Thursday, October 30, 2025

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 

Friday, October 3, 2025

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 

Magical Snow Land Epilogue (Abridged)

One show filming for Magical Girl Snegurochka at the theme park...
Jack Frost: Oh no! Snegurochka is losing and I'm not strong enough to help her alone!
Excited audience!
Jack Frost: I sense magical girl power! Quick, start cheering everybody!
Kids: Snegurochka, go!
Beams shine on Snegurochka!

Snegurochka: I feel the power!
Frosty: Quick, get him!
Snegurochka: Okay Big Brother Frosty!
New season's a big hit!

One spring night, Jack Frost goes out to spray paint a mural of a magical girl all beat up.
Snegurochka: Wait, is this me? Isn't this too hardcore?
Jack: It's cool. I gotta get back at you for all your shit too.
Snegurochka: You are ruining the magical girl magic here.
Jack: That's me, Mystery Realist Tagger X and my gritty ass visions.
Jack gives Snegurochka a penlight.

Jack: But yeah, I promised I'd paint you. The light and dark of a magical girl and what the light shows.
Snegurochka shines the light on the mural, showing a happy girl with treats and everything she wants!

Snegurochka: Wait, isn't that...all of us?
Jack: Not bad, huh? ...you ever hear that there's parts of the world with the seasons reversed outside Tokyo? Then we wouldn't have needed to jump all these hoops.
Snegurochka: Is that your new dream? ...will you draw a new picture if I make it come true?
Jack: ...sure, I promise.
Jack signs the mural with J.

Jack: Okay, what next?
Snegurochka: Let's do something with everyone! How about we go thank all the people who helped us?

Ueno
Alp: Can you just not, like seriously?
Fenrir: There is nothing to stop because I am clearly not upset I didn't go to the theme park.
Cu Sith: I went later too, and the theme park is great!
Fenrir: Your death wish can be arranged!
Leib: Oh my god calm down, you can come with us.
Pazuzu: I can take you whenever! How about we check our calendars?
Hastur: No need for that!
Dramatic Hastur entrance!

Hastur: Come, behold my castle at the theme park!
Hastur gives out tickets!

Hastur: Job perks. Everybody can visit.
Alp: Yay!
Fenrir: Very well, I shall grace your halls with my twilight.
Hastur snorts. Pazuzu and Leib are surprised!

Pazuzu: Aww, he's changed!
Leib: WHO IS HE AND WHAT HAPPENED TO HASTUR

Nakano
Loud cheering as Teda and celebrities meet Koropokkur!

Teda: That's right people, pay attention to me!
Koropokkur: Godsdammit, I had to TALK to people because you took your sweet ass time getting here!
Teda: Haha, why are you dressed like an astronaut?
Koropokkur: Kiss my pasty white butt, I'm just here to say thanks for helping with Snegurochka.
Koropokkur throws a ticket at Teda.
Koropokkur: There, we're even now.
Teda: Hello, you banned me from your little theme park?
Koropokkur: And now we're even after you pulled TV strings.
Teda: That's it? Aww, you like me~? It's okay, you can be my escort then!
Koropokkur: Don't think I won't ban you again!

Shinjuku
Tianzun: Ha ha ha, I'm gonna win Zhurong!
Zhurong: Not so fast! Because I am a superhero of JUSTICE!
Quantum: Pffft. You're such a kid.
Boogeyman: I'm sorry Zhurong bugged you to play with him.
Tianzun: It's cool! I wanted to thank you all for the other day. Zhurong, didn't you write about Magical Girl Snegurochka Season 2 in your school newspaper?
Zhurong: Yeah I tried really hard with my senpais! And I wrote letters to the TV station!
Tianzun: Aww, how nice. You helped Snegurochka a lot, so she sent tickets as a thank you present!
Zhurong: Yay!
Tianzun: Okay, job done. Now where's MC?

Some server farm
Isaac: All these tickets for me?
Yoshito: Yes, for all your tech help which saved our friends. And the VR tech that made a new popular spot at the theme park. Thank you. I've made sure there's plenty of things to entertain you and not push you too hard.
Turing: Soooo, tell me good chap. How much interaction does Frosty give customers? Just pictures? Will he fancy a chat and tea?
Yoshito: ...I did not expect you to care so much.
Isaac: Thanks for the tickets. You should invite who you want too.
Yoshito: (blushes)

Some safehouse
Tanetomo: Wow, you actually asked us to come meet, Yoshito?
Yoshito: Right, I wanted to show you the model Hakkenshi marching band toys.
Moritaka: Are these the ones you claimed MC want--hey, look at me!
Yoshito: Oh you were very popular with the children, Moritaka.
click
Puppet marching band!

Yoshito: Showtime!
Masanori: Hmm, awkward yet strangely flattering seeing my modeled doll.
Nobumichi: Mine looks just like me!
Moritaka: Oh. It's rather cu--(gasp!)
Yoshito: So you agree that you're cute?
Moritaka: I'll never live this down!
Masashi: Oh, you think you're cute? Well I definitely am since Mother loves me!
Yasuyori: U-um...did MC say anything about ~~my~~ our dolls?
Tadatomo: Clearly they liked mine the best!
Argument time!

Shino: (slam) SILENCE, MUTTS! What is this rumpus, anyway!?
Tanetomo: Yoshito made dolls of us.
Shino: ...where's mine?
Yoshito: ...I was afraid you'd behead me if I made one.
Shino: I see. Would I have been dressed similarly?
Moritaka: (Wow he's actually sad he's not included?)
Tanetomo: (I suppose he's feeling familialy estranged.)
Yoshito: I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to react this way. I'll make one later.
Tanetomo: So, why else did you call all of us here?
Yoshito: Oh, yes.
Tickets for everyone!

Yoshito: Maybe we can all go together next time?
Shocked Hakkenshi and Shino!

Shino: I-I suppose I can.
Nobumichi: Wow, you're actually asking the rest of us too?
Yoshito: You never know how long things last.
Nobumichi pets Yoshito.

Shinjuku
Ryouta: Oh my god, we can all go!?
MC: A thank you for helping with the Santa stuff. Let's all go on our next break.
Touji: Are you sure? We didn't really help...
Kengo: Might as well go!
Shirou: Right. What about Moritaka?
MC: Yoshito's inviting him. We can go with him another time.
Ryouta: Yay, let's make plans!
Kengo: Can't we just do whatever?
Ryouta: No, we have to optimize efficiency!
Shirou: Hey, we have enough tickets to bring Agyou and everyone else too.
Suddenly!
Tianzun: Bwahaha! MC is mine!
Shocked gang!

MC: HELP / Why are you here!? / 'kay, see ya guys tomorrow!
And so Tianzun runs off with MC.

Theme park
Hastur: Okay finally you're here, MC.
Yoshito: Tianzun, couldn't you have been more gentle?
Tianzun: We're gonna be riding stuff! What's the point?
MC: Hey guys! / Were you in the middle of something? / Aww, you were waiting for me?
Snegurochka: Um, I want to give you all something.
Koropokkur: It's only for you guys so you better appreciate it!
Lifetime passes for everyone!

Jack Frost: Come on over. A school day theme park trip's kinda cool.
MC: Wow, thanks!

Snegurochka: I'm glad you like it. Now let's go!
Hastur: Heh, fine. That lonely bear wants us to come visit so badly.
Yoshito: You even signed these for us. Oh, can I get one for Moritaka? I'll work for it.
Jack Frost: OH MY GOD SHUT UP
Snegurochka: Hey, let's go make our next plans! The mountains sound fun!
Tianzun: Ohh, I can think of tons of events to go to!
Koropokkur: Nice! Tianzun, I'm freezing your ass if you take us anywhere funny.
Tianzun: Oh you~. Love and peace, everybody!
Koropokkur: Hey, this is me being nice.
And so the party joins the crowds of the theme park, and the legend of the magical girl lives on past winter.
The End