Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 1 Part 1 (Abridged)

Flashback
Manager: Hey, you can play a lot of instruments right? Join our band! We don't care that you're a Transient!
Later
Bandmate A: Hermes, aren't we friends? What are you hiding?
Bandmate B: Yeah, tell us a bit about yourself.
The native band members were interested in Hermes. What was his home world life like? How was life now? But Hermes never talked about them. Rumors started that Hermes was a famous thief, but Hermes just smiled and made no attempt to deny them.
Later again
Bandmate B or whatever: Hey, the studio inventory has been off lately. You, uh, wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you Hermes? You have a criminal record, and you can't have changed that fast.
Bandmate A: Hermes could you not talk to me outside the studio? I don't want your reputation rubbing off on me. I wouldn't have tried making friends with you if I knew you were like that earlier.
Despite the chilling reception, Hermes still made no effort to change his behavior.
Later
Manager: Hermes? We got a replacement for you. You're fired. We don't want you dragging our rep down for being here.
Hermes still just smiles and doesn't argue about this.
End flashback.

Present
Nomad: Hello everyone, how's your Christmas decorations coming along? Cakes! Lights! Ornaments! We got it all!
Nomad is at a booth hawking things to random people walking by. When the crowd lessens...
Nomad: (sigh) Ugh, no detective jobs and all side jobs this year. I only got better as a salesman and stallkeeper. It's a living, but it's not great getting used to this...
Nomad is looking for leads on the people who turned him into a tiger in Utopia so he can get revenge. It's not going well, so most of his time is spent on other jobs.
Nomad: Huh. Someone texted me. I'll take a look and answer later.

Santa School
MC has come to tell Ded what side they're picking when their phone rings.
MC: It's Nomad. Hello?
Nomad: WELCOME TO BURGER KING MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?
Nomad: I mean, MC is that message you sent for real? Did you seriously say you want to hire me for a detective job!?
MC: Yes it's legit!
Nomad:
Nomad: (ugly laugh)
Nomad: MY TIME HAS COME
MC: so stuff happened / job's a job / (how do I explain...?)
Nomad: Oh, tell me later! Don't take this to another investigator besides me! I'll call again after work. (click!)
MC: It's not a real case though. I hope he won't be disappointed. (continues on)

Ded's office
White: Hello MC. Did you decide?
MC: The defense side. Everyone from Santa School is here. I'll protect you!
White: Thank you. Everyone here and from the police school will be happy to have you.
Hougen: I told the police students you're a special investigator, but come to me or Ded if it looks like people might find out this case is fake. Now, how about you go patrol with my subordinates? It'd be good to check how the info sources and students will take to you.
MC: Okay! / I'll do it! / I want to go with you!
---
(C) Hougen: Oooh, thank you! ...I can't though since I'm a superior. My subordinates will have to do it.
---
Hougen: Sorry could you wait a moment? We'll be gathering in the school's front entrance later.

Later, at Shinjuku Station
Tajikarao: What an honor to patrol with you, MC!
Hougen sent you to meet Tajikarao and gave you a badge to stick on yourself.
Tajikarao: This case is such a scandal, even if it's only just a calling card so far. Christmas is the biggest festival of the year meant for children. It's outrageous that anyone would commit crimes on such a day!
Tajikarao seems personally invested in this case too.
Tajikarao: ...we don't know what the thief wants or who they are though. So we need to up our patrols and investigate. On another note it's festive around here this time of year. It's nice how everyone is peacefully--
???: THERE YOU ARE BITCH
Tajikaro: Hmm. We should check that out.

MC and Tajikarao look and find that one wolf and two other Transients.
Wolf: You set me up, bird boy!
Hermes: And why would I need to set you up?
Taromaiti: Hermes, what did you do this time? Could you knock it off a bit?
Hermes: Aww come on, don't you go believing the lies I'm being framed with too.
MC: It's Taromaiti / It's that guy from yesterday / omg it's that wolf!

Tajikarao: Do you know these people? Well, let me handle it!
Hermes: Dude I was just trying to help a pairing happen. It's not my fault after he got together with that chick she took him to a cafe that ripped him off for a ton of money.
Wolf: So you WERE in on it!
Tajikarao: Hello everyone, let's all calm down here. Can you tell me what's going on?
Wolf: Police!? Why are you here?
Tajikarao: I just happen to be patrolling and...hey haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Wolf: (attempts to scoot away)
Tajikarao: I remember now! You're that serial dine and dasher!

Wolf: Goddammit! Gotta go fast!
Tajikarao: Okay wow that IS fast! No wonder he wasn't caught earlier!
Hermes: I'll help catch him. Hey Taromaiti!
Taromaiti: R-right! We'll go on ahead!
MC: We should go too! / Get back here! / I feel like we're missing something
Tajikarao: Hmm...well first things first, we catch the wolf!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 12: The S Class Hero's Achilles' Heel (Abridged)

Little Monsters: REEE
Exio: Yoshiori, corner and eliminate them.
Yoshiori: Okay! Your asses are mine, worms! Bang bang!
The smaller monsters get driven into a net placed in a dead end.
Sui: You're trapped now! Go for it guys!
Akashi: Akashi Fire, ignite!
Ryekie: Ryekie Thunder, crash!
Monsters: (ded)
Akashi: Alright!
Huckle: I'm surprised Exio's improv strategy is working so well.
Exio: I'm just using what's already there and telling Yoshiori what to do with it.

Melide: Exio, more are coming from behind.
Exio: Oh. Can you handle the tentacle?
Monomasa. Understood. Melide, your orders.
Melide: Okay. It's moving too fast for me though.
Huckle: Dodge, then counter. Use that wall in the upper right and attack after it swings by.
Monomasa: Understood. Hup!
Melide: Aah! (falls from quaking)
Huckle: (catches her) You okay? That was a big one.
Melide: Y-yes, thank you. And sorry...
Huckle: It's fine. You aren't good at operating in battles are you? Plus you're tired. I can handle this.
Melide: ...okay then.

MC: what reliable adults / wow those two
Yoshiori: HA! Exio's a top class Operator! He can do this stuff in his sleep.
Akashi: so how bad DO you want to get into Exio's pants?
Yoshiori: S-SHUT UP it ain't like that!
Mokdai: yeah sure whatever, we are fighting for our lives and homes here, a little help!?
Sui: More incoming from two different directions!
Exio: I'll take the right side then. MC, you take the left. Hmm...Sui, Yoshiori. You two come with me?
MC: Okay!

Exio: You are improving greatly. Good luck over there.
Exio has turned the battle in your favor. Splitting the party around is cutting down on the number of mobs and makes it possible to handle the tentacle.
Huckle: Exio seems really experienced at this. Who is he really?
Monomasa: I only know that he's a Back Alley Operator who's been through wars. He can get you through hard spots if you rely on him though. He's that smart.
MC: weird. What kind of life did he have?
Monomasa: !
Monomasa: Exio, get away from there!
Exio: Wha--(STABBED)

MC: Oh my god!
There is a spear shoved through Exio's body. He's coughing up blood.
Melide: AAAAHHHH
Yoshiori: W-w-wha
Huckle: There's another one! Ryekie!
Ryekie: On it! (jumps up and behind Exio to knock down another spear shot)
Exio: (coughs up more blood)
Yoshiori: EXIOOOOO (attempts to pull the spear out)
Monomasa: STOP THAT! He'll bleed out if you take the spear out!
Yoshiori: But...!
Sui: I'll handle it! (cuts off the ends of the spear with her threads, then wraps what's left and Exio's body with string)

Sui: Okay, it should be okay to carry him around. It's only going to stay that way while I'm still in hero mode though...
Monomasa: ...sorry. Thank you.
Melide: Ahhh!
Mokdai: Melide, calm down! Exio's still okay! We can get him fixed up, I promise!
Akashi: ! Who's there!?
???: Shut your filthy mouth, bitch.
Crowne: ! That voice!
MC: I knew it!

Crown Alter appears.
Crowne Alter: There you assholes are. Do you know how much time it took to get here? And Exio didn't even die!
Yoshiori: BITCH
Crowne: Oh piss off you big gorilla. The quicker he bites the dust the quicker I can blow this doomed joint.
Mokdai: Doomed? What?
MC: Yeah, what?
Crowne Alter: I'll never tell you third rate Observer~.
Akashi: Does literally every thing you say have to be a cuss or putdown!? I'm not gonna let you kill the old man!
Melide: ...Akashi
Crowne Alter: What, did your balls drop or something? Here. (summons Monster Procy that promptly splits into clones)

Sui: Oh no!
Ryekie: Get ready guys! MC!
MC: Got it!
Huckle: I'll back you all up too! Get Exio and Melide somewhere safe in the meantime.
Yoshiori: I will! EXIOOOOO!
Melide: M-me too? But...
Mokdai: ...you can barely stand now. It's too dangerous for you to stay like that.
Melide: ...okay. I'm sorry.
Yoshiori, Exio, and Melide retreat.
Huckle: That Procy thing is gross.
At least 20 Monster Procys are on the field.
Crowne: Okay, we'll play here. THEN I'll go shove Exio into another dimension. And by another dimension I mean kill.
Akashi: You'll never get your way!
MC: Let's go everyone!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Five Monster Procys remain.
Ryekie: Okay, the numbers are even now!
Akashi: I burned a lot of energy, but I can keep going!
Mokdai: We can't afford to lose! I gotta keep up here!
Sui: ...if you're going to keep going, then no mercy from me!
Monomasa: Heh. How reliable.
Crowne Alter: How are you punks doing so much better than last time? There's less of you than before! Oh whatever. Smash them! 

MC: Get ready you guys!
Akashi: Right! Mokdai, let's get the one up front!
Mokdai: Okay!
Sui: The tentacle is coming from that building's shadow! Monomasa!
Monomasa: Understood. Hah!
Crowne Alter: Oh, team work. God dammit. That can't be it tho.
Akashi: I missed! Justice!
Ryekie: Right! Huckle, gimme 3000 VP!
Huckle: Okay! Careful with the resources! Fire at that pole in five seconds! You should destroy them all if you do!
Ryekie: Got it! Ryekie Thunderclap, zap! (destroys the two Procys that ran from Akashi)
MC: Alright! You two are awesome!
Ryekie: Yep! Don't underestimate how great Huckle and I are together!
Huckle: Don't stop to brag, there's still three of them!
Ryekie: Let's get the rest of them!

Crowne Alter: hmmmm. Okay then. (disappears)
MC: wait what!?
Huckle: Where'd they...
Crowne: Huckle, behind you!
Huckle: Wha--(kicked down)--aahh!
Mokdai: No!
Crowne Alter: It's YOUR goddamn fault you trash tier heroes are getting better
Ryekie: Huckle, I'm com--
Monster Procys block the way.
Akashi: Ryek--we're surrounded!

MC: Akashi, the tentacle's behind you!
Akashi: What!? Aaah!
Monster Procys and the tentacle all start beating the rest of the party back.
Sui: W-what do we do!? My hands are full keeping myself defended!
Mokdai: They keep cutting us off when we try to get closer!
Huckle: ! Don't come this way! Don't split up now!
Mokdai: But...!
Huckle: ...I'll be okay. I know Observers can't use Parallel Weapons, but I was still a Hero for a long time.
Ryekie: Huckle...
Huckle: All of you focus on the Procys and tentacle first! I'll deal with this somehow!
MC: ...okay! Please hang in there!
Huckle: ...thank you. I'm glad you joined our agency.

Crowne Alter: You done with the lameass goodbyes yet
Huckle: Sorry, I talk more as I got older. I'll keep you entertained. I'd like for you to leave as soon as possible.
Crowne Alter: ...your shitty life ends in five minutes!
Crowne Alter slashes with their robo arms, but Huckle springs back two, three times.
Huckle: I used to be an S Class Hero. Don't think my skills meant nothing!
Crowne Alter: Not bad, dick. But I can move that fast in seconds too!
Akashi: Damn I didn't know Huckle could move like that
Monster Procy: (swings)
Ryekie: (saves Akashi) Focus, Akashi!
Akashi: Sorry! We gotta clear these guys out.
Monomasa: I'm glad you haven't changed Huckle.
Sui: Did you say something?
Monomasa: No.

At least ten minutes later
Huckle: (starting to tire out)
Crowne Alter: Damn your first class reflexes.
Huckle: I've walked more than a thousand miles back as a hero. It's a thing I picked up.
Crowne Alter: Yeah yeah I can see. Ass. I also see you getting weaker.
Huckle: !? (notices that he's bleeding from grazes on his forehead)
Huckle: Well I guess I should be glad you didn't actually split my head open.
Crowne Alter: I see you're strong and confident here too. But how about this?
Huckle: Wha--
Crowne Alter: (zooms in and lifts Huckle by the collar)
Akashi: No!
Ryekie: Huckle!
Monster Procys blocks the way.
Ryekie: Out of the goddamn way!

Huckle: Dammit! (attempts to struggle out)
Crowne Alter: I have goddamn robot arms. Gonna try to hit me next?
Huckle: Ngh...!
Crowne Alter: See? You can't. That means you see me as a pussy ass woman. How about I shove this high heel shoe I'm wearing for some reason up your ass for thinking of me like that? (squeezes harder around Huckle's neck)
Huckle: Gaah!
Crowne Alter: Pretty uppity for an Observer with a power level that ain't worth SHIT. Though I guess you're like that over Here too. (raises one of the other robo arms and makes the end of it glow with power charging)
Huckle: Gh...! W-what...
Crowne Alter: Oh, this? How about I erase your raison d'être? (stabs the arm into Huckle's stomach)

Crowne: Oh my god what!?
MC: Director!
Ryekie: HUCKLLLLEEEE!
The robo arm doesn't actually make Huckle bleed, but it is still causing him pain. He looks like he's choking on himself.
Crowne Alter: Nice. Rip and tear! (slowly pulls a dark shadow out of Huckle, the process of which sounds like skin being peeled off until a shadow clone is separated from him)
Yoshiori: W-what the hell is that!?
Melide: Oh no!
Crowne Alter: Ding ding! Girlie over there is right! I'mma kill Observer Huckle!
MC: WHAT!?
Crowne Alter makes a light blade with the robo arm and swings it.
Melide: STOOOOP!!!
MC: !!!
Huckle: AAAAAHHHHH
Observer Huckle is cut up and dissolves like mist in the wind.
End of Episode

Christmas Showdown Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

Hermes (narrating): I always hated crowds, and I hate them even more around Christmas. All these jerks expecting some charity from a bearded old man having loud ass parties, all these losers looking for a date that won't last past the holiday, and all these dips thinking only about themselves...they all make my bad habit flare up even more.
Kabukicho in the present
Hermes: Heya, you! You dropped this over there.
Maid: My wallet! Thank you!
Yasha: Omigod you gotta be careful. Most people here would steal it instead of returning it.
Maid: Tee hee, sorry. I just got caught up in listening to your voice.
Hermes: ...good for them.
Guy A: Mweheheh, god all these couples out here are sitting ducks! Look at this...wallet I stole that isn't there anymore! And my own wallet got stolen too! AAAAAA
Hermes (narrating): So whenever I can't stop myself from doing my habit, I go hit up other lowlifes like this. It's a crime yeah, but I did a good thing with it so it all evens out. That's what I keep telling myself. I'm preeeetty sure the laws here wouldn't be okay with it, but whatever. But anyways, there's something I've been thinking about when doing this. Everyone who'd say what I did in these crimes against criminals was good always look really happy, but I guess there are tons of jackasses who'd take advantage of those suckers. When all those naive, innocent, trusting dorks thank me...it hurts like hell.

Present again
MC is walking home.
Solomon: (pops up) OH NO Master you got yourself into something crazy again! Good thing it's not a real incident. So anyways which side are you joining? Being an investigator sounds like you'll be searching for the criminals and flex those brains! But being a thief means playing a real life stealth game! OMG that all sounds sooo cool!
MC: hmmmm / might as well have fun with it / Solomon this isn't a game
(C) Solomon: Well I GUESS...but your life's on the edge all the time! You might as well enjoy the exciting stuff when you know already it's not for real!

Solomon: The Santa teachers will make me work if they catch me again so I won't be able to watch you do your thing, so tell me all about it when it's over!
MC accidentally bumps into someone while thinking about which side to join.
Wolf: goddammit, watch where you're going!
MC: s-sorry / I was, jerk. / (silently stare)
(A) Wolf: you think an apology is good enough!?
(B) Wolf: you think I'm some kind of dumbass, don't you
(C) Wolf: BRING IT BITCH
The wolf is ready to throw hands but hasn't because he's trying to shake MC down.
MC: oh no / laaaame / (stare more)

Suddenly Hermes
Hermes: There you are!
Wolf: I'm busy here, who the hell are you!?
Hermes: Don't be like that brah. I know a better way to have f~u~n~! See that girlie over there? Looks like she fell for you! She wants to ask you out but is too shy to do that, so as someone who knows her I figured I'd do so instead!
Wolf: ...okay.
Hermes: Go on dude, get a drink with her. She's already got a seat at a cafe waiting! I'll be right here.
Wolf: (calculating, calculating)
Wolf: ...you just escaped with your life, asshole.
Wolf: WHOO, MAMA
Hermes: cool he's gone. Let's go.

At Shinjuku Station
Hermes: Okay we should be good here.
MC: thank you / will she be okay? / you made all that up, didn't you?
(B) Hermes: It's all cool!
(C) Hermes: Damn, you figured it out huh? Well I guess it was too convenient there. But yeah I asked her for help. Totally what happened, yep.

Hermes: Anyways, what's your name?
MC: Player / (introduce yourself) / you first
(AB) Hermes: ...I'm Hermes. Nice meeting you.
Hermes frowned for a second at MC not doubting him, but changes the subject to hide this.
(C) Hermes: (almost smiles, looks embarrassed to cover this) Oops, you're right. I'm Hermes. Nice meeting you.
MC: I'm MC.
Hermes: Cool.

Hermes: Hey how about you listen to one of my songs? (pulls out a flute and sound equipment out of his bag, then plays)
A crowd starts forming as Hermes plays his song. Once he finishes, they all clap.
MC: (clap) / (throw a tip into his hat)
(A) Hermes: You like it? I'll play another one!
(B) Hermes: Wow thanks! You're a good guy.

???: Wait, do you have time for some questions?
Suddenly Tajikarao
Tajikarao: You need permission to perform in public here. Have you filled out the proper forms and--oh, who's that next to you?
MC: Oh, Tajikarao / long time no see / beefcake!
(AB) Tajikarao: It IS you, MC! What a surprise! I'd love to talk, but I'm in the middle of work right now.
(C) Tajikarao: Thank you, I must be making sweet gains during my workout! I'm sad I can't take off my clothes to show off my muscles! I wish I could show you them more closely elsewh--I MEAN

Tajikarao: Right I was talking to that man you're talking to, MC.
Hermes is long gone.
MC: wait what? when did he leave? and he took all his stuff with him too!
Tajikarao: How'd he leave so fast!? Oooh, he must have done it to hide he wasn't permitted to perform in public! We have to find him! Bye MC!
MC: hang in there... / good luck! / What is Hermes's deal?
MC's phone has a text from Hermes, who they haven't actually exchanged phone numbers with yet.
Hermes: Tajikarao knows me so I gotta go sorry bye lmao
MC: When did he do this!? Is he bad? But he saved me...

Night, at the dorm
MC: welp
Solomon: Hermes is WEIRD. I mean he saved you and all, but he's also kinda shady. Be careful! I know how you are!
MC: okay / okay mom
(A) Solomon: we might not see him again, but don't get close if you do see him!
(B) Solomon: Noooo, that's how bad people get you!

Solomon: If he comes to you, I'll just use my Self-Defense 3 Karate Chop!
MC: (hits end call button)
Solomon: NOOOOO
MC: bedtime!
Flashback
White: Pick a side! Stick with it until the end.
Hougen: Which one, which one? (NICE ASS)
End flashback
Which one indeed?
End of Episode

Christmas Showdown Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

One winter at Santa School, some stranger left a card on the headmaster's office door. "The Holy Night is mine."
The next day, Ded gathers his students and brings in the police.
White: Everyone it will be okay the police will take care of it. They're looking into why anyone would do this and who it'd be. I bet they're after my bag. The Kioh police students will be guarding the place, so let's keep on schedule like normal.
Girl A: Phantom thieves? Really?
Guy B: look at all the guards they're totes gonna be caught
Girl C: bitch they're trying to ruin Christmas, I'm gonna kick their ass!
Wolf D: yeah headmaster, let us help!
Tanngrisnir: Stop, please stop everyone!
(Bang)
Black (standing on a desk): That's right maggots, no Black Santa's gonna run from this thief! Santas and Reindeer focus on the sendoff ceremony. Black Santas help the police. But focus on your own safety if it gets nasty! We got police all over the school. Everything runs like normal!
Students: YEEEEAAAH

Later
Tanngrisnir: Ded is it really okay for the Black Santa students to help? I know this isn't a real incident but they could still get hurt.
Black: APP MAGIC. Also this will be good practice. Who knows what naughty kids out there are plotting?
Hougen: I'm still surprised you agreed to our combined school surprise crime prevention drill suggestion.
Black: As Santas, we gotta go everywhere to give the little kiddies happiness, and that might mean going to somewhere dangerous. Doing something safer would be good to prepare them. And once we're done we'll all have a big party.
Hougen: Cool. Our students need a reward for the year too.
Tanngrisnir: Who is the thief in this setup going to be anyway?
Black: Not a normal actor or someone from this school, 'cuz Tomte's artifact would notice. Hougen's gonna get some pros to do it. Oh but don't tell anyone else. We won't tell you anything more than this either so you can act out your own part more easily.
Tanngrisnir: So I'm looking after the students and working on Christmas preparations?
Black: Yep!

Days later, at Shinjuku
Ryouta: (sings about Christmas)
MC: oh look it's that time of the year again
Ryouta: hey MC whatcha gonna do for Christmas this year? Wanna have a party with everyone in the guild?
Kengo: Nice! Make it a big party!
Shirou: Sure, Christmas only comes once a year. You ARE going to help set up, right Kengo?
Kengo: (runs)
Ryouta: Touji, Moritaka! What about you guys?
Moritaka: I'll go! How about you Touji?
Touji:
Ryouta: Touji can you hear me now
Touji: What? Oh, Christmas? I need to check my schedule.
Ryouta: Okay! You can come late if you have things to do.
Touji: ...
MC: ...? 

After class
MC: Touji!
Touji: Sorry I have things to do, tell me tom--
MC: Is something up? Let's talk about it.
Touji: Oh, I worried you. You're observant. It's nothing, don't worry about me.
MC: well okay? / really? / (stare)
Touji: w-what?
Touji thinks to himself, then takes a deep breath.
Touji: I suppose I should tell you. Let's talk elsewhere.

Vending machine corner
Touji checks to make sure no one else is around.
Touji: Okay I'm about to tell you strictly confidential information. Don't tell anyone, not even the others in the guild.
MC: ...okay / yeah sure whatever / (nod)
(B) Touji: I am regretting this decision already. I said don't tell.

Touji: So Hougen has me on this one case. Someone sent a calling card to Santa School the other day and the police are on alert. Kioh police trainees are acting as security over there. Ded says he doesn't want this to blow up on the media, so we're keeping this from the public.
MC: oh my god! / so that's why there isn't any news on that / (shocked)
Touji: That's why I couldn't give Ryouta an answer earlier today. We're going to catch the thief for sure, but I may be out a while until then. I'll be back when it's over, don't worry. I'm going to go now, don't tell any--
MC: lemme come too (grabs Touji's sleeve)
Touji: What? No! I told you what's happening but I wasn't planning to involve you!
MC: but I have to help! (pulls harder on Touji's sleeve)
Touji: MC...you're going to come even if I just left, aren't you? Let me try calling Hougen then.

Later
Hougen: Hi MC, nice ass
White: Hello MC, sorry for the surprise. I tried to cause as little worry for children as I could.
MC: well I'm already involved / please let me help! / (wait and listen)
White: You are such a sweet child. But could you wait a moment?
Hougen: Okay Touji I'll talk to MC about the case. Go patrol or something.
Touji: I'm so sorry to bother you.
Hougen: Eh, MC's involved with a lot of stuff at the station! Fate would drag them in even if we tried to keep them away. Happens all the time. You troublemaker, you.
MC: tee hee whoops / sorry / (play dumb)
(A) Hougen: That wasn't a compliment. Students trying to pull one out from under their teacher can be such a bother.
(B) Hougen: Haha, well that level of shenanigans makes working you over worth it as a teacher

Hougen: Touji you were correct in bringing MC to me so I could also handle how this goes.
Touji: ...thank you. Excuse me.
Hougen: Okay now that Touji is gone...
Hougen: I'M SO SORRY MC
MC: WAIT WHAT
Hougen: actually maybe things working out this way is for the best. Better to have you join in early than stick your nose in later.
White: Let me explain. So what Touji doesn't know is...

One explanation later
MC: what do you mean this is a fake incident!?
Hougen: yep that's what Kioh and Santa School are doing together this year.
White: We're doing this to give the police students practice and make the Santa students more cautious. It may upset some of them for a few days, so the teachers will be paying attention and supporting them. Once it's over we'll reward them and do the sendoff ceremony as usual.
MC: oh okay / sounds rough
Hougen: so MC, can you keep this all a secret for now
MC: (nod)
???: Ooh what a lovely, unusual introduction. Why don't I help out too?
MC: what a cute voice / what an elegant voice

(A) Kid Ose / (B) Adult Ose
???: Not looking bashful at a time like this? Not bad.
Suddenly Ose
Ose: Hi, nice meeting you. Call me Odell. I'm here to help with the drill. I've heard about you from Ded and Hougen, MC. I'm going to put my obligations aside for a moment and make this drill a success. Happy to be here!
MC: oh, well nice to meet you! / haven't we met? / (wait isn't his name something else?)
(B): Ose: Oh, so you think we've met before? I'm honored to have you interested in me so quickly.
(C) Ose: Oh my, such rapt attention you're giving me. I bet you're wondering if we met before. It's a pick-up line I use a lot, like 'hey we've been reborn and meet again,' heh.

Ose: So anyways the police are still looking for people to be the thief in this scenario. You want to join in on the whole thing? It'll make for a new stimulating experience. (smiles at MC before turning to Ded and Hougen) What do you two think? You know what they're like.
White and Hougen: hmmmm
White: Well they can, but that depends if they want to. Is that okay with you, Hougen?
Hougen: Alright! So what do you say MC?
MC: okay! / okay, if I can see the Santa sendoff later / (nod)
(AC) White: Thank you! Talk to me if you have any questions later.
(B) White: Of course! Come see when things are done.

Hougen: time to explain what's going on some more
White: Tanngrisnir, Hougen, and I are the only ones beforehand who know this is all staged. Hougen and I are the only ones to know there will be people from outside working on this incident too.
Hougen: the less people who know, the better it'll make for practice. Anyways, the setup is split between the police guards and the thief sides. All the thieves are participants from outside the school. The police side is a mix of police students and external cooperators.
Ose: Right now the extra cooperators are me and Jiraiya. You know him? He's a classmate of mine actually. You can probably figure out who is going to be on which side.
Hougen: I asked someone else to help, but I haven't heard back yet.
White: We won't be telling who is helping and on what side they're on until the final night. Also, we can add more people to either side if I'm informed before then. If the police side figures out who the thieves are, they can catch them early. And if they're all caught, practice will be over. Understand?
MC: Yep! / One more time please
(B) White: Okay. (back to the top)

White: Okay now MC. You can be on either side, but you can't change it until it's over. Also you don't need to decide now, go think on it a bit.
Hougen: I wonder which side you'll pick?
Ose: I'm going to go now. I'm curious which part of the board we'll be on when we see each other again. Oh, one bit of advice: beware of insincere information sources. They're always looking for opportunities to benefit themselves, like crows. You never know when someone is going to come in and try to steal something from you. Hm? Like me? Okay yes, like me I suppose. Bye.
MC leaves later too.
End of Episode Part

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 11: That Night's Promise (Abridged)

Sui: String Shot! (shoots out a ton of threads, wrapping around the tentacle and outlining it for the party)
Sui: It worked! Thank you MC!
MC: Success! / Oh I get it now
Ryekie: I can see it now!
Mokdai: wow Sui great idea!
Huckle: Oh right we can physically interact with the tentacle
Crowne: Yeah, so wrapping it with something concrete here means we can see it now. Nice going Sui!
Sui: I don't know how long it'll last, but go for it everyone!
Yoshiori: Hell yeah!
Akashi: we end this now!
Monomasa: we can crush it even if it's only a small part of the Monster. Now!
Melide: Yes it's a good idea, but...well maybe never mind. Good luck everyone!

Later
Akashi: Fireballs, charge!
Yoshiori: Rescue "Operation Regain"!
Akashi and Yoshiori: EAT IT DICK
Monster: SHRIEK
The city shakes from the roar. It must have worked.
Mokdai: Look!
The tentacle withers.
Ryekie: It's working!
Sui: Its attacks are getting more violent! That must mean--
Monomasa: wait something is wrong for it to be taking everything like that. Oh no.
Yoshiori: wait what the hell is going on!? 

The tentacles start flailing around.
Mokdai: oh no!
Akashi: so that's why there's been so many earthquakes!
MC: Falling!
The tentacles break nearby buildings. Civilians come running out in a panic.
Randos: AAAAAHHHHH (get caught by tentacles)
Mokdai: oh my god I can't believe there was still people in there!
Yoshiori: wait they aren't just random civilians too!
Mafia Mob: HELP
Huckles: Heroes too!?
Crowne: wait why are they glowing!?
Mobs: (shine before turning into light and get absorbed)

MC: OH NO
Akashi: the Monster is absorbing them directly!
Monomasa: it's collected a lot of energy from that!
Ryekie: the tentacle from earlier is healing back up!
Sui: Ahh, it absorbed my strings too!
Yoshiori: goddammit we lost track of it again!
MC: this is terrible...
Akashi: how are we supposed to win like this!?
Ryekie: We can't just weaken it by attrition! Dammit!
Akashi: can we at least save all those people just now!?
Yoshiori: ...not unless we kill the Monster.
Akashi: and how do we do THAT!?

MC: The Monster is looking over here!
Melide: Look out!
More tentacles flail closer as the Monster roars.
MC: Here they come!
Akashi: What!? Wher--OOF (slammed)
Mokdai: I can't see where they are!
MC: From the right! Jump!
Mokdai: Whoa!? (grazes attack by jumping)
Mokdai: It scratched my tail!
Melide: Stay focused! It's coming from above!
Mokdai: What!? Uh, pow! (punches tentacle away)

Mokdai: wow I hit it! Thanks guys!
Huckle: hmmmmm
Ryekie: Good going Mokdai! I should be able to do something too!
Huckle: Ryekie, I see a dust cloud moving from 4 o'clock!
Ryekie: Okay! Thunder Fist! (punches tentacle away)
Ryekie: Hey wait a minute, Huckle can you see it too!?
Huckle: No, but I started guessing the tentacle is big enough that it can't phase through things when I watched Mokdai. That means I can sort of guess where it is based on the traces it makes moving.
Yoshiori: how the hell do you manage to pull something like that off in a snap?
Ryekie: That's cuz Huckle's a veteran!
Huckle: Well you and I are also on a wavelength that makes it easier to tell you things too. Anyways new one. To the right and from the back!
Ryekie: Pow!
Melide: it's like he can actually see them!
Yoshiori: well even if he can't he was able to catch small hints and relay instructions off of that. Is that the secret to Zap the Justice's strength?
Melide: Yoshiori, behind!
Yoshiori: oh right, battle. Bang!

Later
The Monster's attacks intensify and the tentacle starts spawning mobs.
Akashi: goddammit, quit that already!
Mokdai: squishing the little monsters and dealing with an invisible tentacle is getting to be a bit much!
Yoshiori: shut up and abort those creeps!
Sui: I know but...I'm getting tired...
Monomasa: Melide, are you okay? You're starting to falter on your feet.
Melide: I-I'm okay. My eyes are tiring though...
Monomasa: oh...
MC: we're all getting tired...
Huckle: even us Operators are starting to feel it. How much longer do we have to keep thi--
Ryekie: Huckle, stop. We have to keep going.
Huckle: ...right. Everyone, hang on until we get past this!
Crowne: All I can do is watch. This sucks.

MC: (vision blurs for a sec) huh?
Akashi: you okay? You're starting to fall over too.
MC: I-I'm okay. Anemia?
Melide: MC, it's coming!
MC: wha
A tentacle grabs the MC
MC: OH NO
The tentacle starts putting pressure on MC.
Akashi: (fires fireballs) LET GO
Ryekie: Akashi, stop! You'll hit MC too at this rate!
Akashi: Then what is it I'm supposed to do!?

MC: blacking out...
Melide: Akashi, wait. The tentacles...I sense something!
Monomasa: What is it? ...!
A tiny Monster pops out then jumps towards MC.
Mokdai: Oh no!
Melide: No don't destroy that one!
Mokdai: But!
Melide: I think that Monster is...!
MC: huh?
Monster rams into tentacle and both blow up into light particles.
MC: WAIT WHAT (falls)

Mokdai: Oh no, MC!
Yoshiori: Got you! (catches MC)
Mokdai: W-wow you managed to catch someone falling from that high up.
Akashi: I feel like I lost out...
Sui: Guys could you at least be happy MC is okay?
Ryekie: Great catch Yoshiori!
Yoshiori: Acting like a hero makes me sick!
MC: Thanks Yoshiori! / o-oh you're so buff
Yoshiori: W-well you seem fine. Good.
Crowne: oh my god phew. What were we gonna do if that Monster didn't show up?
Huckle: What was that thing anyway?
???: oh good I made it

Exio steps out of the shadows.
Exio: Hi. I said I wouldn't let anyone erase you, right?
Yoshiori: OH MY GOD
Melide: you're okay...
Monomasa: nice presence concealment there
Exio: yeah I was hiding in a secret safe house, helped me slip away
Mokdai: Exio, you're okay!
Akashi: U-uh, yeah. You look fine for someone who left a blood smeared secret base.
Sui: wait, look closer
Exio looks fine but is noticeably limping and holding his left side. Also there are a ton of tiny cuts on his arms and face.

MC: thank you for saving me. B-but are you okay?
Exio: oh don't worry this isn't enough to kill me. I've lived through worse. (walks next to MC and looks at the Gaint Monster)
Exio: it's close to fully awakening. we need to weaken it now. Let me help you two.
Melide: Okay!
MC: You're gonna help!? / O-okay!
(A) Exio: yeah I've been working to get this Monster dealt with

Huckle: (looks sad)
Exio: ...give me your hand for a sec
Huckle: Huh? Uh, okay
Exio grabs Huckle's hand with both of his own. A quick flash happens.
Huckle: Wait what!? (blinks)
Ryekie: what just happened
Huckle: I-I can see it now. I can faintly see the Monster's tentacles!
MC: WHAT

Exio: I shared a bit of my Vision with him, but that's the best it can do.
Huckle: Thank you! But...
Exio: Don't worry, it's just a small bit of my power. Also temporary. If I hooked you up with my regular vision level while you're tired you probably couldn't handle it. I figured you still want to help, and Justice works better with your commands.
Huckle: uh
Ryekie: w-well that's not wrong...
Huckle: why are you embarrassed by that? But yeah I'll help
Ryekie: Yeah! Let's do it like we always do!

MC: wow such trust. I'm jealous
Exio: but what about you and him
Akashi: OH HEY SUBJECT CHANGE GUYS WE GOT A BATTLE YEP LET'S DO THAT
Exio: oh right, that's true
Small Monsters: REEEEE
Exio: look, the warm up's here. Let's get them.
Yoshiori: YEEEEAAAH, go Exio!
Monomasa: well somebody's happy
Mokdai: I feel power welling up within me! Is this because a new Observer is here joining us?
Akashi: Dunno. But we can keep going some more!
Sui: Right! We can't lose here!
MC: Okay let's do this! New wave, engage!
BATTLE START

Halloween Police Epilogue (Abridged)

The weekend after the prankster incident. Clear skies, fireworks sounds, bright sunshine!
At Shinjuku
Ziz (over the PA): Hello thank you for coming on the last day of the Shinjuku Halloween Festival. Every other school is done with their festivals and volunteers are over here now. Please see a staff member if you find a lost child or have a problem. Have fun!
Ziz and Shennong: now what do we say on Halloween?
Nezha, Ashigara, and Sanat Kumara: Trick or Treat! Happy Halloween!
Ziz: time to start the last festival day!
Arslan: finish strong people!
Vending Machine: beep boop welcome y'all. Halloween treats and stamp cards for everyone!
Random kids: yay!
Vending Machine: have fun y'all!

Later
Boy A: u gaiz I filled out the stamp card and they gave me so much candy
Boy B: cool let's go everywhere!
Ryouta: don't run and fall! be good, kids!
Chouji: there's plenty of sweets! Enjoy!
Maria: Oh Chouji your food is always so delicious! It's nice being on the customer side for once. Also I have pudding for people.
Kids: yay!

Classroom
Shirou: Happy Halloween! Welcome, try our handmade pumpkin cookies!
Evils: shriek
Leib: nice. maybe I'll buy some for the enclosed life form science department...actually would it be fine to give them pumpkin stuff? seems unbalanced.
Shirou: How about this Ainu pumpkin rataskep?
Leib: boiled pumpkin? Ooh, nutty.
Shirou: Kimun Kamui taught us how to make it
Behemoth: check out our handmade mini-plushes, dudes!
Oniwaka: !
Oniwaka: I heard Master's school was doing a festival...I'll take one!
Behemoth and random classmates: Thank you! Yisss! 

School's front gate
Cu Sith, Arslan, and Zabaniya: Boo! Trick or--
Random Kids: wow real monsters! Trick or Treat!
Cu Sith: hey wait they trick or treated us first. oh okay where's that candy
Arslan: Wahaha, nice! Here you go.
Zabaniya: Happy Halloween. Don't go overboard with the tricks.
Random Kids: yay! here's candy for you guys too! No tricks from anybody!
Arslan: wow, nice! keep that consideration in your hearts, kiddos!
Zabaniya: ...thank you. This is kind of embarrassing.
Cu Sith: let's play! the next stamp is...over there! they have good sweets at each stamp place!

School roof
Alice: new jobs for the Halloween detective. and lots of new assistants too, right?
Hanuman: yes I'll be good and help if you give me candy!
Nezha: I'll play tricks if you don't give me treats! and if you do I'll be quiet ha ha.
Sarutahiko: sorry about my schoolmates have a free ticket to my bathhouse
Alice: smooth. Okay then, Assistant #1, give them candy. Also randomly passing Jambavan make us all tea.
Volos and Jambavan: Okay!
Jambavan: WAIT WHY AM I DOING THIS I'M JUST HERE FOR FUN
Volos: sorry friends, we need hot drinks since it's chilly up here
Makara: ooh this smells nice. Also you two look like you're having fun, Eita and Captain.
Ahab: I can't believe you guys dragged me from a nap on my ship to chaperone
Eita: hey where's Ebisu's stall? I came to cheer for him!
Gouryou: Babe alert!

Front gate again
Ebisu: Hello this is a stamp rally point! I'm here on business from Toyosu Marine Academy!
Tetsugyuu: I'm here from Umamichi! We have grilled whatever!
Yasuyori: pumpkin chanko from Yoyogi's sumo team! come get some!
Chernobog: hello and welcome. The Shinjuku Mountaineer club offers a pumpkin stew for you to feast on!
Ebisu: oh a new delivery order! Delivery people, thank you!
Tanngrisnir: Gullinbursti I challenge you to a delivery race!
Gullinbursti: bring it on
Both zoom off.
Durga: OMG they're fast, I can't let myself lose! But first an Ebisu-maki...they're so good.
Ebisu: thanks Durga! I have more if you want any.
Durga: oh but then I'd be number one in calorie count. ugh why does that have to be a thing
Ebisu: oh I just noticed my necklace fell off
Durga: oh my god Ebisu there was a dark hand just behind you what was that
Ebisu: huh, was someone there? did they undo the necklace? oh no wait I have customers!

Eita: yo hottie wanna eat an Ebisu-maki with me on the grass?
Gouryou: hey good lookin', wanna get grilled squid with me?
Harlot: you what pig
Gouryou: FORGIVE ME I HAVE THE WRONG PERSON Eita wegottagonow
Eita: but I didn't even score yet!
Harlot: ooh, Patissier Iimori is open. Sorry to make you carry stuff Arc.
Arc: it's cool mom. helping like this is what families do.
Harlot: good child. let's have something to eat when we get back to our seats.
Azathoth: god I'm finally back. Gimme pumpkin pie and cookies!
Surtr: Surprising. Did you always like pumpkin that much?
Azathoth: well they ain't bad. Memory correction maybe?
Surtr: I see. Then Father shall make a full course pumpkin dinner tonight!
Harlot: Oh, so you do come up with good ideas from time to time. We could have pumpkin gratin and stuff.
Arc: umm dad, a request?
Surtr: I understand. I'll make you your favorite macoroni gratin in Béchamel sauce
Arc: o-oh, thank you for that too but...can I invite friends over?
Surtr: Of course!
Harlot: how nice...maybe I should make something too.
Arc and Surtr: NO
Azathoth: LMFAO

Inside
Li Chou: Motosumi
Motosumi: what
Li: It is HALLOWEEN WHY ARE WE BABYSITTING!?
Motosumi: PIPE DOWN JACKASS WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO WHEN THEY ASKED ME TO DO THAT
Li: but you're even louder than me! ugh I'm getting more candy as we go around
Motosumi: we work good together! how about I treat you to something?
Li: starving. gimme three Ebisu-maki! Actually make that five!
Motosumi: you sure about that fatty?
Moritaka: now now Li, Halloween is a celebration for children.
Li: I guess...and you're weird for joining the babysitting too.
Moritaka: o-okay little babies, Class President gave me his handmade pumpkin paste for you to wean on! Come now Li, play peek-a-boo with us!
Li: Peek-a-boo! Aww, they're cute...NO WAIT I DIDN'T JUST SAY THAT SHUT UP

Some classroom
Wakan Tanka: hello we have lost children here
Magami: bark bark thank you for coming! I'll take care of them.
Daisuke: wait there's an actual policeman here instead of school staff?
Tajikarao: Excuse the surprise! We're here to help with security and directions.
(Kioh students are here now that hotline calls have stopped)
Wakan: Oh. Then how about I help too?
Touji: I'm back
Daisuke: wait don't you go here? Are you in police costume?
Wakan: oh yeah you were dressed like that when you came to our school too. And now you have two kids with you.
Touji: I transferred to Kioh, and these kids are lost. Found them on patrol. Senpais could you take care of them for me? I keep scaring them and making them cry.
Tajikarao: really? well okay then.
Magami: bark bark! Come here kids! See how soft my fur is!
Kids: (grab onto Touji)
Touji: wait what
Tajikarao: I think they like you. So what do you want to do?
Touji: ...okay, I'll try to find their families myself. Okay?
Kids: (nod)
Touji: Alright.

Hallway
Daikoku: Wow Hougen you can smile like that?
Hougen: Ruuude. I can be happy about my students growing too. By the way I noticed you hiding inside earlier. Feeling guilty about something?
Daikoku: ...ha ha oh you. Daikoku has no dark secrets in the closet here, nope! I just thought an old man like me might need to hold a hand out if need be.
Hougen: You don't say. Hey you're one of the Seven Lucky Gods, right?
Daikoku:
Hougen: There's another of you guys here. Why don't you say hello to them?
Daikoku: oh hey do you smell something nice? I smell something nice. What's in that bag?
Hougen: A subordinate gave me some snacks. Ebisu-maki, it's called. Did you want one? How about we go see the seller to make a fresh one, ehh?
Daikoku: ...well played, but no thank you

Outside
Gabriel: Hello everybody it's time for my concert! We have a dance group with us today!
Fenrir: DARKNESS! I will play the keyboard and dance.
Ashigara: yo peeps the playah is back! Check out my phat beats!
Kengo: I have no idea why I'm here but sure I'll dance
Alp: Hey you guys! Halloween Dance Time!
Dancers: YEAAAAH
Gabriel: I gotta step it up too! Time for the first song, start clapping with the beat everyone!
Audience cheers.
Alp: My dream continues on! Watch me you guys! Hip Hop Boom!
Gabriel: Clap clap, people! Yay!

Later
Ebisu: oh there you are Azathoth. Got a moment?
Azathoth: what up
Ebisu: I came to give the necklace back
Azathoth: wait it came off??? oh no wait
Ebisu: so it WAS you who gave it to me in that dream
Azathoth: oh this was a trick. no takebacks
Ebisu: n-no I wanted to thank you. I couldn't figure out how to say it, but you helped me.
Azathoth: how nice ARE you? You're the first person to die in a war game lmao
Ebisu leaves
Azathoth: (speaks CHAOS into the void)
Nyarlathotep: (answers back in CHAOS from the necklace)

Classroom
Sandayu: well I'll be damned, you pulled a miracle outta yer hat MC. And you went above and beyond what an organizer would do. Good job kiddo. Mononobe says--wait why are you fidgeting like that? Oh you have plans? Alright alright, go hang out with yer friends...you really do look like a normal student in times like these.
School roof
Hotei is lying on his bag and staring at the sky.
Hotei: ya heard, Kaishi? this the first step to yer dream. Let's go together and make everyone happy. I never worried, but I might run into a wall and start worrying like you one day. But I won't be alone then. There's us, Touji, Alp, Azathoth, and Alp! Also--
MC: are you napping up here? having fun? I was wondering where you were.
Hotei: MC is with us too! We are so gonna save the world with smiles!

Hotei picks up his bag and looks at you.
Hotei: got some last business to finish up, return the anger calmed down in my bag
MC: wait what
Hotei: the fragments of the two bags that hold the material and immaterial sunk to the bottom of my consciousness. If Kaishi is in me, I can switch bags and access his! I just can't use both at the same time. And here's the important part: the anger in my bag turns into luck as time passes, becoming a store of patience. That's the true nature of my original artifact.
That's why it's both a lucky bag and a bag of patience. It's the faith born of the life of the mad monk.
Hotei: I open my bag up and boom! All that luck comes spilling out. Happiness is about how much you can laugh about, but that ain't all I reckon.
MC: sounds like you / sounds nice / fortune isn't just smiles
(AB) Hotei: Right? I knew you'd get it!
(C): Hotei: I thought you'd say that. I ain't giving up!

Hotei: I'm gonna save the world with laughter! Blessings upon y'all! On Maitreya Sowaka!
Countless motes of light fly out of the opened bag. Few are going to know or care about what it is. But this light will surely bring someone in Tokyo happiness. That might be it for now, but maybe one day that person will smile for real. Hotei saw the light of the lucky bag and couldn't help but make a wish. Halloween will soon end like a dream and people will go back to their normal days, but the memories will surely bring a smile to someone's face. That was the little wish from the heart of the wandering monk.
Hotei: See y'all later!
The End

Halloween Police Episode 6 Part 3 (Abridged)

Toyosu
Li Chou: THE TREASURE SHIP IS IN TOKYO I AM GOING TO PISS MYSELF
Arc: I've confirmed the party is present too! Also, Hotei is glowing for some reason!
Dagon: Wait how is he up there if his body is over here!?
Kioh
Magami: Everyone, there's a ship shining in the sky!
Tajikarao: It's the legendary dream-crossing, luck-bringing ship!
Daikoku: ...oh.
Yoyogi
Durga: OMGWAT
Ashigara, Wakan Tanka, Daisuke: HWUUUT
Daikanyama
Maria: Look!
Arslan: Nice
Zabaniya: It's like a dream...I feel its faith. It can make anyone think this is all a dream.

Ueno
Cu Sith: Wooow! Look Leib!
Leib: Yeah yeah I'm looking. I'll be damned, Alp did it.
Umamichi
Hanuman: MIND BLOWN
Nezha: I wanna ride that ship and crash it!
Motosumi: Wow. Quick, pray to it!
Sarutahiko, Gouryou, and Tetsugyuu: worship, worship...
Somewhere in Tokyo
Tricksters: whooooa! Best trick ever!
Umamichi again
Harlot: The children are smiling. Good job MC.
Shinjuku
Ryouta: you guys look there's a ship shining in the sky!
The gang plus Sandayu: :D 8O :] :O

Back to the party
Ebisu: Hotei!
Hotei: (nods)
Hotei: Showtime! Hotei's bag, perfect form! ...one, two, THREE!
Hotei's artifact has the same power to collect negative emotions and nightmares the Treasure Ship does. It is a bag that holds necessary material things for traveling and it is a bag that holds immaterial things like fortune and madness. And now that Hotei and Kaishi have fused, the bag can now hold anything.
Hotei: Here we go! Take in all the negative feelings!
(The people's fears, anger, madness, and nightmares get taken into the bag)
Ebisu: Hotei, Alp can't hold out much more!
Alp: I can still do it!
Touji: Do it, Hotei!
Hotei: WHEEEEW! Okay thanks, Alp! Take us to my dream!
Toyosu
Dagon: Hey they're gone. Did they go back to the dream world?

(The party takes a short break. Everyone is side-eyeing Hotei's bag.)
Azathoth: so what now? Dump it overboard since we're in a dream?
Hotei: NOOOO! We gotta finish this for real!
MC: but aren't we already done?
Hotei: no I just concentrated all that anger into one place. now it has to be calmed down.
Touji: So, what? We deify it?
Hotei: Maybe! Okay I'm worried now.
Azathoth: LMAO of course you would! (nods)
Touji: ...what does that mean?
Azathoth: you guys we are so close to a bad ending here. The bag can take in anything, material or not, right? Anything able to take in any class or power into itself would have to be an All-Mighty All-Knowing being! Look here it comes!
MC: wait what
Suddenly...
Giant Hotei: WHAT THE HELL Y'ALL

Party: !?
Azathoth: LMFAO what a dumb looking god! Still a real god though even if this is the best the VR goggles can show us
The bag artifact has amassed a large amount of faith. It is a power without borders or limits, a dangerous being that can destroy Tokyo's System. As is, it is as powerful as an Exception that can't be summoned in Tokyo.
MC: a giant Hotei! What do we do!?
Azathoth: lul I got this, I have experience with this situation! Follow my lead!
Hotei: Fine! We finish this, it'll be all over! Last battle for the Halloween Police!
Touji: this has been a farce the whole way through. But fine, I'll stick it out to the end!
Alp: Tee hee, the Halloween Police protect the peace even in dreams
Ebisu: So if we win, the prank incident should stop and Shinjuku can do its Halloween festival too.
Azathoth: okay once the party's formed, bailing out is a dick move! We're in it all the way!
(The party looks at one another and grabs their shining badge)
MC: HEN! SHIN!
(The party transforms)
Party: Halloween Police, last battle go!
BATTLE START (more happens afterwards)

Kaishi: Pain and suffering is in every world I go to. I was born in Hourai, and wandered around everywhere with just my bag. My bag had the strange power to store suffering and anxiety, meant to help those carrying maddening amounts of grief and spread the word of Buddha. But again pain and suffering was everywhere, and my bag just kept filling up with the stuff. The more there was, the slower I walked. On the other hand, there'd one day be a person revered in another world who walked alone based only on my reputation, Hotei the avatar of the Maitreya Buddha. They'd say his bag is a lucky bag that holds fortune, and they'd talk about him as if he were someone completely different. What was I? Chopped liver? Maybe I'd start to hate him some day. Then one day I found a rainbow bridge. I couldn't cross it because I was carrying too much. That was when my other self appeared.

Flashback some time later
Hotei: Howdy doody, thanks a bunch! Workin' hard or hardly workin'?
Kaishi (narrating): This is so unbelievable that I voiced the wish I'd given up on.
Hotei: Now hold yer horses, boy! It's unreasonable to want to make everyone sufferin' smile. You ain't smilin'. How could anyone feel better if you tried to help lookin' like that?
Kaishi: I ain't...? (oh my god when did I stop smiling?)
Hotei: Y'know what? I'll go with you! I wanna make people smile too!
Kaishi: You do?
Hotei: This has gotta be fate! We have the same looking bags and all! And y'know what? Laughter will save the world!

Kaishi (narrating): I laughed. It's been so long since I've thought about that. It's funny how I was saved by a faith-based being with no real body born from myself like you. So we crossed the rainbow bridge together...except I fell off. Now I know that the world somebody wanted the two of us to walk different paths and divide the power to store dreams and reality. Maybe you meeting me made your goals and memory change, but I still pray for your safety. Let me thank you for saving me and giving me back my smile.

The present
Giant Hotei: WHAT THE HELL Y'ALL (continues rampaging for no apparent reason)
Touji: Being angry all the time isn't appropriate for Halloween! Time for an attitude adjustment, then some candy! My exorcist--actually, my Demonic Nature of Oni power will cut you down! (cuts a big hole and destroys a small part of Giant Hotei)
Touji: Not enough, huh? Whatever, it'll be over soon.
Giant Hotei: WHAT THE HELL Y'ALL (swings around causing shockwaves)
Alp: Stop that! Let's have fun with my dancing, yo! (summons winds with his dance to deflect the shockwaves)
Alp: YAY! My dancing is invincible in the dream world!

Ebisu: Wow he's so energetic. Well it is Halloween. My turn! True Ebisu-maki, go!
Dark hands from Ebisu's necklace take the Ebisu-maki to Giant Hotei.
Giant Hotei: WHAT THE HELL Y'ALL (gulp) THAT'S GOOD Y'ALL (partly dissipates into light)
Ebisu: Ehehe. Did you like it?
Azathoth: top kek, I bet you don't know what the purpose was in everyone doing what they were doing, huh new god?
MC: no really, is there a point? is this okay Azathoth? I mean we are following your instructions
Azathoth: yeah it's good. You know why the last boss is giving into insanity? Because it can't do anything if it doesn't pretend to be mad lmao! All according to keiken! (keiken means experience lol)
If a person becomes capable of doing anything, then nothing they do matters. In that case, they disappear as a matter of course.

Azathoth: that's why it keeps going on with the insanity. It's the same thing as doing a self-imposed challenge run on a game you platinum trophied! And that means stopping this thing is a matter of making it stop acting insane.
If cause and effect is in place, the madness will disappear. Trick or Treat!
Azathoth: take this candy! (finger snaps and turns Giant Hotei into candy)
Giant Hotei: WHAT THE HELL Y'ALL
Azathoth: it doesn't mean anything, it's Halloween. don't think about it.
Hotei: Y'all are making me uncomfortable with your follow-ups! And why does it look like me? What the hell y'all!?
MC: god you're late to the party / well it's easy to figure out / it's nice that it's easy to play off that
Hotei: that ain't a compliment at all, is it!?

Giant Hotei attempts to squish Hotei and MC with his hands.
MC: it being mad all the time makes it easy to ready. let's go! (super jumps) I'm gonna cut everyone's prankster mindset. Now CHIIIIIILLL! (cuts Giant Hotei's bag to split it back into dreams and reality)
Hotei and Giant Hotei: OW
Hotei: oh uh I'm not really hurt. Except maybe in my heart!
Azathoth: yeah a real god isn't that easy to attack, but that thing is different.
Even in a world that lost its borders between dream and reality, the people can tell themselves apart from one another. Hotei is from the dream side and Kaishi is from the physical side, so that border can be cut.
Azathoth: not bad you lazy deadbeat
Hotei: okay finally it's almost over. I'm gonna take the best part here!

Giant Hotei is half dispelled of the madness creating it, making it unstable and struggling to maintain itself.
Giant Hotei: why...tricks should be...okay...
Hotei: Prankster Halloween ends here, but that ain't the end of Halloween. After trick comes treat, and smiles wait for everyone! (pulls out his anchor artifact)
Hotei: and now for my next trick! (sends chains out from the anchor to tie up Giant Hotei)
Giant Hotei: why
Hotei's eyes are filled with compassion and the desire to save people. But are they his feelings or Kaishi's?
Hotei: OKAY WOW THIS IS HEAVY

MC: ...I'll help
Hotei: Thanks MC!
Azathoth: hey new guy! hint for you! you don't have to clear all the challenge mode quests on your own. If something's heavy you can just share the weight with someone! Not like I knew that back then myself but whatevs. It'd have been great if you figured that out before I did!
Hotei: Noble Phantasm, activate! Sink, o anchor! Sink, o anger so fortune will come calling! Benevolence Anchor: The Greatest Anchor!
This is one of the artifacts held by the Seven Lucky Gods member Hotei, the thing that plunges deep into dreams and appeases negative emotions. And so the divided fragment of Hotei and Kaishi's artifact sank into the bottom of the sea of dreams...

Later, at Toyosu
Surtr: Welcome back. Good job boys, Tokyo should calm down soon.
Arc: welcome back Azathoth. Had a nice adventure?
Li Chou: hell yeah, mad props bro!
Aegir: hell of a job you guys did! I was damned surprised when the Treasure Ship appeared in Tokyo!
Dagon: the net rumors are tying themselves up, so the children must be helping to put a stop to them
Touji: Hey my oni side fell asleep. Must have tired himself out. ...thanks, see you next time. Happy Halloween.
Hougen: good job everybody!
Touji: Master, why are you here!?
Hougen: well things cleared up all at once, even all the calls. Now I can enjoy the sexy Halloween costumes aga--I MEAN I was worried about you guys, yup!
Touji: I'm so touched by your concern!

Toyosu campus grounds
Harlot (with Ziz and Shennong): nice work MC. Everything work out okay?
MC: you guys! / hi, yeah. and you guys?
Harlot: yes we had it hard too, so we had to split ourselves up. Show us some appreciation later, okay? Is it going to be a cute trick or some sweet candy? Tee hee.
Touji: Case closed, time to retire the Halloween Po--
Hotei: but Halloween ain't over yet!
Alp: Yeah! Ueno's getting rave reviews! I gotta go back and put my dance show on!
Ebisu: I have to cook more Ebisu-maki. I know I'm an organizer but I still feel bad for the others.
MC: Shinjuku can do its own Halloween Festival too now! Gotta make it a success!

Hotei: okay, how about we check out Toyosu's Halloween festival?
Azathoth: I'm so in! I want more pumpkin pie!
Alp: Yay, let's go eat together! Oh wait, but first...
Hotei: haha, got to end this right!
MC: All together!
Party: Halloween Police! Protecting Halloween's peace!
Everyone laughs, and tomorrow Shinjuku's Halloween will finally begin
To be continued in the Epilogue!