Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 8 (Abridged)

Title card: Connected Memories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 7 (Abridged)

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

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

 Title card: Showtime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 6 (Abridged)

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

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

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

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

Title card: Hidden Message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 5 (Abridged)

Title card: Early Morning Truth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 4 (Abridged)

Furlong (narrating): I was never brave enough. 15 years ago my home city on my home planet was destroyed by Monsters. Everything was on fire, including my home. I lived high up in an apartment building and the entrance started burning. By the time we noticed, the windows were the only escape. I may be fire-resistant but I wasn't fire-immune.
Neighbor: Jump!
Furlong (narrating): A bunch of people were holding those firefighter landing sheets and telling me to jump.
Furlong: (panic noises)
Furlong (narrating): Did I mention I lived high up? That was scary.
Furlong's Little Brother: Bro help me!
Furlong (narrating): I heard my brother inside the apartment, and I was the only one who could help him. But...
Neighbor: Furlong, jump now!
Furlong's Little Brother: NO BIG BROTHER DON'T LEAVE ME
Furlong: (panic intensifies)
Furlong (narrating): I had to get away, and I had to save him. But I couldn't bring myself to do either...somebody help me.

Firefighter Hero: I AM HERE TO HELP!
Furlong (narrating): That's when a firefighter hero came to help. His courage was brilliant, and he saved us. We survived, but...
*Later*
Doctor: ...I'm sorry, your brother Alkyl has developed a disability.
Furlong: W-what...?
Furlong (narrating): My brother suffered heavy damage because help came late. The fire burned down our home and the legs of my little brother who loved to run (and maybe his hands too). If I were braver, this might not have happened. So I wanted to be brave, a brave firefighter hero like the one who saved us. I wanted to save tons of lives. I'm normally a coward, so right now I'm just deluding myself, but I keep at playing as the brave Burn Striker hoping that one day I stop acting and start being that way for real.

Title card: For Someone Else

Present
Furlong: Here I go!
Furlong kicks off the ground, does seven forward aerial rolls, twists around, then lands on the ground with his arms spread wide.
Furlong: Yeah!
MC: Awesome!
Furlong: T-thank you...ehehe...
The troupe members are also applauding him.
Yasuhiko: Amazing! Even our own acrobats needed more time to get that down!
Yellow: Yeah I wasn't expecting you to figure it out so fast.
Green: You moved great up there. Do you do any other training besides your fireman drills?
Furlong: Umm...I also do training at UEHA's training hall. I guess UEHA's training is how I got to where I am today. It also kinda traumatized me and now I wanna cry at the thought of it...
MC: what do they make you do / I think Barrel said stuff about that place too...

Purple: Hey Boss, maybe Furlong can pull that thing off?
Yasuhiko: Huh? Well I guess, but it's still kinda risky for a beginner. Then again he's doing great in practice so he should be able to do it.
Furlong: Um, what?
Yasuhiko: That.
Yasuhiko points at a giant trampoline that has scaffolding built on both sides with a rope bridge connecting them.
Yasuhiko: Have you ever seen that act where people jump on a trampoline and do acrobatic tricks? Try doing them on that.
MC: Oh yeah that!

Furlong: OH NO
Melide: F-Furlong? Are you...scared?
Furlong: Urgh... (balls up his fists) I'll do it!
Yasuhiko: R-really? You could try something else if you're against it...
Furlong: I-I'm okay! You said you trust me and everything...! And...I don't want to run!
Yasuhiko: What?
Furlong: NOTHING
Yasuhiko: O-oh, okay. Well, give it a try and just see how it goes. And since it's higher than before, try seeing how much higher you go in hero mode.
Furlong: I can do this, I can do this!
Furlong: I'm fired up! MC, transform me please!
MC: O-okay! It IS okay right!?

Furlong: Hero mode on! Here we go!
Furlong jumps onto the trampoline, and each bounce makes his firefighter equipment jangle as he jumps higher and higher.
Furlong: I'm okay, I can do this!
Furlong clamps his mouth down and jumps harder.
Yasuhiko: Okay, it's going good! Try using your knees more! Then try somersaulting when you're used to it!
Furlong: Okay!
Furlong jumps even higher as instructed, almost high enough to reach the rope connecting the platforms.

Yasuhiko: Wow, that's high!
Furlong: What? AH!
Furlong looked down. Flashback triggered!
Neighbor: JUMP
*Present*
Furlong: N-no, no! (detransforms)
MC: Furlong!
Furlong: AAAAHH
Yasuhiko: No, Furlong!
Furlong: AAHHHH (faceplants onto trampoline)
Melide: Furlong!
MC: Furlong!!
Green: OMG MEDIC
Yellow: He's still awake. Hey, you okay!? Does it hurt anywhere!?
Furlong: Ow...

Later, Yatomi Circus green room
Furlong: ...sorry. I'm okay now. (gets up out of bed and walks over to a chair to sit down)
MC: You sure?
Furlong: Yes, it was just a light impact, no sprains. I'm pretty tough.
Totally Not Vulpecula: Honestly, it's unusual to fall that high and get off so lightly. Just in case, you should keep putting an ice pack on where you fell. Maybe you should stop practice for the day and rest like Yasuhiko suggested.
Furlong: ...I'm sorry. Thank you.
Vulpecula Johann nods and leaves.
Only MC and a depressed looking Furlong are left in the room. Awkwardness ensues.

MC: ...hey Furlong?
Furlong: ...oh, yes?
MC: Why do you keep telling yourself you can do it? Why'd your suit cancel out?
Furlong: W-well... (hangs head further)
Furlong: ...I wanted to be someone mentally stronger. So I transform for my own sake.
MC: What?
Furlong: I transform so I can pretend to be someone with a stronger heart. So when I couldn't keep it up, my transformation fell apart, I think... Looking down from somewhere high reminds me of something in the past.
Furlong: My old home was caught in a huge fire and the windows were the only way out. I couldn't jump. I wanted to save my brother stuck inside, but I couldn't move. A firefighter hero saved us in the end, but my brother ended up with permanent damage. He was bright and talkative, but he stopped saying anything since then. I lost how my brother used to be and our old home.
MC: Oh...

Furlong: I've always liked watching plays, so I was confident I could act. So I wanted to be like that brave firefighter hero. I'm just pretending to be one too, but I hope I can be one for real someday. I want to stop being a coward, so I transform for my own sake. (stares at his hands as he opens and closes them)
Furlong: I tried the trampoline because I didn't want to give up out of fear. But I also wanted Yasuhiko to care more about what his family gave him. I'd do anything if that would help with that, so I accepted his request. (looks up at MC with a fiery look in his eyes)
Furlong: Yasuhiko got this circus and his heirloom from his family. But he only cares about the circus and is fine with losing the rest. That...feels like a waste. There are people and things you can't get back even if you want to. So I want him to treasure them more and avoid having him sell it off.
MC: What? Were you listening to us?

Furlong: ...oops. Sorry. I heard what you and Yasuhiko were talking about. I know I'm sticking my nose into things, but...
Furlong looks down again and tears up.
MC: ...you don't want to give up even if you're afraid, right?
Furlong: ...yes. I don't want to run, and I don't want Yasuhiko to throw his family away. But I'm not sure what to do. How do I act as a performer when my transformation I did for myself fell apart?
MC: How about transforming for someone else's sake?
Furlong: What?
MC: Like for Yasuhiko, or the audience.
Furlong: So...transform for the people I want to save?
surprisedpikachu.jpg
Furlong: ...I see. I never thought about things besides changing myself.
Furlong looks serious, but not grimly resolved as he thinks to himself. He looks up later when he thinks of something.
Furlong: MC, I want to try something. Would you come with me to my training?
Beep beep
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Burn Striker Connectivity: Average
MC: !!

Later
Yasuhiko: Wait what you want to pick back up on the training? But you just fell like a rock! I can't let you go on the trampoline agai--
Furlong: Please. I don't hurt anymore, and this time I've made my heart ready for this.
Yasuhiko: What???
Furlong: Oh, nothing. Anyways I'm fine. I talked with MC about it.
MC: Please? I'm not really up for this but he seems determined.
Yasuhiko: Umm... (thinks)
Melide: Hmm? I sense something.

Yasuhiko: ...okay fine, if you insist.
Purple: BRO WHAT?
Yasuhiko: I said what I said. We don't really know how Furlong perceives pain, and we don't really know how determined he is. So I guess we just have to decide based on what he says about them.
Purple: I guess...
Yasuhiko: (looks at Furlong) That said, I still can't just let you back on the trampoline right away. We're gonna do a warm up battle like before. Melide, transform me and the troupe.
Melide: ...'kay.
Melide does so.
Yasuhiko: Your turn, Furlong.
Furlong: ...understood. I'll succeed this time. This time, I'll do it for Yasuhiko and the visitors!
Furlong: Alright, I'm fired up!
MC's phone shines.
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Burn Striker Connectivity: Very Strong
Phone: Connect?
MC: Let's do this! You ready!?
Furlong: Yes!

Yasuhiko: Hey wait something's different!
Melide: I knew it!
Vulpecula is also watching.
Vulpecula: Hmmmm...
Transformation complete!
Furlong: Wait, what!?
MC: Success! / Awesome / W-whoa that's sexy
Yellow: Is transforming into a new form even possible!?
Green: No wait I heard of this before! I've seen it sometimes in Parallel Flight's videos!
Purple: So MC did that!?
Furlong: MC, is this...?
MC: Show time, Furlong!
Furlong: ...right! Thank you very much! (turns back to Yasuhiko and the others) I'm ready! Let's get started!
Yasuhiko: Okay! Start the battle, guys!
Circus Troupe: YEAHHH!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Yasuhiko: Come, Lennart!
Yasuhiko strikes the ground with his whip, creating a lion out of light crystals to attack Furlong.
MC: WHAT, dodge Furlong!
Furlong: Got it!
Lennart missed!
Yasuhiko: Whoa he's so agile!
The trainees attempt to attack Furlong too, who backflips eight times away from them.
Furlong: ...there!
Furlong has landed in front of the trampoline.
Green: I'll get you this time!
Furlong: Hup...!
Furlong jumps onto the trampoline.
Furlong: I can do this!
Melide: Furlong!?

Furlong jumps high!
Yasuhiko: Oh my god Furlong!
Furlong: I'm okay! I'll entertain the audience and save Yasuhiko!
Furlong looks worried when he looks down, but...
Furlong: Let's go! Special Move "Acróbata de Acuario"!
Furlong uses the stored VP, scattering shining crystal feathers as he flips 2-3 times midair.
MC: Is that his new move!? Whoa!
Furlong meteor dives to where the troupe has gathered and slams down. A crystal wind blows them away.
Circus Troupe: AAAAHH
The wind stops, forming a lull. Furlong slowly gets up, then spreads his arms out.
Furlong: Voila!
Then Furlong cancels out his transformation.

Yasuhiko starts clapping while still looking shocked.
Yasuhiko: THAT WAS AWESOME
The trainees start clapping too.
MC: You were so cool, Furlong!
Furlong: H-haha! I did it! ...oh. (collapses to his knees)
Yasuhiko: (runs up along with Lennart) Furlong!? Is it your injury...!?
Furlong: N-no. When I started thinking again about how high I jumped, I lost the feeling in my legs. I guess I'm still no good with heights.
Furlong smiles wryly. Yasuhiko sighs in relief.
Yasuhiko: Well that's good. But why go so far? You didn't have to go on the trampoline if it was a problem... Why go so far as to get a new form?

Furlong: ...I want to entertain the visitors. And...I want to help this circus you got from your family...
Yasuhiko: What?
Furlong: I...have a lot of regrets about how I can't get my home and family back no matter how much I want to. It was all taken from me...so I want you to treasure what your family left for you. And for that, I want to do whatever I can to make things more exciting.
Yasuhiko: ...oh.
Melide: Heh. That's Furlong for you.
Yasuhiko's crystal construct lion Lennart bumps past him to cuddle against Furlong.
Furlong: W-what!?
Yasuhiko: Haha, he likes you. He's always been friendly, but he especially likes people that care about me.
Furlong: ...oh, haha.
Furlong pets Lennart's mane, who enjoys it. Furlong smiles too.
Furlong: Hehe, thank you.
Vulpecula: *(hands on chin)* You have that power? ...I'm a little interested in you, MC.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 3 (Abridged)

Huckle: Hello, Parallel Flight.
Okitaka: Huckie, long time no see! How y'all doing?
Huckle: Okitaka? It wasn't THAT long ago. So what's up?
Okitaka: Nothin' much, just makin' small talk. Just gonna to where Furlong and your two Operators will be by coincidence and all.
Huckle: ...well okay, I'll join you. Nothing important is happening right now anyway.
Okitaka: Thanks! I'm still surprised you okayed letting them go on that job. Y'all talk about being shorthanded all the time.
Huckle: Well yes, but this is the off season. We still have Exio to handle things, and I made the other two promise to come back in case of emergencies. Helping people like this is part of our job at hero agencies. If anything, I'm surprised UEHA would send a hero out for that job.
Okitaka: Fair point. We don't have anything huge going on right now...and there's somethin' I'm curious about.

Huckle: What's that?
Okitaka: That consultant Johann or whoever Furlong told me about. His physical description made me think of somethin'...
Huckle: A fox alien in a mask? I know why you aren't saying it outright, but isn't that too little info to make suspicions on?
Okitaka: I mean, yeah, no one's ever seen what he's like out of his villain suit. Alchiba still hates the police so he ain't helpin' either. Still, it's real possible he's hidin' out on Earth and we conveniently have a fox in a mask with unknown origins hangin' around. So why not scope him out a l'il? So I sent Furlong over on some conditions.
Huckle: ...you sent a new firefighter hero to SPY?
Okitaka: Eh, I didn't ask him to do anything too bad. Showtime's still a way's off. If Vulpy's gonna pull something it'll be on 3/14, the day of the show. If we get any dirt on him before then, then we can just nab him there.
Huckle: ...I see.
Okitaka: Anyways, everything's a learnin' experience! I'm always hoping Furlong grows some more! And I hear a buncha different heroes get into some weird new changes hanging around your Operator MC. If something like that happens with Furlong that'll be grand. Thanks for helpin' Director Huckle!
Huckle: B-but I won't be doing anything with that. MC causing changes, hmm...?

Title card: White Day

Yatomi Circus
The party and Yasuhiko's circus troupe are hanging around in the center of the big top.
Yasuhiko: Okay, time to start for the day! First, the warm ups! We're gonna do some practice while keeping the hero acrobat show in mind! My troupe will be joining us now! Please go easy on us!
Purple: Heh, don't worry bro! We're pros!
Yellow: I'm not confident about my battle skills, but my show skills are perfect!
Green: Don't mess up, bro! This ain't like your animal show!
Yasuhiko: I-I know! And stop calling me Bro! It's Ringmaster!
Team Circus: Yes, Bro!
Yasuhiko: GODDAMMIT
MC: Aww how nice / I don't think they take him seriously

Melide: Okay, that's enough of the opening act. Line up so I can transform you.
Yasuhiko: Hey, don't treat us like a joke! And guys, don't make her wait too long!
Furlong: W-whoa, Melide's gotten used to directing them...oh right I have to focus too! I can do this... I can do this... I can do this!
Furlong: Alright, I'm ready! MC, please transform me!
MC: Okay! / Do you do that EVERY time?
---
(B) Furlong: I-if I don't I start feeling embarrassed! Q-quickly, please! Before I lose my nerve!
---
Everyone gets changed while Not Vulpecula is standing to the side watching.
Vulpecula: Okay, time to start! We're beginning from the part with the 13th song and scene.
Yasuhiko: O-okay! Here we go!
MC: Wait Johann's directing and not Yasuhiko...?
Furlong: MC? What's wrong? We're about to start!
Yasuhiko: BEHOLD THE YATOMI CIRCUS TROUPE'S POWER!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Vulpecula: Okay everybody, break time!
Yasuhiko: (panting) ...okay! Alright, that's enough guys! It feels like we've come a long way now!
Vulpecula: Yasuhiko, you've gotten a lot better. You still make a lot of wasted movements and hesitate at times though. You don't act like that with your other moves.
Yasuhiko: Maybe I should have responded to hero calls more often... I'll try a little harder after the break!
Vulpecula: Very good.
MC: Really weird. It's like they're teacher and student. Are consultants supposed to be like that?
Purple: Nah, it's fine. That's how they relate to each other.
Furlong: What's that mean...?
Yellow: Well I can't really explain it...
Green: Maybe we'll tell you later. Just think of them as Like That for now.
MC: Uhhhh???
Furlong: ...

Later
The party enjoys sweets and drinks with the troupe members during the break.
Yasuhiko: Wow, you really surprised me at how fast you picked things up Furlong! I asked you to do some really tricky stuff, but at this rate you should have it down in 2-3 more practice sessions. Normally it takes a lot more than that.
Green: C'mon Bro, he's an active duty hero and firefighter. We're teaching him, but I've been thinking he's learning fast since he's so fit. Training every day is important! Maybe you should work out too, Bro. We can always help with that, y'know?
Yasuhiko: S-shut up! I'm still working more than the average person!
Furlong: N-now now...still, I'm kind of happy being complimented like that. Ehehe.
MC: You're working hard, Furlong / Yeah you're so buff / Wow...

Furlong: I-I mean...this is getting embarrassing...
Melide: Wow, Furlong can't handle compliments well. So relatable.
Yasuhiko: We're gonna be okay by show time! We gotta get our heads in the game and get ready!
Melide: Well there's only a little time left until then. I hope it all works out. MC, are you up for it?
MC: Yep / Maybe not
Furlong: W-we'll be okay. I can trust you two to handle things. I know, we've battled together...oh no did I sound too arrogant!? I'm sorry!
Melide: ...thanks for the compliment but you are making it weird for me too...
Furlong: I-I'm sorry...
MC: Oh boy it's this again / awkward / cute

Melide: By the way, why is show time on 3/14? Because of White Day?
Yasuhiko: Hm? Oh right, you aren't from Japan Melide. 3/14 is Citizens' Day with the schools and government on holiday. If kids are gonna come it should be on a day they can go, right?
MC: Oh I see / Oh
Furlong: Oh right, my shifts are scheduled regardless of the holidays so I completely forgot about that. I really did think it was because of White Day.
Melide: Oh. I read about White Day in a book, but I don't know much about local holidays.
MC: You read it in a book? / You didn't know about White Day either?
Melide: Oh, you didn't know? White Day is pretty much a Japan-only thing. No other country has a day for reciprocating Valentine's gifts. Other countries don't even give chocolate on Valentine's.
MC: Oh! / Right.

Furlong: B-but it's a nice custom, people giving each other candy with their feelings.
Yasuhiko: (frowns)
Purple: Hey since the show's on White Day why don't we do something related to it? Like giving something to everyone visiting!
Yasuhiko: W-what? You wanna do that?
Yellow: Bro? You not into the idea?
Yasuhiko: N-no, that's not what I meant...
Melide: How about marshmallows then?
Yasuhiko: !!
Furlong: Those are standard return gifts for White Day, right?
Melide: Yes, that's what I've heard. But I also heard there was a time that it meant you were rejected though... It should be fine to get a bunch of them ready. We started selling tickets on Valentine's, right? It should be perfect.
MC: Yeah!

Yasuhiko: Y-you guys, I--
Green: Yeah! And marshmallows won't cost too much!
Purple: Omigod don't talk about prices when we're talking about feelings!
Yellow: I think it'll be great at showing how we feel if we bag the marshmallows and give them out!
Furlong: I-I like marshmallows. They're sweet and fluffy and float in cocoa.
Melide: And they're cute. Maybe we can make them look nicer.
Yasuhiko: YOU GUYS I HATE MARSHMALLOWS

MC: What!?
Melide: !?
Yasuhiko: Oh...sorry to ruin the mood. I'm gonna go walk it off.
Purple: Wait, bro!?
Yasuhiko walks off.
MC: What was that all about?
Melide: ...did I say something to upset him?
Yellow: ...oops. We never really talk about marshmallows, so...it must have something to do with his dad.
Furlong: The previous ringmaster?
Green: Yeah. Bro wouldn't flip out if it wasn't related to him. He doesn't like talking about his dad much, and we don't bring him up much either so we totally forgot about it. He's probably gonna be gone all day.

MC: What happened between them?
Purple: ...you heard how his dad revamped this circus right? He did it by going into the red at first and buying the latest VR equipment to use, then worked his ass off. After that he went around recruiting any alien with cool abilities he heard about. And in doing all that...he sacrificed his home life and family harmony.
Purple: Bro was interested in the circus, so Mr. Yatomi called him over from overseas. Bro loved it all and put everything into his training, but things still weren't good between them. He opposed all his dad's policies, and they'd either fight about it or not speak to each other all day.
Purple: Then one day a Monster incident happened and Mr. Yatomi disappeared. As much as they fought, Mr. Yasumi still recognized Bro's efforts and made him the next ringleader.
Purple: Bro didn't accept him though and rejected all his old circus policies. Dunno how related it was, but visitors became harder to get, and here we are.

Yellow: We wanna do something, but nothing's gonna change unless Bro changes first. We're stuck.
MC: Huh... / the family drama, man / maybe Yasuhiko just isn't meant to be the ringleader?
Green: We still believe in Bro and want to follow him. He's still thoughtful of us and the animals. We wanna support him, but we have no idea how we can do that...
Melide: He hates his dad...?
Vulpecula: (angry frown)

Yasuhiko never did come back by the end of the day. The party gets ready to leave when MC walks down some backstage hallway.
MC: I wonder if Yasuhiko is okay?
Suddenly a shelf slides over revealing a secret entrance as Yasuhiko walks out!
Yasuhiko: ...oh.
MC: !
Yasuhiko: AAAAHH! Why are you here!? (scrambles back to the secret door)
MC: I'm going home???
Yasuhiko: But this doesn't lead to the exit! ...oh, you're still learning where things are, huh? I know I was feeling down earlier, but I'm still sorry I didn't do the camera check earlier. (awkwardly scratches head)
MC: You okay? And what is that?
Yasuhiko: Uhh... (considers whether or not to pretend he didn't hear the question)
Yasuhiko: ...I guess it's okay to tell you.
Yasuhiko opens the secret door to a hallway leading underground.
MC: You have a secret basement?
Yasuhiko: Follow me. I wanna show you something.
Furlong is somewhere nearby.

Yasuhiko brings MC to a dark room that's dreary, filled with furniture, and barely seems livable.
Yasuhiko: This is my private room, though that office we had tea in is also my room. I stay here when I don't want to see anyone.
MC: Huh. Looks sad.
Yasuhiko: Well...I don't really come in here that much. I just put the bare minimum of things in here I need to hang around.
Yasuhiko pushes a tile on the wall to open a secret safe, then pulls out a key to open it. There's an old-fashioned box inside.
Yasuhiko: Look at this.
Yasuhiko opens the box and reveals a dark brown rock that's big enough to sit in both his hands. It's shaped like a regular tetrahedron and shines like metal.
MC: What's that? It looks like chocolate.
Yasuhiko: It does, doesn't it? It's our family treasure, the Yatomi Crystal.

MC: And what is that?
Yasuhiko: My ancestors discovered this in the 20th Century, and since then a bunch of scholars and thieves have been after it. That's why I keep it here.
MC: Really? It doesn't look like much.
Yasuhiko: I thought so too. I wondered if it was trash when I first saw it. Turns out it's a storage device for aliens who came to investigate Earth. Apparently it came to Earth along with some meteor that hit us in the 17th Century and it's been recording all sorts of information since. The UFOs and cryptids we used to see were terminals for this thing connected through radio waves.
Yasuhiko: My ancestors found the thing on accident and had no idea what it was worth. They still figured it was important and passed it down with great care. Once we met aliens, my grandfather asked to have this examined, which is when we found out what it was.
Yasuhiko: I dunno how it works, but it turns out this thing's records aren't affected by Monster memory erasure. It could show us Japan's old capital or how Mt. Fuji looked before it came back.
MC: OH MY GOD

Yasuhiko: Yeah, it's that important. Everyone wanted it, but Grandpa refused to give it to anyone. He gave it to Dad, and then it came to me. I haven't seen what's in it, but I heard it glows like a rainbow when replaying memories. That's why we called it a crystal.
Yasuhiko sighs as he boxes it up and puts it away.
Yasuhiko: Dad was the last owner when he got eaten by Monsters, so now people think the owner is unknown. And since most people don't know where it is, they forgot about its existence too. Aside from Vulpecula coming after it on the day of his announcement video, I mean.
MC: Wait what / Yeah this does seem like something he'd go after / Why did you bring up Vulpecula?

Yasuhiko: UHHH I mean...well you know how Vulpecula is that one phantom thief who goes around destroying records and symbols of the past? I was just thinking maybe he was after it, haha. Not like the police knew about it...
Yasuhiko: ANYWAYS, I said all that but I don't really care about the crystal actually. It was only kept under wraps like this because Dad did so. This was originally Dad's room. I don't really care what happens to my family, so I figure I can just focus on keeping the circus going. And not because Dad kept it up, but because I don't want something I love to go away.
MC: You hate your dad that much? / What happened anyway? / Sounds complicated.

Yasuhiko: ...simple. Dad didn't really care about us, so I hated him. (starts leaning on a desk and idly kicking his feet)
Yasuhiko: I never saw Dad in person until I was 16. Before then, I'd only talk with him just once a year over the phone. When I was old enough to remember things, I was living with Mom overseas. I heard about how Dad ran his circus and Mom used to perform in one, so I was often taken to them when I was younger and loved them. I wanted to dress in bright costumes and entertain people, so I loved Dad's work but hated him. He always sent marshmallows on 3/14 like he was using White Day as an excuse. Mom would call after opening them up, and Dad would literally talk with us for like five minutes acting like he hated doing so. I only got one minute out of those five. How does anyone make a relationship out of one minute out of an entire year?
Yasuhiko: I didn't know what White Day was back then, and we never actually sent him anything ourselves, so I never got why he'd send marshmallows. It felt like he was doing it just because. He was curt on the phone and didn't really listen to me. And that's why I hate my dad and marshmallows.

Yasuhiko: When I turned 16 Dad was suddenly called to Japan, and that's how I joined up. I was happy to join, but I never got along with Dad. The circus acts I love and the ideal circus Dad wanted were too different, so we fought whenever we saw each other. Sure, he taught me some things, but our relationship didn't really get better under his Spartan training style.
Yasuhiko: Then the Monster incident happened, and I inherited the circus and the crystal. It didn't go well after that. Things were too set up like how he wanted it to be, and me trying to do what I wanted clashed with the presentation. We kept losing popularity after that.
MC: Sad.
Yasuhiko: That's why this show has to work. If it doesn't, I'm totally out of ideas. I have to do whatever I can to make the circus a success. I have to do it for the troupe, the animals, Johann and his staff, and the rest of you who agreed to come help.
Yasuhiko and MC leave the secret room. Furlong quietly stands nearby as it closes up.
End of Episode

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 2 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Yasuhiko: I honestly didn't think you'd come. I'm glad we set up that trap.
Vulpecula: Yes, babby's first trap. You think this would hold me?
Yasuhiko: But you still walked into it.
Vulpecula: ...so are you trying to catch me and hand me to the police?
Yasuhiko: No, let's make a deal.
Vulpecula: Really?
Yasuhiko: Yeah. If you came here after posting that video, that means you're here for my family's treasure, the Yatomi Crystal. Right?
Vulpecula: ...go on.
Yasuhiko: Well it's not here. It's hidden somewhere in a place only I know about. I could give it to you depending on your answer. Sell it, break it, whatever.
Vulpecula: Huh.
Yasuhiko: So what's it worth to you?

Title card: Invitation to the Circus

Present
Orient City's bay district. The Yatomi Circus tent is set up on a piece of reclaimed land with shipping containers and stuff scattered around. MC and friends are going inside the big tent.
Melide: ...I know there's no show today, but it's sad how empty it looks in here.
Furlong: Do you guys hear roaring? It's kind of scary...
MC: Yeah / Ruuude / Aren't you a bit too chicken there Furlong?
Yasuhiko: Haha, we're a circus so we keep some big beasts. We have days where we don't feed them for health reasons like today. Don't worry, we'll feed them tomorrow! But yeah, this does look kinda sad for a circus. Stuff happened. Anyway, this way.

Furlong: I know we're being brought here to meet someone for more details, but I wonder who it is? Oh I hope they aren't scary...
Melide: Why ARE you here, Furlong? This is a dealing between the circus and Parallel Flight, so you didn't have to come along.
Furlong: Uh! Umm... yes, but I'm worried about you two...
Melide: ?
Furlong: I-I mean! I'm worried about you two Operators going with a hero you don't know! Not like I don't trust you or anything! I could be your bodyguard or...umm...
Melide: Thanks, but could you stammer less? You're making me feel nervous too now.
Furlong: O-oh. Sorry...
MC: Awkward / Thanks Furlong / Cute

Later
Yasuhiko leads the party to an office backstage that's filled with surprisingly high class furniture. A tall fox dude in a mask is having tea when they come in, at which point he gets up and walks over.
Totally Not Vulpecula: Yasuhiko, are these the people you've hired from outside?
Yasuhiko: Yeah, but I figured we should inform them of things first and brought them over.
Vulpecula: Oh okay, I'll explain. (bows) Hello, I'm Johann. I'm a consultant for rebuilding this circus. Nice to meet you.
Furlong: O-oh. I'm Furlong, a firefighter from UEHA's hero agency.
Melide: Hi. I'm Melide.
MC: I'm MC. Nice to meet you.
Vulpecula: Hmmmm (stares at MC)
MC: Uhh... / Haven't I seen you somewhere before? / O-ooh

Vulpecula: Oh excuse me. You resemble someone I know. Anyways, have a seat! *(leads the party to a leather sofa and makes more tea)*
Vulpecula: So Yasuhiko, may I begin?
Yasuhiko: Yeah, I can't really get all the details out.
Vulpecula: Very well! From the top then.
Furlong: Um, you said you were here to help reconstruct the circus. Is it that bad?
Yasuhiko: Uhh...
Vulpecula: ...yes unfortunately. Time for exposition!
The Yatomi Circus was established about 300 years ago in the Taisho Era (1912-1926), but with the advancement of virtual reality tech and diversifying of entertainment activities with interstellar exchange, show business went on a decline. But Yasuhiko's dad's efforts got them through it all! The new place for the circus show they called it. But then he suddenly disappeared one day, Yasuhiko took over, and here we are.

Vulpecula: Fortunately the circus workers still have high morale, based on their faith in the current and previous bosses. But faith doesn't put food on the table, and there are large animals to think about too.
MC: Why the sudden popularity drop?
Vulpecula: Well Yasuhiko's father broached a lot of unspoken rules in the Earth circus world. Like people usually stick with humans and Earth animals for their shows, but he decided to hire aliens to do things like acrobatics humans couldn't. He also used virtual reality to make the seats part of the stage show too. Traditionalists rejected the idea, but it also let the circus group recover.
Yasuhiko: (looks away)
Melide: Okay. Does that have something to do with us? I don't mean anything weird by that, I just don't see why you'd need heroes and Operators specifically.
Furlong: That's true... Is there something we can help with?
Yasuhiko: I wanna try putting in an acrobatic show with hero abilities in our next performance.
MC: What?

Yasuhiko: So like I said back at the bar, I'm technically a hero. I don't really make use of the power much though, nor have I thought about using it for the shows.
Vulpecula: I thought that was a waste since lots of hero abilities catch audience attention. In fact I hear several other members in this circus have hero powers too. Might as well use it, right?
Furlong: Y-yes. Though we can do our work because we have people watching. Are you asking us to perform?
Vulpecula: Well we'll have enough people if we add in my assistants. We don't have any Operators though. I mean I have one employed, but they can't handle more than ten people, so we needed others.
Yasuhiko: And like I said earlier...we don't really use our hero powers. Frankly we don't have any heroes on board who can really attract audiences, so I figured I'd try asking for someone who does hero stuff regularly.
Furlong: D-does that mean you want...
Vulpecula: Yes, you Burn Striker.

Furlong: How do you know that!?
Vulpecula: Research I did just now! And I seem to be right based on your reaction. (pulls out a tablet)
Vulpecula: "B Rank Hero with UEHA Japan who uses firefighter skills and motifs. Frequently dispatched and has a high mission completion rate through working with Symphonic Trigger. His daring, self-confident attitude and figure has gained him tons of fans." You'd be perfect!
Furlong: Kill me now!
MC: You ARE cool and brave as a hero. I didn't know you had that many fans.
Furlong: Um, I never thought about it before. This is embarrassing...
Melide: You really are different in and out of hero mode.
Yasuhiko: Please help I beg on bended knees! The show is on 3/14 but ticket sales are horrible! We're gonna be homeless at this rate!
MC: Uhh...

Melide: Well we can't just say yes or no on our own. You should call the direct--oh wait he sent you a text, MC.
MC: Perfect timing! I'll call him.
Some time later
Huckle: Hello! I'm glad I got through. I know you went to hear more about the job, but I was thinking about how I hadn't heard anything and tried calling myself. How's that going by the way?
MC: I wanted to talk about that actually...
Huckle: Okay?

The next day
Yasuhiko: Okay guys, time for practice!
Trainees: THANKS FOR HELPING US
MC: I did not see this coming / This is great! / how did this happen
Furlong: I'm surprised UEHA okayed me too. I said I'd do it, but I'm still nervous...
Melide: I like circuses. I watch the shows while eating the licorice candy they sell. I don't have a lot of good memories of my childhood, but that one was nice.
Vulpecula: Today we will be testing things out. Allow me to evaluate your abilities! My assistants will serve as your opponents in a mock battle.
Melide: I'll be Operating for them, and you will be Operator for Furlong and the others. First time fighting like this with you, MC. Go easy on me?

Yasuhiko: I haven't seen a hero battle in a while. This is exciting!
Vulpecula: ...you're fighting too.
Yasuhiko: Really!?
Vulpecula: Yes, that's why I'm only putting up three of my assistants. You said you were getting rusty too.
Yasuhiko: O-okay... let's do this Melide! MISS Melide!
Melide: Melide is fine. You're older than me. (holds out hands to transform Yasuhiko)
MC: You really DO look like a circus ringmaster like that!
Yasuhiko: Alright, just watch me do my thing!
Furlong: I can do this! I can do this! I can do this! Alright, I'm ready MC!
MC: R-right! Execute! / You're so cool like this Furlong!
---
(C) Furlong: W-what!? N-never mind that and transform me!
---
Furlong: Burn Striker is on the scene! Let 'er rip!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chocolate Circus Episode 1 (Abridged)

Yasuhiko (narrating): I only get to see my dad once a year. That one day of the year he sends a big box of marshmallows, and once Mom gets them she calls him over Space Zoom for all of five minutes.
Mr. Yasumi: You doing alright, Yasuhiko?
Yasuhiko: Yes Daddy! I have something I want to show y--
Mr. Yasumi: Okay good enough. Take care of the boy Janina.
Yasuhiko: Daddy you never come home!
Mr. Yasumi: Too busy. Oh look at the time, got milk to buy, cigarettes to smoke. Later.
Yasuhiko: But Daddy I--
click

Yasuhiko: I HATE DADDY
Janina: No Yasuhiko, don't do that to that picture you drew for your father!
Yasuhiko: He doesn't even want to LOOK at it!
Janina: Don't speak about your father like that! You know how much milk and cigarettes he has to buy!
Yasuhiko: B-b-but...!
Yasuhiko (narrating): I loved the circus. Mom was a circus member before, and Dad was the ringleader, so I probably got it from them. But still, fvck YOU Dad! Every year I ask to see you in person, but noooo! He needs to bUy MiLk and gEt CiGaReTtEs! You can't just buy my love with MARSHMALLOWS! Love me, Daddy! Praise me, Daddy! Ugh, maybe I should forget about all this.
Vulpecula: Did somebody say FORGET?

Title card: Unaccomplished Crime

Somewhere on Earth
Gammei: EPIC SNEEZE
Gammei: Goddamn it's cold here.
Barrel: Inspector, Inspector! They're selling amazake in that cafe over there! Here's some warmed up!
Gammei: Barrel we are here all the way in Nagano for work
Barrel: I-I know, I'm not dumb! Vulpecula's calling card video said he'd come here to Zenko Temple!
Gammei: ...well, Zenko Temple is only one of the possible places he described he'd be going after.
Flashback
Vulpecula: Symbol! Joy for old people! Forget-me-nots! Sweet scented, bright evenings! Rainbow petals! Earth!

Present
Gammei: Gee thanks Riddler, that sure narrows things down.
Barrel: Some of the higher ups think he means Japan since we just got back Mt. Fuji and it's a national symbol. The part about sweet scents might mean Valentine's Day and chocolate, which would be today right?
Gammei: Yeah, and that's why UEHA has dispatched us to all the national historical sites. I still don't get how Orient City not having one meant we got sent down here though.
Barrel: We can't help it, UEHA doesn't have a branch office in Nagano... The next closest places were either us or the Niigata branch, so it fell to us. But that's great! Grandma lives near here!
Gammei: Who cares!? Ugh, why can't Vulpecula show his stupid face already!? I'll get you for forcing me to come out to this frozen hellhole!
UEHA has also sent heroes to Hakodate, Hiraizumi, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Izumo, Matsuyama, and Nagasaki amongst others. Vulpecula shows up to precisely none of them and has been spotted nowhere in the galaxy that evening. This unprecedented event gets reported everywhere in the Universe News.

Several days later at Procy's bar
MC: Hi, we're here for work! / I came to hang out, Procy! / I came to see you, Gomeisa!
---
(BC) Melide: MC no we came for work
---
Melide: ...hello.
Procy: Yo kids. Someone else is already using the gacha machine, so how about a drink while you wait?
MC: Are you treating? Awesome!
Procy: Here's the menu, booze is listed on the back. You can pay when you leave!
MC: Aww... / Cheapskate!
(A) Procy: D-don't give me that, of course I'm charging!
(B) Procy: Bitch I never said I was treating you to a drink!

Melide: ...I want a strawberry yogurt drink. Can I put the agency name on the reciept?
Procy: ...I've noticed already since she comes by a lot, but man this girl is stubborn.
Gomeisa: Hello you two! Melide, are you used to your new job yet?
Melide: No, I only help out sometimes so I haven't done that much... I'm learning by helping out with errands.
Procy: Well I guess that's normal at your age. Do you even go to school? I heard you don't really want to.
Melide: Sometimes Kyoichi comes to teach me at the office. Apparently it's just like going to school for real if it's certified.
Gomeisa: Kyoichi is a teacher! That's good!
Melide: Sometimes I know more than he does.
Procy: I hear his confidence drops like a rock when he teaches above grade school level...
MC: Wow Kyoichi's been doing good despite that...

Furlong: ...um, excuse me? Could I get a refill?
Procy: Whoops, sorry I didn't hear the bell ring. Same drink, right? One sec. Oh yeah Furlong, you know these guys? Been a while since you saw them, right?
Furlong: O-oh, long time no see you two. It feels embarrassing seeing you two on my day off.
Procy: why
MC: Long time no see! / You're the same as ever / Poke the cutie!
(A) Furlong: Uh...umm...yes, it's been some time.
(B) Furlong: I-I want to change that part of myself...
(C) Furlong: Nooo...!
Procy: NO BULLY

Melide: Hello Furlong. You're on your day off?
Furlong: Y-yes, so I decided I wanted something nice to eat...
Melide: You can be casual with me, I'm younger.
Furlong: Uh, umm, excuse me...I'm not used to speaking like that.
Melide: How can you be so different from when you're in hero mode
Gomeisa: Wow Melide you get along great with Furlong! He talks a lot when he sees you!
Melide: Well he did help me before.
Furlong: You trust me? Ehehehe...

Yasuhiko is standing in front of a sign in the bar.
Yasuhiko: Wow there's tons of heroes here. I hope someone will take my job and--AAAAA
Procy: What's with the yelling
Yasuhiko: Sorry, the screen suddenly blacked out! Did I break it...!?
Procy: Oh yeah that thing's been on the fritz lately. Maybe it'll work if I do this...and fixed. It probably does that if you hold down on it.
MC: Who's that? / What's that board?
(A) Procy: Never seen him before. He probably wants to hire a hero since he's in front of the request board though.
MC: And what's that?

Procy: W-wait, you didn't know about the request board? Then again, Huckle's the only guy from your place who looks at it.
Melide: I heard things like that are set up where heroes gather.
Procy: Yep. Heroes looking for work can pick it up through the gacha if Operators have some. If a hero wants to hire another hero though, they use the board instead. It's a good way for heroes to find out what they can do or what work they're cut out for while making connections. Also it's illegal to use civilian networks to look for hero work, so we had to throw that together out of desperation. They're not connected to outside networks either so you'd have to check them individually.
Furlong: I never knew that. I always got work passed down from up top.
Procy: You work for a government agency. This is mostly used for private enterprise heroes. Well Huckle posts things to that sometimes, so maybe take a look for fun sometimes. There's a lot of them asking for help looking for Vulpecula.
Gomeisa: Who dat
Procy: ...have you not been listening to people talk in here? That smug phantom thief going around the galaxy destroying historical sites and stuff.
MC: That guy I chased after with Shaft and everyone! / Never heard of him
(B) Procy: Do you not pay attention to the news or something, geez

Procy: He's that one guy who hates things like "the past" or "memories" and sends poem videos indirectly saying how he'll go blow up historical sites, then does them on the not really specified time he mentions like it's a show. Some people call him pretentious, but he's got his really devoted fans or whatever. Stans or whatever people call them?
Yasuhiko: GASP
Furlong: Yeah, he sent a video the other day that sounded like he was coming to Japan but then no showed on the day he apparently was supposed to do his thing. Wasn't it on the news? Barrel and Gammei went to Nagano because of that, and they went for nothing...
MC: Oh right. Must be hard for the police. Their snack presents were great though.
Melide: According to the rumors, he always shows up at his targets. And as a villain who prizes his aesthetics he never goes back on his declarations. Weird of him to suddenly not show up. It can't be that the police were wrong about where he's going or anything right?
Yasuhiko: ...
Procy: Didn't you guys at Parallel Flight tussle with him before at some job? You worried about what he's doing?
MC: Hmm... / I guess / Well I never saw him before
Yasuhiko: They've gone against Vulpecula before? ...umm, excuse me!

MC: W-what?
Procy: Did the board break again?
Yasuhiko: No not that. I want to ask you guys about something!
Furlong: Us?
Yasuhiko: Oh wait here's my business card. (hands MC a card for Yasumi Circus listing Yasuhiko as Ringleader Yasumi Yasuhiko)
MC: What?
Procy: Isn't that the circus that's been around a while and sets up shop outside town? I heard a bunch of S&S Heroes are part of them.
Yasuhiko: Yes, and I'm one of them! ...though I don't really do hero work much.
MC: You ARE!? / Oh so that's why you're here / Isn't that the same agency Nessen is with?
Gomeisa: Wow, a circus hero!
Procy: Well damn, I'm surprised a circus that's been around for 300 years has a leader this young.
Furlong: W-whoa...
Yasuhiko: Yeah, but now we have a bit of a problem...
MC: What's that?
Yasuhiko: WILL YOU GUYS HELP!?
End of Episode