Live A Hero Santa Claus Workout Episode 1 (Abridged)

Astar (narrating): How long can I keep this up if the one watching me isn't here anymore and I don't remember what they sound like? That's a stupid question. I'm doing this until I drop dead. Sure, it wasn't worth much in the beginning and things got twisted on the way, but I'm doing this because I have a dream. This is what I should do with myself... still, part of me wants to see and hear them again. It's all I want at this point.

Title Card: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Orient City
MC: Is this everything? / Damn it's cold / Wow it's almost Christmas...
---
(A) Monomasa: Yes, everything aside from the donuts the director asked for.
Melide: We were too late for those. Isn't he supposed to be on a diet anyways?
(B) Melide: Yes. Let's have tea when we get back. I bought cake too.
---
MC's out with Melide and Monomasa. It's cold and wintery out.
Monomasa: Halloween sure went by quick.
Melide: I didn't know the city gets busy like this at Christmas. It's nice.
Monomasa: ...yeah, we couldn't see it when we were in hiding. In hindsight, a lot's happened. It's nice to celebrate with everyone.
MC: Want anything for Christmas, Melide? / Any Christmas memories, Monomasa? / I wonder how Yohack and Astosis are?
(A) Melide: Hmm, I never thought about it. Have you already decided?
(B) Monomasa: Not "me" per se, since I'm not from Earth and wasn't here that long back then. I remember something similar from my home planet though. That was nice.

Plot twist!
Monomasa: I sense something.
Monomasa stops and looks serious!
Melide: ...wait.
Suddenly screaming!
Monsters: SCREEEE
MC: Oh my god, Monsters!
Monomasa: Small ones, but this is still public. MC...you have your hands full. Melide, transform me.
Melide: Right. MC, we'll handle it. But if things escalate...
MC: I'll call the office for help. You guys take care.

Monomasa: Right. Good to see how reliable you've gotten. Melide, let's go.
Melide: Don't spoil them, Monomasa. MC, what do Observers do?
MC: Safety first, no pushing things!
Melide: Good. Okay, we're off.
Melide transforms Monomasa, who then carries her and jumps off signs and poles to get to where the Monsters are.
MC: Wow, fast. Okay time to call the office.
MC steps aside to get their phone.
Rando: OH NO THERE'S MORE OF THEM
Monsters: SCREEEE
MC: OH GOD MONOMASA HELLLLP

Elsewhere
Astar: Huh, everything around looks different. Is this really Earth and not some other planet?
Everything looks different to him. So many tall buildings. So many aliens.
Astar: At least I don't have to disguise myself then. Now I need to get to looking for--wait what?
Lots of yelling and screaming! But that's not what gets Astar's attention.
Astar: Them.
Back to MC...
MC: (Safety first, but I wanna make sure everyone else is safe too)
Things seem to be escalating here!
MC: Hello, Observer speaking! Any heroes? HELLLLP!
MC's voice doesn't get far in the screaming crowd, but...

Astar: I hear you.
A stranger steps up!
Astar: (stares)
Maybe he dropped from the sky or something. Then he approaches.
Astar: I'm Astar. You an Observer?
MC: Um, you're a hero? / what? / wow big
Astar: I said, are you an Observer? Answer me.
Quiet, deep, gravelly voice.
MC: U-UH YES
Phone: Path detected. Subject: [REDACTED] Connectivity: Unstable
MC: Weird. Is this what happens without getting a contract sent?
Astar: Hey, they're almost here.
Astar points.
MC: O-okay this is informal but emergency! We'll just do it later!
MC transforms Astar!
Astar: Hm, I normally don't use this when I'm not being Santa but oh well.
MC: ...a Santa suit? That's your dream?
MC: (Something seems off, somehow.)
Astar: (charges flames into fist) I guess I'll try it out. Punishment time.
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Monster: L-lovely... (poof)
Cheering crowd of saved people!
MC: Thanks, good job out there!
Astar: You're an Observer. I'm not gonna turn on you. But anyways, you--
Monomasa: MC! Sorry we're late! Are you okay?
Monomasa is back carrying Melide with him!
Melide: I heard Monsters spawned here too. Are they gone already? Also, who's that?
MC: He fought them off. I literally just met him too.
Monomasa: Ah, I couldn't get to them all myself. Thank you. I'm Monomasa, and I work with MC at Parallel Flight.
Astar: ...I'm Astar. I did this because I felt like it. Anyways, you're MC? You saw how my dream materialized? Is that work of some kind of your society?
MC: Hero stuff? Uh, heroes and Observers work together to fight off Monsters.
Astar: Oh, okay I have a favor to ask then. I'm a foreigner from another universe, and I want you to observe my dream and let me work as Santa.
MC: WHAT
Melide and Monomasa: Work as Santa?

Later
Everyone is back at Parallel Flight!
Astar: ...
Astar is sitting there in his Santa hero suit.
Yoshiori: And that's why you brought him here?
MC: This could turn into another gig and we owe him, okay?
Yoshiori: HE'S A SHADY STRANGER FROM WHO KNOWS WHERE! Why bring him if he turns out to be lying!?
Melide: Now now, Yoshiori. Astar is a reasonable person who helped MC.
Monomasa: He's unclear on points, but he doesn't seem wily.
Yoshiori: You people are going soft. So why he's still in hero mode?
MC: He said he wanted to stay like that / He'd usually be working already
(A) Yoshiori: ...can't anyone communicate around here?
(B) Yoshiori: We literally just turned the calendar the other day! Is he from Space America or something?

Huckle: Okay we're back with all the paperwork for the transformation. You being a parallel world foreigner raises many questions, but we'll start with: what business do you have with us?
Astar: I wanna borrow an Operator(?) until Christmas to observe me being Santa.
Huckle: This...isn't a commercial thing, is it?
Astar: No, not like here. In my world it was something I did, and I wanna keep doing it here.
Sui: What does that even mean?
MC: Astar, do you...actually talk much with people?
Astar: W-what!? I have friends! I talked with people before!
Exio: I see, "before?" He doesn't seem to be lying.
MC: WHERE'D YOU COME FROM / Oh hi Exio.
Exio: Yoshiori called me about some nonsense. You're...like a shooting star. I mean that in the old way.
Big Exio smile.
MC: Is that a compliment? / O-oh / (wait...)
(AB) Exio: ...yes, your optimism is irrepressible. Remarkable.
(C) Exio: Oh you get it? I know how the people around you must feel.

Huckle: Um. So your business thing is handing out presents like Santa Claus?
Astar: Oh, so you guys have Santa Claus too? That works. Uh, will this work as payment?
Astar dumps out a bunch of copper, silver, and some gold coins out of his bag. Some say PFENNIG and MARK. Denominations?
Sui: Pretty. Where's it from?
Huckle: I don't recognize it. Maybe it's from his home world?
Astar: ...oh, this is pretty much all I have. I did pick up some currency upon coming to this world though.
Astar pulls out a cash card that people sometimes use for payment.
Huckle: Oh, that we can use. One moment while I check... !! ...oh, this isn't quite enough to cover our fees.
Astar: Hmm, those are my woodworking job savings. Is it still enough to get an Observer to transform me over the phone?
He's trying hard to figure something out.
Melide: I bet it'd be tough going to another world alone if it were me. Can we do anything for him?
Exio: For you, hmm? We're still a business though.
MC: Hmm...

Ring ring
Huckle: Excuse me. Crowne? What's up? We're in a meeting right now.
Crowne: Oh, sorry. I was wondering if they made it there yet.
Huckle: Someone's coming over?
Crowne: Yeah so I'm at Maculata's office and this guy just slammed out the door and--
BANG
Polaris Mask: YOOOO PARALLEL FLIGHT PEEPS!
Crowne: ...welp.
Huckle: My ears...
MC: Polaris Mask!? What the hell's happening!? / Wow, Winter Polaris Mask!
(AB) Polaris Mask: Hey MC, been a while!
(C) Polaris Mask: Hey MC! I gotta look cool no matter what season it is!

Huckle: Polaris Mask, what's going on all of a sudden!?
Polaris Mask: What do you mean, all of a sudden? I already asked if your schedule was clear!
Huckle: O-oh, is this about the questions you had about our personnel...?
Polaris Mask: Yeah, that! I got things ready, so now I just need a crew!
Exio: Is that how Parallel Flight does things? Weird.
Huckle: N-no!? I didn't expect things to be going this fast! We have done some schedule coordinating and checking but still...
Monomasa: Oh, is that what the Christmas scheduling you were checking on for?
Polaris Mask: Yeah! ...wait.
Polaris Mask starts eying Astar.

Astar: Uhh, what?
Polaris Mask: Oh my god, it's Santa! Awesome! You a hero!? I got a job you'd be perfect for!
Astar: Job? For me?
Yoshiori: OH MY GOD YOU CAN'T JUST JACK OUR CLIENTS
Polaris Mask: Oh, right. Sorry 'bout that. I can ask later after I settle my original stuff first! So, Huckle I got a job I wanna send to you guys! Got a Christmas tour involving transformations, so I wanna hire some on-site Observers and heroes. I also wanna use that Parallel Cue thing or whatever, so can I get MC?
Polaris Mask looks at MC.
MC: You know about that!? / the what now / HELP
(B) Huckle: Oh, did you forget? It only got named recently. It's that thing Crowne and Hisaki made to fish for more situationally appropriate hero forms using your Observer powers. I heard it needs some context programmed into the device to direct its searching. So, was that why you were at Maculata's?

Sui: Oh, is that what that necklace Master designed earlier was for?
Yoshiori: Wait...
Polaris Mask: Yep, it's done! Look!
Polaris Mask pulls out two star necklaces from a bag.
MC: Already!? / Whoa! / Hold up, Team Techies!
Hey, Hisaki and Maculata are also on the line.
Hisaki: Um, did I forget to tell you? Whoops...
Maculata: Same...
Polaris Mask: Gotta get things ready to go when you get to the job filing stage!
Huckle: I'd still have appreciated some sort of notice! *(sigh)* So what's the plan? I only heard that it's happening on Earth.

Polaris Mask: Yep! I wanna do a special feature with Santa Claus! We already got the Santa stuff ready to go, so I thought it was fate when I saw him!
Polaris Mask looks at Astar again.
Astar: You need Santa for a job tour...?
Polaris Mask: Yep! It's the stuff of dreams!
Astar: Hmm...okay. I'm in, except on Christmas Day itself.
Huckle: Hmm...
Thinking Huckle.
Huckle: MC, did anything seem off when you were operating with Astar earlier? And problems working with him?
MC: No, we could communicate just fine. He can fight.

Huckle: I see, thanks... Astar, what do you think of taking on a job using our office as an intermediary?
Polaris Mask: Ooh, good idea!
Astar: Okay? Will that get me what I want too?
Huckle: Yes. We'd like to help, but we can't do it for free. Plus you're apparently a parallel worlder so you have no way of guaranteeing anything, but doing things this way means we can guarantee things for the job period. Also, won't you need money while you look for a way back to your home world?
Astar: ...hmm. What matters most to me is being Santa.
Huckle: Well this does need Polaris Mask's agreement too...
Polaris Mask: It's cool with me!
Huckle: Okay then, let's file it that way. MC, you're fine with taking on this job?
MC: Yep! / Santa and pro wrestling huh? Neat.

Huckle: Monomasa, Melide, would you two go too?
Melide: Sure, although...
Monomasa: It's an unusual situation but okay. I hardly work with MC on these sorts of things.
Exio: Huckle, maybe I should go too just in case.
Huckle: You'd be in the same position I'd be in. We should leave them be. In this agency, it's best we be able to work like always no matter who we work with. It'll be too easy if you go too.
Exio: Oh alright, just stop smiling as you overrule me. This is a co-op team building job, right?
MC: (Hmm...)
Polaris Mask: Oh cool, more Operators and heroes? Nice! Monomasa or whatever, I bet you'll rock whatever suit the Parallel Cue gives you!
Monomasa: R-right. But can I actually use it?
Polaris: Uh, maybe just try it? We got plenty of people watching and MC will be there. No harm in trying!
Exio: Hmm...maybe Melide can also pick out a situational suit if it's for Monomasa?
Melide: Wait, really?
Exio: Yes, you know him well. Maybe you can pick up on the smaller dreams. A materialized dream can be observed as a copy by other Observers, but observing a new dream is hard. Why MC can do something like that is a mystery, but maybe you can hack it with Monomasa with your wide vision.
MC: Huh, so somebody else could do it? Want to give it a try?

Melide: Really? Huh...okay, I'll give it a shot.
Polaris Mask and Monomasa equip Parallel Cues. MC holds their phone up, then Melide holds her hand up to Monomasa.
Phone: Relevant Path found under specified search conditions. Connect?
MC: I got a hit! Can you do it, Melide?
Melide: It looks different from the Path I usually see, but I think so. Let's do it, MC.
click
Ta-dah! Christmas Monomasa and Polaris Mask!
Astar: That's your guys' dreams?
MC: It worked! / ooh cute bear paws / Sexy suit, Monomasa!
Polaris Mask: Yeah, it worked! ...wait what's this
Polaris Mask sideeyes his hands and Monomasa.
MC: What's up?

Polaris Mask: I mean it mostly fits, but both are kinda off from what I ordered? Monomasa's seems separate, and I didn't ask for these gloves in mine. I kinda recognize them... MC, did you see anything weird?
MC: No? You know those paws from somewhere?
Polaris Mask: Yeah. I guess it's because it's Christmas?
Monomasa: This is a Santa suit? Very bold.
Melide: I'm sorry, maybe I messed up somewhere...
Monomasa: No, I like it. Thank you Melide, MC.
Monomasa then whispers to himself.
Monomasa: Besides, this may have come from Both of Us.
Astar: Oh okay, so you both are Santas too? How much experience do you have?
MC: (I think there's a misunderstanding here) / (how do I explain the Parallel Cue) / (suddenly an interview!?)

Polaris Mask: Santa? Oh you talking about the show we're doing in these suits? Nope, gonna be my first time! Even within my agency!
Monomasa: Same. I've never worn this before.
Astar: What? This year's your first time? So like me, back then...
Thinking Astar.
MC: Astar? You're muttering to yourself.
Astar: Hmm...fine. It won't be like my experience. I've been fumbling around doing this for 80 years, even if it's weird and imperfect...
Astar turns to Huckle and looks serious.
Astar: Huckle, was it? Thank you for the offer, I accept.
Huckle: I-I'm glad to hear that?
Astar: BUT!
Everyone is shocked by Astar stomping his foot!
Astar: Polaris Mask. Monomasa. Melide. MC.
Astar looks at each person in turn.
Astar: I'M TEACHING YOU ALL WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SANTA!
Everyone Else: WHAT
MC: excuse me?
End of Episode

AGF 2024 Special Episode: A Monster Transient's Wish Part 2 (Abridged)

Manticore is from a species of monsters with lion bodies, scorpion tails, and human heads. Sometimes they also have bat wings, donkey hair, and other random ass differences. Why? Because their bodies got rearranged.
Manticore (narrating): ME, LIKE HOOMAN. TALK, PLAY, FUN! BUT, HOOMAN FEAR ME. BUT WHY? ME, ASK AGISYMBA ALPHA.
Onyankopon: Okay, surgery done! I moved your death far away.
Manticore paid for this surgery with random gemstones lying around to look the way he is now.
Onyankopon: I transplanted new body parts into you and now you look human! But FYI I only tossed out your Death By Humans and now you're more likely to get Death By Your Own Fault.
Manticore (narrating): Now that I look mostly human, I decided to go hang out with them. But then I started losing sight of myself. And then I started blowing up. What was I anymore?
Onyankopon: Hello, it's my turn to talk from the Narration Zone! I bet you're wondering what manner of sorcery I did to Manticore in his operation. Well, let's pretend there's a surgery that makes you forget that you like someone. Now let's pretend you signed up for it because you and them wasn't going to happen. That's like killing your old self, right? Or what if your old self wasn't real and just a myth?
Manticore (narrating): It fucking SUCKS to not gel with humans, but I still liked the hell out of them. And then I realized I was alone. Damn, I really AM a Threat to Humanity. Is this mental chaos what they call being unbalanced? I gotta get my shit together! I wanna be a perfect human who can socialize with them!

Present
Manticore: So, Agisymba's faith Frankenstein'd me out of human and animal parts.
MC: But can't you already get along here in Tokyo? / You don't look the part. / (nod along)
---
(A) Manticore: I know, right!? I figured I could be accepted here at least!
(BC) Oniwaka: So? We got robots and animal people here too.
Manticore: Yeah I thought things would work out when I came here!
---
Manticore: But fuck ME apparently! Apparently I never qUaLiFiEd to be up front and center with everyone here! What does that even mean? What do I even want anymore!? Me trying NOT to go apeshit is getting in the way! I know I'mma monster, but I wanna be human dammit!
Shamash: I think that's a very human reaction to be afraid of what you don't know or understand. Just like how everyone gets afraid of all the yelling and screaming you do after school.
Ixbalanque: Isn't that their fault and not our problem?
Differing viewpoints! Manticore is confused.
MC: Never mind other people. Manticore, are you just one person? / oof, that's a stumper
(AB) Manticore: The fuck does THAT mean!?
(C) Manticore: Gee thanks, Captain Obvious!

Inari: Hiii, rough time? I could hear from the kitchen, so I wanted to give you guys a little something nice.
Inari places something on the table.
Inari: It's a Japanese dish called shiraae. AKA mashed tofu salad.
MC: Wow thanks! / (let someone else get some first)
---
(C) Ixbalanque: Thanks, cook man. Wow that is totally a thing I'd never see back home in Fantasy South America.
---
Inari: Did you know that the wa in washoku the term for Japanese cooking has many meanings? For one, blended harmony. Like this mashed salad. It's like you, in all your human/animal fusion. Someone out there likes you for who you are, back home or elsewhere.
Manticore: Huh...
The part of Manticore wishing to be human is the part of him that isn't human.
Oniwaka: God, finally you shut up. Anyways, that ain't a bad thought.

Oniwaka: So Manticore, being a human ain't all it's cracked up to be. There's someone I always liked who ain't very human. And I heard in class once that humans suffer so long as they care about things in the here and now. Also, looks can be deceiving about how people feel about things. Sound familiar?
Manticore stares at his reflection in a teacup as he thinks about all the advice he got.
Manticore: ...s-so I should give up on becoming human?
Oniwaka: No you dumb bitch, I'm sayin' everyone has more than one side to them! The old man at Houzouin temple said that once and you can eat a dick for making me remember!
Manticore: (stares)
Manticore seems calmer now.
Oniwaka: It's you who decides how you see yourself. Figure out what you're cool with and call it a day.
Shamash: ...wow, very persuasive. I assume more so for our guild member with a soul twin.
Manticore: ...thank you.
Manticore seems to relax for once.

Inari: Oh hey guys, we got a flyer for some Japanese event. Take a look.
Inari passes out fliers.
MC: A festival thingy! Thanks!
Ixbalanque: Hmm. Should be a good cultural experience.
Shamash: I agree. Do you want to go, Manticore?
Manticore: Me? I don't think I should--
Ixbalanque: Do you want to go or not, jackass?
Manticore: HELL YEAH I WANNA GO, DIPSHIT!
Shamash: Well that didn't last long.
Ixbalanque: Welp! You coming too, Senpai?
MC: Yep! / might as well see this out / Well if Oniwaka goes...
---
(AB) Ixbalanque: Figures. You too, Oni-whatsyourface? You're worried about MC, right?
Oniwaka: What, you pyschic or something? I'm just gonna go as MC's bodyguard.
(C) Oniwaka: You don't gotta ask, of course I'll go as your bodyguard!
Ixbalanque: (Preeeetty sure Senpai didn't mean it like that.)
---
Ixbalanque: Anyways, see you guys this weekend.
And so everyone goes home for the day.

Later
It's the festival day and MC is there very early as they go looking for someone.
MC: (look for Manticore) / (look for Shamash) / (look for Ixbalanque) / (go see Oniwaka)
[Manticore's Section]
Manticore: Oh MC, you're early. Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm a little surprised you asked to see me before everyone else, but thank you. Why though? It'd be safer with everyone else...not that I'm trying to threaten you, excuse me.
MC: I wanted to know you better / Testing to see if you can keep calm and human / What, don't want us to be alone?
---
(A) Manticore: Oh! Well thank you!
(B) Manticore: Ah, I understand.
(C) Manticore: Oh nothing like that! I actually--never mind.
---
Manticore: Shall we go then?
Manticore seems nervous for other reasons, then he and MC go looking around.

Manticore: Hmm, very interesting.
MC: First time? / Whatcha looking at? / Nice Japanese outfit.
---
(B) Manticore: Those Transients over there with the clothes on. It's...elegant is the word?
(C) Manticore: I-it's nothing so grand! ...but thank you. It seemed appropriate for a festival.
---
Manticore: I've been interested in festivals, but I never attended one before. Didn't want to let my freak out in public, thinking I shouldn't be in crowds until I could be perfectly human. But I'm glad you and Ixbalanque encouraged me to come.
Manticore: !!
Manticore: That in itself is fine...
Manticore seems relaxed until he quickly looks away upon meeting MC's eyes.
MC: You okay? You look red.
Manticore: I-it's nothing! Look, the festival!
MC: Pretty sure something's wrong...
Manticore: ...grk! MC!
Manticore seems to flip at the concern and drags MC somewhere out of sight!

Manticore: GODDAMMIT I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE
MC: WHAT / was it something I did? / (too shocked to speak)
Manticore: I wanna eat you so bad!
Ragged breaths. Shining eyes.
Manticore: Things are blowin' up inside when with all your consideration! The better things go, the more my monster side rocks up until it comes out and wants a taste of humans!
Manticore ALMOST bites out MC's throat but stops himself!
Manticore: You better not get closer to me or else...
MC: Aww thanks for worrying about me / it's cool I can beat your ass down / so what do you eat first?
(A) Manticore: N-no I'm not!
(B) Manticore: Whoa, you ain't scared!? Okay come at me, bro!
(C) Manticore: WHAT? T-this ain't a joke, brah.

Manticore figured MC would totally be pissing themselves by now and played up the monster bit, but now he's looking at MC like maybe they aren't human.
Manticore: Are you really human if you ain't scared of having a Threat to Humanity in your face?
MC: I've been watching you this entire time. You being like this means you actually like me, right?
Manticore: !!
MC: So I'll stick around / You're freaky, but be nice. / Time to assert dominance!
---
(A) Manticore: Oh... wait, how'd we get to this point!? It ain't my fault of you get eaten!
(B) Manticore: I KNEW IT! Well chillax, I ain't wanna eat you that much...maybe a nibble though.
(C) Manticore: I ain't no damn pet!
---
Manticore (narrating): I'm their enemy...but this is fine. Hell I'm surprised MC's standing in front of me to begin with. They probably ain't human.
Manticore: I feel like I just did all of jack shit! Meh, I'm cool now so let's hang out until everyone else gets here. Cuz like...I really do wanna see stuff with everyone.

[Shamash's Section]
Shamash: Hello MC, were you waiting long? Rather bold of you to ask me to see you early.
MC: I wanted to talk to you / I couldn't think of anything! / not like it's illegal or anything
---
(A) Shamash: Oh okay.
(B) Shamash: Haha, just felt like it? Well it's nice.
(C) Shamash: I guess, but that doesn't mean our socializing necessarily will be good.
---
Shamash: Well, let's take a walk around until everyone else gets here.
Shamash and MC talk about their school social lives. Shamash somehow doesn't bring up exams even with them so close by.
Shamash: Thanks again for helping with Manticore. It's good he's getting this cultural experience.
MC: Glad to help. / Anything for you / test help plz
(B) Shamash: You don't say? What should I ask for next time? ...kidding.
(C) Shamash: Of course.

Shamash: So, I can relate to Manticore's experience. Being foreign enemies and stuff, but we can socialize still at this distance. But trying to avoid death? I knew a man who thought like that. He went off looking for something he'd never have to give to other people after unfairly losing someone important to him.
MC: What happened to him? / Have you mentioned this before? / (nod along)
---
(A) Shamash: I don't know. I came to Tokyo before I ever found out.
(B) Shamash: Hmm, have I? I think about him a lot.
---
Shamash: It's sad saying goodbye, enough to forget there's more than that. Makes you wish your time with them could last forever. Probably why we always try to avoid death.
Shamash thinks about an old student as he stares at some light pillar.

Shamash: ...is there someone you'd want to be with no matter what?
MC: Hell yeah / Everyone does / Dunno. Maybe.
---
(A) Shamash: Oh, already huh?
(B) Shamash: Yes, how very human.
(C) Shamash: Yes, it's a hard question.
---
Shamash thinks about how he wasn't able to stop his student.
Shamash: Maybe I haven't gotten over parting with my old student.
Maybe this is his own unfair parting.
MC: Shamash? / So you have regrets too? / Was it a graduation sorta thing?
(AB) Shamash: (slightly smiles) Sorry, this is supposed to be a fun time. I'll buy you just one thing to make up for it, but don't tell the others.
(C) Shamash is surprised at the comparison and considers he's just sad it happened.
Shamash: ...well that's a weird feeling. Please don't tell anyone else about this conversation.

[Ixbalanque's Section]
Ixbalanque: Huh, you're here first? Something the matter?
MC: It just happened. / I'm excited! / Nothing's wrong. Slowpoke~.
---
(A) Ixbalanque: This is usually the part where you say you were excited for today.
(B) Ixbalanque: Nice. I'll be a good boy and hang out with you then.
(C) Ixbalanque: Could you just not? Otherwise I might need to flex on you later.
---
Ixbalanque: Well anyways, let's go check things out. Better not waste our alone time, right?
MC: Not asking why I asked you to be early? / I guess... / Well that too, yeah
(A) Ixbalanque: Uh, I'll listen if you wanna talk about it but I don't particularly care? It's just you and me here, and that's good enough for me.
(B) Ixbalanque: Cool, let's go already.
(C) Ixbalanque: Awesome. Now's your only chance to have me to yourself.

Ixbalanque messes with MC as they look around. He doesn't seem to be thinking about the other guys, but he does take note of a couple of stalls before eventually sitting on some bench and looking respectful.
Ixbalanque: Hey Senpai, thanks for helping with Manticore.
MC: Is that why you said yes to coming early? / Oh my god are you sick!?
---
(AB) Ixbalanque: Nah, asking you on a fest date was always the plan but I wanted to thank you anyways.
(C) Ixbalanque: I'm trying to be serious here, geez.
---
Ixbalanque: So like, I bet you can imagine what Manticore's been like, but I wanted to help since I know that's not all there is to him. He's trying, and it reminds me of my brother. And I'm kinda the same, what with me bugging you all the time.
MC: What do you mean? / So you like talented people? / Are you into older people or something?
(A) Ixbalanque: You'll see soon. Promise you won't tell?
(B) Ixbalanque: Heh, you finally notice?
(C) Ixbalanque: Could you not already?

Ixbalanque: Manticore's surprising in how off he is from my home world's faith. Self-sacrifice above all to help the sun move, be one with the world. Might be why I find partings sad.
Ixbalanque looks to the sky. Such bright, passionate eyes.
Ixbalanque: ...Senpai, would you be sad if we could no longer see each other?
MC: Yes / Hmm... / Do you want me to say yes?
---
(A) Ixbalanque: Heh, no surprise there. You better thank me for hanging out with you then....what, my tail's shaking? You're seeing things.
He looks calm and doesn't say having a big tail's a pain.
(B) Ixbalanque: So you have to think about it? It's cool, I can't leave you be. What do I mean? Just think about it.
Ixbalanque stays cool as he dominates the conversation.
(C) Ixbalanque: Nah, not if you don't want to. But I see how you are, so if you tell me so I'll come see you...why are you smirking? Dammit, this is what I get for asking.
Ixbalanque regrets losing control of the conversation, but he has fun fighting for control.
---
Ixbalanque: FYI Senpai, I'd be sad if you were gone. Yeah it's not what I said earlier. You're special to me. Let's promise we'll never forget each other... huh, I know I'm being weird but I wanted to say that. Who knows what rabbit hole you'll fall into next? Anyways, we better get back before the others find out we had our own one-on-one date.

[Oniwaka's Section]
Oniwaka: Hey Master, wanna drink? Also why are we here so early?
MC: I wanted to spend time with just you.
Oniwaka: You were plotting something!? You coulda just--wait, I wouldn't have automatically agreed. We're supposed to be master and servant, not equals!
MC: What if you weren't a servant for just now? / Mkay, I'll go it alone. / Are you disobeying me?
---
(A) Oniwaka: Uggggh, fine I'll just say you ordered me to.
(B) Oniwaka: NO WAIT STOP! Geez, I'll go with you as an equal already so stop acting like that.
(C) Oniwaka: Uggggh, so now you wanna be Master. But fiiiine, I'll do as you say. So, what? We gonna look around for now?
---
And so Oniwaka follows along grumbling as MC cheerfully ignores his insistence on master/servant decorum.

Oniwaka stays on guard as he and MC look around. High alert all the time! Then MC breaks his focus.
MC: Thanks for helping with Manticore, I'm glad you spoke up. / Good job, Mr. Bodyguard!
---
(AB) Oniwaka: Hm? Eh, it's cool.
(C) Oniwaka: What? I didn't do nothing special.
---
Oniwaka: I don't like humans, but I do like you. We may have met by coincidence but I choose to stick with you, so I can't just sit by and say nothing. But damn, I never thought something I heard and ignored way back would be helpful now.
Oniwaka scratches his head as he thinks about what Manticore said about other world faiths and avoiding death fates.

Oniwaka: So this ain't that important but sometimes I dream of traveling around with you in Wa no Kuni or something.
MC: Sounds fun / You wanna do that? / is this a ghost story
Oniwaka: Just hear me out. It's happened a buncha times and sounds like something out of a book. We always go Somewhere in Wa no Kuni, and then I die meatshielding for you. Probably not a sign, but I never felt like that wasn't what I wanted in the dream. Sounds like a nightmare, but I wake up feeling good. Haven't had the dream much since, but I wanted to tell you about it.
Sounds real. Maybe uncomfortably real.
Oniwaka: ...what would you do if that went down here in Tokyo? A last stand with just the two of us.
MC: I'd want you to live on / Figure out how we can both survive / Can't imagine that happening
---
(A) Oniwaka seems to have figured as much.
Oniwaka: Piss off with that... heh, guess we'll figure it out if a what-if pisses me off like that.
(B) Oniwaka: Heh, figures. You could bumble your way in and out of anything.
(C) Oniwaka: Yeah, you only ever fight through the App. And if we can't imagine it, whatever.
---
Oniwaka: Alright Master, we oughta head back and wait for everyone else.
And so Oniwaka pushes MC on.

[Branch Convergance]
Later
Here, various Transients from different worlds have come together to help make one wish come true. They sought help, they discussed things, and they went to see a festival. Miracles upon miracles brought together by fate move Tokyo on.
The next day, at Some School, there is no weird monster screaming from the archery club. Manticore focuses on his target.
Rando A: Damn, he's probably gonna hit if he's that close.
Rando B: Yeah, he's calmer now. I'mma try talking to him!
The club captain carefully approaches Manticore!

Rando B: Uhh Manticore, you seem to have gotten better. Who taught you?
Manticore: Thank you. I was introduced to an archery expert and others who gave me advice, so I figured I'd try starting over at a beginner's level. I'm sorry I didn't ask anyone in the club for help first.
Rando B: No it's cool! Sorry we couldn't help. I can give advice now, I admire how hard you've been trying.
Manticore: Oh! I'm honored, Captain. How about we talk over a tea break?
Manticore pulls out some thermos.
Rando B: (What the hell is that smell!?)
Rando B: Um, what kinda tea is that?
Manticore: Something I've tried brewing at home. Not something to master overnight, but maybe it's presentable enough? I made it with health in mind.
Manticore doesn't quite grasp what Rando B's issue with the tea is but tries to relax him by chugging some first.

Manticore: BLARGH
Rando B: Uh...huh. Manticore are you okay!?
Manticore: WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT!? How can something glow in ten colors and come out like horse piss!? Who made--oh right it was me. WELP, you just escaped with your motherfucking life Captain, haha!
Rando B: Oh my god chill!
Ixbalanque: Oh. So that's what's happening. Welp. Sorry it came to this when you came over, MC-senpai.
Shamash: He's changed a little though. Maybe he'll figure it out in due time.
MC: Well I'm glad he's doing good. Guess he's studying tea now? Maybe that toxic mix can be used for something.
Another fun day as the seasons pass over in Tokyo.
The End

Live A Hero Conspiracy Masquerade Episode 8 (Abridged)

Astosis: I can't go down until the full truth is brought to light!
Judgment BEAAAAM!
MC: Okay WOW. But we're gonna win this!
Gaisei: I'm impressed you still have this much power. Show me everything you have!
Gaisei breaks one of Astosis's Judgment Scales!
MC: Thanks Gaisei! Go team, VP Charge!
Nessen: Thank you! Time for the finale!
Yohack: Full power unlock!
Maculata: All-in aggression!
Astosis: OOF! ...okay, it's finally over.
Astosis is brought to his knees. Gaisei approaches!
Gaisei: How enjoyable. Goodbye.
MC: Stop!

Astosis: !!
Gaisei almost cuts Astosis's throat but stops at MC's command!
Gaisei: Ah, excuse me. I forgot myself in the face of your power.
Astosis: >:(
Gaisei: You've lost, but I see you still have the will to fight. Keep it aflame and fight me again one day.
Astosis: ...fine.
Gaisei looks satisfied and mentally checks out.
Gaisei: Well, he's done. There's still you three to fight with.
Party: >:(
Gaisei: But I suppose we should call it a night. We've fought already. MC, you are truly interesting. Your power is different than what I seek, but no less amazing. I'm going to train myself even more...so next time we can have an even better time.
MC: Come at me, bro / Can't it be peaceful? / (nod)
(B) Gaisei: You mean to curb stomp me completely? How VERY interesting.

Gaisei: Until next time.
And so Gaisei disappears into the night.
Maculata: ...well, that's a crazy one to have on your tail, MC.
MC: It does worry me, but nothing to be done about it. Stuff for next time.
Maculata: Heh, how relaxed. Now...
Astosis: ...why did you stop him from killing me? ...oh, you wanted to do so yourself? Do as you will. Neither the Chasseur nor I can stop you.
MC: No. The stream's off.
Astosis: What are you saying? I already said that I was acting as a Chasseur...
MC: It's already over. What happened has been streamed locally, so people will talk.
Surprised party!
Astosis: W-what are you talking about--
MC: There's no need for an enemy anymore. No Chasseur Astosis...right?
Astosis: !! ...so you noticed?
MC: Somehow, yes. Will you talk?

Nessen: MC, please explain what's going on?
MC: I've been thinking how Astosis's actions seemed inconsistent.
Maculata: Now that you mention it... it was Astosis who posted me by the Poderna when the villains attacked.
Flashback!
Astosis: I'll evac the guests. Maculata, guard the Poderna.
Present
Maculata: He knew the Chasseur were coming, so if he really wanted to steal it he'd have chosen to guard the Poderna himself.
Nessen: Oh, and it was Astosis who sent Yohack and I out from the interrogation room. He already knew MC and I are friends, so he'd have prevented me from acting if he were in agreement with the Chasseur.
Yohack: There's also what he told us when he had us look for evidence!
Flashback!
Astosis: That window is the same as before. The memories are still there... I never forgot about your parents.
Present
Yohack: It's how we solved the mystery!
MC: And it was Astosis who lifted the space region lock, right?

Nessen: He did!? But we were in the middle of fighting...
Maculata: He turned it off and pretended he didn't notice? That would mean...
Astosis: ...truly impressive. I have nothing to add. But why do this? I still cooperated with the Chasseur and pulled you into our situation. I am responsible for what you went through. Shouldn't you be judging me then?
Party: (frowns)
MC: Then tell us the truth about this incident.
Yohack: I-I wanna know too! What happened to you? Did you really want to sacrifice yourself for all this!?
Astosis looks like he might give up for a second.
Astosis: ...why not? It's all over anyway.

Astosis goes to lean against the balcony railing.
Astosis: ...it's nothing special. Just some kid trying hard to end things.
Astosis (narrating): Father was a great attorney, always in pursuit of justice. When Courrèges opened up back in the day, lots of incidents with outsiders occurred. Father did his best to mediate for everyone in and out. I often saw him work at court, boldly digging for the truth. He was my hero, and I followed in his footsteps. I wanted to be like him.
Astosis (narrating): That was around the time I met you, Yohack. Your parents consulted Father about offworld business, and we came to know each other through that. That might've been the last time my life was quiet. I worked hard to become an attorney and finally started working in my father's office when...
Flashback Astosis: No, Dad!
Astosis (narrating): It was like any other day. He went ahead while I cleaned up after breakfast. He wasn't at the office and didn't pick up the phone. I looked for him...and eventually found him dead in the woods near town.
Flashback Astosis: ...trial records and a journal?
Astosis (narrating): Then one day after his funeral, I found his notes about how the Chasseur faked the evidence in his trials. He regretted being unable to stop them and not telling me the truth either.

Yohack: Oh...
Astosis: It's my fault my father died.
Yohack: W-what? No!
Astosis: ...thank you, but I still want it to take responsibility for it. And I wanted to bring justice for him.
Nessen and Maculata frown.
Astosis: I don't remember much after that. The office became mine, and I had no confidence as an attorney. I worked in other offices for years until I got people to trust me. Then I had my first real trial as an attorney as...
MC: ...Yohack's parents' trial.
Yohack: (frown)
Astosis: Correct. I failed, just like my father did. It's my fault I lost family again.

Yohack: Astosis, it's not your fault!
Nessen: Yes! It's the Chasseur who are wrong for faking evidence!
Astosis: But it was still me who stood as their defense attorney! I couldn't acquit them!
Yohack: Astosis...
Astosis: So I swore I'd one day expose them all and judge them. And I became their accomplice to find the truth. It took years working to find information.
Maculata: Which all lead to tonight?
Astosis: Correct. Another conspiracy involving the Poderna to push people to isolationism. I cozied up to get in on the plan before the festival, then got you all in as festival security.
Nessen: Excuse me, why didn't they suspect you of anything and take you off the security team?
Astosis: That was the goal. They did suspect me, I was to be held responsible, and I would be kicked out of town after the foreigners were.
Nessen: O-oh. All according to plan then?
MC: ...wait a minute.

Maculata: Right, if none of us were here, this plot would never have gotten solved. Isn't that a stretch since I was coincidentally here?
Astosis: Perhaps. I had to keep modifying the plan today.
Yohack: w-wait what?
Astosis: ...the original plan was for all the heroes to get arrested deliberately. Once falsely charged and the whole city was watching, I would expose all the Chasseur's deeds.
Maculata: ...so you were going to use us? Why change the plan then?
Astosis: To stream the truth to the whole galaxy. The Chasseur would look clearly like villains in this narrative, and other planets would have to speak up against them. And it was because I saw you again that I thought to change it, Yohack.
Yohack: WHAT?
Astosis: I figured you of all people could open my office safe. If someone else could expose the Chasseur, there'd be no need for the deliberate arrests and trial. I could just say on stream I was a ringleader of this plot and tell the truth. So I still used you all in the end... that should be everything.
Yohack: No, there's still one other thing! Why do you need to be judged? You haven't--
Astosis: Because I didn't do anything. I still let you all be abused horribly knowing it was coming. I still used you all.
MC: Really? Then you wouldn't have bothered protecting us.

Astosis: !?
Maculata: The interrogation, right? You sounded legit then.
MC: Yeah, same as that other time.
Flashback!
Astosis: ...thank you, MC.
Present
Astosis: ...you're just seeing what you want to see.
Astosis looks away.
Yohack: So maybe you used us. You still helped us, though. So tell us what you really feel.
Astosis: ...you are all so nosy. Heh, I've lost completely.
Astosis gives up and smiles.
Astosis: I wanted you to be the one to finish things when I saw you again, Yohack. I should be judged along with the Chasseur for my manipulations of you. I knew what they were doing, and I could not prevent it. You have the right to judge me, so I changed the plan so that you would be the one revealing the truth.
Astosis seems to relax as he closes his eyes, done.

Yohack: ...having that right doesn't make me happy at all!
Astosis: B-but your parents!
Yohack: They're doing great at the planet they moved too! Their business is booming! And my leaving meant I found my own dream too! I'm a master locksmith! You aren't at fault! We all knew you believed in us the whole time, and it meant everything as we made new lives!
Astosis: But I...
Yohack: We're fine! Please start living for yourself.
Yohack grabs Astosis's hands and smiles.
Astosis: Really? But I've been trying to atone all this time...
MC: Yohack said you can! You can stop the one man crusade now.

Maculata: I mean, I'LL hold your using MC against you. But the actual decision on your fate?
Nessen: Yes, that's for the people of Courrèges.
Yohack: It'll be fine! They know how much you care.
Astosis: ...maybe I can be an attorney and hero again. Can I really...?
Yohack: Maybe try visiting other planets then! Muirauqa IV is nice!
Nessen: And for hero work you need to contract with an agency. How about mine, S&S Heroes? We're the service work agency, and they'd love to have an attorney sign on.
Maculata: Oh if you do, I'll need to hire you for consultation work for expanding my business here!
MC: Come visit us on Earth too. Then we can start over getting to know each other.
Astosis: O-okay that's quite a lot...! But living for myself for once? Thank you, I think this is a first for me.
And so Luna shines on Astosis.

Title Card: Conclusion, End Things By Your Hand

Several days later. The Chasseur have been shut down and MC calls in heroes from offplanet to handle guard duty. Cleanup and sorting is done, and now the party is heading back to the space port to go home.
Maculata: Okay that took longer than expected, but it was nice to see the local fashions and Poderna more!
Yohack: I got to talk to people in town! Maybe I'll come visit more often!
Nessen: I'd like to join you on those times. Sightseeing proved informative. Maybe if I orders sheets and curtains from here, my guests will enjoy things even more!
MC: Oh yeah, you ever decide what your event's going to be?
Nessen: Oh, you remember that? I'll be going over specifics with my staff, but perhaps we'll recreate an old hot spring festival.
Maculata: Wonderful! Did Courrèges give you that idea?
Nessen: Yes, something traditional but aggressively new to borrow your lexicon...
Maculata: By all means! I'm looking forward to it!
Nessen: I'll be sure to invite you all when it happens.
Maculata: Nice, I should call up everyone in the office.
Yohack: Me too! Hehe, and on that day...
MC: You wanna go with them, right? Nice. I should ask everyone in my agency too.

Astosis comes over.
Astosis: ...hello, I came to see you off.
Surprised party!
MC: Astosis! Things are done and you can walk around alone now?
Astosis: Yes, I figured I should inform you of such.
Yohack: Yay, we can talk one more time before we go!
Astosis: Heh, yes we can talk after my report. So, the main Chasseur members have been arrested. All past evidence of their misdeeds have been confiscated and the organization has been ordered to disband. Depending on how the trials go, they'll have to reorganize and their power will be reduced. Offworld hero agencies will take charge and make them an anti-villain, anti-Monster group.
Maculata: Nice. That's what they were originally, yes?
Astosis: Indeed. And now there will be initiative for them to exchange knowledge with other planets.
Nessen: I see... I expect next time the town will be even more amazing.
MC: Oh yeah, what's next for you Astosis?

Astosis: Well I'll have my own trial to go through. One of my father's friends will represent me, and the townspeople come visit me in shifts in the meantime. It's how I got permission to come here. The people really have been supporting me.
Nessen: ...that's a lovely thing.
Astosis: Thank you, Nessen. I finally understand what that means. And Yohack...we're finally able to prove your parents' innocence after all this time. The evidence has been presented, so a retrial is set up. My father's friend will also be in charge of it. I can't be in charge myself, but I can at least give information.
Yohack: Awesome! I should call my parents and tell them!
Astosis: Please do. And ask them to visit. They're like family, and I'd like to show them how I've been.
Yohack: We'll all come for sure!

Astosis: And once my trial's been settled, I think I'd like to travel outside for once.
Yohack: What!?
Surprised Maculata and Nessen!
Yohack: Wow, that means we might see each other elsewhere!
Astosis: Yes...I think I have some idea of what I want to do now. I want to bring the truth out for others, so that they don't suffer under falsehoods like Courrèges did.
MC: That's a great dream.
Astosis: It's all thanks to you. MC, if we ever meet again I promise to help you. If you need a hero or an attorney, I'll do my best for you. As thanks.
A gentle wind blows by. The rest of the party gets into a space taxi.
Maculata: You sure you didn't want to take the next space taxi out and talk with Astosis some more?
Yohack: Yeah! I'll be back again with my parents!
Nessen: Wonderful. I'd like to come back too one day...partly for work too, yes, but still.
Maculata: Same. Some day in the future...
MC: I'm sure Courrèges will be a great city.
Courrèges and Luna shine outside the window as the taxi goes, until they fade into the sea of stars.
The End

AGF 2024 Special Episode: A Monster Transient's Wish Part 1 (Abridged)

Manticore (narrating): So I'm terrible at acting human around a bunch of other humans, even though I'm not SUPPOSED to be much different from other Transients. I got ears and a tail, okay? Nothing that weird. But I still don't fit in. People tell me I just don't have enough humanity. What does that even MEAN? That's fucking bullshit, man!
Present
Nice day. Calm season. A normal day, until...
???: FNGHAAAAH
Rando A: Holy shit what???
Rando B: Ahh yes, the archery club Monster. It's that time of the day.
Rando A: Ohh, Mr. Rich and Fabulous? Some moonlighting diamond mine heir or whatever? The Monster thing is kinda rude though, yeah? I mean, he looks mostly human. We have robots and monster girls walking around already.
Rando B: Dude have you not seen him up close? That guy ain't right!
Archery Club grounds
Rando C: Um, please calm down and not blow up again.
Manticore: FUUUUCK!

Later
A few days later, Ikebukuro. MC is shopping. Oniwaka is carrying bags.
Oniwaka: What kinda guild makes their own guildmaster run errands? At least KENGO could come help you with this!
MC: It's just my turn is all / Shirou caught him / yay, disassociation time!
---
(A) Oniwaka: I guess, but I still can't let you walk around here all alone!
(B) Oniwaka: Aww, his friend is making him study? Ha! ...why are you shaking?
(C) Oniwaka: Okay I know it sounds weird coming from me, but you should study too okay?
---
Oniwaka: Well whatever. If you're done, let's get back.
MC and Oniwaka are drawing a lot of attention as they go to the station.
MC: Welp. / We sure are popular / (ignore)
---
(A) Oniwaka: Forget the trash, just keep going. You got a classmate waiting, don'tcha?
(B) Oniwaka: Pffft, who cares what they think? Let's go before anyone starts shit.
(C) Oniwaka: (Dunno what they're thinkin', but we oughta hurry)
Oniwaka: Let's go. You got a classmate waitin', right?
---
Subject change, go!

Later
MC and Oniwaka arrive at Shinjuku Station.
Oniwaka: Wait, step back Master. Some...thing(?) up ahead.
Here comes Manticore, Shamash, and Ixbalanque!
Ixbalanque: Oh hey Senpai...do you always make that guy there carry your stuff?
Shamash: Hello again MC.
Manticore: !!
MC: It just happened, Ixbalanque / Hi Shamash! / I'll introduce you, Oniwaka
(A) Ixbalanque: It's cool Senpai, I know how weak you are. Call me up next time, I'll carry your stuff!
Oniwaka: Who the fuck do y--what do you MEAN you're okay with that, Master!?
(B) Shamash: I'm glad you seem alright. I hear exams are starting soon. Are you d--why are you looking away?
Oniwaka: You're doing that badly!?
(C) Oniwaka: So now you know a bratty soccer kouhai and a super private tutor? Where the hell do you find these people?

Oniwaka: So who's the other guy?
Well clearly he ain't human. Nice clothes tho, and he oozes a high class upbringing. Also he seems surprised or something.
MC: Hi I'm MC. You a rich guy from somewhere? / ASL?
(AB): Manticore: ...sorry, I...have a hard time talking.
(C) Oniwaka: Oh my god, you can't just ask people that, Master!
Oniwaka steps up in front of MC!
Manticore: >:(
Manticore: ...uh, I mean, sorry. I was...a little overwhelmed.

Tongue slurping noises. Also Manticore calms down enough to start talking again, bowing and moving his scarf down.
Manticore: Excuse me, my name is Manticore. I am an alien species summoned here.
MC: a what now
Oniwaka: Foreign races to the ecosystem, threats to the natives. How come YOU don't know about this, Master?
Manticore: I attend a satellite school with both my senpais here as a second year.
Ixbalanque: So same year as you, Senpai. He's kinda weird, but you oughta be friends with him.
Manticore: Who the fu--I mean, yes. I still cannot meld with human society. You seem to be native, MC, so I hope you can teach me how to live in the human sphere.
MC: I'm not sure I'm native / teach what now / Sure!
(A) Manticore: wait what
(B) Manticore: I mean, how to behave like a human.
(C) Manticore: Oh, thank you.

Manticore: ...so you do seem human like the rumors say. Please teach me your ways.
Oniwaka: Teach what tho? You seem plenty polite already.
Ixbalanque: Senpai always shows up when I'm looking for them so--oh wait that might be my class thing. But yeah we came looking for you to ask about helping Manticore.
Shamash: We called your dorm and happened to run into you here.
Oniwaka: Oh. Too bad, Master and I got somewhere else to go first.
MC: Wanna come to our safehouse? It might be easier. / Hello, Shirou?
(AB) Oniwaka: DON'T JUST INVITE RANDOM STRANGERS
(C) Oniwaka: WHAT? Master, you can't just let people near your safehouse!

Oniwaka: Hell, I'M not in your guild so I can't just go in either!
Oniwaka pulls MC away to explain Public Game Rules for Dummies when...
MC: But I wanted to invite you too. Guildmaster's permission! / we have a fluffy komainu!
---
(AB) ...
Oniwaka: Fiiiine! Don't say I didn't warn you!
(C) Oniwaka: (gasp!) Wait, you can't bait me with that! Anyways, I warned you!
---
MC goes back to invite Team Girlbait to the safehouse.
Shamash: Are you sure? You have exams soon.
MC: But you came to ask for help / It's cool! / Teach me later?
---
(C) Shamash: Sure thing.
Ixbalanque: Busybodies. Be glad I'm helping too.
---
Manticore: HRAA--(clap)
Ixbalanque: Okay deep breaths and go back to normal, Senpai. Let's NOT freak MC-senpai at this point, mkay?
Manticore: R-right, thank you...whew.
MC: Sick or something? / (whatever, let's go)
Manticore: Oh, how kind. I'm okay, let's go.
Oniwaka: (stares)

Later
Summoners Safehouse
Agyou: Hi MC, wel--WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?
Surprise for Agyou!
MC: Oops / Oh, did I not call Shirou in time? / Welp!
---
(C) Agyou and Oniwaka: Don't you "welp!" this!
---
Ixbalanque: Are you sure it's okay for us to be here, Senpai?
Shamash: Hello Agyou, MC told me about you. What a good boy, guarding this place all by yourself.
Agyou: Hell yeah I am!
Shamash: I brought a present from all of us.
Agyou: Yay, candy! Come on in, I'll make tea!
East Asian manners success!
MC: Wow. Sorry about the fuss.
Manticore: Is this how a first meeting is supposed to go? And Agyou is a komainu from Wa no Kuni, yes? I need to study the spirit of Wa for peace, or I'll die trying to figure the shit outta--
Shamash: So Manticore, shall we get right to the subject?
Manticore: OH! Yes! Please do, MC.
Manticore looked feral for a second until Shamash reminded him to get himself under control. Oniwaka noticed and moves himself closer to guard MC.

One explanation later
Oniwaka: Whaddya MEAN learn the spirit of Wa?
Manticore: Yes, I think it would help me a lot in learning how to behave more like a human.
Oniwaka grumbles about how it must be nice to be rich.
Manticore: I tried learning cultural things on my own like archery and tea ceremonies but it isn't working.
Shamash: I can tell Manticore some things, but others he needs personal experience with, so I thought we should talk to you.
Ixbalanque: "Wa" means Tokyo and Wa no Kuni around here, so I figured you could introduce Manticore to someone from there, Senpai. Aren't you happy I'm coming to you for help?
MC: I'm not upset, that's for sure / RUUUUDE / mmm, nice
(A) Ixbalanque: Works for me!
(B) Shamash: Sorry MC, he's just thinking about you.
(C) Oniwaka: That's it? Have some standards, Master!
Shamash: I'm sorry for my kouhai, Oniwaka. He's just thinking about MC.

Shamash: Ixbalanque's been trying his best with Manticore too. I thought that was wonderful and came here to help too.
Ixbalanque: I can't believe you ratted me out like this!
Oniwaka: Aww, aren't you a precious kouhai~? It's okay, you can just say things out loud.
Ixbalanque: You mean like how you've been staring at my tail? You can touch...for a price.
Oniwaka: C'mon Master, let's beat up a punk!
Smug Ixbalanque. Manticore tries to intervene.
Manticore: Please, don't fight on my account you two... I SAID QUIT THAT SHIT, BITCHTITS!
Oniwaka: excuse me what
Manticore slammed a table so hard it shook the safehouse! Everyone stares.
Manticore: DAMMIT I FUCKED UP AGAIN! Hey, what the fuck are YOU lookin' at!? You think I shoulda thought outside the box when phrasin' that? Well what if I think better IN the box, huh!? What the fuck does that even MEAN!? Is this real Japanglish I'm speaking here!?
MC: WHAT / welp / let me know when he's done...

Later
Ixbalanque: ...so I guess I should've started with this earlier. Manticore-senpai has the Monster Spirit trait from what he's said. Means he's got a little less emotional control than us.
Shamash: Bluntly, he explodes like he just did.
Manticore: I'm sorry, I'm calm now.
Oniwaka: You call that "a little less" control!? Damn, it must be REAL NICE to be rich. You think I might be better off if I studied up on the spirit of Wa!?
MC: Oof, Oniwaka / feeling especially judgy and jealous today, I see.

Oniwaka: How 'bout you take your ass to Wa no Kuni yourself? ...sorry, I know that's not possible and I wasn't raised to have the best manners. But anyways, you care about seeming human, yeah?
Shamash: Plenty of students are our school are afraid of Manticore's wild side. They're starting to make rumors about him, which I think he wants to stop.
Manticore: I've heard the spirit of Wa places importance on social hierarchy, so I believe it is even more important in human society. So please, would you help me with this, MC?
MC: Sure, though all I can do is show you to people / Not sure I can help tho
---
(C) Oniwaka: You can at least introduce him to people.
---
Manticore: Bitchin'! Glad you two got my back, MC and Oniwaka!
Oniwaka: We seriously expect to get anywhere with this? Damn do things get weird without the other Summoners around! Well whatever, I'm here for Master. (Not like I can leave Master alone with that.)
Manticore talks about what he thinks the spirit of Wa is, so MC calls some people to come by another day.

Some time later
Tanetomo: ...and this is how you do the fan dance. One, two, three...your turn.
Manticore: Okay, one, two, th--(snap)--oh shit I snapped the fan, Sensei!
Tanetomo: Now now, I have spares, calm down. I've broken my share of fans in my time too.
Manticore: Huh, you're so graceful I never would have guessed so.
MC: That's because Tanetomo is graceful and cute / He still has his thorns / (I'll just shut up)
---
(A) Tanetomo: It's just an act to get through life and manipulate people. I mean, nothing. But yes, thank you MC.
(B) Tanetomo: Yes, many things of beauty have their thorns and poisons. I don't know who you could ever be talking about, but be careful you don't suddenly find a knife in your back, okay MC?
---
Tanetomo: Now let's try that again, Manticore.

Later
Manticore: FUCK I MISSED
Yoritomo: :|
Yoritomo: Is this one of your brethren friends, MC? I was afraid reluctant to come after Tanetomo filled me in, but I'm surprised you asked for archery help.
MC: Well who else represents Wa no Kuni? / I heard you're a master archer / He wanted to learn about the spirit of wa.
(A) Yoritomo: It sounds strange coming from you, but very well then.
(B) Yoritomo: Is this some reference to that bridge they named after me? I guess it's fine to help then. Not really, but you know.
(C) Yoritomo: Couldn't you have asked anyone else? Knowing you though, you just asked because we're family. I guess I can help. Except not really.

Yoritomo: Archery and politics are both about zoning and keeping distance. Watch how your big brother does it.
Yoritomo walks over to Manticore.
Oniwaka: Master! What does he MEAN, he's your brother!?
MC: He's sorta is and isn't? I'll explain later.
Manticore's just focusing on trying to aim.
Yoritomo: Manticore, yes? Did anyone else teach you how to use a bow?
Manticore: FUCK NO! ...my bad, sorry. Deep breaths...
Oniwaka: Oh my god he can't just talk to your brother like that!
Manticore: Ahem. I was never formally taught on the ways of the bow. I've asked my club senpais for guidance, though my behavior has frightened them off. Instead, I imitate what I've seen Temujin and Shinya do at competitions.
Yoritomo: Impressive skill level despite that. Maybe teaching you the form will help you blend in further. Try again.

Manticore pulls an arrow fully back. Yoritomo stops him there and starts correcting his posture.
Yoritomo: Like that. Take a breath before you fire after I step away. Control the distance between you and the target.
fwip
Manticore: I did it!
Yoritomo: Remember that stance and method, it should help. Also, did you know the way of Japanese archery is seen as a way of discerning how to live as a human? You must look at yourself and cast off your doubts.
Manticore: Thank you, Yoritomo-sensei.
Ixbalanque: What? All that target practice I helped you with was for nothing?
Shamash: It might've helped him get to today. Either way, I'm glad this could help him at school.

Later
Manticore: ...
Manticore is at Some Temple meditating...
Sanzou: Wow, this is the guy who blows up on a dime? I'd never have guessed? Why would he bother coming all this wa--OH MY BUDDHA! MC, i-i-is this some pretext for you to come see me!?
Manticore: >:(
Manticore can hear. The meditation isn't going very well...
Sanzou: Aww, why didn't you say so? ...wait, is it because you were thinking of taking me out back and...? I mean I guess we could! Like, behind the temple or...
Manticore: SHUT THE FUCK UP
Sanzou: I'MSORRYI'MSORRYI'MSORRY
Manticore: Ow my legs hurt like a bitch!
Motosumi comes by and bitchslaps both Manticore and Sanzou.
Oniwaka: Welp. I guess he's still doing better?
Motosumi: Sorry about our guildmaster. I'm still nirvana-ing your ass if you scream like a punk again though. Now back on your knees and meditate!
And so the day ends, with Sanzou repeatedly talking to MC about "shenanigans" and Manticore blowing up over his legs hurting like a bitch.

That night, the party goes to some Japanese diner.
MC: Sorry that didn't work out, Manticore...
Shamash: I'm sorry, I should have seen this coming.
Manticore: It's fine. I must thank you again for all the opportunities you gave me, MC. It anything, the problem would be my monster nature not being able to use the new experiences well. If I keep this up and can't succeed, it just means I'm that terrible. Dammitall!
Shamash touches Manticore's hand and reminds him he's getting angry. Manticore takes a deep breath as Inari walks over.
Inari: Hello, your order! ...what are you working on?
Inari caught the last part of the conversation.
Inari: I'm Inari from Wa no Kuni, apprentice chef! I know how it sucks to fail, but it's great when you succeed! Good luck out there!
Manticore: Thank you. But my monster nature comes out when I do succeed, which makes things seem like a wash. GODDAMN do I hate how my body's been rearranged! I wanna be a perfect human!
Ixbalanque: Just take it slow.
MC: Your body's rearranged? / Don't like your body? / Do perfect humans actually exist?
Manticore is about to answer when he stops for a second. Then he looks at MC.
Manticore: I guess I should say this now after all this.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Conspiracy Masquerade Episode 7 (Abridged)

Standoff at the castle balcony when...
Maculata: Hello everybody, I'm back and I kept the Poderna safe!
Yeah, that!
Maculata: So, time to discuss things and lay it all out.
Red: So you DID steal the Poderna!
Maculata: Calm down, you. We're here to straighten things out.
Red shuts his mouth. Maculata turns to Gaisei.
Maculata: So I know you're having fun, but could you stop for a minute, Gaisei or whatever your name is?
Gaisei: ...are you offering to dance with me instead?
Maculata: I could, but could you let us speak first? Maybe we'll dance with you after that.
Gaisei: ...I suppose I can take a break if I can expect more fun later.
Maculata: Oh you can count on that. You'll join us too, right Astosis?
Astosis: Of course. With all evidence and the Poderna here, we should have our proof ready to go.
MC: Right, let's end this.

Maculata: So back when a fight happened in the ballroom, I was guarding the Poderna. Nobody suspicious was nearby. Then the lights went out. And then I heard something moving.
Nessen: Was it the wall moving?
Maculata: Yes, though I didn't know just then.
Red: ...
Maculata: I notice you don't seem surprised.
Red says nothing.
Yohack: What happened then?
Maculata: Someone came out, someone I'm sure we all know now. Anyways, I grabbed the Poderna and hid under a tablecloth that got knocked off during the fight.
Nessen: I don't know how to feel about that fight helping you...
Maculata: Same here... still, after that I kept watch. Whoever came from the secret passage went for where the Poderna was, but of course it wasn't there anymore.
Red: ...
Maculata: They panicked when they couldn't find it, and then I heard them say "the lights will be back on soon, secure the targ--the target's gone! I have to report back!"

Astosis: ...I see, so they were after the Poderna.
Maculata: So it seems. After that, I slipped into the secret wall as it was closing and followed the sneak. It was easy between the sounds of boots and having a racial darkness vision bonus.
Nessen: You managed to sneak in!? That was dangerous...
Maculata: There was a chance of solving things. Since the Chasseur didn't want people to know about the secret passage, there weren't lights inside. I just hide in shadows, and I'm good to go. Nobody noticed me. Must've been all the panic.
Maculata smiles at Nessen's concern.
Astosis: It's good the Poderna was undamaged, but why didn't you show yourself earlier?
Maculata: I'm getting to that. Right, MC?
MC: Yeah. I was surprised then, but we met up. Sorta.

Yohack: wait what? How?
Maculata: Well...sorry MC, I put these on you.
Maculata takes off those earcuffs she put on MC earlier.
Yohack: Oh right, that was before the party!
Maculata: Yes, these are communicators. I wasn't expecting to use them like this, so I should thank Crowne.
MC: Oh wait...
Maculata: Oh, you remember? Back at Parallel Flight.
Flashback!
Crowne: Here you go, funny request this time. Never woulda guessed you'd ask for a comm that looks like some accessory.
Maculata: Well of course, I have work to do and I need to look good. And if it doesn't exist, I just need to have it made.
Crowne: Huh, well that makes sense. But yeah, it's done! I'm sure no one will figure it out if they don't look closer at it. It's got short range audio output, but I couldn't finagle a voice lock in time, so it'll hear everything around you instead of just your voice.
Maculata: Wait are you trying to make me a spy or something? ...the design's perfect though, thanks.
Crowne: It's cool, come again!

Present
Maculata: I stuck it on you in case we got separated, but the sneakiness helped out a lot and now I owe Crowne a beer.
Astosis: W-wait, you stuck a communicator on MC? Are you saying MC's been sharing everything with you since then?
Maculata: Exactly. I heard everything.
Red: WHAT? Wait...did you slip into the mid-investigation talks?
Yohack: U-um, are you talking about when Nessen and I went off?
Yohack can't keep up with the conversation.
Maculata: Oh right, I should go over that. So once I was alone in the secret passageway, I connected to MC's comm and heard what was happening. Once things were starting, I started talking.

Flashback!
Maculata: MC, do you read me? Keep up your poker face and update me while sounding natural. I know it won't be easy, but at least I can tell you the Poderna and I are all okay.
MC: ...I can explain.
Maculata: Roger. So after the lights went out...
One explanation later...
Maculata: And that's what happened. How dare they accuse you of stealing the Poderna. Now MC, don't let them pressure you, it just means they're desperate. They were going to steal the Poderna and frame us for it, before oopsies that's not working out! So they're pressing for a confession and fishing for info on the Poderna. We could just end this farce now but...
MC: I'm not done yet!
Maculata: Aww, how dependable. It's looking bad, but now's not the time to whine about it. We still have Nessen and Yohack helping us, so we wait for them to bring back proof. Until then, you need to stall. I'll be on standby. If it comes to it I'll use the Poderna as a decoy to keep you safe, so just run then, okay?
MC: ...it's fine.

Present
Nessen: Oh. Well I'm glad you two could talk like so.
Yohack: Was I any help? Hehe, nice!
MC: Thanks everyone!
Maculata: Okay, I think we've filled enough details on that end. Long story short, we didn't try steal the Poderna.
Nessen: Yes, your circumstantial evidence about the window being the only exit has been disproven.
Yohack: ...yeah, since there's a secret passage.
Maculata: And the one who came out was on you Chasseur, yes? Not everyone knew about the passage, and if any of the guests didn't come back that would unnatural.
Red: ...urk!
Nessen: Now, are you still going to try to blame MC for what happened?

Astosis: Now that we have conclusive evidence, does the Chasseur have a rebuttal?
Red: ...
Astosis: ...well! Very impressive that you managed to prove your innocence in this case. Now is the time for closing arguments. Now please hand me the Poderna.
MC: ...we can't.
Yohack: What!? But why?
Nessen: Astosis, please tell us why you have the castle blueprints.
Astosis: I'm an attorney. Naturally I safeguard confidential information.
Nessen: So you also knew about the secret passage then?
Astosis: ...I didn't think they'd try something so violent.
Nessen: So you claim you aren't working with them? Then please explain one other thing.
Flashback!
Astosis: This castle used to be nobility's as you know. Now it's a museum and sometimes public ballroom.
Nessen: Huh, those designs.
Astosis: Questions? I'll answer whatever I can.
Present
Nessen: How did you know we heard about the castle being former nobility's? You were away while we were in town.
MC: You were having us watched?

Astosis: You think I got that information from the Chasseur? Oh no, I mentioned it when you came to town. I apologize for causing the misunderstanding.
Maculata: Then can I ask something?
Astosis: By all means.
Maculata: Did you know that the jewel accessory from the Poderna was taken off?
Astosis: ...could you elaborate what you mean by that?
Maculata: Something seemed off when the Poderna was displayed to us.
Flashback!
Maculata: Huh...
Astosis: Not what you expected?
Maculata: O-oh, nothing.

Present
Maculata: The Poderna's a beautiful dress planned down to the details. The accessories were planned out as well, but I noticed part of it was missing. It ended up in MC's pocket, but when did it get there? Was it already gone when the ball started?
Yohack: ...it can't have. The city's crafters always look it over and fix it when it's festival time.
Maculata: Meaning it happened sometime between the festival's start and our seeing it.
MC: And it was you who put it on me, wasn't it Astosis?
Nessen: ...I understand something now too.
Yohack: W-what? Astosis, what's going on?
Astosis: ...pray tell?
Nessen: Neither Maculata nor MC's ball outfits had accessories at the start, which the Chasseur confirmed. Which means it had to have been planted on MC after we entered and before the lights came back on. Only four of us got close enough to have done so in that time.
Yohack: Um, that's Maculata, Nessen, me, and...
MC: You, Astosis. It must've been during that dance...

Flashback!
Astosis: ...thank you, MC.
Present
Astosis: (frowns)
Astosis: This is normally where one goes "prove it" but I must admit, I applaud that you've all managed to find out the truth.
Tensions rising.
Nessen: But why all this!?
Astosis: ...I thought you'd have figured that out too.
MC: The expulsion of foreigners?
Astosis: Yes. What would the people think if the Chasseur told everyone about how foreigners stole and defaced the Poderna?
Maculata: What the everloving hell are you on about?
Nessen: You intend to lie to the townsfolks for your own self-interest!?

Yohack: W-wait! Astosis, what's going on!? Everyone in town looks up to you, and you work so hard for them! Why!?
Astosis: Because of how it should be. You and your family know full well what that means.
Yohack: !!
Astosis: Courrèges is the city of tradition, shutting out the world to protect its autonomy and ways. It cannot change.
Yohack: But that makes no sense! People outside already know about Courrèges, and the workshop we visited had no problems with us! And plenty of outsiders enjoy the festival, so if we give it time--
Astosis: So Courrèges should accept them and lose its traditions?
MC: Acceptance is a personal thing, not something decided by others.

Astosis: ...further discussion is pointless.
Maculata: On that point I agree. You can't have the Poderna.
Nessen: Indeed. We will stop you if you mean to denigrate the people's pride and feelings!
Astosis: Negotiations have unfortunately failed... Operator, transform me.
Some other Operator transforms Astosis!
Astosis: Shall I show you the weight of this city's history?
Maculata: MC, transform us too!
MC: Right, let's go!
Beep!
Maculata: We can't give the Poderna back.
Nessen: Yes, not to people who would abuse the feelings behind its creation.
Yohack: ...sorry Astosis, I don't know what's right. But I do know you aren't enjoying this! I'll stop you, then I'll keep talking to you until you get it!
Space French Guard A: All men, to position. Take back the Poderna!
Space French Guard B: D'accord.
Incoming crowd of mobs!
MC: Okay so I saw this coming but damn that's a lot!

The party is surrounded when...
Space French Guard A: OOF
Space French Guard B: wait wh--UGH
Red: WHAT? Hold the line!
It's Gaisei!
Gaisei: Finally. Were you planning on just talking all night? Still, it looks like it was worth the wait if I'm up against someone with the power to protect a whole city. How wonderfully thrilling!
MC: Gaisei! You're actually helping us?
Gaisei: Well I suppose you could take it that way? I just want to swing and enjoy this bloody banquet!
Gaisei charges the mobs!
Astosis: ...the irrational truly are bothersome, but that isn't enough to stop things. Now, time to pass down judgment!
BATTLE START (in battle scene included)

Phase 1
Astosis: Okay MC, give me the Poderna. Then I'll kick you all out and the Chasseur can tell everyone foreigners are unneeded.
Phase 2 (bring Astosis to ~60% HP)
Astosis: MC, thanks again for playing into my hands. But's time for you to leave!
Viewer A: What the hell is this stream? It's from Courrèges? I thought they Space IP blocked things.
Viewer B: Hey isn't that the guy from that one hot spring? New suit?
Viewer C: It's Maculata! Who she fighting?
Viewer D: I don't get what's going on, but cool!
Nessen: Wait, the space region lock is gone!?
Maculata: I don't think they noticed yet. Don't know why it happened, but quick, send in VP!
Astosis: Stop resisting.
Viewer E: Uhh, weird?
VP Gain Amp applied to the party!
Phase 3 (bring Astosis to <50% HP)
Astosis: Oof! Is that what it means to be an excellent Operator? Full power then!
Astosis fires his Ultimate and summons two Judgment Scales!
Nessen: Oof, that's strong!
Yohack: Oh no we're being pushed back!
Maculata: UGH, what kind of weapon is that!?
Astosis: Cease your--what!?
Gaisei attacks Astosis!
Gaisei: Ooh, let me join too.
Astosis: Sheer brute force? Fine, have it your way!
Phase 4 (bring Astosis to ~25% HP)
Astosis: Ugh, not yet! The people only need to be sheep and be guided by the Chasseur!
Phase 5 (defeat Astosis)
Astosis: We...lost? ...I see. Now it's over.

Top of Summer Mountains Epilogue (Abridged)

 [Note for anyone who reads my posts here and not in the Housamo Discord channel I hang around and put these in first: I'm skipping Tokyo Dancing Saturday for the time being and doing the AGF bit with Manticore next.]

Zao is walking into the middle of the event singularity while there's blinding light all around. He has the power to talk to mountains with his third eye and also the power to conquer mountains by hiking them. The ability to talk to mountains does not guarantee the ability to understand them. It's like the app's translation magic being able to interface with mountain leylines while the conquering ability is simply declaring "I'm better than you." If Zao makes it up top, then he demonstrated himself to be above that mountain, which means he can gain full understanding of it. As he's doing now with the event singularity.
Zao: (frowns)
MC: What's up, Senpai?

Zao's looking at the script for what the hell happened this whole event. He's also seeing why he saw a phantom of MC up top. If the singularity was running some sort of pseudo kodoku with dragons and snakes, then whatever that would end up surviving would face a situation like himself. Having always lived in confined bounds, could he actually hack it outside them? He was afraid to find out, so if he could go back, he'd do it all over again. Which is why taking that step out wasn't something he could've done alone.
Zao: ...Kouhai, I'll be leaving ahead of you, but I'm sure I'll see you again.
(Even if there's nothing out there for me.)
Zao: I'll broaden the world for you. What you do with that is up to you.
MC: Cool / oh you
And so Zao takes a step towards the unknown. The event singularity calms and fades, and time marches forward.

Later
It's been a few days since the singularity went away, and now the party's back together at the mountain foothills.
Kumano Gongen: ...hey again, MC.
MC: S'up / what is it, bitchface?
---
(A) Kumano: Okay so I was psyching up for you to be totally casual but DAMN this is weird!
(BC) Kumano: !?
---
Aww, MC and Kumano being honest with each other.
Kumano: ...welp, I at least know I'm never letting you get ahead of me.
He seems happy, despite what he says.
Kumano: So...we're both dragons, yeah? I've always told other ones to stay away, but that's not gonna happen with you. I don't really want to be captain after Himavat, but if you're captaining Shinjuku's team next then I'll do what I can. I want us to stay equals, able to say any dirty shameful thoughts out loud to each other. So...I'm sorry for what I said that first time. I'll make it up to you however you want.
MC: it's cool / you owe me for life / giggity
(A) Kumano: Are you TRYING to make this difficult?
(B) Kumano: GODDAMMIT
(C) Kumano: I KNOW THAT LOOK

The captains are here!
Himavat: Good job with the investigation thing again, everyone! We didn't settle our rivalry, but we're here for a friendly get together, sponsored by AndvaResort! Obligatory group chorus call, everybody!
Everyone: Andvari Ropeway!
Kumano Gongen: Oh god do we have to do that every time!?
Xi Wang Mu: Maybe!
Kumano: Oh well, you get in first MC. Watch your step.
MC: Thanks / (rush in)
(B) Kumano: Slow down, it ain't going anywhere yet! ...oh you wanted to get in before me? Oh okay th--wait where are you touching!?

Ding ding, tram's moving!
Durga: Wow again, that view! Way different than climbing on foot!
Chernobog: We could never have seen it without the trams. I must thank my friend once more.
Tanngrisnir: What a beautiful vista.
Himavat: Hmm. So the Shinjuku club looks over all of the mountain rather than the beginning and end?
Zao: ...you mean you don't look where you're going and you AREN'T this totally detached guy?
Xi Wang Mu: Well what can you do? We have to climb mountains for work.
Kumano Gongen: I guess they can see some things because they do it for fun.
Durga: I don't think you get it either, Kumano. How about a club contest since we aren't working together this time!?
Kumano: N-no I do! And how would this contest even work when--
Xi Wang Mu: Kumano sweetie, stop right there. Mommy is on break and wants to stay that way.
Enigma: I for one adore your various imperfections. That aside, no geomagnetic interference detected. All is safe.
MC: I wonder why that even happened?
Bigfoot: MC.
Bigfoot wants a private talk.
Bigfoot: Me, saw friends came to deal with it. Things okay. No repeats, maybe.

Flashback!
Christine: So this is the event singularity keystone Bigfoot was talking about. Magic network and creation of new life, I see...
Yep, something that couldn't interface with Tokyo Babel Tower's authority was here.
Alice: ...so what now? Tape off the door to Wonderland?
Christine: No, let's mark it Outside of Tokyo. I brought her here for that.
Karen Curren: Hmm, a parliamentary system exceeding the current bounds of human cognition? Since it uses time as a resource, I can cut it off from the game with time control.
Bwoop!
Curren: Okay, done. Shouldn't affect the game anymore as long as we have control.

Present
Zao: So I tried coming back the other day and I could talk to the mountains again. They said they tried talking to me the whole time and I just couldn't hear them. New goal, if something like that happens again, I want to still be able to be on equal terms with the mountains.
Enigma: Now that the event singularity is gone, the sleigh route is safe too.
Tanngrisnir: Indeed! Headmaster Ded will be pleased Christmas will be on track.
Enigma: We will be arriving at the station soon. Do not worry, I will be there to pick up anything your useless organic brain forgets and leaves behind.
Claude's Chapel
Claude: Hello again, Bridegroom and compatriots!
Belphegor: Thanks again for your help earlier!
Claude: Yes, business has been booming since.
Snow: Very popular with nature lovers.
Claude: We even hired those strange pirates!
Belphegor: Oh yeah, we also do unorthodox marriage ceremonies too! Call us if you ever want to arrange anything!

Later
Time to hoof it up to that lake!
MC: Nice... / (dying...)
---
(A) Enigma: I see you're acclimated to mountain climbing, but I know you still need me.
(BC) Enigma: Master, let me carry your bags while you take a breath. Normal people would say don't push yourself, but I will compensate for your failings.
---
Enigma: I will always be with you as your secretary, butler, whatever you wish. In sickness and in health, I suppose?

Later
Oh hey it's that campground.
Maria: Oh hello everyone! Thank you for before. Both the cooking camp and the rescue mission turned out well.
Bigfoot: Me, glad children found. Me do job good.
Tanngrisnir: Thank you too. Your help was indispensable to finding those lost campers...also something smells good. Did we interrupt lunch or something?
Maria: Oh we just started making something. Would you like to join us?
Tanngrisnir: Oh, I didn't mean to fish for an invite, but it would be nice to sit by a fire.
MC: You wanna help, don't you? / mommy I'm hungry! / Captain, can we stop for a bit?
---
(A) Tanngrisnir: You know me so well, MC. Yes, I'd like to help cook. And I'll serve stew too!
(B) Xi Wang Mu: Oh you~. Well it is lunch time so okay, I'll make something!
(C) Zao: Sounds good. Okay, break time everybody!
Kumano: Whoa, this always happen with you guys?
Himavat: Zao must have planned this to happen!
Zao: No????
---
Bigfoot: Oh, Xi Wang Mu? Talk private? Me, have favor ask.

Later
Chernobog: Captain, is this a big enough stone hearth?
Zao: Yeah, thanks. Should be for Tanngrisnir's stewpot. I'll make the fire, go help the Missionaries with Durga.
Bigfoot: Good, like this?
Xi Wang Mu: Yes, it's great! It'll surprise everyone!
And so the party and Missionaries make lunch together.
Tanngrisnir: Special mountain stew, ready! Stew for everyone! (runs off)
Durga and Chernobog: WHAT
Zao: Huh. Well I guess he'll be back after handing stew to everyone. Oh well, lunch time! Also Bigfoot made something?
Xi Wang Mu and Bigfoot bring something over.
Bigfoot: Me, make handmade noodles. Soba, good. Have some!
MC: Wow! / how'd you pull handmade noodles off

Himavat: Thank you for the Shinjuku special.
Jersey Devil: Aww yiiiissss.
Jersey Devil just drooling like a dog.
Chernobog: Simple yet toothsome. Impressive!
Durga: Yeah! You really made this, Bigfoot?
Bigfoot: Himavat, gave soba. Xi Wang Mu, taught making. Chapel, gave idea. Good food, people happy. Me, wanted people remember that. Me, glad tried hard. Zao, you like?
Zao: Yep.
Kumano Gongen: Lotta soups so far, but eh it's cool.
MC: Thanks Bigfoot! / Well if you don't want it... (take Kumano's noodles)
---
(BC) Kumano: No wait, I wasn't trying to complain! Thanks, Bigfoot!
---
Bigfoot: Me glad, hehe. Also, where Tanngrisnir?
Something bright is coming this way!
Tanngrisnir: I was thinking of how to make my stew better and then this suddenly happened!
MC: MY EYESSSS
Nisroch: Welp! Next time I'll be even better and treat you to the Forbidden Full Course!

Later, the lake
Durga: Oh god the last day of summer vacation, whoooo!
Tanngrisnir: Could my sleigh be used as a jetski...? Actually I should just swim first.
Zao: It feels weird wearing a swimsuit, but we came all this way so...bombs away!
Chernobog: Captain, maybe you shouldn't go jumping into everything?
Bigfoot: Mm. Nice, cool. Reminds snow. MC, enjoy together!
Almost Everyone: Yay!
Enigma: Hmm. Does the Setagaya Mountaineering Club not waste its time like the Shinjuku Wandervogel Club?
MC: RUUUUDE / You said you'd always be with me, right? / (group splash Enigma)
Enigma: No wait, stop! Ahhhh!

Jersey Devil: Bitches get hit, right Kumano? Anyways, I'mma swim with the Shinjuku peeps!
Xi Wang Mu: Wow, so lively. Mommy's going to set up a tent, okay?
Kumano: I'll help. What about you, Captain?
Himavat: (GASPS) Zao, how could you go spelunking in some other strange mountain when you have ME!? Kumano, let's go! We can't fall behind Zao and Number 2!
Kumano: What does that even me--WAAAA
Himavat drags Kumano into the water!
Andvari: Hey gang, thanks for the investigation work. Went crazy there but it all ended good! So now we got extradimensional scenery and a lake up here. My resort's getting better and better! Anyways, here's a big guild party invite, have fun!
The Missionaries, Berserkers, and Tycoons are here!

*Later*
Kumano Gongen: Oof, that was a lot. Still kinda fun tho.
MC: So what's next for you? / C'mon, you can tell me! *(lean on Kumano)*
---
(BC) Kumano: Goddammit, this is Kiyohime all over again!
---
Kumano: Besides the club? Well I'm already in forestry training...so maybe I'll just stay in the mountains and avoid people? Or I had thought about it, anyways.
Kumano looks right at MC.
Kumano: But things change. I wanna be on equal footing, and I feel like I finally took a step towards that.
MC: I'll come again / I'll hang out if I feel like it / (no filter your thoughts)
---
(A) Kumano: ...sure, I was just thinking that too.
(B) Kumano:  Sounds good.
(C) Kumano: Heh!
---
Kumano: ...what about you?
The next day
Zao sits somewhere up top on Mt. Hakone. Coffee in hand, video on stream, a memory of an old friend.
Zao: Welp, time to get going!
And so Zao holds his hand out to the one with him. They'll keep going on, off to see new mountains.
The End