Valentine Crossroad Epilogue (Abridged)

Panning shot of nameless mobs.
Hippolytus: Hi, welcome to the last day of event class! Thanks for coming, let's have fun making things!
Several days after stopping the villain plot, things go okay as the event comes to an end.
Hippolytus: ...good job everyone.
MC: say what / did something happen? / Sad? understandable
(AB) Hippolytus: No I was just thinking about everything that happened.
(C) Hippolytus: Oh god you can read me! I mean we've been working together this whole time but still!

Hippolytus: (insert guilty rant)
Taishakuten: Not this shit again! For me, it's done, cool, moving on.
Takeminakata: Didn't the school sentence you? That's settled then! Some things you just have to do.
MC: So everything's equal then / Sentenced to the experimental farm... / hey troublemaker!
---
(A) Hippolytus: Yeah...
(B) Hippolytus: Yeah I work with the ABC Gang every morning! Manual labor rocks!
Krampus: ...well okay then.
(C) Hippolytus: I feel like I'm being flexed on.
Masanori: I don't know how you know that, but yes you might be talked about at other schools now.
---
Krampus: But damn, a lot happened here for Setagaya Valentines. Nothing I can sum up quickly.
Takeminakata: Yeah, sooo much. Like the Setagaya bentos!
Taishakuten: I had tons of fun!
Masanori: It was an interesting practical experience, thank you.
MC: I had fun too! Time flies. / Finally it's over!
(C) Hippolytus: Tired? Have a rest when you get back to Shinjuku.

Hippolytus: The workshop is done, but the event is still ongoing. Maybe come visit like anyone else sometime. Oh, Volkh's calling. Excuse me! Hello? ...oh okay thank you! Oh, free time for everyone? I'll tell them!
click
Hippolytus: Um, Volkh says thanks and your rooms are still yours until the event ends. You can also go home whenever or stay the whole time. He's sorry he couldn't say thanks in person, so...
MC: He's done so much for us / How noble / can I just live here
---
(B) Takeminakata: Educational!
(C) Hippolytus: Aww, you. If you stay long enough they'll put you on farmwork rotation.
---
Masanori: Nice. Also shouldn't we clean up? Might as well help until the end.
Krampus: Agreed. Kinda sad to split up after this.
Taishakuten: Dorm party then?
Takeminakata: Yeah!
And so the party handles stuff and talks about the celebration party prep. The workshop equipment is put away, food is picked up through Hippolytus's contact, stew is made, and the night goes on with everyone talking with each other.

The next morning, the dorm cafeteria as MC starts picking up breakfast
MC: Oh, morning Masanori. You're up early again.
Masanori: Good morning MC. It's a bit sad this won't be going on for much longer. Anyway, do you remember the bird from that other morning? It's here again.
Masanori sits next where he sat last time and gestures MC to sit down. And yep, there are two birds out there. The two talk about their assistant job ending, and then the topic moves to the villain plot.
Masanori: I wasn't expecting to be a mole again after getting out of PubSec. Some things just don't change, huh? Oh, I wasn't complaining since I chose to do that. It's what it came down to after thinking about it. Also, remember what we talked about at that bench? (pulls something out of his bag)

Masanori: You helped me figure things out, so I wanted to give you this flower gift. I've been watching the class this whole time and had a little extra time to ask after that whole villain plot. It's made with sea lavenders.
[Flag check!]
---
(Yes flag) Masanori: I made this with the belief my feelings for you will never change. I wanted to let you know, whether you take it or not. Also, please don't look up what the flowers mean until after I leave.
(No flag) Masanori: I hope my bonds with you and with my wife never change. May my beliefs hold through like daisies.
---
MC: Thanks Masanori / (smile) Heh, fiiine.
---
(A) Masanori: No, thank you.
(BC) Masanori: Thank you, MC.
---
Masanori: By the way, do you have plans later? Maybe we can look at things together if you'd like.

MC goes back to their room for now and think about what to do.
knock knock
MC: Taishakuten?
Taishakuten: S'up! Got news for ya. You're now officially our youth group PR president! I called back after I talked with you that one time and things happened and now here we are.
MC: WHAT / wow gangsters move fast
---
(AB) Taishakuten: Okay don't get your panties in a twist, this is our first time having a PR head. Or any PR person at all really.
---
Taishakuten: In other news, Shibamata's making a new local specialty! It's the flower box I made! (sits on MC's bed and pulls out something)
Taishakuten: I used azaleas from Shibamata Park. Go on, take it.
[Flag check!]
---
(Yes flag) Taishakuten: We can do anything together, MC. The PR job has a room with it, and I can take you there if you say yes. And the Summoners thing--what? No, I'm not proposing to you, dammit! We're supposed to DATE fir--never mind I'll just ask you again later!
Shocked MC watches Taishakuten go.
(No flag) Taishakuten: ...MC, I swear to help you out one day. You and Ryouta believe in me, so I gotta repay that. Just came to say that. Anyways, let's go check out Setagaya Valentines!
MC smiles and watches Taishakuten go.
---
And then Taishakuten runs off.

Later, MC goes to walk around campus. Takeminakata is wrestling on some lawn.
Takeminakata: Oh hi MC. Wanna sumo?
MC: but why here tho / hey aren't those guys...?
---
(C) Those wrestlers look familiar.
Mobs: Hello!
---
Mobs: Thank you, Takeminakata!
Takeminakata: Sure, say hi if you come by Roppongi! (sits on lawn)
Takeminakata: That was fun. Oh I wasn't planning to sumo wrestle here, but the ABC Gang's hired goons asked me to train them because they were impressed by how strong we were.
MC: Sup, Mr. Popular! / ew sweaty clothes / were you gonna invite them to your sumo club?
(C) Takeminakata: Yeah, but they're Setagaya students and I can't tell them to move. Oh well I can try later after going back.

Takeminakata: (smiles) I'd never be spending my days like this before I came to Setagaya. On that note, take this MC. Isn't it cool? I made it with chrysanthemums since I like those! ...I'm glad I ran into you here. Remember that time we talked in the dorm cafeteria?
[Flag check!]
---
(Yes flag) Takeminakata: I started thinking I wanted to help you. I wanna know you better than anyone, and I want you to know me more. If that happens, I think I can do anything and go anywhere. Just think about it and tell me later.
(No flag) Takeminakata: Being a ruler sucks sometimes, so I wanted a friend who got me. I been thinking maybe you could be one. Come visit Roppongi sometime!
---
Takeminakata gets up.
Takeminakata: Uhhh, I'm gonna go run around. Later! Maybe we can check out Setagaya Valentines another day!

Later, MC looks at some display when their phone beeps.
MC: Krampus? I wonder where he is. He could've just seen me in person.
MC goes to the highest student-accessible roof. No one is there.
???: aaaaa
Krampus: HERE I AM!
Krampus's voice is coming from above! He's standing on a water tower with some flowers held up. Hero speech!
Krampus: I still don't know what love is, but I know I love you MC! I forgot part of my past too, but thanks to you I remember! You're my hero, so I wanna be your hero!
Krampus jumps off and poses midair!
Krampus: PLEASE TAKE THIIIIS!
Krampus lands, stays on his knees, and holds up his flowers!
Krampus: ...p-please?
MC: Nice landing! / explain first / why did you do all that?

Krampus: I heard Tokyo natives used to jump off this place down south called Kiyomizu when they made a big decision so...what do you mean, it wasn't literal!? Oops...
He's super embarrassed and stews in it for a while. MC asks why he did this after he calms down a bit.
Krampus: I figured I'd give you a bouquet now that the workshop is done since I haven't really told you how I felt before. This is, uhh...Chinese peony, baby's breath, and Christmas rose. I hope you like it.
[Flag check!]
(Yes flag) MC: Aww thanks / my first present! / direct is nice
Krampus: S-sorry, I still want to tell you directly too! (grabs MC's hand with both of his)
Krampus I always thought you could do better than me, but...I decided I really do want to be closer to you. If you want to, maybe we could hang out together more? You can tell me yes or no tomorrow, I'm not ready for it now.
(No flag) MC: Sure / that combo suits you / thanks
Krampus: O-oh, thanks! Also, can I talk to you another time about that original work I mentioned before? It's my favorite, but I need to up the resolution and to do that we'll have to binge from the start and--oops. Anyways I'll talk about it another time.

MC and Krampus leave the roof after talking a while. He seems to feel better on the way down. Evening comes, and as people leave, MC heads over to Setagaya's gardening club room.
Hippolytus: Oh, MC? What brings you here?
MC: I came to see you / Need help? / Figured I'd talk to you before going back to the dorm
---
(A) Hippolytus: But you could've called me and I could've come to you instead!
(B) Hippolytus: Aww thanks, but I'm almost done.
(C) Hippolytus: Aww, that's nice of you.
---
Hippolytus: Thanks for coming all the way over. How about we take a walk together?
And so Hippolytus and MC head over towards the school gate after locking up the club room.

Later
MC: So what was that thing you wanted to do?
Hippolytus: Oh right I forgot about that! So do you know about the school's Secret Garden? ...oh wait it's supposed to be a secret to nonmembers. Whoopsies. Oh well, it's the best and secret garden in school, and I manage it for nonclub reasons.
Very confidential information here. It's a secret, you guys!
Hippolytus: I made it for VIPs to relax in. Regular students might hear rumors about it, but they don't know for sure. Anyways, I wanted to make something beyond that. A safe place for anyone to belong in without having to fight over things.
MC: Aww that's nice / I wanna help / Good luck with it!

Hippolytus: Thanks MC, that means a lot.
Hippolytus stops walking after a bit to grab MC's hand with both of his own.
[Flag check!]
(Flag A) Hippolytus: ...you know, holding hands with someone makes me uncomfortable. But not with you, since you're one of the few people I feel I can speak to as an equal.
(Flag B) Hippolytus: ...you're the only one I can hold hands with without feeling uncomfortable so far.
(Flag C) Hippolytus: OH GOD THIS IS THE MOST I CAN HANDLE! I haven't drugged myself, but I still want to do something right now!

Hippolytus: Anyway I'm so glad we've formed a bond.
Hippolytus lets go.
Hippolytus: So, I probably can't see you until after this event, repayments I want to do even beyond my sentence at the experimental farm. But I'm sure I'll see you again, and I wanted to give you something as a token of my feelings.
Hippolytus pulls out a special flower wreath.
Hippolytus: It doesn't have any magic since I didn't use my artifact, but I tried preserving it as best I could.
Hippolytus puts the wreath on MC and smiles.
Hippolytus: Stay well until next time we meet.
MC: Sure, see you next time / (nod) / if I feel like it
---
(AB) Hippolytus: Yay!
---
Hippolytus: The flowers and I will always be waiting for you!
A westbourne wind sees the party back home. When tomorrow comes, the sun will bring the tidings of spring, the seasons of new meetings and partings as new loves and loveless cross paths in Tokyo...
The End

Valentine Crossroad Episode 6 Part 2 (Abridged)

Hippolytus (narrating): So I'm a devotee of Artemis. I couldn't really have the sort of love that leads to breeding and that was humiliating. It's not that I didn't start up a romance, but that I couldn't that bothered me. I didn't have the power and authority for it. Aphrodite was the one who made it happen, and now I have a potion that does the same thing.
Hippolytus (narrating): I can choose to do whatever I want now, so I choose to be something I like. But what lies down that choice? I could always do what I could, so if I prioritized myself and lost my desire, why did I need to choose that? Do I hate myself? ...no, I just wanted to talk with someone freely as an equal.

Present
The berserk plants are avoiding Hippolytus!
MC: Watermelons? In winter? / what the hell / (can't get close)
Evil Scientist A: uhhh... Oh right those are the exploding watermelons, oh my god!
MC: WHAT / is this some kind of joke / oh right, Setagaya
---
(B) Volkh: I know it's stupid but never mind that!
(C) Volkh: Your Instinct is correct and annoying right now!
---
Volkh: But why is this happening!?
Evil Scout D: Boss what is that
Volkh: Perun developed that in secret.
Flashback!
Perun: It's selective breeding contest time!
Volkh: O-okay? Excellent plan to get the research groups making new local specialties.
Perun: Indeed! Inform them all!
Volkh: At once, sir. Also are we not informing the rest of the school too?
Perun: It's fine. I'll give money to the group with the best idea!
Volkh: Understood.

Present
Volkh: And then the last head of the ABC research gang came up with the exploding watermelons.
Takeminakata: So what's the problem?
Volkh: They turned into hardcore Frankenstien's watermelons through genetic engineering.
MC: what has science done
Volkh: Perun was happy until they grew and started acting like violent mobile weeds. Only the researchers kept the seeds for some reason.
MC: So why are they here?

Evil Scientist A: The seeds were stored somewhere upstairs.
Evil Scientist C: Were they your secret weapon?
Evil Scientist A: N-no!? The plan was supposed to be some other valenvines! ...but maybe I accidentally spilled the potion on them when I knocked things over earlier.
Krampus: A giant fusion thing final boss is classic sentai stuff. What if these things fused with your original choice of secret weapon?
Evil Mobs: ...oh.
Party: GODDAMMIT
MC: Well damn! / so this is some unforeseen accident? / welp!

Hippolytus: Okay so I'm no threat on my own, so I made this plant a barrier while I set the plants on campus to go crazy. Better hurry and stop me if you're gonna!
Volkh: Villain gang! Get boxes for us to put the exploding wat--
BOOM
Party: WHAT
The watermelon Volkh picked up blew up!
MC: I can't believe the exploding watermelon EXPLODED! / I remember this from summer! / damn, Setagaya
Volkh: I-I didn't know they went that far yet! Where are those research notes!?
Evil Scout B: UHHHH, oh found it on this computer! Uhh, it says the exploding watermelons were Frankensteined to explode on impact to spread its seeds.
MC: so don't touch? / what DIDN'T science do at this point? / welp

Takeminakata: Oh my god the seeds are sprouting already!
Volkh: I know I smell like fertilizer but still!
Super fast growing plants!
Masanori: Hmm, we might trap ourselves if we do this wrong. We should cut them before they get big enough to explode. Any more like that, Volkh?
Volkh: Not that I saw from a flance.
Takeminakata: Okay, time to pack them up then!
Taishakuten: Coo--wait are they coming from upstairs?
MC: I don't like where this is going.
Volkh: I know, but we can't let them spread! Nor can we let Hippolytus get away!
Evil Scientist A: We shall handle this place! Go after Hippolytus!
Volkh: I'll stay with them. MC, go!
MC: Right, after him guys!
Party: YEAH!

Outside
Taishakuten: Damn. Watch out for glass on the floor.
Takeminakata: Wet floor...wait is that the potion?
Krampus: It doesn't LOOK like anything blew up...
Masanori: Hard to tell from these tracks.
The party runs after Hippolytus out the lab window. Buncha vines out there. Eventually...
Hippolytus: ...I'm aware I have no room to complain, but what the hell is this hijacking? :|
All the pretty flowers around the fountain have been taken over by exploding watermelons!
MC: Oh no! / welp

Takeminakata: Oh no, all the pretty flowers!
Taishakuten: So many goddamn melons!
Krampus: And it's night, so we might make things worse... but we still gotta fix it.
Masanori: Well, the potion the ABC Gang made only works so well at least.
Takeminakata: Uh, how do you know?
Masanori: Observation. Not much attacked us while we followed the trail, so parts of the potion must've been absorbed by the ground.
Krampus: So what we saw underground was from plants stewing in the potion or whatever for a while?
Masanori: Most likely, if they came looking for more suitable growing areas.
Takeminakata: So they're that hungry then?
Taishakuten: Meaning they won't grow that fast even if they do blow!? Awesome!
Masanori: It'll still be hard to find the seeds in this darkness though.
MC: Hmm...
MC is thinking.
MC: ...Masanori? / ...you guys? / (strategy meeting time!)
Party: YOU WANT TO BLOW THEM UP DELIBERATELY!?
MC: It should work if we work together.
Krampus: It's dangerous, but yeah actually!
Masanori: I agree. There should be usable tools in a storehouse nearby.
MC: Let's go! / We got until sunrise! / Hippolytus!
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Biological bomb disposal squad work at night!
MC: Everyone ready? Hope this works out...
Takeminakata: I'm good!
Krampus: Masanori was right. The vines stop moving if you look beneath the ground. And they're easy enough to break out of.
Masanori: That must be how they normally are.
Taishakuten: Last one, guys!
The party is doing good bagging the exploding melons!
Krampus: Alright MC, you're up!
Hippolytus: What!?
Hippolytus stops running to look back at the party. Krampus has moved the flowers into pots while MC moves up to the flowerbeds!
MC: Here goes! / oof nerves / VOLOS PHOTOSYNTHESIS!
Party: Ooh...
MC: No bags broke right? / Yeah I'm surprised too / This is kinda fun!

Masanori: ...okay, no melon seeds seem to have slipped by. Things are going as planned.
Taishakuten: We can dump the bags in that dumpster, right?
Takeminakata: Can I smash the next watermelon?
Krampus: I'll help with replanting.
Some time later, some trucks drive up to the fountain plaza.
Volos: Hello! I wasn't expected you to call me about walking watermelons in Setagaya, MC.
MC: Sorry for how late it is / Thanks for coming, Volos!
Volos: Thanks for the rare plant tip! I brought super soil! (throws soil at the melons) Wow they DO move. Maybe it'll make them easier to pull out by the stump now?
Taishakuten and Takeminakata pull out the melon plants with no problems!
Taishakuten: Whoa they weren't coming out a damn inch before!
Takeminakata: They must like the super soil like other plants!
Volos: I custom mixed this soil for watermelons, so I'm glad they like it! Now please put them in the truck everybody!
And so Volos helps solve the problem.

Later
Hippolytus: ...well, looks like I lost.
Hippolytus seems to have accepted he's lost and stopped.
Hippolytus: Well congratulations MC. You win.
MC: what was your deal anyway? / ...no, you won. You still have one potion vial right?
---
(BC) Hippolytus: !?
Hippolytus: Wow. Yeah, I do.
---
Hippolytus: So I buried one last love potion vial that I can set off whenever.
MC: Are you using it on yourself? / Not gonna use it? / ...
Hippolytus: ...yeah I'll probably never use it. I always can, but still. Are you going to tell Volkh?
MC: Nah.
Hippolytus: !?
Hippolytus: ...thanks MC. I think I'm cool now. I didn't hate not having a romance. I just...wanted to talk with someone as equals and share a secret with someone...

Later
Party: OH GOD IT'S FINALLY OVER
MC: Nice work everyone! / my everything... (flops over)
Masanori: I suppose we still stopped the school from getting taken over...
Takeminakata: Dang, Hippolytus is still okay.
Krampus: Sucks about the flowers. Think they'll regrow?
Taishakuten: Well, if we had some other way of fixing it.
The party is too tired to think much. A bunch of people are pushing trolleys over.
Volkh: Good work MC and friends. Thanks to you calling Volos we cleared out the watermelons without issue.
Hippolytus: ...I'm back everyone. Sorry for turning on you at the end...
Krampus is slowly trying to fix up the flowers one at a time.

Krampus: It's cool. You were doing what you believed in, right?
Hippolytus: ...Krampus. B-but I--
Krampus: You have your issues and I doubt I'll get them in a second. But knock me over and I'll just get back up again like a hero. It's cool, it's how we have real talks.
Hippolytus: Krampus!
Volkh: Hippolytus, I'll get to your stuff later but I have something to say now.
Hippolytus: Volkh! ABC Gang! Aren't those the same seeds for these flowers?
Masanori: You had those and the soil prepared already?
MC: but how tho
Evil Scientist A: Volkh heard about the valenmelons by the fountain after we finished clearing the ones underground, so we thought about how to fix it quickly.
Evil Scientist C: We figured we could tinker with the love potion to make the flowers grow back gast.
Evil Scout D: The school manages the plant seeds so Volkh handled that.
Evil Scout B: And then we tested it on some potted plants.
Volkh: The soil was inferior so I made it better.

The ABC Gang seem to have turned a new leaf.
Evil Scientist A: So...we really did some valenbad things. But we hope to help fix some things at least...
Evil Scout D: We'll all help replant.
Volkh: Hippolytus, please help... I'll go talk to Perun about this.
Hippolytus: !!
Hippolytus: ...you people are too nice. Hehe, kidding. Okay, time to get to work!
MC: Just a little more! / Now!? / do you have infinite stamina or something
(A) Masanori: MC are you okay? Is that the adrenaline talking?

Hippolytus: Oh no, right, everyone's tired! I forgot about that... It's okay, you can go back to the dorms while we handle things.
Takeminakata: I want to, but I may as well stick it out.
Krampus: Same. Christmas season is this tough too.
Taishakuten: Haha, I'm not quitting yet either!
Masanori: ...alright, just a little bit more. I agree with everyone else.
MC: Same / Okay fine I'll help / (too awkward to leave!)
---
(C) Hippolytus: MC, how about you sit on the bench and watch all the flowers from there? We'll need a better view! And you can sit down a little.
---
Hippolytus: Okay, home stretch time people!
And so the Valentines romance incident comes to a close and everyone thinks about how their future might go on. The fountain plaza is fixed like nothing had ever happened, and the visitors come to discuss love once more...
To be continued in the epilogue!

Valentine Crossroad Episode 6 Part 1 (Abridged)

Krampus (narrating): So I told you my favorite toku shows are sentai hero squads, right? The rivals making the stories unpredictable thing is so cool! Every first timer is like "omg the story's so good???" And like, same. Everyone's important to the plot! Also everyone's the hero of their own story, and I think life's like that too before thinking about it gets too crazy. I'm meant to punish naughty children as Krampus, but that's a role given to me. I don't do it because I'm supposed to win or whatever. And if everyone has a chance of winning, I wonder what kind of hero I'd be?
Present
So anyways Hippolytus is squaring off against the party now.
Evil Scientist A: WAAAAH I'm not owned, I'm not owned! Quick, stall until our secretines weapon starts working!
Taishakuten: STOP, BITCH
Evil Scientist A: NEVER (throws smoke bomb)
Taishakuten: MY EYES! Also is it okay to breathe this stuff!?
Masanori: I didn't think they'd be open to friendly fire, yet here we are. Still, a smokescreen...
MC: Can we do anything about it!? / (look for stuff to use) / (charge!)
(C) Krampus: No wait, MC! There should be a vent switch around here somewhere...

Evil Scientist A is making a break for it upstairs!
Evil Scientist A: Hold the valenline until I get back!
The rest of the villain gang is caught. Evil Scientist A isn't looking where he's going.
Volkh: HALT
Evil Scientist A: OH NO THE WORST POSSIBLE PERSON TO RUN INTO
Evil Scientist A backs up.
Evil Scientist A: Uhhh... HELP!
Evil Scientist A knocks shelves and glass equipment over until he tumbles back down into the basement!
Villain Gang: WHAT
MC: welp / Pincer attack! / can you guys give up yet
Takeminakata: what you came back? Wow.
Masanori: He must've run into Volkh. I asked him to stand guard upstairs.
Volkh: Indeed. (catches villain boss)
Hippolytus: (stares in surprised gardener)

Later
Evil Scout B: Waaah, what's gonna happen to us?
Evil Scientist C: Nooo, not the experimental farm! All day farm work followed by sleeping outside!
Volkh: What!? That's not how it works!
Ah yes, the lamentations of the losers.
Evil Scout D: I can't believe we tripped so close to the end...
Evil Scout B: And we would've gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling outsiders!
Evil Scout D: We could finally stop being dateless losers!
Evil Scout B: We wanted to have a fun time at schooool!
Evil Scientist A: Comrades, we've lost the valenrevolution...
MC: Stop bothering other people / They're NOT delusional? / I know that feel bro...

Masanori: I feel bad seeing them fail...
Taishakuten: They did their best though!
Villain Gang: waaah
Takeminakata: Winning's all down to luck. Maybe you should just face things head on! Not that I can talk!
Volkh: ...we have to investigate first before we decide what we will do. Be good and we might show mercy.
Evil Scout B: And we just got Perun to sign off on our thing...
Volkh: WHAT
Evil Scientist A: Yeah, we were gonna use pesticides to make a new winner at life. Except we valenlost... Okay so we had our own motives too, but we want to have fun with events too! We want to not feel like losers for not having dates.
Krampus: Well you guys seemed determined, even if the goal causes problems for everyone.
Hippolytus: Hmm...

Krampus: ...what's up, Hippolytus?
Hippolytus is staring at the potion the villain boss had.
Hippolytus: What are we gonna do with this?
MC: Trash it? Leave it? What's the plan, Volkh?
Volkh: I'd trash it, but they said Perun signed off on it and that worries me...
Hippolytus: Can I hang onto it then?
MC: but why tho?
Hippolytus: I was thinking this thing CAN revolutionize breeding. (looks at report) Wow this can also make things compatible with anything. Still not finished, but it can keep crops fresh for long times!
Evil Scientist A: oh right for the record an immortal scientist from Agisymba helped us. Valentines.
Hippolytus: Oh, the place hoping to have things not die for no reason. Anyways I'm starting to sympathize with them.
MC: Guess they aren't evil? / are you projecting yourself / (watch him)
(A) Hippolytus: Maybe?
(B) Hippolytus: Yeah maybe.

Something inside Hippolytus's heart is coming up.
Hippolytus: ...they didn't have much choice. They're just like me.
Takeminakata: what
Hippolytus: Wait I'm not agreeing with their goals or anything, but...
Hippolytus starts thinking about his past.
Hippolytus: No one in my home world understood me, and I didn't understand any of them. I thought it was me who was the problem.
The world flexing that hierarchy!
Hippolytus: Maybe I'd be all "viva la revolución!" if I met these guys back then!
MC: (wait what) / (keep watching)
Hippolytus: By the way, you guys ever seen how many kinds of flowers I have? If I had every garden club member grow only one kind, the rest would die off...
MC: what / are you saying people are the same? / ...
(B) Hippolytus nods.

Hippolytus: It must be really nice to think of someone as special. But that's still neglecting everything else, so if I use this potion they won't coexist with flowers and crops not using the potion. Winning at life means having to getting rid of all your rivals. So Dark ABC Gang random biochem researchers? You just wanted to keep your places safe, huh? That's the part I sympathize with.
Panning of the villain mobs.
Hippolytus: But I think I can think of a new plan. I'll just tell Perun it was hard to stop the mob gang!
MC: So you want to let them off the hook? (No, wait...)
Hippolytus: Well no I can't just say that in front of Volkh! Need to figure how to explain everything else first. But I, Hippolytus, now have a dream and I'll be borrowing their efforts!
Takeminakata: After all that happened in class? Geez. Kinda impressed you want to accept it all though.
Evil Scientist A: Y-you'll forgive us? Valenthanks! But we still caused problems, and we can't plan ahead until things are settled.

Taishakuten: Just say yes, dammit!
Takeminakata: I support your choice too! I came over to reinvent myself too!
Hippolytus: You guys...
Krampus: (frowns)
Krampus: You guys?
Krampus starts talking to the mobs.
Krampus: You used some lines from a Kamen Rider show I liked, didn't you?
Evil Scientist A: UHHHH what a valenery weird coincidence!
Evil Scout B: You can say you like toku shows, it's okay.
Krampus: I liked the funny but earnest villain you were aping. You like them too?
Evil Scientist A: ...I guess.
Krampus: We can be friends then.
Krampus used to keep his hobbies secret until he met MC and started opening up about them. And now he's taking his claws off and holds out his hand to the mob.
Evil Scientist A: HOW DARE YOU USE MY LIKES TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH ME
The rest of the villain gang surrender.
MC: so, we good now? / You're so cool Krampus! / (something's STILL up)
(B) Krampus: Nooo I messed up my big entry! It was supposed to be so much cooler...

Hippolytus: Thanks for persuading them, Krampus.
Taishakuten: Yeah, like damn you crit rolled that shit!
Krampus: Nah, we're just nerds. Can't explain, spoilers.
MC: Worried about spoilers, now? / Good scene / neeeerds
---
(A) Krampus: B-but it was so cool!
(B) Krampus: Yeah! ...omg you know about it!?
---
Hippolytus: ...sorry again guys.
Krampus: What?
Masanori: Excuse me everyone, we still have business to deal with. Volkh still has things to do.
Takeminakata: Oh! Sorry Volkh.
Volkh: It's fine, you all did well. Now come along, Biochem--!?
Loud glass-breaking rumbling!

Takeminakata: What just happened?
MC: Something's in the lab? Let's go. It doesn't seem to be an earthquake...
Taishakuten: Something's coming down!
Taishakuten grabs MC's shoulders. The villain gang don't seem to know what's up either.
Krampus: Huh. I don't hear anyone up there.
Masanori: Hippolytus, Volkh, is someplace prone to catching fire up there?
Volkh: Only the lab, if just the ground floor.
Takeminakata: What is that? Not a person surely.
MC: Let's get closer / Anyone have some light? / (stare)
(A) Masanori: That would be dangerous. Light first.
(B) Krampus: How about our phones?

Wild Plant Walls appear!
Party and Volkh but not Hippolytus: what
Evil Scientist A: Oh no I forgot about our Berserk Plantines Weapon with infinite regen!
Taishakuten: Why would you pick that for a secret weapon!?
Masanori: Is this a bad time to respect your determination to pull a revolution?
Evil Scout B: wait why does it look like watermelons?
Krampus: wait what are you doing Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: UHHHH I'm taking over for the villain gang!
MC: ...what's your deal Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: Remember when I apparently said I want to know what true love is if I could? And how I asked to hang on to the love potion? I didn't say it was temporary. :|
Hippolytus: Anyways, I'm gonna win!
Welp.
End of Episode part

Valentine Crossroad Episode 5 Part 2 (Abridged)

Flashback or something!
Perun: That research interview you were doing about ultimate popularity? If it has to be FOREVER popular? It has to be immortal then, fool.
Smoky God: Is it about "can Not Die", or is it about "Can't Die"? A is God, B is Buddha. Like I can be Buddha, but there's some stuff only I can do.
Perun: Everything with a self wants what it doesn't have. Absence creates value and desire, and then revolution! Viva!
Present
Evil Scientist A: Valenviva la revolución! Take over the school to mass produce this love potion!
Masanori: ...and how do you propose you do that with these numbers?
What IS the big evil plan anyways?

Evil Scientist A: We aren't COMPLETELY stupid! First, we hit the school admins until we finally drug the directinesor! Valenthen he'll hand the school to us! Uhh, we'll figure out who to hit next time.
Evil Scout B: We will stealth this operation, and it's not because we have a stupid gang name.
Evil Scientist C: Masanori, was it a good idea to leave the workshop people alone? What if we tried drugging them?
Evil Scout D: None of them agreed with me, so okay. Does that bother you, Masanori?
Loyalty test! Masanori doesn't blink.
Masanori: Whatever. Also, what if they take the drug and use it on us? They can clearly take us in a fight.
Evil Scout B: We can just use an antidote.
Evil Scout D: Yes, we know how to make that.
Evil Scientist A: I'll give some to everyone.

Well this group seems confident.
Evil Scout D: I hope we don't get raided here because we suck in a fight.
Evil Scientist C: That's why we made this secret base.
Masanori: Wonderful. Everything's going well?
Evil Scientist A: Correct! We, the valenry awesome Dark ABC Gang have everything in hand! Valenviva la revolución since Perun is gone! Let's go, everyone!
Masanori: Tee hee, surprise.
Evil Mobs: WHAT
Dramatic music! MC, Hippolytus, and Takeminakata are here!
MC: Caught in 4K! (okay turn the volume to max)
Takeminakata: Stop, villains!
Evil Scientist C: Where'd you come from!?
Masanori: Earlier from the front, during your evil villain monologue.

Flashback!
Masanori: May we speak, MC?
MC: what's going on? / was this your plan? / but nap time!
---
(A) Masanori: There's something I wanted you to hear before anyone else.
(B) Masanori: I figured you'd notice.
(C) Masanori: What!? Such braveness...! But that does make things easier.
---
Masanori: So I made contact with the Dark ABC Gang. I had to keep it secret before, but I should be able to talk about it with everyone tomorrow. But since you observe us so much, I wanted to forestall any unnecessary worries.
MC: Thanks Masanori / you did something that dangerous!? / aww, why didn't you tell me earlier?
---
(A) Masanori: Clearly you noticed earlier though. Impressive Insight.
(B) Masanori: My apologies, I didn't want to expose you to danger.
(C) Masanori: My apologies. I didn't want to worry or put you in danger.
---
Masanori: Let me apologize again when this is done. Please believe in me.

Present
Masanori: Your security measures are laughably terrible. Thanks for telling me where your base was.
Evil Scout D: GASP! Traitor!
Masanori: Interesting. You act like I ever agreed to join you all. Did I ever say such a thing?
Evil Scout D: Wait...does anyone have receipts!?
Evil Scout B: No...
MC: how did you manage to get anything done / you guys are so loose / eh, students can't think that far
Evil Scientist C: B-b-but what about all the advice you gave us about the base!?
Masanori: Okay, so I DID seriously consider turning on MC and everyone.
MC: wait what

Masanori: You don't have that good an eye for people, unfortunately. If they COULD make an eternal unchanging love, then maybe I might join. But then I found out they wanted mere immortality and decided to flip back. My wife is already dead. Maybe I just wanted some impossible revolution.
MC: Masanori? / Oh right... / Yeah sure whatever. You betrayed everyone, dick!
Masanori: So anyways you people told me so much. Like...you are the Agricultural BioChemistry Research Group?
Evil Scientist A: AAAAAA WE GOT FOUND OUT
Evil Scout D: Uhhhhh what is that cool-sounding group or whatever?
Evil Scientist C: Too late it's already out there!
Evil Scout D: Um, retreat!
The other exit is blocked!
Taishakuten: Door's closed unless you wanna throw hands!

Flashback for some reason!
The day after Masanori talked to MC
Masanori: First off, sorry I let the villain gang escape.
Takeminakata: B-but why though!?
Taishakuten: ...let's hear him out first and THEN decide whether we kick his ass.
Volkh: I okayed him doing a spy op after he explained it to me.
Masanori: Sorry, I had to keep it secret.
MC: To fool your enemies and all that / You seem used to this / What if they're spying on you?
---
(A) Masanori: Something like that, yes.
(B) Masanori: Still have my old tricks.
(C) Masanori: They don't have the numbers for that right now.
---
Taishakuten: Couldn't you have told us all this earlier?
Krampus: Are you saying you have hard info now?
Masanori: (nods) I'm good at infiltration and sabotage. They just invited me and told me everything. They seem to be one of the culture clubs, and then I found a group whose name maps to theirs. They are bad at this stealth thing.
Hippolytus: Well I guess they slipped by since there's so many groups in Setagaya. Not like I know all of them.
Taishakuten: Yeah whatever. We can take them now, right?
Hippolytus: Hmm... if they really make an eternal unchanging love potion... :|
MC: Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: Uhhh, nothing!

Present
Taishakuten: You punks are DEAD!
MC: YEAH BOY / He so mad / Excellent deva villain line
Evil Scientist A: HELP we are so valenry doomed! UGH we have to do it, help us hired guards!
Suddenly wrestlers!
Takeminakata: WHERE'D THEY COME FROM
Masanori: How did you people manage to hide a card like that!?
Hippolytus: It's the Setagaya wrestling team!
Taishakuten: Nice! MC, I am in on this for once!
Evil Scout B: Let's make a break for it!
Evil Scientist A: Oh, right! Now, valenry quiet now...
Some pebble falls.
Evil Scout D: Wait is someone else coming!?
???: HAHA, WHERE YA GOING PUNKS
Evil Scientist C: Oh no!
Krampus: It's spanking time, you naughty little kids!

This writer really likes flashbacks for some reason someone make him stop
Masanori: Okay, so we can go attack the villains now. But first I want to record them making threats on the school. How about I make them spill the beans, and then we all beat them up?
Krampus: Ooh, ooh, I got a suggestion! How about I ambush them if they try running out another exit?
Present
Action star jumping down in front of the exit!
Krampus: (wait crap I went into Black Santa mode by mistake, I wanted to try for Kamen Rider! Uhhh what do I say)
Evil Scout D: Umm, would you mind moving out of th--
Krampus: RETAKE
Evil Scout D: WHAT
MC: WHAT / is he okay / YEAAAH
Krampus: I don't hold your wishes against you, but I will hold nothing back to stop you from trampling on the pure feelings of others!
Evil Scout D: UGH nice line! Okay time to fight!
Evil Scientist A: Get them! Valenviva la revolución!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Several hours earlier
Setagaya Fountain Plaza
MC sees Masanori reading on a bench.
Masanori: ...we're going on the raid soon. Shouldn't you get ready MC?
MC: Just mentally / I'm always ready / I was worried about you
---
(A) Masanori: Ah, you didn't want to be alone?
(B) Masanori: Good. Careful a beast like me doesn't trip you up.
(C) Masanori: Heh, I'm fine. I'm used to politely betraying people.
---
Masanori: Sneaking into groups, stealing information, and turning against them is something I've learned from my time in PubSec. Not a job that cultures trust from people.
Masanori pulls out a handkerchief and spreads it as a seat cover next to him. Lots of visitors and people going home pass by.

Masanori: They get along.
Masanori is looking at some couple with folded arms.
MC: Them? / Jealous? / Not as much as us.
---
(A) Masanori: Indeed. They have eyes only for each other. May they stay together, whoever they are.
(B) Masanori: Maybe. Or maybe it's just admiration. I wanted to go around with my love like that, once.
(C) Masanori: Heh, you must be kidding. But it would be nice if you liked me like so.
---
He smiles, but he seems sad.
Masanori: ...I had a wife for a short time, back home. Happy times we swore would go on forever...then I betrayed her feelings. All my romance advice in class came from my psych studies, not personal experience. That Dark ABC Gang have a lovely ideal...and here I am betraying them. I'm worthless. And I'm a living mockery of anyone who saw anything in me.
MC: You really loved her, huh? / Wish I had someone like that / Getting jealous here
(A) Masanori: Yes. She was wasted on a quiet, stubborn man like me.
(B) Masanori: Oh, right. You have amnesia. My apologies.
(C) Masanori: There's no one to be jealous of anymore.

Masanori: I can't trust myself. I don't see any worth in myself. (looks down)
MC: ...you still care about your father and wife, right?
Masanori: ...yes.
MC: Then maybe there's still something in you for caring about them.
Masanori: ...!
Masanori: (frowns)
Masanori: That was kind of poetic of you.
MC: Did you ever find anyone after that? / Did you want to be single for a while?
(AB) Masanori: Hmm. I get nervous whenever I think of her.
(C) Masanori: I don't know. I could go either way, but I feel like being with someone won't happen anymore.

Masanori: ...maybe I was just scared. What if I find love but then turn into a lowly beast?
MC: Everyone is irreplaceable / I get you
It's hard to face yourself, which is why Masanori is opening up to MC.
This could be very important.
MC: So you should hang onto those feelings / So I'll take those feelings on with you
---
(A) Masanori: ...thank you, from me and my wife. I'm resolved now, so let me thank you again when this is all done with.
(B) Masanori: I had an inkling you would say that. I will need some time to figure myself out, but I still want to repay you because--
He stops himself from saying something.
Masanori: ...actually I'll come back to this after everything is over.
[Flag set!]
---
Masanori: To sum it up, thank you. We should get ready to go.

Present
The party is winning!
Evil Scout B: They're too strong!
Evil Scientist C: We're losing even with reinforcements...
Evil Scout D: ...where's the boss?
Masanori and Hippolytus: !!
Evil Scientist A: We have to play our Valentrump card!
MC: Dammit, after them!
Taishakuten: GET BACK HERE BITCHES
Hippolytus: :|
MC: ...Hippolytus why did you suddenly stop? And why are you blocking us?
Taishakuten, Takeminakata, and Krampus: !?
MC: Sudden shaking!
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 5 Part 1 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Perun and Smoky God: The most popular person?
Months before Valetines.
Perun: Who DARE--oh right the interview for the school research presentation. Very well then!
Smoky God: Is popularity really a thing a farm school cares about? Oh excuse me, I'm just his colleague.
Perun: It's about BREEDING! Winning the game of life! You answer too, Smoky God.
Smoky God: Okay. If we're talking about winning at life, I guess my answer's the same as yours.
Perun: Right! The most popular person is someone who's immortal! Viva la revolución!

Present. Sort of
Masanori (narrating): I sit in Setagaya's garden and watch these two people walk around. One of them is nervous and wants to tell the other how they feel. I decide to leave, and they take the bench I was on.
Masanori (narrating): So many couples on campus. Did they find each other here in Setagaya? Also I think I see a polycule over there.
Masanori (narrating): I'm reminded of the time I had a wife. But then I lost her because I was stupid, and that blew up my perspective on everything.
Masanori (narrating): She was attacked by beasts that looked like Father. I never doubted my father because that's what children do. And then I started to believe the jeers that my wife cheated, even though I realized it was impossible later.
Masanori (narrating): It's my fault my wife is dead. I was the one who doubted her. How was I supposed to live on without her? Shouldn't I have died with her? I'm still looking for answers.
Masanori (narrating): I looked into the meaning of unchanging. I was alone and thought there was nothing I could believe in...so I joined a revolution. Anyways, I'm looking at all these couples and I wonder: who really has something that will last forever? And so? Viva la revolución.

Present
Setagaya, night time. Masanori goes to some building and opens the door to a lab.
Masanori: So this is your base?
It's some chem lab with some ref room attached.
Evil Scout A: Welcome new comrade Masanori!
Evil Scientist B: I'm surprised you approached us.
Evil Scientist C: He has a valenry good eye for reading people!
Evil Scout A: Did our other guy not finish the job? Oh well he was--oh wait look, welcome back.
Evil Scout D: Masanori saved me. It's nice that you approve of our ideals.
Masanori: I think you guys should put your heads down and research for a while. The event staff will have their guards up and they'll have noticed I bailed him out by now.
Evil Scientist B: reeee must we focus working on our secret drug?
Evil Scientist C: We're nearly there anyways.
Masanori: Can I ask something? Is this your only base? The school will probably find it sooner or later.
Team Evil looks at each other.
Evil Scout A: Okay, we'll tell you where our real base is.

Later
The workshop
Hippolytus: Class time!
Hippolytus is happier than yesterday. Everyone gets to work.
MC: Let's do it! / (Is Hippolytus okay?) / (look around)
---
(AC) MC looks at the students here.
(B) Hippolytus is answering questions. He seems fine.
---
Another question from someone!
Girl A: Will this present tell the person I'm giving it to I want them to know me more?
Hippolytus: Ooh, nice idea! Keep working on making it! Let's see what my assistant thinks. (waves MC over)
MC: I can help!

Hippolytus leans in towards MC.
Hippolytus: Thanks MC! Oh, another question! Masanori, come help me!
Masanori: ...of course. This is new for you. Here we go.
The whole party is surprised at Hippolytus.
Taishakuten: Damn, bro got therapy or something? Guess he's good now.
Takeminakata: He's more dignified or something. I gotta thank the Tycoons for steering me here later!
Krampus: I don't think he's faking it, so... guess it's all good if we can communicate how we feel.
MC: You okay Hippolytus? / Class is more fun than before!
(A) Hippolytus: A-okay!
(B) Hippolytus: Weird, same thought!

MC: You look brighter. Got something off your chest?
Masanori: ...maybe he did. He may have joked about dominance, but maybe now he knows we all have our own bits to do.
Hippolytus is talking to some rando student.
Hippolytus: You're making this for your senpai? I'll help! What did you want to say with it? Masanori, another box of flowers please! MC, come show how to make the present with me.
MC: Okay! / Got it. / oof big responsibility...
---
(C) Hippolytus: It's okay, I'm here to help!
---
And so MC and Hippolytus teach the student about making their present. Class goes smoothly for the day.

Hippolytus: Good job everybody! Today went great!
Takeminakata: I think so too!
Krampus: People were super happy you could help them. It helped me too, thanks.
Hippolytus: Aww, stop it~.
Taishakuten: Eh, it's cool ain't it?
MC: You did great! / okay that's enough for now / (check on everyone)
(A) Hippolytus: Not you too!
(B) Masanori: Yes, we should stop hassling Hippolytus about how great he did today. Oops.
Hippolytus: GASP

Nice times.
Masanori: Don't we still have something to take care of?
Taishakuten: Right, those dumbasses? They didn't come today.
Takeminakata: Maybe they gave up?
Krampus: Did...Volkh or whoever tell you anything?
Hippolytus: Oh right. Apparently they ran last night.
Krampus: WHAT
Hippolytus: They went to some lab yesterday but then snuck out somehow.
MC: Secret passage? Cavalry rescue? Think they'll try again?
Krampus: So we don't have any hard info, huh?
Takeminakata: Should we go look for them?
Taishakuten: With no leads!?
Hippolytus: Yeah we need something to work on at least.
Masanori: (stares)
MC: Any ideas, Masanori?

Masanori: ...hmm. I think looking for them won't be helpful, especially with no clues. Maybe we should play dumb.
Taishakuten: But what if they get away!?
Masanori: Unlikely. They plan on pulling their schemes here in Setagaya and they need a lab.
Krampus: oh okay makes sense
Takeminakata: So they'll dump their project if we spook them?
MC: They'll slip through the cracks? / hmm...
---
(A) Masanori: Yes, though we don't know where those are.
---
Masanori: Haste makes waste.
Hippolytus: So, get ready for tomorrow and stay on guard?
Masanori: Yes, and keep in contact in the meantime.
Taishakuten: UGH. Hippolytus you need anything heavy moved?
Takeminakata: Oh, then maybe I'll run around the school!
Krampus: Oh, me too then.
Masanori: I'm turning in early, sorry.
MC: I'll walk you back / Take care / Are you hiding something?
(A) Masanori: Oh okay then.
(B) Masanori: Maybe you should come too. You look tired too.
(C) Masanori: ...yes, but it's still inconclusive. Anyways you should come too since you look tired.

Time to split up. Nothing new happens by bed time. Nothing happens the next day either. Or the day after that.
Some underground area
Masanori: Hello.
It's night time and Masanori is alone.
Masanori: So your secret hiding underneath the lab is almost over, huh.
Evil Scout A: Thanks to you! We strike tomorrow!
Evil Scientist B: It's done! Though I wish we had ran a test run.
Evil Scout C: Yes, you kept everyone else busy while we worked.
Evil Scientist D: Valenviva la revolución!
End of Episode part

Valentine Crossroad Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Olympus's perspective on love is that it's good to make quick bonds. If everything is connected to one thing, then forbidden love and wife-stealing is a-okay. Who cares if it causes social issues?
Hippolytus (narrating): Life is hard when you're ace in a world filled with horny people. The only one I cared for was a chief hunter who valued that I was pure. I cared about our connection, so I gave them a flower wreath I made in a meadow with spirits of purity. But then I talked with some other friend and ended up shittalking one of the Olympians and blew up my life! Then I had to leave. Sometimes I wonder if I'd have thought the same as everyone else if I didn't say anything then?

Present
Evil Scout A: i'm sowwy
Hippolytus: Good fight! :)
MC: Perfect victory man, damn. He's a maniac!
Hippolytus: Punching things until they agree with you is so much easier than understanding love!
Volkh: (shocked)
Volkh: Take him to the experimental farm. Actually, take him to the infirmary.
Some event workers move Evil Scout A away.
Hippolytus: ...um, sorry about that everyone.
MC: So, care to explain? It's fine but still.

Hippolytus: Yeah I should speak. So I say I don't get what love is, but most people don't believe me. Sure some things are unclear to me, but really I don't get it. Happy couples are nice, but I don't feel like being part of one. I don't even really CARE. But tons here and back home do so it's like I'M the weird one.
Flashback! ...sort of!
Hippolytus (narrating): Did I ever tell you guys about that kouhai who liked me? He tried so hard for the gardening club and asked about how I was. Then I realized he liked me and I must have hurt him. I just liked him as a friend, and I wondered if we could ever go back to just being friends. Buuut, I couldn't think of any way of making that happen.
Present
MC: oh / same dude / ...
(AC) Hippolytus: Stop looking at me like that!
(B) Hippolytus: !?
Hippolytus: Aww, thanks. How about we spar with pankration sometime?

Hippolytus: IT'S NOT ILLEGAL TO TURN SOMEONE DOWN! Me, asserting dominance by T-posing over what's-his-name? It's not my fault, he attacked first!
MC: welp / TOOCLOSE / okay you sort of have a point but--
Hippolytus: Why does ANYONE need to assert dominance? I mean I do that for Greek Martial Arts but still. I'm not apologizing, not getting mad over something people can't tell from just looking.
Krampus: Haha, I feel you. I get a lot of pity because of the family business but I am JUST as important as the other Santas and the problems with it are my own thing. Just like it is with you, huh, Hippolytus?
Empathy! A little bit at least.

Hippolytus: Wow I don't think anyone's ever said that to me. It's great you came here, Krampus! And everyone else! So I think I'll quit being the workshop teacher.
Takeminakata: ...but why tho
Hippolytus: A kouhai can take over for me! I can still help with materials.
Sad party.
Hippolytus: I don't want any more problems happening. And it's probably better that lots of people care about love and romance.
MC: Wait! / BITCH YOU STOP THAT RIGHT N-- / ...
Volkh: STOP
(AB) MC speaks at the same time Volkh.
(C) Volkh suddenly yells.

Volkh: I don't blame you for anything, but I won't let you quit as workshop teacher. No quitting allowed!
Hippolytus: Volkh...
Volkh: Kamui might say yes, but I won't. I go down with the ship!
MC: People want you to teach them / Remember what Masanori said? / But what if more problems happen...?
---
(C) Volkh: That's not always your problem to deal with.
---
Tense.
Takeminakata: Can I speak? (raises hand) I'm dumb, but I know giving up and losing are different things. There's always a next time, so why not try harder?
Krampus: I support whatever you pick. But I think you're a great teacher.
Taishakuten: Same. And it's not like everyone knows everything.
Masanori: ...we're all different, so we can't understand everything about each other. If you don't feel like you're near your best, take a break.
MC: I agree and I will fight you if you say no.

Hippolytus: You guys...
Volkh: Look, reviews. I probably should've given these to you earlier.
MC: Oh my god so many comments!
Taishakuten: "I'm getting married yo" / "I made up with my friend" / "My hospitalized family was happy with the present" / "I want to be a florist now" ...damn dude!
Krampus: And these are from before MC started helping!
Hippolytus: Even when I was dissociating that hard!? (looks through questionnaires)
Masanori: It wasn't all problems. Volkh did you stop Hippolytus from quitting for this?
Volkh: The people of Kitezh love spring and flowers. The people who took the workshop all agree you did good, and I will beat you with my own hands to make you stay if I have to.
Smiling party! Except for freaked out Hippolytus.

Hippolytus: ...oh, okay then.
MC: Wow he gave in. We're here to help so actually use us! / Best wishes to you too
Hippolytus: Right! But I need some time to think about continuing the workshop.
MC: Hippolytus... / What? / ...
Hippolytus: We have to figure out what to do about that love potion drug. You in to help fight against that stupid villain gang along with class?
Takeminakata: Oh...right!
Taishakuten: You just wanted us to beg, didn't you? Dick.
Krampus: I'm in!
Masanori: ...
Masanori: Time to plan then? Not that we have much info.
MC: Right, time to get info and figure something out!
Party: Yeah!
And so the party huddles to think of stuff for the rest of the day.

That night, Setagaya dorm. It's Hippolytus!
Hippolytus: Oh. Taking a late night walk too, MC?
MC: No / what do you mean "too"? / Sounds good
---
(A) Hippolytus: Oh okay. Want to join me?
(B) Hippolytus: Exactly what it sounds like! Want to join?
(C) Hippolytus: Walking buddies!
---
Hippolytus and MC walk towards the Setagaya school buildings.
Hippolytus: Gardening Club president's curfew breaking privilege!
Hippolytus swipes his card key to the fountain plaza and starts talking to the flowers around it.
Hippolytus: Hello~!
MC: You take care of them at night too? / Pretty / (talk to the flowers too)
(A) Hippolytus: Oh no I just start talking to the flowers I care for at random.
(B) Hippolytus: I know right?
(C) Hippolytus: Haha, maybe you should join a gardening club.

Hippolytus and MC sit on a bench after a round.
Hippolytus: I brought herbal tea! And an extra cup! ...thanks for earlier today and sorry again to surprise you. I know you're not part of the school, but then I dumped on you...like wow I really blew up there!
MC: It was fun! / I like that part about you / so you burn up easy?
---
(A) Hippolytus: HEY
(B) Hippolytus: UHHH? Most people get freaked out by that.
(C) Hippolytus: Yeah!
---
Hippolytus: ...haha, it's nice we can talk like this after all that.
Hippolytus sips some tea and looks at the stars.
Hippolytus: Everyone encouraging me reminded me of my time back home. Everyone there was always thinking about love, and I kind of wanted to join in on their fun. I couldn't, so I tried being dommy since I didn't want to feel like a weakling. And when I came to Tokyo, I felt like wanting to be equals with people again. That's it, really! Maybe I still don't understand myself. Maybe love isn't for me? Or I just don't know how to do it. So maybe I should face myself.
MC: I get it / Don't push it too much / You can talk to me anytime

Hippolytus: ...thanks for accepting me as I am. If I had someone like you...
Hippolytus thinks of possible futures. Something real? Or just some wishful thinking? Some hesitation...
This could be very important. Maybe it could affect his future.
MC: Think you'll find your way? / I'm just like you fr fr / Maybe we could find true love?
---
(A) Hippolytus: ...I think I will.
[Flag A set!]
(B) Hippolytus: WHAT
Hippolytus: Okay wow, that's surprising. But great! I'm really glad we met!
[Flag B set!]
(C) Hippolytus: Umm...dunno yet. but...maybe?
[Flag C set!]
---
Hippolytus: Okay, that's enough. Thanks for coming with me, MC. Let's go back.
And so Hippolytus and MC walk back to the dorm.
Further in the school
Masanori: So this is your base, huh?
Evil Scout A: Welcome, new comrade Masanori!
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

Hippolytus (narrating): Personal issues? Of course I have them! LoVe? RoMaNcE? WHO CARES?! Cuckolding? Spouse stealing? What kind of nasty, horrible animals ARE you people!?
Yeah Hippolytus is pretty much aro-ace. The only thing he really cared much about is some voice in the woods he'd go talk to but never see, never knowing his stuff would change up Olympus.
Present. The next morning, some evil lab
Evil Scout A: So something weird happened during the test and we should look into making that stop.
Evil Scientist B: Mmm, yes. We are trying to stealthily take over the school and random acts of valeniolence is not part of the plan.
Evil Scout A: please stop making valentine puns I mean, the workshop staff kept things under control and now we have important data
Evil Scientist B: Mmm, yes, things would have blown up if we kept the formula the same. By the way maybe we should do something about those workshop people.
Evil Scout A: Yes, it seems like they can resist our drugs somehow.
Evil Scientist B: Hmmmm, it would be a big valentery help if we dealt with them now.
Evil Scout A: Yes sir, I'll try to recruit them. If they say no...well unfortunate things happen.
Evil Scientist B: I'm glad you have things valenwell in hand! The fools will know the Dark ABC Valentines Gang soon! SOON!
Evil Scout A: can we please change the name? I mean, yes sir.

Several hours later, the party plus Volkh meet at the workshop. Hippolytus has a box filled with wreaths while everyone is here to talk about preventative measures keeping the workshop running smoothly.
MC: Say, what IS your artifact anyways?
Hippolytus: Oh right, I never said!
Takeminakata: Is it those mossy hands of your? How do the wreaths have magic in them then? (picks up and wears a wreath on his arm)
Hippolytus: So uh...my sort of home world Olympus has this place called the Pure Plains? It has these flowers that faith believes won't be despoiled by anyone, and my artifact can enchant any plants I touch with my artifact to do the same thing! So when I make wreaths, they make barriers or something.
Taishakuten: Oh. So it protects us when we wear it?
Hippolytus: Yes, that!

Takeminakata: So aren't we okay now that you've made all these wreaths?
Hippolytus: Up until they wilt. And I don't have the time and flowers to keep remaking them...
Not a permanent solution, got it.
Volkh: In other news, if I catch the culprits I'm sending them to the experimental farm!
MC: Oh my god??? / let the punishment fit the crime! / (I pretend I do not hear)
---
(A) Volkh: What? It's just where we test new growing and production methods. No experiments on people.
(B) Volkh: They shall know the joys of manual farming labor!
---
Volkh: Anyways, thank you Hippolytus. We'd have to cancel everything if not for your wreaths. And it gave us time to think about all this.
Krampus: But we have no clues on who did this and why...
Masanori: Well if they're using the app to do this, we could investigate along that line. And we can sort of think up a motive with all the love potion flowers and Valentines timing...
Takeminakata: Charm bombing? But it doesn't even last long.

Hippolytus: ...oh. :|
Taishakuten: You figure something out!?
Hippolytus: Well... what if the culprit is trying to mix those love potion flowers into some Best Love Potion thing?
MC: WHAT / how did you even think of that? / (wait)
Hippolytus: There are easier ways of interrupting the workshop if that was the goal, so maybe the love potion is the goal all along. And if they're making multiple tries, I figure they're trying to mix them up...
Masanori: Hmm... go on.
Hippolytus: (pulls some hair that looks like a flower out of his head and plays with it) Sooo, the same kind of flowers can have different effects from faith of different worlds. So maybe where someone comes from can also affect them? If they mix them together, they might still be able to use the love potion thingy to some degree...
Krampus: Yeah, I guess some universal drug would be easier.
???: HMM! How insightful, Hippolytus!

The party looks around! No one seems to be there. Until...
Evil Scout A: Wow, you figured out a lot about our plans.
MC: Oh no! / Sorry, we're done with class for the day and not taking any more signups.
---
(BC) Evil Scout A: Oh okay sorry ab--WAIT we're not here to sign up! Oof, I'm about to mess up my cool and mysterious first impression.
---
Smug weirdo.
Evil Scout A: I'm a Valentine revolutionary from the Dark ABC Gang and I'm here to talk to the workshop manager.
MC: WHAT / your group name suuuucks / Quick, we need Fenrir's edgelord naming scheme
(BC) Evil Scout A: yes it sucks please don't bring it up

Taishakuten: Hey, are you the bitch who drugged us yesterday!?
Masanori: Wait, we still need evidence before we can turn him in.
Evil Scout A: Oooh, scary. And who ever said yesterday's stuff was all I ever did?
MC: You admitted it like a minute ago / (look at Masanori)
---
(C) Masanori: You just confirmed Hippolytus's hypothesis earlier!
---
Evil Scout A: ...oh.
Masanori: I don't think I've ever met someone with looser lips than you.
Evil Scout A: Um, who could you ever be talking about~?
Taishakuten: Volkh can I punch him?
Volkh: I understand how you feel, really I do. But he's still a Setagaya student and I can't be party to administrator-on-student violence. Legal problems.
Takeminakata: What if I sumo wrestle him and make him give up his evil ways if I win?
Krampus: W-wait, he can't be picking a fight with ALL of us, right?
Evil Scout A: YES. That. Ahem. I wanted to make an offer to Hippolytus.
Hippolytus: WHAT
Evil Scout A: Join us?
MC: wait what

Evil Scout A: Valentines is only for the lucky! So we're going to change things for the losers!
Masanori: ...and that's why you want to make a love potion?
Krampus: I guess some people do already have someone else in mind.
Takeminakata: Yeah, there are people who lose out... STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT
Hippolytus: (shocked staring)
Evil Scout A: Valentines Revolution is going to start here in Setagaya!
Taishakuten: Does that stupid love potion even work?
Evil Scout A: I don't know who used that thing from yesterday, but we're trying for something else. It's supposed to be super close range and single target, not multitarget.
MC: Sooo brainwashing and coercion.

Evil Scout A: Let's put it this way then. Is love free? Feelings are determined by genes and society, so you can't just choose to love who you want. It's just a literary expression of science and social conventions! Love potions are just like having a friend help you get set up with someone.
MC: Tortured logic! / hmm, rando makes sense / ...
Evil Scout A: So Hippolytus! How about joining us, even if it's just until we finish the love potion?
Hippolytus: ...so why is all this related to the workshop?
Evil Scout A: We'll drug your flower gifts so people can have eternal unchanging love!
Masanori: Oh...
Evil Scout A: The workshop is popular because everyone thinks the gifts will magically get them love. It's a business opportunity! Join us?
MC: Hmm, win-win? / Ignore him, Hippolytus / ...
(A) Hippolytus: (frown)
Taishakuten: Hold up, lemme say something first.
Hippolytus: Taishakuten?
(BC) Hippolytus: MC...

Taishakuten: You think you can bring it? Then bring it, bitches! I could kick ass since the day I was born, so sure I like to fight.
Takeminakata: Yeah, I was born strong so I could go focus on sumo.
Taishakuten: Yeah that. You know what flaw you guys got in your logic is, though?
Masanori: (stares)
Evil Scout A: w-what?
MC: You guys are assuming the gifts get accepted / what
Krampus: What's the point in drugging flowers people can choose to reject, especially when they figure out something's up with them?
Evil Scout A: ...oh
MC: Your evil plan SUCKS / oh

Evil Scout A: ...UGH! Whatever! Hippolytus! Join? Yes!?
Hippolytus: Hmm...
Hippolytus: ...why does making someone like you matter so much anyways :|
Shocked party!
Evil Scout A: ...
Evil Scout A: REEEEEE
MC: Oh no!
Evil Scout A: Did you not listen to a single word I said!? Must be NICE to have so many people like you already!
Hippolytus: W-what? I literally do not understand what love is!
MC: wait what

Hippolytus: I'd still say no even if I did understand. It sucks that everyone assumes I just do! And if you don't get that, you'll have to CATCH THESE HANDS
Evil Scout A: excuse me?
Hippolytus: Secret Gardens of the Heart are a real thing and people get to give them to who they want to! No trespassers allowed!
Hippolytus takes a fighting stance.
Hippolytus: Come at me with whatever you have!
Taishakuten: Oh my god Hippolytus actually knows how to fight!
Krampus: He's all OOC now.
Evil Scout A: Fine! I use my love potion to somehow play Shadow Clone Jutsu and attack!
Takeminakata: I bet on Hippolytus! ...wait is this a thing in Setagaya?
MC: So we good if you don't fight, Volkh? / do people not fight each other in Setagaya? / (cover Volkh's eyes)
---
(A) Volkh: Not...entirely. I need to think of some excuse for Perun to explain any damage to his farmlands.
(B) Volkh: What kind of school is Shinjuku!?
(C) Volkh: I can't see! ...enough joking, MC!
---
Hippolytus: Eat pankration, punk!
BATTLE START

Valentine Crossroad Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Takeminakata was once known as a great warrior in Takamagahara. But there were also haters who called him that giant idiot who ate shit SO hard when he represented Okuninushi in the Kuni-yuzuri. Both are right. He trusted Okuninushi a lot, and he was his champion. But Takamagahara said the battles that mattered weren't in the one on one sumo matches, so Okuninushi losing his position was supposed to be inevitable. Such was his fated role. It's a regretful memory for Takeminakata, but he managed to guard the bare minimum of family honor in this war of the gods. Sure he lost the fight and lost his original arms, but then he found the artifact Mizuchi to be his new arms and power. And so he goes on, looking for new possibilities...
Present
Taishakuten: Fight back, dammit!
Takeminakata: no
Takeminakata out here dodging Taishakuten's hands except for when he feels like it, all to keep Taishakuten busy while the rest of the party tries to solve the problem of the day.
Takeminakata: Come at me, man!
MC: I gotta hurry...! (search desks)

MC's searching the desks near where Taishakuten was sitting.
Hippolytus: How can we not find some suspicious drug thing right away!?
MC: Maybe it's not in a jar since scent matters so much. Did they use something else?
Hmm...
MC: Hippolytus, did you bring that flower? Search that one desk!
MC points at the desk right behind Taishakuten's.
Hippolytus: But I searched it already! Wait... oh! I found it!
Hippolytus finds some white flower and seals it in a bag!
Takeminakata: Great! Now to make Taishakuten sane again somehow. Can I breathe normally yet!? (blows out tissue plugs)
MC: I'll help! / (maybe I should call Volkh) / he'll be fine soon, maybe!
(A) Takeminakata: Not now!
(B) Masanori: He should be fine soon! It was like that the first day, correct?
Takeminakata: Um, I guess so then!
(C) Oh yeah the randos from Day 1 were fine in like five minutes or something.
Takeminakata: Oh okay then!

Outside
Mermaid A: ...wait why am I running out here? And how for that matter when I don't have legs?
Guy B: (wheezing) dying...wait what
Robot C: Weren't we in a flower crafting workshop...?
Krampus: (whoa that was fast, did everyone fix things already?)
Krampus: Uh, sorry. We had you coming with me for safety's sake. I'll explain when we get back.
Wrestler D: oh okay. Also weren't you speaking differently earlier or something?
Krampus: Uh, you're imaging things!
Krampus gives the TLDR version first and texts Masanori. Masanori texts back that things are okay now.

Workshop
Taishakuten: MY BAD GUYS
MC: no one was hurt, it's cool / damn you were shit back there / it's okay
---
(A) Taishakuten: Yeah. I don't really wanna send anyone to the hospital or anything.
(B) Taishakuten: IT HURTS BECAUSE IT'S TRUE
(C) Taishakuten: Is not!
---
Taishakuten: Sorry, Takeminakata!
Takeminakata: It's cool, we're friends. You didn't mean it.
Masanori: Krampus's plan to lead the affected students out worked. I questioned the ones who were still okay.
Krampus: What? You figure out who did it?
Masanori: No. But I might have some clues. First though, what should we do about the workshop classes?

Hippolytus: Oh. Hmm...it sucks but we might have to suspend them for now.
Girl A: Noooo!
Wolf B: They can't keep doing this though, can they?
Drone Pilot C: Whoever did it is probably long gone already.
Lizard D: You can check our bags if that'll keep classes going.
Hippolytus: uhhh wow I was not expecting that
MC: Isn't that nice? / isn't this dangerous still? / hmm...
The party does want to continue the classes, but safety first.
Hippolytus: ...okay. Give me some time, so go on break. We'll pick up later!
The randos leave.

Taishakuten: W-wait, you sure about this Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: Should be since my power can theoretically handle it.
Hippolytus pulls out a bunch of flowers. Circuit lights shine on his hands as his artifact activates and he starts weaving the flowers.
MC: wait what's happening
Hippolytus: Okay done! Can you guys put these wreaths on? Then one of you try sniffing that drug!
Taishakuten: EXCUSE ME???
Masanori: Yes he really said that. He must think it'll be okay. In theory.
MC: I'll do it / (whistle)
(A) Krampus: W-wait, I'll do it instead!
(B) Krampus: ...I'll do it.

Krampus takes a whiff of drugs.
Krampus: ...huh, smells funny but I don't feel any better or worse. Like this is jasmine mixed with perfume.
Masanori: You think so too? Perfume is so fitting. Like some mixed extracts.
Hippolytus: Interesting, but the wreaths work right?
Krampus: I-I think so, yeah.
Takeminakata: Okay, time to get ready before everyone comes back!
And so class picks back up without incident for the day.

Later
Hippolytus: Oh god it's over today, thanks everyone.
Party: (sighhhh)
MC: Everyone's tired. Same. / (hand out drinks)
---
(C) Takeminakata: Oh thank you MC! So that's when you give drinks to be nice. Notes taken!
---
Masanori: So busy today, but still more to go. Shall we pick up our discussion from earlier?
Hippolytus: Okay! About that flower we found, right?
Masanori: Right. The jasmine flower affect some students, but it doesn't seem to have done it on its own. but look at this flower petal I found on the first day of class.
Krampus: ...a pansy? Those are weird flowers you can find in Tir na Nog. I didn't know Tokyo had them too. Does Setagaya grow them?
Hippolytus: Uhhh, we have violas everywhere if you mean that. They aren't Tir na Nog originals, but maybe the research building has some.
MC: So it's a Tokyo origin flower? / so flowers are related to things? / what's that thing you were growing, Hippolytus?
(A) Masanori: I can't tell. Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: I need the whole plant to figure that out.
(B) Masanori: Maybe. Hippolytus, your expert opinion?
Hippolytus: I mean...it's possible?
(C) Hippolytus: Oh that flower from yesterday? It's a ylang-ylang.

Hippolytus: ...wait. OH NO!
confusedmathlady.jpg
Hippolytus: Pansies, ylang-ylang canangas, and jasmines are all believed to be love potions here!
MC: WHAT / really? / hmmmm...
---
(C) Hippolytus: No you may not cook, MC. :|
---
Masanori: Well if beans can hurt onis on Setsubun, then I suppose the faith argument works here too.
Taishakuten: ...so flowers really be the cause of every problem we had so far?
Takeminakata: But no one tried anything sexy. Taishakuten threw HANDS.
MC: It's a bust? / is someone testing stuff on us? / I wish I threw hands with Taishakuten
(A) Masanori: One would think they'd try to make it last longer. But if this is all according to keikaku, where are they going with it?
(B) Masanori: ...hmm, it's possible.
(C) Taishakuten: HELL YEAH
Masanori: Love comes in all kinds, I suppose. But do that later.

Masanori: And that's all the evidence I have so far. No clues to motives or suspects. But I'm worried this will happen again after we got the class back on track.
Hippolytus: Hmm. I'll have to report to Volkh. All we can do is ask the festival committee for security, I guess.
knock knock
MC: whomst? oh no is it a crowd of crazies again?
Hippolytus: No, class is over already. It must be Volkh. :|
Krampus: Breathe, Hippolytus.
Takeminakata: I'm freaked out too, so I'll check quietly... (tiptoes towards door and opens it) helloooo?
Mobs: (SCREAMING)
Party: (MORE SCREAMING)
MC: OMGWHAT / (too surprised to scream)

Takeminakata: WHAT IS--aren't you guys from the class today?
Guy A: omg it's you, I stan you so much!
Takeminakata: Me? What?
Guy A: Yeah!
Mermaid B: Thanks for saving us earlier today!
Boy C: So we were the people Youtuber Muramasa evacuated outside...
Guy A: But we heard you trying so hard for us. We wanted to thank everyone again. Especially you, Takeminakata!
Takeminakata: (stares)
Takeminakata: WHAAAAAT (looks at party)
MC: Yay for you!

Takeminakata: ...weeheeheehee. I mean, I'm a city boy now, it's what I do!
Taishakuten: Stop looking like a dumbass, airhead! ...eh, I guess that's fine for some people.
Masanori: Well his personal charms aren't in being cultured. It's in helping others without looking for returns. Like a trusted down to earth leader, which I suppose is why he's a Tycoon.
Krampus: So he's the only one who didn't realize it?
MC: Maybe so / wow he hasn't noticed / god he's annoying
Takeminakata: Why don't you say hi to my friends?
Takeminakata introduces the mobs to the party. Someone is watching evilly from further away.

Later
MC is heading back to the Setagaya dorm and sees Takeminakata in the dorm cafeteria.
Takeminakata: Hey, MC! Rough day, huh?
MC: Yeah / You eating dinner now? Didn't you just eat?
---
(A) Takeminakata: (awkward stares)
Takeminakata: I was really hungry all day. Huh? Oh, feels awkward to be the only one eating.
(BC) Takeminakata: Yeah, I've been hungry all day.
---
Takeminakata: Eh, it's been busy. But wow, Hippolytus and Masanori had to think the whole time too... wait am I the only one who didn't!?
Takeminakata keeps eating and talking.
Takeminakata: Whew, I'm good now! Oh, sorry I dominated the conversation
MC: It's cool / I like listening / talking while eating? ruuuude
(C) Takeminakata: Oh my god you sound just like Hakumen!

Takeminakata: That last thing in the end really surprised me. So many people thanked me for throwing myself at Taishakuten, kinda reminds me of this one time back home. Except that it wasn't my idea. I just did what I was told.
MC: Aww, so humble / that's cool too / (wait for him to continue)
---
(A) Takeminakata: Nah, I just followed someone who was better.
(B) Takeminakata: Wow thanks!
---
Takeminakata: Having to live without a big boss to follow is hard, man. Oh wait, never mind me.
MC: Tell me?
Takeminakata: (stares)
Takeminakata: Well okay then! Did I ever tell you about Lord Onamuji? I haven't thought of him in a while. Being a big city boss is hard. (pours tea for two)
Takeminakata: After coming here, I had to think about how to be a ruler and being good enough to not embarrass him. But being here with y'all reminds me of old times where I could be myself and talk with people...what?
MC: Slick! / omg sweet airhead / nothing, go on

Takeminakata: O-okay? Well it's fun feeling like old times...but I can't be who I was back then when I didn't know what it meant to lose. So... (sips tea pensively)
Takeminakata: Do I really need to choose a new way of life? I was a natural ruler there in Izumo, but do I have to change here in Tokyo? I can't give up that old life.
Does he try being the ideal servant or go his own way?
This could be very important.
MC: Decide later? / Do both?
---
(A) Takeminakata: ...sorry this is all dumb stuff, but thanks for listening. You're weirdly calming. I'll keep at it
(B) Takeminakata: Can I even hack it??? ...what, sumo has multiple kinds of finishing moves? I guess. Now that I think about it, it's not like all the Tycoons are all the same.
[Flag set!]
---
 Takeminakata: Thanks MC. I'm hungry again...wait, I should stop for today!
And so Takeminakata puts his dishes away and the two of you go back to your rooms.
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

Takeminakata (narrating): Why am I trying to be a city boy? For Daddy! He's Okuni--oh wait he told me to call him Onamuji. Anyways if he becomes top ruler again I should become better! And now that I live in Tokyo maybe I changed just because of that. If I smile, my lord and daddy smiles.
Takeminakata (narrating): You think I'd do anything Onamuji tells me to? Hell yeah! I mean I have to pay him back for loving me, but it's also because when he was fighting for the throne of the world, he asked me to hang on to All the authority. He gave me a choice in a time I got like nothing about what was going on, but I want to be my best for him.
Present
Mornings start early in Setagay. MC goes to get breakfast.
Masanori: Morning. Did you recover from last night?
MC: Wow you're up early / Yep / schleepy
(A) Masanori: Coincidence.
(B) Masanori: Excellent.
(C) Masanori: Oh. Well I suppose it happens.

Masanori: Wow, Day 3 at being at Setagaya already. Look at the pretty flowers outside the window. And do you see the little birdies on the tree branch over there? (points)
MC: Oh yeah! Cute! / where / (slide closer to Masanori and look)
---
(A) Masanori: It must be nice for them to be at a farming school.
(B) Masanori: Maybe you should step closer this way. Then try following my finger.
Good times. [now jump to C]
(C) MC steps closer.
Masanori: Do you see it yet? It's...cute.
---
Masanori: I apologize for taking your time when you're here to eat.
Someone's coming in.
Takeminakata: I got done with training! I'm starving now. And thanks for joining me, Krampus!
Krampus: I-it's cool, I was already planning to jog. Gotta work out on the off season.
MC: Morning guys. / Man jocks start early... / Working out already!?
(AB) Krampus: Morning you two. No one else here yet?
Takeminakata: Sumo training starts even earlier! ...but only I get up that early.
(C) Krampus: This school's bigger than I thought.
Takeminakata: I thought we got lost. But the greenery reminds me of Lake Suwa.

Takeminaka: So is anyone else up yet?
Krampus: Taishakuten and Hippolytus? Maybe.
Masanori: They are. They finished breakfast a while ago and went to talk about plants. They'll be back soon.
Takeminakata: Oh. Guess I'll eat then! Breakfast buffets are nice.
Krampus: Do they grow everything on campus?
MC, Krampus, and Takeminakata go line up for food. They even have Utopia drinks!
MC: Is this a hotel breakfast? / They get this much every day? Dammit Setagaya!
(BC) Masanori: Volkh says at the bare minimum it's a little different from a hotel buffet. Director Perun thought up all this.
Takeminakata: Damn, wow.

Masanori: The perks of being a farm school, I suppose.
Takeminakata: Gee thanks, farm people!
MC: So you good with bread, Takeminakata? / oh no, too many choices / (get what you got yesterday)
(A) Takeminakata: Yes, I'm a student so I can adapt. I saw rice and nori seaweed on the counter too though, so I'll get some of that.
(B) Krampus: How about I pick for you?
Krampus makes some ham and cheese sandwiches, then grabs fruit, salad, and soup.
Takeminakata: Wow, get some for me too!
Krampus: Haha, okay. I guess you'll need twice as much.
(C) Krampus: You like that? Maybe I should get some too. Uh, not that I mean anything by that!
Takeminakata: Me too then! Friendship!
Krampus: Uhh, r-right!

Masanori smiles as the present party comes back to the table.
Masanori: I ate earlier, but I think I'll stay. It's nice seeing you all have fun.
Takeminakata: Masanori, are you always so cultured? I want to be like that!
MC: The drip! / You seem different, Takeminakata / Your new outfit looks great too, Krampus
(A) Masanori: I just figured I should dress the part of a classroom assistant, but thank you.
(B) Takeminakata: Right? My sponsor put this these clothes together! And Hakumen recommended a hairstylist.
[Flag Set!]
(C) Krampus: UHHH...thanks! I tried to not look scary off campus, so...I'm glad it looks good.

Oh look, Taishakuten and Hippolytus are coming back.
Taishakuten: S'up? Want some tea? Hippolytus, can I stick this weed in that teapot?
Hippolytus: Um, that's an herb. Morning everyone! Taishakuten is so studious about herbal teas.
Taishakuten: Aren't herbs medicinal grasses? There's a bunch growing around near home so maybe I can market that.
Hippolytus: I was showing him greenhouse herbs as thanks for yesterday's work.
MC: Farmers and merchants start early, huh. Maybe you'd like Andvari. / nice outfit
---
(C) Taishakuten: Thanks! It ain't anything special. Made in Shibamata, baby!
---
Conversation continues, now with tea.
Taishakuten: Did you always have that haircut, Takeminakata? You seem different from when I saw you in Ryougoku.
Flag check! Did you say Takeminakata seemed different too?
(Yes) Takeminakata: Yeah we were just talking about that! It's thanks to everyone helping me with a makeover!
(No) Takeminakata: Yeah, I had my hair stlyed to match my clothes! All thanks to my sponsor and Roppongi friends.

Takeminakata: Now I just need to be the slickest, most popular stylish city boy ever after I finish the workshop.
Krampus: I...don't think that's related.
Takeminakata: It's amazing how many things are connected! Popularity needs behavior in addition to appearance! If I change drastically, I'll naturally start acting graceful!
Krampus: Uhhhh...?
MC: Maybe...? / I think everyone else just gave canned advice / do you even know what you're saying
(A) Masanori: ...so you got advice but you don't completely understand it?
(B) Takeminakata: THEY DID
(C) Takeminakata: NO

Takeminakata: Everyone I talked to put their whole chest out when they gave their advice, and the guild's Foreigner gave me a flyer for the event so it HAS to be related to popularity!
Hippolytus: Are you talking about... :|
Masanori: No, it's not romance talk. He's talking about personal generic charm and likability.
Hippolytus: O-oh, okay. But how's that related to the workshop?
Masanori: Well there's many kinds of gifts to be made there with many ways to craft a message and present. How about that?
Krampus: ...the consideration in trying to make someone happy. Like Santa.
Masanori: Indeed. If you can manage it with one person, you can expand that to others and learn to do it casually. The considerate can get the trust and favor of many.
Taishakuten: Oh, like how trust is number one in business!
Masanori: And the workshop also touches upon Tokyo's seasons and natural sciences, so Takeminakata's participation can teach him culture.
Takeminakata: So that's what Tsathoggua was getting at... thanks, Masanori! I gotta work harder!
Hippolytus: Good luck with that! Let me know if I can help!
MC: Good luck! / Aren't you cultured enough? / hopefully everyone comes...
---
(AB) Takeminakata: Thanks MC. I'm going to be even better!
(C) Takeminakata: It's okay. I'm sure they will later!
---
Takeminakata: Okay, let's go!
Hippolytus: Right! Let's do our best, everyone!

Everyone gets ready and heads to the workshop. Lots of seasonal and Valentines stuff is open today on campus.
Workshop
Hippolytus: why :|
MC: TOO MUCH GOING ON
Rando A: Teach me about stuff beyond flowers, Hippolytus!
Rando B: Tell me I did good, Hippolytus!
Rando C: What flowers do you like, Hippolytus? I'll make a bouquet with both our favorites!
Hippolytus: [insert quiet rant about what's happening]
Masanori: Oh no he's disassociating!
MC: Damn, he's blowing up in popularity? I mean I can get it but something seems off!

Masanori: We need to calm the students!
Krampus: I'll hel--(mobbed by randos)--WHAT
Wrestler E: Let's wrassle after this!
Guy F: Bitch I got here first! Hey baby, wanna trade oils later?
Masanori is also getting mobbed.
Maid G: Wanna be my private tutor, handsome?
Wolf H: I'm your biggest fan!
The mobs seem crazy.
Masanori: I smell something kind of familiar...like the past few days recently familiar.
MC: Hmmmm... someone using Charm like Sitri? / ooh ooh, me too!
(C) Takeminakata: MC, you can't be joking now!

Takeminakata: I should help too! Taisha--
Masanori: EVERYONE OUTSIDE, NOW
The not crazy students are surprised but start getting out of the classroom. Hippolytus stops dissociating too.
Masanori: Get masks on, there's a suspicious smell!
Hippolytus: Umm, I only smell flowers?
Masanori: It's weak enough that therians can barely sense it. It's some sort of drug, and I smelled it the other day too.
Krampus: These people are drugged!? Whatever the deal is, we gotta get these people out and--
Mermaid A: Step on me bro!
Krampus: You aren't even REALLY naughty, calm down girl!
Guy B: Spank me, I’ve been a BAD BOY!
Krampus: HELP???
MC: I got this! Maybe!
Plot Sword activate!
MC: It had no effect!

Masanori: Well we can't just bop them in the head in an app battle. How do we get them out gently?
Hippolytus: uhhh, let's split up! Masanori, guard the sane students! Takeminakata, Taishakuten, please hold down the cra--
Takeminakata is blocking for randos while Taishakuten is throwing hands!
Taishakuten: God DAMN do I need to kick some ass! Where's Sanat Kumara when you need him!? COME AT ME, WORLD!
Krampus, Masanori, and Hippolytus: OH NO
MC: Oh god! / wait why is it only him / I see no difference
Taishakuten: Every one of you bitches, fight me!
Takeminakata: No man, we go one on one! I'll fight you all by myself! (slaps his body) I'll handle Taishakuten, Hippolytus! In the meantime...stop this crazy thing!
Krampus: R-right. How do we do that, though? Not like we can have the students come ove--wait
Krampus remembers this one time he snuck out to see a hero show. Or be in one? Either or.
Krampus: I guess we'll just have to try it!

Krampus pushes through, climbs to a higher position, then psyches himself up!
Krampus: C-can everyone hear me!?
Randos: YES
MC: is he trying to put on a show? Kinda calm since he's not being a Black Santa / YES
---
(AB) Krampus: (okay wow it's working?)
(C) Krampus: (okay wow it's working even on MC)
---
Krampus: Cool! So I need your help guys. Who here is brave enough to help me find the villain disturbing our seasonal event class?
Randos: MEEEE
Krampus: Great! Move out, Super Dragon Squad!
MC: Nice going, Krampus! / what / omg me too!
Krampus: Okay I'm taking these guys outside. Handle everything else, MC!
MC: Thanks! / goddammit / we have to hurry!

Hippolytus: MC, we need to search for that drug! Masanori, stay outside with the other students since you can smell it!
Masanori: Understood. I suggest you search near where Taishakuten sat. If he was the only one affected, he must have sat closest to where the drug is.
MC: Makes sense / helpful! / Takeminkata!
---
(AB) Hippolytus: Takeminakata, keep Taishakuten busy!
---
Takeminakata: Okay! AAAAHHH (grabs Taishakuten and drags him near the wall)
Hippolytus: MC, get away from the drug if you do find it! My power protects me from its effects so I'll get rid of it. Also, why IS Takeminakata okay?
Takeminakata: I STUFFED MY NOSE WITH TISSUES
Hippolytus: ...w-well okay then!
Taishakuten: Hell yeah this rocks, brah!
Takeminakata: Oh you like sumo wrestling? I should've brought--no wait, I'm supposed to stall you! Bring it!
BATTLE START

Valentine Crossroad Episode 2 Part 2 (Abridged)

Time to clean up and get ready for tomorrow's workshop! MC and Taishakuten are helping Hippolytus carry things.
Hippolytus: Thanks you two! We need more stuff since more people came. I used to worry I wouldn't get through them all.
Taishakuten: Where do we put the stuff?
Hippolytus: There!
The culture clubhouse building. Hippolytus opens the door to the closest room.
MC: A flower shop on campus? / Cool! / (look around)
---
(B) Hippolytus: I know, right?
---
Hippolytus: Welcome to the Setagaya's Gardening Club room!
Taishakuten: Nice! You could open shop up right now.
Hippolytus: I modeled it after an average flower shop. I might make flower arrangements in the future.
Taishakuten: Cool idea. And damn you're smart for a fluff head with flowers on the brain!
Hippolytus: Ruuude, haha.
MC: Unreliable Old Reliable Senpai! / I could get used to this / maybe you should be working harder at teaching
(A) Hippolytus: WHAT
(B) Hippolytus: Haha, you sound like my kouhai
(C) Hippolytus: (GASP!) Your Shinjuku senpais will call you a bratty kouhai if you keep that up.

Hippolytus: Okay, back to work! Now we'll go to the greenhouse, the school's pride! Or one of since Director Perun is greedy as hell.
MC: Sounds about right.
Taishakuten: You know the sch--oh right. So that's why Volkh treats you so differently!
MC and Taishakuten get one with carrying things and following Hippolytus. They see a bunch of greenhouses. Hippolytus enters one and starts talking to some potted plants.
Hippolytus: Nice! Any changes? Oh, you aren't doing well here, huh? HUP!
Taishakuten: Damn he picked up a huge one solo!
Hippolytus: ...I can't see ahead of me!
MC: Take my load, Taishakuten / I'll lead you! / man, gardening is manual work
(A) Taishakuten: Naw, you take my load. Gimme a sec, Hippolytus!
Taishakuten gives MC his half of the carried stuff and goes to help Hippolytus.
(B) Hippolytus: Thanks! We'll take this one further inside.
(C) Hippolytus: Yep, lots of work. Oh wait, guide me further inside so I can put this one down there!

Later
Hippolytus: I'm glad I didn't trip and fall with that huge plant!
Taishakuten: Why didn't you ask us for help earlier then!? Ugh. Well I know how serious you are, sorry I talked shit about you at first.
Hippolytus: Um, what now?
Taishakuten: I just pick fights a lot, especially with strong dudes.
MC: Hippolytus, strong? Really? / (quietly stare)
Hippolytus: (surprised)
Taishakuten: All high and mighty, proper sorta folks are my enemy. Not anyone else though, so good luck with the workshop Hippolytus! B-but I can't help you with the romance stuff...
MC: So you accept him now? / You're serious deep down too / singleminded gangsters are cool
(A) Taishakuten: Yeah, what fun is it if you know how it goes from the start?
(B) Taishakuten: You sound like the old shopping district folks.
(C) Taishakuten: What? ...well it's cool how frank you are.

Taishakuten: We done yet? Let's go back!
MC, Hippolytus, and Taishakuten head back to the workshop. But then they see two people arguing.
Farm Student A: Girl you were gonna confess to Volos like THAT? Back off, he's MY man!
Farm Student B: Shut your mouth before your brain falls out, pea-for-brains!
MC: what I heard Volos
Hippolytus: Maybe we should stop them from fighting.
Taishakuten: Let them fight.
MC: but people getting hurt could be a problem for the workshop. unless they don't get hurt too bad...
Farm Student A: I challenge you to a duel over Volos's hand!
Classic glove throwing duel challenge! ...except they hit Taishakuten instead!
MC: oh they're dead now

Taishakuten: So. You wanna throw hands, huh?
Farm Student A: O-o-oh my god how do you manage to miss me from four feet away!?
Farm Student B: ME? I'm not the one who missed the broad side of a barn and--
Taishakuten: SHUT UP AND PUT EM UP, TAISHAKUTEN IS HERE TO KICK ASS
Farm Students A and B: OH NO
They know who he is.
Taishakuten: Oh yeah you guys were fighting over Volos or whatever? So I get him if I win?
Farm Students A and B: NOOOOO
Taishakuten: That a war cry or whatever? Haha! Oh you guys don't have a bancho, even though they stopped doing that like 30 years ago? Eh, you both can come at me and you win if I say I give up. Then you can do whatever. But guess what happens if I win?
MC: Wait Taishakuten, stop! / (he's holding back...?)
(AB) Taishakuten: Shut up MC!

Taishakuten throws his apron at MC.
Farm Student A: what do!?!?
Farm Student B: This was your idea! We gotta fight!
Hippolytus: Oh no we have to stop him!
MC: wait / this isn't a real fight, maybe... let's believe in him
---
(BC) Hippolytus: what
---
Taishakuten: Bring it, bitches!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Farm Student A: AAAAAA
Taishakuten: That it!?
Farm Student B: Take this!
Taishakuten: ooh, nice punch. Have one of mine.
Farm Student B: OOF
Taishakuten has just been standing there tanking hits and hitting back for every one.
Farm Student A: Nothing's been working! But we can't let him have Volos... we have to keep going!
MC: m-maybe you should stop, Taishakuten? / (hmm, those two seem different)
The two mobs are leaning on each other now since they're struggling to stay standing.
Farm Student A: Combo attack?
Farm Student B: Combo attack! RAAAAH!
Taishakuten: okay I give up.
Farm Students A and B: ...what?
Taishakuten: BITCH DID I STUTTER?
Farm Students A and B: NO SIR
MC: holy shit what, is it doomsday?

Taishakuten: Damn, you guys did good sticking to your guns even when you were wrong. But shouldn't you be focusing on someone else?
Farm Student A: Oh, right...
Farm Student B: We got caught up in the wrong thing...
A breeze carries along a flower petal.
Hippolytus: ...a ylang-ylang petal? But those are only inside the greenhouses.
Taishakuten: Hey MC, Hippolytus? You guys know Volos?
MC: He's a friend / nope / (look at Hippolytus)
(C) Hippolytus: Um, I talk to him sometimes and have his phone number.

Taishakuten: Cool. Think you can introduce these guys to him?
Farm Student A: What, really? Maybe not now...?
Taishakuten: But why tho? And if he says no, we're shit outta luck anyways.
MC: You want to look your best when you see him, right?
Farm Student B: Yes, he'll worry if we show up all beat up.
Taishakuten: WHAT
MC: uh yeah, why is that a surprise?
Taishakuten: Oh, right. Other people might not like being seen hurt.
Hippolytus: (stares in surprised gardener)

So anyways MC, Hippolytus, and Taishakuten take the two mobs to the school nurse and carry on with business.
Hippolytus: (frown)
Taishakuten: What?
Hippolytus: Oh, nothing. Just remembering my home world.
MC: Huh...can you tell us?
Hippolytus: ...it's not that interesting.
Hippolytus (narrating): So Olympus wants love to spread like lightning, so they're cool with spouse stealing. I think Tokyo calls it NTR or cuckolding? It happened a lot. I was working as a chaste and pure guy for a while so I didn't care.
Taishakuten: So are you here in Tokyo because you hated how things were there?
Hippolytus: ...no, I was exiled haha.
MC: Why? (Reminds me of Arachne.) You seem cheerful despite the subject.

Hippolytus: Uhhhh, so like, I used to be a radical anti-romance guy. So many people kept yelling they wanted to bond fates with me and stuff and then I made the wrong person mad? I just wanted to be pure... But I couldn't, so I kinda resisted when Taishakuten said what he said. Sorry about that, I know you're here to help.
Taishakuten: !!
Taishakuten: Hippolytus...
MC: WHAT / and you seem so chill usually / What's up, Taishakuten?
Taishakuten: ...Hippolytus, maybe what you did was considered a crime in your home world. But I commit crimes like all the time. Anyone calls you a faker, they can call me one too!
Hippolytus: ...you're so nice, Taishakuten.
MC: He's nice deep down / I'm here too, Taishakuten / he just like you fr fr
(A) Taishakuten: SHUT UP
(B) Taishakuten: Hell yeah!

Taishakuten: Just saying, I think about old fights sometimes too. Anyways, we're back at the workshop!
The party regroups.
MC: (Huh, I don't know anything about Taishakuten's home come to think of it...guess he has things he doesn't wanna talk about either.)
Later, that night at bed time
MC: Who is it? (open the door)
Taishakuten: Hey MC, sorry it's so late but I had to talk to you.
Taishakuten brought drinks and gives MC one. Then he sits on the floor.
MC: What? / oh my god you like someone?
(BC) Taishakuten: NO! ...wait, stop making me shout this late.

Taishakuten speaks softer.
Taishakuten: Felt like I had to explain why I said no again to joining the Summoners. I don't plan on getting into App battles. It'll take more explaining but it'll take a while. You cool with that?
MC: Okay / is this about what happened earlier today? / (sleepy...)
(B) Taishakuten: Yeah.
(C) Taishakuten: Wake up, dammit! Or I'll blast you with my lightning bolts!
Taishakuten collects himself and gets ready to talk.

Taishakuten: So like I'm from Garothman and I'm known for being evil there. We got seven seats of good and evil over there, but it's more like being gang leaders. I got one because I didn't like Ahura Mazda, so whatever! But then they called me a damn pretender! When you get summoned to Tokyo, you get this doppelganger with your name as a Shadow. Shangri-La and Deva Loka say they have the real me. Pricks. I've been living a life of true evil here, dammit! I punched everyone who looked at me, but I never got away. I'm still affected role-wise as being oppositional.
Taishakuten: Fun fact, my doppelgangers? They got partners/rivals. Irreplacables ones. But I'M the one stuck with an archenemy. Just goes to show you my identity's been pulled apart. I'm real glad Shibamata accepted me. Dunno the differences much, and maybe what I believed in was wrong. But I decided, and not even some God of Tokyo will stop me from calling myself Taishakuten if the Shibamata folks believe in me.
MC: Wow.

Taishakuten: (takes a drink) I stay out of App battles out of respect for Shibamata and wanting to live as one of them. I get into a fight, it's for me. But it gets tricky if I get into a group battle. But...
Taishakuten: (takes another drink) I also care about my friends here in Tokyo. Wasn't expecting to have to deal with one asking me to join up and squaring that with what I want, and I've been thinking about it the whole time. I mean, if all of Tokyo and Shibamata gets set on fire or something, I might join up, but dammit I can't say it right now.
MC: Whoa, you venting to me? You're still cool.
He's opening up and waiting for you to say something.
This could be very important.
MC: Let's take it slow and think about it. / I care about you too.
---
(A) Taishakuten: I guess I'll figure it out later. Whatever, let's see where this train goes! ...I believe in you MC, and in you not blabbing about all this to people.
(B) Taishakuten: ...uh, you talking about helping me out in Shibamata like you said before? Wait, not really huh? (blush) Well thanks. Gimme some time to think about it. [Flag set!]
---
Taishakuten gets up and holds his hand out.
MC: (shake hands) / (fist bump)
---
(B) Taishakuten fistbumps back.
---
Taishakuten: Thanks again MC. You're a real one!
Taishakuten leaves. He left a flower gift next to your bottle.
End of Episode