Halloween Police Episode 4 Part 1

In the world there are many walls, many boundaries that separate things from one another. For example, the border between sages and fools, justice and evil, life and death, and sanity and insanity. These borders change with the eras and with the thoughts of the people living in the world. Nothing stays the same forever after all. Even the definition of life and death changes over time. But if these boundaries are created by the people's will, then these boundaries getting destroyed would also be by the people's will. Halloween is the day where many people believe the border between this world and the realm beyond weaken. Their faith becomes power, common knowledge takes form, and the border disappears in practice. As a result, things not of this world come back from the dead. Someone pretending to be human awakens as Something Not Human. Someone pretending to be alive awakens as Something Not Alive. And someone pretending to be mad awakens as Something Else.

Things then tune in at Kioh Police Academy as Tajikarao is working the phone lines answering calls as part of the police's temporary Halloween department. Someone is complaining about whatever, so Tajikarao politely tells them an officer on patrol will be by to see the person shortly. Magami is also on the phones, and he gets a call about a lost child's lost kitten with at least one of the two crying. He's not sure if and how this is a prank, but he says he'll send an officer their way quickly. Daikoku is off to the side sighing about all the calls and comments how they the police can't relax with all the commotion. Hougen is surprised Daikoku is around since he's supposed to be at a meeting, so Daikoku admits he left early. He then says he has something he wants to talk to Hougen about alone and asks for his time.

Daikoku and Hougen move to another room, and Daikoku starts talking about how he's heard things have blown up further than expected. Hougen confirms as such, saying there's been more reports of pranks coming in since yesterday. The phone lines inside the police station are flooded, and other businesses being obstructed has been verified as well. Because of all that, it seems Hougen is the one to decide to make a new department to deal with it all. Daikoku approves of how the officers are working so hard despite also being students for his the public's sake, but he also brings up that Hougen also did something else he hasn't mentioned yet. Hougen compliments Daikoku for being well-informed and quick to hear, and Daikoku jokes he's still not as fast as him.

Hougen tries to move the conversation along instead of bantering, which disappoints Daikoku. Hougen then talks about putting together a Halloween training meeting the other day as part of the counter-Halloween prank strategy for interested parties, through which he's established a special volunteer precautionary team. He's also used his permissions to put one of the students onto the team as a supervisor of sorts. Daikoku notes that the Halloween Police have done a good job of solving a few pranking incidents, but the greater incident is still ongoing with no clear idea of how to stop it. Hougen says he's right, then asks if he knows anything if he's asked to talk to him about it.

Daikoku says he doesn't, but since the skilled Hougen is commanding this group he doesn't see a need to butt in. Having said that, he still feels the need to talk to him about what comes after all this. Daikoku mentions how Halloween is the day where people here pretend to be things not of this world, which he uses to argue that Halloween is a day where it's easy for the people here and those from beyond to intermingle. Daikoku then brings up Touji in an aside, the student who transferred in a month ago. He mentions his oni lineage and how he's using old barrier techniques to seal his blood rage. Hougen cuts in at that point to insist that Touji will be fine and not go on some rampage. He sees through Daikoku's schemes and says Touji won't go crazy so long as he isn't deliberately provoked that way.

Daikoku says of course and reiterates that he's not worried about what you guys are doing. As police superintendent he's looking at things a bit further up than everyone else. While you guys are maintaining order and should be doing so, Daikoku is plotting out what would happen in case that all fails. If the Halloween Police is unable to prevent the public order from turning upside down then he has to prepare for what would come next, and he says Hougen ought to know since he's dallied in tengu sorcery to trick people too.

Scene shifts over to Asakusa in Daito Ward, and this is now Day 3 of the Halloween Police being a thing. Yoyogi was Day 1. Daikanyama and Ueno was Day 2. Today's agenda will be Umamichi Academy in Daito Ward and Toyosu Marine Academy over at Minato. Now a flashback kicks in to the day before to show more of the conversation you guys had with Harlot over at Ueno. She compares the Halloween Police thing you guys are doing to a game, and she says she and the others are doing something interesting too since they want to make Halloween exciting. Harlot laughs about funny tricks and hopes you'll like them too. Aren't the Bad Brats Brigade so cute? They just love her so. Harlot also mentions she and her comrades have scattered around and are helping out. She then flat out tells you they're going to Asakusa next, and she asks you to tell them what you think when things happen there.

The flashback abruptly ends and you wonder aloud about whether Harlot's the mastermind of the incident given what she's saying, but you have your doubts about that. Hotei comes over in his vending machine guise to greet you good morning in robospeak, so you either casually greet Hotei or yell about him doing it again. A has Hotei say it was probably coming, but he's still disappointed by your reaction. B has Hotei happy you're going along with his comedy routine and giving the proper reaction. 

Anyways, Hotei switches back out to normal as he greets you more normally and asks how you are. He jokes about how his status as a ghost is a trending topic and offers to ghostclip through the wall as his next trick, only to be put off when you decline that. You either say it's not that big a deal, point out he's taking this all rather cheerfully, or ask if he's shocked about the ghost thing. A gets an extra bit of Hotei saying he needs to change up his jokes to go with what's up in comedy if he wants to make a life of it, then jokes about how living means something different here because haha ghost.

In any case Arc is glad that Hotei is taking this all better than they thought he would. Hotei puffs his chest out about how a thing like that isn't going to stop him from doing his specialty gag. It hasn't affected his day to day life either, so he hasn't really cared about it much. Plus, no one including him had realized anything about it at first. Ebisu notes Hotei still eats like a normal person, and if he doesn't care about it then it's probably okay for everyone else to leave it be. Alp decides he won't give it another thought then, saying Hotei is who he is whether dead or alive. You are either shocked at how casual people are about this, or you decide it's not that big a deal since there are a lot of ghost Transients around anyway.

Arc says there are a lot of Transients in Tokyo who exist in the same state of being, and it's not a good thing to be overly concerned about their ghost status. Azathoth says Hotei should have gotten a clue earlier and says he totally didn't notice anything was up. You either comment on Arc being with you guys today, ask Alp if it'll be fine for him to leave Ueno alone, or complain about Touji no-showing again. A gets an extra bit of Arc saying they're coming along today and was worried about what would've happened yesterday. Azathoth asks what they're worried about, so she says it's him since she's concerned about her family. B gets a different extra bit of Alp saying he's worried about the main incident and is helping out as part of the Halloween Police. Or at least, that's what Leib advised him to do. Ueno is close by anyways if anything happens, and this is important too so he'll be around.

In any case, Arc comments on Touji being late and how weird that is for a hardass like him. Hotei notes that Touji has been late to the party every time and wonders if he's some natural trouble magnet. Touji comes in around this point in his vampire costume, which Alp immediately fawns over before realizing he's talking about Touji. Touji apologizes for being late, and Hotei, Ebisu, and Alp start stammering a bit before yelling how handsome Touji looks dressed up.

Touji is taken aback by their reaction, and Ebisu says the costume looks great on him. He figured he wouldn't be going in costume, but it's amazing how he went all out on it. Hotei says Touji's look is almost as great as his own, saying it's impressive how he pulled it off. Arc comments on it being a vampire costume in surprise, then says Touji looks good in it. Azathoth compares it to the classic fantasy vampire and says he's like the kind to hold a rose in one hand and scoff. You either compliment Touji's costume, say he looks great, or say you'd be fine with him sucking your blood.

Touji is embarrassed and interprets all the comments as jokes as he explains the thing just happened. A flashback kicks in where Touji asks if it's really okay for him to go on ahead since phone work would generally be the new guy's deal. Tajikarao assures him it's fine and says Hougen told him to go on too. Since there's so much info to deal with, even the fully fledged cops in the station have their hands full resolving things. So on that note, Tajikarao asks Touji to enjoy the festivities in his place get out there and resolve things at the scene.

Touji is touched, then passionately says he'll go sort out the Halloween chaos as he turns to leave. Tajikarao however tells him to wait a moment, asking if he's really going out in his police uniform. Touji is confused by this, so Tajikarao tells him he has to be dressed for the occasion (i.e. festival), and even the teachers have ordered him to get Touji changed. Touji is startled by this but agrees to do so, so Tajikarao signals for a bunch of mob cops to come join in and get Touji into costume. Touji protests that he can change himself, and Magami throws himself into the commotion, saying he wants attention too and is ready to be brushed.

Back to the present, Touji explains that's how he got the vampire costume. He's not really keen on the dress up thing, but he can't bring himself to say anything because of his senpai's seniority. Also they told him to bring back presents, specifically some brand name cakes sold here at Nakamise St. You either comment that the police sound like fun, ask if Touji's actually the bullied kouhai type of character, or call his senpais awful. In A, Touji says they might seem that way, but they're also respectable people he should learn from. In B, Touji gets embarrassed as he denies the idea. In C, Touji denies the accusation, saying he's thankful for them and doesn't hate them. In any case, Hotei suggests walking and talking and asks which way Umamichi is. Arc explains it's down Nakamise St. and behind Asakusa Temple, and the episode part ends as they say there's still some time to take it easy and talk.

Halloween Police Episode 3 Part 2

When a human and oni love each other very much...or at least get together, they produce a person that is neither of the two races. As such these people live their lives looking for a place to belong and looking to blend into human society. They exorcise otherworldly beings lost in this world and send them back to the other world, and this is done to defend the world of humanity. Such is the job of exorcists and the role of the Sakimori who are defenders. They throw themselves into their work together with the security police so they can continue to pretend to be human. They take positions in Shinto and Buddhist shrines, wander through various schools, and hunt on as people ask them to. And that's how Touji's lived his life.

Times change though, and now otherworldly beings walk around in broad daylight in town. In resisting the changes that come with the passage of time, Touji has seen many partings, become alone, and seen many new meetings. As times changed, he's learned a new way of life he never had before. And he learned that he isn't the only one in the world who is different from everyone else as another such person stood by them. Touji has thought about wanting to protect the city, but it isn't a thought about him having to protect the city. But what else can he do besides exorcism to work towards that goal? What can he do to prevent a repeat of partings with his friends in Public Security? What path would make the best use of the connections he's formed and his specialties? And so Touji made his choice only he could make out of his own free will. Ever since he was young, he's watched the police work from the sidelines so he could better act like a human. He doesn't know if this choice is for the best, but it's the one he chose. And so, he'll live on and see it through.

Back to the present, you, Touji, and Alp are in the middle of running back to Ueno when Touji decides to talk to Alp. He's just gotten done with explaining why he transferred to Kioh Academy, and he says most people looking at the end result would figure it's something common. Choosing to become a police officer to protect someone isn't some mind blowing decision, but Touji says he can tell people all the worries and doubts he had to get to this point are all his. He picked this path, and now he's proud of it. He's still unaccustomed to his new uniform, and even he feels like it's more a costume than anything. But this is where everything starts, and this is where he sees his dream and makes a wish to become something.

Alp asks Touji if he's afraid of the idea that his decision would turn out to be wrong. Alp himself thinks about how frightening it is to chase after your dreams and make a decision. The most intimidating thing out there to him is getting hurt while pursuing your own desires. If it goes wrong, there's no one but yourself to blame. The idea of failure makes his feet falter. Touji however admits to Alp that is he is scared, but he isn't the only one afraid. And even if he is afraid, there are people there that makes him wish he could be like them. And there's someone who taught him that as long as he lives, he can just keep trying again, he says as he looks to you. Alp says he understands the part about wanting to be like another, and he thinks about a dream of someone's he ate once. It was so bright and beautiful that he admired it. He wanted to be like that, and he wanted people to admire him.

Scene jumps over to Ueno Academy, which is unable to begin its Halloween festival due to all the chaos going on. The students are doing their best to make it happen despite that, but the hands of the pranksters draws closer! Trickster Brown is confused and angry about Ueno's festival not being cancelled yet, so he resolves to get the thing shut down by playing more tricks. He leads some other mobs too, and they start by hitting and kicking candy vending machines to get stuff for free. He also calls for the ghosts sent by That Lady to start possessing the machines. Once they do so, they make the machines robospeak and spout the gang's catchphrase while dumping out the candy inside. Brown then leads the mobs on to cause more mayhem in the school.

Inside the school Ebisu freaks out about the vending machines moving around again, though he does mention that he thought he saw some sort of figure go inside the things. Hotei sighs about his schtick being stolen again and about copycats making life tough for the popular. He decides he should show off what vending machines can do himself as he changes into one and attempts to charge. He is bounced back for his troubles, and Ebisu calls after him in concern and bemoans the nonsense of it all. Jambavan is taken aback and asks in alarm how the machines are moving, but Ebisu asks that he not lampshade the crazy at the moment since they don't really know either. Azathoth just laughs about how rare it is to have a battle of the vending machines. Ebisu initially asks Azathoth to help out, but he decides against it since he thinks Azathoth will go overboard. He then loudly complains about having to be the sane man here when that's Benten's job, and his necklace whips its hand and yells "what the hell y'all" for good measure.

Brown takes a moment to brag about their handiwork before urging his group of mobs to keep going with the tricks. Fenrir dramatically gasps about spirits and miasma getting thicker at the school and asks what's happening. Azathoth changes the subject to ask why the Halloween event hasn't started you, suggesting you guys may as well do so if the mobs came to stop it. Leib says they're ready to go, but Alp as the announcer for the event's start isn't there yet. He then gets annoyed and worried about what you guys are doing on your side.

Brown urges the tricksters to keep going on and overthrow the old framework of what Halloween is, and Green says they'll become pro pranksters that'll make a new kind of Halloween. Red adds that what they did that morning was undecided too, and the mobs start tearing things down trying to get the commotion to spread outside the school. 

Leib takes notice of the tricksters saying they'll become pro pranksters and asks if they're just imitators. He's appalled at the idea that they're just copying someone else and asks what the point in disrupting every school's Halloween event is. Azathoth cackles as per usual but comments things will be bad if they continue. When Leib asks him to explain, Azathoth brings up that Halloween was originally the day the dead came back to life. It might have been some fake stuff they did back in the day, but here in Tokyo there really are dead people who have revived, even natives. Some Transients are naturally like that too. Despite what he calls bonus stages being made for school credit, the way things are going the Flow of Faith will turn things into a zombie apocalypse. Also he adds that he's declining to reveal any more hints until everything's about to blow up. Leib doesn't quite get what Azathoth is saying, but he soon recognizes him as someone from Fushimi Academy. He then realizes what will happen if the situation continues as is and a supernatural Halloweens stops being just a school thing. In that situation, even the deceased natives may revive and throw the city into chaos.

Off to the side, Cu Sith is yelling for the kids to stop pulling on his tail, and despite how upset he's getting he reminds himself that he won't cry. The tricksters keep spouting their catchprase, but a voice yells out for them to stop. Ebisu and Hotei are surprised by this while the Beast Tamers are happy to hear Alp is back. Leib sighs not altogether displeased as he comments on Alp taking his sweet time, and Alp holds up his badge to play sentai police hero.

Once Alp changes outfits, he does a hero introductory speech about being the popular police guy here to protect the peace of Halloween and denounces the tricksters' actions. Red and Green recognize Alp from when they saw him that morning, and Brown says he's heard of him from his friends who went to Daikanyama. He declares the Halloween Police their biggest enemy and somehow thinks it's weird that you guys are over here too. Hotei is confused that they didn't realize the rest of the party here earlier was part of the Halloween Police too, so Ebisu remembers that they never got around to saying they were and figures the kids thought they were cosplaying.

You apologize to the other half of the party for being late or comment on Alp getting into things. Azathoth laughs about how good your timing is, then prompts you to get changed too. Leib prompts Alp to do his thing, saying everyone was waiting for his signal. Cu Sith says it's almost time to get the festival started and it's the organizer's job to get that rolling. Alp makes a public address as he officially starts Ueno's Halloween Festival, asking everyone to join him in saying Happy Halloween.

The tricksters join in as well and seem excited about it until Brown remembers they came to stop the thing. Alp says it's already started, then tells the mobs to stop with their over-the-line tricks and have fun with everyone instead. Alp also mentions feeling like he's gotten a look at one way he'd like to be, a hip hop police officer that protects his friends and Halloween.

Brown is taken aback as he argues there's nothing wrong with playing tricks on Halloween, looking to his cohorts for backup. Red, Green, and the possessed vending machines all agree, but Alp asks if that's really what they want to do this Halloween. The question hits home, but Brown tries to claim anyway that it is. Alp says it looks to him that they're pretending to do what they want, but they're actually doing this against their will because they have no other choice. Brown gulps as he asks how Alp knew, so Alp says it's because he shared their feelings before. Alp says Halloween is a lot more fun and swears to show that to them, so you either tell Alp it's time to go, say it's time to show them what the Halloween Police are like, or tell him to show how cool he is. Alp answers affirmatively as he says he'll show his best hip hop dance, and the episode battle begins. More comes afterwards.

Things tune back in at after the battle where Ebisu expresses his amazement at Alp's dance and Brown seems horrified at his actions. Alp assures Brown that it's okay because he's the same, so when Brown starts asking what he means Alp says he now understands from before when he danced with the others and destroyed the festival set up. Back then he was too worried about himself and never spared a thought for the other children, but were they also afraid of having done something they couldn't take back?

Alp asks if the tricksters were afraid and ready to cry, which led to them running off. The mobs don't answer but seem upset at the question, so Alp assures them it's fine and says he'll apologize with them. And since Halloween is a special day, Alp invites them to see a new dream with him as he casts his NP. This causes dreams and reality to switch, materializing the tricksters' dreams. They gasp and stop as they see a vision of their dreams, which is each of them enjoying the holiday in their own ways. It's what they wanted to do, but they did something more terrible than they thought, and now they're lost as to what to do. The mobs all start crying and apologizing for breaking things and running away that morning, and Ebisu is surprised even the vending machines are joining in on that. Off to the side, Hotei thinks to himself about his attention being drawn to the dreams and reality thing despite not understanding it. He wonders if the dream he saw before is the cause of this.

Some time later, the tricksters admit to being the ones to call the police and suggest canceling the Halloween festivals, thinking maybe it'd be fine if there wasn't Halloween. Red says they were doubtful about it the entire time though, and the worries were weighing on them. Alp says they're good kids for being able to say that, and he compliments them for being more mature than he is as he gives them special Halloween pandayaki.

The mobs seem touched by Alp's gesture, and Alp says he ran away too, but he came back after being talked to by his friends. The mobs seem to want to say something at that point, but Alp smiles and stops them, saying they aren't alone and offers to apologize with them. They nod, so Alp lines up with them and loudly apologizes all together. They bow like polite Japanese norms dictate, and everyone else hands them candy saying Trick or Treat to start Ueno's Halloween festival. And so the event kicks off with a bout of laughs.

Time passes, and some alchemist is hawking special pumpkin pandayaki. Jambavan says there's also tea available for anyone who wants any. Fenrir snorts about someone wanting him to play a trick as he calls himself a cursed wolf stained in darkness, then says it's him who wants tricks to be played as he prompts people to eat. Cu Sith and Alp play at trick or treating, with the former saying he'll eat anyone who doesn't give him candy and the later challenging people to a dance battle in the same case. Whoever they're talking to starts tickling them instead.

You comment on things getting lively and say it's better after all for Halloween to be filled with smiles. Leib comes over and thanks you guys for your work, Halloween Police or whatever. As thanks for that and for taking care of Alp, he says you guys should enjoy the festival and volunteers Jambavan to serve you guys over his protests. Ebisu says he's having a lot of fun and notes things are different here than with Yoyogi, with a lot of body contact and Hotei saying all the soft fur is nice. Leib notes that Alp's plan is a big hit and says he's done great to satisfy people.

Touji comes over and notes that things have gone off without a hitch, saying he reported it in that things are fine. You thank Touji for what he's done and ask if it was hard. He starts to answer no and that this is just his job, but then Alp interrupts by throwing himself at you guys. This does knock you off your feet, but it doesn't actually hurt you as you start to enjoy how soft Alp's fur and/or costume is. Touji protests against Alp jumping at people, but when Alp starts profusely thanking you guys for helping him get the festival open Touji lets it drop and says he's done something like a police officer now. He then tells Alp to stick with either crying or laughing as he looks away, gently patting Alp on the head.

Some time later, Touji mentions to you guys that a bunch of vending machines have fallen over nearby. With so many guests around it would be dangerous to leave them like that, but there's also the machines being heavy to consider too. Leib says it's not a problem as they can ask people who specialize in moving heavy objects. Ebisu starts to ask who he means, but some ghosts come by acting professionally asking if the machines are the things they're supposed to move, then proceed to possess the things. Once inside, they play at robospeak asking people to make way as they move them elsewhere.

Ebisu is surprised at the idea that the machines moved by being possessed by ghosts, and Alp is dumbfounded as he realizes there's no way vending machines could move on their own. The idea gives you some thoughts as everyone starts looking at Hotei who is in the middle of eating a crepe. Once he notices, he laughs the idea off saying his vending machine gag isn't anything like that. Ebisu agrees and asks if he's using some other kind of trick, and Hotei says yes as he laughs.

Upon further reflection says he never realized it himself and suggests that he's like a spirit too. The party is baffled silent until you ask if he's serious, and soon after everyone reacts in shock. Harlot walks up at this point to comment on how fun Ueno's Halloween festival is now that she's come to check it out, and you turn to look at her when you recognize her voice.

Harlot greets you, then asks why you have such a serious look on her face. You ask Harlot about the ghosts with her, so she laughs at first and asks if you remember that she's a kind woman towards dead children. Is it really so odd for her to walk around with deceased, pitiful children? She sighs about how she wants to make a world where they can walk around freely. And elsewhere (I guess), Azathoth starts ranting about people pretending to be things. Stuff like humans, policemen, vending machines, friends, and diabolical masterminds. Everything is spinning and turning, swirling in chaos. It's almost time for things to shoot straight for the bad ending, and the episode ends with Azathoth cackling as he wonders how things will go.

Halloween Police Episode 3 Part 1

Yggdrasil, one of the 23 worlds connected to Tokyo, is a world composed of several smaller subworlds tied together with a rainbow bridge. For example, there's the human world of Midgard. There's the world of the dead, Helheim. There's Mulspelheim, the world of the people of flames, along with Nilfheim, the world of the people of ice. Just as the living cannot live in the land of the dead, the people of flames cannot live in the land of ice. For that reason, compartmentalization became a thing with each race having its own world to live in. And one of those subworld realms would Alpheim, the land of tiny fairies. And there's also Svartalfheim, the land of dark fairies.

Alp is a type of fairy born in Yggdrasil known as a dream demon. They are a race that lives by feeding on the dreams of others, and their bodies are made up of the same stuff as dreams. It's probably for that reason that they are able to change their forms to other people's dreams. Their specialty is to pretend to be someone's dreams while they're dreaming. It's so easy for them to blend in with the people of the other realms and take their dreams.

The Halloween festival should have been a piece of cake for Alp that he could handle before breakfast. He can change into anything and adapt himself to anywhere. He can mimic the form of whatever any random person is dreaming up, but unfortunately Alp has a personal dream of wanting to be a popular person. Oh the irony of someone easily making someone else's dreams come true be such a failure at making his own dream a reality. It has no solid form, and he struggles on with making it happen, unable to mimic anyone else.

Now it's time to turn things back a bit to before the commotion that happened at Daikanyama, back to the early morning over at Ueno. Since every school has delayed the opening of their respective Halloween festivals, Ueno Academy is holding its own in the afternoon. They are publicizing their own using songs and dance as a showpiece, probably as a response to how famous Daikanyama's Halloween festival is. People there are in the middle of rehearsing, keeping themselves busy until it's showtime.

Among all those people is the school's organizer for the festival Alp, who is standing outside Ueno's front gate looking all proud. He laughs to himself about how all the preparations are are good, and he's sure that everyone is going to get their socks knocked off when they see it happen. He had to cut back on sleep for the planning, but he also worked hard to get his Halloween costume ready! It's totally going to be a hit, and soon he'll be a popular guy in the spotlight! He's practiced giving out autographs, and his smile has perfected being at that exact 45 degree angle. He did mess up with placing an order for the candy, but since there's candy wholesalers nearby in Ueno that wasn't a problem. Alp also went to the training meeting, so all that's left is to wait for the doors to open.

Alp starts hugging his patchwork costume to himself as he thinks about how hard everyone in school worked on the festival. He talks to himself about how it's sure to be a success, though he quickly changes this to making it a success. He then remembers he's supposed to be rehearsing his dance, but before he leaves he notices someone poking their heads in and out by the gate.

A couple of tricksters are hanging around, and Red comments that it doesn't look like Ueno is going to be doing anything since it doesn't look Halloween-y at all. Green points out that the flyers said it'd be happening today though, and he can see people around and hear music playing. He asks if they should go back, but Red protests they came all this way already. He apparently was looking forward to getting some juice here after biking over.

A couple of tricksters are hanging around, and Red comments that it doesn't look like Ueno is going to be doing anything since it doesn't look Halloween-y at all. Green points out that the flyers said it'd be happening today though, and he can see people around and hear music playing. He asks if they should go back, but Red protests they came all this way already. He apparently was looking forward to getting some juice here after biking over.

Alp walks over to talk to the tricksters and asks what they're up to. Red's first reaction is to be impressed at how well made Alp's Frankenstein costume is, so Alp basks for a bit as he agrees at how cool it is. Green says they came to see the Halloween festival and asks why they can't go in, so Alp explains it'll start in the afternoon and asks them to wait a few hours. The tricksters are loudly surprised by this, startling Alp himself.

Red is reluctant to wait around for a few hours and suggests heading to Daikanyama. Green remembers they have a meeting in the afternoon, so he gives up and says they should just go. Red clicks his tongue saying he was looking forward to the rapping and dance off. Alp asks the two to wait and offers to play with them for a little bit instead. He's still rehearsing, but he he can do the rap and dance off with them at least. Red is surprised and asks if that's okay, so Alp says he's the organizer for Ueno's festival this year and can't bring himself to ignore children who came to enjoy things. He assures them that making dreams come true for people is his specialty, and he'll do it for them too even if it's for just a little bit. The kids cheer, and the three go inside the school grounds.

Alp's dance off with the kids causes a lot more damage than he expected as it destroys the surrounding layout. Cu Sith, Fenrir, and Leib all come running over to investigate all the noise, only to find Alp all by himself in the middle of all the destruction. The kids have disappeared already and Alp, still lagging as he attempts to process everything, wails as he gets taken to the staff room to be interrogated and then informed of the festival's cancellation in the midst of that.

Back to the present, Alp finishes his story about how he ended up the way he did over at Daikanyama, running out of his mind in terror. The party is currently over on the way to Ueno, and you have to think on how to politely word your thoughts as you settle on asking what kind of dancing Alp was doing. Alp is depressed, still with his hands tied in rope, and Touji says Alp probably got what was coming to him. Ebisu and Hotei are shocked at how blunt this is, and Hotei says he might have a point, but that's still unnecessarily harsh. Azathoth however cackles about how Touji is acting like a big shot cop there and approves.

Touji tries to argue that it's the correct course of action for a school and organization when trying to uphold order, so Alp should just take his punishment like a man. He starts arguing that if Alp recognizes that himself then there shouldn't be anything else to talk about, but you cut Touji off firmly and say Alp knows and is upset because of that. Touji is surprised for a moment, then apologizes to Alp. Alp says it's okay after a moment, noting he has to make up for it and think about what he did. He also notes that the cancellation hasn't formally been decided yet, and Touji thinks to himself that he messed up again like at the training meeting.

Touji thinks about how his biggest flaws are his stubbornness and inflexibility and how those are why he keeps making the same mistakes. Hotei says Alp may be right, but he wonders if you guys can actually make it in time since it's still close to opening time and a motion to cancel has been recommended. Hotei then asks if the cancellation suggestion came from the police, and Touji looks away silently. Hotei complains that he'll be sad if Touji ignores him, so Touji stumbles over himself apologizing and asking if he's talking about the famous pandayaki. Ebisu's necklace suddenly whips its hand and yells "what the hell y'all" surprising Touji and Hotei. Ebisu apologizes saying it just did it on its own, and the necklace starts handwhipping at him as it repeats itself, causing Ebisu to get flustered about not being able to stop it. Azathoth cackles madly as he watches.

You ignore the hand necklace shenanigans and ask if you guys can do anything when you get to Ueno despite the cancellation notice. Touji realizes that's what you guys are talking about and agrees to explain. Since the notice was sent a lot of things have changed, and currently the pranks have caused a lot of misinformation. You ask Touji about that last point, so Touji explains that educational organizations are obligated to notify the police when they decide to open an event. There needs to be an idea of where the event grounds are, how many people will be around, and a patrol route on the day of needs to be decided. If there's a report of a serious accident or something, then the police can quickly take charge to deal with things. If the reports sent to the police are pranks or faked, then things are different.

Hotei notes that Touji is right now that he thinks about it, and crank calls are a thing. Touji continues explaining that normally the police of the local area are the ones to check things out, but there's been a lot of prank reports blowing up since that morning. People pretending to be victims of pranks are calling in, and now the police are in a mess because of it. As such, Hougen has ordered Touji to go himself to confirm things on location. Ebisu asks if that means the cancellation isn't a sure thing yet, and Alp gets hopeful that things can still be salvaged for Ueno's festival.

You say you guys need to check things out and prompt everyone to start running for Ueno, but Hotei pleads for you to slow down. Ebisu isn't happy at the idea of having to run again either, but he decides he'll just have to put up with it for his friends. Azathoth laughs and offers to teleport the party over, but you decline the offer because it scares you, so Azathoth laughs about how sharp your eyes are. Touji tells Alp they should go, though he warns him to be careful since he's still tied up with the rope. Alp says he knows, and everyone starts making their way over.

Once you guys reach Ueno Academy, everyone is shocked to see that there's no signs of Halloween decorations put up anywhere over there. Azathoth comments that you guys couldn't dodge the event flag, but then again there might not have been one to begin with. Alp freaks out about the festival getting cancelled, leading to Touji trying to get him to calm down and suggest that might not be the case. Hotei also tries to get Alp to slow down and decides now would be a good time to use his vending machine gag. When Ebisu protests, Hotei says that when a friend is upset he's going to try making them smile. Azathoth laughs and clowns around, saying Hotei's idea is good. You decide to reign people in and suggest going inside to talk to someone.

Leib comes over and asks who you guys are to be dancing around in front of the school gate, and Alp pales upon seeing him. Leib notices Alp with you guys in shock soon after and tries asking where he's been all day, but Alp starts yelling apologies and running away. Touji protests this since he's still hanging on to the rope tied around Alp's hands, but Alp doesn't hear him and ends up dragging him backwards. Touji does manage to tell you he'll leave Ueno to you and promises to call later as he gets pulled away, and Azathoth laughs and says it looks like Touji bugged out and started moonrunning. You attempt to tell Alp to stop and/or tell Touji to roll.

Leib stops you from going anywhere and asks you to explain what's going on. Specifically, he asks why Alp is with a police officer and what Alp has been doing all this time. Hotei asks if Leib is Alp's schoolmate, then suggests he sit down for the explanation while you attempt to protest out of concern for Touji. Ebisu suggests Touji might be okay since it's him, and Azathoth laughs as he says gathering information is important to events.

Time passes as the party goes to one of Ueno's classrooms to talk, and Jambavan brings over some tea and cookies he's made himself. Cu Sith says Jamabvan's cookies are great and that the tea is something special he got from a friend. Ebisu finds that interesting and notes that the cookies look similar to what you guys saw at Daikanyama. Azathoth complains about being served tea and pumpkin cookies again, but they're good enough that he still accepts some. Leib brings the conversation back to his asking about what's up with Alp, so you begin the explanation.

One offscreened explanation later, Leib sighs about Alp taking on all the responsibility himself. Fenrir talks about how no one can escape the wheel of fate's turnings, though he understands the pitiful cries of Alp the Dream-Eating Panda well enough. You ask Leib what he means, so Leib says the part where Alp went crazy and destroyed the stage with his dancing during rehearsal is true. He also knows about the recent commotions, and other students are aware the police has sent a call to the school saying the festival should be canceled. Things then got complicated when conflicting stories came out about whether the cancellation was actually a thing, so Leib and the others looked into it. What they found was that a third party pretending to be involved with the festival work are trying to get them cancelled.

You react in shock at that revelation, and Leib tells you that the end result is that Ueno's Halloween festival isn't actually cancelled yet. All the chaos going on has been constantly delaying it opening up though. Leib's tried to contact Alp to inform him of this, but so far he apparently hasn't had the presence of mind to check his texts, and Cu Sith notes Alp did run out in the middle of things. Leib says he must be afraid of opening them up, and while he sympathizes, it's also annoying.

You ask who could be trying to meddle with the Halloween festivals, and Leib wonders if the culprit is doing all this for shits and giggles or some other reason. Ebisu says if that's the case, you guys need to look for Alp. Touji still hasn't called in yet anyways. Leib apologizes for taking your time, then asks you guys take Cu Sith along. Cu Sith says he'll take care of it and knows Alp's scent, and Leib says the rest of them will keep working on getting the festival ready for when Alp gets back.

Hotei asks Leib if they can make it in time since there's nothing up, but Leib assures him it'll be fine and says Alp must've forgotten the trick they set up for this. Before he says any more, a loud noise in front of the school interrupts everyone, and Jambavan is startled as he says it came from the front gate. Fenrir says his silver fur is bristling at an evil presence trying to stain the school in darkness, and Azathoth laughs as he asks what the hell that means. Azathoth then shrugs this off as a staple thing and calls it a drag. Ebisu asks you and Cu Sith go out to find Alp while the rest of the party handles whatever is going on, so you agree and say you'll come back right away when you find Alp. Cu Sith leads the way as he howls, and Leib tells you to tell Alp to look at his phone when you find him.

Time passes as you and Cu Sith reach the school gates, and Cu Sith leads on saying Alp seems to be outside the school somewhere. You run into the Halloween Bad Brats Brigade on the way, but you ignore them for now to focus on Alp. When you catch a glimpse of Harlot among them for a second you do react in doubt and surprise, but Cu Sith prompts you to keep going.

Time passes some more as Cu Sith leads you to a park a little ways away from Ueno Academy that borders on a residential neighborhood, and after a bit more sniffing he says he's found him and asks if you can see him. He and Touji are up ahead, with Touji stopping Alp from running any further. Cu Sith suddenly stops walking, so you ask him why. He answers that he's worried that Alp would be upset at the moment if he saw anyone from Ueno since he's worried about causing everyone problems. You agree to talk to Alp yourself, comment that Cu Sith is kind, or quietly pet Cu Sith. Cu Sith thanks you and says he'll head back first then.

Touji notices you come up and is glad you came, and you apologize for keeping him waiting and thank him for holding Alp. Alp is still depressed as he apologizes to you and Touji, then says he can't bring himself to face anyone. You sympathize and ask him not to say that, but Alp goes on to say he made a mess of everyone's efforts for the festival. He didn't want to disappoint some children who came by, but then he went and disappointed his school friends even worse. He wanted to be someone popular that everyone likes, but then made a bunch of people who trusted him hate him. Alp wonders what he should have done earlier, and he wonders if he should have let the kids down back then. Alp then starts to yell that he's upset about messing up again and afraid of going back, but you stop him here and ask if he has any text messages on his phone.

Alp is surprised as he pulls out his phone and sees everyone at school sending messages worried about him. You tell Alp that even if he messed up he's not alone, and you ask that he comes back with you. Touji gives a little snort and smiles as he says you're still the same as ever. He then turns to Alp and tells him that everyone makes mistakes. Given his own stubborn personality, he admits he may have made the same mistakes even more than Alp has. Pressure gets put on others and on himself, refuges get lost, and suffering happens. He knows how it is, so he tells Alp that if he's hurting all alone, then he should stop being alone. It's through having someone with you that you can see a new way of making your dream happen.

Alp points out that Touji transferred schools away from you and the other Summoners, and you seem sad at this point bring brought up. Touji doesn't immediately respond to this, and Alp asks if Touji is the same as him for distancing himself from his friends. You either say you want to ask Touji that too, silently look at Touji, or look away. Touji eventually answers that he figured out how to make his dream happen and just transferred out. Alp asks incredulously if he did so knowing the rest of you would be sad at this, so Touji says he did so wanting to become a policeman who could protect you all. You react in surprise to this statement, and Touji continues on by saying that he doesn't think a separation means an end to a relationship.

Alp is about to say more when a loud explosion interrupts him, and smoke starts rising in the distance. You point out that it's coming from Ueno, note that the noise was louder than before and wonder about the smoke, and/or call out to Alp. Alp starts getting concerned for everyone at Ueno, and Touji asks if he's going to stay there even if he could do something to help. He also points out that it's possible he'll never seen anyone at Ueno again.

The possibility makes Alp grab onto his costume, and he has a flashback of the other Ueno people helping him make his Frankenstein costume. Cu Sith talks about putting everything Alp wants to be into the costume since he doesn't have to settle for just one. Jambavan is helping with the head piece, then says it's cute and looks good on Alp. Fenrir talks about it being a patchwork of many dreams to make the ideal beast, which he calls a great idea and wants to touch too. Leib turns out to be the one to suggest that Alp call his costume the Fluffy Frankenstein if he wants fluff to be a part of it, and he fishes for compliments on his naming sense.

Back to the present, Alp thinks aloud about how everyone helped with his costume and how everyone supported him as the organizer. He wanted to be proud of his costume and show it off to people, and Alp talks about how he doesn't want to say goodbye to anyway yet and still has tons to say to them. He wipes away the tears welling up in his eyes and turns towards the school, so you say you guys should go to everyone and it's time for the Halloween Police to roll out.

Touji approves of Alp wanting to go back and cuts the rope, surprising Alp. Touji says he's acquitting him, though he notes that there wasn't a crime to begin with. He then says he'll contact his senpais at Kioh Academy and tell them the cancellation call was misinformation, and you nod to Touji and/or tell Alp it's time to run. Alp says he understands and says nothing will start without him, and the episode half ends as the three of you head back to Ueno Academy.

Halloween Police Episode 2 Part 3

Touji starts asking Alp if he's calmed down now, but Alp doesn't answer. Touji then tries suggesting he talk and explain things, because nothing will change if he stays quiet. Hotei also tries asking Alp what happened to make him act like this after how excitable he was yesterday. Touji tells you guys Alp acted like this earlier in front of Kioh Academy, what with him yelling and crying about wanting to be arrested. Touji couldn't bring himself to leave him alone, and if Alp hasn't actually done anything wrong he couldn't be arrested anyway. But since Alp has been so insistent he went with the rope thing, and Touji says his senpai will call him if something comes up when a phone ringing cuts him off.

Hotei says the timing is convenient and prompts Touji to answer it, but Touji says it's not his phone that's ringing. Maria realizes it's actually hers, then gets curious about Arslan calling as she picks it up. Arslan is flustered when he asks if Maria is there, so Maria asks why he's so worked up. Arslan says things have gotten worse, then asks if the Halloween Police are with her. Hotei can hear him and answers that they're there, arbitrarily deciding now that he's the Halloween Police's teacher. Arslan nods at this and tries to remember what promise they made for times like this, but Managarm bursts into the chapel to tell Maria they have an emergency with a weird prankster gang causing havoc. Arslan hears Managarm, then yells for the Halloween Police to show up.

Scene shifts to the event area at Daikanyama as Gabriel yells about being caught, though she doesn't really get how things got to that point. A Hero trickster dramatically laughs and asks if people are having fun playing tricks, then he and the other two tricksters with him yell their stupid catchphrase of "trick yay!" Managarm demands to know who the little brats are as well as Gabriel's return.

Trickster Silver declares that they are part of the Halloween Bad Brats Brigade, prepare for trouble and make it double when they fill the city with pranks! Yellow rants about how the kids of today are fed up with things like studying, exercise, school, cram school, and teachers. Purple says they're going to blow off that stress with tricks and treats, and Silver brags that the pranks of brats are heug u gais and that their catchphrase is trick yay!

Managarm sympathizes with the mobs and says he's had times when he felt as trapped and miserable as the kids, then asks if they're just going through their rebellious phase. Silver yells to Managarm that he's going to ignore his on-point commentary just for today, so Azazel comments he must be right. The party arrives around this point as Maria asks what's going on and who the kids are. Arslan is glad to see you all, then explains that the kids are a group of prank-playing tricksters.

You express shock at the idea of a gang of kids coming together to make a team of pranksters and/or ask Azathoth if they're connected to him in any way. Azathoth laughs at how things are heating up and asks if they're some sort of kiddie prankster resistance. He denies being involved with them and doesn't even know who they are. The kids however recognize him and call him a legendary prankster. They've heard about what happened at Yoyogi and are amazed he can toy with adults. They say they started doing what they're doing after seeing what Azathoth did and yell their catchphrase. Azathoth parrots it back, baffled himself.

Hotei notes that Azathoth influenced the kids, so Azathoth laughs about being bigger than a last boss, so he just oozes charisma everywhere. Silver then declares they're going to try pulling a prank that'll make them a legend too and break them out of their frustrating everyday lives. They spout their catchphrase once more, pulling out water guns, BB guns, and paper shurikens. This also somehow causes some vending machines to beep up and parrot their catchphrase and move around. Randos witnessing this react in shock to the machines moving on their own, and you are taken aback as you ask if that's also their doing, note that it doesn't seem to be Hotei's work, and/or ask why this is happening.

As the tricksters start making a mess of things, random mob children take notice that everyone else is running rather than getting mad, so they start getting ideas about rejecting candy to play as many tricks as they want. Azathoth finds this mildly impressive, saying the tricksters are influencing people even if they aren't do so as strongly as he did. Maria however says the more important thing going on is the vending machines. Hotei complains that they're stealing his schtick, which prompts Azathoth to comment on his priorities.

Hotei says if the kids want candy, then he'll give them some. He puts on his vending machine form on and starts firing stuff out from the pickup slot. When Silver catches the candy, he asks what it is, then says he's done with pumpkin candy and rejects it in favor of playing tricks. The others follow suit, though there's a note of hesitation on their end. You either get frustrated at this not working, say the kids seem like they were born to play tricks, or note that standard sweets don't have enough of a punch.

Hotei switches back out of his vending machine form, then tries throwing Ebisu's Ebisu-maki. Silver is baffled at it and says it's not Halloweeny at all. Hotei tries to point out that it's like a mummy, then encourages the kids to eat them. Silver gets pissy as he calls it just a hot dog wrapped in white, leading Hotei to yell about kids these days having discerning eyes and tastes. Silver gets offended at being underestimated for being a kid, so he leads the other two in playing more tricks. Managarm demands the kids give him back the candid photos of Gabriel they took, then tells them stop pulling on his tail so hard. Azazel tries telling them the Lord sees all, then asks them to stop pulling on his chains. Kimun says he can't give them much more without issues and he tells them to wait, but they apparently tug at his clothes some more or something.

Silver laughs and asks how their pranks are, then pushes his teammates to play tricks on the vending machines now. You note that stopping these outrageous tricks is to give them treats, but you ask how you guys can do that. Ebisu finally catches up to the party by now, panting as he says he's bad at running. Hotei reacts to him in surprise, then starts asking if him being back means what he thinks it means. Ebisu confirms that he's done with his True Ebisu-maki, commenting that he got through it like he had several hands. He also knows what's happening, so he says you guys need to stop the tricksters. Maria asks if he can make it work, so Ebisu confirms but says you guys need to tire them out first. He'll take over from there and asks for everyone's help, so you agree and say there's only one thing to do.

Ebisu passes a message from Zabaniya about how that one thing they've talked about earlier is ready to go whenever. Maria is glad to hear that, saying it made it in time from Kamata. She then turns to Hotei to ask him to do the motto catchphrase, so Hotei agrees and thanks Maria. Azathoth laughs to himself and considers aloud about what he'll do, so you turn to him and ask for his help. Azathoth is surprised by this and tells you he may or may not have said at one point that he's a wall that stands in front of you guys. You then ask what he thinks about pretending to be your ally and say that'd be a cool plot twist too, so Azathoth laughs about how well you know him. On further thought, joining you guys on a whim sounds kinda fun actually, so he pulls a police badge out of a rift in space saying he's borrowing it from someone figuring this would happen.

Time passes as Zabaniya turns up and informs Arslan he's arrived. Arslan is glad he's there, then asks what that thing in his hand is. Zabaniya answers that he doesn't know, but Maria told him to turn it on when Hotei gives the signal. Arslan is confused by this, but Hotei tells everyone to put their badges up into the air. Everyone acts like a police sentai squad calling out their transformations, and on cue Zabaniya turns on his floodlight or whatever on the party.

Hotei quickly passes everyone their Halloween Police uniform, then acts like a TV show narrator once everyone's changed. Azathoth plays along with the hero team setting, then laughs about how multiplayer can be fun sometimes. Maria declares that she won't let tricks and thievery go unchecked, and Ebisu declares he'll make the kids say they want his special treat. Silver reacts to the party revealing themselves to be the Halloween Police with utter seriousness, and he says they've been tricked if the Legendary Prankster is joining them too. Azathoth laughs that he let himself be tricked since that's what Halloween is all about. Silver is offended at this deception of their poor innocent hearts, then declares their gang will play a special trick on you guys, and the episode battle begins as Alp reacts in surprise at seeing the tricksters. More happens after that.

After the battle Silver bristles at being beaten, and he starts to say he's trained at sports before stopping himself there and saying he'll pull all the pranks. Azathoth laughs at him asking if he's tired, noting his will to play tricks has been broken down. You attempt to ask Azathoth to act more like an actual police officer since he's sounding pretty villainous himself there. He just looks abashed as he does another quiet laugh.

The tricksters sigh about being hungry enough that they can't move, so Hotei points this out to Ebisu and asks if he has a plan. Ebisu readies himself and gets things rolling by throwing his wrapped sausages into the air. Hotei complains that he hasn't done anything differently with them, but Ebisu says he's worked them more than before and signals to Zabaniya. Zabaniya says he'll help as another person dressed up as a mummy, then uses the work duty burner the Missionaries have lying around to fire off flames to cook the Ebisu-maki, searing them off in an instant. The batter wrappings get sweeter and look more like old bandages as a result. Azathoth decides to pitch in too by using his teleportation ability to pull a disappearing trick on the food.

The mobs complain about the Ebisu-maki disappearing since they wanted it, and narration talks about how something that was nearly attainable but suddenly isn't catches attention. Arslan walks up laughing saying it's a payback trick, then hands them the Ebisu-maki that got teleported into his hands. Silver starts to complain that regular treats won't work on them, but upon further inspection he sees it wasn't the same thing he was given earlier. The batter wrapping is a crisp light brown in color with pumpkin seeds used to make eyes, and an upside down triangle has been carved in as a mouth to look like a smile.

Yellow asks if the thing is a mummy, then asks about it smiling. Purple tries to assert that it won't be enough to convince him, but then he notices that his looks different than Yellow's. Ebisu says that is what his True Ebisu-maki is and encourages them to take the batter wrapping off as they eat it., having changed back into his mummy costume at some point. Purple says it smells nice from the openings, then asks if he's supposed to eat that. Yellow is disappointed that his wrapping breaks when he tries pulling it apart, so Purple laughs that he did a better job.

Ebisu explains that the sausage meats he used are bologna, lyoner, and frankfurters, then tells the kids to look forward to the sauce he worked into them. The kids bite into the sausages, then react in surprise to the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that hit their tongues. Ebisu looks nervous as he awaits their verbal reactions, then bows as he introduces himself to them and asks what they think. The tricksters coordinate their answer, and on the count of three shout Happy Halloween.

You think on this being Ebisu's take on Halloween expression and note that taste isn't everything to it. Hotei laughs that the kids and Ebisu are all smiling, and Maria compliments Ebisu for making a great Halloween dish. She asks in surprises if he managed to get it all done himself, but Azathoth laughs that Ebisu has plenty of hands to help him because He's Not Alone. Ebisu never really answers the question as he thanks the kids for accepting his food, then laughs as he asks the kids to show him what to do on Halloween for times like this. Silver tries to act proud as he thinks on it, then says he'll let him off there before thanking Ebisu for the food. The kids then say this isn't the end of things since there's a rumor about the Top Pranksters who equal the legend. If the seven of them rise up against you, who knows what will happen?

You wonder who the people the trickster is talking about are, but the kids decide to run off at this point and thank Ebisu again for the food, smiling happily. Hotei goes back to playing TV narrator as he narrates how the tricks have stopped and peace has returned to Daikanyama. He thanks the party for their efforts, narrates how they'll set out again to protect the peace, then tells people to tune in next time as he beatboxes a closing tune.

Some time later Ebisu talks about how he tried to look at Halloween with his own sort of expressions, and he thought it would be nice if everyone was happy. He doesn't know for sure if there's anything underneath that, but he at least wanted things up top to be all smiles. He did his best to show that, have a reality within that people would want to look at, and put a wonderful look on it like a mummy hoping that smiles will come someday to Halloween. Zabaniya tells Ebisu he did great and compliments his cooking, so Ebisu laughs and says he's glad an excellent mummy like him would say that to him.

Maria thanks everyone for what they've done, then asks what you'll do from here. Hotei figures the party may as well go to Ueno since they're supposed to open next on the schedule. Touji comments that it seems like things are done for now, then says the Halloween Bad Brats Brigade is a stupid name. Alp tries to ask everyone to listen to what he knows about the kids, but Touji apologizes and says he needs to speak first. He just got a message from his senpai, and he reads out that Ueno has cancelled their Halloween festival to Alp's shock as the episode ends.

Halloween Police Episode 2 Part 2

Scene tunes in over at Daikanyama Academy in Shibuya, going full swing ahead with its Halloween festivities. The school-organized customary festival has tons of visitors like usual, and as busy as it is it also has a calm, dignified mood to it as well. Hotei coos over how amazing it is here too with everyone smiling. Yoyogi had its energy, but Daikanyama is more relaxed. Hotei nods about how he likes both as smiles are everywhere.

Maria thanks Hotei, saying it's an honor that he's enjoying everything. She explains that the event is both for enjoying Halloween, but also themed after the original harvest festival and repose of souls the holiday had. The ideas are brought together with all the food and sweets being offered, and there's a play being put on by the students and volunteers. If there's anything you like, feel free to take it.

Elsewhere, Arslan is playing around as Frankenstein and asking for candy. Children are enjoying this and give him some, so Arslan approves, says he'll stop playing tricks, and suggests eating the candy together. The children agree to this, and Hotei notices that Touji isn't around and asks about him. You note that it's unusual for him to be late, decide to send a text, and/or shrug that he'll show up eventually.

Time passes as Maria leads you guys further inside to a break area for the event. Tables covered in orange tablecloths and antique benches have been set up for people. Maria invites you guys to sit down as she has some tea and snacks ready. You comment on how nice the atmosphere is there since everyone is having fun and tricks aren't a problem. Maria says it is for now, but it is a little worrying if you think about what happened yesterday at Yoyogi. Hotei agrees, saying what happened there was pretty much impossible to prevent. Maria says the school staff are keeping watch in Daikanyama too just in case, though she stops herself as she sets down some tea and snacks.

Azathoth warps in, laughing about seeing all the cookies and pies around. They're so standard, but he's starting to want some. He also asks if he can have a stamina drink instead of tea, then pouts when there isn't any. You react in shock to him suddenly appearing and complain about him not doing so unannounced, but Azathoth argues that he is haxx and the best at stealth games. Today he's playing solo though, and he stops for a second to say how good the cookies are. Hotei starts giving him more and asks for him to stop playing tricks now, but Azathoth jokes about being whimsical and might do so anyway even after accepting the sweets, which then causes Maria to react in dismay.

You ask Azathoth if he's not actually planning on playing tricks here, so Azathoth quickly tells you to relax and say it's all cool. He just wants to play around like a regular person, so Maria thanks him and offers to get him more cookies. She stands up and goes to collect said cookies from a nearby table, then quickly returns and passes them to Azathoth. They're Halloween seasonal items, and if Azathoth likes them then she'll be happy. Azathoth laughs about how good they are and is glad he came out for this event.

You think aloud about taking Azathoth at his word since he seems to be having fun. Hotei agrees, then prompts Azathoth to try some of the stuff Ebisu made. Azathoth is thrilled at that and says fat guys really are generous people. Hotei laughs and brags that his belly isn't just for show, though the subject reminds him that Ebisu has been doing something else since you guys got here and wonders what that is.

Ebisu returns in a mummy outfit, saying he dressed because it is Halloween and asking what you guys think of it. Hotei applauds Ebisu for getting into the spirit of things and says the mummy outfit looks good, though he does ask why he'd pick that. Ebisu brings up the food he made the day before, which he styled after mummies. He figured he might as well try dressing up the part himself to see what it'd be like. He's kind of embarrassed, but he figured he might as well go all the way because of the holiday. Hotei is surprised as he says Ebisu is the passive type, and Ebisu asks for your opinion and mentions he had someone else in a mummy costume help him dress up. You either say the bandages look good, cool and cute, or decide to start pulling on a bandage. In A, Ebisu asks if that's a compliment but is flattered anyway. In B, Ebisu is embarrassed since he's not used to being told either of those things. In C, Ebisu is shocked as he tells you to stop doing that in front of everyone.

Azathoth compliments Ebisu's outfit too, saying that accessory he's wearing is bringing his charm up a level. Ebisu asks if he's talking about the necklace he's wearing, but the topic makes him remember that he doesn't know where he got it from. Azathoth just laughs and claps as he looks at the dark shining necklace...

Some time later, Hotei comments that it's getting loud and realizes the noise is getting closer. Maria is on the phone thanking whoever is talking to her about the update, then informs you guys that Touji has finally made it to Daikanyama. He shows up with Alp, apologizing for being late and fumbling for the words to explain what's going on. Alp dejectedly apologizes after a beat.

You tell Touji that you guys have been waiting for him, happily note that Alp is in costume, or ask if something happened. Alp just barely responds audibly, and he is noticeably different from how excitable he usually is. Ebisu apprehensively asks if the ropes wrapped around Alp's wrists like makeshift handcuffs are part of his costume, but Alp denies it. Hotei freaks out about how heavy the mood is, and Maria attempts to ask Touji and Alp for an explanation for all of this. Touji admits he's not sure either since Alp has been like this the whole time, and Alp starts mumbling something as you point out.

Alp tells you guys he has a favor to ask, so Azathoth encourages him to speak up and get it all out there into the general chat with all caps or bold font or whatever to emphasize it. Alp then yells that he wants to be arrested, shocking everyone including Azathoth present. You either react in shock at the request, say everyone is starting to look over, or joke that you will arrest him. C gets an extra line from Hotei freaking out and saying everyone is looking over.

Alp talks about how his dance made a mess of things, then yells about how this is a police matter and the work of the devil. If it isn't put on that level, then it'd be an insult to everyone at his school. Azathoth asks if Alp is talking about him when he said devil, so you say no and bribe him with candy to sit back down. Azathoth cheers about the pumpkin sweets you give him, and Alp starts yelling again about wanting to be arrested, punished, and savaged body and soul. Touji attempts to shush him, but Alp's outburst is attracting a crowd to Ebisu's shock. Maria says you guys need to move away and leads you all to a staff area, so you pull Alp along and wonder what happened with him. He trails along, continuing to wail about wanting to be arrested and crying.

Time passes as the party heads into Daikanyama's campus and Zabaniya waves you guys over to him. Zabaniya calls to Maria to the chapel, and Maria thanks him before telling you guys to watch your step before going inside. Once the party is in, Zabaniya informs you guys that Arslan and Managarm are working to calm the disturbance at the event area. The commotion should pass soon enough, so he asks that you guys wait there for now. There's also going to be vendors and people involved with the play and parade they're doing here too, and he asks that you guys bear with that. You sigh in relief and thank Zabaniya, say you guys will be sitting there for now, or note that you see familiar faces are around.

Alice comments on how noisy things are to you as she calls you Assistant #2, and she asks if the Queen's soldiers chased you in here. Volos is also there as he notes that you guys seem tired and offers sweets made from his veggies somehow. Hotei thanks Hotei for the snacks and accepts them, then apologizes for any noise the party makes while they're resting. Alice however comments that Halloween is a time for everyone to be festive and see dreams. No one knows what will happen, and nothing is out of the realm of possibility, so she says things are fine since this is also Halloween.

Hotei says he doesn't understand, but he'll take Alice at her word and relax. Alice offers some wonderful pumpkin juice that Assistant #1 made. There's also pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake, pumpkin chocolate, and pumpkin pudding too if you want any. Azathoth is baffled at all the pumpkin goodies, then says he's tired of them all. Alice is surprised by this, so Azathoth complains that pumpkins are everywhere. They're good, but the flavor profile being full on sweet is getting to him. He demands something new and threatens to play tricks if he doesn't get anything. You get alarmed at this, sigh that he's been munching on sweets nonstop, or ask in concern if there's anything else.

Alice acts mildly concerned and says that the only other thing available is bear meat as she looks to Assistant #1. Volos is put off and politely tries asking Alice to not say alarming things while looking at him. Hotei then asks Ebisu if he brought his test dish, which he only knows of as that wrapped up thingy. Ebisu quickly nods and asks Maria for a kitchen he can borrow, so Maria agrees and asks Zabaniya to show him the way. Zabaniya in turn agrees, saying it's a simplistic one if that's okay.

Time passes to the point where Ebisu comes back with his wrapped sausages, and Azathoth is pleased as he starts biting into them. Azathoth asks what the dish is called, then shrugs as he asks for more. Hotei cheers about Ebisu being successful, and Ebisu laughs in relief before asking everyone else to have a taste if they feel like it. He also encourages Alp to take one, and Alp agrees even while depressed.

Alice says she thought it was a regular old sausage wrap, but she can see it's beyond that now that she's had one as she compliments Ebisu for surprising her. Volos compliments how juicy and delicious it is, and Ebisu looks sad as he comments on how cooking is supposed to be like this. You comment that he's getting good reviews, notice that Ebisu doesn't look happy, then ask him about it.

Ebisu answers that he is happy, but he's also having a really hard time understanding something. He thought that having something salty would go over well since there's so many sweet things around, but so far children and randos aren't showing much interest. He wonders what he's missing with it. Zabaniya has one, saying it's delicious and observing that it's using mummies as a motif. Ebisu confirms that, but he repeats he feels he's still missing something like Halloween specific charm, so Zabaniya goes "I see."

Ebisu talks about being confident in the Ebisu-maki's taste, but it doesn't seem like it'll become a Halloween standard at this rate. He starts wondering aloud what the essence of a mummy is and what being Halloweeny really means. Alice takes an interest in the topic and offers to lend her wisdom as a Halloween detective, so you excitedly say you were waiting for this and plead for Alice's help.

Alice says she needs to back the conversation up a bit to talk about why people like the mummy costume motif for Halloween. She asks what you think, telling you that you can say anything no matter how foolish it may be. You either suggest it's because it's not everyday wear, that being unable to identify what something really is would be scary, or say that they're fascinating. C gets an extra line of Zabaniya thanking you shyly and asking if you were complimenting him.

Anyways Alice says that the mummy being unusual and scary over being unidentifiable are good answers, then gives you a backhanded compliment. She talks about how Halloween is a special festival where fearsome avatars of death come to the world of the living. And then there's the living who dress up like the dead with their hearts racing, hoping they won't get found out. The excitement of life and death brushing against each other with just a bandage to separate them attracts all~.

Ebisu thinks about this idea of excitement, and Alice talks more as she rhetorically asks which side someone dressed as a mummy belongs to. Wanting to see what they look like underneath the wrappings but being unable to just draws your attention in! And maybe some people will mistake that for love. That extreme sort of excitement is the charm of a mummy, and she asks if Ebisu understands anything now. She also adds that putting a dark vampire girl and a bright detective girl together makes both even more charming.

Ebisu seems doubtful but thanks Alice. Zabaniya talks about how people living now forget about death while going through their daily lives. But if they don't know about death, then they won't know the meaning of life either and the value of the lives within themselves. Ebisu starts getting the idea of wanting to see what's hidden from that, then looks at his wrapped sausages again. Ebisu then has something of an epiphany for what to do and tells you he can make it work now. He claps his hands together, and you get the feeling you saw the shadows of many hands behind his back. You then either happily note that Ebisu seems to have an idea now, or you freak out about seeing a lot of dark hands just now coming from his necklace before wondering if you imagined it. The latter has Ebisu asking in surprise what you're talking about before moving on. Anyways, Ebisu tells you he's thought of something and is going to try it out. He then turns to Volos to ask him a question. When Volos asks in some surprise what it is, Ebisu asks if he can prepare some ingredients for him as the episode part ends.

Halloween Police Episode 2 Part 1

We start off with Hotei sleeptalking and asking someone to not wake him up. He wakes up of course wondering where he is, noting that the place he's in is both familiar and not. He tries calling out to see if anyone is around, and when he hears a voice he decides to walk over towards it.

Hotei eventually wanders over to find a shadow bemoaning and muttering something to itself, calling itself a (Buddhist?) monk who's done something foolish and shameless. He doesn't remember how much charity he's received anymore, and he doesn't care anymore about how many favors he repaid with spite. He laments how big and heavy his bag has gotten.

Hotei doesn't seem to hear anything the shadow monk is talking about as he casually asks what it's doing there all alone. He offers to hear it out, but the monk ignores him as he says he just wanted to repay the favors done for him and return the kindness people have shown him. So many people have been good to him, even when they were poor and suffering themselves. Hotei nods about how nice it is for people to show you kindness, but the monk shadow continues on saying he wanted to save people no matter what, even if his body were to rot away. Hotei is a little put off by how the conversation isn't really a conversation, but he comments that they must have some sort of fate together to meet like this and asks for the monk's name. The monk talks about how people came to him seeking help, and everyone called him ___, the wanderer who holds mercy and gratitude in his bag.

Hotei wakes up for real this time, complaining loudly first about how he couldn't hear the part that was important, and then about how he was dreaming after all. He then decides to stop thinking about it for now and plops back down to sleep again. Ebisu runs into the room having heard the noise and asks in concern if Hotei was having a nightmare, but he comes in to find Hotei sleeptalking about someone being bad at being the straight man. Ebisu is relieved it’s nothing serious as he laughs and sighs about Hotei catching a cold if he leaves his stomach exposed.

Ebisu starts thinking back to his time on the Treasure Ship, where he, Benten, Bishamon, Hotei, and the other Lucky Gods toured around various worlds. They all originally came from different places and different faiths, but they just happened to get together to form a crew to go on a gig of sorts. So of course, there were times where they split off into smaller groups rather than go as a whole group of seven. For example, sometimes Fukurokuju and Juroujin would pair up as the South Pole☆Combination and Bishamon would work elsewhere as part of Team Four Heavenly Kings. The members are replaceable, so it can be similar to big name Japanese idol groups. The essence of that stays the same with Benten and her new improv band the Viral Dreamers.

Ebisu talks to himself about how he's paired off with Daikoku a lot, but he realizes while thinking on the subject that he can't remember why he paired with him. He gets the feeling that it has to do with some kind of fate, but when he tries to remember about things from that period of time, he has holes in his memories here and there. Ebisu just can't think of it, but he decides it must be because it was so long ago. He then remembers he was in the middle of thinking through his new dish when he came to investigate some noise, so he returns back to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen area, Ebisu sits back down and thinks about what Durga had said to him before he left Yoyogi earlier. A flashback plays of Durga's comments, and after that's done Ebisu comments to himself that the presentation must be lacking. His regular work as a cook has already reminded him of it, but he's lacking in a lot of things. Plenty of people tell him his food tastes great, but it just seems to be missing something appearance-wise. Ebisu wonders what he can do about his shortcomings, and he takes a bite of his sausage wrap. It's a decent mix of sweet and salty that spreads across his tongue, a taste even he believes is good. Ebisu then wonders aloud what he's missing, thinking of taste, texture, scent, appearance, or simplicity among other things. He decides that just worrying about it won't get him anywhere, so he moves to make a few different patterns. Not long after he gets up though, he starts getting drowsy and falls asleep.

Ebisu then tunes into Azathoth's mental realm or whatever and freaks out, asking where he is since he was just in the kitchen. The place is described as filled with the scent of death, a lonely isolated place that could be described as the edge of the world. Ebisu then comments in surprise that the place seems familiar somehow, like there's a sort of loneliness to it he's felt something similar to.

Azathoth floats on over or whatever jokingly welcoming Ebisu to his dream. Ebisu is remarkably calm and casual as he greets Azathoth, telling him it's dangerous to be walking around outside so late. Azathoth chides him to act more surprised as he laughs, so Ebisu apologizes and asks him to go on. Azathoth comments on Ebisu being used to things and says he was going to make a dramatic show of things, but he decides to just dispense with it and say "I present this to thee."

Azathoth tosses over some warped polyhedral necklace at Ebisu. Upon closer inspection there looks to be some sort of dark hand inside it squirming and wriggling around like it's trying to invite someone in. The necklace feels like it's made of the darkness itself, like the opposite of the shining sky. Ebisu asks Azathoth about the necklace, saying it looks pretty but also ominous. Azathoth says he can't be bothered to play tutorial for him, but he does tell him to learn how to use items and equip the thing as he calls it rare, important, and something he can't throw away. He also decides to make a sound effect with his mouth since this is like one of those Dragon Quest cursed items you can't take off.

Ebisu freaks out and tries to ask Azathoth to let him back out of taking the thing, but Azathoth tries talking him into taking it since he thought he was familiar with the necklace. Ebisu tries to protest, but upon looking at the "hand" or whatever closely, he ends up speaking the words Ama no Sakate (Heavenly Reverse Clapping) without thinking about it, words he shouldn't have known. Azathoth cackles and says he knows nothing, then asks if that's what Ebisu internally calls the thing. Ebisu however doesn't seem to be aware of what he said and attempts to ask Azathoth for an explanation. Azathoth opts to peace out having said what he wanted to say, leaving Ebisu to wake up long enough to yell about it all being a dream before falling asleep once again.

Title card pops up, and this episode is called A Strong Enemy Appears! We are the Halloween Bad Brats Brigade!

It is now the day after the Halloween training meeting and we tune in to just before noon as we leave the school stuff to our classmates to go visit a certain little eatery. Specifically, the little restaurant Ebisu lives in and works at that has a decent base of regulars. You call out good morning, saying you came to pick Ebisu up and can smell food being heated up. Ebisu calls back to you from inside, asking you to wait as he comes out. Once he does get outside, Ebisu greets you good morning, though he wonders if he should be saying good afternoon given what time it is. He just got lunch done though, and he waves you in saying he made some for you too.

Once you enter the restaurant, Hotei is there in his vending machine getup speaking robo-speak at you about how food gives you energy and how you guys should do your best today too. He also robospeaks about how good miso soup is. You either express surprise at a vending machine drinking miso soup, or you casually greet Hotei. In the former (AB), Hotei keeps the robo-speak up as he laughs about you being surprised and says drinking soup like that is hard, man. In the latter (C), Hotei complains about you ignoring all the work he put into this to get a reaction. Either way, Hotei takes off the disguise and actually greets you before saying he'll go ahead and eat. Ebisu sighs about how Hotei finally took his getup off, saying he was waiting all day for a reaction before he'd take it off. But never mind that, it's time for Ebisu's limited time daily special!

Time skips to after the meal where Hotei thanks Ebisu for the food and says it's been a while since he had such a luxurious meal. He then starts bugging Ebisu for tea, who gets reminded of something first but passes the tea over warning him it's hot. You ask Hotei why he chooses to dress up as a vending machine, so Hotei starts ranting about how vending machines are things he's never seen before that can do anything. Pick whatever you like and it'll give it to you, and that makes it a present day grab bag that suits him perfectly! Okay so you do need money for it to work since nothing is free in life, but whatever. Hotei then gets to his tea and promptly burns himself.

You say you sort do and don't get what he's getting at, but you do see how into it he is. Hotei says it's more of an inspiration, which is good enough for an explanation. He then changes the subject to ask Ebisu for some dessert. Ebisu says giving blessings is something that fits Hotei, then asks if matcha tea ice cream is okay. Hotei thanks him and takes it, then asks Ebisu if he finished the thing he asked him for before they leave. Ebisu confirms, noting he's talking about the Halloween sweets he managed to finish in time. He does give a little awkward laugh as he wonders if you guys can carry it out though.

Ebisu takes a moment to bring out a carryout box filled with his handmade sweets meant to stop children from playing tricks. Hotei is shocked at how big the box is, saying the thing practically reaches the ceiling as he rubs Ebisu's stomach. Ebisu is embarrassed about making too many since he got into things making Western sweets after so long, then finally processes the stomach rubbing and gets mad about it. It's him that did all that work, not his stomach, thank you.

You wonder aloud how you'll take the box along, say this is about as much as a wholesaler's, or suggest not taking everything with you. Ebisu says he did his best to make it all stuff that can last for some time, so he starts suggesting just carrying out what you guys can actually carry. Hotei however steps up to say it's time for his bag to be put to use, surprising Ebisu. Hotei says he'll put all the sweets into his bag, and you are surprised as he proceeds to do just that.

Hotei gets smug as he fishes for compliments and shows off his bag, and Ebisu is taken aback at how forceful he is. Hotei explains his bag has the ability to store anything regardless of its size and weight. You are either impressed, surprised as you ask if that's actually a thing, or shocked as you ask if it's like a certain someone ignoring physics the same way. Hotei goes on to say that things stay the same freshness they went in with, but the bag itself is still as soft and springy as it looks. It's also comfy to sleep on no matter where you are, and every household should have one. Prices to come after the commercial! You either note that Hotei pulled out police uniforms out of the bag or point out that the bag must be expensive. If you go with the latter, Hotei starts saying you can get a good deal if you act now before he stops himself from getting swept up into things, saying it's not actually for sale.

Anyways, Hotei shrugs as he says he doesn't really know how his artifact works, but it's the only one he has. Ebisu is surprised at this comment, but Hotei prompts you guys that it's time to go before you're all late. You get a message from Touji at this point which you are curious about, and Hotei starts calling him a stuffy frowny police dude. He's so conscientious to contact you guys even though you'll be meeting soon, Hotei laughs. The episode part then ends as Ebisu talks to himself how odd it is for Hotei to say he only has his bag artifact since he had more when they were on the treasure ship.

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 10: Invisible Arm

A government official is on air talking about how the whole city is under attack by Monsters and there is an emergency evacuation order being put out. All citizens are asked to please head to their nearest shelter to bunker down in. Out in the streets, the Monsters are screeching and approaching, and some mafia dudes are screaming in terror as they try to escape. They feel that they have no chance against them, so they're abandoning the fight to prioritize their own lives. Mafia Yellow attempts to reprimand them into staying, but he freaks out at the monsters approaching too. A random citizen tells him (or somebody else) to stop standing there until they too freak out about monsters being too close. A child cries, and a lady demands to know why the train station is closed up as she bangs on the door. The people are running scared, as are the heroes with no faith in their abilities. Sirens ring endlessly over the sounds of screams and destruction, and the city is a portrait of hell itself.

The party enters the city around this point, and Ryekie comments on how terrible it is, though he saw it coming. He's aghast that there are heroes running from the battle, but Mokdai sympathizes saying he'd have run too if he wasn't determined to fight. Sui points out that driving is supposed to be prohibited during evacuations, so she asks why people still tried to do so. Akashi points out that they're desperate and panicking, so they're in no shape to keep that in mind. Huckle says it's times like these that people want to pack their things into their car and get as close as they can to where they're going, but there's nothing to be done about that. Crowne still has some parts on her, but she warns the party that she won't be able to do much in repairs so everyone should be careful while battling.

The party pushes forward and through the crowds of panicking people towards the battle zones, and you start seeing the Monster's tentacle crushing buildings left and right and destroying a view you've come to familiarize yourself with. You express your sadness and horror at this, so Monomasa advises you to not look too much at at. He's heard that an Observer's abilities are highly dependent on their mental state, so stressing yourself like this too much will also affect the people going out to fight as well as yourself.

Melide gives a cry as she gets jostled by some random citizen, so Yoshiori catches her, asks if she's okay, and comments on the people losing sight of things around then at this point. He tells her to hang tight onto him since normal people will walk right through him. Melide does so, thanking Yoshiori. Yoshiori then asks if she can sense Exio around, but Melide says she doesn't. She only feels the three Observers present between you all, though an Observer on Exio's level would be something she could sense from some distance away. Yoshiori is disappointed and notes they'll just have to be patient and search around for him. He swears to find Exio before Crowne Alter does since his life is on the line, and Melide agrees.

Eventually the party reaches one of the front lines against the Monster swarms in the city, and there you find Barrel getting slammed by the giant Monster's tentacle and coughing from the impact. Gammei calls out to Barrel in concern, and Victom says they can't see where the attacks are coming so they can't avoid it. Furlong calls out to Victom that one of the buildings behind and to the left of them is coming down, and Victom is taken aback as he says he'll never be able to throw a defense up in time. Maculata says she'll take care of it, but the tentacle ends up knocking her aside before she can do so. Barrel calls out to her and is frustrated he's unable to hold his guns right, but Furlong tells him to not push himself because he's been damaged to the point he can barely see anything. You call out to Barrel, Maculata, or the group in general. A gets an extra bit of Barrel recognizing you by your voice and asking if you're there, apologizing because he can't see well. B instead has Maculata noting you guys came to help, and she thanks you before coughing a few times.

Anyways, Akashi is shocked speechless at how the group is. Gammei is relieved you guys showed up but trails off, so Huckle says they can tell how awful it is and how they seem to be at their limits. Furlong apologizes, saying they hung in there for an hour but things never really turned around. Victom says they can't land any attacks on the main body and can't tell where it's coming from. The smaller Monsters spawn in while that's been happening, so they go and destroy those, but it just loops back to where they started. Maculata says they're exhausted, and she notes if they keep going someone's going to die eventually as she looks towards Barrel.

Ryekie quietly assures them that you guys can handle this, then asks them to go get themselves some medical attention. Sui tries to talk to Maculata but can't come up with anything. Maculata apologizes to her, saying she didn't want to let her see how badly off she is. Sui however says it's fine, promising to fill in for her and asking her to rest. Maculata gives a little laugh about how reliable Sui's gotten and thanks her. Gammei apologizes about not being any condition to fight himself now that Barrel is doing badly, but that said he's barely standing himself. Barrel starts crying in frustration over how the fight went, but Gammei tells him to stop since he did plenty. He then lends his shoulder to Barrel, so Barrel thanks him as he accepts the help, bleeding from the head and unsteady on his feet.

Mokdai expresses concern for Barrel, and Furlong apologizes as he says they'll be leaving since UEHA's main office has put out an order to withdraw for now. Maculata says she'll take you guys up on your suggestions and bow out too, though she's reluctant to do so. Ryekie says they'll pick things up for them, assuring the group that you guys have six heroes still ready to go. Monomasa stays silent at that.

Gammei asks Huckle who the villain gang is, noting he feels like he's seen some of them before. As it is though, he can't think of anything. Huckle fumbles around for an answer to give him, so Monomasa speaks up and says they can't reveal their affiliation but assures Gammei they're allies. Yoshiori also adds that they won't stab them in the back, so Gammei decides to leave it at that and entrust them with things before he passes out. Furlong calls out to him in concern, and Victom tells him to carry Gammei while he'll take Barrel. Barrel is ashamed at his condition. Crowne tries to talk to Maculata but can't come up with anything, and Maculata asks Crowne to make sure Sui doesn't push herself too far before stumbling off with the UEHA heroes. Crowne worries about how badly Maculata was beaten since she's never seen her so damaged before. Akashi says the same thing about Barrel, and Mokdai says that those are signs of how crazy strong the Monster you guys are up against is.

Melide is alarmed as she senses something and warns the party an attack is coming. You are taken by surprise as a building behind you is destroyed by the giant Monster's tentacle. It slowly rises, then shrinks. Akashi calls out to you asking if you're okay and talking about how the building collapsed without anything touching it. Mokdai then notes that you and Melide are the only ones who can see the thing. He asks you guys what the Monster looks like and why it suddenly attacked.

You answer that the giant Monster is extending a tentacle out and flailing around with it. Crowne has to ask for clarification if you mean like an octopus tentacle, but Melide compares it to a jellyfish's instead. Huckle reasons that means an attack can come from any direction then, and Ryekie says that means you two operating for the party is that much more important.

You say you'll do your best and/or comment on the pressure you're feeling, and Melide says she'll do the best she can too, swearing not to let all the burden fall upon you. Monomasa looks proud of Melide stepping forward, but Yoshiori reminds you guys that things are happening as he points ahead. There are a ton of the larger type Monsters there which Sui notes, and these are ones spawned off from the giant one's tentacles too. 

You tell the party about the Monsters essentially dividing off the big one's tentacles and/or ask what's going on and call it creepy. Melide compares them to the giant Monster's cells that it releases into the city to get food for it. Akashi gets outraged at the idea that the monsters only see you all as food, and Mokdai worries if you guys can beat them all. Monomasa reminds Mokdai that they have to do this, and the monsters start roaring. Ryekie calls out to you that they're attacking, so it's time to start the battle. Yoshiori says he can't go down before you guys find Exio, so everyone needs to get to crushing the things. You call back that you understand as you roll out the transformations and start the episode battle, and more happens after that.

After the battle, things tune in at the end of it with the last of the monsters destroyed. Akashi pants and asks if you guys are done with them, so Mokdai says that seems to be the case. Yoshiori adds that this is only for where you guys are since they're still popping up elsewhere. They'd have to be to explain how the UEHA heroes got so beat up. Sui reluctantly agrees, saying they don't have time to feel tired.

Ryekie apologizes to Akashi, Mokdai, and Sui, saying he'd have preferred not to put them through such a harsh situation while they were still newbies if he could help it. Akashi however tells him he doesn't need to apologize and that more importantly, they need to get ready for the next skirmish. Ryekie sadly agrees, and you note in concern that he's unusually quiet.

Seeing how sad Ryekie looks, Huckle quietly tells Ryekie he should forget about that time for now, saying there was nothing he could have done about it. Ryekie gets upset at that, looking grimmer than he has ever expressed in front of you. He's about to say something, but he immediately gives up on doing so. Huckle tells him he understands how he feels since what's happening now is way too similar to what happened back then. Ryekie then apologizes for causing Huckle to worry about him.

You try to ask Huckle and Ryekie about what they're talking about, and Mokdai asks if this is the same thing Exio brought up to them before. Ryekie's eyes open in shock as he gets evasive on the subject, and just when it seems like he's readying himself to talk more on it the giant Monster's tentacle crashes into him and slams him into a wall behind him. The wall cracks up as it stops him, then crumbles to pieces.

Huckle yells out to Ryekie, then asks if Ryekie was hit directly by the tentacle. Ryekie says he thinks so, then asks you where the thing is. You look around for it to see it converging back together and go back to the main body. Your eyes follow along, leading you to make eye contact with the giant Monster. You see that it is clearly looking towards you, and you yell to the party that it's aiming for you guys.

Monomasa is shocked at that as he thinks through what that means, and Melide calls out to him to be careful from behind to the right. He barely manages to dodge in time, but now an attack is going towards Mokdai. You call out to Mokdai that it's coming from behind, and he is surprised as he tries to get away. The thing barely manages to graze him, which is still enough to send him tumbling on the ground.

Akashi calls out to Mokdai, but you call out to Akashi to crouch down since an attack is coming from the right. Akashi needs a second to process this and barely manages to scrape by the attack as the tentacle slides atop his head. Yoshiori clicks his tongue about how you guys are pinned down in this situation. Monomasa says you guys have your hands full just avoiding damage, but you'll never get anywhere if you stay on the defensive either. Sui points out that the party has six heroes fighting reliant on two people's directions and how there's not enough time to react, but you have to cut her off since an attack is coming from the right and below towards her.

Sui gets mad as she jumps away, using her threads to Spiderman her way over to a nearby building, easily clearing five stories in height while the tentacle grabs at where she was earlier. Sui sighs in relief, but Melide calls out to her that her strings are getting cut. Sui is unable to react in time, causing her to fall into the air. Akashi runs to save her, and he does manage to do so, though the impact causes him to slam to the ground himself. Sui apologizes as she gets up and asks if he's okay. He says he's fine, then asks if she's okay herself, so Sui says she's okay. You're relieved Sui's okay as she climbs down from Akashi's arms. Sui's attention is caught by something when she looks up, which is her strings brushing up against something transparent. This gives her an idea, and from the shadows there is someone watching the battle play out as the episode ends.