Shining New Year Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Qinglong: Ah, MC. How nice to see you again.
Amanojaku: H-hi MC, Touji. I'm glad to see you.
Reverse Amanojaku: BUT NOT REALLY
Guess who?
Qinglong: How is everyone? Busy with school work?
MC: Hey! Oh wait, phone call from Sensei, excuse me!
Qinglong: Heading for the stalls? Let's go together.
Later
Mononobe: Hello MC, we can finally talk now.
MC: Thanks for coming, Sensei! / (introduce everyone) / (hug Mononobe)
(C) Mononobe is surprised but okay with this.

Mononobe: So you know MC? I hope they didn't put you through any shenanigans.
Qinglong: Oh no, they're a great help.
Yig: What is your relationship with MC, Mononobe!?
Mononobe: Uh, homeroom teacher and legal guardian.
Yig: (gasp!) And how did that come to be!?
MC: It just happened.
Yig: (GASP!)
Mononobe: Your school paperwork's finally processed. Have you thought about whether you'd be a student or teacher? Also, have you contracted with someone yet?
Touji: Oh, right, I forgot that you are a Stray.
Takeminakata: Ahh, and now you can do some Sort Of Familial New Year customs with your guardian here. Such a capable leader.
Yig: WHAT
Mononobe gives exposition.
Yig: Y-you already have a father figure MC? And this contract would put you above me???
MC: what

Yig: This strange man referred to his muscles as some Buddha Sensor nonsense and asked where I was going before saying he'd be back next semester. I wanted to be a father, but what even is that anymore?
Some weirdo spitting pointed asks! And now some replacement's in front of him.
MC: Um, wanna contract? Or we could go look for someone to take you. (holds out hand)
Yig: O-okay.
Yig takes MC's hand. MC's phone gives an error message!
MC: WHAT? ...zero type?
Zero types have no unique role/power combos. Yig's fangs autotarget anyone not his children. Anyone not tagged as his children is defined as an enemy. Logic error, identity crisis! Yig goes out of control and starts crushing MC's hand!
Qinglong: Wait, Yig or whatever your name is. What disturbs you so?
Reverse Amanojaku: What the fuck is up with those fangs!?
Mononobe: Is it reacting to MC or my All type!?
Touji and Takeminakata: MC!
MC: wait WHAT HELP

Touji and Takeminakata run in to help when Yig wraps around MC! MC gets saved and a battle area deploys before Yig tears something off!
Yig: wait what was I--
The battle area deploying draws Yig's power out and returns his mind! But he's still unable to control himself...
Yig: OH NO HELP
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Yig: NOOOOO
MC: Too fast! Protect Sensei!
Mononobe: I'll be fine, I can defend myself.
Touji: He'll grind us down at this rate! Yig, hold on!
Yig: My fangs unconsciously curse anyone I see as an enemy!
Qinglong: Hmmmm. That means MC can conveniently solve this and end the battle.
Takeminakata: How'd you figure that out!? And how do we do that!?
Touji: Business as usual. We'll create an opening.
Mononobe: But the elemental type chart!
Amanojaku: Oh no, MC! Look out below!
Some fang animates into a snake and jumps out! Another flanks from behind!
MC: OH NO

Mononobe shoves MC out of the way!
Yig: YOU
Yig's fang snakes attack Mononobe!
Qinglong: Leave him, focus on Yig! Amanojaku, go!
Amanojaku switches to Reverse Amanojaku!
Reverse Amanojaku: Reverse magic!
Reverse Amanojaku causes the fang snakes to switch targets to Yig!
Reverse Amanojaku: It'll last that one attack!
Qinglong: Well then, I trust you to follow up after me.
Takeminakata: wait what do???
Qinglong: Noble Phantasm activate, Azure Dragon's Protection!
Takeminakata: Ooh, I get it now! Sumo wrestler's lucky tradition thing!
Takeminakata grabs Yig and slams him down!
Yig: OOF
Touji: Right. Don't mess this up, MC.
MC: Plot sword, activate! (POW)
Amanojaku: (gasp!) So violent!
Mononobe: Well damn MC, hold back a little.
Flashback!
Jizo: What does thou seek and wish to be sought for? And for whom?
Present
Okay, battle over.

Later
Yig is handing out apology food.
Qinglong: Such delicious sweets. Also well done back there, Amanojaku.
Amanojaku: Ehe, thanks for believing in me.
Takeminakata: It all ended okay. Dang MC, all your friends are strong.
Touji: MC pulls us into enough nonsense to kill us if we didn't get stronger.
Mononobe: MC, are you okay? You seem fine from the outside...
MC: Yeah. What about you? Sorry you got caught in that thing.
Mononobe: All that matters is that you're okay...but yeah I'm fine, thanks. Let's have snacks then.

Yig stares. MC looks happy to be spending time with Mononobe. Mononobe seems happy spending time with MC, maybe? Qinglong and Amanojaku are...something he can't place.
Yig: I guess you win, Mononobe.
Mononobe: At what? I lose like all the time.
Yig: What?
Mononobe: The other day I was so lost my students had to help me. And I struggle with being a legal guardian. Maybe we can learn together?
Yig: Hmm...always studying to be a father? I never thought of that. Is that what he meant...?
Inari: Hello! I had some downtime and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Inari. Agyou told me about you, Yig. You on break?
Yig: ...no I'm about to reopen. Sorry guys, I'll talk more and thank you later since I chose to do this work myself.
Touji: And I have shrine customs to get ready for.
Qinglong: I'll go see the bonfire. See you later.
Amanojaku: Later!
Mononobe: I'll check out the charms on sale.
Takeminakata: I have no plans. Anyone need help?
Touji: Help me cook New Year's food then?
Takeminakata: Okay!
MC: (help Yig) / (help Takeminakata) / (hang with Mononobe)

[Yig's Section]
Yig: You want to help me? Well...okay. Can you handle the money and sales while I cook?
Procession of mobs!
MC: People are coming and saying it's good. How much did you practice?
Yig: I was up all night. Here, more snacks are up.
Yig: (blush)
Yig: Wow it's really nice being helped by someone who might become my child. You can sit on my tail if you're tired!
His tail is crawling over already. Cold, smooth, and a little stretchy.
Yig: Hmm. I've changed after contracting you and I believe I know why after what happened. I do not qualify as "father" and am now just Yig. I identify as a father figure, but I originally was just there. The world changes, then so does my identity. Good enough for now. I'm still going to be the best dad ever!
And so Yig and MC have a sort of family experience and sell out their things.
MC: (go see Takeminakata) / (go see Mononobe) / (go see the gang)

[Takeminakata's Section]
Helping Takeminakata since there's time before other New Years event stuff!
Takeminakata: Okay yeeeeah there's a ton of stuff to move so thanks! You know, I'd love to make a huge pot of stew.
Time to chop meat and veg.
Takeminakata: So the New Year's mochi is a wish for money and health. Which means my job is symbolically supporting those wishes. Anyways, we boil this with the dashi and then we're done. Thanks for helping MC, we should make stew together next time.
Boiling time! Takeminakata seems shy all of a sudden.
Takeminakata: It's just us now so...here's my autographed hand print. For good luck.
MC: Thanks! I'll hang it up. (hug)
Good times. Takeminakata looks after the pot and MC wanders off.
MC: (go see Yig) / (go see Mononobe) / (go see the gang)

[Mononobe's Section]
Mononobe looks surprised MC is coming to see him.
Mononobe: Aren't you going to hang with your friends? You want to be with me? Well okay, I'll buy you a charm. For whatever it's worth given the stuff you get up to.
Mononobe and MC walk through the shrine. Lots of people, so Mononobe puts a hand on MC's shoulder to guide them over to the line.
Mononobe: As your teacher and guardian, I do have to tell you to stop getting into shenanigans, but part of me thinks that's cool too. Like earlier today.
MC: It's because you're here. / You'd fight for your students. / You saved me, Dad.
Mononobe: Heh, oh you. Well let's just say I'm old. I'll try to keep up until you graduate...stop looking at me like that, I'm just saying that you little weirdo.

Later
Mononobe: Okay, these good luck charms then.
MC: (put them on) / I think I'm good now / wait I really should pay!
Mononobe: Charms are supposed to work when someone gives them to you. Besides, not like I can do much else for you.
Calming aura.
Mononobe: Well we still have time, so how about we get in line for the shrine visiting? Nothing serious, I just have little time to be with you because of my job. A little family time would be nice.
When MC and Mononobe get in line for the shrine box...
Solomon: Psst, Master...you look happy. Must be nice, but it's fine since I'm your butler. I'll do you and Father proud so--
Solomon and Mononobe AR scene!
Solomon: UHHHH
Mononobe: Happy New Year, Salmonis. And good job.
Solomon: O-oh, happy...New Year...Father...
Mononobe: I bought good luck charms for you too. MC? Let it go for today. I'm so glad we all got to greet the new year together.
A prayer for happiness that will withstand the flow of time...
MC: (go see Yig) / (go see Takeminakata) / (go see the gang)

[Moving on!]
Almost time for the new year's mochi! Yig gets to the meeting spot first.
Yig: My child MC, I ran out of food but that let me get here early. I have to thank Inari for his help. Also I was going to tell your guardian, but I think I'll go attend Shinjuku as well since you're there. Your guardian might teach me to be a better father too.
MC: Kouhai? / No kidnapping, okay / Call me your child
---
(A) Yig: Kouhai, father, either works.
(B) Yig: I DID NO SUCH THING AND I WILL NOT SAY OTHERWISE...I'll be your kouhai, father, whichever.
(C) Yig: Heh, if that is what you want then no one will stop us! ...I'll be your kouhai, father, whichever.
---
Yig: And the guild thing? I'll join yours and make it my home. Any invaders must die, yes guildmaster?
Handshake! The underground snake who stood in for the sun and a father but was never either not ever saw the sun sits beneath the new year's sun now.
Yig: I am Yig, father and student! Time to learn what kids these days are saying!
Where will he go in his bright new future? What does he hope for? Nobody knows.
The End 

Shining New Year Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

One day, Father Yig noticed he was alone. How does a father end up alone? He blessed his children and cursed his children's enemies. How??? They flocked to someone else? The utter betrayal! Protecting his children means not protecting anything else. The rebellion they committed after? How dare!? And then everyone stopped calling him Father and went away. And then Yig thought, "what's the point of being a father with no children?" And then he realized he didn't know what his children were thinking. What does children even mean, and what differentiates them from him? The void gives zero answers, and Yig fears history repeating if he gets new children.
Flashback!
Mononobe: Oh okay, come study at Shinjuku then. I'm like you, always learning from my students. Oh whoops, I got work to get back to. Okay see you again later, bye.

New Year's break at the dorm
MC wakes up late.
MC: what time is it? / five more minutes...
---
(C) It's break time, the world can go away for a bit.
Yig: Oh okay, I shall guard your slumber.
---
Yig: Hello MC, did you rest well after all you did last night?
MC: !? / oh I'm still dreaming / morning
(A) Yig: Are you still sleepy? Very well, rest more.
(B) Yig is in a good mood and here for some reason.
Yig: Hello MC! It was pleasant watching you sleep.
(C) Yig: Hello MC! It was pleasant watching you sleep.

Yig joined the Summoners! He's living with everyone at the safehouse to teach him Japanese customs.
MC: Why are you here!? / How'd you get in? / Were you watching me all this time?
---
(C) Yig: Indeed.
---
Yig: Good thing Foreigner Teleport still works without nerfs. Now I can reach you at any time if--
knock knock
Touji: Hello MC, I sensed Yig here. Motoori told me about him. Yig, this is a no trespassing zone.
Yig: (gasp!) I can't even enter my child's room!?
MC: is the paperwork in yet? / only if no one finds out!
(C) Yig: Oh, you make a fine point!

Touji: It means it's a big deal if people find out!
Yig: Even though I'm a father, even if not officially so?
Touji: The law doesn't care. MC would also get penalized if you stayed without permission.
Yig: (GASP!)
Touji: So go back to the safehouse. I heard that's where you're staying now.
Yig: Very well. Come see me soon, MC!
Yig curls up, rattles his tail, and teleports out.
MC: Nice handling / wow you're letting so much slide / happy new year's Touji
---
(AB) Touji: ...you're a bad influence.
(C) Touji: Ugh, you. Happy New Year's.
---
Touji: Hougen-sensei says thank you. As do I for helping on short notice.
MC: You too. How was shrine work? / Sorry we didn't ask you about stuff
---
(AB) Touji: Busy, but no big trouble.
---
Touji: Yig joining us isn't too surprising. If he's trying to integrate, I will help as well then. Come down when you're ready. There is...so much mail for you from other schools.

Later
Yig: Life in this world is haaaaard. Oh wait, I need to pull it together. I must learn the ways of love so my children won't LEAVE ME THIS TIME! ...oh, they're here!
Yig almost bumps the ceiling and checks to see if anyone notice.
Yig: Hmm, why does MC enthrall me so? My soul is screaming I'm your father now, yet something seems strange...
Foreigner Teleport!
Tsathoggua: I can't believe I'm leaving my room to TALK to people on New Years. But anything for MC, hehehe-- wait what?
Yig: !?

Outside
Agyou: Oh right, Yig has Foreigner Teleport too. But using it to actually go see someone is sad, huh. I know how it--ACTUALLY NO I TOTALLY DON'T!
MC runs into Agyou on the way to the safehouse and open the door.
Yig: :angry:
Tsathoggua: And this item is...
MC: oh right same homeworld / wow they're getting along playing? / Daddy!
Yig: ...
Yig: OH! Hello MC!
Tsathoggua: Hello MC, Agyou! I was in bed this whole time and forgot to call before coming over. Yig told me he's using modern RPGs to learn culture.
Yig: I-indeed. Hello Agyou. Are you two cold?
Awkward silence.
MC: awkward / wait

Agyou: Uhhhh, weird but maybe not that bad?
Tsathoggua: Well, things happened.
Yig: MC, have I ever told you of the utter betrayal my children committed once? They left me for HIM! Why!?
Tsathoggua: Uh, I dunno either.
Yig: Well maybe I'll find out soon!
MC: okay weird relationship / you don't blame him? / (Agyou, explain)
Agyou: Wow, you didn't curse him?
Yig: ...it only works on people I see as enemies of my children and I know Tsathoggua did nothing at all really.
Agyou: Whatever then! Let's go have fun!
Yig: Indeed. MC, play a game with me?
Tsathoggua: I'm in. Hanuman's coming later too, so let's play some team games!
MC: You're going down, Yig! / Let's go, dad / You're cleaning if you lose, Tsathoggua
(A) Yig: Come at me! Also, what is a team game?
(B) Yig: Of course! Also, what is a team game?
(C) Agyou: Cool!
Yig: Ooh, something new to study.
Tsathoggua: Then I get unlimited honey candies all day if I win!

That night
Yig: What manner of sorcery are these games?
MC: aw, you were like a kid / u mad / I had fun
---
(B) Yig: How can Tsathoggua be so skilled...?
(C) Yig: ...that's good then.
---
Yig: I'm doing better next time. And I promise not to break into your room again.
And so MC goes back to the dorm.
MC's Room
Solomon: Yig is so cool! But I know what he's missing because I know Father so well.
MC: what / hmmmm
Solomon: Father probably won't ever just say it outright. Anyways, good night!

Next day
Yig: Hello MC, I made this thing you call lunch!
Kengo: did you stick scissors into alien octopus with a crumbling tofu ball thing?
Moritaka: W-what am I looking at?
Yig: An Old Ones special. Eat!
MC: uhhhh? / hm, smells fine
Evils: Yay!
Shirou: Well that's a first.
Touji: Which would mean--Ryouta wait, we should get Tsathoggua's opinion first!
Ryouta: I can't turn down food without trying it first! (munch)
...
Ryouta: I CAN SEE THE RAINBOOOOW (flop)
Gang: RYOUTA!

Some other day
Takeminakata: That happened? Huh. How about I teach you how to make a stew for sumo wrestlers then?
Some OTHER day on the longest New Years break ever
Agyou: Oh my gods this mess. Fine, I clean up and you wipe up okay?
Yig: Very well then. Would you like to be my child?
Agyou: I'M NO CHILD AT ALL! And I have Grandpa Ungyou!
Yig: Oh okay. What's he like then?
Agyou: Okay I guess I can tell you that...why'd you bring bleach and detergent?
Yig: Wouldn't mixing them together be better for cleaning?
Agyou: NO WAIT STOOOOP

Some day after school starts again
Yig: MC, let's go visit the shrine!
MC: okay / again? / oh right you didn't really do the visit thing
---
(A) Moritaka: Wow you can roll with anything.
---
Touji: It's not like shrine visiting is restricted in any way, and next holiday is Jan. 11th for mochi things.
MC: Yep. Also might give another shot at asking HIM to come too.
Yig: I also asked Touji to evaluate my cultural studies. Let's go!

January 11th
Time to go to Shinjuku Shrine! Yig is getting stuff ready. Takeminakata comes to talk.
Takeminakata: Look at the snake decorations! Is Yig making the stew I taught him about?
MC: You did that? / Teach me! / maybe...
---
(A) Takeminakata: Wait, I wasn't supposed to say that!
(B) Takeminakata: Okay! ...wait, I wasn't supposed to say I taught Yig about the stew!
---
Takeminakata: He tried hard. He should be fine, especially if Touji thinks so too.

Shrine grounds
Yig seems happy among the stalls.
MC: Wait, Yig's manning a stall!?
Yig: Ah, MC you've come! Hello Takeminakata. Apologies for being late, but Touji said it gets busy after noon.
Takeminakata: Are you making mitarashi dango?
Yig: Indeed! A moment while I make some.
Yig cooks up some dango sticks!
Takeminakata: Wow! Sweet soy sauce, red bean paste, and what's this one?
Yig: Green soybean mash and ramune soda. All handmade!
MC: That was fast. And this time we probably won't have a medical emergency.

Touji: Hello. I taste tested the food and it is safe for consumption. It's surprising how well he's gotten in just a few days.
Yig: Shirou taught me. Look! I made a snake out of bean paste and sugar.
Takeminakata: Wow, you really learn fast.
Yig: I'm not the Father of All Snakes for nothing! Maybe I will find children who will be mine while I show I can make a living. You will all call me Father in time! Such an ingenious plan of mine.
MC: So motivated / No going crazy / let's cook together!

Yig: Oh go on and play with your friends MC. Maybe they'll become your brothers.
Touji considers saying something but doesn't. The gang eats snacks and walks around.
Touji: I have...concerns with Yig's idea of what a father is.
Takeminakata: Seems fine to me?
MC: He's just new / he's def a good guy! / yeah, not feeling the dad vibes
---
(A) Takeminakata: Oh yeah, not even two weeks huh?
Touji: I suppose so.
(B) Takeminakata: Yeah, he's been around less then two weeks.
Touji: Hmm, that could be it.
---
Touji: I get the feeling Yig's lost and confused.

Later
The gang comes back. Yig has no line at his stall.
Yig: But why though!? They were here five minutes ago!
Okay some people buy his stuff, but no one is really lining up.
Yig: Whyyyy? It's the snake year.
Boy A: Look, some fox guy is selling awesome bentos! He's blowing up on Twitter too, I gotta get one before he runs out!
Girl B: Ohh, me too!
Yig: Hmmmm... >:C
Inari's line
Inari: Hello, get your special bentos right here!

Yig: (gasp!) Could MC be in that line too!? A curse on their house...if they actually are there! I must find them!
???: Beg pardon, I'd like to order something, Sir Grumpy.
Yig: How DARE you interrupt my vindictive grumping! A curse upon YOUR--
Jizo: I WANT ONE OF EVERYTHING THOU HAS
Yig: HELP???
Later
Jizo: Ah yes, this will surely be loved by children! Just give it a few more minutes until people want sweet things after lunch time, as it so happens to be right now.
Yig: Wait, THAT'S why I have no line now?
Jizo: Indeed, unless you keep putting on that fearsome face. Now, a tip for you. What dost thou seek and from whom do you want to be sought by? For what?
Yig: W-what?
Jizo: Ah, my Buddha's Muscle Sensor is going off! See you next semester or something! (pop)
Yig: What. Well that distracted me...
Yig might've actually cursed someone if he wasn't distracted since his artifact subconsciously activated.
Yig: ...would MC have abandoned me if I did? What is parental relations even?
Mononobe: Hello I've brought milk. Is MC and their friends here?
Yig: YOU
End of Episode half 

Live A Hero From the Chocolate Volcano With Love Episode 1 (Abridged)

Danzo: YOOOO Dz.Ninja IN THE HOUSE! We're here with Neo Talents Production's new show!
Hitomi: Hey you guys, welcome to Chocolate Influencers! We're here to spread Valentines across the galaxy!
Danzo: Hey Hito-chan, ready for some HOT SICK BEATS?
Hitomi: Yep! Presenting our new song Chocofull!
Danzo: Hell yeah!
Showtime! Neo Talents Production is a big name in the Earth Sphere or whatever, so this show is playing EVERYWHERE on Earth!

Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Yay, hot chocolate with marshmallows! Here's yours, Sui.
Sui: Thanks, I love hot chocolate.
Mokdai: 'tis the season! Oh look it's starting!
It's the show Danzo and Hitomi are on!
Mokdai: Oh my god it's there new song!
Sui: You seem excited today.
Mokdai: Because a bunch of Neo Talents peeps are getting together to put on a show! Chocofull was all they said about it before, so everyone was wondering what was up! What kind of nerd would I be if I passed on watching!?
Sui: O-oh, okay then.
Mokdai: Also I heard you made Hitomi's outfit. Wow!
Sui: Yeah. Master did Kouki and Danzo's. Dancer adapted fits.

The door opens.
MC: Hi guys, smells good in here. God it's cold out!
Akashi: Hey guys, it's real cold outside.
Ryekie: Haha, Akashi, don't forget to gargle, wash your hands, and dump static electricity?
Akashi: Uh, okay? Did all that...oh right you blew up a computer the other day.
Ryekie: Yeah...I don't want Huckle on my case again!
Mokdai: Hi guys, there's hot chocolate for three all set up.
Akashi: Cool! I'll go make them then.
MC: I'll help! / Thanks, Akashi!
(A) Akashi: Nah, it's cool. You seemed pretty cold while we were out, so you can wear my jacket if you want.
(B) Akashi: No problem. Go sit down.

Ryekie: So what's on the space TV?
Sui: I did Hitomi's dress design so we're watching her program. It's good reference too.
Ryekie: That dress? Wow, cool design!
MC: Oh my god, pretty! And Danzo's there too!
MC and Ryekie sit down too.
Studio
Danzo: Cool song, huh!? Thanks for listening!
Hitomi: Show's not over yet though!
Camera pan...
Kouki: Wasn't that amazing, Sirius? Hello, Kouki Inukura here! And we have more Neo Talents heroes on set!
Rexer: I'm Rexer! Game on, guys!
Ryusei: And I'm Ryusei! Look at my modeling!
Kouki: Let's move on to the interview portion where we heard about a Phantom Chocolate! Remember that, Sirius?
Sirius: Bark!
Kouki: I know right? Okay, play the video!

Beep boop
Kouki: Hello!
Girl A: OMG CUTE???
Kouki: Thank you! We're doing an interview for our new show and spreading chocolate awareness across the galaxy! Can you share any memories related to chocolate?
Girl A seems excited.
Girl A: UHHHH WOW I'M ON THE SPOT NOW SO uhhh...well when I first came to Earth I heard it was a way of showing love. We don't have that on my home planet so I gave chocolate to everyone and blew some minds.
Kouki: Wow! Did you know you can also give other things too?
Girl A: Whooooa! Oh right, have you heard? Has anyone told you? The rumor of the Phantom Chocolate! Somewhere in space, there's a planet where you can find cacao beans as pretty as jewels! And if you make your own chocolate with it and give it to someone, you'll be together five-ever.
Kouki: Woooow! Thanks, time to ask other people next!
And then Kouki goes on to interview other irrelevant people.

Studio
Kouki: So yeah, giving chocolate is mostly an Earth thing!
Ryusei: But giving presents to express yourself happens elsewhere too at least!
Rexer: Yep. Also wow Kouki is popular.
Ryusei: I wonder what this Phantom Chocolate thing is?
Rexer: If it's rare, I want it!
Kouki: Well, about that!
Kouki snaps his fingers. The lights go off for a second. When the lights turn back on, the Neo Talents heroes are grouped up!
Kouki: Okay, we're going to spread the chocolate gifting culture in and out of the Earth Sphere! We'll be working on it from this end!
Danzo: Your hosts Dz. Ninja, Kouki, and Sirius will be doing the talk show here in town! Then...?
Hitomi: The three of us will do a documentary bit on the outside of the Earth Sphere!
Rexer: Hitomi, Ryusei, and I will be Chocolate Hunters over on the frontier planet Garandera. Fingers crossed we figure out the Phantom Chocolate thing!
Ryusei: And we'll also showcase Garandera's customs too!
Excited audience! Kouki and Danzo smile for the camera!

Kouki: We're also going to put the Chocolate Hunters through game show shenanigans while they make it!
Danzo: Damn, so the only people helping them on site is their guide!?
Team Chocolate Hunters: !?
Kouki: Yeah, the TV staff will be there to cause problems!
Danzo: Welp! And now it's time to randomly pick a collab Operator and cameraman and hero from some agency!
Kouki: Will Team Chocolate Hunters manage to make their chocolates!?
Danzo: And who will they give it to!? WHOO!
Rexer: Wait, this isn't just some talk show!?
Hitomi: Y-yeah, this is news to me too!
Ryusei: Same.
Kouki: Surprise! The agency told us not to tell you.
Danzo: Well just making chocolate isn't that exciting, so good luck with that. Anyways collab roulette, go! Whoever gets picked is going on site too!
And then the roulette wheel starts spinning.

Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Wow, exciting!
Sui: They kept it from Hitomi too? Wow.
Ryekie: Well that sure is surprising!
Akashi: Hi guys, the hot chocolate is ready--!?
Beep boop, the roulette wheel has stopped!
Kouki: Hmm...the lucky winner is... PARALLEL FLIGHT!
Surprised gang!
Ryekie: Wow, that's us! ...wait.
MC: UHHHH
Gang: WHAAAAT
Akashi: What just--ow, I burned myself!
Sui: Akashi, are you okay!?
Mokdai: Wait, was this recorded earlier!? I haven't heard of anything!

Melide: Hello. W-why are you all yelling?
Yoshiori: Ugh, you dopes. What is--wait what!?
Ryekie: HUCKLE! HUUUUCKLE!
Monomasa: Why are you being so loud? ...I mean that's normal for you but still.
Yoshiori: Wait, what the hell is going on!?
Sui: If you're fine, take off your clothes before they stain.
Akashi: NOW!? W-wait, I can take it off myself!
Mokdai: Guys, the show's still explaining stuff! I can't hear!
Yoshiori: Why the hell are you going topless!?
Akashi: Because it was hot, stupid!
Yoshiori: It's winter right now! Did you bang your head on something!?
Exio: (walks in) Hmm… MC, explain?
MC: Well...
The studio audience is getting loud and excited. Parallel Flight is getting even louder.

Title Card: To Whom It May Concern, How are You?

Rexer: Long time no see, MC and Parallel Flight!
Several days after the show...
MC: Rexer! / Wow, so many celebrities! / Haven't seen you since the Hero Grand Prix!
---
(A) Rexer: Yeah, haven't been around much but I've been doing hero work with Neo Talents.
(B) Rexer: Sounds weird being called that.
(C) Rexer: Yeah, thanks for back then. It's thanks to you I can do this!
---
Hitomi: Hi everybody, it's me! Hitomi Ayauta!
Ryusei: Nice to meet you all! Hitomi and Rexer told me about you guys. I'm Ryusei, fitness model!
MC: Nice to meet you! / a what now / hot
(A) Ryusei: So you're the one everyone's talked about! Glad to meet you!
(C) Ryusei: Wow thanks!

Ryusei: Oh right, introductions! I used to be an athlete and now I do shows and events about getting fit! (flexes) Man I'm in top shape today!
More checking himself out.
Sui: Uhh...
Ryusei: Oh, sorry! Checking my muscles is a habit now!
Mokdai: Oh my god I got to see Ryusei checking himself out!
Akashi: Oh yeah, you stream your workouts all the time huh!
Ryusei: You watch those? Thanks!
Akashi: I work out for baseball, so those help!
Rexer: Ryusei helps with my workout routine too. He's like a personal trainer.
Ryusei: You're still growing, so you'll beef up soon!

Time to change the subject!
Rexer: So you saw the show the other day, right? We came to ask for your help.
Hitomi: Could you start filming like right away? Footage for the documentary!
Ryusei: It'll be edited for broadcasting, but you also good with livestreaming?
Huckle: Oh yeah, the producers mentioned a main show and a behind the scenes stuff. We're fine with that, right?
Akashi: Y-yeah! ...I still get stage fright outside hero work.
Hitomi: Just relax and it'll be fine!
Akashi: O-okay...!

Sui: We're focused on fighting when on stream, right? I still get nervous doing research and stuff in public.
Ryekie: You'll get used to it!
Yoshiori: Maybe if you're Zap the Justice, I guess...
Exio: I think he actually believes that. Well if we have camera work to do, we should hang back. Except for Yoshiori since most people still can't see him.
Monomasa: Let's go to another room...Melide, what are you looking at?
Melide: Wow, celebrities...
Melide is still looking at the Neo Talents heroes while Monomasa leads her away by hand.
Sui: I know we work under two famous heroes, but it's still weird having stars in the office.
Akashi: But we had a king and a Santa come in already.
MC: No sweat / help / autographs?

Huckle: Guys, focus. Sorry about all this.
Ryusei: It's cool! I like talking to people!
Hitomi: Let's get filming out of the way and talk more later!
Rexer: Yeah! Get the drone started!
click
Rexer: Ahem, I'm Rexer of the Chocolate Hunters and we're at Parallel Flight.
Hitomi: We're asking them to help with the show!
Ryusei: This is the agency Zap the Justice is in!
Hitomi: Say hi to Director Huckle, everybody!
Viewer friendly explanation of the program to Huckle.
Rexer: And that's what we're doing.
Ryusei: Can we get an Operator from your agency to come to Garandera with us?
Mokdai: We saw your show!
Ryekie: I couldn't believe it when I saw the results!
Huckle: It was surprising, but we'd be happy to help.

The next room over
Yoshiori: ...this is a rush job to find replacement people, isn't it? Man they're doing good to fix things from that.
Exio: Hero business is still business and Neo Talents has the biggest spread. Sounds like a good deal to me.
Yoshiori: Oh, um, well...
Monomasa: Wait, are you worried about MC going off alone?
Yoshiori: !?
Yoshiori: L-like hell I am, dumbass!
Melide: Yoshiori, they'll hear you if you keep shouting.

Main office area
Huckle: Anyways, let's introduce our Operator.
MC: Hi, I'm MC!
MC takes a step forward towards the drone.
Hitomi: Thank you for joining us, MC! Oh, I've worked with them before actually!
Rexer: Same. They were my Operator at the Hero Fest!
Ryusei: Cool! I was wondering what they were like when you guys told me! Thanks for joining, MC!
Handshakes all around.
Hitomi: So yeah, we want you to come with us and work the camera. And be our Operator if it comes to that for making the Phantom Chocolate.

Rexer: They got live volcanoes over there in Garandera. Apparently the Phantom Chocolate ingredients are there?
Ryusei: At an active volcano? Really?
Rexer: Don't look at me. But because of that, they call it the Choco Volcano.
MC: Welp, gotta check it out! / sounds legit / uhhhh
Hitomi: Interested? Well they call it Phantom because you can only find a little bit at a time.
Ryusei: Guess we gotta see for ourselves!
Hitomi: This will be fun!
Team pose!
Huckle: Be careful over there, MC!
MC: Right! Thanks for having me, team!
Rexer nods back.

Later
Rexer: Okay, that's enough filming!
Hitomi: Thank you again, everybody!
Akashi: Oh my god, I only introduced myself and I already need to sit down.
Ryekie: Well we put our name out there, so that's fine! It was more about asking for an Operator anyways! It might be a lot of editing, but good luck out there!
Rexer: We'll be there too, no worries. Oh, but make sure you have everything you need.
Hitomi: Right, we're going in next time we meet!
Ryusei: We'll keep you safe, promise!
MC: I'll do my best too! / wonder what the place is like? / So exciting!
And that's how MC got on a work trip to another planet.
End of Episode 

Shining New Year Episode 2 (Abridged)

It's New Years celebration time!
Yig: Traditional Japanese customary shrine visit line starts here.
MC: Good job. Stop coiling around me? / HELP
Yig: Haha, I can't help it. Also did you know snakes are jealous? True story.
Some kids walk up to Yig.
Yig: Pictures? Very well. If you become my children, I will rain blessings upon you!
MC: Damn, you sure work fast.
Yig: I'll have you know Ritual Compartmentalization is a big skill of mine back home! But so much is different here. Though maybe I was always out of what's in, staying underground. Now I should get hip with it, snake joke!
MC: (polite laugh) / gotta catch up on slang, yo / sweet baby...
(A) Yig: No good?
(C) Yig: NO, CEASE THAT PITYING LOOK

Yig: Pop cultural shifts hit hard when you live long...
MC: ah yeah, the generation gap / Don't worry about it
Yig: I wake up and suddenly the kids are saying things I don't understand. Anyways, maybe you should take a break? ...wait why am I caring so much about you!? Weird. You feel different from my children...
Yig stares at MC.
Yig: It's like looking at the abyss... hmm, still no idea why. How can this be???
MC: So what do other people feel like? / tee hee you like me? / You're MY baby!
---
(A) Yig: Hmm...
(B) Yig: No.
(C) Yig: Never!
---
Yig: What does this mean...?
Girl: So how's the exorcism thing work?
MC: Work time.
Yig: Ah, yes.

Later, after noon hits
Yig: There's less people here now. (gasp!) Did someone just kidnap my children!?
MC: What children!? / They're just going to see that thing there.
---
(AB) Moritaka: There's a sumo event happening soon.
(C) Moritaka: Indeed.
---
Moritaka: Hougen sent me to tell you it's break time. I'd go, but waving my sword around gives Takeminakata PTSD. Are you two thinking of joining?
Yig: ...oh, so people aren't stealing my children from me again.
MC: Again? What happened?
Yig: I...just never knew what loss meant. So what is this sumo thing you speak of?
MC: Uhh...Moritaka!

Moritaka: It's a contest where you try to throw your opponent out of a ring. It used to be combat, now it's a sport. Anyone can try!
Yig: Violence!? Involving children!?
MC: Welp! / Takeminakata's cool / It's fun
Moritaka: N-nobody gets hurt here! There's also a good luck custom of having a sumo wrestler holding a baby so they grow big.
Yig: Oh, well okay then. I should see what that is all about.

Later
Ryouta: Hey guys, Kengo just went in.
Shirou: I'm not sure Kengo knows the rules...
MC: Ooh / it'll be okay / he's going out like that?
---
(AB) Moritaka: When did he take off his clothes?
(C) Yig: This seems violent...
---
Moritaka: Well he seems into this.
Sumo fight!
MC: Damn, Kengo lost? (claps)
Moritaka: Amazing! I don't think Takeminakata held back either. Kengo did well to get that level of effort from him.
Ryouta: Yeah, he didn't try half as hard when he and I wrestle.
Shirou: Welcome back Kengo. Put some clothes on.
Kengo: Goddammit, I'm winning next time!
MC: Good fight out there / You're just that good / I'll get him for you!
(A) Kengo: T-thanks partner.
(C) Kengo: Break a leg!

Moritaka: Japanese respect means never holding back.
Kengo: ...right. I'm gonna win sometime this year!
Yig: Oh, no negativity? Well it wasn't truly a battle. Hmm...
MC: Yig?
Yig: Just thinking, no need for worry... wait, NOT THAT I CARE IF YOU WORRY! Oh, are children joining in now?
Yig zooms his head forward when a gaggle of children run into the ring, some of which he was talking to earlier!
Takeminakata: Oh nooo I lost you guys~ (flop)
Lots of clapping! Everyone seems to be having fun.
Yig: ...MC, what was his name again?
MC: Takeminakata, a friend.
Yig: Oh. He lost but he's enjoying it so much. Like...
Yig has a PTSD moment!
Shirou: Um, Yig?
MC: Something up? / how about you try? / the kids are having fun
(B) Yig: oof, how sharp of you

Yig: I just felt like I got shown up by another snake. It's not like Takeminakata did this to get kids to like him, yes? But they go to him while I only knew how to trap them.
MC: what / so you knew / do you HAVE to be their parental figure?
Kengo: dude why you makin' such a big deal about kids being your kids anyways? Whatever happened to being friends or bros?
Yig: ...right, you might not understand me either.
Shirou: Oh! I'm sorry about our--
Yig: It's nothing so deep. I was once called Father, so I wanted to be so. That's all.
Yig (narrating): I was always a substitute. A substitute sun, a stand-in for otherworld snakes. I was made that way, except for the father figure thing. Other people gave me that, which gave my life meaning.
MC: Oh. So the lots of kids thing?

Moritaka: I doubt it was a casual thing, even if you were a stand-in.
Ryouta: They must've cared about you that much.
Yig: BE MY CHILDREN
Shirou: I'm sensing some regrets here.
Yig: Ah yes, no wonder you bear that book. My children betrayed me for some reason, so I followed this light...
MC: And then you came here wanting to be daddy and figuring out why.
Yig: Indeed. I must thank you for all you've taught me. Especially you MC, you seem different somehow...
Yig looks back at the ring. Takeminakata and the kids are still playing around.

Yig: Ah, memories. I still don't know why I was called Father but it was nice. Well, time to study up on being the perfect father here. How should I go about that, MC?
MC: jump into the deep end / join our guild / this must be fate
Mostly surprised gang minus Ryouta!
Kengo: Whoa, I thought you'd be bringing out all your dads and stuff.
MC: Not all of them are my dads! Though I wonder if HE'S available?
Ryouta: I'm in! Touji might be surprised though.
Moritaka: I can see it. No objections here.
Shirou: R-right, maybe I can get help with reading this book. I'm the only one doing housework this time of year, so if we're careful with contracts then...
Yig: MY CHILDREN!
MC: HELP! / WRAP HARDER DADDY
---
(C) Yig: Oh you, MC.
---
Yig: Let us contract! Is there a den for us?
Shirou: Aren't you going to study on the father thing first!?
MC: Whatever? And we have a safehouse anyways. Where is he anyways?
Elsewhere
Mononobe: I'm finally back from buying milk.
End of Episode 

Live A Hero New Years 2024 (Abridged)

One day in Orient City...
Phein, Galvo, and Hydoor: Happy New Years!
Citizen A: OMG it's this year's lucky heroes!
Citizen B: Woo!
The dragon heroes wave. Lots of cheering from the crowd! It's kind of weirding the guys out actually but oh well.
Host: That's them folks! Fan meeting at the shopping district later!
Stage hallway
Okay, back to a waiting room with everyone in Parallel Flight and the dragons.
MC: Happy New Years, guys!

Galvo: Indeed, good tidings to thee. Such excited crowds.
Hydoor: Yeah like damn what was that?
Phein: Agreed.
Sui: Welcome to Orient City, City of Heroes.
Mokdai: Yeah, my people!
Akashi: By which he means nerds.
Phein: O-oh.
Huckle: You're all popular heroes, but this is also a cultural thing with Chinese New Year.
Phein: What's that?
Sui: I only found out about it recently myself.
Crowne: Once Earth found out aliens were a thing, we started bringing in people who resembled that year's animal to celebrate. Like that time with Ryekie on the tiger's year.
Ryekie: Sooo many people were happy to see me! We made the big bucks in the office!
Sui: It's more an Asian custom on Earth.
Huckle: And this year is dragons, so people will come out of the woodwork to see dragon heroes.
Crowne: And the Japanese just love to party.
Hydoor: Weird but okay.

The dragon heroes seem uncomfortable. Then some event worker comes by.
Staff: The mochi is ready to go!
Mokdai: Our time has come! Okay, cameras are good to go.
Akashi: Right. Good luck with the crowds, MC, Sui!
Crowne: Ask them if you need anything. Akashi can tell you they got guts.
MC: HEY / I'm good at those! / welp
Huckle: Time to go. Ryekie, don't forget your gloves. And no hugs without notice.
Ryekie: I-I know, I didn't forget about what happened last month!
Crowne: What, did some fan just HAVE to know what his beans felt like?
Mokdai: Yeah. Electricity blew his hair out. He seemed to like it but still.
Huckle: True, but we still can't have that happening.
Ryekie: I-I know! Come on, let's go!
And so that half of the party heads out.

Hydoor: ...so Sui, what's all this about mochi?
Sui: Um, handing out mochi to people around the shopping district who couldn't directly participate in the New Years event. Or something.
MC: Publicity thing.
Sui: Handing it directly would also be more inspiring to people. It's Director Huckle's idea.
Galvo: Ah.
???: Yeah, bring on all the good luck!
Here comes the district manager!
Manager: Late, but happy New Years!
Hydoor: SOMEONE sure is happy.
Manager: Yep! I've been waiting for this day forever now! Got the plan?
Sui: The dragon heroes focus on the meet and greet while we support?
Manager: Right! Now let's GO!

Shopping District
Manager: Hey look everybody! We got a robot to give out mochi! Say hello to Mr. Mochizuki!
Big multi-armed droid.
Hydoor: Welp, this is gonna suck.
Bot: Hello, beep boop.
Manager: I paid a TON to import this from another planet!
Galvo: Is that how people make mochi these days? Hmm.
Manager: It's normally a cook anything bot, but we customized it to specialize in mochi. It even has a mini kitchen inside!
Phein: So...can it make kinako mochi and ankoro mochi too?
Manager: Yep! So Sui and MC can handle the robot and--
Galvo: We greet the fans, yes?
Manager: Yep! And just look at the crowds!

Hydoor: ...aren't they all kids?
Manager: Yep! Make those future customers happy!
Hydoor and Phein frown.
Phein: Can I do this...?
Hydoor: Too late now.
Galvo: Heh. I have researched just for this day.
Galvo smiles as he keeps his hand sleeved.
MC: w-why is there glowing?
Galvo: I'll show you later.
Sui: Sounds fun.
Hydoor: You're one of those born entertainers, ain'tcha?
Phein: Good. You can handle the children then.
Manager: Showtime, people!
The manager swans out.
Sui: ...alright, let's do this!

Title Card: Special Episode - New Years Mochi Toss Project

Staff: Thanks for coming everyone! Mochi and Hero Time will be coming right up!
People start crowding the dragon heroes!
Rando A: OMG it's you for real!
Rando B: Nice outfit! Can we take a selfie?
Busy times. Eventually...
Sui: Okay we're finally slowing down. How about we talk to the heroes and bring them some mochi?
MC: (talk to Galvo) / (talk to Phein) / (talk to Hydoor) / (go back) [available after picking someone]

[Galvo's Section]
Galvo: Oh, Sui and MC. Everything is fine thanks to you.
MC: Well you sure are popular / HOT KIMONO
---
(B) Galvo: Why thank you. I do look good in this.
---
Galvo: People like this outfit! Thank you truly, Sui.
Sui: It's my first time making something for someone with wings. I'm glad you like it.
Galvo: No need for modesty, you did amazing with it.
Sui: Oh, why thank you.
Galvo: New cultural experience!
MC: You worked hard on it, Sui! / I'm glad you're happy Galvo!

Some kids come up.
Kid: Dragon grandpa! You were so cool with the fire thing! Do it again!
Galvo: Aww, thank you. I can't do it here, but how about this instead? (pulls out stringed orb on a stick)
Kid: Wooow! A weapon?
Galvo: Behold!
The orb gets bumped up and shines like a rainbow!
Kid: Oh my god whaaaat!?
Galvo: The ancient Japanese toy, a kendama. Now back again in Space Age Japan. Would you like one?
And so people start coming up as Galvo hands out toys.

[Phein's Section]
Phein: Hello Sui, MC.
MC: Here's to a good year!
Phein: Right. I'm working hard, especially after this Sui made me this suit.
Sui: Thanks. How's it fit?
Phein: Fluttery, but not unpleasantly so. It's nice that it has lots of pocket space for canned food.
MC: It's cute! / dang, soldiers just built different
(A) Phein: MC. Stop teasing your elders...what's that look for?

High School Girl: Phein! Thanks for last Valentines! Come see us again sometime!
Phein: O-oh. Have some mochi.
High School Girl: OMG so cuuute!
Sui: Aww, you're so popular.
Phein hands out mochi to all the high school girls crowding him.
Phein: I see portable foods are popular everywhere.
High School Girl: Thanks, but we actually came to see you. Good luck on your job!
Phein: !? ...oh, well. Thank you.
And so Phein keeps handing out mochi. People still come even after he runs out.

[Hydoor's Section]
Hydoor: S'up Sui, MC. You two've been busy.
MC: You too! / Hydie!
---
(B) Hydoor: Bitch, stop calling me that!
---
Hydoor: I thought you were gonna put me in something stupid in the name of culture, but this ain't half bad actually. Not like back home, but still.
Sui: I'm glad. I thought really hard on the accessorizing.
Hydoor: ...well, thanks.
Some kids run up.
Girl A: Wow, it's Hydoor!
Boy B: Can I touch your fins?
Hydoor: (why)
Girl A: Oh my god, you can't just ask to touch someone's fins! Um, Hydoor we all look up to you at our swim school! Can I get an autograph?
Boy B: How do I swim fast like you?
Hydoor: ...heh. Alright alright, line up. Autographs here, swimming tips after this. I ain't sugarcoating shit though.
Girl A: Oh my god???
Boy B: Thanks, Hydoor!
Hydoor seems to like this.

[Moving on!]
Meanwhile
Giansar: I can't believe I have to wear this to blend in.
Flashback!
Giansar: So what's the job about?
Rando: Babysitting some other hacker we hired to cause problems in Orient City's shopping area. He's a decoy, honestly.
Giansar: what
Rando: Guy's a loose cannon too.
Giansar: Ohh, I see how it is now. I'm supposed to slap him down if he does get loose?
Rando: Yeah, we mainly care about whether he causes collateral damage there. Also we have a disguise for you.
Present
Giansar: does it look like I'm a hero or something, geez

Back to the party!
Sui: Oh it's getting busy again with the mochi stuff.
MC: Yep.
Rando: Oh wow, Sui? I watch your lives all the time!
Sui: Whoa, you recognize me out of the suit?
Rando: Yeah! Can we take a selfie?
Sui: Umm...I'm working right now but thanks.
MC: I'll take the pic! Say cheese!
click
High School Girl: OMG like HNY Phein! Anna's been showing us how to have a super lit party! Double V Selfie!
Phein: Um. Are you asking for a picture?
Galvo: She wants a selfie with you as you both make peace signs.
High School Girl: YAAAAS! Hey Galvo, get in on this!
Galvo: Very well. Phein, do this.

A little ways away from the event area is...
Hacker Purple: Bwahaha, the party ends here, sheeple! I see how that stupid cookbot works! Roll out, boys!
Mobs: Yes sir!
Hacker Purple clicks his phone! The cookbot freezes for a second, then starts back up.
Giansar: Oh goddammit. Well if the heroes have it covered I don't have to do shit. Guess I'll watch how it goes.
MC: Huh. What's up with the cookbot?
MC clicks on the cookbot Mr. Mochizuki's control panel.
Mr. Mochizuki: beep boop yOuR oRdEr Is ReAdY
Smells like smoke...
Hydoor: Is it burning shit? Make it stop.
Phein: Someone asked for kinako mochi. Is it ready?
MC: Uhhh, lemme see.
MC taps on the panel again. Mr. Mochizuki swings a knife at MC!
Phein: MC!

Phein tackles MC out of the way and gets his kimono cut!
MC: P-Phein, thanks! You okay?
Phein: I'm fine. But never mind that.
Galvo: The people are in danger.
Rando A: Oh my god what!?
Rando B: uh, is this a surprise show?
The cookbot is just swinging away.
Mr. Mochizuki: Beep boop, now activating Silent Killer mode. EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!
MC: WHAT / That isn't silent!
(B) Sui: Not important right now!

Phein: ...well we need to stop it.
Mobs: Can't let you do that, dragon stars!
Suddenly four villains show up!
Phein: ...we're starting the year busy already. Orient City's always in trouble.
Sui: It's true but you shouldn't say it.
Galvo: Being unfazed is commendable, but we should do something here.
MC: Welp.
Hydoor: Ugh. MC, your orders! I got shit to do after this!
MC: Right, keep the people safe! Wave battle, ride on!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Sui: Okay I tied up the villains.
Hydoor: Cool! Now smash the damn robo!
The party closes in on the cookbot!
Mr. Mochizuki: beep boop EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!
The cookbot throws mochi everywhere!
Hydoor: Oh goddammit!
MC: Defend the people! VP Charge!
Galvo: Time to burn it all.
Hydoor: MC, you owe me for this!
Galvo burns mochi with his fire aura while Hydoor creates a flood!
Rando A: Look at that fire!
Rando B: Wow, he's waterbending!
Mr. Mochizuki: Beep boop, changing tactics!
The cookbot goes back to swinging knives!
MC: Phein, can you stop it?

Phein: Right, Sui and I can handle that. Everyone else, get ready.
Phein closes in and blocks the bot's knives!
Phein: There!
The cookbot's arms stop for a moment!
Sui: I'll stop it!
Sui uses her strings to tie the bot's arms up!
Rando: OMG did they win!?
MC: No, not yet!
The cookbot's head is flashing!

Mr. Mochizuki: Beep boop engaging self-destruct sequence!
Phein: What!?
Galvo: My flames are too risky to use here!
Giansar: God you people are so underprepared.
Surprised party!
MC: WHAT
Giansar: Alright, that's enough of that nonsense. (slashes the cookbot)
Mr. Mochizuki: Beep boop shutting dooooown...
whirrrr
Giansar: It's not like I'm doing this for you or anything, MC.
Giansar slips off into the crowd!
MC: Oh no I lost him!
Rando A: Oh my god they won!
Rando B: So cool!
Rando C: who was that by the way
Phein: Damn, nobody seems fazed by that?
Galvo: Are they...enjoying this?
MC: welp / yeah they're tough

Elsewhere
Giansar: THERE you are, Twilight or whatever your handle is. You caused that little incident, huh?
Hacker Purple: WHOMST
Giansar: Surprised I found you? We're in the same business.
Hacker Purple: Ugh!
Hacker Purple runs off!
Giansar: Ooh, bad move. Think you're fast?
Giansar runs after and catches the hacker!
Hacker Purple: What is your DEAL!?
Giansar: I don't have to say shit. This your hacking tool?
Giansar looks through the hacker's phone before sticking it back.
Giansar: They know. The cops will be here soon.
Hacker Purple: But I was gonna be a super cool hacker!
Giansar: What kinda hacker flies off the handle from their client's jobs?
Hacker Purple: Wait, YOU stopped the cookbot!?
Giansar ties up the hacker and bails.

Later
Giansar is on his way out of the shopping area.
Guy A: Wait!
Giansar: What?
Guy A: I saw how you helped back at the mochi thing and wanted to thank you!
Giansar: That totally wasn't me.
Guy A is unconvinced.
Guy A: You were so cool! Just like a hero!
Giansar: w-what
Guy A: This was all I could grab on short notice, but please take it?
Giansar: What? What's in it for you?
Guy A: Because it feels wrong to let you go without even thanking you!
Giansar: (Taking it would be a bad idea...but I guess it might help me blend in.)
Giansar: ...fine, I'll take it.
Guy A: Thank you! Please come again!
Guy A hands Giansar mochi and a doll before running off.
Giansar: Wait shit this is heavy. Goddammit.
And so Giansar walks off smiling wryly.

Back to the party!
Meeting time about whether the mochi thing can start again.
Phein: The machine still works, but we're out of mochi now.
Hydoor: And it cut up my kimono.
Sui: Oh I can fix that.
Phein: This looks unfixable to me, but okay.
Hydoor: Whatever. We still can't do a mochi giveaway without mochi though.
MC: I could call someone, but I dunno if they'll make it.
Galvo: Heh, I have a solution prepared for just a situation like this.
Sui: What?
Galvo: I asked the manager to get a mortar and hammer, just in case.
Hydoor: what
Galvo: Old style Japanese tools for making mochi! I have done my research.
MC: Wow! Oh I see how it is.
Galvo: A-ahem. How about we make mochi for everyone!?

Later
Hydoor: Bam!
Swing!
Phein: Hmph!
Mochi flip!
Galvo: Keep going!
People are getting excited.
Rando: This is so cool!
Hydoor: Dammit, why am I doing manual labor!?
MC: now now / so strong, so cool! / you're so hot with those pulled up sleeves
---
(BC) Hydoor: Y-you're lucky I'm busy right now...!
---
Galvo: Come now, people are happy. Just a bit more!
And so the mochi handout finishes up without issue.

Later
Manager: Sorry about everything earlier!
Apology bow.
Manager: We're still checking on the cookbot. We'll call when we find out why it went crazy. Anyways, it's amazing nobody got hurt. Thank you all again!
Hydoor: Eh, just a normal day for heroes.
Phein: The culprit was caught and things ended safely. Best to think constructively.
Galvo: Ahh, cultural experiences. Call me again for next time, which would be in 12 years?
Manager: Of course! Thanks to you I think the shopping area will make it to Year 100!
Galvo nods before turning to the party.
Galvo: Today has been a good day. I've learned things and got to know you all.
Hydoor: Bitch, a robot turned slasher on us and I had to do hard labor! Today SUCKED!
Phein: Now now. That just means it can only get better.
Galvo: How optimistic!
Hydoor: Man, heroes gotta be crazy to do this...

The party leaves. The shopping district looks peaceful now.
Sui: Busiest New Years ever. Yet I feel weirdly accomplished.
MC: Damn, you're tough.
Sui: I've seen my share of battlefields, heh.
beep boop news alert
Sui: Looks like they caught the lead villain who caused what happened. He was caught with his phone and hacking proof tied up in some alley. No one knows who did that yet. Who could it be?
MC: Hmmmm...
MC has an idea.
Sui: Wait, that guy from earlier was a villain!?

MC briefs Sui on Giansar's backstory.
Sui: ...oh. That doesn't excuse villainy though. But I get how it feels not being able to do what you want to do. It's hard when everyone else wants to hold you back.
Sui looks conflicted.
Sui: But I have all of you supporting me. You all showed me I can believe in my dreams.
Sui looks MC in the eyes.
Sui: So Giansar found his own dream aside from being a hero. Which is valid. But I'm still stitching him up if he tries hurting anyone I care about.
Sui looks down a sec before looking up.
Sui: I guess I still want to thank him for now. He helped keep things safe.
So many happy people walking about.
Akashi: Hey MC! Sui!
It's the rest of the office!
MC: Hey guys! You done with your stuff too?

Akashi: Yep, we're good! You guys too apparently.
Crowne: Akashi was yelling and screaming until like five minutes ago.
Akashi: SHUT UP!
Mokdai: We were all worried. We heard about it all the way in the hospital.
Huckle: And then we saw you fighting villains and a slasher robot when we opened up our phones. But you stopped that quick.
Ryekie: We're all just trained different!
Crowne: Wow, way to sugarcoat it. We had to do or die to get here...but I guess that's still true.
Sui: Yeaaaah, a lot happened last year, huh?
Akashi: So an unforgettable year. Right, MC?
MC: I guess.

Mokdai: Wow. You guys sure got strong.
Huckle: You too Mokdai.
Ryekie: Yep! I think we can all go all out together this year too!
Huckle: But we need some downtime too, so how about an afterparty at the office?
Mokdai: Okay! MC, what are you thinking of getting?
Akashi: Ooh, think we can get Kirsch's special red bean soup again?
Sui: We better get going then. Come on MC.
And so everyone heads back to the office talking about their hopes for the next year and eating mochi. May the next be unforgettable as well.
The End 

Shining New Year Episode 1 (Abridged)

So! Old Ones! There's a snake that lives underground there that functions as a substitute sun and marks the yearly cycle. Someone somewhere called them Father for some reason, so then the snake decided "this is my life now, children." He gave them a part of his power to them as protection since that's what he considered love and light. More children came as time went on, and the snake said life was good.
Present
Yig gets summoned to Tokyo!
Yig: I heard people looking for snakes like me and now I am here. Nice place!

Later
???: Okay. So.
Gang: Happy new year!
Takeminakata: Happy new year you guys!
MC: Happy new year, guys! Hope this one's a good one too. / FOOD!
---
(C) Kengo: Oh shit calm down, geez. Save some for me!
Ryouta: We still got plenty more besides this!
---
So the Summoners are at some shrine's office having a party. Hougen asked the gang via Touji to help fix the place up and got food for everyone after some early morning work.
Shirou: Okay wow this is a lot, thank you Sir.
Hougen: It's cool, it's thanks for all your work. Don't tell Touji, I'll get him some tomorrow.
Takeminakata: O-oh, sorry. I'm here for sumo stuff...
Moritaka: No matter, you helped as well!
Hougen: Indeed!
Kengo: Yeah I thought you were here to help too. How come you're here to sumo wrestle alone?
Hougen: Prayer blessing things! Just traditional Japanese customs.
MC: Huh. Nice. / I'll wrestle you, Takeminakata
(C) Takeminakata: Okay!

Takeminakata: I'm glad I can start off the snake year with sumo wrestling.
Hougen: Daikoku hooked me up with you after Tajikarao had other work to do. It's good the shrine I regularly go to has a big shindig to start things off with.
Moritaka: Touji said he used to train swords here?
Shirou: Shuuichi said he came here too. Does that mean you've known him long, Moritaka?
Moritaka: I do remember seeing him a lot. Ahh, the nostalgia. I shall continue training to be a true warrior!
Takeminakata: Ack! Please keep that ice sword away from me!
Moritaka: Oh, too cold?
Takeminakata: Ice sword PTSD...

Hougen: Leave him be. Go ahead and enjoy the celebrations, casual or hardcore.
Kengo: Oh okay. Somebody fight me!
Ryouta: Rice cake participation prizes!
Shirou: You'd wrestle for rice cakes!?
Hougen: Why not? Stretch them legs out for daddy...
Takeminakata: UM??? MC it seems cold today, stay safe okay?
Shirou: I have warmers if you need one!
Ryouta: Where'd the Evils go?
Shirou: Naptime. I should bring them some food too, thank you.
Takeminakata: D'aww they made such cute snake decorations. Brings back memories...
MC: You like snakes?
Takeminakata: I got my ass kicked in a war, ran to some lake, and the people started worshipping me as Mishaguji-sama the red snake when they saw my arm that got cut off by an ice sword.
MC: what / So this is your year! / praise be...
(BC) Takeminakata: O-oh. Hehe, please stop MC.

Takeminakata: But yeah that's how I became a(nother) god. They always put up a lot of snake decor. I kinda miss it...
Shirou: Interesting. Could you tell me more about that?
Good times. So time for a plot twist when everyone gets back up to go back to work!
Hougen: Hi. Missing child alert.
Moritaka: Oh! I'll sniff them out!
MC: Go get 'em, boy! / Business as usual now. / Something different about this alert?
---
(A) Moritaka: WOOF! Wait, MC I am not a--oh right, missing child.
---
Hougen: Yeah, multiple children went missing at once. Shouldn't be too bad with everyone, but still be careful.
And that's how the party split up to go looking for these kids.

Later
Lots of people visiting the shrine. Really hard to find anyone specific.
MC: (look around)
???: Are you lost, Asura?
Flash! A wild Jizo appears!
MC: MY EEEEEYYYYES / ROCK HARD BEEF
Jizo: Yes, I save those who have yet to find God or Buddha with my muscles!
He's shiny.
Jizo: Buddhist vow: save all living things. It must be fate that we met. I'm Jizo. Or Ksitigarbha if you want to go all Sanskrit on people. But anyways, are you lost? YOU HAVE PROBLEMS, RIGHT!?
MC: HELP??? / Problems, yes! / (explain)
(A) Jizo: Pffft, what kind of Asura has no problems? Now, let me help. I will assist until the end, whatever it is...
(B) Jizo: Ooh, ooh! Tell me, tell me! I'll help until SOMETHING comes to an end!

One explanation later
Jizo: Lost children? Concerning, but also not the severity that pings my sensors... oh maybe they're just sidetracked. Boddhisatva Vision! ...go check the gates, you'll find something or whatever there. See you later, Asura!
poof
MC: Welp! Time to check the gates then.
Gates
Solomon: Oh my god you actually listened to him??? I mean he seems okay but still.
MC: He seemed alright and I have no better ideas / (pet)
(C) Solomon: Ohh, we're doing this early? ...no wait, the children first!

Solomon: Well anyways my Running Gag Rank 3 Cert in Extremely Specific Tasks thinks that Jizo guy had a point. We should be able to spot stuff happening, but if there's an event then--!?
There's Yig surrounded by a bunch of kids!
MC: OH MY GOD / did he mean this? / Hey, can we talk?
Yig: Hello little child. Ah, having a snake year is good civilization. Would you like to be MY child? I am Yig, and I shall bless you.
MC: Hello, police? / Can you come with us to the shrine office? / (join the kids)
(AB) Yig: Why do you sideeye me so? Age is but a number to a Foreigner like me! But if you will not be my child, please leave.
(C) Yig: Yes, age means little to me!

Girl A: Uncle Yig, money please!
Bear B: Uncle Yig, what is this fun place you talked about?
Yig: Please, call me Daddy. Or Father. Or Papa. THEN you shall find paradise in my coils and--
Hougen: (swoops in) Hiiii, those kids already have parents.
MC: Police! You made it! / Boo!
---
(AB) Hougen: I was the closest here. Now let's go discuss all this and figure things out.
(C) Hougen: Oh you. Impressive acting like you fell for it when you texted me.
---
Hougen: What, you forgot? Oh. Well, let's take the children back for now.
Solomon: Tee hee, it was me who texted him. Okay, I'm gonna hang with Ded and Cait Sith, bye!

Later
Yig: What do you mean, I can't just take in children in this world as my own!? The paradise in my coils...
Hougen: ...you're using your coils as an Enclosed Space?
Yig: Oh right, the App was going on about that. What is that? I couldn't actually take the children in.
MC: ...well that's good / when'd you come in? / You ever heard of kidnapping?
---
(C) Yig: What!? It can't be kidnapping if they're having fun!
---
Takeminakata: I think there's a misunderstanding here...
Moritaka: How long have you been in Tokyo, Yig?
Yig: I've seen the sun rise three times so far.
Ryouta: Oh. So, three days then?
Kengo: Guess that explains things.
Shirou: Hmm. Are you the Snake Ancestor from Old Ones?
Yig: Oh, you know of me!?
Shirou: The Necronomicon told me so.
Yig: I see! Then explain I only wish to bless my children!
MC: So he's actually a good guy? Well okay then.
Modern Japanese culture crash course time!

Later
Yig: Ooh, so families work differently here.
Hougen: Yes. It's not what you're used to, but it's nice you're going with it.
Yig: So I might actually upset those children if I kept going...
Hougen: Probably. Their parents were worried.
Yig: I see...and children were likely only approaching me because I happen to be lucky this year.
Ryouta: Just get used to it! You're good at taking care of kids since they all looked so happy.
MC: You really are a daddy / Ah, potential / nice save, Ryouta
Yig: Such kindness! Would you be my child?
Takeminakata: He's totally going to do it all over again!
Yig: I'll make sure you're safe and never hungry!
Ryouta: Lots of naps and meals?
Yig: Yes!
Rest of Gang: !?
Ryouta: I'M IN!
Rest of Gang: NO WAIT STOP

Takeminakata: ...maybe we need someone to babysit him.
Hougen: Well I've done that plenty of times before, so I can--
Ryouta: Hey what if we did it? Yig, we need help anyways. Wanna try out some volunteering?
Hougen: It's a good a familiarization process as any.
Moritaka: I support this idea!
Kengo: Whaddya think, Guildmaster?
MC: Fiiiine / Okay / Sure, I'll show him around
Shirou: Well we've done this before. I don't think any of us object.
Takeminakata: S-so this is what people mean by how disunited the Summoners seem? Well, fate works in mysterious ways!
Hougen: ...Qinglong said okay and I'm fine with it. What about him?
Yig: You would make me work and neither worship me nor be my children? You seem experienced with this strangeness...but I suppose I should learn what's new with the kids!
Welp! How's New Years gonna turn out?
End of Episode 

Live A Hero Special Episode: Fifth Anniversary Celebration (Abridged)

One day, the whole office is meeting at some hotel lobby!
Huckle: Hey everyone. Hungry?
Akashi: Soooo, why are we here?
Sui: You said it was a work lunch, but what else is it?
MC: I'm hungry! / Fancy / (hmmmm)
Ryekie: Haha, today's a special day!
Huckle: It's the fifth year of MC joining our office.
Mokdai: And almost five years of Akashi and SUi becoming heroes. We wanted to do something nice, so...
Crowne: We talked, and then things blew up.
Ryekie: It's a big reunion to see you!
Crowne: And then we rented out the hotel party hall.
Huckle: That's how popular you all are. Now let's go inside!

So many heroes inside the party hall! MC grabs a glass.
Pubraseer: Hello MC, Akashi. Congratulations on the five year mark to you both.
MC: Thanks, Pubraseer!
Akashi: Hey, you seem fine!
Yoshiori: Wait, you actually know him too Akashi? Damn, you famous.
Pubraseer: They've helped me quite a bit, so I wanted to come when I heard of the party. And it wasn't just me.
Orbiter: Hi MC! Congrats on five years!
Denebola: ...hey MC, nice to see you. I was here for other stuff, but Pubraseer invited me.
Orbiter: I'm glad I could come! Too bad Gaisei and Yotaro aren't here though...
Denebola: Well about that... I just got some anonymous call and I'm pretty sure I know who sent it.
click

Yotaro: Hello MC. I can't show myself in person, so we're doing this. How I got Denebola's number is a secret and is in no way due to bugging. You look well. Gaisei is causing me chaos every day...say something, Gaisei.
Gaisei steps into the space camera.
Gaisei: Good day, MC. I am counting the days until I can throw myself at your blades again.
Yotaro: WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!? Okay maybe see you again someday, bye!
click
Orbiter: They seem fine!
Pubraseer: Wow. How'd he find out about this party?
Denebola: Is my space phone number on the black market or something?
MC: Hopefully we'll meet them again / oof 

Next table!
Isaribi: Hey Sui, Crowne! Thanks for the suit you got me!
Sui: I'm happy it helped.
Crowne: Hey, big star! Got a big haul?
Joezen: Isaribi was impressive out there!
Kiloc: So was MC's operating! ...oh hey you.
Isaribi: Heya, Boss! This way!
Joezen: MC! Congratulations on five years!
MC: Thanks! Having fun, Sui?

Sui: Crowne and I asked Isaribi about how the suit worked out. Research.
Crowne: And then the topic turned to you where it got kiiinda embarrassing with all the compliments.
Kiloc: Nah we'd all be dead along with the Este Bolta if MC wasn't there.
Isaribi: So we just had to come congratulate you!
Joezen: We brought you something for the party!
Kiloc: A super high quality fish from Muirauqa IV!
Isaribi: We all fished it together! Have a bite!
The hotel chef turned it into space meuniere! Smells good.
Joezen: It's great! Have some, MC!
Kiloc: You sure like that, Joezen. I'mma get some too.

Next table!
Senthak: Hey MC, heard today was special for you!
Alend: Hello again, MC, Mokdai. Congratulations.
MC: Thanks!
Mokdai: Hello! How's work been since Christmas?
Alend: As busy as usual with all the space city planning.
Senthak: Dang, come ask us in the agency for help sometimes Mr. Workaholic!
Mokdai: Oh yeah, are you in Creative Brain now?
Alend: He has. And sometimes we work together.
Senthak: And now I'm also a hero thanks to you guys! Stellar Hearts are blowing up too! Wanna see?
Senthak pulls out his phone! Except...
Giansar: Surprise.
Team Light Years Illumination: GASP!

Giansar: Chill, it's just a surprise. And Senthak, maybe you oughta update your phone security.
Senthak: Welp, you sure told me!
Mokdai: Uhhh, isn't this a crime...?
MC: At least we get to see him / Somebody arrest him.
Giansar: If you don't like the surprise, tough. Okay bye.
click
Mokdai: Oh.
Alend: Why does he have to be like that?
Senthak: At least he seems to be doing okay!

Gaius: Hey MC.
Valoray: Hello MC. I'm here with Vlaham and Gaius.
Vlaham: Yes, hello. It is amazing how much less hot the sunlight is here in Orient City compared to Dynast. I only fainted once even though I forgot my umbrella.
Valoray: OH NO
MC: WHAT / You seem fine-ish...? / Nice to see you all, tho...
Melide: Hello again, Gaius.
Gaius: Melide, you seem alright. Or, maybe cheerier actually?
Melide: It's because I'm here with everyone...also, who is that?

Some lady in belly dancer clothes is pigging out.
Zaniah: Oh don't mind me! I'm just Mysterious Beauty X!
Valoray: ZANIAH! You came dressed like that!?
Zaniah: What? It's for a friend's party! Unless you're saying we aren't friends no more?
Gaius: I mean, she's not committing crimes right now?
Vlaham: Ahh, how nice to see everyone is still the same.
Exio: Well, MC. I see you've made some interesting friends.
Melide: Just like us.
MC: I mean, I guess... / WEIRDOS EVERYWHERE

Danzo: Hey little boss!
Hydoor: S'up, MC! Happy I came?
Gnomon: It is good to see you again, Great Hero. You look well.
Barte: Yoooo, MC heard it's your big day! Ganran says congrats!
Huckle: Heh, I see you and he are getting along then.
Danzo: Aww, how sweet!
Barte: Well yeah, thanks to you guys.
Hydoor: ...well, long as you're having fun. How's life on this side treating you, Gnomon?
Danzo: Dude, Hydie cares so much about Gnomon. Like on the way--
Hydoor: SHUT YOUR SHINY METAL MOUTH
Gnomon: ...well. Life's not so different between farming, assisting, and magic research. I've learned how to keep potatoes from falling apart in the pot and how to cut them into pretty circles with my spells.
Ryekie: TEACH ME HOW TO USE THAT FOR MY CURRY
MC: Nice / ...just use a knife? / omg???

Yohack: Hiiii MC!
Astar: ...MC. Um, congrats.
Saotome: Hey MC, first time seeing you outside Enoshima!
MC: You can leave Enoshima? Hi Astar, Yohack!
Saotome: We got more tourists so the budget got a little bigger. Lots of UEHA coworkers are helping now too!
Yohack: Saotome's doing great!
Saotome: Things get real busy, but it's all thanks to you!
Astar: ...call me if you need help on my off season then.
Yohack: Me too!
Saotome: Thanks guys!

Melide: Wow, imagine seeing Astar volunteering to do non-Santa work.
Monomasa: Yeah, winter must be coming early...I'm kidding Astar, stop looking like that.
Astar: I'm still working on being Santa too.
Saotome: Maybe I should ask Astar to teach me to be Enoshima's Santa!
Yohack: Ooh, maybe I should help!
Melide and Monomasa: !!
MC: uhhhh / I'm in! / (RIP...)
Huckle: MC, can I have a moment?

Huckle brings MC over to where the rest of the agency is.
Ryekie: Had fun!?
MC: Yeah!
Akashi: Yep! Man, we did a lot this year!
Sui: Brings back memories.
Mokdai: Weird how long it's been and how quick it went.
Crowne: Yeah, a lot's happened.
MC: Wow, five years.
Exio: And you were always in the center of it.
Yoshiori: Mostly because of you tripping into one thing or another.
Monomasa: Your Operator abilities have gotten you out of those situations.
Melide: ...yeah, I should work harder too.
Ryekie: We all should!
Huckle: We'll get past whatever gets thrown our way.
Crowne: But for that, we need downtime too. Come on!
Ryekie: Toast!
Team Parallel Flight: Congratulations on Year 5!
The End 

Live A Hero Santa Claus Workout Episode 8 (Abridged)

Imitations always fail sooner or later. And either way, failure comes as a surprise. Speaking of which, Astar's ship is blaring alarms as it starts falling towards the Earth's surface.
Polaris Mask: Uhh, Astar?
Astar: Fly command! Fly dammit!
Astar keeps trying! But it wasn't very effective...
Polaris Mask: ...this ain't normal, right?
Astar: ...yeah. Is it really gonna be like back then all over again?
Astar's having a flashback!
MC: A-Astar, what just happened?
Astar: What the f--I mean, MC?
Astar flinches as he looks at MC, then the rest of the party.
Flashback!
Astar: I'm beating what it means to be Santa into you rookies!
Why would he do that when he doesn't know what it means to be Santa? Because he knows how it is to try doing something alone with no idea how. And how much it'd help to have someone along.

Present
Melide: Astar...what's going on with the ship?
Monomasa: Astar...
Astar (narrating): Melide is confused and Monomasa can't even talk well. So, only four able bodies right now. What should I do then?
Flashback!
Nic: The hell's that face for? You think Santa goes around looking like that?
Present
MC: Astar, is there anything we can do?

Astar (narrating): MC's in, no matter what.
Astar: Right. You're wrong, Nic.
Astar thinks about old memories, then stomps the floor!
Astar: Listen up, people! We're on a crash course to land, and the controls and shields are down. If we crash, we dead unless a miracle saves us.
Yep.
Polaris Mask: So what's the plan, Teach? Die?
He's waiting.
Astar: Isn't it obvious? We're Santas. We're making a goddamn miracle.
When the silly shit happens, laugh!

Ship is hitting atmospheric reentry!
Astar: Reconfigure command! Get the wings out!
Loud sounds as the cabin opens up!
MC: OH NO WE'RE GONNA--oh wait, no we aren't?
Astar: Controls and heat shields down, so we'll just have to do it ourselves. You can move the aura with your ability, right? Circle it around to stabilize and disperse the heat.
Polaris Mask: Easy for you to say, but welp!
Polaris Mask laughs!
Astar: Okay, I'll guide the ship with my fire and manipulate the air pressure.
Astar gathers his fire into his hand. Doubts fill his head...
MC: Astar, we're gonna do everything we can.

Astar: ...hell yeah. Keep watching me until it's over.
Wanting to try matters, even if nothing changes. Astar's fire intensifies!
Polaris Mask: OH MY GOOOOD
Polaris Mask is trying hard as he uses his aura!
Polaris Mask: Talk about learning under fire, jeez!
Manual control since all the auto systems are down!
Astar: Good! Keep it up!
Astar continues guiding the ship! But the party's efforts are starting to falter!
Polaris Mask: Oof! Astar, I can't keep it up much longer...!
MC: Oh no, the ship is starting to shake!
MC's hold gets broken!
MC: oh
Astar: MC!
Astar grabs MC!
MC: OW, GOD / Astar!
Astar: ...! I...
It's just like back then. Except Astar can do things now.
Astar: I... won't... let... go!
Astar might never make up for his mistakes, but still...
MC: Astar!?

Meanwhile
Melide: Monomasa! Are you okay!?
Monomasa: Melide...grab onto me!
Melide and Monomasa are supporting each other!
Melide: Monomasa, where does it hurt?
Monomasa worries for Melide despite how bad off he is. But that's because they know how much it hurts to see others hurt. They want to do something, anything.
Monomasa: Monomasa...can you hear me?
No answer.
Monomasa: Monomasa, I want to make myself into someone new. Are we just...going to stay a solitary Monster and the solitary person who got eaten?
...
Monomasa: That can't be. We met Melide. We met Exio and Yoshiori. We found a family. Then we met MC and everyone at the agency. Everything is changing.

Mindspace
Monomasa Oosato: ...
Monomasa: Can't we change too? I want to change. I want to be better, and I want to believe I can wish for that!
Outside
That is Drovyne's wish and hope from the heart. A piece of it, anyway.
Melide: Monomasa... it's not enough with just you. Because you and the other Monomasa are two in one.
Another star piece of dreams comes out of Monomasa from Monomasa Oosato! It looks pretty weak...
Monomasa: Monomasa, is this...?

Meanwhile
Getting pretty heavy with the pressure now!
Polaris Mask: Goddammit, gotta hold a little longer!
Someone's always gonna go "I can do better." And sometimes they do. But everyone still has their limits, and pushing limits is hard.
Polaris Mask: You've gone all out too, haven't you you jackass dad?
Light and shadow shine and extend!
Polaris Mask: Aw shit, here we go--wait, we aren't?
It's different now. The shadow laughs in pure joy, like he's made it work.
Polaris Mask: ...are you me?

Anyways!
Astar: This'll hurt a little...but hang on!
Astar heaves and manages to pull MC back into the ship!
MC: Oh god, thanks!
Astar: I-it's okay...
He shines to MC.
MC: (Didn't I see this before?)
Astar: Wait, what?
Starlight shines on the heroes.
Phone alert!
Phone: Error detected. Undetermined Status, resembles hero transformation process 99%. Simulation indeterminate. Reconnect three Paths?
MC: WHAT
The listed names for the Paths are Astar, Polaris Mask, and...
MC: Monomasa Oosato?

Melide: !?
Melide: MC, observe Monomasa with me!
Melide is determined!
Melide: I can't see all of Monomasa's dream by myself...!
Ship's falling faster! Think fast, what can you and the heroes do?
MC: (Well OBVIOUSLY)
Believe in the heroes!
MC: Okay I'm in!
Synching up... Observe! Time to make a miracle!
Monomasa: What!?
Polaris Mask: What am I wearing now!?
Astar: What!?
Christmas Polaris Mask palette swap! Santa Monomasa costume completion! Astar shines with his original form! A light guides the way forward!
MC: This is the dream everyone has!

Polaris Mask checks himself.
Polaris Mask: Shit, I look even MORE like him now!
Grizzly bear paws!
Polaris Mask: ...I mean, I haven't let him off the hook or anything.
Polaris Mask (narrating): This is the real Santa form of my dream. My shadow is encouraging me as the form of me that did what I wanted to do.
Polaris Mask: Dammit, my past self is spectating me now too!?
Aura boosted Power Swing!
Polaris Mask: Well I can't fall on my face now! Miracle time!
A vision of the invincible Grizzly Mask, Polaris Mask's dad!
Polaris Mask: If this is my dream, then this ain't no big deal!
Polaris Mask's aura covers the whole ship!

Monomasa: Is this...Polaris Mask's power?
The ship stabilizes a little!
Melide: Monomasa...we observed your dream...
Monomasa: Melide, MC...thank you.
Monomasa looks at himself, then thinks about what Monomasa wants to do and can do.
Monomasa: Well then. Obviously I want to see tomorrow with you all.
Family. The people who matter. And MC. The other Monomasa must want that too to some degree. A moment's peace.
Monomasa: ...let's go then, Monomasa.
Monomasa (narrating): We'll change, but we share our dream for today.
Monomasa: It'll be okay...there's two Observers here who'll watch everything play out to the end.
Monomasa raises a hand to the sky and shoots out stars to create a net that flies beneath the ship as a cushion!
Melide: The stars link and change. That must be Monomasa's dream.

All three heroes' powers combine to slow the ship's fall in a mix of different lights. Getting close to the surface now.
MC: Oh my god!
Pretty auras! Polaris Mask spreads and controls it. The star net beneath the ship keeps tearing and reforming, but that helps slow the ship down.
Astar: Urgh!
Astar's fire guides the ship.
MC: Astar!
Astar is looking pale. Probably the chilling fire coming out of him.
Astar: MC...you...
Astar might pass out at any second. MC's made their choices, so what choices does Astar want to make?
Astar: I...

Flashback!
Nic: Comman...nput!
That was the last thing Nic wanted to do. That means...
Recursive flashback!
Astar Lily: Nic, did you put in a new command for the ship?
Nic just does what he wants with the commands, which includes not sharing keywords.
Nic: Yeah, it's a self-destruct command. I'm not telling you what it is.
Astar Lily: Why would you put that in!?
Kram: Nooo self-destruct...
Nic: I sure as shit didn't do it for funsies! It's just...an emergency thing if I have to make the ship fall apart. Overloads the transform function to make the whole ship a shield. It breaks after, and it won't work if you don't put your ID in when boarding.
Astar Lily: That's stupid!
Kram: Yeah!
Nic: Ugh, brats. Not like I'll use it even if the ship's falling apart. Only if I have to save something important to me.
Astar Lily: Like...your tools?
Nic got super bitchy that one time Astar and Kram touched his tools.
Nic: ...whatever. But you're forgetting something.
Kram: ?
Astar Lily: What?
Nic: You can fix something that breaks. Make it better even!

Present
That was the command Nic tried using in the end. So there was something important to him on the ship back then.
MC: Astar!
Astar (narrating): This is what I can choose.
Astar: Voice... I... want to be Santa.
Astar (narrating): It can be a knockoff, but I can still face tomorrow with it. It can be better. Newer. Like back then.
MC: ...okay.
Astar (narrating): Light shines. People who support me are here. I know what to do now.
Astar: Command. We bring a night of miracles.
Astar (narrating): We tried our hardest to make something real, but I'm letting it go now. So I can make it better.
Astar: ...and the snow falls silently.

The ship starts changing form. No takebacks now.
Polaris Mask: Wait, Astar, what!?
The ship flattens out like a flower and things fall off. Astar's fire flares out, and another fire from the ship rises to the sky. Then...
MC: OOF!
Sudden impact!
Astar: Are we...alive?
Astar's still close to out of it. The party's on the ground now. Ship, broken. Polaris Mask aura, all around. Also...
MC: ...Monomasa's star net is on a tree?
Part of that impact must've been the net getting caught on the tree and blunting the fall! Now it looks like a Christmas tree.
Monomasa: We're alive... I thought we were dead...
Polaris Mask: Holy shit, yes!
Melide: We really did pull it off together...
Melide looks up. Something is shining even though there are no lights!
MC: Isn't that...Astar's fire?

Astar's fire falls like faint glowing snow.
Polaris Mask: Hey, you guys hear something?
Astar: ...my Book of Sinterklaas. But...
Success noises! Santa's goal is...
Astar: This is...
The book is showing the changing feelings of people around! As Astar's fire falls, people smile. Melide touches a flame, and it goes out.
Melide: ...it's warm. I'm sure the people smiling are...
They're increasing.
Astar: B-but that's impossible. My fire takes away heat...
Polaris Mask: But it IS warm. Look!
He's having fun with it.

Astar: What...?
Astar's checked. It never warmed people up before.
Astar: Why...?
MC: Your dream came partly true.
Astar: What?
MC: You wanted to give people warmth, even if it was just one person. Didn't you?
Astar: O-oh, right. You knew about that.
Astar's shoulders slump, and he looks at his book. More happy people get shown on it.
Astar: ...it's a Christmas miracle.
MC barely hears Astar talking. The flames flutter down, and Christmas Eve passes into Christmas.

Okay, now that it's Christmas the party goes to some German town to do shows and stuff.
Polaris Mask: Man, I feel surprisingly good for having almost died!
Red: Same!
Blue: Thank the overnight bus from France, or we'd never make it!
Green: And we're all here!
Yellow: We know how to be better Santas now!
Purple: What do I start telling my kids when I get back...?
They're having fun.
MC: I'm glad we're all okay / how in hell are they okay like this / such optimists
Melide: Okay wow, they're tough. I'm a little tired. If I had to do all that alone I don't think I could have made it.
MC: Same. Thanks Melide. / Time for more work!
(AB) Melide: Thanks, you did good too. Wait is this how interaction is supposed to work?
(C) Melide: Oh, right. I'll have to focus.

Monomasa: Tell me if you two can't keep it up. I can carry you out if I have to, and honestly I'd like to.
Astar: NO! MC, I-I want to...
MC: Astar?
Astar: I-it's not what you think! As Santa you have to do as much as you can by yourself! And you have to smile for the kids!
Red: Bitch we almost died, a little asking for help ain't gonna kill us now.
Astar: NO! You start leaning on others and you'll never hack it as Santa!
MC: Astar, relax. A little bit is fine.

Astar: UM. I-if you say so...
Red: OH MY GOD DOUBLE STANDARDS!
Astar: You shut up, the Observer said so!
MC trips over a rock.
MC: oh
Astar: OH NO
Astar catches MC!
Astar: ...oh. 
Astar blushes hard!
MC: Thanks Astar / Astar?
Astar: A-ahem. Watch your step or you'll get hurt!
Astar walks away fast.
Monomasa: Why is he acting so awkward towards MC now?
Melide: Yeah, he seems like he's looking at MC differently.
Polaris Mask: Hmmmm...
MC: What? / ...what are you thinking?
(A) Polaris Mask: Nothing, you player you.

Polaris Mask pokes at MC, smirking.
Melide: I don't get it.
Monomasa: Me neither.
Astar: HEY! Hurry it up!
???: Oh, Santa!
Astar: !!
Astar puts on his beard and turns around.
Astar Lily: You came back!
Astar: ...! You!
Astar Lily: Present for you!
It's a German Christmas bread and a letter to Santa.
Astar: For me? Thank you, but...
Astar isn't Santa, so--
Astar Lily: It's for you! I know Santa isn't real.
Astar: wait what
Astar Lily: Come on, everyone knows who Santa is! So that present is for you! I hope you like it! Okay bye!
Astar: ...oh. This is for me.
MC: Nice.
Aww. Astar Lily Alter, Voice, and friends who see him as Astar and Santa.
Astar: ...yeah, this must be for me.
Astar hugs his present.

Later
Crowded seats by the town square wrestling ring!
Green: Hokay Santas, give us the presents and nobody gets hurt!
Purple: All the presents!
Yellow: If you wanna get beat, we can arrange that!
Polaris Mask: Oh yeah!? I'm Santa Polaris Mask, and I'm gonna kick your asses!
Monomasa: R-right, we must bring these presents to the children!
Astar: Ho ho ho. It's punishment time.
Gong's hit!
MC: This setup is dumb.

Melide: It is a bit strange, but...
Melide looks around.
Children: Yeah, go!
So many children cheering for a nonstandard Santa show. Maybe even more than before.
Astar: ...
Astar: (It's nothing like the usual Santa things, but if people enjoy it, than that's fine... I think Nic and Kram would agree.)
Blue: Hey, better focus or else you'll trip!
Astar: I'm not so careless. There!
Blue: Oh god I'm pinned!
MC: Whoa...
Melide: It's funny we went through all that training and it ends like this.
MC: Melide, what have we been doing all this time?
Melide: I'm sure someone became Santa out of all this. Maybe someone will talk about this one day. They'll call it...
Title Card: Santa Claus Workout

That night, outside Sydney, Australia
Some Path opens up in the woods! And a person steps out!
???: Okay wow that actually worked. That was easy once I put in the extra stuff to help bring costs down.
It's some lady with long legs. She's taking off her helmet.
???: Father's secret stash covered it and then some. I mean, legally it's mine. He can't complain about me using it after dipping out without a word like that. But I guess this is a one-way trip? Accidents could just happen.
The lady has long golden hair and looks suspiciously like the older form of someone who'd know Someone From Australia.
???: Hmm, so much Ether. Maybe too much coming in? I guess I don't need to worry about it myself though.
Mysterious Lady X pulls out a lollipop.
???: Okay, I should go find this world's version of Father. I can't believe he thought one note would be enough.
Mysterious Lady X smiles under the moonlight, looking like a strong, grown up witch...
The End 

Live A Hero Special Episode: Fourth Anniversary Celebration (Abridged)

[I only just noticed I never uploaded this over here. Posting it now for posterity's sake.]

One day in Parallel Flight
Huckle: Hello MC, do you have a moment?
MC: Yes, what can I do for you? / Sure, should we go to the meeting room? / YES I'M AWAKE
---
(A) Huckle: Oh, nothing big. Let's talk.
(B) Huckle: No need, but thank you.
(C) Huckle: ...let's pretend you didn't say that.
---
Huckle: So this is about the document you submitted. Oh, nothing's wrong with it.
Huckle projects the document from his phone.

Huckle: So there's some private videos in the attachments. And by private, they're videos of you talking with people at places, so I figured maybe I should send them to you. How about we watch them together and decide what to keep?
MC: Okay / Ooh! / did I leave anything embarrassing in there...?
---
(C) Huckle: No? Unless there's something you know about...?
---
Huckle turns to Mokdai.
Huckle: Mokdai, do you have a moment?
Mokdai: I just finished editing the videos. Can you two come here so I can stream it from my computer?
Mokdai pulls up some chairs.
Mokdai: Okay, here we go. 

Summer Survival Island.mov
Yuhang: Okay it's done!
Isaribi: I made sashimi!
Zaniah: Yessss. Wow, living on a deserted island isn't half bad!
Sadayoshi: I can't believe I agree, but yes it's been fun. I hope to come back sometime.
Isaribi: Cool! Get some of Este Bolta's booze as a present!
Yuhang: Haha, you having fun too Giansar?
Giansar: bruh I am a villain why are you asking me that so casually?
Zaniah: He says, grabbing food. Softie.
Giansar: Shuddup. Stop smiling like that! MC, stop recording this!
Parallel Flight
Huckle: We were worried when we couldn't reach you, but you seem fine there at least. Still concerning you were there with villains...
Mokdai: I guess, but I'm glad MC could enjoy themselves there. I wish I could have had Yuhang's food! Okay, next video!

Moonlight Dance.mov
Maculata: Okay it was nice seeing the Poderna and the city's fashion but it's too bad I couldn't enjoy the festivities. I need to make more time for that next time.
Nessen: Yes, they debut new works every year so I'm looking forward to my next visit.
Astosis: You two would like to visit again?
Maculata: Of course. Right Yohack?
Yohack: Yeah, let's make the city even better Astosis! I'll show you guys around the festival!
Nessen: Thank you Yohack.
Astosis: ...of course. I promise it will be better every year.
Maculata: Aww, how wonderful. Fair warning, I have high standards. You have all this on camera, yes MC?
Parallel Flight
Sui: Oh, so that was Closure or whatever that city was called? MC, can you tell me the next time you go? Oh, sorry I just heard Master's voice.
MC: Sure.
Sui smiles and joins the viewing party.

Santa Claus Workout.mov
Polaris Mask: Haha, all's well that ends well! We went big this year, so we gotta go bigger next year! Get everywhere on Earth in a day!
Astar: Hmm...good idea new guy! That's just what Santa does, and next time we're going the whole galaxy! Start working out, people!
Polaris Mask: Hmm... awesome, galactic tour!
Melide: I don't think they're talking about the same things...
Monomasa: It's fine, they might actually pull it off.
Melide: Heh, maybe. If they do I'll go with them.
Monomasa: Sounds good. Maybe all of us can go see Christmas together.
Parallel Flight
Melide: Oh we recorded that? I'm looking to Christmas this year now.
Monomasa: Maybe we really will go on that galactic tour this year.
Yoshiori: WHAT
MC: Yeah! / I think I'm dying / Um, Monomasa your hand is on my shoulder
---
(C) Monomasa: Oh, sorry. My sense of emotional distances has been off since then.
---
Exio: Nice. Take me with you if you go.
The viewing party expands! Onto the next video!

From the Chocolate Volcano with Love.mov
Rexer: MC, why are you recording? We're done for the day so--oh is this a personal thing? Hehe, this feels awkward now...
Ryusei: Oh a personal video? Alright, I'll pose super hard as thanks! ...are you getting all this? Cool huh?
Ganran: Haha, looks fun! How about we go to the sauna again?
Rexer: Sure! Next time I'll come on personal time! Maybe I'll try the Garandera ceremony again. You'll come too, right MC?
Ganran: Haha, cool! Let's do another endurance test then!
Hitomi: Sounds fun! Ooh, next time let's ask everyone else to come too!
Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Wow...
Akashi: Yeah...now I wanna go to a sauna too. Let's go together next time!
MC: Yeah! / How about Garandera then? / Akashi wants to get naked with me. Got it.
(A) Akashi: Cool, let me know what your schedule's like! Okay, next video?
(B) Akashi: A-a trip? Well okay! Lemme know what your schedule is like. Next video?
(C) Akashi: UHHHH...hey look the next video's starting!

Health Check Crisis.mov
Obsidius: Goddammit I can't believe a physical blew up into all this. But I feel better now though, thanks MC!
Beigul: That was fun! I finally got to Earth and then fell into a bad meowvie plot! I'm excited for what happens next!
Okitaka: Y'all we just went through hell, geez... Still, we did good. It was fun fightin' front lines again. All's well ends well, yeah? Let's go to a bar after!
Shidemasu: Excuse me. I agree with the idea of a party, but I was sent to take you two back for retesting.
Obsidius and Okitaka: NOOOO
Parallel Flight
Crowne: Oh yeah, that was a doozy. At least we all came through okay.
Mokdai: Yeah...but MC and everyone saved the day working so hard. Oh yeah, what'd your test results say, Crowne?
Crowne: Huh? I'm totally fine.
Mokdai and Huckle: (SHE IS?)

Summer Night's Last Illusion.mov
Roudain: Oh yeah huh, you guys never really got to see Tesfinite's sights, huh?
Akashi: Actually yeah, huh. Only on the first day...
Lilac: I was busy maintaining flowers when I was on my own...
Kalaski: I was taking pictures, but that still wasn't really the touristy thing.
Roudain: Well damn. Hit me up next time you guys come over! There's so much around!
Lilac: Next time, huh...? I think I will then.
Kalaski: Eh, sure. If my schedule lines up.
Akashi: Yeah! Show us your stage next time!
Roudain: Aww thanks! I'll save you guys the VIP seats. Did you get that, MC? It'll sub for your ticket fee. We look forward to seeing you again, or something!
Parallel Flight
Akashi: Wow we had a vid of that? I wanna go there again and see everyone. Oh wait the next one's starting already? Hey can I get a copy of this video?
MC: Sure. Mokdai?
Huckle: It's fine.
Mokdai: I'll send it after this next one. It's the last video anyways.

Rookies Summer Festa.mov
Sterio: Ooh, ooh! MC, record us too?
Canes: Oh my god Sterio, you can't just get in the way of wo--oh it's a personal video? For Parallel Flight!? H-hello, we're hoping to be heroes!
Sterio: I hope to work with everyone someday!
Canes: Same! ...uh, can I call you Senpais?
Sterio: Ooh, I go find Rokusei, all of us say hi to Parallel Flight! (runs off)
Canes: Sorry, I'll go stop him. Sterio wait, Rokusei's supposed to be gone already! (runs after)
Tsuneaki: (pops up) Whew they almost found me and ruined my cool impression. Hi PF peeps, talk to Huckle if you wanna know about my deal. I wanted to thank you guys for all of MC's help here and in Shinraku! ...by the way, you're showing this to your office? Could you keep it confidential from anyone else?
Parallel Flight
Mokdai: Okay that's everything. MC did y--okay yeah you do. I'll send it later!
Huckle: Wow, time flies. And speaking of, it's almost time.
Sui: Uh, for what?
Ryekie: THE PARTY!
Suddenly Ryekie!
MC: WHAT / uhh / Whatever, party!
Ryekie: Come with me, guys!

Later
Ryekie leads the office to a fancy restaurant that already has a cake and dishes out.
Akashi: Oh my god???
Huckle: Heh, all the prep work paid off then.
Ryekie: Okay so this is turning into a yearly thing, but...
Huckle and Ryekie: Congrats on Year 4 everyone!
MC: T-thank you! Wow it's been four years? That was quick.
Crowne: Wow, four years already? Damn, fast.
Mokdai: You've grown a lot MC! I gotta keep up!
Melide: Me too. Hehe, rely on me more.
Exio: I can't just stop now then, I guess. I'll keep focusing in the back.
Yoshiori: Damn, I can't take my eyes off you for two seconds without you causing something. Heh.
Monomasa: But it's somehow nice to get involved in these things.
Sui: Yeah. But if we're with you, I think it'll be okay.
Akashi: Yeah. Let's keep at it, MC!
Huckle: Right, we should get started on the food.
Ryekie: Drinks, everyone! Okay so, thanks so much to everyone for all your work. Whatever happens, we're in it together! Here's to Year 5!
Everyone: Cheers!
The End