Live A Hero Rakusai Travelogue Episode 1 (Abridged)

Flashback!
One day, a boy saw a paper bird. It flew, somehow. It was alive, somehow. It entered some old mansion, so the boy followed along to see what that was all about. A guy was sitting in the garden he walked into, who smiled and welcomed him.
Space Onmyouji: Hello. I don't see the likes of you around here much. I saw you were coming to day and left the side door open. Haha, I see you think you've met a crazy weirdo! I get it. So, want to talk over tea? What's your name, my fri--oh, why are you crying?

Title Card: One Rumor, A New Case

Present
It's a pretty peaceful day, so only Mokdai and MC are around as a skeleton crew while everyone else is out on business or holiday. They've ordered lunch in and are watching the news.
News: Spring festival in Shinraku in Southern Kyoto!
MC: Where / Never heard of that place / Ooh, festival
---
(AB) Mokdai: Uhh...Shinraku's a town for aliens who moved to Earth. The festival's a yearly thing they do.
(C) Mokdai: Yeah! Think we can go there on paid leave? Kidding.
---
Ding dong!
Mokdai: Welcome back, Director! ...oh, you're...?
Huckle is with someone!
Huckle: Hello you two. Sorry to bother you guys on your break, but you have a guest, MC.
Gammei: ...hey, sorry for the sudden call.
MC: Gammei? / I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING / arrest me
(A) Gammei: Hey MC, it's been a while. But given my job, it's better we aren't seeing each other during work.
(B) Gammei: Yeah, I know. I'm not here for that.
(C) Gammei: Wait what have you been doing!?

Gammei: I'm here to ask your agency something.
Mokdai: You are? Huh, it must be bad...
MC: Can I bail
Huckle: Hey, you guys can't say that before even hearing him out. Solving big problems is our job
Mokdai: R-right...sorry Gammei.
Gammei: Eh, it's cool. Not like you're wrong. (looks at news)
Alien space weebs built up Shinraku in Kyoto and moved there several generations ago, and now they've researched all the Japanese festivals to throw their own festival called Shinrakusai. It's become a big money maker for everyone who's made Earth their second home.
News: There's less tourists coming in for the festival and less people getting it ready this year for some reason and the festival PR team is trying to do something about it!

Mokdai: wait what's that about there being less people helping set up the festival?
Everyone's moved into a meeting room to talk about things.
Gammei: ...spiriting away.
MC: We're suddenly in a ghost story!
Gammei: New rumor says you'll be spirited away if you get close to the ghost mikoshi.
Mokdai: Hey wait, yeah, Space ghost subreddit is talking all about that!
Gammei: Yeah, the rumors are causing less people to come visit. We've also heard no one over there's been freaking out about people going missing.
Mokdai: People disappearing but there's no witnesses or cases? Wait!
MC: what? / (wait) / A Monster attack...?
(C) Huckle: Ah, MC you've learned so much.

Gammei: Well we still need to investigate, but it being a Monster incident lines things up.
Mokdai: So...you here to file a request as a UEHA member?
Huckle: Well that AND as a police investigator. I just heard from him when I went to the police station.
Gammei: Yeah, apparently we got people AND Monsters behind this. But as a police member and a hero, I can't blab about that...
Huckle: I went because he could only tell it all to the one in charge of a civilian organization.
Gammei: There's stuff heroes and police officers can and can't do, so I was put up to this. They could stand to pay me more for it if so, sheesh.
MC: But isn't this in Kyoto? / Isn't Barrel coming?
(B) Gammei: Kyoto's outside our jurisdiction since we're supposed to be defending Orient City. Barrel's gonna hold the fort.

Gammei: The Kyoto Police and heroes have tried to solve the case, but surprise! It's been tough! The first few heroes who went in went missing, but STILL nobody saw any Monsters. Also the Shinraku people wanna hush things up and keep the rumors from getting worse.
Mokdai: Oh, right...it's not nothing if UEHA and the police are there.
Gammei: Eh, it's convenient in some ways so we're gonna go undercover and handle it like a normal Monster investigation and elimination.
MC: But why us? Wait... Did the director talk about--
Mokdai: Wait, MC, the director said there was a guest for you, so--
Huckle: Yes, UEHA specifically is asking for you, MC. They want a high class Observer.
Gammei: Yeah. So I don't know much, but you can pull out special transformations, right?
MC: Like at Muirauqa? / Oh yeah, like that time at-- / Uh, nope!
(B) Gammei: Yeah, the Hero Fest with Barrel and Victom! I saw those matches.
(C) Gammei: Hey, you can tell me. I see you think your power's special.

Huckle: Your work's gotten part of the populace to know about you, which is probably why the UEHA bosses have their eye on you for this case...I went ahead and asked them to not treat you like a handy tool.
Huckle: (Okitaka also told me the Defense Department half pushed them into putting this job through. But this is in Kyoto, and some of the bosses don't like hero or alien intervention...is there something else going on? Not that we can leave the citizens in danger.)
Huckle looks at MC again after thinking.
Huckle: That said, you can say no if you want.
Gammei: Yeah, we're enough to handle a little cleanup. Sorry to bring you into something problematic. If you say no, there's other ways of investigating this.
MC: Well you're asking Gammei, so okay / Let's talk payment...
(AB) Gammei: Thanks. I know you're an Observer, but I'd rather not put too much work on a civvie.
(C) Gammei: Haha, you got priorities! Can't guarantee it's big but go ask for the moon. Oh yeah, your boss got the police and UEHA to cover the trip expenses.

Gammei: So Director Huckle, I'll be guarding your employee like we've talked about.
Huckle: Yes, thank you. MC, don't do anything too crazy.
Mokdai: ...the special transformations happen through a hero's wish or that special plot device thing, right? Sounds like you want that second one, but it's still in development.
Gammei: Meaning I need to file for help with the developers? That sounds like it'll take a while.
Damn, I wanna hurry things up since the damage is adding up, even if it's not a big scene yet.
Huckle: I can contact the developers since one of them is our mechanic. It should be fine.
Gammei: Oh, Crowne? Cool, thanks! I'll get ready to go whenever, tell me if anything needs doing with that transformation device thingy.
Mokdai: I wish I could go and I'm sure Akashi would say he's going if he were here...but I guess we can't since they want to keep the number of heroes down.
Gammei: Yeah, I get it...they've planned the investigation to have as few people as possible.
Huckle: Mokdai, why don't we look for things to do without needing to go? You can be the backup support.
Mokdai: Right...be careful, MC. Call us if something happens!
Huckle: Okay, we settled? Good luck in Shinraku, MC.
MC: Okay! / Got it! / (nod)
And so Huckle calls Crowne who calls Hisaki about the job. They agree to help, and it takes a few days to make the device.

Later
Gammei and MC are on the train to Kyoto.
MC: I'm nervous about being alone... / So the Director told me that... / Yay, trip with Gammei-senpai!
---
(A) Gammei: What am I? Chopped liver? Then again I figured you'd say that, so I ~~filed~~ ask for one more person to help us over there. It'll be cool.
(B) Gammei: NO STOP DON'T MAKE THIS SOUND LIKE SOME BUSINESS TRIP! At least not until we actually get there.
(C) Gammei: Aww, thanks. Don't push yourself too much, I'm here too.
---
Gammei is pretending to be a coworker.
Gammei: I forgot to ask, you ever been to Kyoto before?
MC: Nope! / Tons / Where's that?
(A) Gammei: Oh. Well after we're done we could go sightseeing.
(B) Gammei: Oh okay. Maybe you can show me around, haha.
(C) Gammei: What? Oh wait right, amnesia.

Gammei: ...
Gammei: Uh, wanna eat lunch?
Gammei hands over a station bento and starts eating his own.
Gammei: (Oh no, this is awkward! I'm so used to talking work with Barrel, and I'd like to make MC feel more comfortable...)
MC: So what do you do on your days off? / What do you do at home? / You into anything?
---
(A) Gammei: Uh, I eat and sit around... what!? It's not like I have to have some huge hobby or something!
(B) Gammei: You mean like, after work? Eat, wash up, go to bed. Think about what happened, about the next day's plans, stuff like that. Like I don't really have much time for fun. I know it's physical work, but I'm working all day.
(C) Gammei: Like, a hobby? I used to, but not now...stop looking at me like some kinda boring loser!
---
Gammei: What about you?
And so Gammei and MC talk on the train ride over to Kyoto.

Later
Gammei and MC make it to Kyoto.
MC: It's our hotel! Ooh, nice room.
Gammei: Haha, don't get too excited. It's close to where we're going to negotiate.
Gammei checks out the room and puts down his bag.
Gammei: Okay, it's good. We can talk normally now, sorry for how pushy I was acting.
MC: What were you doing? / It was fun / Keep doing it!
(A) Gammei: Checking for listening devices, just in case.
(B) Gammei: Thanks. You wouldn't be saying that if you really were my kouhai though.
(C) Gammei: Come on, focus. There might be Monsters here. Then again things are different right now so I might actually do that. But focus on work now.

Gammei: Okay now that we're clear to talk, let's go over--oh wait, phone call.
click
Hisaki: Hey MC! Wish I could hug you, but I guess Space Zoom will have to do.
Crowne: Heyo, MC. I'm glad we got the thing for UEHA done in time, though sorry it was down to the wire.
Gammei: It's cool, sorry it was such short notice.
MC: Crowne! / Hisaki! / Thanks you two!
(A) Crowne: You sure seem busy, but that's life in a hero agency I guess.
(B) Hisaki: How's it going? I'm glad my product's helping again!
(C) Crowne: Don't sweat it. More research data!
Hisaki: Yeah, we should be thanking you guys for funding it!

Hisaki: Wish we had more time for small talk, but business time now.
Gammei: Right, the plot device explanation.
Gammei pulls out the thing from a box.
Hisaki: Sooo, we're assuming MC can see more than other Observers and we decided to try making a device to control what sort of parallel worlds they can see.
Crowne: Yep. It's been successful at getting plot convenient suits and powers, so we're calling the plot device the Parallel Cue.
Hisaki: We plugged this one in with info for investigation type suits in Shinraku. It should work to help infiltrate into the place while you go Monster hunting.
Gammei: But it looks like some festival tag you wear.
Hisaki: Maculata did that!
Crowne: Yep. But MC's the only Observer who can use the plot device for variant suits so far. Which leaves one problem if a fight breaks out...
Hisaki: Yeah, but after MC turns on the variant suit, any other Operator can keep it going.
MC: Business as usual then for me / What else is new / Oof, the pressure...
(A) Crowne: Yeah. We're counting on you again, but don't overdo it! Turn off the transformation if something totally different happens.
(B) Gammei: Well we are expecting Monsters. Sucks to be you...wait, sorry I take that back. Thanks again for doing this for us.
(C) Gammei: It's fine, if it doesn't work we'll think of something else. We're glad you agreed to come at all, so...tell me if you need anything.

Hisaki: 'kay, explanation's over. Call if anything comes up.
Gammei: Sure. Thanks you two.
Gammei hangs up and dumps stuff onto a table.
Gammei: Now to the case...you look surprised that I've got paper files. Turns out paper is easier for me to work with somehow. Also updating a big and old organization's junk is really inconvenient...but never mind that, sorry. Anyways, we're calling the case the Spiriting Away Case. We're like 90% sure Monsters are causing it, and we're gonna look for persons of interest related to it. And it's been hell trying to get anywhere with this.
Gammei pulls up a photo of Tsuneaki on his phone.
Gammei: This is Toshuku Tsuneaki. He's from and lives here in Shinraku, but we don't know if he's a villain, Operator, or civilian.
MC: Why? / How's he related? / Just arrest him?
(A) Gammei: Nobody's seen him transform, transform someone else, or be where Monsters were seen.
(B) Gammei: Dunno yet. But he's related!
(C) Gammei: We have no proof, that'd be abuse of police authority!

Gammei: But anyways, the town security cameras have been seeing Tsuneaki everywhere ever since the rumors spread. He's also been spotted around the time the heroes who came to investigate disappeared. Super suspicious, I tell you. But then again if he is the one doing it, it's weird how high a profile he's keeping.
MC: Hmm...
Gammei: ...have you ever heard of anyone controlling Monsters before?
MC: No / (shakes head) / Well, not CONTROLLING Monsters...
(C) Gammei: Damn, really?

Gammei: Well if it's just opening up Paths for Monsters to come in, couldn't someone sort of intentionally have Monsters attack people? And it's still possible Tsuneaki's just some passerby, but we have no other leads. So first order of business is talking to him.
MC: Okay / Nervous... / Roger, Investigator!
---
(C) Gammei: You copying Barrel? Ha, you sound just like him. Just don't run in like him too.
---
Gammei: I'm bringing you just in case I need to transform, but stay behind me just in case. Now let's go. There's actually one other person working with us here and he's already contacted Tsuneaki, so we'll go see him.
The sun is setting as Gammei and MC leave. Soon it is the witching hour. So ominous...and oddly late to be going out. Oh well.
End of Episode

Jurassic Summer Vacation Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

The Velvet Claude's office
Claude: Thank you for coming, Setagaya Agricultural Academy owner Perun.
Perun: Hmph, enough formalities. Let's get down to the student exchange business!
Ooh, the drama. Snow and Volkh are standing behind their lords as the school war of student exchanges begins! Champions Students are sent out to become the very best like no one ever was~
Perun: Heh. You believe you can win? No mere amateur can hope to prevail in a school specialized in knowledge of farming and forestry!
Claude: Oh I understand. But being handicapped is what makes things such fun for us! Underestimate our best at your own risk!
Claude and Perun: HAHAHA
Snow and Volkh staring contest!

Claude: Now then. I give you the initiative. Declare your first player.
Perun: No you.
Claude: Hmm...are you saying it's disadvantageous to go first?
Perun: Ha! Cheap joke for an emperor!
Snow and Volkh: (staring continues)
Snow: (Oh Master Claude, you've grown up so much to rise up against another emperor.)
Volkh: (Lord Perun, you are so blindingly gallant!)
They're vibing.
Perun: Hmph. I see it has come to the traditional Tokyo way to break this impasse.
Claude: Indeed. Discussion has failed, so only one method remains.
Snow and Volkh reach for their artifacts...
Claude: I CHALLENGE YOU TO A CHILDREN'S STRATEGY GAME!

One RPS game later
Perun: NOOOO I SHALL NEVER FORGET THIS HUMILIATION OF LOSING TO ROCK
Volkh: My lord, please! We can just crush them in the school war and regain your dignity!
Snow: It brings a tear to my eyes how fortune smiles upon you, Master!
Claude: Hold that thought, Snow. Save it for when we actually win the war.
One breather later
Perun: Fine, I just have to win in the end! I'll start by playing Yamasachi in defense mode! His special game is Yamasachi Survival Hunting! The winner is the one who collects the most food from the mountains by the end of the exchange term! Go big or go home!
Claude: Hmm... I will play Horokeu Kamui in attack mode!
Volkh: WHAT
Claude: What? He's a hunter. It makes sense.
Snow: ...does that mean you've chosen someone else to play against Volkh? I see Setagaya has taken you too lightly and lost the plot over obsessing over connections!
Claude: Enough of that, Snow. It feels weird for you to do that in front of the enemy.
Snow: ...forgive me for speaking out of turn.

Perun puts a hand on Volkh's shoulder.
Perun: ...get up and calm down. Do you doubt that Yamasachi will win?
Volkh: N-no, of course not!
Perun: Then everything is fine. Whatever scheme he has, we shall crush beneath our feet!
Volkh: Yes my liege!
Snow: Hmm...I do indeed sense the weight of history behind Perun.
Claude: Of course, that makes this worth doing!
Back to business.
Claude: Right, my turn. I play Andvari in defense mode! His game will be Gold Monopoly in business studies! He who makes the most money by the end wins!
Perun: Heh, are you ignorant of my school's ace? HA! I will play Volos in attack mode!
Snow: I see...he plans to use Volos's brand name monopoly on food to target all of Tokyo!
Volkh: But wait my lord. Volos said he wants to give better quality ingredients to ever larger crowds. Wouldn't that be inappropriate for a profit seeking venture?
Perun: Ha. I know how to get him on board.
Claude: You call this a competition? You must be jesting.

Moving on!
Perun: The last card I will play for Setagaya's defense will be...ME! My challenge will be a poetry contest!
Claude: Huh. I never expected you to take part in the student exchange yourself. And how do you even plan to have your battle decided?
Perun: I have it covered!
Claude: Oh okay then. If you're up, then the other games should be fine. And you must have a reason for this of some kind.
Perun: I wish to go up against Fergus Mac Roich for my battle! He is the stuff of legends of love and battle! He's perfect for this! And now that I think about it, why haven't you put him up yet?
Claude and Snow look concerned.
Claude: I would, but I can't.
Perun: W-WHY!?
Claude: Because he's not here. Said he's on a journey to find himself or some such. He's in Yurakucho now.

Yurakucho
Macroich: Christine I love you!
Christine: No, Raoul, stop! Because of our love...
Macroich: But you never said love to me before!
Macroich is an actor.
Christine: Because HE will hear! He'd kill you out of jealousy if I said that!
Cipactli arrives. Macroich and Christine look aside into the darkness.
Macroich: ...pffft, you're imagining things Christine. There's no Phantom there.
Cipactli grabs Christine!
Cipactli: Christine, Christine, you lied to me when you said you loved me! You love HIM!
Christine: You lied to me first! You said you'd teach me music! Monster!
Christine tries to run but fails!
Cipactli: Love me! I can do better!
Bzzzzt
PA: Intermission time! Ten minutes until the last part of I Can't Believe It's Not Phantom of the Opera!
Guy A: OMG Imix is so cool!
Girl B: He never shows up outside anywhere. How can I get closer?
Guy A: Welp, time to give up. He's famous for only ever showing up on stage and nowhere else. Honestly we don't even know if Imix is really his name. But he's so mysterious and cool!
Bzzzzt. Show time!

Later
Cipactli goes back to his home underground to laze around and watch Youtube with pizza. Then Christine walks in.
Cipactli: ...what? I'm not giving you any of my pizza.
Christine: It's okay, I don't like pizza that's drowned in cheese like that. Still, you really should stop looking so listless like that. What if a fan saw you like this?
Cipactli: It's just you here. Leave me alone back here at least. (takes a pizza slice)
Cipactli: So, why ARE you here?
Christine: You told me you wanted to shine brighter than anyone on stage once. You were so intense back then that it'd make people wonder if that was true. But lately...have you been having trouble focusing on your acting Imix Cipactli?
Cipactli: (frowns)
Cipactli stops reaching for another slice. He looks grim and ashamed.
End of Episode

Jurassic Summer Vacation Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

Transients, how do they work? That's the question the Ueno Beast Tamers are researching in the biological sense. They're a guild of Beasts who can't control their powers and Tamers who buddy up to keep them under control.
Ueno
Krampus: (rings bell) Hello? I came to see Beast Tamer MC?
Krampus is talking into an intercom. Someone comes running shortly.
Alp: Hi, Krampus-senpai, right?
Krampus: Yeah, uh...
Alp: I'm Alp, MC's buddy! Everyone's waiting when they heard MC's friend would be coming! Their room's this way! (pushes Krampus over)

Alp: Ta-da! I brought Krampus-senpai!
Krampus: Haha, your buddy's perky, MC.
MC: Welcome, Senpai. He's just like that. Introduction time!
Yuma: Furry...I'm Yuma, the Beast Tamers guildmaster.
Cu Sith: I'm Cu Sith, MC's friend!
Krampus: I'm Krampus from the Santa School, nice to meet you guys...hey, MC?
MC: Okay so I was talking with them and then--
Alp: Oh no, are we third wheels!? Sorry...
Krampus: No, it's cool. Hardly anyone gets in my personal space so much for a first meeting, but I'm okay with it. It's better to have a crowd for this!
Yuma: If you are MC's friend...then I'm not too scared.
Alp: Yeah we have even bigger freaks! Like the work dumper who nags you next to your bed!
Krampus: what
MC: Dead panda walking :)))

Alp: OH NO hey I didn't say anything okay?
Krampus: ...so this is the Therian dorm, right? It's not a totally furry dorm?
Alp and Cu Sith: gasp!
Krampus: Like, MC you live here. And Yuma to--
Alp and Cu Sith: GASP!
Krampus: W-what, was I not supposed to say that?
Yuma: It's okay...I'm not the only walking mystery now that MC is here too.
Alp: Yeah I dunno how, but MC is my temp buddy and got permission to live here!
Yuma: An exam found that MC isn't definitively human.
Alp: Also Leib talked it over to convince people MC can control my power. It's a temp thing until we find someone with a better match, though.
Krampus: Leib?
MC: Cu Sith's buddy. He calls everything a pain, but he's trusted and reliable.

Krampus: Huh, maybe I should say hi if I see him.
Alp: MC and I go together perfectly! We can stay together, and MC can stay in the dorm that way!
Yuma: ...I like having MC here too. What if they became my buddy instead of Alp's?
Alp: NOOOO
Krampus: Okay cool, you're making friends MC.
MC: Welp this is my home now. I had nowhere to go and they took me in, like family.
Krampus: Oh, that's good. I brought the DVDs you asked for and some other stuff.
Cu Sith: Yay, can we watch too? I've started getting into toku shows.
Krampus: Nice! I recommend this one. The toku kaiju Cipactli! He's so cool with his El Dorado motifs, and the effects look so realistic.
MC: Sudden headache! / Hmm... / Oooh!

Krampus puts in the DVD.
Cipactli: RAWR
Yuma and Cu Sith: AAAAA
Krampus: Wasn't that awesome!?
Cu Sith: Y-yeah...he scared me.
Yuma: He'd need a Tamer like Jambavan if he were really here in Tokyo...
MC: He was so cool! / Cute lizard! / That WASN'T a kaiju movie...?
(AC) Pazuzu: (zooms in) Hi guys, watcha watching?
(B) Pazuzu: (zooms in) DID SOMEBODY SAY CUTE LIZARD

Pazuzu: Show me this big lizard I heard!
Alp: AHH! Omg Pazuzu your reptile radar!
Pazuzu: Do you realize how old and flimsy this place is? I could hear you from the basement!
Suddenly Hastur!
Hastur: Pazuzu you have no standards! Have some consideration for me!
MC: Pazuzu, sit by me! / Wanna join us, Hastur? / are you jealous
(A) Pazuzu: Ooh, thanks MC! I always wanted to watch a movie with a friend in something besides a dedicated theater room.
Hastur: I'll sit on the other end, away from MC.
Alp: MC's my buddy so next to them is my spot, tee hee!
(B) Hastur: Back off! Do not infect me with your terrible sleeping patterns! Ugh, and I was looking forward to having a new human around. Why must everything be so strange? Like my partner being a degenerate fiend.
Pazuzu: Aww, you're cute when you act embarrassed. It's fun breaking down the tough fronts of people who won't be open.
(C) Hastur: I WILL GIVE YOU THE SLOWEST ACTING PLAGUE I KNOW
Pazuzu: Now now, it's my fault for getting excited, but don't antagonize him too much. And Hastur, I know how you feel! You protest all the time but--
Hastur: Silence, you!

Somehow everyone fits into this tiny ass old school Japanese-style dorm room.
Hastur: How can you all stand to be so close to me besides Pazuzu!? You could all die!
Krampus: U-uh, isn't this too crowded?
Pazuzu: Hey are you holding the lizard in the movie!?
Krampus has a figure in his hands.
Krampus: Yeah, it's an action figure of Tokusatsu Kaiju Cipactli. The tail can move!
Pazuzu: Ooh! Maybe I should by one for my lab desk.
Krampus: I got several to keep and look at like a good nerd, so you can have one.
Pazuzu: Wow, thanks! I almost never get gifts!

Pazuzu leaves and comes back a few moments later.
Pazuzu: Might be weird for payback, but have a 1/20 model of my lizard. I was very particular about the details in the commission and--
Hastur: NOOOO don't give that to him!
Pazuzu: But you okayed it to give your bugs something to worship.
Krampus: ...should I turn it down?
Hastur: You dare prefer that toku kaiju over me!?
Krampus: (I CAN'T WIN)
MC: Gimme, please! / Wow, it's so lifelike! Like here and-- / Get another room, you two!
---
(A) Pazuzu: Wait, I didn't give you one already? I must rectify this immediately!
(B) Hastur silences MC with a tentacle.
Hastur: I can strangle you so easily, you know?
(C) Pazuzu: Whoops! Well you know how it goes when you talk about things you like.
Krampus: Yeah, same. It's cool.
---
Yuma: Everyone's having fun...I'm glad.
Cu Sith: Let's start the movie over since Pazuzu and Hastur came in.
Alp: Okay! I wasn't watching since I was busy talking.

Later
Hastur: Cipactli called that a rampage? Amateur. I could destroy the world even quicker!
Pazuzu: Yep, you're the best!
Yuma: You're strong, Hastur, but that kaiju's scale is amazing.
Hastur: Yuma, you think that highly of him...!?
Yuma: It looked to me like he wasn't just throwing his weight around. Like he represents how things happen because something's in the world.
Pazuzu: Hmmmm. I got the same feeling. Subliminal message?
Everyone's talking about their thoughts on the movie in the dining room.
Krampus: Uh, is it really okay for me to eat here?
Cu Sith: Yeah! I called Leib and he said okay.
Pazuzu: Yep, he'll okay anything that doesn't require effort on his end.

Suddenly Leib!
Leib: Bleh. Heard my name. You guys badmouthing me?
Alp: N-nope! We were totally just talking about how nice you were?
Cu Sith: Alp, that's true but you make it sound so sus...
Look, Jambavan and Fenrir too!
Fenrir: Hmm. A new personage?
Jambavan: Oh, are you MC-senpai's friend?
Krampus: Yeah, um, I'm Krampus. Nice to meet you.
Jambavan: I'm Jambavan, nice to meet you.
Fenrir: I am the Dark Ravenous Wolf. Or the Mighty Howl. Call me whatever you please.
Leib: ...he's Fenrir. And I'm Leib. You've probably heard of me already. I hear you're good friends with MC. Keep that up, yeah?
MC: Hi guys / Stop acting like my dad! / UGH, why are you like that?
(B) Leib: Haha, can't have you suffering in my wake. Kidding.
(C) Leib: ...I'll spank you too if I have to.

Fenrir: How dare you come together for a banquet of madness and blood without us!
Jambavan: Um, he says he's jealous you're all having fun.
Jambavan, edgelord to Japanglish translator!
Alp: We watched a DVD Krampus brought!
Fenrir: HOW DARE
Krampus: I brought a bunch you guys can borrow if you want. Hope you guys like toku too!
Yuma: It was fun! How about we all watch one together next time?
Fenrir: If the guildmaster wills it, so be it.
Jambavan: Thank you!
Leib remembers something now.
Leib: Oh right, a work request came in for you, MC.

Letter: One of our Transient actors is acting up and we can't stop him, so we want to ask MC for help.
Yuma: The Entertainers sent this? I'm worried...
Pazuzu: Is this about the urban legend of the sewer crocodile? We went over the other day to look into it.
Hastur: We looked everywhere and found nothing!
Jambavan: Um, I heard a rumor about another urban legend. One about a giant underground cavern under Tokyo. They might've made it for an underground shelter but stopped? Now there's monsters or mad science happening down there.
...
Alp: Wait, does that mean I have to share MC!?
Leib: Maybe if it comes to it. I'm good with having people multitask if they can. If MC's the best for handling it, then MC should be that guy's Tamer.
Alp: Noooo!
MC: Alp... / I wanna stick with Alp too! / You don't have to be my buddy to be special
(B) Leib: Wait, don't you flip out too. You'll still be with him.
(C) Alp: But...

Leib: Alp, remember what I said when you first came here? We're a group of Beasts and Tamers, and we'll let any pairing happen if necessary.
Alp: (gulps and nods) ...I know. If MC's gonna buddy up with someone else, then I have to make sure they fit!
Leib: ...god you are so difficult. But it's true there's some things you gotta see for yourself. Like it's weird how this thing asked for MC specifically.
MC: Yeah, hmm... guess I have to go see.
Leib: Eh, don't worry too much. Since you're new, I'll come along to teach you how it goes. Pazuzu, you take care of Cu Sith in the meantime.

Pazuzu: Sure. And Leib, you sure are being overprotective today.
Cu Sith: OMG Leib is choosing to work!?
Leib: ...shut up, I do work too sometimes.
Hastur: I support this!
Leib: Anyways it's too dangerous for you to go alone. If anything happens, I'll handle it.
MC: Ooh, Senpai!
Cu Sith: Hmm...something's up with Leib to be doing thi--
Krampus: Umm...was I not supposed to hear any of all that?
Leib: ...eh, it's fine. But if you do talk, then--
Krampus: I won't, promise!
Leib: Kidding. But serously, don't talk, thanks.
Several days later
Leib: Welp. Time to open Pandora's box now, yeah?
End of Episode half

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 8 (Abridged)

Bird Monster: REEEEE
The boss bird Monster is absorbing the smaller ones to get bigger! Its wingflaps get stronger too.
Procy: Whoa there! Welp, it getting bigger means it's easier to find at least.
Anna: OMG, don't go breaking the stalls! Do you know, like, how much time we spent on those!? And what if you hit us!? Su-Su, you ready with your thing yet?
Suhail: I'm not so bad that I need a little girl worrying about me! I still got plenty of fight left in me!
Anna: But you are like SO beat up! Here, lemme heal you! Healing Dance!
Anna summons a healing breeze for Suhail.
Suhail: Whoa! You ready to go all out too, Anna? Alright! MC, gimme VP! Phein, Procy, I'm casting my support on you guys!
MC: Okay! / Aye-aye Captain!

Suhail: Don't waste the buffs, now! Space Pirate Cheer!
Suhail yells so loud the ground shakes. The waves he gives off draw out power from the party!
Phein: Ugh, he yells so loudly I might get blasted away by it!
Procy: Yeah, but now I'm feeling SUPER powerful! He's a dick for saying we'd waste it, but no way in hell am I doing that. Watch me, Suhail! MC!
MC: Yeah we got the VP!
Procy nods and looks up.
Bird Monster: SQUAWK
Procy: Man I can't even sit still long enough to think. Here we go!
Procy Super Jump, away!
Procy: Choke on this, bird bitch!
Light speed charge!
Procy: Who's the bancho now!?
Sparks flash as Procy goes ORA ORA ORA!
MC: Whoa...
Protect Break!
Procy: There it is! Space Bancho Punch!

Bird Monster: SCREEE
Core cracked! The Monster is off balance! But Procy feels he can't finish it alone...
Procy: PHEIN! MC! (waves) YOU'RE UP!
Procy spikes the bird towards Phein!
Anna: Hey wait a sec, he's gonna send that huge thing to Phinny!?
Welp, if Phein can't handle it, he, MC, and the school are goners. Buuut...
MC: Phein, I'm sending you all our VP!
The bird is sent right at Phein!
Phein: You always leave me to clean up after you, Procyon.
Phein readies his weapon.
Phein: But I'm not running away anymore! I will protect the places that people feel happy in! Protection "Superesse Euratio"!
Shield Smash!
Phein: RAAAAAH
The core's crack spreads!
Bird Monster: LOVELYYYY (thud)

MC: ...w-we did it! Great job, Phein! Thanks guys, operation complete!
Anna: OMG YAY
Suhail: HAHAHA, we really did it! You won, stupid heroes! Phein, you did awesome there!
Anna: Oh, right! Phinny, you okay!?
Phein: ...whew. I'm fine. How's Procy...?
Phein shieldpunched so hard he was pushed to his knees. Anna and Suhail pull him up, and Phein looks around for Procy.
Procy: You did it, partner! I'm glad you figured out my plan!
Phein flies down and grabs Phein by the shoulders as he smiles.
Phein: H-hey, wait!
Phein sounds a little mad, but he gives up after a moment as he grabs Procy's shoulders and smiles back.
Phein: ...heh. We never really had any other plans since back then. Still, what was your plan if lost against that big bird?
Procy: God, do you always have to complain about everything? You could just--
The light shines bright behind the two. The bird Monster starts dissolving into light now.

MC: Hey, the Monster's disappearing. And the smaller ones too!
The smaller birds scatter in different directions before poofing into light too.
Suhail: ...ha. There was really only one boss and the rest were just split off parts. Welp, got my memories back now!
Anna: That's so great, Su-Su! Now I can, like, relax too! All the civilians must be kinda scared, so now's the time to make them feel better with the ChocoFes! Right, EmmySees?
Hey look, something shiny falls from the sky.
MC: Hey wait...is that chocolate?
Surprised party!

Title Card: Gifts of Thought and Form

Anna: WHAT (points)
Anna: EmmySees, you said that shiny thing is chocolate? Then, is that the chocolate the Monsters ate!? Oh no, they're all falling!
Suhail: Wait, the birds ate chocolate?
Phein: ...look, lots of chocolate boxes near where the big bird was.
Yep, lots of wrapped up boxes start appearing there.
Procy: Huh...wait, that's not all! Anna, Phein, pick them all up! MC, we're collecting the chocolates! Suhail, we won so you have to help! Catch the falling ones before they smash and break, the ones popping up on the ground are okay!
MC: What exactly do you think I am
Procy: Shut up and do it! My business future is at stake!
Anna: I'll help too! I don't want people to remember the chocolates they put their feelings into turning into itty bitty pieces!
MC: Okay yeah, I guess there is something I can do / Can't give up already! / okay okay, geez

Suhail: What, seriously? (looks up at the falling chocolates)
Procy: Yeah, 'cuz I think I should and I have something to express. You think it's stupid or something?
Suhail: ...huh, cool! So I let you guys win the battle just now, but I'll just go onto the next one! (grabs his megaphone)
Suhail: BOYS! Captain Tronesion's orders! I remember everything now! Get out here, it's a team battle!
Suhail's ship drops its optic camo!
Pirates: WELCOME BACK BOSS!
Suhail: I'm back, babies! I'm all cool now! Get your asses down here, get geared up, and start catching more chocolates than the heroes!
Pirates: AYE-AYE SIR! (starts moving out)
MC: They were there the whole time!? / Wait... / It's a race!

Anna: OMG, we're making a contest out of it? Phinny, EmmySees, let's do this thing!
Phein: W-what? How do you even expect us to collect falling chocolates?
Suhail: What, you don't know? (pulls up megaphone)
Suhail: JUMP, BOYS!
Pirates: YEAAAHHHH (jumps out of ship)
MC: OH MY GOD
The pirates grab chocolates and open up their parachutes.
Suhail: HA! Feast your eyes on the Bautista Pirates co-op! I'mma win this time, Procy!
Procy: Bring it on, bitch! Anna, go pick up the ones on the ground! And don't crush them! Phein, grab any that are about to hit the ground!
Phein: Okay. I can see which ones are falling next if I keep watch.
MC: What about me, Procy? / Don't let any drop, guys!

Procy: Hmm, still got falling chocolates...MC, watch and operate me! I'll get ALL the chocolates! Move out, team! And watch it, those things mean things to people!
MC: Well the pirates are helping too, but there's so many! / Will we make it for the ones
Procy: Stop worrying and focus, MC! Let's go! (flies up)
Procy: Banchos can make anything in time! YEAH!
Procy zips around and picks up boxes like crazy!
Phein: (briefly surprised) Alright, let's keep going. Anna, over there!
Anna: Got it! And wow, Phinny, you're starting to have fun!
Phein: Not...really? I just can't let you two down when you're relying on me. On my mercenary pride I will not let a single chocolate slip past.
Anna: OMG SO cool! I'm so glad we hired you!
Phein: Less talk, more action! Go over there!
Anna: Okay!

Later
Suhail: Good job, boys!
There's a big pile of chocolates now.
MC: There's so many! / Damn...
Procy: Oof... I'm too old for all this moving around shit.
Anna: Nice moves, Pro-Pro! It is like SO cool you actually didn't let any chocolate fall and smash! Oh wait, should I dance?
Procy: ...yeah, thanks. It takes so much stamina to fly...
Procy is lying on his back and breathing hard. Anna smiles.
Phein: All chocolates are safe. Well, the boxes at least... It's amazing how varied the shapes made by the machine are.
Suhail: Yeah I don't care about sweets much, but are these shapes really supposed to be chocolate?
Procy: Well yeah, everyone's thoughts and feelings are different. There's no way they'll stay the same for different people or at different times.
MC: One of a kind, huh? It does feel special.
Anna: You know, it's kind of like Parallel Weapons that way. Hey EmmySees, you draw out what we think would be cool if we were like that, right?
MC: Yeah, something like that! / I observe your parallel self. / I don't really get it either...

Procy: Anna DOES have a point. These chocolates are given in the hopes our feelings get across, so maybe it's not so far off in the future. Edibility aside, I guess. *(walks over to chocolate machine)*
Procy: I guess I better put this away until we can figure out what happened. Sucks, but we can't rule out that it's not causing Monsters to show up.
Suhail: This thing turns thoughts and feelings into something physical? Cool!
Procy: Back off, bitch.
Suhail: Heh. It does seem interesting, but I don't really have a use for it. Maybe my friend would've figured something out if he looked at it... but I can still pretend to take it so we can fight if you want! (squares up)
Procy: Eat a dick!
Anna: Wow Su-Su, you really like fighting. Also, that chocolate machine is, like, super awesome! Chocolate is so gucci the way it can taste totes delish and show how you feel! Oh, lookie lookie! (points at two chocolates)
Anna: This looks like a heart from the front, but from the side it looks like two of them! Like, whoa! (picks it up and demonstrates)
MC: Wow.

Anna: So many feelings, so many ways of appearing depending on how you look at it! The sense of freedom! Being able to freely give and express yourself is sooo good.
Phein: How very like you. Your words have shown me something I've never seen before now.
Anna: Aww, thank you! (V-signs)
Procy: Damn girl, your imagination...hey wait, that chocolate's the one your friend made. (takes chocolate from Anna to stare closer at)
Anna: ...guys, I'mma give her this chocolate myself. I've been with her from the start helping her with her decision to confess her feelings or not. I wanted to give her a push at first.
Procy: Oh yeah huh, you organized the fest theme around that.
Anna: ...yeah. But now, I want her to decide whether she'll do it herself. She should be free to do what she wants, and I shouldn't stick my nose into it. (hugs the chocolate) So when she says she wants to do it, I'll cheer her with everything I got! (smiles at Phein and Procy) Hehe, but it's thanks to you guys I started thinking that! TYSM you two!
Procy: Oh...well getting older isn't all bad then. I finally get that now. You think so too, Phein?
Phein: ...yeah. You've changed since back then, Procy. But some things still stay the same. You were the leader...and I should be proud the next time I see Mirzam.
Procy: ...Phein, you--
Suddenly, a strong wind!
MC: WHAT / wait where's Suhail?

Look, Suhail's space ship.
Suhail: Mike test, is this thing on? Hey MC, can you hear me!?
Phein: When did you get back in there!?
Suhail: My ship radar picked up hero readings coming in, and they'll be here soon! Now, I've never let a prize slip past me and I'm not about to let you be the first, MC! But I do owe you guys so I'll stop here for the day!
Pirates: Boss! Aren't you gonna say you'll come get them next time because it'll be an even better fight?
Suhail: Telling that ahead of time makes it less fun!
Pirates: O-oh. Wow you're such a man, Boss!
Loud cheering!
Pirates: We're so glad you got your memories back! Hey, Bancho and Merc! You guys are pretty manly too! But not as much as Boss! Anna, come join us whenever, we'll make you a dance floor! MC, we'll come again so be ready for that!
Anna is excited. Phein and Procy are baffled.
Suhail: Okay, later losers! (click)
And then Suhail's ship flies off.

Phein: ...what? Well I suppose a pirate needs to run fast. Shouldn't we have tried to arrest him?
Procy: Meh, he'll barge in again sometime down the line. MC, don't get kidnapped like an idiot.
MC: I-I'll try / Come back again, Captain... / He's just like that
Anna: Aww, Su-Su would be a totes awesome hero if he wanted. And he wouldn't be chased after. I thought I had a genius idea there...
Procy: Suhail would've been a hero to start with if he were like that. (stares at the direction Suhail flew off in and sighs)
Phein: Procy, we should help get the festival back on track. The Monsters are gone...and the villain went away.
Anna: Oh right, we got SO much work to do!
Phein: We should start by returning the chocolates to their rightful owners.
Procy: ...right, time to get into it! (cracks knuckles)
Anna: We need to tell everyone that things are gucci now...oh wait, I can ask the festies to help with that! I'll go call them! Let's do it, guys! (runs off)
Phein: I should go with her to see if anyone is hurt...hey Anna, wait!
Procy: Don't step on the goddamn chocolates, ugh!
The day is saved, and peace has returned. And so the smells of sweet chocolate fill the air once again.
The End

Chapter 14 Episode 18: Backstage 3 (Abridged)

Barguest: We've evened the numbers! Except only slightly since you need to go, Qursha! We'll hold them off!
Qursha: Ugh!
Amduscias: Y-you shall not--
Yuma: I'm here to help! I finally--(notices Amduscias) huh?
Amduscias: !! Y-you!
Yuma: AmDuke!?
Yuma and/or Amduscias flashback to that one time they saw each other at Amduscias's concert!
Qursha: Uh...whatever, bye guys! (super jumps away)
Barguest: We aren't here to fight you, Christine. Now that Qursha got away, we're leaving too.
Christine: >:(

Elsewhere, the grand guild alliance is making a ton of noise while not actually fighting! The point is to make Oscar stay in one place and force him into negotiations.
Qursha: Well there's only one place left and of course he has to be in the last goddamn one!
Yurakucho Opera House
Loki: Welp, they figured out where you are. Gonna run like a bitch? (smug)
Oscar: Well I'm an Entertainer! I can't be doing that. So, it's time to take the stage!
Outside
Barguest: I know I said I was bailing, but first a question. You guys did something to our guildmaster and Asakusa's guildmaster the way you did MC too, didn't you?
Christine: :)))))
Barguest: Payback time then! We're taking your guildmaster in for questioning!
Christine: Haven't you forgotten something?
Barguest: What?
Christine: Remember who came out to Tokyo when MC was shuffled away?

Suddenly EVERYONE looks up at King Solomon!
King Solomon: Cease fighting.
Everyone is forced to their knees!
Qursha: WHAT
Hierarchical pressure!
Weird Yurakucho
MC: HIM
Yurakucho
Barguest: WHAT
Nobody can move anything. King Solomon is clearly Special. Barguest feels he can never escape King Solomon's control.
Christine: Behold King Solomon, observer from beyond Tokyo.
Barguest: !!
Solomon: Faaatheeeer!

Flashback!
Gabriel: Barguest, I think you saw King Solomon in Yurakucho.
Barguest: Hmm. Sounds familiar.
Gabriel's exposition time!
There was once an ordinary king who ruled paradise and was given omniscience from God. He had the power to command demons AND angels, except he sat there doing nothing. Omniscience is the power to know All things happening now and later. Again, he just sat there and stared at his city.
Gabriel: There's more. King Solomon's paradise eventually disappeared in ruin, but his Millennium Kingdom will one day reappear. It's said to have angels, demons, robots, Old Ones, and other stuff...
Barguest: Wait that sounds just like Tokyo

Present
Oscar: Intermission time! I gots directorial and proprietary work to get to.
Loki: Oh. So you ARE running away like a little bitch.
Oscar: You are soooo classless, Loki. Why I'd never do anything to put a damper on things like that! I'm just gonna head backstage to do a little greeting. Everyone watching us needs to be having fun, or else I can't call myself an Entertainer anymore! Hold the fort if anyone comes in, thanks!
Later
Loki: (stares in Hannibal)
Loki: ...oh. Someone really DID come in.
It's Ahura Mazda and Nobumichi!
Loki: Are the Rule Makers coming out? Well allow me to greet you in place of the Entertainers guildmaster!

Witch Yurakucho
MC: Mr. Mononobeeee!
Quantum: :(
Quantum: !!
Quantum: MC, someone's here.
Oscar: Welcome to the backstage! Nice to meet you, I guess. How's it feel to be just an observer?
MC: WHOMST
Oscar: Oof, feasting your eyes on me? Anyways, hi I'm the Entertainers guildmaster Oscar.
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 17: Backstage 2 (Abridged)

Let's talk about the Wanderers some more! They are those who came to Tokyo after losing their homes, never had a home, or came out of despair. But even here they don't have a forever home because the roles they have prevent it. The base example for its members would be Qursha, the self-proclaimed Arakawa Guild's Stray Dog.
Back in his home world, Qursha was known as the greatest hunting dog together with his partner the best hunter in the mountains. He jumped like lightning, uncatchable by anyone. It was a simple but happy life, one he thought would go on forever.
They didn't of course. They ended over a common tangle of foolish love. A mountain goddess spirit fell in love with the hunter at first sight, but her love turned to hatred over illicit love, and she imprisoned the hunter, separating him from Qursha. Mountains are sacred in Kitezh, and they are also places where things come and scatter about. Qursha could not oppose her/them, and so he lost his master and partner. His dream shattered, and he despised love and romance. And so he abandoned his home world.

Qursha came to Tokyo with his incurable wounds, the city that permits all loves. Races and roles mean nothing in the face of loving who you want. And all that love felt like a sick joke to Qursha. Stuck in his past as he was, it was hard to make a living. Luckily for him, being so deeply hurt was hawt in Tokyo. He'd give love to somebody new every day and have a bed for a night, and then he leaves before breakfast in the morning. He's aware of the contradiction of deriding love and his life of throwing himself into it.
There's still a bright part of his day: street basketball. Zipping around, dribbling balls, dunking SO hard...it's how he found his new dream and way of making a living. He dreams of jumping higher than anyone to chase after his old dream, though he has no idea of how he'll go about it. It's what screams him though. When he wins a basketball game, he takes a victory selfie and sends it to the guild to prove he's still alive.
Qursha can't answer whether he hates or loves Tokyo what with its acceptance of all loves, be he keeps trucking on. And now we're here with Tokyo on the brink of collapse.

Present
Clip show of Qursha running past a bunch of mobs!
MC: Oh no, I can't do anything! (pounds phone)
Quantum: :(
Yurakucho
Qursha's running around Yurakucho! But angels and livestreamers are blocking the way!
Motosumi: Raid party!
The Asakusa guild party invites have brought everyone along!
Maria: Everyone, we don't need to fight! We just need to be loud!
The Asakusa and Aoyama guilds and friends are playing decoy!

Maria: We're trying our best to live our lives here!
Tokyo is the city of all permitted love, but there's still pain and conflict. No paradise where everyone has an easy life exists.
Maria: ...but this still isn't the place where people can do whatever they like to us. We are here! Tokyo Pride!
Aoyama Angels: Yes, Guildmaster!
Maria and the angels advance into Yurakucho! Maria ties up livestreamers with her vines and clears the way. More mobs try to block the way, but Qursha slips his way past!
Qursha: Four checked, no luck so far. Twenty-two to go! Noble Phantasm activate!
Qursha starts jumping from building to building! His body scars are his artifact and they give him super jumping and lightning speed, the power to jump between heaven and hell based off the Georgian metaphysical worldview. Also no one can measure the movements made with it.
Qursha: Super jumping is awesome!

Yurakucho Opera House
Loki: So dick, all according to keikaku script?
Loki and Oscar are watching the grand guild alliance raiding Yurakucho on a TV screen.
Oscar: Pffft, no performance ever goes perfectly. You can put on the same play with the same lines, but it'll still come out different on another day. Ah fate, the strongest and most uncontrollable thing in the world. Such strange bedfellows it makes of people! But that's what makes shows so fun! I can die, but I'll always want to keep that pleasure in the forefront. (winks sexily at Loki)
Loki: Oh [bell ringing] off with that look, you [woman screaming].
Oscar: Haha, well what's my writing talents for if I can't BS the plot back together? Stay tuned!
Yurakucho
Barong: Whew, things are getting fun! Let's go too, Newbie!
Barong came over here from Asakusa.
Amduscias: ...Senpai, I--
Barong: Yeah I know, you have somewhere you wanna go to. But have you decided what stage you want to be on?
Amduscias: (stares)
Barong: Have you figured out what sort of story this is for you? What are you showing? Who are you starring for?
Amduscias: ...! I-I... (frowns)

Later
King Solomon: (stares in blank)
Christine: Please enjoy the show wherever you like! I shall see you later.
King Solomon wanders off somewhere while Christine bows.
Ahura Mazda: So, should we go to where we need to next?
Nobumichi: Yessir, I'm coming with you!
Ahura Mazda: Really? But don't you work under Lord Horus?
Nobumichi: Yes. I'll serve until the Rule Makers bosses settle things amongst themselves.
Ahura Mazda: ...I've always liked that about you. Okay, let's go.
Nobumichi: Where to anyway?
Ahura Mazda: First, I should greet the Entertainers guildmaster.

Later
Qursha: 23 down, 3 left to check o--
Suddenly, Barong, Amduscias, and Christine!
Christine: If we can't catch up, we just need to wait up ahead. It's 3v1 here. What now, Qursha?
Barguest: Surprise, it's actually 3v3 here.
Christine: !!
Suddenly, Barguest and Gurangatch!
Barguest: Y'know, Qursha getting your lot's attention made it easier for us to move around. We followed you. We are the Wanderers and no one's better at pursuit than us!
Surprised Entertainers!
Barguest: Qursha, go while we hold them off!
BATTLE START

Chapter 14 Episode 16: Backstage 1 (Abridged)

So, the Wanderers. Their guildmaster is missing and Barguest working at Yurakucho was originally done to look for clues into his disappearance. Well, they're's assumed to be missing when the concrete detail is that they failed to check in as normal. Since the guild doesn't have a home base, they instead do periodic "I'm alive you guys" check ins. The Wanderers have tried hard to look for the guildmaster and have come up emptyhanded, other than they were last sighted near Yurakucho. So, the Wanderers have taken Tianzun's suggestion of forging a grand guild alliance, which brings up the tidbit that the Asakusa guildmaster is also missing.

Present
Asakusa
Maria: Hello Ueno and Arakawa guild people, this is Maria.
Motosumi: Dammit, Tianzun pissed off somewhere again! Oh, and only NOW did he think to tell us our guildmaster is missing! Oh right, I'm Motosumi and subbing in for the guildmaster in the meantime.
Ginza
Barguest: Barguest and Gurangatch from the Arakawa guild here.
Pazuzu: Hey Yuma, I'll help you here, and by help I mean I'll basically take over for you! Anyways, I'm Pazuzu, people!
Conference call time!

Barguest: So first, the Exception in Yurakucho. Christine called him the All Exception King Solomon.
Gabriel: GASP
Barguest: She said it was just as planned. Also there was a second Exception summoned too. Called itself Utopia's Alibi or Proof of Nonexistence, the Zero Exception Overlord.
Maria: Huh. Two separate Exceptions at the same time.
Barguest: Seems like three people are involved in the summonings. First is Bigfoot from the Yurakucho guild. The second is some dick named Kirito. And third is...MC.
Maria: MC? We're allied with them.
Barguest: That makes them our ally too. We'll probably need to speak with them more officially later when they get back, but anyways all three of them disappeared. It looked like Overlord sucked in Kirito and Bigfoot. I dunno what in hell happened to MC.

Maria: Guildmasters going missing is a big deal, and we need to contact the Summoners...except we can't get in touch with them through the app. They're missing on the app name lists, so I think the Entertainers did something. Probably admin functions since not even the true big three guilds should be able to do that.
Pazuzu: Hmm. Looking at it another way, no one can actually attack MC right now too. If they're invisible on the app, they can't be challenged to battle either. They could be in the safest spot ever.
Barguest: Or they might not be. Also they dropped this when the disappeared. (holds up MC's Sword Held By Unspecified Appendage)
Maria: A human arm?
Gabriel: An angel wing?
Maria and Gabriel: wait what

Pazuzu: ...I think I'll just give you guys the facts. So, this Schrodinger's Body Part? Still alive, still got a pulse even though it's like that. That suggests the rest of the body is just somewhere we can't see. The Yurakucho guild can disappear people. They can also put on and take off roles from anyone, which not even the true big three guilds can do. And then the Exceptions that showed up. Are they using these facts...?
It's just like they switched parts u gaiz
Pazuzu: We should assume they did that to the Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Arakawa guildmasters.
Yuma: Hmm...
Hastur: Wait, doesn't that make them invincible!?
Recap: powers need roles to work at all.
Pazuzu: No, there are limits. Think, where'd the guildmasters go? More specifically...did they really go anywhere? We don't describe dying and decomposition as "disappearing" after all. It's like actors moving offstage when their part is done. To the story, they're gone. To God, they're still there. And it's not like they let go of the actor roles either. They're just in another frame of being that we're not looking at.

Maria: ...from what the Ueno guild told me, I always thought most Transients with finished roles disappear from Tokyo.
Chapter 8 flashbacks with Oniwaka, Zabaniya, and Ophion!
Maria: For those three, I thought they went back to their home worlds. But we as natives only have Tokyo as a home to go back to, so maybe what Barguest saw...
Barguest: Are you saying they're actually still in Yurakucho?
Gurangatch: Huh. Maybe so are the other guildmasters?
Babel Tower
Alice (who isn't even part of this conversation): All the Entertainers handle are the stage and its equipment, and the admin privileges they have only relate to making the game interesting. And somehow Christine STILL kicked your butt, huh Beowulf?
Beowulf: Shut up girl! You lost to the Invaders!
Alice: Hmm...did Oscar really turn on us?
Beowulf: Yeah, all the Entertainers are working on the same thing. Him included.

Yurakucho Opera House
Oscar: Welp, the Game Masters went away now, so time for the next act!
Elsewhere
Pazuzu: If they're putting on a show, then there must be a script. Best thing to do is ask their guildmaster why they went after the other guildmasters.
Everyone Else: >:(
Pazuzu: We need to get the Entertainers guildmaster to rescue the missing guildmasters. We at Ueno will go rescue our guild friends, you guys get the guildmasters. Cool?
Yuma: ...Ueno agrees. What about everyone else?
Barguest: I'll presume to speak on the guildmaster's behalf and accept.
Pazuzu: Okay! Now for the first problem: where is the Entertainers guildmaster?
The Entertainers Portals are known, so apparently admin privileges can't hide those.
Barguest: ...when I went in, I've confirmed 26 possible locations that they've got.
The Entertainers' Portals are theaters, movie places, and other entertainment facilities.
Pazuzu: But which one is he in?
Enter a Portal and you'll have a list of enemy players. They get tons of territory defense bonuses though, so getting in and out safely will be hard.
Barguest: We can handle that part.
Yurakucho
Qursha: I'M GOING IN
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 7 (Abridged)

[I'm okay, I just have terrible self-control and have been sitting on some other entertainment I couldn't make myself put down]

Suhail: Kick their asses, people! Pirate Cheer Special!
Suhail points his megaphone at the party, sending waves of light that boost them!
MC: Nice Suhail! Guys, get ready!
Procy: A villain cheering for me is WEIRD, but never mind that now! Space Bancho Punch!
Procy fires punch shockwaves!
Monster Birds: Cheep cheep! (blasted off)
Phein: ...wow, Suhail. You buffed up Procy's fists.
Anna: Like whooooa! You two are SO COOL! ...wait, hold up. Weren't the Monsters attacking us? Why are they running? Phinny, let's go after them!
Phein: Right, we can't leave them be. I will draw the remaining...huh?
Phein looks around and notices the birds all flying towards the same place.
Phein: What...?
Suhail: Are they gathering somewhere? Huh. Well it makes blowing them all up at once easier!
Phein: Suhail, wait! Something's wrong! MC, keep watching!
MC: Over there...wait!

The birds are gathering around the chocolate machine Procy brought!
Procy: WHAT? Hands off, I need that for business!
MC: Procy, what's in the machine? It must be attracting the Monsters!
Procy: Uhh... I was told the machine reads a person's surface thoughts and uses high purity ether to make chocolate. I dunno how that works.
MC: Ether? Is that why?
LAH Christmas 1 flashback!
Anna: Uh, i-isn't ether, like, everywhere?
Procy: Yeah, ether crystals have pretty high ether purity...
Phein: Think later! Stop birds now before they cause more damage!
Lots of birds flying around tearing up boxes and wrappings!
Bird Monsters: (angry tweeting)
The party readies to fight! The birds respond by eating all the other chocolates and flying back up!

Anna: You are all SO going down for all this! Like, how dare you hurt my friends and guests! Oh right, guys don't forget to take a breath when you can! Especially you two, Pro-Pro and Phinny! You're our frontliners!
Anna casts Heal!
Procy: Thanks, Anna. We gotta be ready if the enemy is acting funny!
Anna: I'm glad if it helps! Okay EmmySees, ready to go!
They nod.
MC: Right, let's go!
Phein: Anna, MC...
Suhail: Ha, they got guts!
Phein: ...why? Why do they walk in even though they know it's dangerous? It's not a place for children or Observers.
Suhail: Ha, are you STILL on that? Those two can say what they think to my face and stand brave in front of Monsters! You call that weak? (points at MC and Anna)

Phein: ...
Those without power are those to be protected, but Phein can see in their faces they aren't the weak to be protected.
Procy: ...Phein, you're right it's a hero's job to protect the weak. Like, there's only so many of us heroes and Operators compared to civilians who don't have any power. But it's thanks to their support and VP that we can fight. Everyone helps in their own way. Not one of us is helpless to do anything!
Procy crosses his arms and looks at Phein. He looks determined.
Procy: We may have gone down different paths since that day...but we've turned out surprisingly similar.
Phein: But...I couldn't protect the weak. I couldn't protect my brother...you don't understand. The only reason I fight is to make it up to Mirzam...
Procy: Stop looking back and blaming your life on your brother!
Phein: !?

Procy: If you're actually down for using your life for all it's worth, stop looking so damn sad! You got a wish and became a hero, so stand up and get ready to rock up! ...wouldn't your brother want to see you like that? What kid would admire a hero who's always looking down?
Phein: Procyon...
Procy: You and I are alike, so there are things I get. Like, I get how you think it sucks to be weak...I used to think the same thing and made decisions for someone else. For their own good and all that junk...which is why I never really got what you or Besse said that day until now. I have my ideals...but I've learned they aren't everything from some crazy ass heroes. (looks at the rest of the party with a little smile)
MC: Procy... / Would you like to add insane to that
Suhail: Ha! Look at you, tryna be cool Procy. I like that tho! My old friend wanted to know too! He asked me why people always seemed to have a few screws loose. And I say that's what makes us people! Don't sweat the small stuff, but if I'm to lead my boys I gotta show 'em how it's done myself! ...oh wait, the Monsters are moving again! (looks up)
Suhail: I'm going on ahead, losers! MC, keep your eyes on me! (charges in waving his weapon)
MC: Don't go too crazy! / Get 'em Captain!

Phein: Showing it himself? ...what can I show Mirzam myself now?
"He wouldn't have died if I were strong enough." "Weaklings like Mirzam can't do anything, so I have to protect them." The thoughts that bound him for years float up, and Phein looks at his damaged suit.
Phein: If I were to show myself to Mirzam like this...
Anna: Phinny, OMG! I had something I wanted to say! So like, remember what your brother said?
Phein: How could I ever forget?
Flashback!
Mirzam: Big Bro...thanks...for always...I'm...sorry...
Present
Phein: He never got it all out, but what else could it have been for a failure like me?
Anna: I'd be super happy if I had a brother like you! Didn't you, like, work SO hard every day to support him? He'd, like, never hate you! Words can be a way of communicating things, just like dancing! Didn't what he want to tell you get across?
MC: Anna! I need you to heal Suhail!
Anna starts running to Suhail.
Anna: Gotta go, Phinny! Su-Su, I gotchu!
Suhail: Heh, I'm good, but you're a funny one to come help me. Thanks Anna!

Phein starts thinking back on what his brother said, words he repressed coming back to him.
Mirzam: Big Bro, thanks for always protecting me.
Present
Phein: ...Mirzam. Did you really not hate me? I couldn't give you a happy life, or lots to eat.
Procy: (puts a hand on Phein's shoulder) ...how ya doin'?
Phein: I...I suffered. I starved. I wondered why all that happened to us...why it all happened to me. But...Mirzam still looked happy, looked hopeful for tomorrow. I felt happy...not everything was bad.
MC: ...Phein, tell me again.
MC is looking at Phein while carrying on with operating.
MC: What's your dream? What did you wish for when you became a hero?

Phein: ...I wanted to protect my brother. Even if I ended up not having the power to fight, I wanted to make him happ--oh. I wanted him to have a happy life...
Phein looks down. His voice shakes.
Phein: ...I always thought the weak couldn't do anything. I never had an answer as to whether the weak could live happily after being protected from danger.
Phein takes a deep breath and looks at MC and Procy.
Phein: I've wondered whether there was any point to protecting people...but I was wrong. I have to accept that the weak...that Mirzam lived happily even if they couldn't fight or do any more than what one person could do... I should protect things so that there can be a place to be happy, not for forgiveness.
Phein looks at his suit, then grips his weapon again.
Phein: Mirzam was happy. Happy to be born my brother, and happy to be with me.
Digivice noises!
MC: My phone...this must be your real wish. Let's make it happen together!
Phone: Path updated. Subject: Phein. Connectivity: Very High. Connect?
MC: Okay that's new. Here we go!
FLASH
Phein's suit is whole!
Phein: WHAT

Title Card: Bitter Sweet Memories

Phein: This is...what my suit is supposed to look like. MC, you've found my true dream form.
MC: It's the dream you had. I just saw it.
Phein: My dream...oh. I've only wanted one thing, but I've misunderstood something badly this whole time. Procy, I'm sorry I--
Procy: Holy shit, cool suit partner! (grabs Phein's shoulder)
Phein: ...heh. Are you just saying that?
Procy: Shut up! But yeah, I gotta be a bit straight with you.
Phein: I'd never imagine that coming from the old you... you really have changed.
Phein looks up and takes a breath.
Phein: I need to change too. For Mirzam. The weak--everyone really--have a right to live happily. I will protect anyone who has their own happiness and a home. I want to believe Mirzam wanted me to be like that. (looks at MC)
Phein: MC, there's something I have to say to you...you can't face off against Monsters alone. But...you aren't weak. I will protect you on the field, so rest assured and fight beside me.
MC: ...yeah!
Phein nods. His way is clear.
Procy: Okay, let's get back to kicking ass! Don't fall behind, Phein!
Phein: You neither. Let's go!
Phein and Procy run over to Anna and Suhail.

Suhail: Took you dopes long enough! You finally bring your asses over right when I'm about to blow these birds up to bits! Oh, Phein, nice suit! Looks better than how it was before!
Anna: Phinny, your suit is like SO awesome now! We got those Monsters in the bag now!
Phein: Leave it to me. This suit feels better than it did before. I won't lose to anyone. (readies to fight)
Procy: Doesn't look like they'll make it easy. Careful MC! That bird's acting weird, it must be the main body!
Phein: ...is it calling the others!?
Bird Monster: SCREEE
The birds start converging around the big one!
Suhail: Hey MC, they're gathering around that big one. Reminds you of that time in Raidark too?
MC: Yeah. / Are they fusing together!?
Suhail: Sure things are different, but whatever happens can't be good.
Anna: Wait, is it gonna like evolve!? We gotta stop it before it wrecks even more things!
Procy: MC, I know we won't have time to wait for them, but put out an emergency alert to other heroes!
MC: Okay, let's do what we can!

MC puts out a Monster outbreak alert call for help!
Suhail: What, more heroes are coming? Then let's beat them all down now!
Suhail pumps his fist. The smaller birds start glowing.
Procy: What!?
Suhail: Wha...Guys! MC! Get ready, it's coming!
The boss bird gets bigger and flaps its wings! It screams really loudly!
Suhail: RAAAAH
Suhail blocks with his own screaming! The school windows start cracking!
MC: WHAT / OMG CAPTAIN!

Phein: I can't believe he yelled the attack off!
Anna: Su-Su you can do that? AWESOME!
Procy: Stop being impressed! Yeah he saved us, but focus on that Monster!
Procy points at the bird kicking up winds with its flapping.
Procy: It's fully evolved if it can physically interact with things here! The civvies will be in danger if it attacks the school! And who knows how much damage it'll do if it flies away!
The party readies to fight!
Suhail: That birdbrain actually blocked my voice. This is getting fun! Also, that thing still might have taken my memories, so I'mma take EVERYTHING it's got for picking a fight with me!
Anna: I won't let it get away with taking my friends' memories! You're not gonna ruin this festival or their feelings!
Phein: ...Procy, MC. Careful of the minions' attacks while we strike the boss. Protecting everyone is all I can do, so let's crush it before things get worse. Let's go! I won't look away anymore!
Procy: I've been waiting for you to say that! Welp, can't lose as chief now! I got a fire sale on these fists in your face today!
MC: Dunno how this'll go, but careful everyone! Begin the operation!
The party charges in, with the gang leader and pirate captain up front.
Procy: Say hello to the Space Bancho vanguard!
Suhail: Come at me, Monster! See my leader's will for yourself!
BATTLE START

Chapter 14 Episode 15: The Show Must Go On 3 (Abridged)

The Arakawa Wanderers is a guild of people with no home base and no need of a home base. The powers their members possess are varied, like the one who has a misfortune magnet, the one with super jumping, and the one with earth swimming. Their roles however tend to be in the same class of wanderers, drifters, and homeless, and this sets tends to make their powers have the traits of being slippery and hard to catch. They mainly gather around Arakawa in Adachi Ward, which is close to Rule Makers territory. The Rule Makers keep trying to catch them, but the Wanderers keep slipping through their fingers.

Present
Pazuzu: Sooo, thanks again Wanderers!
The group has gotten away from the Chiyoda-Chuo border.
Pazuzu: We were able to escape with our guildmaster because of you guys.
Gurangatch: It's okay. I'm glad you relied on me so much!
Pazuzu: I'm still surprised you dug through the ground like it was water.
Gurangatch: Oh, did I not show you my artifact?
Hastur: You are oddly friendly...huh? Have we met before?
Pazuzu: He's that student lifeguard from the Tokyo Fire and Disaster Management College!
Hastur: what
Pazuzu: That one school where firefighters and lifeguards go to. We worked with them once for an anti-bioterrorist training drill one time, remember?
Hastur: Was that the one where a student got spanked by a teacher?
Gurangatch: That sounds like Ulaanbatar when I was there. Raven does that every time he cuts class.

Pazuzu: Still, I didn't know you were a Wanderer, Gurangatch. I'm glad I got your phone number back then!
Hastur: You have no standards when it comes to reptiles
Pazuzu: Oh my god are you jealous???
Hastur: NO! ...I will however credit you all for helping Yuma. Why are you here anyway?
Gurangatch: ...looking for the lost and missing is one of my jobs, so I came here. They're important to us, even if they're out of work. We lost track of them, then Barguest called me over.
Hastur: what???
Barguest: Sorry, I got something to talk about before getting into that. First, that thing I asked you to look into.
Pazuzu: Yeah, I looked at it earlier while Yuma was out.
Barguest and Pazuzu bring That Thing out.
Yuma: A sword with an arm attached?
Hastur: A tail wrapped around a sword?
Yuma and Hastur: wait what

Hastur: Yuma that is clearly a tail...and it looks like one of…HIS tentacles now that I look closer.
Pazuzu: Welp, I knew it'd look different depending on who was looking. It's like the autopsy the Outlaws wanted me to do the other day. Also this thing is still connected to someone alive...or I guess missing? (palpates arm)
Barguest: ...what
Pazuzu: The person this arm belongs to is in another dimension that we can't percieve. I've seen something like this before. When Transients lose their roles, they disappear and drop their artifacts. Artifacts are basically part of a Transient's body, and it still living on after they leave is the same idea.
Surprised Wanderers!
Pazuzu: But you said this arm is from a Tokyo native human, and I've never heard of what happens to a native losing their role before...
Concerned Wanderers.
Pazuzu: Oh right sorry, this is kind of a lot to suddenly drop without context, huh?
Gurangatch: Not that.
Pazuzu: ?
Gurangatch: The Wanderers guildmaster disappeared the same way.
Pazuzu: What?

Yurakucho
Beowulf: UGH
Remember how Ahura Mazda joined Christine in fighting Beowulf? Beowulf's starting to get pushed back now.
Beowulf: So I'm finally sure you guys did something to MC, Entertainers!
Christine: Well yes, we knew you'd come after MC since it's the easiest way to continue the game.
This game is based on majority rule. The World Representatives are fighting for the trophy MC, and corralling their various ideas and beliefs into one banner is hard. There is one sure way to restart the game: damaging the trophy. If that happens, the fighting in the current loop becomes pointless and the World Representatives' majority agree to start over.
Now we have the Game Masters, the guild focused on keeping the game running. Things can be destroyed and people can die, but if things loop back it'll revert to how it was before. So, they make use of it and Beowulf was sent to make it happen this time.

Beowulf: You guys put the trophy somewhere where they're maybe alive maybe dead! And you did it with admin privilege to take their role! Right!?
Entertainers mobs come in!
Beowulf: Goddammit!
Wyrm: REEEE
Beowulf: What!?
Wyrm is gone now, and their tail is left behind.
Beowulf: You protected me, Wyrm!
Christine: We removed them the same way we did MC. So, are you stopping or--
Someone suddenly swoops in and flies away with Beowulf!
Christine: ...oh. Wasn't that one of the Game Masters...?
Above
Beowulf: Oh, piss off Raven!
Raven: You were getting your ass kicked and had to run, Beowulf. Even a child could have seen that. Must I spank your ass too?
Beowulf: Urk!
Raven: We must return to Tokyo Babel Tower.

Later
Pazuzu: Oh. So your guildmaster was invited out and disappeared too?
Hastur: FOOLS! How dare they try to take my huma--
Yuma: (stares)
Hastur: I-I mean! I do not mean it like that, Yuma!
Barguest: ...we've been up against the Rule Makers for a while, but this is the first time we've been in this position.
Gurangatch: We're good at disengaging and shaking people off, but now our regular contact is gone...
Barguest: There's one difference compared to before. The Rule Makers's ally...
Yuma: ...the Entertainers?
Yuma: >:(
Pazuzu: Right. It seems like they might be behind the Asakusa Taoshis guildmaster being missing too.
Barguest: ...and MC. Of course we'll suspect the Yurakucho guild being involved in the missing incident.
Pazuzu: Welp, our goals are the same then! So Guildmaster, what do we do?
Yuma: Pazuzu, Hastur, I...
Hastur: Fear not, I am with you, human!
Yuma: ...thank you. The Ueno guild will ally with the Arakawa and Asakusa guilds.
Pazuzu: Okay! Off to Yurakucho. We're joining the grand guild alliance and taking back the missing guildmasters!
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 14: The Show Must Go On 2 (Abridged)

Ueno Academy, the headquarters of Transient biology research. Their guild: the Ueno Beast Tamers. They know more about Transients than World Representatives do, if you frame the question in a certain way. What they want is control over their powers, something they couldn't get in their home worlds. Almost all of them went out of control back home, but here in Tokyo, the guild setup pairs members into new temporary roles of Beast and Tamer to control themselves to an extent. The Beast Tamers also have Yuma. That's not his birth name, it's something the Ueno researchers gave him and they derived it from the term Unidentified Mysterious Animal. He's the guildmaster and he thinks he was supposed to be born a Therian instead of a human.

Ginza
Barong: Okay, time to get to our next stop Newbie!
Amduscias: W-wait, Senpai! I'm not ready for this...!
Barong: Pffft, the stage of life isn't gonna wait forever. People get stuck on some stage with some given role all the time, and we just play those parts. Oops, looks like we're late. The party's already started.
Amduscias: ...hey, isn't that--?
Somewhere slightly away
Yuma: I'mma werewolf! Awrooo! (fights Boogeyman and Nyarlathotep)
Boogeyman: Wow you flipped out so hard it's hard to believe you're human. You're Yuma, the Ueno guildmaster right?
Yuma: !!
Boogeyman: You try so hard to save your friends and prove your identity as a friend too. Your desperation is the flip side of fear. Come see our story. Nyarlathotep.
Nyaralathotep: It's psycho dubstep time!
The Entertainers put on a weird show!

Entertainers projector flashback replay!
Hastur: Yuma! This is no place for a human!
Ueno Academy research lab biohazrd sample storage. It's cold, but not that cold for people with fur.
Yuma: I-I want to help too...
Hastur: You are a puny human and should not be here! Get out!
Pazuzu: Aww, you're so worried about him my sweet sweet lizard.
Hastur: Cease your random prattle! I would NEVER worry ab--
Yuma: :(
Hastur: W-wait, don't cry!
Pazuzu: Is the cold making you want to hibernate? Want me to warm you up?
Hastur: I am no reptile! This chill is nothing to me!
Yuma: I...could have fur too if I used my artifact...
Pazuzu: ...sorry, but you can't. It's too dangerous if you lose control.
Yuma doesn't have a Tamer counterpart. Well more accurately, not even the Beast Tamers have figured out Yuma's artifact yet.
Pazuzu:  Now be a good boy and--(Yuma goes)--wait, Yuma? Yuma!

Present
Yuma: NOOOO!
But the projector video continues...
Every test Yuma has taken confirmed his status as human, but he is still dead certain he is not. It keeps hurting him. He must be crazy somehow, right?
Yuma: urgh
Yuma's self identity stays unstable. He loved the Ueno guildies, but only his sense of isolation grew stronger as he remained unclear on what he could do.
Yuma: GRRR
"Who am I?" Nobody was around to empathize with how he felt, so eventually he made himself a cage to contain himself for lack of any better ideas. The chances to leave it decreased over time, as did the chances to declare himself a beast.
Yuma: Sad grunting sounds! (reverts to human form)
Amduscias: He turned human? Wait, I recognize him!
Flashback!
Amduscias: W-welcome to my live show, everyone! I'm Amduscias! I-it might be funny that I want to be an idol, but I still wanna do it! T-thanks for coming! Showtime!

Present
Boogeyman and Amduscias advance on Yuma!
Amduscias: W-wai--
???: Hahaha! There you are, puny human!
???: I know you want "puny humans" to be your catchphrase, my sweet sweet lizard, but he's just gonna hate you for that.
???: W-what? But why!?
Amduscias: WHAT
Hastur: Ueno Foreigner of Biohazards, Hastur!
Pazuzu: Ueno Caster, Pazuzu. So, been having fun with our leader?
Hastur: (looks at Yuma) ...how DARE you make him cry!? You shall all lament in my binds!
Pazuzu: Go get them, Hastur. Yuma, get behind me okay?
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Hastur: The King in Yellow!
Not Bees attack!
Pazuzu: Protection Sign!
FLASH
Hastur: ...hmm? Nyarlathotep!?
Pazuzu: Friend? He seems bloodthirsty.
Hastur: My nemesis that I want to tear apart. He's always putting on personas and I hate that. Are those yellow clothes a taunt!?
Pazuzu: Personas, eh? Hmm... (thinks back to meeting Tianzun)
Pazuzu: ...wait, isn't there also a Nyarlathotep with the Missionaries?
Hastur: Same person, different roles so each lives separately. He's called the God of a Thousand Forms and he's always changing them around.
Pazuzu: Ohh, is that how it is for the Entertainers? I think I understand them a little more now. Whoops! (dodges Boogeyman)

Pazuzu: As I was saying, you guys are taking the same approach we do to research. Matching roles and powers, then hacking and using the system. Is that what that mask is?
Boogeyman: ...
Pazuzu: It's the same trick you guys used to destabilize our guildmaster's transformation!
Hastur: What. Explain in plain Japanglish!
Pazuzu: And that's how you guys pull your identities...or is it alibi? That's what you've guys said this whole time, right?
Boogeyman and Nyarlathotep: ...
Pazuzu: Haha, I got you guys there, didn't I? ...oh whoops we're surrounded.
It's a wall of livestreamers!
Pazuzu: Welp, we'd be stuck if we didn't have help. So it's a good thing we've arranged for some! Hastur, put up some blinding winds!
Hastur does so! Gurangatch digs in from below!
Amduscias: They disappeared!

Later
Yuma: Ugh...huh? Where am I?
Pazuzu: You okay? We managed to get away.
Yuma: ...oh no. Leib and others still imprisoned! I go help!
Pazuzu: ...thanks Yuma, it's nice to see how much you care. But calm down, we need you do to some guildmaster work.
Yuma: ?
Barguest and Gurangatch are here.
Pazuzu: They're from the Wanderers and they helped us. Now it's our turn to help them. Ready to hear them out?
End of Episode

Chapter 14 Episode 13: The Show Must Go On 1 (Abridged)

Once, in maybe Earth or maybe Eden, there was the kingdom of Not Israel whose All-Knowing king served an All-Powerful All-Knowing God. The king was given a ring meant for making familiar contracts by another of the God's servants, Michael. This was King Solomon, he who heard and lived his life in accordance to God's voice.
As a representative of God, King Solomon built and ruled over the Millennium Kingdom, but people also say that's all he did. He did little good for the individual citizens and let individual evils go. He just seemed to sit there and watch history go by.
What did he think as he did that? No normal person (ie those without omniscience) could possibly know.

Present
Duo: What people judge as good and evil is what they're able to comprehend. What if you had a pet chimpanzee and found out it had cancer? Don't keep pet chimpanzees actually, they'll tear your face off. Anyways, you might see it as a good thing to cut out the cancerous tumor in this insanely premised scenario, but the chimp would only see you coming at it with a knife and think this is evil. DNA-wise, humans and chimpanzees are really similar but intelligence-wise we're on completely different levels. So just as chimpanzees can't comprehend on our level, we can't comprehend on godly levels.
Duo: They say King Solomon's faith went through a bunch of different worlds and got changed by the process. Like, Garothman said King Solomon had this really cool sword. And you know the idea that demons are sealed by crests? That's connected to King Solomon's ring.
There are legends that King Solomon's descendants drifted to the far east and started the basis of a Touhou game. These descendants met with the Mononobe clan, married into them, and brought along their magic seals to the present day.

Duo: Speaking as one of the geniuses, King Solomon and Kyouma Mononobe are genetically speaking our father. It's where our hair comes from. He's been watching the game here as an Exception, meaning he couldn't be here himself and used Mononobe as a terminal to keep watching. Maybe a host or avatar or something. Except now the Rule Makers and Entertainers worked together to summon him, with an unusual condition in place.
Duo: So, I mostly get what ~~Karen~~ Curren is thinking since I'm a genius too. We all basically use all that past data to predict the future, but even with that I can't get a read on the Entertainers.
The Entertainers are here to make the game exciting. But, why tho?
Duo: Okay fine, Oscar's sort of a genius in literature. But he's still human and I can't see why he'd be that different intelligence-wise from us...
Bertro: That'd mean it's not a matter of intelligence here.
Duo: Meaning...
Bertro: The Entertainers have been looking at something we can't see. We've been watching the game up front with the World Representatives, but they've been watching from the back end. Can't they have seen something?
Duo: ...
Bertro: If I'm right, you'd be the closest to them from among us. You've been watching from elsewhere than us.
Duo: ...okay, I'll try.
Bertro: I'll send my agent Breke to investigate something. Tell me if your agent R-19 finds something.
And so Duo goes back to thinking.

Elsewhere
Barguest: RUNNING AWAY!
Barguest is trying to shake off his pursuers and is at the border of Chiyoda and Taitou on his way over to Arakawa. If he can make it, he can hide out like he always does.
Barguest: But what do I even do with this thing if I get there?
"This thing" being MC's arm. It's still alive and warm, just detached. Should he get a doctor or some researcher to look at it?
Barguest: What's going on with MC? What are the Entertainers planning?
Tianzun: Bad day, pal?
Barguest: WHOMST
Tianzun: Oops, sorry about the scare Barguest.
Barguest: You don't seem like an enemy, but...who are you and how do you know me?
Tianzun: Hmm, I know you from a friend of a friend of a student of mine.
Barguest: what
Social network chain: Tianzun > Hanuman > Nezha > Sanat Kumara > Echo > Barguest

Tianzun: Five degrees of separation, pal!
Barguest: ...so, are you here to help me or something?
Tianzun: Nah, I can't do much of anything here in Tokyo. I just came to tell you about this huge party we've got going on.
Barguest: w-what?
Tianzun: If you're in trouble, someone who sees that might help you. And if you see someone in trouble, you could help them. (hands Barguest a handwritten invite) Come on by if you feel like. There's a list of people already coming! Bring that little guy with you too if you want!
Solomon: wait YOU CAN SEE ME!?
Tianzun: Yep! Connecting with others is my one trick. Two points make a line and the path can go to unexpected places. Okay, bye! (poof)
Barguest: w-what he disappeared (runs off again)
Solomon: N-no, wait for me!
Solomon follows along like he's dragged along. Barguest looks closer at the invite.
Barguest: Haven't I heard of this guild on this list? They got researchers... (pulls out phone) Hello, change of plans. Any of you guys know anyone in the Ueno guild or someone who knows them?

Elsewhere
The Rule Makers have tied up Leib and the other Beast Tamers.
Leib: Your stupid autopsy report is done.
Angel: Good, give it to the messenger and have it delivered straight to Lord Horus. He says to not let the Entertainers notice, even if they are allies!
Leib: Yeah sure, whatever. If we're done, can you let us go now?
The angels hold up their spears!
Angel: No. We've been ordered to take you to another Portal. Keep them separated, they're set up as partnered beasts and tamers!
Leib: Ugh, they know that? I better get a call in before we le--
Angel: What are you muttering to yourself about!?
The angels frisk Leib!
Angel: A communicator! Destroy it!

Ueno Station area
Pazuzu: Welp, they noticed Leib's comm unit.
Hastur: Then we must save them! Why are we dallying about he--
Pazuzu: Hold your horses, my sweet sweet lizard. You aren't that reckless and--oh
Hastur: What?
Pazuzu: ...sounds like the guildmaster has charged in alone.
Ueno
Angels: WE'RE UNDER ATTACK
Yuma attacks!
Angels: Camera image analysis complete. It's the Ueno guildmaster! Everyone, turn on walkthrough mode as our equipment calculates his defense! Concentrate your fire!
Yuma tanks the attacks!
Angels: W-what, it didn't work? Why is the data wrong!?
Yuma: RAWR
Angel: N-no wait, I surrender! I'll tell you anything! Your friends? T-they were just taken elsewhere to our stronghold!
Yuma notices some familiar fur on the ground and eats it. He briefly flickers into Leib's form.
Angel: W-what?
Yuma jumps out!

Ueno Station area
Pazuzu: ...the guildmaster's on the move again. I think he found a lead on Leib? (looks at app's Find My Friend function)
Hastur: You can tell?
Pazuzu: Yeah, there's a tracker in Yuma's collar.
Hastur: Is privacy a foreign concept to you
Pazuzu: Ruuude. It was his idea to begin with. He's our petplay representative who wants to be controlled by someone. He feels he can't control himself, but then again that also just lead to him kicking ass. If he doesn't understand himself, how are the Rule Makers supposed to do that?
Hastur: Forget that! We must assist him at once!
Pazuzu: Aww, you love humans so much I'm a little jealous here.
Hastur: W-what? Stop jesting, I clearly do not--
Pazuzu: Ah, calm down. We won't get anywhere without a plan anyways.
Hastur: But my sheer power!
Pazuzu: Which isn't friendly fireproof, remember?
Hastur: mgrgrgr
Pazuzu: That's why I'm your Tamer! But my artifact can't cover for everyone. Anyways, let's go over the situation!

Pazuzu: Sooo, Ueno Academy and the Ueno dorm? Taken by enemies. Leib and the others are being transported separately. The Rule Makers are allied with the Entertainers. The South and West kept each other in check up until now, but they've started moving in the face of that alliance. And the only ones in our guild that are free right now are us since we were negotiating with the Outlaws, and Yuma. We're outnumbered even if we pull someone out to put into gay baby jail.
Pazuzu: On the other hand, we're up against a huge army who has our number. Even if we used surprise attacks to get one over on them, they'll cut us off eventually because the Entertainers are involved. Still, the Rule Makers/Entertainers alliances isn't that tight. Like, the attack on Ueno was all Rule Makers, so maybe they aren't a monolith.
Pazuzu: So, what now? I guess we need to take back our Portals first since we can't be caught outside like this. Leib and the others being moved elsewhere must mean they're still valuable to the enemies, so they should be okay for now. Maybe we should find Yuma and lead him away somewh--
Hastur: Wait, my seal detects someone! Show yourself!
Tianzun: It's me, I come in peace!
Pazuzu: ...huh, where'd you come from?
Tianzun: Sorry about that. I came to let you guys know about a big party we're throwing.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Festa Memories Episode 6 (Abridged)

MC: Here it comes, Procy! Go!
Procy: Star Platinum!
The evil birds split!
Procy: Goddammit, they keep doing that!
Anna: Omigod they just keep popping up like quick grow daisies!
Phein: We need to destroy the main unit!
Suhail: Ha, we just need to be even faster than them!
Suhail yells into his megaphone Parallel Weapon and batters the Monsters! The Monsters try to fly away!
Suhail: Looks like I get the kill! Put your backs into this, losers! Heavy Voice "Vox Ex Machina"!
Suhail's megaphone fires light waves all around!

Phein: What? This is Suhail's weapon's power? So he does realize we're fighting as a united front.
Anna: Like, no way! Feels like I'm getting buffed up! Thanks Su-Su!
Procy: Suhail helping bugs me, but now's not the time to complain. Don't think you can fly away from me, birdbrains!
Anna: Pro-Pro, aren't you just floating around?
Procy: SAME DIFFERENCE! Get back here, birds!
Procy kicks off and zooms at the birds!
Procy: I dare you to try tanking this! Honor Code "Storm Knuckle Cornucopia"!
Procy punches so fast he's making light speed lines!
Bird Monster: B-bawk!? Lovelyyyyy...! (poof)

Procy: Whew! Looks like we're done for now. I'm still mad I'm not getting paid for this! MC, you sense anything?
MC: I do, so it looks like the big one is still around hiding somewhere. Careful!
Phein: Then we best stay on guard. That was a little tiring, but it should still be close. We should look for it.
Anna: Yeah it'd be, like, REAL bad if it went towards where everyone is sheltering. Don't push yourselves too hard, okay? The worst thing to happen is if we go down! If you're tired, leave it to me! Emancipation "Liberty Calls"!
Anna dances and her veil shines, casting a healing light on the party.

Procy: Whoa, this your power Missy? It's kinda like Gomeisa's power, except different. Relaxing, sorta.
Phein: Yes it--actually it feels more like energy is filling me instead of calm?
Anna: You're both right! My power frees the hearts of people, so it hits different to different peeps!
Procy: Wait, it directly affects minds and hearts? Huh, that kinda does fit you.
Anna: Inorite? Isn't my dance awesome, Phinny!?
Anna turns to Phein. A shadow falls on her!
Bird Monster: CAWW
Phein: !! Get down!
Phein bodyblocks for Anna and counters! The bird dodges and flies away.
MC: Phein! You okay!?

Anna: Phinny!? I'll heal you! (casts Heal)
Phein: Ugh. Sorry Anna, I'm okay now.
Procy: ...sheesh. You're not saying that out of pride, right?
Phein: ...I'm fine. Protecting the weak is my job.
Suhail: You got guts. Real manly of ya. Also I can't believe you fought every battle so far keeping Anna and MC safe.
MC: He is the hardest worker / wait what / You did...?
Anna: What, like fr!? Oh come on Phinny, I'm a hero t--
Phein: You and MC are a student and an Observer. The weak should not be in the front lines and I don't care if you disagree...so stop this and go evacuate. Remote operation is good enough.
MC: ...Phein, why do you care about that so much?

Phein: ...that face isn't going to work. I'm not arguing about this anymore.
Phein is determined.
Procy: ...ugh, you seriously think they'll buy that Phein? At least tell them why if you want to get your point across. So...this really IS connected to that day I ditched slum town? You were acting weird. Talk.
Phein: ._.
Phein: >:C
Phein: Procyon, YOU...!
Phein bites back a bit.
Phein: ...you'd never understand. And the past can't change, you guys know that...leave me alone. (looks down)
Procy: I'm not running anymore.
Anna and Suhail are surprised as Procy grabs Phein by the collar and pulls him look up!
MC: Procy!?

Phein: ...you bastard!
Anna: No, don't fight guys!
Procy: Nah, it's cool. When we gotta have things out, we need to hit things head on sometimes.
Procy looks at Phein and takes a deep breath.
Procy: If you got something to say, spit it out for crying out loud!
Procy: ...the day I left, I never really talked and heard you guys out or gave a thought about you all. I was glad as hell to get out to get rich, and I hated every word you did say to me. I now get that it felt like I was ditching all my friends there...so I'm not running anymore. Now's the time for you to say what you didn't, Phein. It's a long time coming, but tell me what was on your mind back then. I was still chief then.
Phein: ...chief? Why would you say that now after all this time...?
Phein tears up.
Phein: ...fine.
Procy puts Phein back down, and a piece of candy falls out of Phein's pocket. Phein picks it up before he starts talking...

Title Card: A Single Piece of Candy

Flashback!
One rainy day
??? ...big brother, where's Dad?
Phein: ...
Phein's way younger brother pulled on his sleeve. Phein takes so long to answer. Their dad suddenly disappeared one day, and Phein knew painfully why. It wasn't that he was eaten by a Monster or anything...he just couldn't keep on living like so anymore. That's all.
Phein: ...it's okay Mirzam. He'll be back soon.
He won't, but that's what came out of Phein's mouth. The two huddle together in their beat up ramshackle hut, and Mirzam eventually falls asleep.
Phein: ...Dad.
Phein's breath catches in his memories. Anger and resentment mix with the hatred of being abandoned, but still he keeps calm.
Phein: ...can we survive like this?
Phein's poor. It's a question he'd have asked at some point. And then one day it all fell apart...

Later
Phein: ...it's a shift at the coal mines later. Still got some time before then.
Mirzam: You're still working, Big Bro? Aren't you going to school? ...don't push yourself too hard.
Phein: You're up? I'll bring something to eat tonight, so sleep until then.
Mirzam: ...okay, thanks. Is Dad coming back yet...? Sorry Big Bro, school seemed like a lot of fun...
Mirzam's voice sounds weak. The weight of responsibility weighs heavy on Phein as the hope of living gets ever farther.
Phein: ...it's okay Mirzam, I was thinking of stopping by the school soon.
Mirzam: ...okay. Take care Big Bro.
And so Phein walks off without looking back.

Slum town school
Procy: You sure are late. The teachers left already.
Phein: ...oh. I just came for a change of pace.
Procy: From what?
There's something comforting about seeing Procy sitting where he always sits.
Phein: ...nothing. Procyon, I have a question for yo--
Someone keeling over in slum town happens like all the time, and life being a struggle to survive is beaten into everyone's heads. Most people therefore don't have the brainspace to ask much about others, but Procy still does. They make small talk about rumors helping children and dreams of getting rich. Whatever it is that makes them get up in the morning.
Procy: Everyone calls me a chief, but I never thought of myself that way. Your support helps me be free to do whatever, so thanks.
Procy's the only man he'd call chief, even now. His casual appreciation for Phein's presence is validation for being there.
Phein: ...oh. You have a dream...
Phein (narrating): Procyon and I always talk about the same thing, and it tells me my home is here. And I have to protect Mirzam and our home too. It's about time to get to work.
Procy: What? You got something to say? Then spit it out al--
Phein: ...sorry, I gotta go. I might not have time to come by again for a while starting tomorrow.
Phein (narrating): I have to do whatever I can to survive...

Things got even harder for Muliphein. He had to make a living in his father's place, and that wasn't easy. He struggled to earn money and food for him and his weakening brother, but he managed somehow. Every night he picks up every job he can, and on his day off he goes gathering whatever food he can.
Phein: ...I'm going out. You sure you're okay, Mirzam? You look sick.
Mirzam: I'm okay...I just need to sleep and I'll be better... (Asian drama cough)
Phein: ...don't push yourself. Here's some water. I promise to bring back some food. Keep warm since it's cold out and close the door...I'll be back.
Mirzam nods, and Phein goes out. No work, no food, gotta find something. A whole day searching later...
Phein: ...I can't find anything at all. Isn't there--huh?
There's a piece of candy on the ground in the shopping center backstreets.
Phein: ...candy. It's not that filling, but Mirzam likes it. He'll feel better with something sweet. Heh...
Phein pockets the candy like it's treasure. Mirzam will be happy to have anything at all, and Phein can just imagine his smile.

When Phein gets home, he calls his brother's name, but for some reason the door is open.
Phein: ...Mirzam? I thought I told you to shut the do--
Phein hurries a bit. Mirzam isn't one to break a promise, so something must have happened.
Phein: Mirzam, I said to--
Half the walls of the dingy, broken cabin are destroyed, and things are strewn on the ground. Mirzam is lying on the ground, his breaths ragged.
Phein: MIRZAM! W-what happened!?
Mirzam: B-big...Bro...
Mirzam's face his pale, his body chilly, his voice weak. He still sounds relieved to see Phein.
Mirzam: Lots of...strangers...came. Looking for...Dad... They...got mad and... I tried to stop them but... (coughing fit)!

Phein runs over to Mirzam. There are no big injuries on Mirzam, but at this point he can't handle what little damage he does have. His temperature is dropping, and he goes paler by the second regardless of the cold weather.
Phein: Mirzam! It's okay, I'll save you...!
Phein takes his top off and covers Mirzam with it. The candy he pocketed falls out.
Phein: ...right, I found candy! You like candy!
Phein tries to keep his voice steady and upbeat.
Mirzam: ...candy? I love candy...
He's getting colder and colder. Phein unwraps the candy and holds it up to Mirzam.
Phein: Come on, open your mouth. You'll feel better soon.
Mirzam: Big...Bro...are you there?
Mirzam's eyes are dark and blank.
Phein: Yeah, I'm here.
Mirzam: I already knew...Dad won't come back, but you...always said he would.
Mirzam's hand gently grabs at Phein's chest. It's all he can manage.
Mirzam: You...eat it...I can't...
Mirzam pushes the candy into Phein's mouth.
Phein: Mirzam...why...?
Mirzam: Big Bro...thanks for...always... I'm... sorry...
...
Phein: ...AAAAA!!

Later
Phein: ...
Phein lived on because of that candy.
Phein: ...I couldn't protect him. I...
Phein's eyes look dead, trapped by something. He spent days just sitting in his broken home until his stomach pushed him to move.
Phein: ...still? Even now?
Phein got up and started searching the slums for food. He only needed food for one now...and then a familiar voice.
Procy: 'kay, I probably won't come back, so take care of things. Oh, Muliphein!
Phein: ...oh, Procyon. What?
Procy: Right, I hadn't told you before, but I got a one way ticket to blow this joint and go make money.
Phein's heart aches in the face of Procy's dream. He was the boss who could save children, but he didn't save Mirzam. He could have done it, but... wait, that's all the wrong tack to take. Phein was just weak and powerless, and he just failed to protect Mirzam himself.

Phein: ...leave me alone.
He didn't want to think. His brother was gone, capital D Dead as opposed to their dad being gone somewhere. What was Procyon saying? He couldn't remember, but he got that he was going somewhere far away. And it was hitting him that he just assumed he'd have a home if Procy was around. Besse was there, and all Phein could get was that Procyon was rejecting his goodbye gift. It reminded him of Mirzam giving him back the candy piece.
Phein: ...you're so selfish.
How were the weak like Mirzam supposed to survive in this town after Procyon leaves? Is he abandoning them all to die? Like he's abandoning him?
Phein: What kind of chief are you? You're no chief in my eyes!

Self-blame. He couldn't make his brother happy, and his short life was marred by misfortune. He let him die. If only he had the strength to protect him. Someone has to protect them. If only had he the power to do so...
Procy: ...Muliphein, stop. I can see you're unstable. I dunno what happened but...if you're that unhappy with how I do things, you should protect them yourself. I'll be gone anyways. And people trust you. If I'm not good enough to be chief, suits me just fine. So if that's all you gotta say, go put your money where your mouth is.
Phein: What!? Procyon, you--!
Easy for him to say. He could've done what Phein couldn't so easily. People weak as Mirzam can't live on their own...and Phein doesn't want to see it happen anymore.
Procy: ...take care, partner.
Phein: ...
Phein watched him go, unable to say anything. If he didn't want the same thing to happen, it was up to him to protect the weak. What right did he have to say anything about chasing dreams when he let his brother die anyway?

Present
Procy: Phein...
Procy can't say anything more. He could apologize for not knowing, but he held back. It'd only be for his own sake. It wouldn't help Phein now, or back then. So he pulls his hat lower.
Phein: ...I gained the ability to be a hero that day...but I looked like this. I thought it was a change from gaining experience, but it didn't seem that way when I saw other heroes.
MC: It's not supposed to be like that? Maybe the transformation is incomplete? Seems like it's related to all that backstory...
Phein: (shakes head) ...I just don't want to see the weak fall before me. It'd be better for them to stay away from me.
MC: But there has to be a reason for your suit to be the way it is. What did you wish for when you became a hero? ...tell me about your dream.

MC looks right at Phein. Phein looks away as he answers.
Phein: ...I wanted the power to protect the weak like my brother. I wanted them to live happily, even as weak as they are...Mirzam was unhappy. We had little good food, and our home was cold... and I can't give him any of that now. Not that he could ever expect that from me looking like this. (looks at crack in armor)
Suhail: (crosses arms) ...sounds like you're saying the weak can't be happy.
Phein: ...it's true. Sometimes all they have is taken by force. If they can't resist, they'll fall on their own, so they must be protected.
MC: ...so that's your reason, Phein.
Anna: ...so, like, I can't understand everything your brother felt, but I know from looking at you that they were really sad, Phinny. But...was he weak fr?

Phein: (raises brow) ...Mirzam faded away. He wouldn't have died if I protected him.
Anna: But, like...didn't he try to protect your home? (looks right at Phein)
Anna: He was scared, but he did it anyway right? So he wasn't weak...anyone that brave is strong in my book.
Phein: ...not like we can find out anymore.
Suhail: (snorts neutrally) Okay so we aren't similar much, but I also lost a friend before my eyes. You said you didn't accept Procy as a leader anymore back then, right? *(looks at Phein and Procy)*
Suhail: THAT part, I get. You accept whoever or whatever on your own terms. My boys just told me they wanted to come with me, and that was the only way they had to show their feelings. You bet your life to defend someone, you get cute minions out of the deal! So I'm gonna love them all, because isn't that awesome for them? HAHAHA! You think Anna and MC are weaklings, but I think they're fun and that's good enough.
MC: ...is that a compliment? / Sounds just like you / So manly...

Anna: Phinny, can I ask you something...? Are you against making friends because it hurts to lose them?
Phein: (looks away)
Anna: I'm so glad I found out! I was thinking about it this WHOLE time since I met you! Don't worry, I totes promise to never make you sad! I'd like totally hate it if you were gone too, so I getchu Phinny. Same vibes! (smiles)
Anna: Aren't we, like, the same? With our goals and motives getting all messed up, I mean.
Phein: ...what?
Anna: Uhh... you know how I like dancing? When I saw this like SUPER awesome dance, I thought I found what it meant to be free! So I wanted to dance like that, so I could send vibes to so many other people...but then Daddy was like "OMG NO???" and harshing on my dream, so I went all in on studying dance so I could shove it into his stupid face!
Anna: (smiles wryly) ...turns out I got things mixed up. I didn't start dancing because Dad said no. I did it because I wanted to. That's what I mean, Phinny. Didn't you say you were okay with people hating you, but you wanted to protect everyone? Like, doesn't that really mean you love people?
Phein: !?

Phein: I... like people? No, I'm doing this...for myself. I'm just working so I don't see what I don't want to see. But...you think the same way, Anna?
Suhail: Haha she told you good! You're not bad, Anna. Wanna join my crew when you graduate?
MC: No! / God I wish that were me
Anna: Su-Su, you're a villian and pirates do, like, bad things right? I'm a hero, so no. I'm gonna be the best dancer ever so--OH WAIT, BRAINFLASH! Su-Su, what if you and your whole crew turns hero!? I am a genius!
Suhail: !?
Suhail: ...pffft, HAHAHAHA! You're tryina reverse hire me over!? That's hilarious! Well we can make a dance studio on our space ship just for you. How about that?
Procy: Stop joking about trying to pick her up!
Suhail: Who says I'm joking? ...wait what?

Procy: This can't be good! FINE, we'll just have to punch them all out! Phein, ready?
Phein: ...y-yeah. Huh? Where are Anna and MC? ...WHAT? They're up front!?
Procy: Pay attention already, dammit. I know you worry, but they aren't just weaklings...not that we should leave it all to them! Come on, let's go! ...and thanks for telling me about the stuff earlier.
Phein: ...
MC: Phein, Procy! Let's start the operation!
Anna: Yeah, EmmySees!
Suhail: Where'd that bitch bird go? UGH, I should just blast them all at once! Look alive, people!
BATTLE START