Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 8 (Abridged)

Title card: Connected Memories

There's tons of ambulances and police cars at the circus now! People are lined up for medical checks before going home. Also the media is here.
TV Reporter: Vulpecula suddenly showed up and committed an act of destruction! The heroes on the scene have banded together to fight him, but unfortunately the villain escaped. Vulpecula's subordinates have set off lots of smokescreens and escaped too. There are worries about people getting hurt between the ceiling damage and gas smoke, but luckily it was harmless smoke and only some people got hit by falling debris. And now the police are investigating for clues from Vulpecula's escape...
Inside the tent
Gammei: Thanks for working with us. We're going to stop here. (puts phone notes away)
Yasuhiko: Right...thanks...
Gammei: ...sucks what happened to you, and sorry we couldn't get here right away. We were wrong to think a social media rumor was nothing. How'd that dick find out about your family treasure?
MC: Thanks Gammei / It's not your fault... / The police weren't looking here

Gammei: The police really didn't pay any attention here... the thing is gone now, but it's true we didn't realize it because it was documented on record. Maybe we could have figured something out from the last owner's records getting cut off, but... on paper at least, the Yatomi Crystal went missing.
Melide: Right...the last owner was eaten by a Monster...
Gammei: Yeah... and with the crystal destroyed now... I guess no one cares anymore. We'll let you know if there's anything new with the investigation. Excuse me.
The police all leave. Yasuhiko and his troupe, Furlong, and everyone who came from Parallel Flight are the only ones left.
Everyone: ...
No one can say anything. A cold March breeze blows by.
Yasuhiko: ...this is all that's left.
Yasuhiko is holding the empty box the crystal was in. It was found fallen on stage by one of the police, who then gave it to Yasuhiko.

Mokdai: ...sorry. I fought Vulpecula once, but I wasn't any help this time...
Yasuhiko: No, it's not your fault. It's nobody's fault here. I was just wrong. I hated my father this whole time and thought I'd be fine if the crystal was gone. But once it was about to happen, it really started to hit me. Sounds crazy, doesn't it...?
MC: Yasuhiko...
Yasuhiko: You know how Furlong said my dad my have left me a message? I think it was in the crystal. I wanted to check for that at the very least. I say that, but I don't even know how to make the crystal play it.
Furlong: ...
Yasuhiko: Well, I'll treasure the box at least. I'm gonna put it back where it was. And sorry but...can you guys leave me alone for a bit? (walks off)

Akashi: I can't picture what it was, but it must have been important. And Vulpecula was after it so that tracks...
Sui: It's different for me, but I can sort of understand how Yasuhiko is feeling... if Mom left me a message, I'd want to see it no matter what.
Melide: A message from your family...hm...
Monomasa: Melide...
Exio: ...hmm...
Exio is the only one present thinking about something complete with hand on chin.
MC: Something up, Exio?

Exio: ...doesn't something seem off to you? Aside from heroes and Observers, nothing is supposed to resist the memory removal caused by Monster predation. And yet the Yatomi Crystal can?
MC: Right...
Exio: Ether Crystals are deeply connected to heroes and Observers. If Ether Crystals themselves can resist the memory removal, then maybe there are recording devices that can resist it too. But in that case, we should be able to sense Ether Crystals at that place Vulpecula broke the Yatomi Crystal.
Melide: ...now that you mention it, I don't sense any more ether there than there usually is in the atmosphere.
Exio: Right. Which means either the Yatomi Crystal is made of something completely unknown to us, or that wasn't the Yatomi Crystal Vulpecula broke.
MC: I see. So that was a fake...?

Akashi: W-wait, would he really make a show of destroying a fake? He came all the way here to destroy it, so that doesn't make any sense. It'd be totally pointless besides making his fans happy.
Mokdai: ...no, it's not like other possibilities are impossible, but...I don't think Vulpecula is that charitable...
MC: What?
Mokdai: Well...
Yasuhiko: OH MY GOD YOU GUYS (runs back out)
Purple: W-what, Bro?
Yasuhiko: Come look! The crystal!

Yasuhiko's hidden room
The Yatomi Crystal is sitting on top of a desk.
MC: What!?
Akashi: Huh!?
Sui: No way! Isn't that what Vulpecula destroyed!?
Mokdai: Oh my god, Exio was RIGHT!?
Monomasa: No, this one could be a fake. Not that I see why he'd do it besides some trolling.
Melide: Is there any way to check?
Yasuhiko: Uhh...I don't know how to make it replay anything.
Yasuhiko picks up the crystal. And then...

MC: OH MY GOD WHAT
Rainbow light show!
Yasuhiko: I-it's blinding me! But this really is the rainbow light! But I don't get it, it never did this before!
Sui: Wait I see some writing!
Sui points to 3/14 being projected on the ceiling.
Exio: Is that today's date? But what does it mean?
Furlong: Someone's appearing!
A projected person forms as the light dims down.
Yasuhiko: !? ...that's...Dad...!!

A fragmented slideshow starts up.
Janina: Darling, I've called my mother. Yasuhiko and I are going back next week.
Mr. Yatomi: Okay...sorry I'm so busy that I've left Yasuhiko to you.
Janina: It's okay. I know it's your dream to make the circus big. I'm sure Yasuhiko will understand one day. So...be proud and keep at it. I'll be cheering you on, even if I'm far away.
Mr. Yatomi: Thank you...I promise to call you two, no matter what. You two are my support, even if we're apart.
Click.
Mr. Yatomi: Hey you guys. How about orange flavored next time?
Purple: Oh is it time to send your wife and kid marshmallows again? Why is it always marshmallows anyway? Why not chocolate once in a while?
Mr. Yatomi: Because it's White Day...I want to thank them for being the reason I can keep going. It's important to send marshmallows.
Purple: Weeeird.

Click.
Mr. Yatomi: You guys, did you see Yasuhiko's first performance out there!? I knew he could do it!
Purple: Boss you've been saying that for the past half hour. You could tell him that too.
Mr. Yatomi: I-I can't! I'm his hardass dad!
Purple: I don't think you need to stick to playing it THAT hard...
Click.
Mr. Yatomi: Yasuhiko... if anything happens to me, I want you to inherit the circus. You've grown enough, and you've become considerate of your friends. I'm sure you can build the circus up in ways I couldn't think of. I wish I could see more of your shows, and I want to see what your particular shows are like from the audience seats. So... this feels weird... but it's really not like me to write anything while I'm still alive... I wouldn't know how--someday--happy to--on't know...I wis--have been nicer t--BZZT
The crystal stops shining.
Yasuhiko: Ah! No...Daddy...!

MC: He's gone...
Purple: I was there... that really was the old boss... I remember that conversation now...
Furlong: He was harsh... but he really did think the world of you, Yasuhiko. Even if he was terrible at expressing it...
Yasuhiko: Daddy... (hugs the crystal)
Akashi: ...let's give him some space. (puts a hand on MC's back)
MC: ...right.
Everyone leaves the room one after the other. Partway through walking down the hallway, a quiet sobbing could be heard coming from behind.

Mokdai: You know...I think I know why Vulpecula didn't destroy the crystal.
Sui: Huh? Why?
Mokdai: It's true the Yatomi Crystal records the past, and everything Vulpecula destroyed were all things like historical ruins.
Akashi: But...the records in it were changed to be a connection between Yasuhiko and his dad. It was a letter now...
Mokdai: Right. It has no historical value, so it didn't fit the standards he chose for destruction. So he just pretended to destroy something like his calling card video said and returned the crystal to the place only Yasuhiko would know about... this is all just a guess though...
Exio: ...right. We don't understand why Vulpecula keeps destroying things of historical value, so we'd have to ask him about it directly. But... if he has those sorts of feelings, then maybe Mokdai is right. A letter left by someone eaten by Monsters would be...like a miracle object.

Furlong: I'm...getting the urge to see my family after a long time now. My brother closed himself off, but...I'm going to try talking to him again.
Akashi: ...maybe I should see my folks once in a while.
Melide: ...Yasuhiko's family really loved him. I'm...a little jealous of that...
Monomasa: Melide...
Sui: ...I don't know how to say this, but losing the people you care about is always sudden. It's probably how it was for Yasuhiko...and that's how it was for me... so I think it's best to always let them know how you feel so there won't be any regrets. And I don't mean just your family. You should tell it to everyone you're connected to.
MC: Yeah...hmm...

Several days later
MC is walking through that dark park on the way home from work, holding a present they bought for someone they cared about.
MC: When do I give it? Will I see them tomorrow? I should call later.
???: Hi, what a coincidence to see you here.
Vulpecula appears from behind!
Vulpecula: I haven't seen you since that night.
MC: W-who are you? I think I might have seen you before?
Vulpecula: Heh. It's me, MC.
Anime clothes changing trick! Vulpecula even takes his mask off for a second and...
Vulpecula: ...well I need to do this much if I'm to escape the police's attention.
MC: Vulpecula!

Vulpecula: Oh, calling the police now won't help anything. My ride will be here in a few minutes to take me off planet. I'll be gone by the time the police could get here. And besides that, you know you don't have the ability to detain me, right?
MC: So why are you here...?
Vulpecula: ...I came to say goodbye. I've seen your capabilities at the circus, and your unique powers have honestly fascinated me. Long story short...I'm interested in you.
MC: Really!? / Thanks...
(A) Vulpecula: Heh, how kind of you to be so delighted by that.
(B) Vulpecula: Heh. Your face is indescribable. Just what I wanted to see.

Vulpecula: That's all I came to say. Bye.
MC: W-wait!
Vulpecula: Hmm? Did you need something?
MC: Why didn't you destroy the Yatomi Crystal? Why the roundabout way of giving it back?
Vulpecula: ...oh, is that what you were interested in?
Vulpecula thinks for a moment before shrugging.
Vulpecula: It is a mystery! I just lost interested it all of a sudden. Maybe it was a trick of the mind.
MC: What?
Quick flashback!
???: I'm cheering for you. Show me more tricks next time!
Mr. Yatomi: I want to see what your particular shows are like from the audience seats.
Present
Vulpecula: ...
MC: What?
Vulpecula: Whoops! Time to go. I'll come see you again. Bye.
Vulpecula transforms and pulls out his watch Parallel Weapon.
MC: No, wait!
Vulpecula disappears.
MC: What did he mean by that...?
And so MC thinks on what Vulpecula said some more as they walk home.
The End

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 7 (Abridged)

Show time day!
There's a crowd of people in front of the big top, with stalls selling circus stuff and Burn Striker merchandise. Seats inside are filling up, and a sign saying same day seat tickets are sold out now.
Akashi: Damn, were circuses always this popular?
Mokdai: Everyone's come for the special hero show they're doing today! I came early because I wanted to buy the limited edition Burn Striker stuff! Hehe, I'm gonna put them on display when I get home.
Akashi: Is that why you were the only one to not meet us at the office? Nerd. Is buying the collection that awesome?
Mokdai: Yep! What kind of fan would I be if I didn't come because I was too busy? Look at this clown costume figure that UEHA would never officially put out!
Akashi: OKAY OKAY, GOD. Man you sure are happy for a work function.
Sui: But this isn't mandatory participation. You could have stayed home just fine.
Akashi: Hey, I'm a part of this agency too! It's not like I had any reason to not go!
Mokdai: ...Akashi, MC is going to be in the back and won't come on stage FYI.
Akashi: W-why would you bring that up!?

Exio: ...how very tongue tied of you.
Mokdai: He's just like that, please understand.
Akashi: HEY
Exio: Well we aren't here entirely for fun and games. We're here to help in case that one rumor on social media is true.
Mokdai: The one that said UEHA asked them to stay on guard through a top secret request? But why a circus? The director said there's someone suspicious here, but why hide in a circus? What would they have that Vulpecula would want?
Monomasa: ...the Yatomi Crystal, an old recording device that shines like the rainbow.
Mokdai: ...what's that? And how do you know about it??
Monomasa: ...you hear about a lot of things among villains. This one's an old rumor. No one knows who the current owner is, but there is this circus that shares a name. UEHA hasn't said anything, but maybe Vulpecula is here for that. It'd fit with all the pieces.
Mokdai: I...guess? But--
Honk honk, show time is starting.
Monomasa: ...they're starting. We'll know if we're right sooner or later, so stay on guard.
Mokdai: O-okay...also you really like that marshmallow bag they gave us up front.
Monomasa: ...it's good.
The smell of marshmallows is everywhere. The lights dim, and now it's show time!

 Title card: Showtime

Yasuhiko: Come, Bogdan!
Yasuhiko summons a translucent tiger with his whip. A circus member rides the tiger, which then starts jumping through fire rings.
Yasuhiko: Good job, Bogdan! Now for the next part!
Bogdan disappears into crystal fragments midair, leaving the performer flipping through the air. Bogdan then reforms on the ground to catch him.
Yasuhiko: Big round of applause, everybody!
Lots of loud cheering! The tiger starts cuddling with Yasuhiko, and Yasuhiko pets the tiger.
Backstage
MC: Things are going great!
Green: Yeah!
Yellow: It's been so long since it's been like this, I'm tearing up...
Melide: Whew...we managed to pull it off. I told him that was pushing it... MC, it's your turn. Furlong, you're up next. Are you ready?
Furlong (in the corner talking to himself): I can do this... I can do this...
MC: He's all nerves... / Furlong, time to go! Focus
---
(A) Melide: Sheesh. Furlong, get your head in the game and get out there!
---
Furlong: !? Oh, right! I practiced for this day! I can handle the trampoline! I can't back down now!
Furlong: Okay MC, please transform me!
MC: Let's go!

Front Stage
Yasuhiko I guess: Okay, time for the special guest you've all been waiting for! Burn Striker!
Furlong: BAM!
Furlong does like 7-8 flips onto the stage to make his entrance though some smoke. Once he hits center stage, he jumps high over to the trampoline and poses there.
Furlong: Burning fire is in my eyes! Burn Striker is on the scene! See my smoldering charms!
The crowd roars with applause!
Akashi: Hey wait a minute, Furlong's got a different costume than usual!
Sui: W-whoa...it's really sexy...
Mokdai: Did MC do this!?
Exio: Interesting...
Furlong: Wow...!
Furlong smiles for a moment out of relief, then focuses again to crouch down so the trampoline can bounce him even higher.
Yasuhiko: Okay let's go. Knock 'em dead, Furlong!
Furlong (speaking into a radio piece): Here I go, MC!
MC: Okay, good luck!
Furlong: Right! ...!?
But then Furlong looks down.

Furlong: Oh no!
Furlong passes the point where he's supposed to start flipping.
Yasuhiko: Oh no, he missed the timing!
MC: Furlong, it's okay! Everyone's watching!
Furlong: (Oh right I'm being watched! They all believe in me, so...!)
Furlong; MC! My super move!
MC: O-okay! / Now!?
---
(B) Furlong: Yes it has to be now! Please!
---
MC approves using the super move through the phone.
Furlong: Special Move "Acróbata de Acuario"!
Shining crystal wings flap as Furlong spins 2-3 times and twists some more.
Melide: D-did he practice that?
Purple: ...oh! Good thinking, he's correcting his posture!
Furlong: MC, switch forms!
MC: Okay, your normal form!

MC slide transforms Furlong to his default outfit before he lands. Light and crystals cover him, and when he hits the ground he kicks off and...
Furlong: Burn Striker is here again!
Silence...and then thunderous applause! Wild cheers!
Furlong: Y-yay! I did it!
Furlong is audibly tearing up.
MC: Don't cry in front of the audience, smile!
Furlong: O-oh! Right! Thank you everybody! Keep supporting us! (wipes eyes and waves to crowd)
Yasuhiko: ...you did great, Furlong.

Meanwhile, in the sky outside
Mercenary: Sir, Burn Striker's act has finished. The finale will be starting soon.
Vulpecula: ...very well. Begin the operation.
Mercenary: Yes Sir. Team A, move out!
Back inside
Yasuhiko is standing under the spotlight.
Yasuhiko: Hello, finale time everybody! The Yatomi Circus has been going on for 314 years, and now we will show you the true heights of our hopes, dreams, and love to--
BOOM
Yasuhiko: WAIT WHAT
An emergency alarm is ringing!
Purple: What the hell is happening man!?
Furlong: I-is it a fire!? Where'd it come from!?
Melide: No wait! Look above the stage!
MC: There's a hole in the ceiling!
Vulpecula walks into view.
MC: Vulpecula!

Yasuhiko: W-what!?
Vulpecula: Good evening, pastbound Earthlings! It's time for my big entrance! Now we're going to have a special act by me!
Vulpecula's fans start cheering.
Akashi: He really showed up!?
Exio: Wow that net rumor was right.
Mokdai: Stop being impressed by the villain!
Monomasa: ...hey, he's holding something.
Sui: ...you're right. What is that?
Vulpecula: Look! It's the Yatomi Crystal, the secret treasure of the Yatomi Circus leaders!

Green: We had something like that!?
Yellow: I never heard of anything like that!
Furlong: When did he do this...!?
MC: Oh no it was hidden! Did he find it!?
Vulpecula: This is no mere rock. It is a memory storage device that has recorded Earth's history for ages. It is a symbol of the past and a sad forget-me-not filled with the poison of the past. It shines like a rainbow when replaying memories, and now I'm going to make it rain rainbow shards!
Yasuhiko: !! NO WAIT!
Yasuhiko is yelling into a mic.
Yasuhiko: The crystal is...!
Vulpecula: Oh, what's wrong ringmaster? You actually care about this thing?
Translation: [You breaking our deal?]

Yasuhiko: ...I mean...please stop! That's mine! Stop, or else...!
Yasuhiko strikes the ground with his whip, summoning four animals with them: a lion, a tiger, an elephant, and a giraffe. The animals stare down Vulpecula.
Vulpecula: Hmm. I see... (signals to somewhere)
Mercenaries rush onto the stage!
Yasuhiko: ...! Vulpecula!
Vulpecula: Break through my subordinates and pull it out of my hands if you want it so much.
Green: Boss, we are here to help!
Yellow: We won't let you get away with this, villain!
Furlong: I'm fighting too! I can't let his connection to his family be destroyed!

The agency comes in to help too!
Akashi: Parallel Flight is here! We'll stop you, Vulpecula!
Mokdai: I don't know what's going on but we can't let the circus people lose!
Sui: You're a horrible person for destroying memories!
Monomasa: I will destroy anyone who revels in the misery of others.
MC: You guys came!
Exio: Hello Melide, MC. Can you hear me on the phone? I'm in the audience seats and we're going to back you up. With all these heroes between us, let's split the operations between us.
Melide: Yes Exio! Let's go, MC!
MC: Right!
Vulpecula: Come at me!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Mokdai: Mokdai Punch!
Yasuhiko: Bogdan, Lennart! Go!
Mercenaries: UGH!
Vulpecula: I'm impressed you pushed us this far.
Akashi: Are you really just going to stand there and watch!? Got you!
Mokdai: No Akashi! Vulpecula has...!
Vulpecula: (warps) Whoopsie.
Akashi: What!? Where'd he go!?
Sui: Ack! Akashi, you almost hit me!
Akashi: S-sorry! But I thought I...!
Vulpecula: Hi, I'm over here.
Vulpecula is standing on a beam up on the upper side of the big top.

Akashi: What!? When did he...!?
Mokdai: That's his power!
Vulpecula: Oh, you seem to know what I can do.
Mokdai: I know all about it!
Monomasa: ...the power to bend time? How fearsome.
Vulpecula: Well that was fun, but time's up. I can't stay any longer, and the audience is getting bored.
Vulpecula pulls out the Yatomi Crystal again.
Yasuhiko: No!
Vulpecula: Bye Yasuhiko. Time to end this show and my charade from the past few days. (tosses the crystal up and readies his weapon)
MC: !!
Yasuhiko: NOOO!!!
The crystal shatters into shards of rainbows.
End of Episode

Summer Pool Twilight Episode 1 Part 2 (Abridged)

Oz (narrating): It was one summer day...
Flashback!
Oz: You...want me to go in your place?
Oz (narrating): This is my student council president. She got an invitation to a resort's reception party from some celebrity.
What Kind of Silly Ass Title Is Lighting Girl: It's a night pool party, which means there's going to be lots of people and noise. I can't do it because I want to hide in my room am busy with other plans, so you go socialize for me at this par-tay thing. What is English this is the first time I've indicated having problems with loanwords.
Oz: But...
Amaterasu: Please Oz, I can't ask anyone else
Oz: President I really think you should ask someone el--
MEGA GODDESS FLASH!
Amaterasu: ...please Oz?
Oz: ...okay.

Oz: Aww man, I couldn't say no. Crowds scare me, and now I have to talk to people from other schools?
Oz: Oh no I'm freaking myself out! ...what are pools like anyway? Yurakucho Theatorium? Huh.
Oz: Wait they have an indoor pool that lets you enjoy the seasonal starry sky!? Wowzers they replicated Tokyo's starscape! I wanna go. I wonder how pretty it is? And maybe I'll make friends with someone who likes stars too...
Oz: ...nah, I'm not brave enough to talk to anyone... please help me, my other self! Dangerous Game!
Oz (narrating): If I drink what's in this emerald bottle, I switch places with my other self. He's so cool and brave, he leads me by the hand and doesn't afraid of anything! I just stay quiet and look down, and if I leave things to him then...

Present
Oz: ...h-huh? Where am I...?
Gorozaemon: Ooh, you woke up? How are you feeling?
Heracles: Oh, it's great you woke up! Tell me if you aren't feeling well and I'll take you to the nurse's office.
Oz: Umm, I'm okay...
Heracles: ...
Oz: I-is something wrong?
Heracles: It's like you're a different person. Or lion. For a second I thought you were this one lion I met before... I don't understand what's going on, but sorry for surprising you. Maybe a direct sense of threat was projected?
Oz: N-no, it's fine! It's probably my fault...umm... Huh...he's not answering. This never happened before.

MC: You okay? Also you seem way different from earlier.
Oz: UHHHH, that's not true! ...bro! C-c'mon! L-let's go... have some fun...bro...
MC: What? Did you hit your head? You're somebody else, aren't you?
Gorozaemon: Haha! He's totally someone different! Interesting.
MC: Yeah / Stop enjoying this! / Eeeevil!
(A) Gorozaemon: Right!? But I mean it in a different way.
(C) Gorozaemon: Hey, I'm not some villain or anything. I just like things that seem unbelievable!

Gorozaemon: So like this is just a chance meeting, but I can't just pass this all up! So, wanna talk about it?
Oz: ...thanks. But I can't go around causing trouble for everyone...
MC: It's cool / I can't leave you by yourself / We're the hit-on buddies!
---
(C) Oz: Uhh...! That kind of was me but not me and...!
---
Oz: ...t-thank you. And sorry.
Gorozaemon: No worries! I'm having fun.
Heracles: ...I have other work to attend to, and I might cause further upset by being here. I'll tell the nurse's office it wasn't serious. RCC is important, they tell me! Bye!

Later
Gorozaemon: Oh, so your boss told you to come here to the party, and you used your artifact to become someone else because you were scared. And then at some point it stopped working and you can't change to your braver persona.
Oz: Yes...I tried calling him several times.
MC: Any idea why?
Oz: I think there was something between him and Heracles. He won't answer, and right now I can't use my artifact... how am I supposed to do all this by myself!?
Gorozaemon: Hmmmm...interesting power where you really do become someone else. Also, you sure it's okay to tell us how your artifact works?
Oz: Huh? Aren't you part of the Entertainers? (checks Gorozaemon's guild tag on the app)
Gorozaemon: ...? Oh, yeah.
Oz: Then the guildmaster should have told you about This Artifact, so it shouldn't be a problem...
Gorozaemon: But I still haven't met the Entertainers guildmaster yet.
Oz: What?
Gorozaemon: And you aren't one of the Entertainers, so why bring the guildmaster up?
Oz: Uhhh
MC: And I'm part of the Summoners. Was I not supposed to know?

Oz:
Oz: OH NO
Gorozaemon: HAHAHA! Wow, you've got guts!
Oz: I-I wasn't being brave at all! I just wasn't aware you didn't know!
Gorozaemon: Heh. So what now Ozzy?
Oz: ...
Gorozaemon: Gonna silence some witnesses? Gonna use your big teeth and your big strong claws and your muscles on poor little us???
Oz: N-no! It's too late for that. I'm a coward, so all I can do is hope you won't tell anyone else.
Gorozaemon: ...
MC: Aww. It's okay I won't tell. I don't get it anyway.
Gorozaemon: Haha, same! You sure are bold!
Oz: N-not really, I just don't trust myself...
Gorozaemon: You keep saying you don't believe, but there's a difference in not believing and in believing in nothing.
Oz: ?
Gorozaemon: You say you don't think you have courage. That means you believe in something else to compensate.
MC: What? / Simple / Oh, I see
(C) Gorozaemon: Oh you figured it out? You're sharp.

Oz: Umm, are you saying there's something I believe in? I don't even have the courage to go make a speech in public without my other self and...
Gorozaemon: That's it, that right there! It'd be bad if you don't do it, right?
MC: What's your plan?
Gorozaemon: Listen up, because I've got a real good plan!
Oz: Ohh! What should I do?
Gorozaemon: FIGHT
Oz: NO I CAN'T
MC: Hold up
Gorozaemon: HAHA! Hey, don't be like that. So Oz, you can't talk to people on your own and your only reliable artifact won't work. That means your choices lie outside those things, and you should fight to figure out what those are. Look! They've got a special battle stage!
MC: So gut up then? I think I get it. / I'll go with you, Oz.
(AB) Oz: No wait, I already have problems standing in front of people, so I can't just go into a battle...
Gorozaemon: Haha! Right!? So go with someone else.

Oz: Huh? MC? ...well if I'm not alone, then...
Gorozaemon: I'm not gonna push you into it, but give it some thought. Okay, time to get drinks! (walks off)
Oz: ...what do I do?
MC: What do you want to do?
Oz: ...well, I don't think it'll work. I've always been like this. I'm a coward, so I resort to this flask because my other self is brave... even if things are scary, he'll help me. I always thought that would be how it'd be. I can't imagine there's something inside me who believes in myself. Aren't you scared MC? Then again you seem used to battling...
MC: Yes but/No but
MC: I have friends to rely on / Friends have covered for me before

Oz: ...wow, you're just like me.
Oz happens to look up into the sky.
Oz: Oh, I forgot this indoor pool would be that one I read about! Look, MC! It's a recreation of Tokyo's night sky! There's the three stars that make up the Summer Triangle, Aquila's heart, Cygnus's tail feathers, and Lyra's tip! And between Lyra and Aquila is the Milky Way. Amazing...
MC: You sure like stars. How cute.
Oz: Y-yes. I've always liked stargazing and the stars that light my way... One day, I'd like to go beyond them. I want to go to the planet where the one who guided me exists and see them. And I want to tell him "please be my friend" instead of "be another me"... ahaha, it must be weird being told all of that all of a sudden. I don't have the courage for that as I am...
MC: Nice, I wanna go too / I don't get it, but I see you have a goal

Oz: ...but, if I stay disconnected from my other self like this...
Oz looks down in the water, then sees himself and the reflected starscape.
Oz: Oh wow the pool is reflecting the stars too!
Oz: ...
Oz: ...hey, MC? I can't act brave like my other self. Just thinking about fighting scares me so much I can't move my legs... but, I still want to look for him. So please...will you help me!?
MC: Sure! For however long I can do it, I guess! / Alright, fine
Oz: Yay, thank you MC--OH NO I TEMPORARILY BLINDED MYSELF OUT OF SHEER NERVES! AAAHHH! (falls over)
Oz: O-oh, I'm sorry MC! I wasn't trying to eat you!
Oz is perched above MC.
Oz: ...wow, your eyes shine like emeralds.
Oz: ...
Oz: W-when this is over, w-will you be my fr--
Gorozaemon: (poit) HI GUYS READY TO GO?
Oz: AAAAAHHH
MC: Y-you okay? / Let's do it! / (Goddammit Gorozaemon!)

Battle Stage
Pollux and Kengo are fighting. Fight fight fight!
Pollux: Not bad, you got better since that time you came to Ikebukuro!
Kengo: Totally! I've been fighting every day!
Pollux: Nice! No need to hold back then!
Kengo: I'll kick your ass!
Both: AAAAAHHHH
MC: Okay wow. You okay Oz?
Oz: Uhh...
Gorozaemon: No backing out at this point! Hey look an open space. Let's go there.
Oz: ...o-okay, let's go MC! ...actually could you lead me by the hand...!?
Gorozaemon: It's the dreaming lion's big debut! Come on out! (summons onis)
Onis: RAAAH
BATTLE START (more happens later)

MC: Time to finish this! Oz!
Oz: I can do this! Look at my fragment of courage, my other self!
The oni go down. The crowd cheers!
Gorozaemon: Mwehe, that was fun! This is just how it's gotta be for a trial of courage! Well done you guys!
Oz: ...i-is it over?
MC: Good job! / Well damn, man! / (hug Oz)
(AB) Oz: Ahaha, I'm still shaking... but, that was really fun! It's like a wizard cast a spell on me... thank you, friend.
(C) Oz: AAAAHHHH! ...thank you, friend.

Gorozaemon: Yeah, go crazy while you're young! If you're satisfied, then me stepping up was worth it. And now I'm thirsty again so--
Gorozaemon: !?!?
MC: WAIT WHAT / What the hell, Gorozaemon!?
---
(C) Gorozaemon: Hey this isn't my fault! ...!?
---
Jormungandr: RAWR!
Oz: Oh no, Gorozaemon what is that!?
Gorozaemon: What!?
MC: Oh god he's huge, what now!?
Jormungandr: RAWR!
Oz: W-we have to run!
Jormungandr: Uh, ahem...fear not. I am Jormungandr! And...! Um... my name is Jormungandr. Uhh...
Jormungandr: Sorry can anyone tell me anything about myself?
Gorozaemon: ...
Oz: !?
MC: wat
End of Episode

Summer Pool Twilight Episode 1 Part 1 (Abridged)

The gang is here at the night pool!
Christine: Ladies, gentlemen, and others! Welcome to the Theatorium Night Pool! Thrills! Chills! Fantasies! Phantoms! Enjoy the party!
Gang: !!
MC: Oh my god?
Barong: Om swastyasu! How about a welcoming drink?
MC: Cool thanks / what? / Hot waiter alert!
---
(C) Barong: Wow thanks, your flattery makes me want to give you more free stuff!
---
Barong: I'm Barong, this resort's part time hotelier, and om swastyasu is a Bali greeting. Welcome to the Entertainers' Portal! We got all sorts of stimulation for our guests, and if you tip me I'll promise you an even more exciting stay! I'm doing a dance show later. Come by and watch! Bye!
MC: So many lights / This is like a pleasure seeker's paradise / Debauchery?

Kengo: ...was Yurakucho always like this?
Ryouta: ...last time I was around I thought of the place as full of buildings and theaters.
Touji: This place is very surprising...how much did it all cost?
Shirou: I thought they were joking when I looked into this place and they said it was in the middle of a bunch of high rise buildings. What kind of investor invited you, MC?
MC: (shrug)
Gorozaemon: You'll just have to wait and see! Just like me since I don't know who it is, haha!
Kengo: WHERE DID YOU COME FROM
Gorozaemon: Nice, hiding and waiting was worth it!
Ryouta: You were here the whole time!?
Shirou: I didn't notice either...
Gorozaemon: Great reactions all around! Also I lied. I really only just got here.
Shirou and Ryouta: ...
Gorozaemon: Super sorry guys. Doing whatever I can to surprise people is just how I am.
MC: Huh.

Gorozaemon: Come on, don't sweat the small stuff! Have some fun here! Also, here's a pamphlet with a map of the place. I suck at navigating maps so I can't really be your tour guide.
Shirou: Seriously who invited us
MC: Oh right. Gorozaemon, what were you saying about guild errands!?
Gorozaemon: Awesome playing along. Don't worry about that, the party bigshot is going about greeting people and that'll take some time. You may as well hang around for a while until they come around.
Touji: Well...I'll go do my own thing then. A bunch of people from the police station have been invited, so I should go talk to them. Security is tight with all the rich people here. I doubt it'll be dangerous, but don't get into anything crazy.
MC: (whistle) / Don't look at me like that / (change the subject with a hug!)
(AB) Touji: You're not fooling anyone! Don't stick your nose into any trouble! I mean you will anyway, but for the record.
(C) Touji: No not in public, MC! You are acting too casual!

Touji: Ahem. Bye.
Kengo: I'mma do my own thing too! Lookie here on the pamphlet!
Ryouta: ...a battle stage on the water? That's a thing?
Kengo: Yep! It's a special stage for App players! I need to kick some ass!
MC: I wanna watch! / I'm not really into spectator fights / Fight me Kengo!
---
(A) Kengo: Yeah, you better come see me!
(B) Kengo: I'm not gonna push you to join. Come by and watch if you feel like it!
(C) Kengo: Hell yeah! We'll go all out against each other later!
---
Shirou: I'm going to split off too. I saw one of our allies at the private spa area, so now's a good time to go talk with them. Don't do anything crazy yet since we don't know who really invited us and why they did so. Call me if anything comes up!
MC: Worrywart! / You be careful too / Goodbye hug!
(A) Shirou: There's no too much worrying when it comes to you. Stay safe, okay?
(B) Shirou: Haha, wow you're worrying about me? I'll be fine. But thanks for worrying about me.
(C) Shirou: N-not in public! And people not minding isn't the problem! I'm not against it but... n-never mind, bye!

Ryouta: Looks like it's just you and me! ...except I have somewhere I wanna check out. A friend told me they got a bunch of famous dessert chefs here in the food court! You get how it is.
MC: Yep / Nope
Ryouta: I gotta check out all the desserts! And the other food too. Bye MC!
Gorozaemon: Wow all your lackeys ditched you? I could eat you up right here and none of them would know. Aren't they awful?
MC: They aren't my lackeys. We can have fun together or on our own. It's how we are in the Summoners.
Gorozaemon: You sure told me! Oh, did I upset you? Sorry, I didn't mean anything bad by that. It's in my nature to test people. Did I say that already? Whatever. Look! Pool! I'm off to get drinks, so go hang around over there. Flirting is all part of the summer experience. PSYCH!

Later
Branch time!
MC: Swim / Lounge
(Swim section)
Zabaniya: Arslan, couldn't we practice swimming elsewhere?
Arslan: What? You think this is practice?
Zabaniya: Yes. Why else would we be here?
Arslan: Is that why you looked so stuffy!? Your sincerity is a virtue, but this is a pool! Lighten up!
Zabaniya: Yes, it is. A rather overdecorated one at that.
Arslan: You did not just say that! Take a look around...
Zabaniya: Hmm...now that you mention it, not many people are swimming here.
Arslan: THAT'S your big takeaway!? Do you not see everyone enjoying themselves? Run around! Scream! Shake your booty!
Zabaniya: I'm sorry Arslan I can't.
Arslan: You can't just declare that! Just go with the flow more, like Nyarlathotep! ...where is he anyway? I thought he was around here, but I see someone else familiar around here.
MC: Hi / You're so stuffy Zabaniya!
(A) Arslan: Wow, MC! You were invited too?
(B) Zabaniya: Oh, MC. Am I that stuffy...?

Arslan: You could stand to relax more!
Zabaniya: I-I'm sorry. But I...
Arslan: Stop overthinking it! Just tell yourself that learning to relax is also a kind of training.
Zabaniya: Well in that case...
Arslan: Yes! YES! Just like that! Pool party!
MC: Yeah! / Uhh
Zabaniya: ...p-pool par...
Zabaniya: I'm sorry I can't do it! Please punish me!
Arslan: ...well I can't expect you to change that fast. This is gonna take a while. Alright, let's have fun here until you get it!
Zabaniya: H-how long? Wait, Arslan!
Arslan: Wanna come too, MC? I won't lose to that avatar of Garuda!
Zabaniya: Excuse us, MC.

(Lounge section)
Aegir: Hahaha, this place is gorgeous!
Dagon: Yes, the Shangri La architecture is fascinating. Is the party thrower from there? How many people did it take to build this large place in a few months?
Aegir: Hey, don't talk about work here! You're gonna waste my good mood!
Dagon: That's just my personal curiosity. I plan on having fun on this time off of course. I don't do well in the daytime, but the pool at night suits me perfectly.
Aegir: Heh. You took an invite from me, so you better have fun.
Dagon: You pushed that thing on me after crashing into my home and eating all my bread. ...hmm?
MC: Hi you two! / Older people charm!
(A) Aegir: Well look at the jewel that rolled my way!
Dagon: I never expected to run into you here. This is going to be a great day off.
(B) Aegir: Ooh, where you staring MC? Charmed by my jewel of a bod? I can give you a front row seat to look from.
Dagon: Don't go hogging all the spotlight, Aegir. I'm not that bad looking myself... does this please your eyes? It doesn't have to stop there.

Aegir: Whatever, you came at a good time MC!
Dagon: Yes, would you mind helping us with something? It's nothing that will take long.
Aegir: We got some massage oil for deep sea lifeforms specially made for the resort they gave us.
Dagon: It's likely a balm of some kind they give as an amenity. Very...fascinating smell. We'd like to try it, but I'd rather not rub it on for Aegir.
Aegir: I like being served. That's where you come in!
Dagon: Would you mind helping, MC?
Aegir: Wanna take in every nook and cranny of me?
Dagon: Hey, don't cheat to get ahead. I'm first.
MC: omg / hey wait I'm not ready / yessss (reaches out)
Aegir: ...HAHA.
Dagon: Heh, sorry. I guess we overdid it. Someone else is waiting for you, correct? I can wait. I'm used to that.
Aegir: Nice reaction. I can admire you in hand next time!
Dagon: I'll invite you to somewhere private next time... look forward to taking our time together.

Branch convergence!
MC: So many familiar faces. Is Gorozaemon back yet? / Hang out some more. (go do the other branch)
Wrestler: Back off girl, the buff lion looked at me first!
Zo: H-hey, stop pulling on me!
Wrestler: You invited me with your starry eyes, didn't you?
Yasha: No he invited ME first! Those eyes made my heart go doki-doki...
Zo: No really, stop tugging me in opposite directions!
Zo: (Ugh, I know I look good but I can't just go looking at everyone. I know I'm the forward, aggressive type but it's rude to have a little bit of everything. I should be going after the BEST looking thing to get my fangs into and--) Hmm?
MC: (Nope)
Zo: Hey, there you are! I've been looking all over for you! Sorry I kept you waiting, let's get going!
Wrestler: B-b-but...!
Yasha: HEY! Where the hell are you going!?
Zo: Look at that! Let's go there!
MC: what / nooo don't pull on me!
Zo: (shut up and play along until we get to that pool!)

Later
Zo: Okay I think we lost them. Thanks. I'm...uh, call me Oz. You look tasty! What's your name?
MC: MC Fullname / GASP, a predatory playboy! / (stare)
---
(A) Zo: Nice to meet ya! Don't worry, I'll be gentle when it comes to it.
(BC): Zo: Hey, no need to be on guard. I'll be gentle when it comes to it. MC? Nice to meet ya.
---
Zo: Huh. I feel like I've heard your name somewhere before. Whatever.
MC: Were you flirting back there?
Zo: Well...sorta! I wanted to show my cowardly partner how lions behave.
Zo stares at MC with his DEEP, STARRY EYES.
Zo: ...hey MC, you wanna know how a lion lives and in the summer stars? Come with me then. It'll be exciting~. We'll start with having fun in the pool! In you go! (shove)
MC: WHAT (pulls Zo along)

Zo: Haha, cool fall. Now leggo...I just wanted to give you a little scare, but your face then was cute. Wanna play around somewhere? We can grab some grub first and decide after that! All you can eat meat at the food court! Cooked meat can be good too. Then we can go on the water slide or the battle area. So many options! You can leave it up to me, we'll have tons of fun! First, a drink...
Gorozaemon: Here you go.
Zo: Thanks. This is some good stu--WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND HOW'D YOU GET SO CLOSE!?
Gorozaemon: Aww YES! I'm Gorozaemon. Nice to meet you!
MC: Where were you?
Gorozaemon: Super sorry, haha! I got lost looking for the drinks! And then I saw you. I had a resort guide help me find you. Anyways, is that your date?
MC: Total stranger / I just met him... / It was destiny~
(A) Zo: GODS I'LL EAT YOU FOR THAT! ...oh, it was a joke?
(B) Zo: Hey, don't make that face. We're gonna get to know each other real good after this.
(C) Zo: Nice! I'll sink my fangs right into you if you feel like it.

Gorozaemon: Haha, playboy alert! It's the smell of sweet, sweet romance! Oh wait right, I still haven't introduced this guy.
Heracles: I'm Heracles, part time staffer at this resort. I'm glad you reunited with no issues.
Zo: !?!?
MC: Long time no see! / Nice to meet you, stranger!
---
(A) Heracles: Indeed. I'm happy to see you again.
(B) Heracles: Pleased to meet you. I swear to do my best to make your stay enjoyable.
---
Zo: Y-you're Heracles...?
Heracles: Yes, is something the matter? You're shaking all over... actually have we met before?
Zo: OH NO I JUST CAN'T WITH THIS GUY, PARTNER (flump)
Heracles: Sir!? Sir!? Medic!
End of Episode Part

Summer Pool Twilight Prologue (Abridged)

Tokyo is surrounded by really tall walls. Natives have no idea what's outside, and most of them aside from a certain subset have no idea about the game happening every day that divides the city.
Meta Theater, maybe
Christine: A game is something with rules and and players who perform their assigned roles.
Leanan Sidhe: Games mercilessly divide people into winners and losers.
Barong: Games are meant to entertain someone!
Nyarlathotep: Games are worthless on their own! But if you're doing it for fun? Acting! Gambling! Playing! Tricking!
Christine: Anyways, thank you for visiting the Yurakucho Theater. We are the Entertainers, those whose duty is to act out fiction to entertain the audience. Tonight we will be showing one incident from one of the many loops, a tale of a created bond that would not have been under normal circumstances. Maybe it's a common story script, but we Entertainers believe in that fiction's future. Fiction shows joy that hasn't existed yet... enjoy!

Shinjuku Chuo Park
Kengo: Thunder Kick! Okay, that one's down! Shirou, what's going on over there!?
Shirou: Evils, search!
Evils: Screee!
Maria: I don't see any more Strays here! Are we...?
Ryouta: Oh no there's one behind you!
Touji: Samurai save! Come on, MC!
MC: Grass Cutter! (bop)
Oni: OUGH! You, Master now...! (poof)
Contract! Might makes right!

Ryouta: Thanks you guys! Maria are you okay?
Maria: Y-yes. Thank you everyone!
Touji: Hmm. So we had Kengo act as a decoy.
Shirou: It's cool, the Evils say the Strays are all gone.
Dark Angel: Thank you, Summoners. The angel troops shall withdraw now. Be careful, all of you. (flies off)
MC: Okay, break time / That was rough / He ditched us!
(A) Kengo: Eh, I haven't punched people enough yet. This ain't nothing for you and me!
(B) Ryouta: I was worried for a bit, but it worked out thanks to you!
(C) Shirou: No MC, that's rude!

Maria: Allow me to thank you all for helping again. I know we came to investigate Strays attacking people walking around here, but I wasn't expecting to be actually attacked...
Kengo: So what are we gonna do with them? Punish them more?
Maria: Oh no this is enough. The Missionaries will take custody of them for now. We are all about opening our hearts to those with nowhere to go, and as proxy guildmaster I should model that belief too.
Shirou: Ryouta told us about things. We support your endeavors.
MC: We help the helpless! / Contain the Game's damage! / Soooo how about some gratitude, ehehe?
(A) Ryouta: Yep, that's our policy!
Shirou: Indeed. We should deepen our alliance with the Missionaries.
(B) Shirou: Yes, our policy is to protect people from abusing the app game and attacking people.
Kengo: Terribad problems have been popping up a lot lately. Ask me and MC for help whenever! Oh and these guys too I guess.
(C) Maria: O-oh, of course we can put something together later fo--
Shirou: Oh my god MC you can't make jokes like that! Please forget they said that!

The App Game is played inside Tokyo where people split themselves into guilds based on beliefs and fight over Portals and territory. Which belief is the strongest? App magic makes physical damage occurred in Enclosed Areas revert to nothing, memories and PTSD effects not included. Lately more cases of people taking advantage of this trait of the game for crimes like blackmail and theft have been increasing.
Shirou: A lot of crimes with Strays lately...
Touji: Yes, the police have been getting more reports of such too.
Shirou: I hope our actions are helping at least.
Ryouta: Why can't we all just eat up and be friends? That'd be great.
Kengo: But we gotta be prepaid for anything! We need physical strength, man!
Shirou: That's PREPARED for anything, you language mangling moron!
Touji: Cases are rising for sure though. We should stay focused. I have police authority, so the responsibility is heavy on me.
Shirou: Yes... the true danger is in how the app is used. You all remember what's happened so far.
MC: Yeah! We need to figure out the app's secrets! / Eh, let's save it for later.
---
(AB) Shirou: Yes, that's why we formed the Summoners. No repeats of those tragedies!
(C) Shirou: Yeah...it still scares me to think back on it all. But we can't forget our goals.
---
Ryouta: Anyways, let's go for ramen!
Kengo: I'm in!
Touji: I have training to...actually, I'll come too.
Shirou: We still have curfew, but I'll come along as well if we'll be back in time.
And so the gang sallies forth, still innocent and ignorant of everything... 

Kabukicho
Suzuka: I've been hearing about the Summoners lately. I'mma beat them up if they think of starting shit on Outlaws turf!
Gyoubu: Haha, lighten up Lady Tate Eboshi. You shouldn't get mad over every little thing.
Suzuka: Would you stop being so laid back while I'm all worked up? A buncha thugs have been coming in from around Ikebukuro and--
Gorozaemon: Hmmmm. Well I can't fault you for worrying, miss. You shouldn't wind yourself up too much though. That's what ayakashi go for when they come for you.
Suzuka: WHO'S SUDDENLY BEHIND ME
Gorozaemon reveal!
Gorozaemon: S'up, Iyo-Matsuyama Tanuki! How's the 808 Tanuki doing?
Gyoubu: ...huh! I never thought I'd see you of all people.
Gorozaemon: Ehh, don't worry about it too much. I'm just here to enjoy a new life in retirement.
Gyoubu: Suzuka, could you put your sword down? I go way back with them.
Gorozaemon: Ever the mother hen, you. Mweheh. Catching up on old stories is great and all, but I came to talk about something else...

Some alleyway
Ibaraki: BROOO! Did you promise to do crap without thinking about it again!?
Shuten: What? I was asked to do somethin' and I just answered. What's wrong wit' that?
Ibaraki: But it's summer vacation! You could do just about anything besides baseball! Are you gonna spend all that time as a pinch hitter in practice games?
Shuten: Our school baseball team said they don't have enough teen embers or somethin' for the tournament. They asked me fer help in makin' summer memories.
Ibaraki: But what about MEEEE?
Shuten: Oh are ya askin' me to go wit' you?
Ibaraki: UGH can't you make some priorities when it comes to people?
Gorozaemon: Still stubborn as ever, aren't you Boss of Mt. Ooe?

Shuten: !!
Ibaraki: Bitch you talking shit about Bro!?
Shuten: No, Ibaraki down. Very bad.
Gorozaemon: No it's cool. Seeing the young be so lively makes me happy. But anyways I came to ask you something.
Shuten: Shoot. I'll answer anyone who asks.
Gorozaemon: So stubborn. Anyways I'm looking for someone who goes to your school...
Kabukicho
Suzuka: Who was that mysterious weirdo? They suddenly disappeared right after saying their thing!
Gyoubu: Mysterious is right. Anyway you're an oni from Wa no Kuni so you should have heard SOMETHING about them at least.
Some alleyway
Shuten: Oh right you never met them before. Eh the young wouldn't know anyway. But still, I'm sure you've heard of something about the Wa no Kuni Youkai at least.
Ibaraki: Wait was that the Legendary Motorbiker and Head of the Night Parade!? 

Shinjuku dorm, nighttime
MC's room
MC: Ugh it's hot. Wait someone's here! / (summon sword)
---
(C) Gorozaemon: Hahaha, wow that was impressive guesswork!
---
Gorozamon: S'up. You MC?
MC: AAAAAA / Yes??? / Attack!
(A) Gorozaemon: Yes! YES! I love that reaction!
(B) Gorozaemon: Wow, you're brave! Scaring you is gonna be great!
(C) Gorozaemon: Hey wait, stop? I didn't come to pick a fight.

Gorozaemon: Sorry to scary you, I'm just like that in wanting to see how much guts you have. And sorry to interrupt when you're trying to go to bed but--
The gang barges in!
Shirou: MC ARE YOU OKAY I HEARD SOMETHING
Ryouta: OH MY GOD WHO IS THAT
Touji: Begone intruder!
Kengo: Hey bastard you got guts trying to, uhh, what was the word again
Shirou: It's ambush you dumb meathead! Anyways, who are you!?
Gorozaemon: Wow look at all these connections you've made. But where was I? (theatrically bows) I'm a messenger from the Yurakucho guild and former youkai head from Wa no Kuni. Sanmoto Gorozaemon at your service.

Later
Gang: An invite to the Twilight Night Pool Party hosted by the Yurakucho guild?
Gorozaemon: So you guys have been making a name for yourselves lately, though I haven't personally heard. The party's investor wants to invite you guys along with the Berserkers and Tycoons, and I was sent to deliver the invite. And then I felt like entertaining myself a bit too much...
MC: At this time of night? Really!? / Oh my god a celebrity invite!
(AB) Gorozaemon: Haha, don't have a cow dude! Is that what kids say these days?
Ryouta: Huh. Well anyways we've really been invited to that party?
(C) Gorozaemon: Yup. There's gonna be other VIPs, but they really want you there, MC. I got curious about what you were like, so I tried to have a little fun! Super sorry, yo!
Kengo: O-okay. Well MC is strong so I get how that feels.

Shirou: I feel like I've heard about the Yurakucho guild before. Maybe.
MC: It might be a trap. Being called by name is a little freaky. / A celebrity party...wow.
---
(C) Touji: Wait, you're really thinking of jumping in?
---
Gorozaemon: Well you'd be right to be on guard. It's sus to me too, honestly.
Ryouta: Why would you say that!? And who are the Entertainers...?
Touji: I've seen that name in old police records. I believe they are a guild based on a theater troupe. Their stated principles and beliefs are unknown, though I knew that already...
Gorozaemon: Mwehe, oh we just want to keep the game interesting and direct things regardless of allegiances. I guess I'm sort of the same now that I say that, because back in Wa no Kuni I'd take whatever youkai was around along with me to scare humans. Scaring humans is great! Which means I don't know what's going on underneath the surface this time. Because knowing the script ahead of time is boring! Again I'm here as the Entertainers' new errand runner. If something is up with the party, feel free to smash it!
Kengo: fREAK.
Touji: ...you guys don't believe them, right? They sound just like thrill criminals.
MC: Touji makes sense / SUS / I'm getting chills for some reason

Kengo: Meh, if something's up we can just punch it to pieces.
Touji: Hmm. Are you saying it's a chance to get info on a guild we haven't seen before even if it's risky?
Shirou: Yeah, regardless of their motives, if they're saying MC is someone to acknowledge we might have a chance to ally with them.
Ryouta: Oh my god can you imagine the FOOD!?
MC: Charge on through! / Okay let's RSVP yes / All the food!
---
(A) Kengo: Yeah boy! Let's kick some ass!
(B) Touji: MC if they break the law in any way I am going to use my government authority.
Shirou: Wait let me negotiate first. It's my job to probe them from within.
(C) Ryouta: Yes we so have to go!
---
Gorozaemon: Mwehe, nice. I'll go inform the investor. Oh, I should advise you guys of something as a former youkai boss about this bright party. Every light has its shadow and true terror lurks further within. This world has unbelievable things in it, and you better believe that! HAHAHA!
And then the day of the party came!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 6 (Abridged)

Mercenary: Everyone has finished their training and returned, Sir.
Vulpecula is hanging around the back of the circus with one of his minions.
Vulpecula: ...good work. Things are going well. Everyone in the circus troupe is doing the last touches for their preparations for show time. Tickets are selling well too with Burn Striker joining in. If things keep up, then things should go well two days from now when the show starts.
Mercenary: ...Sir? How long are we going to keep the charade up?
Vulpecula: Ruuude, I'll have you know I put in a lot of effort into this.
He says, sounding less surprised than he'd claim to be.
Vulpecula: I know what you're getting at. Relax, the search has been going well thanks to all your efforts in the background. The operation starts the day of the show.
Mercenary: Oh, then...!

Vulpecula: How very open of you. Keep discrete with your work. There won't be a video announcement for this since we posted one already. We move at 7 pm, while the show is on. Get everything else ready.
Mercenary: Yes sir. Honestly I was worried about how long we would be keeping this act up. You really are good at playing the long game.
Vulpecula: ...yes of course. Have I ever backed out on a heist? Where would the beauty in that be? It'd just be another attachment and regret for the past.
Mercenary: I apologize for the stupid question and will go inform the rest.
Vulpecula: Very well. Try to restrict it to verbal communications as much as possible in case there's wiretapping anywhere. And if that isn't possible, use the secret comm channel.
Mercenary: Yes sir. (leaves)
Vulpecula: ... (sighs) An act, you say...? (stares at hand)

Flashback
???: Wow Vulpecula, you're always good with your hands.
Vulpecula is juggling bottles to entertain that someone important to him in front of him.
Vulpecula: Oh, stop. I'm just playing around mimicking things I saw. I haven't really practiced or anything.
???: Oh don't be like that. I know you secretly practice juggling and card tricks every day.
Vulpecula: ...oh. Well damn.
???: C'mon, no need to be embarrassed. You did it for me knowing I love street performances. Thanks man.
Vulpecula: ...then I guess it was all worth it. I'll try something trickier next.
???: Wait what? This isn't even your job...
Vulpecula: Well...I started enjoying this while trying it out, so I wanna go further with it. I want to be good enough to perform for people since I've been doing it. It's fun doing a bunch of different things and you enjoy seeing it, so that's just perfect.
???: ...I see. Well cool! I'm cheering for you. Show me more tricks next time!
Vulpecula: Thanks, I'll do my best.

Vulpecula (narrating): That day never came to be. I said I changed myself by abandoning my past, but I'm just justifying other people's pasts while dragging along my own. I know how contradictory it is, but I still force myself to keep carrying on like this.
Present
Vulpecula: ...how unsightly. Seeing such a lonely circus has brought back some memories. I've been keeping up appearances, but I want to do so for real.
Vulpecula wryly smiles.
Vulpecula: Yatomi Yasuhiko. I will destroy your past for my sake as well. I will eliminate every trace of your father's craft. And once I destroy the crystal symbolizing your father-son connection, it will all be over. Leave everything to me and forget...so you won't be like me.

Title card: Hidden Message

Yasuhiko: You guys, our comeback will be tomorrow! Thanks to Burn Striker agreeing to help perform, we sold almost all our early tickets and online sales are almost up to 30k! Now let's do our practice without getting hurt and make tomorrow a success!
Trainees: YEEEEAAAAH
MC: Yeah!
Yasuhiko: It's not just us this time. We've got MC, Melide, Furlong, Johann, and all of Johann's assistants! Thank you guys!
Melide: Yeah, let's do our best. I'm a little nervous.
Furlong: R-right!
Vulpecula: Things will be fine. We will make tomorrow successful. Have some confidence, I'll be supporting you from the shadows until the end.
Mercenaries: ...
Vulpecula's mobs bow.

Purple: Ya know, we never actually talked to those guys. I never even seen them open their mouths.
Yellow: Well they've still been practicing. Not that I've seen it myself since they did it all offscreen somewhere else. Nothing weird about that!
Furlong: ...
MC: Furlong what's wrong?
Furlong: Oh! It's nothing... I never managed to find anything in the end. Is he really just a consultant? But...
Yasuhiko: Sparring time! Let's do it!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Battle over! Everyone moves onto decorating the stage area, checking the machinery, and cleaning the seating area. MC is helping Yasuhiko.
Yasuhiko: MC, bring that over here! Thanks!
MC: Tiiired
Yasuhiko: Sorry to make you help with all this, and thanks. Since we're a small group we don't have anyone dedicated to taking care of these things, which means we all have to do it.
Furlong: Hi, where do I take this?
Yasuhiko: Umm...oh, that goes on top of this pole. It's already set up, so you'd have to climb up there. Would you mind?
Furlong: Oh, umm... I don't want to go to high places without transforming, so...
Yasuhiko: Right, right. Sorry. Hey, somebody else come take this up there!
Yellow: I'll do it! Somebody hold the ladder still.
Yasuhiko: Ehh, how about Furlong and Purple? I'll be doing these other things over here.
Purple: Okay, Bro! Ready Furlong?
Furlong: O-okay!

MC: Wow things are going smoothly.
Yasuhiko: Well we've done this a lot, so we know who's good with what. Though it's only recently that we got good at it.
Purple: Bro's gotten good at being the boss now. He used to be one of our kouhai and wouldn't stop trying to order us around.
Yasuhiko: H-hey! That was a long time ago! And I'm the boss, so I needed to know how everything went to efficiently do things!
Purple: Haha, true dat. You're looking more and more like your dad.
Yasuhiko: ...what?
Purple: aww, don't look so put off about that. It's a compliment!
Yasuhiko: It kinda doesn't feel like it...

Purple: Bro, I know you hate all your memories of your dad, but to us he was a cool reliable boss. Just like you are now.
Yasuhiko: ...hmm. He didn't seem that way to me.
MC: What was the last boss like?
Purple: He inherited the circus from the generation before him. Before that, he was one of the troupe members and worked together with his wife. I was only here a little bit before Bro was, but he was team-oriented, passionate, and level headed. And he thought the world of his family.
Yasuhiko: What???
Purple: Well he always talked about you and your mother whenever you weren't around. When he sent you guys marshmallows for White Day he worried about whether it'd be okay to send a different flavor and asked all our opinions.
Yasuhiko: Him???
Purple: Well he couldn't come visit you guys and sucked at talking on the phone, so he wanted to give you guys something nice since he always made you feel lonely. And once you joined up, he always worried that you'd be able to handle the job.
Yasuhiko: B-b-but he never told me that. He never acted like that around me. I thought he HATED me.

Furlong: ...he was shy. M-maybe I'm just too self-conscious, but...I know how awkward it can be to compliment someone.
MC: Same / Really???
Purple: Haha, yeah he probably was shy. Bro, you're the type who gets on quick with people like you, so the Boss told us to never tell you.
Yasuhiko: B-but...why would you keep quiet about it until now!? Dad's been gone for years!
Purple: But you always hated talking about him. There was always time to bring him up, but it never felt like you'd be open to listening.
Yasuhiko: Oh...
Purple: Honestly, you two have similar personalities. You worry about whether you can let people know how you feel, and if you think of it that way, you can tell if I'm telling the truth, right?
Yasuhiko: ...
Yellow: You guys I'm done! Coming down now!
Purple: Okay! Furlong, hold onto that side!
Furlong: O-okay!

Furlong: Hey...maybe your dad left you a message, Yasuhiko.
Yasuhiko: A message?
Furlong: He might not have found time to say it before, but maybe he'd have something to tell you once you became the boss...
Purple: ...yeah. Sounds like him.
Furlong: So couldn't he have left you something like that and hidden it somewhere? If he's as responsible as you, then maybe.
MC: Yeah maybe. Wanna take a look?
Yasuhiko: Hrmm...

That night in the hidden underground room in the Yatomi Circus
Vulpecula: What is the point of a fingerprint lock if you get your grubby hands on everything, Yasuhiko? That makes it easy for someone like me to get in.
Vulpecula walks down the underground hallway with a special glove on as he searches the walls. He eventually finds the secret door and opens the fingerprint lock. Once the safe is open, he pulls out the old box and checks the contents.
Vulpecula: So it's against my style to steal things ahead of time, but I still need to see this is the real thing.
Vulpecula takes off his glove to touch the crystal directly. And then the clock suddenly hits midnight, March 14.
Vulpecula: What!?
The crystal shines with rainbow light all of a sudden and 3/14 floats up in the light.
Vulpecula: Why did it suddenly activate? I just touched it.
A hologram starts forming and speaking.
???: ...Yasu ...hiko...
Vulpecula: ...huh.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 5 (Abridged)

Title card: Early Morning Truth

It's almost the day of show time! MC leaves home early so they can stop by the office, but they finish their stuff there and end up heading the the Yatomi Circus an hour earlier than the meet up time.
MC: Welp
The surrounding area is empty. There isn't even a convenience store around!
MC: Okay fine I'll go inside.
MC unlocks the front and walks past the sleeping animals.
MC: Cute!
The place is quiet, but then there's somebody talking over by the stage.
MC: Is somebody here?
MC sneaks closer.

Yasuhiko and Totally Not Vulpecula are talking to each other.
MC: I wonder what they're talking about?
Vulpecula: Why the sudden interest in your father? I can't stay here too long because I'm wanted, you know.
Yasuhiko: No I still hate him and I'm not interested in the family stuff either. But...
Flashback!
Furlong: Yasuhiko I want you to care about the things your family left because I've lost things relating to my family that I can't get back.
Present
Yasuhiko: I'm starting to feel guilty for our three cooperators. I just happened to talk to MC about the Yatomi Crystal, and maybe that's why...
MC: What?

Vulpecula: So you're backing out of our deal? That means I can just beat the crystal's location out of MC.
Yasuhiko: !?
Vulpecula: But I'm not going to. Know why? (leans in closer and lowers his tone) It goes against my aesthetics. You hold up your end of the deal, and I'll hold up mine. Who knows what will happen if the deal falls through?
Yasuhiko: ...fine. I promise I'll give it to you when the conditions are met. So you better keep your word, VULPECULA.
MC: OMG!?
MC accidentally knocks a mop over.
MC: oops
MC grabs the mop to keep most of the noise down. Yasuhiko and Vulpecula still caught something and look towards the entrance.
Vulpecula: ... (sigh) Fine, it's almost time for the big performance. Stay focused. Bye.
Vulpecula walks off some other direction.
MC: Whew...
MC drops the mop loudly.
Yasuhiko: WHOMST
MC: oops (walks out)

Yasuhiko: ...did you hear all that?
MC: ...yes.
Yasuhiko: ...oh. (deep sighs)
Yasuhiko: Yep, Johann is Vulpecula and he's here for the Yatomi Crystal.
MC: Knew it / Why? / Call the police!
---
(AB) Yasuhiko: ...will you hear me out?
(C) Yasuhiko: No wait, listen!
---
Yasuhiko: So back on Valentine's, Vulpecula turned up over here. The news said he didn't, but he came here to the circus.
Yasuhiko: He was after the Yatomi Crystal of course. It's a space magic crystal that saves memories against Monster erasure, of course he'd be all over it!

Flashback!
Vulpecula: This place is dark and empty. How do you even put on shows like this?
Mercenary: Sir, no police are coming. We intercepted a signal though. They seem to think we're somewhere else.
Vulpecula: Sad. I thought they were better than that. The circus boss was eaten by a Monster and only heroes remember him. Seems like there's no one here as good as that bird detective.
Vulpecula walks into the tent in disappointment.
Vulpecula: So, it's here?
Mercenary: Yes, here in Yatomi Circus.
Vulpecula: How depressing. Circuses could be a relic of the past too. I hear they used to be the kings of amusement, but now...hm?

Vulpecula notices some juggling tools left around.
Vulpecula: Hmm...
Vulpecula picks one up.
Mercenary: S-sir?
Vulpecula: This brings back memories.
Vulpecula starts playing around with the tool, looking sad and affectionate about it.
Yasuhiko: NOW!
Trainees: YEAAAAAH
Vulpecula: !?

A bunch of lights converge on Vulpecula as a net of light.
Mercenary: Sir! I'm coming to help!
Vulpecula: ...no, stand down.
Mercenary: But...!
Vulpecula: I said stand down.
Mercenary: ...yes Sir. Fall back, men!
Vulpecula makes no attempt to resist as lights turn on.
Vulpecula: ...so there are no cameras around. Which means your associates are the only ones watching and allowing your powers to work? How weak. Even a barely trained hero could break out of this.
Yasuhiko: Wow you really DID come here. Setting that trap was the right call. Well anyways, I've been waiting for you Vulpecula.
Vulpecula: You really thought you could catch me with babby's first trap?
Yasuhiko: You still fell for it.

Vulpecula: (detransforms) ...so what's your angle? Here to catch me and hand me to the police?
Yasuhiko: ...no. I wanna make a deal.
Vulpecula: ...with me?
Yasuhiko: Yes. If you're here after posting that video, that means you're after the Yatomi Crystal?
Vulpecula: ...go on.
Yasuhiko: I'm the only one who knows where it is, but I might bring it to you depending on your answer. Sell it, break it, whatever.
Vulpecula: !!
Yasuhiko: So, what's it worth to you?

Vulpecula: ...so this is a monetary trade? This is going to sound weird coming from me, but don't you care about the crystal? Isn't it a family heirloom?
Yasuhiko: No. I may be a member of the family, but I was never treated like one. I even hate my father. But I need money to keep the circus running, so I'll sell it to you. How about it?
Vulpecula: No attachments to your lost family? How wonderful. Yet contradictory! Isn't this circus also something your family passed down to you? Can't you abandon it too?
Yasuhiko: ...no. I may not care about family connections, but I love the circus and want to keep this one going no matter what. If we sell as many tickets as we did last month...it'll be time to shut down for good...
Vulpecula thinks to himself as he looks around. The tools are old and the stands have a dust layer on them.
Vulpecula: ...hmm. (clap)
Vulpecula: How about I direct next month's production?
Yasuhiko: What?
Vulpecula: I'll be your consultant Johann. I'll make your next show a smash success and you pay me with the Yatomi Crystal. (puts his hero suit back on)
Vulpecula: And then I'll stream me breaking the crystal! Win-win. What do you say?
Yasuhiko: Uhh...

Present
MC: So then you cut a deal.
Yasuhiko: ...yeah. I dunno what Vulpecula's real motives are, but I was grasping at straws at that point. He knows how to put on a show, so I couldn't say no. The circus was riding on it... (looks down)
Yasuhiko: Please don't tell anyone about Vulpecula right now!
MC: But he's a criminal!
Yasuhiko: I know! Furlong's speech got me rethinking the giving Vulpecula the crystal part of all this again, but I can't break off the deal! I don't want to lose the circus and I don't want to put my troupe and animals onto the streets! I beg you!
MC: ...
And MC said...
End of Episode

Chapter 13 Episode 6: Heaven Reversal 3 (Abridged)

One of the worlds connected to Tokyo is a world composed of many subrealms, the World of Oceanic Myths. All civilization is born from the sea, which go on to fall to corruption and end before returning back to the sea. Lumia Kanaloa is one of these subrealms, and its creator is Tangaroa. Tangaroa is said to originally be a great dragon carrying a giant clam on his back. He split the clam to create the heavens and earth, and his flesh and bones gave birth to plants and animals.
On the island, humans prospered happily in the beginning. The dragon who gave up everything besides his name and spirit was celebrated by the human tribes, and the strongest from all of these tribes carried on his name and bone staff. The current Tangaroa is also someone of unparalleled wisdom and courage that everyone praised. When facing off against a foreign invader, he created a link between people who came from yet another world known as Tokyo to settle the incident. He then came to Tokyo with his family to study more for the sake of his home world's future. He was filled with newfound joy...or at least, he was supposed to be.

Present
Tangaroa Inf.: Burn and pillage! HAHAHA!
Optic camo wearing camouflagers spread out through Tokyo to cause chaos.
???: Stop, evildoers!
Kalki to the rescue!
Kalki: I see through your tricks! Noble Phantasm!
Mobs defeated!
Taromaiti: Knight in shining armor coming for the save! Dahaka Stab!
More mobs defeated! Kalki and Taromaiti celebrate for a second when Temujin takes aim...
???: Get down you two!
Shinya counter shoots Temujin's arrow!
Temujin: Impressive. Are you still going to get in our way?
Shinya: Temujin...
Kalki and Taromaiti: Shinya!

More mobs cut Kalki and Taromaiti off from regrouping with Shinya.
Kalki and Taromaiti: !!
Temujin: Why aren't you doing your job, Proxy of Zeus? We have been promised the world's hegemony, so we should burn and pillage everything. Shouldn't you do your role in Zeus's place since he can't come to Tokyo?
Shinya: ...I am a native human born and raised here, so I will protect this city. I will not play along with this game.
Temujin: Ha. But you cannot escape your role it seems. Yours makes you form connections with everyone the way Zeus did. All will love you and seek you, and that's why you don't have a happy family anymore.
Shinya: ...!
Temujin: You have power, and the world permits you to trample upon the weak. You have no other way to enjoy your life!
Shinya: ...but I still can't forget my happy memories of my earlier life.
Shinya thinks about the memories of innocent times that can never come back.

Shinya: Those memories support me. I will never give up!
Temujin: Have you heard that the road to hell is paved with good intentions? Somebody from Eden said that. You know the order is reversed, right? Everything started from the tragedies held by all the World Representatives gathered here in Tokyo.
Temujin thinks of his old friend from Xanadu and grinds his teeth about happier times.
Temujin: Yes, the summoning trigger for all us Transients was tragedy. That was why we sought our past happiness, the trophy. You should know Shinya. Things did not start with happiness in the beginning. It started from the tragedy of endings. The difference between the happiness that highlights the tragedies is necessary for this game!

Rainbow Bridge
Tangaroa is firing Main Plot Beams from his writhing tentacles!
MC: WHAT
Gogo flashback! Canaan flashback!
MC: I remember, Tangaroa!
Tangaroa Inf.: HAHAHA! That's me, creator of Lumia Kanaloa! And now I'm the World Representative of the World of Oceanic Myths! Burn and pillage!
MC: Why do you look like that!?
Tangaroa Inf.: MINIONS!
Shadows start appearing behind Tangaroa Inf.
MC: Who? ...wait!
Tangaroa Inf.: These are the Shadows of the humiliated Wakan Tanka has no reason to know! The memories of my formerly pure family who came with me to this hive of corruption!
Shadow Mobs: I wAnNa Go hOmE!!

Tangaroa Inf.: That primal desire to return is my faith and power! Return it all to the sea, Devilfish of Ancient Times!
Tangaroa Inf. parts the nearby sea and sends all the tentacles at MC!
MC: OH NO
Wakan Tanka Inf. defends MC with a gale!
MC: !?
Tangaroa Inf.: Stop getting in the way or I'll drag you into corruption too!
Wakan Inf.: Leave. No one may approach me.
Rain and thunder fight against whirlpools and tentacles. Nobody present is safe.
Tangaroa Inf.: I will drag everything to the bottom of the sea even if I am defeated! HAHA!
A loud scream arises as another attack is thrown at MC. Nothing will survive...unless the miracle of resurrection is there.
MC: I gotta hide! (runs behind Wakan)
Crow: (stares in bird)
BATTLE START (more happens later)

There are many worlds connected to Tokyo, like Eden, Gehenna, or their prototype Garothman. In these worlds is a System of faith and System of the end, the Last Judgment. That belief says that when the end of times arrives, angels will soak the world in tears of blood and sorrow. All sins committed in the land will then be judged, and people will be sent to either heaven or hell.
This world's end is awaiting the inescapable Last Judgment. No crime, no evil will be overlooked. And so Eden's faith decrees that all live just lives serving it. The selected ending starts the reversal of thoughts. This is the System that first has the ending be defined, then works backwards to determine the past and present.

Aoyama
Boy A: I'm scared!
Shibuya is also under attack!
Azazel: It's okay children we will protect you.
Azazel looks around. Barely any angels are left because of the true big three guild shenanigans.
Azazel: So all we have left are fallen angels like me and people with nowhere else to go...
Mobs break into the church and threaten everyone.
Mobs: Don't resist. Get outside.
Azazel: Please wait, there's an emergency evac--
A mob shoots the ceiling!
Azazel: !!
Mob: I said get out.
Azazel: ... (grasps his binding chains)
Azazel: (...I see. Their goal must be exposing everyone to that rain. Maybe I could do something if my true power weren't sealed by this chain...)
Azazel's true form has seven snake heads and fourteen wings and can totally stomp all the mobs, but it's bound by the chains on him. They are shining, which means their original owner is in Tokyo now.
Azazel: (So you are here, Israfil...)

Aoyama Cemetery
Maria: Zabaniya why
Jacob: (stands in front of Maria) Maria, you must not let what you see mislead you. The memories in my hands tell me the one in front of us is Israfil. He is the angel of Eden who comes at the end of the world, the Last Judgment!
Israfil: Yep, that's me. I am a sad, sad angel who only feels the joy of living when people die! Haha!
The Thing wearing Zabaniya's Shadow and calls himself Israfil smiles suspiciously!
Israfil: A pretender savior appears on the earth to start various wars and calamity.
Israfil is singing while making his rain fall???
Israfil: The Lord's tears of blood become rain that falls on the sins of man. Isn't is just so SAD? Hahaha!

Jacob: Israfil do you look the way you do because of this rain?
Israfil: Yes, we are fated to move towards one ending, just like how Zabaniya and I have fused. Nothing can be hidden. All sins will be brought to the light. That is the one path to the lord, and this rain of blessings will wash all sins away and connect all life into one being through Instrumentality!
The rain and wind is getting stronger!
Maria: Holy Nails of Stigmata!
Maria grows her vines with her blood to make them into a bigger shelter for her and Jacob!
Israfil: What sad resistance you put up, false messiah. You think to protect everyone in Tokyo? You don't have THAT much blood.
Maria: ...so you know how my artifact works because you have Zabaniya's memories?
Israfil: I said we fused two minutes ago. Your artifact atones for life through blood.
Maria's artifact can heal by sharing pain and spilling her own blood.
Israfil: You think your blood alone can pay for everyone's sins?
Maria: ...
Maria grabs the vine harder as she looks Israfil in the eye.
Maria: No, this isn't a waste. And I am not alone.

Maria thinks of the Missionaries, Ryouta, and MC.
Maria: Even if I don't share the pain, or understand people, or separate to my own way, we have all chosen our own paths. Maybe all I am is a girl who cries and bleeds for others.
Maria thinks of Ryouta and MC again.
Maria: But there are people who will accept the blood and tears I shed. There are people who will cut the threads of tragedy that bind me with their strength.
Everyone does their best flailing around on their chosen path.
Maria: People can choose their own paths no matter how foolish or dangerous they may be, just like the man who carried the cross on his back up the hill of Golgotha.
Maria thinks about how that man she has no relation to passed down her name and choices to her. She was supposed to die a nobody, but he gave her another path. What is that if not love? So she chose to pick up after him and spill her blood after him. It hurts, but it was her choice.
Maria: Israfil, you say? Maybe things will go the way you said they will in the end. Maybe it all ends the same way. But what meaning is there in a path forced on us?
Maria believes the ability to choose is the meaning of life, and the ability to choose is love. She will never stray from this path because doing so would deny the things that one man left her.
Maria: ...I will not repeat myself on this. Please give back Zabaniya's body this instant. We will all choose our own paths!
Jacob: Well said, Maria! Blind Man's Punch!
Israfil: !!

Aoyama
The mobs are taken down!
Azazel: Who...?
Motosumi: You kids alright? We're from the Asakusa guild, and the guildmaster sent us to help! We'll pay you guys back for the help you gave us on the Asakusa-Katsushika Shibamata problem!
Hanuman: Hi I'm back! Did we just make it!?
Aoyama Cemetery
Jacob: Maria, a message from the Portal. Hanuman has brought reinforcements from Asakusa!
Maria: Hanuman! Ryouta!

Rainbow Bridge
MC is getting blown around by the storm!
Tangaroa Inf.: FUCK YOU ALL
Tangaroa Inf. manages to break Wakan Tanka Inf.'s guard for a moment!
MC: OH NO (blown into the sky)
Tangaroa Inf.: This water is the blood of my family! You start remembering! YOU start remembering! EVERYBODY START REMEMBERING!
MC: OH NO!
Ryouta: I am here to help! Blessings of the Grail!

Ryouta sucks all the memories into his Grail!
MC: Ryouta! Oh my god, thanks!
Ryouta: Hehe, leave it to me!
MC: How'd you know I was here? The phones were down.
Ryouta: Yeah that was a huge surprise when I found out! But I figured you were in trouble, so I asked the thunder of Taishakuten where you were! Neat, huh? He said something about some sort of mixed human was walking around at Rainbow Bridge, I don't get what he meant by that. Also the Asakusa guild is helping us! Conditionally, but still! ...where's Shirou and Kengo?
MC: Well...

One explanation later
Ryouta: Oh...sorry I wasn't there for you earlier. But I'm here now so you won't have to suffer alone! They're totally gonna be okay!
MC: ...thanks. (hug)
Ryouta: Tee hee.
Ryouta: Oh yeah, Taishakuten's Thunder from Katsushika told me something.
A message from the Transient said to be the bearer of the same power of thunderstorms in another world.
Ryouta: This rain isn't natural. Every drop has someone's memories in it. And if that's true, there's someone's power to assimilate these memories with whoever they hit added to it too.
MC: Interesting, even though I should have figured this part out already!
Flashback
Kengo: I SAID SOMETHING WAS CREEPING INTO ME DAMMIT
Present
MC: So are they stuck now!? / No wait it's too early to give up!
(AB) Ryouta: Wait wait, there's still more!
(C) Ryouta: ...yeah, but there's still more. 

Ryouta: The thunder god said that there has to be an opposing power to that fusion power.
MC: What?
Taishakuten's Thunder God said that no power in Tokyo is invincible. If someone has the spear that pierces any shield, there will be a shield that will block all spears. In one world, the thunder god Indra is seen as invincible, but the wind god Vayu exists to check him. In present laws, there are rights meant to prevent the abuse of other rights. Here in Tokyo, nothing is ever invincible. Every power holds a contradiction with the world. If this rain has the power to force a fusion of memories, then there must be a power to force a separation of memories somewhere too. The App does not subject memories to a reversion, but if there is a way to attach them, there must be its opposite as well.
MC: So, we can fix Shirou and Kengo and everyone else if we find it?
Ryouta: I-I guess? I dunno how much of it to believe. The guy kept jumping around on topics, stuff like "why am I alone" and "what the hell is Shibamata Taishakuten" and "bring that opposite to me!" I don't get him. But I did talk him into agreeing to help!
MC: Great!
Ryouta: ...oh no, look!
MC: WHAT
Wakan Tanka Inf. and Tangaroa Inf. are clashing!
Wakan Inf.: I shall return everything to one. Wash everything away, o storms!
Tangaroa Inf.: I will drag everything from the heavens and on to the sea!
Ryouta: MC, get behind m--

Later
Ryouta: MC, wake up!
MC: ...ngh. What happened?
Ryouta: I-I dunno. We were just lying here when I woke up.
Wakan Tanka Inf. and Tangaroa Inf. are not around. Tokyo is flooded
Ryouta: Haven't we seen this before? Y'know, in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Aoyama, and Roppongi!
Turing: Greetings, Summoners Guildmaster! Yes, this is an Exception Domain!
MC: WHOMST / uhh... / wait are you--
Turing: Oh did Enigma not tell you about me? I'm Turing, the Akihabara Creators guildmaster. You really took care of Enigma in the Deep Web, didn't you? Oh I didn't mean that in the sarcastic way! But yes, the Invaders are also trying to weaponize an Exception. This Exception Domain was just going to happen, so don't feel like it's your fault or anything. That aside, are you looking for those two chaps?
MC: Oh no, Shirou and Kengo are sinking into the water!

Turing: Don't worry fellows, they aren't going to drown. And that's not just water, it's the Reversal of Time or the information pool of Reverse Causality. Quantum entanglement! Superposition of physics! ...oh this is flying over your head, isn't it. Dumbed down version: they're getting assimilated into that thing. That doesn't sound any better, does it.
MC: Shut it limey! / Are they okay? / ...what is your deal?
(A) Turing: Now now, let's keep it light and jocular like British gentlemen! They're okay! ...for the moment...conditionally.

Turing: If you want, I can explain what's happening to them with my artifact. I'm sure it can do PowerPoint presentations! Oh wait, lemme rephrase that into something easier to understand: I can guarantee their safety. My artifact is originally meant to decode information, though people who don't understand called it a virus. Just calm down and listen. I was asked by him to guide you two.
Ryouta: Him? ...who? And why are you really here?
Turing: I'm the Invaders Guildmaster's witness. Or something. What you see right now is the missing link between the beginning and the end. Further ahead is the memories of the decisive battle in this Catastrophic Loop. There's someone waiting for you at the bottom of Tokyo Bay, along with the deepest truth no one else has seen. You want to know what happened in between the tragic future and the happy past, don't you?
MC: Hmm...
Turing: Scared of finding out the mysteries of the world? There's no shame in that! It's frightening to have an inescapable answer thrown at you...after all, you might find out that those happy past memories could be a grave sin.
Ryouta: MC...

MC: ...I'm not afraid. Okay I AM, but I'm not alone. Right Ryouta?
Turing: surprisedpikachu.jpg
Ryouta: !! R-right! It'll be fine, because I'm here too!
Panorama of all revealed Exceptions to date.
MC: It didn't matter where we were. We got through every crisis working together with everyone...
Everyone has made their way through these incidents borrowing someone's strength. It was never easy, and it'll probably be the same way this time as well.
MC: I'll do what I can this time too. Everyone is fighting, so we'll figure something out.
Turing: Wow you can say all that with a straight face? You'd deny nothing and say that with innocent eyes that would try to save everything? No I'm not sarcastically mocking you. I want to thank you, truly! It's a complicated problem even the geniuses had split their interpretations three ways and...I really do sound sarcastic here don't I. But still, I suppose you'd never have gotten this far if you weren't like that. I have no problems with complimenting your efforts so far.
The water's surface opens up like something out of myths and the restoration of a sunken supercontinent.
Turing: The deepest part of Tokyo is where the undersea cable network and the Invaders guildmaster is. It is also where the Hero Exception, the Invaders' ultimate weapon, is. No time like the present to get going!
End of Episode, to be continued in the Main Chapter sections!

Chapter 13 Episode 5: Heaven Reversal 2 (Abridged)

Duo is having a memory trip about a time Isaac could still walk before the Tokyo Game started and invited him along to a research trip in an underground library. Flashback!
Isaac: The history of mankind is an endless waltz of war, peace and revolution. (walks down the library)
Duo: Is talking about that why you asked me to come with you?
Isaac: Aww come on, just listen for a sec.
Isaac: So as I was saying, mankind's history starts with war and the strong winning. Then a hierarchy forms between the weak and strong. We get peace for a bit until eventually a revolution happens. We got stone weapons out of that, then iron weapons, guns, missiles, and now viruses. The foundation of strength changes with each one, and the previous hierarchy changes. Then we get a new war and things continue into an Infinite cycle. It's a microcosm of the world, and the game will hit a stalemate like that eventually too.
Duo: Huh.
Duo (narrating): Now that I think about it, he knew this game would come to this point since back then.

Isaac: So the first plan to get a preferable ending would be my plan, Plan A, assimilation. The blunt and simple explanation is evolving humanity through an Instrumentality Project that connects everyone into an All-Knowing Super Meta Intelligence! Conquer death! Network immortality! No more individual differences! Down with the hierarchy! Perfect for solving all problems springing from it!
Duo: Yeah that's a big plan, but aside from us geniuses making everyone into intellectual lifeforms sounds impossible.
Duo (narrating): That's aiming too high. The gap between ideals and reality is too big. What normal person would agree to stop being themselves and fuse with a stranger? I can't imagine how long that'd that take and that sort of unimaginable thing causes fear. And even if you give up the joys you had until then, it's hard to see what you'd get out of it.

Duo: The distance between mankind's present state and that lofty goal is Infinite. Hmm...but ideals being in unreachable heights? It may be a problem with potential energy, but maybe it can lead to other truths. It's always easy to fall on the short side.
Isaac: Wow you got it? That's what I wanted to say!
Duo: W-what? What do you mean?
Isaac: Just reverse the concepts, like up and down. If this present reality can't get there, then I'll just work backwards from the ending. I'm gonna start a revolution!
Duo: You are galaxy braining too hard for me.
Isaac: Hahaha! You think?
And so the boy who wanted to fly kept walking down as if to flip himself back to the sky above.

Present
Duo: I get it now!
Bertro: What?
Duo: I understand now what Isaac told me way back when.
Duo (narrating): I once told Isaac the world currently won't reach his ideal, which is why he plans on flipping everything around.
Duo: Isaac is starting from his end point, trying to cross the Infinite gap between past joys and future anxieties...
Just like he's trying to divide infinity by infinity...

Rainbow Bridge
Light is flooding MC!
MC: WHAT?
Dream Kingdom flashback!
MC: WHAT??
Fashionista flashback!
MC: No really, WHAT??? / Wait I remember this!
---
(A) Wakan Tanka Inf.: Oh no that happened in another loop. You just forgot.
(B) Wakan Inf.: Yes that's right. You know about this loop.
---
Wakan Inf.: ...I remember the dear memories of all loops. I remember all the times I lived together with people here in happiness. I lived happily with you in these Infinite loops.
Wakan's words are filled with love, but his face looks worn out.

Wakan Inf.: No one will need to fight. If everyone remembers, then there won't be any more sadness.
World Representative Wakan Tanka's power is the ability to give what he has to all things, which he is doing here by spreading loop memories through the rain.
Wakan Inf.: Become one with me...
MC: W-wait, stop!
Wakan Inf.: Why do you resist?
MC: Because it's freaky! And all the loops ended badly! Why is that!?
Wakan Inf. cannot answer, so he continues spreading love like how he used to.
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Wakan Tanka worked as a law of nature of the world and acted accordingly against those who rebelled against its faith. Spit into the sky, and it will fall back on your face. Karmic retribution like gravity! And Wakan Tanka's retribution was thunder.
On another note, if the people of the plains created a problem, they would gather in teepees for a meeting. There they would make a decision based on their faith and belief of justice. But there would always be one person tasked on being on the minority's side and express things that differed from the majority's justice. This person was placed in that role so everyone wouldn't be monopolized and biased towards that justice. And the role was named after the one struck by Wakan Tanka's thunder, Heyoka.
As a fundamental principle of nature, Wakan Tanka originally did not have anything resembling emotions because there weren't others for him to define himself against. But when Heyoka was struck down and exiled, Wakan created a self. "Why are there people who can't or won't join the majority?" he wondered. Thinking of Heyoka made something in Wakan Tanka ache, which he had yet to understand was his heart. And so he was went to Tokyo in hopes of understanding what that pain was.

Present
Wakan Inf.: Why do you reject assimilation?
MC: Were you not listening to me!?
Wakan Inf.: What do you mea--
MC: IT'S CRAZY! (thinks about Azathoth's memory show)
Chapter 6 flashback!
Azathoth: Replay time! Akashic Records of a Slumbering God!
Touji: I'm sorry MC. I had to do it to you.
Ryouta: Nooo, it's all my fault!
Kengo: MC why
Shirou: ...what was I fighting for!?
Azathoth: LMAO
Present
MC: How did we get from happy fun times to the apocalypse!?

Roppongi
Licht: Yeah I've been thinking about it and it is WEIRD. (goes over his collected reports)
Licht: Why does it always end with one of us killing MC? Things are happy until it goes to crap, and I'd get it if that happened because the World Reps came to blow us all up. But apparently that's not what happened? That doesn't add up! We're missing the piece that connects it all, and we can't see how everything works without it. We are totally losing on the information front and can only see things in hindsight. But that doesn't mean it's pointless to try to figure out the enemy's plans from their actions. Melusine, care to give your opinion?
Melusine: Yes sir.
Licht: Let's start by examining our current situation. At present, the Invaders are raiding us while our allies the Missionaries are being interfered with by the Rule Makers. In that sense, the South and East are about the same. But if the Invaders somehow couldn't do anything now, it's reasonable to think the Rule Makers would move first.

Licht: Now that I think about it, when we first saw the Rule Makers they came to take the lead. We got out of there because the Genociders sacrificed themselves to cover our escape, but even then the big three guilds could have wiped us out if they felt like it. They didn't because their goal was capturing MC, but they succeeded in making first contact. After that, the Rule Makers got caught up fighting against the other two guilds and things fell into a stalemate. They didn't have any time to go after MC like that.
Then MC caused the scales to tip over.
Licht: We know at least three World Representatives are gone. Things have changed, and the West side has crumbled. There's no way the Rule Makers won't try to make a break for it again if the Invaders hadn't gone first. But they did with an attack using information and agitation. From my analysis of what MC said, it seems the trophy's value to the Representatives has changed significantly. This change caused huge restrictions on what the Rule Makers as a whole could do since the old premise of capturing the trophy had to change. The Invaders still took their own losses with two Reps leaving, which normally would be serious. They aren't acting like it is though.

Licht: So, back to basic facts: The Invaders are moving ahead of the Rule Makers.
Melusine: ...
Licht: What do you make of all this?
Melusine: In war it would be natural to take the initiative. In that sense what the Invaders are doing is necessary, but...
Licht: Yes, that assumes they're at full strength. But here they're still going through with it despite their losses. If they win that's good for them, but if they lose...
Melusine: The difference in strength would mean they'd inevitably be pushed back. If they're still going on with this move, they must be sure they'll win with it. Is that what you wish to say?
Licht: (nods) Now I'll state my opinion. The Invaders needed to reverse their course of action. In this loop, after the Warmongers went the Invaders had to act next instead of the Rule Makers. They're sure they'll change things with this, but I don't know where they're going with it.
The Invaders have changed MC's worth from the most valued thing in Tokyo to Wanted Dead. How very revolutionary.
Licht: Time for an unfounded deduction! If they're using their same tricks on other people, maybe they're trying to drag everyone to the same level.
If a revolution happens when people have lost everything, everything before becomes meaningless.
Licht: This plan is too perfect. Too revolutionary.
Melusine: ...
Licht: Who's plotting all this? Who's agitating everyone?

Rainbow Bridge
Wakan Inf.: ...
MC: Give Shirou and Kengo back! That on its own is enough to distrust you!
Wakan Inf.: I know who those two are. But I'm not the one who took them.
MC: What? B-but...!
Flashback
Babe Bunyan: Boss told me to tell you to come to Rainbow Bridge. We'll keep your friends safe until then!
Present
MC: Does that mean you aren't his boss!?
Tokyo Bay suddenly splits like the Red Sea!
MC: WHAT
Tangaroa Inf.: HAHAHA
MC: WHAT
Wakan Inf.: Invaders Rep Tangaroa.
Tangaroa Inf.: The heavenly happiness you showed is one-sided, Wakan Tanka. One day it all falls to the ground and gets polluted in filth like us! See our impure end of days! HAHAHAHA
Babe: (frowns)
End of Episode