MC. I'm so glad about Boogeyman. He came all the way to my home to apologize. Mom and Dad were so angry, and it was tough to get them to stop.
MC: Yeah... / Ahaha... / I can see that happening.
A breeze blows through the silence.
Arc: Oh right, I saw Itzamna. We talked about going to the beach all together when summer comes. And I think...even he might come if you ask, even though he became a king of terror.
MC: Hmm...he might just come normally if everyone goes though.
Arc takes a deep breath and looks directly at MC. A beautifully wrapped chocolate is in their hands.
Arc: ...I wanted to give this to you. Do you remember when we fought? I was just living guided by others, and it wasn't my choice to fight. It was you who taught me there were other ways than fighting on and dying. You gave me choices and worries, and I wasn't sure how to describe you. I know that now though. These feelings are...
Arc thinks of one word among love, friendship, gratitude, and other emotions they've felt.
Arc: Before I knew it, I was thinking of you more. The time I spent on that is something I like and get bothered about. I hope we can keep going on together, worrying and hurting. Will you accept my feelings?
The winds of youth blow through the roof where only they are present, carrying a faint scent of chocolate...
The End

Valentine Fantasy Episode 6 Part 2 (Abridged)

Arc: Fire Bullet! La Grondement du Haine!
Balor brushed the fire and chains aside! It was not very effective...
Balor: Not a bad artifact you've got. But no one wins against the king here!
Arc: I really do have a role conceptual disadvantage against kings. But still!
While Arc has drawn Balor's attention, Boogeyman runs in to free MC.
MC: Sensei! / Grab this! / Oh no, save me~!
Boogeyman ignores the shackles and presses his hatchet against MC's neck!
MC: wait WHAT
Boogeyman: Surrender Balor, or your little grandson gets it!
Balor: GWAHAHAHA! Is this your payback for me taking children hostage? Don't make me laugh, I know you won't d--!!
Boogeyman swings! MC is dead!

Balor: Ha, too bad! You had a good line there.
It was all an illusion with Boogeyman's power!
Balor: If the King of Fear feels greater fear than what they cause, they lose their spot. But how many times do you think I've died? You think that scares me now!?
Arc: But we still only need you to look away for a second! Bind, Chains of Sin! (binds Balor's feet)
Itzamna: Good job you two! Creator of the Sun and the People, fire!
Itzamna launches the greatest creation he can make, that being El Dorado's sun. It isn't at its full strength, but he figures it should still do something.
Cait Sith: Did you do it!? Maybe you overdid it...
Cait Sith breaks MC out of their shackles.
MC: Thanks! / Wait when did that happen!?
Cait Sith: I hate to admit it, but I'd have gotten in the way if I joined in on the attack. So instead I did what I could! Here you go!
Some cats bring back MC's sword.
Cait Sith: I had them search the castle. Sorry for my people...
MC: It's okay / I can fight now! / (pet)

Suddenly an explosion blows Arc and Boogeyman away! Balor is standing, Arc and Boogeyman are badly damaged and could go down at any time.
MC: Balor!
Balor: Well DAMN you old lizard. You might've actually got me if you didn't hold back so you wouldn't blast your friends with me too. War is awesome! Fighting warriors who don't fear death is awesome! By order of the king we decree that MC will be saved from that shithole cycle, which is why we came here.
Arc: I see...so that's how you really feel?
Balor: What?
Itzamna: ...yes, Balor. I finally understand where that one scar you've hidden is now. I was never able to figure out your motives, whether you wanted to live with your grandchild forever or fight them forever. But you don't care which one it is as long as it was what your grandchild chose, right? You are a warrior, so you do not fear getting hurt. You even enjoy it. If you live as a warrior, you can enjoy killing and being killed...if you chose to be one yourself. What you really fear is the idea you've taken away your grandchild's choice!

Balor: ...
Itzamna: If they were forced to fight you for eternity by external forces, made to pull out the Sword of Selection rather than pulling it out of their own volition, then the pride and joy you'd feel in a world you'd fight them would become a farce.
Balor: ...ridiculous.
Arc: You just wanted to give MC a choice, right?
Balor turns away against his own will.
Balor: None of you are even holding onto your weapons that hard and you're flapping your gums at me? Move!
Cait Sith: N-no...I'm still here! I won't let you--
SMACK
Balor: Move!
MC: ...Balor / ...Grandpa / ...you ass.
Balor glares back at MC.
Balor: Grandchild, you are a warrior! You were supposed to succeed me as king!
MC: He's shaking...? / This is--!

Itzamna: Regrets that one shouldn't have given up earlier is a fact of life, brother. But my having those regrets in our home world is why I left that place and came here. Everything is connected, so you shouldn't give up no matter what either.
MC: Right, I can't give up!
MC thinks hard of a way to reaching out to Balor via words.
Quick flashback
Balor: If the King of Fear gets scared, they lose their spot! But I've seen death so many times now!
End flashback
MC: In that case...it's a long shot, but Boogeyman, please try it again!
Boogeyman: Right. I see your fear, King Balor! Noble Phantasm activate!

Balor: !?
In the far reaches of Tir na Nog is a boy who's father was killed by his tyrannical grandfather. Those around him tell him he must strike down his father's foe.
Balor: Stop...
The boy's name is Lugh, child of Cyan. The adults made the boy take up the holy sword and pushed him forward. He did not choose to die like a warrior; he was made to choose to live like a warrior. There is nothing to be proud of here. There is only a dirty rotten cycle of repetition.
Balor: Stop!
Balor shouts that if he's fighting his grandson, it has to be because his grandson choose to be a warrior of his own volition. What pride is there otherwise? Dancing to his fate's beats would be mere clownery. This is no memory. It is a what-if fear that spreads through Balor.
Balor: NOOOOOO

Balor shows shock for the first time, fear for the first time. He flails and breaks a palace pillar as if he's lost himself.
Arc, Itzamna, Cait Sith: NOW!
Chains, plants, and cats all come to bind Balor's arms and legs.
MC: Noble Phantasm activate! (SLASH)
Balor: ...
MC: ...d-did I cut him? He's not reacting to...ahh!
The ceiling and pillar pieces start falling. A giant piece starts falling on MC, with no time for them to get away.
MC: OH NO

Balor desperately pulls MC away and shields them from above.
Balor: Damn you were reckless and didn't think far enough ahead. Damn brat...haha.
MC: ...haha / I thought I was gonna die! / (press cheek against Balor's chest)
Balor: (frowns and hugs MC)
Balor: ...answer me one thing. Did you really hate the eternity together with me I was pushing on you that much?
The tyrant who forced all manner of unfairnesses on others now asks his question as a simple grandfather.
MC: No, but... / Yes, because...
MC: I'm your grandson / I am myself / (smile and say nothing)
Balor continues hugging MC in silence for a while, and the rest of the party gathers over.

Itzamna: ...the young living their early days are always looking at the outside world. Don't you think that's wonderful, Balor?
Cait Sith: Balor...
Itzamna seems to be asking an implied "isn't that what you really want?"
Arc: ...
Boogeyman: ...
Everyone knows how strongly Balor feels about MC. Arc and Boogeyman just watch silently.
Balor: ...tch. I lost, MC.
Boogeyman and Itzamna smile in relief. Arc and Cait Sith hi-five.
MC: Thanks for going down. / HAHA I win! Eat it, gramps!
Balor: ...you got balls you ass of a grandson.
MC pulls out of Balor's arms and faces the rest of the party.
MC: Thanks, Boogeyman-sensei. / And guys? / Thanks to all of you!
(A) Boogeyman: Yeah. I'm glad we're ending on a happy note.

Arc hugs MC.
Arc: MC! I'm so glad you're okay!
Itzamna and Cait Sith go sit by Balor, who is lying face up.
Cait Sith: Balor, why didn't you use your Mystic Eye? If it's as strong as people say it'd have been way easier for you.
Balor: Because I couldn't. I can't open it on my own.
Itzamna: Haha, you are a terrible liar. You could've gotten your minions to do that. Or gotten around it in some other way since you were the world's manager.
Balor: Dammit you old lizard, is Boogeyman's influence making you more spiteful? Oh wait, is it Tezcatlipoca's influence instead?
Itzamna: Well Tezcatlipoca is my brother and Boogeyman is a long time acquaintance.
Balor turns away from Itzamna.
Balor: ...bastard confusing me and everything. Whatever, even tyrants can set gossipy antics aside...no one is permitted to defy the king's orders, so no one is permitted to defy our pride.
Itzamna: Haha, you can be so difficult. Getting older means you get more things you can't throw away.
Balor: ...heh. You think I'd get rid of this? But it's not a bad thing if it means I lose.

Balor accepting his defeat as the King of Fear causes the miniature world to change.
Arc: MC, look outside!
Cait Sith: Wow, we really did it!
Itzamna: Do you see the scenery, Quetzalcoatl? The place I always saw in my dreams is here in this place far away from our home world...
Boogeyman: (starts fading)
MC: Wait WHAT
Boogeyman: Oh...it's almost time to say goodbye. (light particles fly off of Boogeyman)
MC: Nooo! (cries)
Balor: ...
Boogeyman: Yeah I was thinking I finally had another person to talk to at school. Sorry I can't see you again in Tokyo. (hugs MC and gives a few back pats)

Boogeyman: Cait Sith, thanks for teaching me a magic trick. I'll treasure those children's smiles.
Cait Sith: Nooo! I still have so much to teach you, so let's go back together!
Cait Sith sheds big tears, and Boogeyman gently pets him.
Boogeyman: Arc, you're a kind kid and I like that. Have some confidence. You're better than you think you are.
Arc: I will...! Thank you...very much...!
Arc and Boogeyman hug. Boogeyman then smiles at Itzamna.
Boogeyman: Now my friend...
Itzamna: ...couldn't you actually call me by name now of all times, you fool!?
Boogeyman: ...Itzamna, I have a lot of things I want to say, but I'll settle for one. Thank you for everything! The days we spent together were the greatest!
Itzamna: I think so too...thank you Boogeyman!

Boogeyman and Itzamna hug hard. Then Boogeyman turns towards Balor. There's no anger in his face at all.
Balor: ...Boogeyman, fairy of the swamps.
Boogeyman looks Balor in the eye, then hugs him like everyone else.
Boogeyman: King Balor, it is thanks to you that I've received priceless treasures in the end. Thank you, and be good with MC.
Balor: Is that how you leave scars? You really ARE a fairy from Tir na Nog. Little bitch.
Balor grabs Boogeyman's arm and makes him cut his neck with his hatchet.
Balor: Take the King of Giants' head with you. You've earned that right. You may have changed how you lived your life, but it'd be fine to go out as a giant-killing hero.
If he did, maybe he could live on with a new role even after losing the terror fairy's faith. But...
Boogeyman: You honor me with your offer, but I will only accept your thoughts gracefully. I don't think I can live long having fate forced onto me now...right? (compares Balor and MC's faces)
Boogeyman: ...it's time. A happy end for a lonely fairy tale of horror. I'm glad I met you all!
Tears start falling from Boogeyman's eyes. The party looks sad.
Boogeyman: ...I wish I could have gone somewhere with you guys. I bet hanging out somewhere in Tokyo with you all would've been great! I should've talked with you guys more! ...dammit, I really do want to live lon--
To be continued in the epilogue!

Valentine Fantasy Episode 6 Part 1 (Abridged)

In the lake
Itzamna: Did my voice not reach...? (sinks) ...hey wait I hear someone.
Boogeyman: Itzamna-sensei, take my hand!
After pulling Itzamna out of the lake
Boogeyman: Huff...huff...I'm glad you're okay.
Itzamna: Sensei, I--
Boogeyman: ...I have to tell you something, but later. We need to save the children now!
Arc and Cait Sith have gone down while buying time for Boogeyman to save Itzamna, and now the giants surround the teachers.
Itzamna: I see, the children had to protect us. Now stay away from them, giants of fear! Wood Magic!
Itzamna causes plants to grow and bind the giants, and Boogeyman swoops in to save Arc and Cait Sith.
Arc: ...is Itzamna okay?
Boogeyman: Yes, thanks to you. You two fought well.

Later
Itzamna: I think we've run far enough. Boogeyman, let me see them.
Boogeyman puts down Arc and Cait Sith after having carried them on his back, and Itzamna starts treating them.
Boogeyman: Wow, you know medicine?
Itzamna: I once taught it to people hoping they would live longer.
Arc and Cait Sith look better and calm down as Itzamna heals them. Itzamna relaxes a little at this, then explains to Boogeyman about the things relating to MC and Balor's proposal when he was making the fairy tale world. Itzamna also explains about MC holding the fragments of the Exiles, the plan to keep them for eternity, and everything else he kept quiet about.
Itzamna: I have trapped you all in a terrible hell. I am truly sorry...

Boogeyman: ...I understand how you feel, so stop.
Itzamna: How can you know!? It's my fault you're disappearing!
Boogeyman: Why are you mad? ...well I guess that's just how it is. I wanted you to feel that way, to be sad all the time that I'd be gone...I was jealous of anyone who could make you feel that way. I wanted to go out leaving an eternal scar on somebody.
Boogeyman explains that the only way to erase the world was to erase himself.
Boogeyman: I know that behavior is wrong since you'd be sad for being left behind...I don't want you to be sad. Thank you for showing me that it was wrong.
Itzamna: Fool! I'm supposed to be the one apologizing here...
Boogeyman: Why am I making you mad? Was I supposed to scold you? I mean it doesn't seem like anyone would do that for you...
Arc: Haha, what are you two doing at a time like this?
Cait Sith: I know right?
Boogeyman: H-hey, I'm trying to be serious...

Arc: ...let's tell funny stories when we all get back.
Cait Sith: Yeah, all of us together!
Boogeyman nods. Itzamna wipes his eyes.
Itzamna: ...getting old makes you sentimental. You're right.
Boogeyman: But we're up against the war king Balor. He's not an ordinary--
Arc: Leave the fighting to me. I'm pretty good at it too.
Arc thinks back to their days where the tricks of war were drilled into them at Fujimi Academy. It was there that this game's prototype was made, this game meant to create an immortal All-Knowing All-Poweful God. Arc was ashamed to be the only survivor among everyone given powers from other worlds to kill each other, but now they're glad to have the power to survive any battlefield.
Arc: First, let's assess our situation. We had MC run, but it might be too optimistic to think they actually got away.
Boogeyman: Yeah, it's highly likely they got caught. There's no way Balor would let them leave.
Cait Sith: Then we need to get to them quick!

Arc makes a battle plan that uses everyone's powers, which everyone agrees to. Everyone gets up, a little worse for the wear, and Itzamna starts muttering as everyone looks towards their destination.
Itzamna: I want to respect MC's decision. If they want to return to Tokyo, then I will look for a way. And if they want to stay, then this time I will stay with them. In that case, I will change this place to the Land of Blessings Avalon with my power.
Itzamna holds up their golden staff to solidify his resolve and vow.
Boogeyman: I will not leave this all as Itzamna and Balor's responsibility, so I want to save everyone pulled in because of me. Let's go sock Balor's face at least once if we can.
Boogeyman holds up his hatchet.
Arc: ...I know how it feels to be crushed and how it feels to be the cruel crusher. That's why I sort of understand why they did this...well, right now we're fighting. I'll talk more later after we save MC, because MC...MC gave me a choice.
Arc holds up their gun.
Cait Sith: ...I sort of get why I felt something familiar in MC. They're the might-have-been next king of giants of Tir na Nog. But that doesn't matter! Right now, they're my friend! I don't know how much help I can be, but I wanna help! And I also want to say something as another king to be! I still don't know how I feel about what Balor said about an Eternal King, but as king I don't want to run away!
Boogeyman holds Cait Sith up, who holds his conductor baton up to everyone's weapons. Everyone is resolved.

Itzamna: It's time to save the princess. How are you all feeling, physically?
Cait Sith: Great, thanks to you! I can go right now!
Arc: Same here. Do we have an idea where the King of Giant's castle is?
Boogeyman nods.
Boogeyman: He's probably in the castle in the only detached area of the scary fairy tale realm. If Balor wants to be with MC forever, that's the most appropriate place for that. The biggest problem would be how far away it is from here...
The fairy paths are unusable, probably because Balor destroyed them.
Itzamna: Then I'll handle that. Nothing is impossible for the Kingmaker Mage.
Itzamna starts drawing something with his staff.
Cait Sith: Wow! Boogeyman, Balor and I come from a world where magic exists, but you seem more like a wizard than anyone...
Itzamna: Hahaha, flattery will get you nowhere. And now it's time to go before anyone changes their mind!

Elsewhere
MC: (wakes up) ...where am I?
MC wakes up chained to a throne.
Balor: You finally woke up grandbaby. You got guts making a king wait.
MC: Where am I and how's everyone else? / Grandpa take these off / Why didn't you just give me a wake-up kiss?
(B) Balor: Gahaha, you've gotten good at getting your grandpa to do things for you. Maybe a naughty kid likes you needs a little punishing?
(C) Balor: Great idea! We were just thinking about doing that. That's the going price for waking up Sleeping Beauties these days!

Balor: Calm down, we're in Never Never Land, land of eternity. Time means nothing here, and I promised I'd explain.
Balor picks MC up, throne and all, then puts them onto his lap still throne and all. And then he starts delicately patting them.
Balor: I've been waiting forever for this time I could just love you without sorrow.
MC: Whatever, explain already / (cuddle into Balor's hands) / (fuss)
(A) Balor: Damn you're impatient. You could've let me enjoy this a bit more.
(B) Balor: HNNNGH! Somebody get a camera and take a picture of this!
Some giants run in, take the picture, then run off.
(C) Balor: Heheh, don't be like that. Am I not laying it on thick enough?

After Balor has had enough cuddling.
Balor: Rejoice! We have matching shackles! Give up and live in this garden world for eternity with your grandpappy.
MC: No
Balor: Hey did you hear about how I'm a tyrant? Ain't no one giving orders to ME. What's so different between here and Tokyo anyway? You're surrounded on three sides in an inescapable prison. I guess the only difference is that time doesn't flow here. That Hephaestus nerd might say it's because our brain processing is just sped up too fast, but whatever. We have forever, good enough! And I'm doing this for you, MC. This is an eternal kingdom for protecting you unlike all those other dipshits who want to toy with you!
MC: Lies! / Don't you mean you're doing this for you? / YOU'RE the dipshit
(C) Balor: Ohh, you got a mouth on you! This is great!

Balor: Curse us, for that wound is a medal of honor for us. We will trample over everything. Is there any wrath or joy greater than this? ...grandson, our wish is to spend eternity with you here. Any food you desire, you may have. You may even invite your friends. I won't like it, but I can even allow you to see them whenever you want.
MC: I can't be here forever. Even if my body won't die, I'll tire out eventually.
Balor: Don't worry, I'll erase your memories when you get that far. A king like me can do anything in this world. Haha, I bet you're going to say that's nothing different from Tokyo. It may look that way, but it's worlds different. You can call this world a handheld electronic game, and people call a redo of that a reset, right? Something like that. I can do that, is the point.
MC: B-but... / There's no reset for this game / ...
(AB) Balor continues while MC has yet to shake their head.
Balor: If you don't like this game, I can always remake it.
(C) Balor: If you don't like this game, I can always remake it.

Balor: Have you ever thought about what it'd be like to have a whole different life? You wanna be the best wizard ever? A young noblewoman? If you wanna be a princess I'll be your butler. Or if you wanna go on adventures I'll go with you. I say the word, and this world will change to do it.
MC: ...
Balor: Like I said, we have all the time in the world. It doesn't bother me if you aren't agreeing at first. (continues cuddling again)
MC: Maybe... / I don't get it... / Stop getting distracted!
Silence passes for a sec.
Balor: There's a war outside. What's so different with this world?
MC: Well if that's true, then I guess living in peace here is...

MC starts thinking about various people they've met, basically the gang and the event cast. New meetings lead to unexpected bonds, and if MC stays then these meetings will never happen again...
MC: ...not happening, Balor / I'm leaving, Grandpa / Screw you, old man!
Balor: ...you're leaving me? You know it'd just hurt you?
A world that doesn't change is a world that has met its end. The world where time does not flow Uchronia has no future.
MC: I don't want to hurt myself, but I am still going back. Now bitch, get out of the way!
Balor: ...geheh, HAHAHA! Fine! If you are choosing to war with us forever, then we shall gladly fight against you!
MC: Balor what is your DEAL?
Balor goes silent, and suddenly a giant dragon Itzamna made breaks in through the window carrying the rest of the party!

Arc: ...sorry to make you wait, we had giants to step over. How's the story coming along, MC?
Itzamna: Balor, it seems our concerns we get in old age are unneeded.
Cait Sith: MC, we came to save you! Did Balor go crazy on you or anything!?
Boogeyman: Balor! Time for you to pay for trampling on my world!
Balor: Oh look, it's the people who don't care about their lives even after I spared them!
Itzamna: Oh you think you've won already? This world's future hasn't been decided yet.
Boogeyman: He's right. You are not invincible, Balor!
MC: You guys!
Arc: We promised, remember? I'd hate to leave things like that.
Cait Sith: Yeah! Wait right there, we'll come get you!
Balor actually seems amused at having the other four surround him.
Balor: HA! You all really are naive! It's true I was wary of MC's sword and Itzamna's goddamn grandpa power, which is why I had cats steal the sword and tried to imprison the old lizard in the lake. It doesn't matter to me that they didn't really work.
Balor's expression grows cold. Pressure intensifies, causing Arc and Cait Sith's breaths to catch. Smoke rises from Balor's left eye.
Balor: Behold our power!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Melodic Meteorite Christmas Episode 5 (Abridged)

Several days later, the party has been staying at the Countermeasures HQ. The battle group has called over new heroes, shared intel, and spar. The R&D groups are doing last minute adjustments to the Pseudo Parallel Cannon.
Hisaki: Hotfix incoming! Sis, check the startup later!
Crowne: Yep! Let's see...no problems! Good work people! We can go to bed tonight until showtime tomorrow!
Others cheer as Crowne starts heading for her room.
Hisaki: Dang it's down to the wire! Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, huh. That was pretty fast. Doesn't feel real to me.
Crowne: Yeah, but Megas won't be waiting for us so we can't let our guards down.

Mokdai and MC walk in from further inside.
Mokdai: Hi guys! How are...actually are you guys okay?
Crowne: Yep, we just finished with things. I just got to take this all out to the site and put it together, and then I can take a break. Aren't you in the production group? Kinda weird for you to be here, so what's up?
Mokdai: Borealis and I finished the prep for the concert tomorrow, so I came over for a bit, but... (looks over at the mountain of cannon parts behind Crowne) Borealis says he wants the cannon to look like a Christmas tree...
Crowne: what
Hisaki: B-but this is a cannon it's not really meant for that
MC: Yeah he's serious, Crowne / We need it for the concert Hisaki / Borealis said so...

Mokdai: I told Borealis how Christmas is a big event here on Earth...
Flashback
Borealis: You said Christmas is a day you spend with friends and family, yes?
Mokdai: Yes, it was originally a festival for a saint, but here in Japan it's especially held to spend time with those you care about. I've always loved this event since it feels like everyone can be happy on this day! It sounds like the perfect time to have a concert since it'd interest tons of people!
Borealis: ...Christmas is good civilization. I've researched other planets, but none of them have a warm event like this. Since it has a lot of attention drawn to it, let's make Christmas the theme for the concert. We'll have to change a part of it, and since you're a part of this you'll need to think about the battle scene production.
Mokdai: O-okay, I'll try!
Borealis: Oh, and make the cannon look like a Christmas tree.
Mokdai: what
Borealis: An inelegant weapon will bore the audience, same as the stage decorations. Add more Christmas lights to the stage so people will enjoy things. The concert is for my audience! I will check on things later, so get ready for the polished production. Now get to it, we have little time.
Mokdai: O-okay!
Present
Mokdai: ...so I think decorating the exterior should be enough. I'll make sure it won't interfere with the functionality, so you think it'll work?
Crowne: Oh okay, no objections. I'm looking forward to seeing how much you'll pretty this up.

Borealis's concert has been announced everywhere in the country. Megas has also become a topic and even nearby planets know about its approach. Then on Christmas Eve, heroes who will be defending battle lines near the concert area have gathered nearby.
Crowne: Huh, so that's the cannon. You really did decorate it like it's Christmas.
Hisaki: And it's not blocking the VP loading and firing functions. Good job, Mokdai!
Mokdai: Thanks! It was really hard getting that giant ribbon ready.
Crowne: Yeaaah, kind of a but much for a concert that's only for one night.
Hisaki: But if you put it that way, so's the cannon. We need to do the last minute checks and prep it for its max charge shots.
Crowne: Oh right. Okay, we're going backstage to get it ready. Mokdai, MC, get us all the Views once the show starts!
MC: Right! We rehearsed a lot for this.

Crowne and Hisaki go.
Mokdai: The stage decor seems fine. Now we just have to do it...I'm getting nervous!
Narihito: Hi Mokdai, there you are! A ton of stuff got delivered and they asked me to bring it here.
Mokdai: Thanks Narihito. That must be the super heat resistant robes the government sent us.
Narihito: Oh okay. We should open it up and distribute them quick.
A sudden wind blows in, and the party turns to see a large spaceship come in.
Mokdai: Looks like Borealis is here. I thought so before, but wow his ship is big...
Narihito: Yeah, private ships aren't that big! I think it's as big as mobile public facility ships? We only saw the entrance, but I bet there's streaming halls inside.

Borealis walks out to general surprise.
Borealis: ...hmm. Not bad. The lights and cannon look brilliant.
Mokdai: Thank you! I asked for the stage to be made of resistant materials that could survive through the battle. And just as we planned earlier, once the broadcast starts we'll be supporting this area.
Narihito: If any Micros fall near the stage, you'll be directing us while we get rid of them and stop them from disrupting the concert. That's where these robes come in.
Borealis looks at the robes. They definitely look like they were produced with defense and functionality as the main priority.
Borealis: What? You plan on fighting in the concert dressed in THAT?
Narihito: B-but the Micros will be falling around here after hitting atmospheric entry speeds. We need the robes even with our hero suit protection!
Borealis: Rejected. Those robes do not have the visual design needed to please viewers. Is there no fashion designer here? Can't you get these robes remade with a Christmas design?
Mokdai: Now??? But...

MC: How about we ask Sui? / We have to call Maculata!
Narihito: W-well they are designers, but can they get through all of these robes now...? Then again I can't think of any other ideas at this point...
Mokdai: Sorry, I didn't think about the design of the fire resistance robes.
Narihito: It's not your fault! We all did what we could! And I don't think Borealis is saying that to pull our legs. If we have the perfect production along with Borealis's directions, we'll have a soul shaking performance. Getting all the details sorted out is how we get all the Views we can. There's not much time, but let's try calling them!
Borealis quietly closes his eyes while Mokdai looks inspired.
Mokdai: You're right! If the outfits are eye-catching we might get even more attention. Getting Views is my job today, so I can't get down. We should call now!
MC: Let's split up the work. I'll call now! Mokdai, you carry the things! 

Borealis opens his eyes upon confirming that Mokdai and MC are working on things. He looks at Mokdai's back.
Borealis: ...we have only a few hours left. I'll do some last minute checks on my instruments and drones. Inform me as soon as possible if problems arise since they may affect the concert. Also, MC? I want to leave the operation and my transformation to you this time. Can I count on you?
MC: Wait, me? / Well okay... / Of course!
Borealis: Normally I would ask a collaborator, but right now since I must cooperate with others it may be wiser to streamline the operation to one person. Also, I'd like to try fighting while experience your sound. ...Narihito, where do I reach the backstage from here?
Narihito: Oh! I'll show you the way! I'll help with anything you ask me to! I'll even carry your things!
Borealis: W-what? I don't need an assistant...but do as you please, as long as you don't get in my way. Mokdai, get those robes sorted out.
Mokdai: O-okay! I'll bring them to the designers myself!
Borealis nods to Mokdai, puts in his earplugs, then heads to the stage.
Narihito: Yay I can have a personal interview with Borealis backsta--I mean I can personally help him myself! Then I'll go to the streaming site!
And so everyone splits off to do their thing.

Title card: Many Happy Returns

Mokdai and MC bring the robes to Sui and Maculata. On their way back to the concert site, other heroes start going to their assigned places. Once they get back to the concert area...
Mokdai: ... (sigh)
MC: Mokdai?
Mokdai: ...oh, MC. Something up?
MC: Oh, not really... / You seem down
---
(A) Mokdai: O-oh, sorry. Were you worried about me?
(B) Mokdai: N-no I'm not! I'm just nervous about today!
---
Mokdai: Hey can we talk a bit? Things are gonna start soon. (scoots over on his seat in the stands to make room)
Mokdai: ...when I look at the sky it doesn't really hit me that meteors and Monsters will be falling soon. Aren't you nervous, MC?
MC: Not really / Totally nervous right now
(A) Mokdai: ...oh, I wish I were like that. I'm super nervous now, and now I feel kinda lame as a senpai.
(B) Mokdai: ...yeah, same. I feel lame as a senpai now...

Mokdai stares at the sky with a weak smile.
Mokdai: I've been thinking about things...like how to get people to pay attention, or how to make a beautiful video. I've never been on a stage this big before. It's a battle and a concert, on Christmas to boot... It's a new challenge for me to try putting so many things together, and once I start fighting I won't be able to handle any video details in real time, so I have to get as ready as I can in what little time's left. But... (sigh)
Mokdai: I keep worrying that I might mess something up or miss something. Can I really pull things off if I'm feeling so uncertain...? And here I thought I'd gotten more confident since becoming a hero. Sui and Maculata are working hard on a rush job while Crowne and Hisaki were building things on no sleep. Huckle's been training hard, and I'm sure Akashi and Ryekie did all they could to help people. And now I'm worrying that I'll waste everyone's efforts after we got this far. (puts hands on chest)
MC: You were worried about that? You could've talked to me about it.
Mokdai: Hehe...I didn't want to worry you. I was really happy when Borealis put me in charge of the battle production. It felt like he approved of my work, and I never even did anything like this before. And of course I'd want the leads to look even better here. I never thought about how messing that up could mean the end of the city.
MC: Yeah, you really can't mess up here...but you always do such good work. I know you've worked hard!

Mokdai: ...thanks MC. But I think I need to think about this. Feels like I've gone back to being a total newbie.
Mokdai seems to ooze impatience and anxiety.
MC: Huh. Were you different back then?
Mokdai: ...I wasn't a hero then, so I thought supporting Huckle and Ryekie was my job. I may have studied up on video editing and production, but before I took the job I was just some other civilian who liked watching streams. Thinking back, maybe that was why I was able to cheer heroes on without feeling responsible. Like if I failed, the heroes would still help me. ...maybe somewhere in my mind I thought I wasn't part of the battle.
Mokdai stares into the distance, and MC thinks carefully on their word choice.
MC: You may have been like that in the past, but has your thinking changed since?

Mokdai: Hmm...it's hard, but now I can think I can protect everyone as a hero. There's lots of times I've thought I had to do something, thanks to all the battles I've been in with you...but deep down, I don't think I've changed much for better or worse. I've always wanted people to enjoy the videos I put up. If I were in the audience I'd want a video that'd blow my mind. Now the big show is about to happen and I'm losing heart again... (sigh)
Mokdai: ...even after all those battles I've fought, the hardest one is facing myself. There's times when all your weaknesses come bearing down on you, even though now's the one time I want to believe it'll be okay while I prepare as best I can.
MC: I think everyone feels a little afraid trying something new.
MC stands up and stretches. Mokdai looks over, and MC looks back.
MC: But you got past some hurdles back when you were new. Let's do our best together this time too.
Mokdai: ...MC
MC: ...maybe that sounds kind of uppity to say to a senpai?

Mokdai: ...nah, thanks MC...that's right. I've gotten past problems before, so I can't be losing heart now!
Mokdai also gets up and stretches, then takes in a deep breath.
Mokdai: Maybe things were just too convenient for me when I made someone happy while not being confident. Making everyone happy comes from a bunch of efforts coming together, which I'm confident about. Plus, this is a great chance! I can't be afraid of messing up the whole time! It's Christmas! I have to enjoy it with everything I have, and I'll make it so everyone can enjoy it!
MC: There's the Mokdai I know! Let's keep it up!
MC's phone gives off a faint light.
MC: Huh? Is this...!?

Later
Narihito: There you guys are! Sui and Maculata just sent the Christmas robes backstage! Since the livestream will start here, we should put them on first. Here you guys go.
Mokdai: Wow, thanks! They really pulled it off in that short amount of time!
Narihito: Borealis is done with his prep too. I think we're starting soon. I hear everyone else is already suiting up, so we should get transformed and stand by.
MC: Already!? / Okay, let's do it! / I'm transforming you two both at once!
MC transforms Narihito and Mokdai.
Mokdai: Okay, time to put the robe on...wow this design looks like Santa!
MC: You guys look great! Now to put mine on.
Mokdai: You look great in it! So warm!
Narihito: These have been made to match our races, so they fit perfectly! Time to get ready for showtime!

Flashback, at least ten years ago at the refugee camp at Fukuoka
Mokdai: (happily hums) Hey, think the soup is ready yet?
Kid A: But they said they were starting on it like five minutes ago!
Mokdai: Aww...smells good though! Hey, wanna sneak a taste?
Kid A: Yeah! But we're not sneaking a taste, we're checking if it's done yet!
Adult B: I can hear you guys! Settle down for Christmas already! If you don't be good Santa won't come! Ya hear, Mokdai?
Mokdai: Ow, my ear! Yah I hear, leggo!
Mokdai's first memories is of life at that camp. He doesn't remember his home planet, but it doesn't bother him much. Everyone at camp is like one big family. They may have been poor, but life was so busy.
Adult B: Mmm, soup's good. Mokdai, call everyone over!
Mokdai: Okay!
There wasn't that much, but the adults never forgot to celebrate Christmas. They adapted quickly to the Earth custom hoping the children would at least have one wonderful day out of the year.
Mokdai: Wow! C'mon let's all sit down and eat! ...ahh, it's great! I helped cut the veggies! Isn't that awesome!? Hehe, is Santa gonna come this year?
The place was dimmer than the city's bright lights, but even here people were excited and happy. Mokdai loved how everyone would smile on that day.

Present
Borealis: MC, transform me too. Can you help me?
MC: Okay! Execute!
MC transforms Borealis.
MC: It's just like back then! / You're so cool!
---
(B) Borealis gives a small smile before returning to his default expression and walks towards the stage.
---
Borealis: Mokdai, the preparations are ready. How's the broadcast? (pulls out his baton)
Mokdai: Ready. The audience waiting for things to start is alre--OH MY GOD LOOK AT THEM ALL!
Narihito: That's a ton! I know how they feel, looking forward to Borealis's concert!

Crowne calls.
Crowne: Mokdai, you read me? Megas is coming in as scheduled. Time to start battling! Megas will land in exactly ten minutes! Get that VP rolling in!
Mokdai: Got it! Guys, time to get started!
Narihito: Leave it to me! I'll give my all to defend Orient City!
MC: It's time... let's do our best, people!
Everyone nods.
Borealis: ...let us begin the directions. Mokdai, start the broadcast.
Mokdai: Starting broadcast in 3... 2... 1... action!
Mokdai checks the stage monitors, then signals to Borealis. Borealis bows to the camera, then begins the music. A flick of his fingers, and his drones start playing. The music starts quietly and softly, and cameras point at Borealis from various angles.
Narihito: Oh my god, a live performance by Borealis my mind is blown!
Mokdai: It's pulling me in...but we need to help support the show.
Narihito: Right. View count is going as predicted. Mokdai, keep checking the monitors! I'll go backstage and stand by on the other end! I'll come up on stage if any Micros come by!
Mokdai: Okay! MC, check the stream's view count!
MC: Okay!

The three nod to one another, and Narihito runs off. Mokdai talks to MC while checking the backstage monitors.
Mokdai: ...hey MC, I just remembered a Christmas time when I was little at the Fukuoka refugee camp. We didn't have much, but I loved spending Christmas with everyone together. The city was bright with lights, and we all had warm soup. I'll never let Monsters ruin all that.
Snow starts falling.
Mokdai: Today's Christmas Eve, so I'm sure there's tons of people looking forward to it. But people are stuck evacuating and suffering because of the Monsters, so I want to produce a video that will make them happy for today at least!
Mokdai looks over, smiling with determination.
Mokdai: Hero lives really do need to make people smile and give them courage! ...and I can't forget to have the courage to face myself. I want to be proud of myself, even when I was just a newbie who could only watch!
Beep beep
Phone: New Path detected. Target: Mokdai. Connectivity: Very High
MC: WHAT / Let's make that wish come true!
Mokdai: Yeah, I'll do everything I can! I'll make the best video as the best present, so I'll protect Christmas!
MC: Contacting new Path!
A different light than usual covers Mokdai, and when it goes away Mokdai is in an alternate hero suit.
Mokdai: WHAT hey wait is this a new hero suit!? Wow! Santa really came! Now it's my turn!
MC: It's a fluffy suit! / You look great in it Mokdai! / C-can you actually fight in that
(AB) Mokdai: Hehe, I have to be Santa this time and give people the present of happiness!
(C) Mokdai: I'll be okay! I feel like I can summon a sleigh!

The concert is starting to crescendo.
Mokdai: ...it's almost time for our part. I'll do my best with the new power you gave me, MC!
Mokdai flexes and smiles, and MC nods at this. Hisaki starts calling Mokdai in another conference call.
Hisaki: Mokdai, Narihito! The first wave of Micros is coming in a few minutes! The Views are coming in, so try to hang in there until it's firing time!
Micros start falling down the sky like shooting stars.
Narihito: Got it! Guys, I'm ready over here! The heroes at the other Micros fall sites are starting up their streams too.
Mokdai: Understood! Focus on defending the cannon! Borealis, can you hear us?
Borealis: ...yes. Time to begin our war ballad!
Borealis raises the tempo, adding string instruments to the bells. The performance changes to a new tune along Mokdai's setup. Stage lights shine like a parade, and even the Micros look like a part of the performance.
Mokdai: Perfect! Now Narihito, Borealis! Time to beat the Micros in tune with the music! MC, I'm going in too! Operate for us!
MC: Right!
Mokdai leaps into the fray!
Mokdai: It'll be okay! We'll have a great Christmas for sure!
BATTLE START