Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 2 Part 2 (Abridged)

Nomad (narrating): This is Utopia, the world of the future where corporations compete with one another and the world I was born in. There was a prison in the dark side of the world, and at the bottom of the jail where the sun doesn't reach, the jailer beat me again and again out of boredom. There was no one I could ask for help, so all I had were the imaginary friends I hallucinated. I was probably insane by then. I'd met with a terrible fate, betrayed by everyone and everything. My ship broke down, I drifted along, and I was close to death.
Nomad (narrating): I was later picked up by mad scientists who remodeled me into this disgusting tiger body. When I finally got away from them...I ended up in this underground prison with no one to save me. So I swore revenge on everyone that crossed me. I didn't need my old name or identity anymore, and I called myself Nomad from then on. I abandoned everything else and raced towards my revenge.
Nomad (narrating): It was great when I came to Tokyo, a place filled with people, news, and activity. Nobody asked about my past, and I started up a detective agency in Shinjuku. I did other jobs to make money to live on, and in doing so I built up social credit. All of it was for my revenge. I swear I'll get them all one day. The only thing I trust in is myself...

Present
Nomad: Okay sorry to change tacks so soon after sparring, but could you guys tell me if you know anything about the case?
Black Santa Students: (shrug)
MC: Nothing new huh? / This many people around and no one saw anything...?
---
(B) Nomad: You noticed too, huh?
---
Nomad: It's now been established that there's this many people who are good at fighting somehow saw nothing. Let's go you two!

School hallway
Yule: Oh hi MC, long time no see! I heard from Ded that you're part of a special defense force.
Tomte: Must be hard. If you need help, I'll take care of you whenever!
MC: Hi guys. Whatcha doin'?
Yule: We're getting ready for the sendoff ceremony. Dunno how the case is gonna go, but the children are waiting. We're prepping to go whenever.
Tomte: The Black Santas are also joining the police students as part of the defense force. With them and you guys, I'm sure this will be dealt with!
Nomad: Yeah, thanks. What do you guys do in prep?
Tomte: Stuff. Right now we're grabbing greeting cards from the storage building.
Hermes: huh.
Yule: Yeah the school orders some special paper and we think up of designs. We have plenty, so take one.
Nomad: Thanks. Wow this is nice. 

MC: Fancy. Hey haven't I felt something like this before?
Nomad: The top is all smooth. You guys uses special ink to write on it?
Yule: Yeah, this one ink from the workshop. Smells pretty strong, just passing the workshop earlier burned my nose.
Tomte: It smells?
Yule: You can't smell it??? Oh no wait, I have to go because of the time! Good luck guys!
Nomad: ...new clue guys! Come with me!

School workshop
Nomad: ...fascinating.
MC: Sherlock! I can smell it too. You get anything Hermes?
Hermes: Sorta. Hey Nomad, what do you think?
Nomad: I haven't figured out everything, but I'll tell you what I have got--(notices someone outside the door)
Tanngrisnir: ...oh, hey again everyone.
Hermes: You done with the workout already?
Tangrisnir: Yes, I'm on break now. The students are in the sauna Tomte set up. What are you guys doing?

MC: Investigating. Nomad was about to say something.
Hermes: Yeah that's where we were.
Tanngrisnir: You already know who done it!?
Nomad: Not THAT much. But I do have an idea of how much whoever sent the calling card knows about things.
Tanngrisnir: Interesting! May I hear your thoughts too?
Nomad: ...well okay. Let's start with the calling card. You guys have figured something about that now, right?
MC: Same paper as the greeting card / It's sold at AndvaResort / nope
(B) Nomad: No, stop joking!
(C) Nomad: ...it's the same paper used in the greeting card Tomte gave us.

Nomad: The card is made with a specific paper used in the Santa School, not something sold to the public.
Tanngrisnir: ...
Nomad: Next, this room. You two might not have noticed, but the paint on the calling card is the same as the paint in here.
MC: How can you tell? Same color? / I smell a unique scent
(C) Nomad: You can smell it? So you have a good nose for a human?

Nomad: Ever since my body became like this, my senses have become stronger than the average human. I can tell the scent from the calling card is the same as what's in here.
Hermes: Huh. So the card was made in here? That'd mean the culprit is someone inside the school.
Nomad: Yes, both points of evidence confirm that. This is an inside job. There's probably students here with better noses than me, so using this ink would throw off suspicion.
Hermes: I see. So "they" specifically made a card using this ink and stuff?
MC: But why? / To confound the investigation? / head empty

Nomad: The culprit did this to plant doubts about a collaborator and divide us.
Hermes: That'd make it easier for them to steal their target.
Nomad: Whoever made the card here probably threw it at the headmaster's office door. That means they can go in and out whenever they want, and that they're beneath suspicion even if they were seen. Which means...
MC: They're tough? This is getting tricky.
Nomad: ...well that's what I've gotten together so far.
MC: Awesome!
Nomad: Heh, impressed? How about you hire me more?
Tanngrisnir: Stunning, truly stunning that you figured all that out from one card!
Nomad: Thanks teach. By the way...who are you?

Tanngrisnir: Oh, did you forget my name? I introduced myself earlier outside at--
Nomad: I know that. I'm asking who YOU are. (grabs Tanngrisnir by the collar and pushes him against the wall)
Nomad: This must be some artifact power because I don't doubt you. I can tell I'm being forced to believe what you're saying somehow. You look exactly like the real guy, but that isn't enough to pull one on me. I trust no one besides me! (leans closer)
Nomad: You smell too nice for someone who ran so much, and you smell too clearly to have showered.
MC: His scent wasn't changed? / he doesn't smell like stew either / I wanna sniff too!
(B) Nomad: Oh, yeah that's true too. Anyways...
(C) Nomad: STOP CLOWNING! Anyways...

Nomad: Why did you come now to hear our reasoning? You were supposed to be kept in the dark so you wouldn't spoil anything. No wait don't answer, I'll just fall deeper into thinking you're Tanngrisnir. Your power is perfect for disguise and concealment, and that's how you used these things to make the calling card.
Tanngrisnir: ...
Nomad: Show us who you really are!
Tanngrisnir: ...hmm. You're better than I thought, Utopian cyborg Nomad. You abandoned your past and any trust in people not yourself, which is why my artifact didn't really work on you. Impressive. I was holding back to test you guys, but it's rare for anyone to pressure me even so.
Nomad: ...what do you know about me? And what do you mean by test!?
Tanngrisnir: If I'm to work with you, shouldn't I know how far your abilities go?

Tanngrisnir reveals himself to be adult Ose.
Ose: Hello, MC, Hermes, Nomad. Pardon my manners. Call me Odell, a humble bodyguard. I'm participating in this case too.
MC: Odell! / Right I saw you in Ded's office / (Did he look different last time I saw him?)
---
(A) Ose: I'm honored you remembered that name, heh.
---
Ose winks at MC.
Ose: So, you really are an ace detective to have figured out so much from the calling card. Though I say you may have overlooked something. Ded did say a collaborator made the card, remember?
Nomad:
Nomad: GODDAMMIT
MC: Oh! / what / (I love it when Nomad takes psychic damage)

Ose: Yes I made the card, but the actual thief is someone else.
Nomad: What kind of plot twist is this!? And who the hell are you!?
Ose: I just told you. I'm a bodyguard protecting the school and working with you guys.
Hermes: Pretend I'm saying this in blue: [that isn't the whole truth.] I know the tricks guys like you pull, Whatsyourface. You haven't lied, but you haven't told us everything either, huh?
Ose: ...
Hermes: If you were just an ally you wouldn't need to disguise yourself and test us. You could've just joined the investigation like a normal person. That means you've got a reason to do all that.
Ose: ...
Hermes: More fake blue text! You said you're helping us, but you didn't say you're [against the phantom thieves]! You've shown yourself to both sides, haven't you?
Nomad: What!?

Ose: ...heh. How insightful of you, Hermes. We really are cut from the same cloth.
Hermes: ...what?
Ose: The regulators of the world. Sometimes the clever of us are forced with the job role of making things consistent. Just like how you were stuck with the villainous dirty work back in Olympus. (smiles looking at Hermes's artifact)
Ose: You resigned yourself to being a double agent, con man, and liar to enemy camps facing each other, haven't you?
Hermes: ...what the hell do you know about me? Is that what you really look like?
Ose: Heh! This really does feel like I'm going up against myself. I'll say this then: the real self is an illusion. Am I a child or an adult? Is the past or the future the real thing? It's both. Both are real, and both are fake.
Hermes: ...so you aren't denying that you're visiting both sides of the case.
Ose: ...yes, I'm balancing this training drill as a double agent. By the way, is it okay to keep talking in here? It'd be better to go somewhere else before someone from the school finds us here. Why don't we reintroduce ourselves in the reception office?
End of Episode

Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 2 Part 1 (Abridged)

Nomad: At last, my job is finally relevant again! Ace Detective Nomad is here, babyyyyy!
Montage of previous Not Detective jobs plays.
Special title card: Nomad, Ace Detective
Santa School
Nomad: Yes, yes! My time has finally come...
Hermes: Sup ace detective I've never heard of before!
Nomad: YOU SHUT UP
MC: well you're excited! / you really did want to be hired as a detective, huh? / (wow he really hasn't gotten any detective jobs)
(C) Nomad: STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT

Nomad: So I never got good enough paying detective jobs to live on until now. And now this job I've been hired for is just a drill and not a real case.
MC: Adulting is hard... / At least you're still hired as a detective! / It'll work out somehow
(B) Nomad: True
(C) Nomad: ...you kids have it so easy with nothing to worry about. Well it is a detective job, still.

Nomad: Gotta do what I got paid for and make some contacts in the police force.
MC: Pro! / Nice clothes! / I can't believe you got dressed up in new clothes for this
(B) Nomad: You think you're so slick don't y--well okay yeah I guess it is a shakeup from my regular clothes. Thanks, I got them for days like this.
(C) Nomad: I get to flex my detective skills! Got to look the part!

Nomad: God I really hope I don't burn these clothes. Anyway! We got the police to do the defense work, so...how about we start investigating for leads on the criminals? You said it's okay for us to catch them before anything happens, right?
MC: Yep / Ayo, Ace Detective! / I'll do my best!
(A) Nomad: Cool, let's start already.
(BC) Hermes: Hey Nomad, walk like one of those noir detectives!
Nomad: Shut up and go already.

Ded's office
White: The calling card? Oh yes, Hougen has it. We had a collaborator make it for us.
Hermes: Wow, going the extra mile there.
Nomad: ...can I borrow it?
White: Sure. I'll inform Hougen.
Nomad: Thank you. Alright, move out Watson and Whatshisface!
MC: Already? / Bye Ded
(B) White: Good luck!

Hallway
Nomad: Ded said the card wasn't delivered in advance of anything, right? That means whoever did it had to sneak in somehow. Did they hide or come in through a window?
Hermes: Wanna ask the old man for a blueprint or something?
Nomad: Hmm. Well I'm curious about how the defense is set up too. Gotta talk to Hougen about that, but later. You guys help me with some other stuff first.
MC: Okay! / Hermes, you're up / Say it like you're talking to a real assistant
---
(B) Nomad: You help too!
(C) Nomad: ...
Nomad: I need your guys' help with what's next. Please assist me my dear assistants.
Nomad: HAPPY NOW!?
---
Hermes: Cool, what do we do?
Nomad: First we're gonna question the students. Ask if they saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. Anything at all.
Hermes: 'kay.

Around the school
Guy A: We were all gathered in the morning for an assembly when the note came. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nobody said there was a broken window anywhere.
Wolf B: You guys aren't part of this school...I can tell with my nose even though you guys aren't in uniform or dressed like teachers! Oh! Is this a questioning? The police did this too. When we went back to the dorms we didn't see anything happen. And we haven't seen anyone weird between class time and after school.
Girl C: All we saw besides you guys is people we know from school. We're so busy getting ready for Christmas! The teachers are even busier. Oh, they went to the track and field grounds. Lots of people over there too.

Track and field grounds
A bunch of students are racing, throwing coal, stretching, and working out. Also a teacher in a tracksuit is doing some light running.
MC: The Black Santa students? / I wonder if Krampus is here? / Tanngrisnir why
Tanngrisnir: *(notices the party and jogs over)* Hello, hello MC! It's been such a long time! I heard from Ded that you're helping with our drill case.
Before MC can introduce Nomad and Hermes...
Tanngrisnir: Oh, wait MC! I'm acting on the same level of awareness the students are for this incident. More realistic acting or something. Apparently I'm terrible at keeping secrets. The students tell me they can tell even if I don't say anything.
MC: Yep.
Tanngrisnir: So I'm going to be doing the utmost to support my students. I just started joining the Black Santa students in their workouts and running. And of course, stew! You can have some too!
Nomad: Thanks. Wait how did we get to this point!?
Hermes: Free food!

MC: Hermes is poor too, huh / charity stew for two / wanna get another serving?
Nomad: Hey! Don't indirectly call me poor! I'm getting by even with all my bills!
Hermes: You got a detective's office right? Sounds nice to have a roof over your head.
Nomad: ...wait, you're homeless?
Hermes: No permanent residence. Plenty of places to sleep tho! Like under bridges, dead shops, back alleys, and tall grass by the river.
MC: That's worse than I thought / Missionaries, help! / How about I sneak you into our dorm?
(C) Hermes: Awesome! Don't worry I'll call beforehand.
Nomad: Don't just jump on that offer! Although your life does sound tough...

The party talks over stew and notices they've never talked about their individual origins.
Tanngrisnir: So you guys are in the middle of questioning? Does that mean you're going to talk to the Black Santa students too? Once you find the thieves it should be a sparring match between the students. They're getting very excited about punishing those naughty miscreants and...hm?
MC: Krampus! ...seems to be acting funny. Why is he breathing so hard?
Tanngrisnir runs over, followed by the party.
Krampus: Ha...ha...hahahahaHAHAHA!
Krampus: Come at me, thieves! I'll spank all of ya!
MC: WAIT WHAT / couldn't be me! / damn he laid out all these other guys

Guy A: Go Krampus!
Girl B: Yeah! Kick everyone who isn't part of the school's ass!
Wolf C: On that note please spar with us!
Nomad and Hermes: YOU WHAT
Tanngrisnir: Dear Odin, they've gotten too into the sparring and let the blood get to their head! This happens a lot!
MC: WHAT / Well Ded runs the school, that checks out / I'm in danger

Tanngrisnir: Careful, the four of them are top of their class! Aww man, if I didn't have a bum leg I'd love to join in on the sparring. Sorry it looks like we're doing this now. Don't worry, I'll stop things if it gets dangerous! I am now acting as Mister Referee! The wheel of fate is turning, fight! (rings gong)
Nomad: Why do you have a gong!? Ugh, no complaints about getting hurt!
MC: WHY / welp / no mercy!
Hermes: ha ha, let's have some fun
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Black Santas: YEAAAAHHH
Nomad: How are they so good at fighting!?
Hermes is dodging away. Nomad and MC are grouping together for defense.
Hermes: Okay bored now. (pulls out Totally Not Caduceus with the power of change and flow from the faith of Mercurius's alchemy)
Hermes: I cast Sleep! (fweeee)
Krampus: bruh (flops over with the other Santa students)
Hermes: I win!
MC: Was that your artifact? I have no idea what happened.
Hermes: I can't be bothered to explain the details, but I used my power to make them sleep. Nobody gets hurt, sparring match over. Right, Tanngrisnir or whoever?
Tanngrisnir: R-right. Game set!

Later
Santa Students: We're sorry we jumped you like that...
Krampus: I can't believe I didn't notice MC was here. And some other visitors saw me in Black Santa mode...I want to hit the quit button on life
Nomad: Eh, you guys are on edge from the case. I don't mind if we helped out as sparring partners.
Hermes: Same! It was p fun. Krampus, right? You acted like such a bad guy. Not bad!
Santa Students: YEAH
Hermes: Where'd you people come from!?
Guy A: The class star Krampus!
Wolf C: You're so kickass!
Girl B: Gap moe!
Krampus: come, sweet death!

Hermes: Ha ha, wow these guys like you so much
Krampus: ...y-yeah, it's embarrassing but nice to have people accept me acting like a villain.
Hermes: ...
Krampus: Black Santas terrorize bad children. I dreamed of being a hero, I never thought people would like me as someone villainous. I always thought I'd have to pick one or the other, but MC and some other people helped me out in an event, where I made friends and learned I could try to be the hero I wanted to be. A-and now I'm working with my teachers and classmates to be a Black Santa where I can be myself...
Mob Students: Yeah, we're with you Krampus!
Hermes: A way to be both, huh...?

Flashback
When Hermes came to Tokyo he saw how different its culture and customs were from Olympyus but thought it was much the same, so he tried to life a new life.
Native Cop: You're a famous thief and liar in your homeworld? Those are bad things here. Try to follow the law.
Nobody could tell Hermes was lying since Hermes was capable of lying and tricking Zeus, king of the world.
Native Cop: You again? You're what's wrong with society!
It should have been easy for Hermes to keep problems hidden since he could go around anywhere like a straw millionaire.
Native Cop: Why are we doing this again!? What, you're framed? Are you lying again? Fiiiine, I'll hear you out at least...
Hermes was a liar and a thief, so that was the unvarnished truth. Today he walks around carrying his past on his shoulders too...

Hermes: (Wherever we go, our roles follow us huh? Dammit.)
Hermes: Nice, Krampus!
Santa Students: RIGHT!?
MC: ... (something's wrong with Hermes)
Nomad: ... (I know that look in Hermes's eyes.)
End of Episode

Chapter 4 Episode 14: This is Not a Rout (Abridged)

Monster Procy: Wirrrrrooo (starts dissolving)
Crowne Alter: Goddammit I'm losing here! Damn trash heroes and damn trash Observers thinking they can win against ME!
EX Ryekie: I'm nowhere near done! Let's finish this, MC!
MC: O-okay!
Akashi: A-are you okay, MC!? Aren't you pushing it!?
Mokdai: Y-yeah MC you look tired...
Melide: Of course. The bigger the path kept open, the bigger the strain on the Observer. Plus MC hasn't learned how to control it before opening the path.
Crowne: So, if Ryekie keeps fighting...
Sui: MC might burn out first?
MC: I can keep going just a bit more!

Monomasa: ...it's true we're in a better position than ever. We can win if we push a little more.
Yoshori: So we HAVE to do this!?
EX Ryekie: MAXIMUM POWER!!!
MC sends Max VP to Ryekie, which also causes MC to waver from a violent shock to their consciousness.
MC: I CAN STILL DO THIS
The VP sent to Ryekie turns to electricity that Solar Flares the surrounding area.
Crowne Alter: MY EYEEEEES
EX Ryekie: Eat it! EX Thunderous Lightning "Terabolt Slug"!!!
Monster Procy: reeEEEEEEEE *(blasted)*
MC: naptiiiime (flump)
Akashi: MC!?

Broker's Ship
Broker: Oh look what the cat dragged in.
Crowne Alter: ...!!
Broker: You look mad. Are you mad? Tell me if you're mad.
Crowne Alter: FUCKER! That little shit Took Everything! They're so gonna die I swear! Broker what is your goddamn plan with them!?
Broker: That's classified. And I thought I already told you we aren't equals. I know you have enough intellect to understand this.
Crowne Alter: I knew it! (punches the walls until their nails break, then starts gnawing on said broken nails while quietly muttering to themselves) You're all gonna DIE! Exio, Justice, MC...! Watch me bring the real big guns next time!
Broker: (watching Crowne Alter and also whispering to himself) You do that. Dance, puppet, dance.

Elsewhere
Akashi: MC!
MC: what...? (wakes up)
Akashi: MC! Oh thank god you woke up.
MC: wait what happened
Akashi: You've been out for almost a whole day. Don't scare me like that.
MC: (looks around) where am I?
Gammei: Our agency HQ. It doubles as a shelter in emergencies. You guys did a lot for us, so we're giving you guys space here for now. Sorry for what happened. If you guys didn't jump in when you did, the city would be even worse off. Thanks. 

MC: how bad is it?
Akashi: Well...this is what the office looks like now.
Akashi shows a picture of the building from his phone. The office building is totally wrecked.
MC: Oh no!
Gammei: ...most of Central Ward's just as bad. At least half the municipal area was crushed to pieces by that giant Monster. Police and heroes are busier than ever helping victims.
Gammei has darker bags under his eyes than usual. He sighs, then offers his hand.
Gammei: Can you get up? I'll take you to the cafeteria. I bet you're hungry. And there's some people who want to see you.
Akashi: ...

Later
Mokdai: MC! You're awake! You okay? I asked to have the medical staff look at you.
Sui: So now everyone in Parallel Flight besides the director is okay. That's a relief.
MC: What happened to Huckle?
Sui: Well...
Ryekie: Oh, MC! Good to see you awake!
Huckle:
MC: He looks fine! / I'm glad we got you out!
Ryekie: ...so Huckle, do you remember our new employee MC?
MC: What...?
Huckle: ...I'm sorry, I don't. I beg your pardon, Mr. Ryekie.
Ryekie: ...no, it's not your fault.

MC: W-what?
Akashi: After you fainted, the tentacle that caught Huckle dissolved and dropped him. We thought he was okay, but he was like that when he woke up. Seems he's lost a lot of his memories.
Mokdai: Melide said it's the after-effects of having his Observer personality torn out. The memories might come back later, but it's possible he might stay like this too...
MC: No...
Ryekie: ...for now, Huckle only seems to remember up to the part where he and I met and started being friends. He barely remembers me, but nothing after that.
Huckle: I'm sorry. I'm sure you all meant a lot to me, but I can't even remember your names. My apologies.
Akashi: Goddamn that asshole!
Mokdai: Akashi...

MC: Whatever happened to them anyway?
Sui: They disappeared, probably when Ryekie's thunder flashed. The monster they brought disappeared too, maybe back to its original world.
Mokdai: The giant monster stopped attacking after that, and everything suddenly went quiet. We asked Melide, and she said she couldn't see it anymore, so it might not have really woken up.
Gammei: So something even worse will happen soon, huh? Next time the city really might get destroyed. Also the girl left somewhere with her friends. I wonder what they're planning?

MC: Melide's not here? Where'd she go?
Mokdai: Dunno. Exio hasn't woken up yet, and when I went to check his bed this morning he was gone.
Ryekie: The medics say he isn't going to die, but you know...they're villains. They probably didn't want to stay in a hero agency for very long.
Mokdai: They still left us a hint. Apparently the giant monster will be sleeping for at least a week. If we're gonna fight it again, it'll happen then.

Sui: What can we do with a week?
Akashi: Prepare as best we can...but with the boss like this...
Huckle: ...
Ryekie: ...but we can't sit here and wait to die. If it comes again, then I at least will be going back out there. I can't let the city be threatened any further. There's still people in there too. I have to save them.
Ryekie: MC, I'm sorry about the strain I put on you in that fight. Still, I'm sure that power is our best hope going forward. If you want to help again, I'll gladly accept and fight with you. Will you come along?
MC: Yeah! / Are you really asking me that now? / As many times as it takes.
Ryekie: ...I see. Thank you.

Outside
Crowne: ... (sigh)
Crowne: So, that's how it is. Which means, I should be the one to settle things. But...what should I do? I lost my dreams...so do I have the power to fight?
End of Chapter 4

Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 1 Part 2 (Abridged)

Benten (narrating): There's so many lights and decorations up, and couples are out in full force holding hands and looking at shops. Oh, I'm not complaining or anything like that. I know there's tons of people out there enjoying the festivities. It's just, for someone offbeat like me that just isn't stimulating enough, you know? I'm the type to order curry at a famous pasta place and go to thrift stores instead of the latest brands. So stuff like this? Boring! I'm always on the lookout for discovering new sides of myself, so I was really surprised when I saw what I did at that time.
Benten (narrating): I was in Shibuya looking for *~inspiration~* when I saw this Transient guy in a stupid T-shirt and shorts playing some sad song on his flute. It was WEIRD, because it had two snakes circling around it for a design. It's also a design I've got a link with fate to, so it caught my eye. Anyways, the guy also wasn't playing any new popular music, so it was like he didn't need an audience or himself. It was so cool! I'm totally going to learn something new about myself with him!

Present
Wolf: I'll get you for this! (runs away)
Jiraiya: Hey, you okay?
Hermes: Yeah I'm good. Totally just a misunderstanding, yep. Thanks.
Benten: I wanted to take a pic of you performing so that guy getting up in your grill became my problem.
Jiraiya: Yeah I never met you before but since you know MC I had to help. You never know where fate takes you in terms of relationships. Maybe we were meant to meet up. The day I stop caring about other people will be the day I give up on who I am!
Hermes:
Hermes: Cool. You're a good guy.
Jiraiya: That's me! A hero!

MC: hmmmm...
Hermes: Oh hey you guys have time? How about I treat you guys to tea as thanks? I know a place since I work there.
MC: Okay! / Benten? / Jiraiya?
---
(B): Benten: Okay! I still want to take a pic with Jiraiya, so a cafe would be cool.
(C) Jiraiya: Sure, let's see where this goes!
---
MC: maybe I'm imagining things
Hermes: Let's go!

Cafe Asterism
MC: This is a good place / Oh / You were talking about Asterism?
(A) Hermes: Yeah! Looks cool in and out, and the food and drink is good. Look forward to it! It's also famous for other reasons but--actually never mind!
(BC) Hermes: Oh you know this place? I guess it is pretty popular. Do you know the secret side to this place too? Actually never mind!

Taromaiti: Oh MC...and you're with Hermes too!?
Hermes: What's that supposed to mean? I can be a customer too.
Taromaiti: Oh, no it was just a surprise to see you with group. It's great to see you with friends. Still, you get into shenanigans like all the time if you're hanging around with MC. So anyways, welcome!
Hermes: Yeah yeah, look at the loner freak having a friend. So MC, you know the people here? And...Benten and Jiraiya, right? You just happened to meet up with MC, but all of you guys knowing them means they're kinda famous huh?

MC: Stuff happened
Hermes: Huh. Oh yeah MC, why were you and Jiraiya in Shibuya? The first time I saw you, you had a Shinjuku uniform.
MC: N-nothing suspicious! / (how do I explain this) / (signal to Jiraiya)
Jiraiya: I'll take care of it! We can't let our plans leak to outsiders, so let's invite them to join us!
Benten: Were you guys gonna do something cool and leave me out of it!?
Hermes: wat
MC: (explains)
Hermes:
Benten: I see. I'm in!
MC: Hermes?

Hermes: It's a small world after all. The police know me and Hougen invited me along. I kinda don't want to do this though, so I'm not sure. (pretends to be bothered)
Shinya: Hello, MC and Hermes. It's nice to see you here with friends.
Kalki: MC. Are you also involved with the Santa School thing?
MC: You know too!? Does everyone know!?
Kalki: ...did Hougen say "I'm so sorry, here's the truth!" to you? You shouldn't take him at face value. He may look like a dirty old goat, but he is a knave that won against Tokyo's demonic underground side. He is the type to tell a hundred people "it's a secret between you and me!"
Taromaiti: W-well, how about we get something to eat and talk about it? 

Later
Taromaiti: So, we heard about the stuff at Santa School because Hougen talked to Kalki.
Kalki: I'm not good at acting though, especially as a thief. This is also the busiest time for Cafe Asterism, so I want to help Shinya as much as possible.
Shinya: Oh, you don't have to worry about the cafe.
Kalki: I must! The cafe is busy as it is! I cannot let you deal with the cafe all alone at a Time Like This!
MC: ...what?

Shinya: ...well this time of year gets pretty rowdy around town too, huh Kalki?
Taromaiti: Moving on! So turning Hougen down made me feel bad, so I offered to switch places with Kalki and play the part.
Benten: Oh! So are you one of Hougen's students like Kalki too, Hermes?
Hermes: HA! Nope. Just petty little crimes that may have blown up a few times, so joining up might not be a good idea.
Benten: !?
MC: wow / you're an ex-con? / (should I ask?)

Taromaiti: You okay with talking about that?
Hermes: Meh. Old news.
Benten: Well, Tokyo is a new place for a lot of Transients. Plenty of people have rocky lives before they settle in.
Jiraiya: Yeah what she said. You have a respectable job now, it's cool!
Benten: Yeah! It doesn't matter if you have a really crazy past or whatever, like how the Treasure Ship band broke up! Freedom!
Hermes:
Hermes: Heh. Benten, right? You play music too? Sucks when a band breaks up. I was in one too, but it didn't work out.
Benten: Yeah! We may both be musicians, but even if we have different styles we don't change that easily!
Hermes: Uh, right.
Hermes:

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.

MC: Hermes?
Hermes: Nothing! Okay yeah I'm in.
Benten: Yay! Let's get a hideout!
Shinya: You guys can use the cafe's hidden space in the second floor when it's closed. Taromaiti has a copy of the key, so you can come in through the back door.
MC: Really? Thanks! / I didn't know cafes had something like that / It really does feel like a phantom thief hideout!
(C) Shinya: Haha, I'm not really a phantom thief at least.

Taromaiti: You sure, Shinya?
Shinya: Yes, I want to help MC.
Kalki: Okay then.
Jiraiya: Thanks, manager! I'm glad we got a crew and hideout together so fast.
Benten: Party time! Hermes's treat!
Hermes: Hey, I don't have THAT much money!

Elsewhere
???: Everything is going according to plan. Please leave it to me.
Ose: I'll send the information ahead of time by other means since I don't want to risk it leaking over the phone or computer. The training drill may be a bit big, but I'm still going to stick with it. Plus I might be able to get some info no matter what happens.
Ose: Tajikarao has hired private detective Nomad, just as planned. I'll tell him and only him that this is all a drill. Now, about the phantom thieves... (pulls out a picture of MC and the party at Cafe Asterism)
Ose: Aww, MC has such a nice smile. It looks like all of them except for one has opened up to each other. Hermes is suspicious. When MC came to Ded's office yesterday I barely felt someone watching me from somewhere I couldn’t tell, and I am a good spy if I say so myself. This'll be fun! Time to try something new.
End of Episode

Christmas Showdown Thief Side Episode 1 Part 1 (Abridged)

Hermes (narrating): So there's like a ton of police officers inside and out the Santa School. Getting inside will be hard, and scoping it out from close by would be risky. All I can do now is wait for a better chance. I originally came to figure out their patrol patterns and figure out when and where I could sneak in. I'm also waiting for this one student to leave the school since they were brought in for some reason despite all the security.
Hermes (narrating): I was surprised that this student spoke directly to the headmaster like they knew him, so maybe I could use them somehow. It seems like they came on their way home after school, so they have to come back out sometime.
Hermes (narrating): Okay finally they're here. Dunno what their deal is since they look like any old student on the street. They don't look like they've gotten any special training based on how they walk, but I'm gonna keep stalking and watching them.
Hermes (narrating): I can see them talking to something apparently invisible. Since they're looking to the side they don't notice someone coming up ahead, and wouldn't you know it some wolf thug bumps into them. He's that one accident faker and dine and dasher the police have been looking for. It's probably gonna be a fight. Welp, time to move.

Yasha: Aw bitch, I haven't gotten any customers in today. Where's a sucker I can get some money out o--oh.
Yasha: Hi hottie!★ Wanna come check out School Uniform Cafe for Nerds? (^3^)
Hermes: What, you talking to me? I'm too busy to get ripped off by fetish places.
Yasha: YOU WANNA START SOMETHING ASSHOLE?
Hermes: Say it louder for the back of the class why don't ya. It's not like I've got a sucker to dupe or anything.
Yasha: Huh? You mean that wolf over there?
Hermes: They're mine, got it? You're gonna ruin my plans if you try something.
Yasha: What, he rich or something if you care that much? Ha! Watch me!
Yasha: Oh Mister Fluffybutt, can I have a moment of your time? <3
Yasha: Ha ha, hook, line, and sinker. Hello, motherload!
Hermes (narrating): Criminals who victimize other people will end up coming across other criminals who do the same thing. I wonder who's gonna get who? I can't be bothered to care much, but now I've got a chance! What was their name...MC? It's Taking Advantage of Other People Time!

Later
MC is going back to Ded's office again.
Hougen: Hi MC. Made a decision?
MC: I'll join the thieves / I'm gonna be naughty / The treasure is mine!
(Bang)
Black: Did I hear you say naughty? I see you have chosen death! ...inasmuch as this is training and I don't actually shoot people dead.
Hougen: No Ded, stop! You're going to ruin everything! I wanna give MC such a spanking now...hurhurhur.
Black: Damn. Well thanks for helping. Don't blow the surprise!
Hougen: Well I'm looking forward to seeing what tricks you pull. As for the other members of the thieves, it'd be better for you to meet them outside of the school.
Black: I have Jiraiya's number. You guys should pick somewhere to meet, then call White once you have your gang settled. He said he'd do something for your thief costumes. Bah!
MC: Okay! / Bye! / Have mercy
---
(C) Black: Don't get all soft on me! Go at it like you mean it!
---
Black: Don't think we'll go easy on you because you're a student, or else you won't make it in! Get working on those plans!

MC texts Jiraiya around the time they reach the school doors. Jiraiya texts back to say come to Shibuya.
Jiraiya: Hey, MC! It's been a spell! You doing good? I'm glad we're on the same side. Buckle up for a ride!
MC: Hi again Jiraiya! / Glad to have you / I came because of you
---
(C) Jiraiya: Aww, thanks! I'll give you a hand if you need it too.
---
Jiraiya: So! Santa School's all under heavy guard and we can't take too long on making our plans. And we're gonna set up shop in Shibuya which isn't too near and too far from there!
MC: Yeah, scouting will be easy from here / I see / I don't get it but you sound like a pro
(AB) Jiraiya: I'm glad you're quick on the uptake. Maybe you'd be good as a thief hero?
(C) Jiraiya: Ha! You haven't seen the last of my tricks yet! 

Jiraiya: Phantom thieves, huh? I mean I go for showy when doing my main job, but they do it all the way when nabbing the loot and afterwards. The way they announce themselves before the heist...is so cool! Even if it does make sneaking in harder...
Jiraiya: ...okay, let's put together a crew of thieves here with whoever!
MC: Cool! / Are we getting other ninjas? / Know anyone good?
(A) Jiraiya: Glad to see you're into this! This sounds like fun...but I dunno who we should get.
(BC) Jiraiya: About that...

Jiraiya: I could ask the guys I know in my main job since I'll know they can hack it... If us working together just happens it's fine, but asking beforehand means I'll owe them and I don't want that.
MC: Kotarou? / Goemon?
(A) Jiraiya: Yeah! Like hell will I bow to the leader of the Fuuma!
(B) Jiraiya: He and I are natural enemies and I'm never gonna ask! Not even for you!

Jiraiya: Sooo that means I don't have any ideas on who to ask. Do you kno--
???: THERE YOU ARE BITCH
Jiraiya: What? Someone fighting around here?
Over by the train station
Wolf: I can't BELIEVE you scammed me!
Hermes: literally who
Wolf: Don't give me that! You set me up at Shinjuku the other day!
Hermes (dramatic gesturing): Ohhh! You! Now I remember. How was the ripoff place?
Wolf: You really DO remember what happened!

MC: I saw those two in Shinjuku the other day. (explains)
Jiraiya: ... (nods) Got it! Leave it to me!
MC: Where are you going!? / What are you looking for? / Why are you standing on a street light...?
Jiraiya: I'm getting up somewhere high of course! If I'm gonna make a big dramatic entrance to break up a fight, I have to make witty remarks from up high!
Before Jiraiya can say anything...
???: STOOOOP
Strumming noises.
MC: Oh no it's Benten! / why / Yaass queen!

Wolf: Problem, bitch? You a friend of bird boy!?
Benten: No. And what if I am? And yes I have a problem! I'm trying to get viral on Not Twitter after I go post a vid about the guy playing his music and you are in the way! You wanna talk to him, then wait until AFTER the show!
Wolf: wat. I don't care about your nonsense! I am trying to--
Jiraiya: STOOOOP! A hero is here to tell you guys to stop shouting! The chivalrous thief Jiraiya, faster than lightning beasts! Brighter than the sun, with no clouds in the sky! And here I am to stop the fight! Super ninja jump, go!

Benten: ...Jiraiya? That super broke-ass triple shifter third year who skips class all the time? That Jiraiya?
Jiraiya: Ack! How did you know!? You go to the same school I do?
Benten: I also heard that you hate snakes, can't really turn down requests, and studied under some toad hermit.
Jiraiya: H-how do you know so much!? Are you an info broker? Am I too famous now!?
Benten: It really IS you!? OMG Senpai, let's take a selfie together! I met someone rare and famous from our school! Our classmates are going to fav the pic SO HARD!
MC: What a coincidence / You skip classes a lot too, Jiraiya? / I want a pic too!

Wolf: GODDAMMIT GIRL! First you stick your nose into a fight and now you're talking crazy! I don't care anymore, I'll take all of you!
Benten: What, you wanna fight loser? Bring it!
Wolf: W-wait I was the one provoked here and--
Jiraiya: You're gonna regret picking a fight with me, punk!
MC: Jiraiya you came to stop this / oh no they both sound like bad guys! / I don't even care anymore
Hermes: Guys can I just leave
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 13: Direct Lightning Strike (Abridged)

Space
Broker: Oh no, they killed an Observer again. I must give a strongly worded warning and wag my finger the next time we meet. But an Observer that weak isn't worth getting that upset about. If MC stays alive and well, that universe is salvageable. I shall recline on my space chair and continue watching just like I have been this entire time.
Earth
Huckle: Pain... (flump)
Mokdai: DIRECTOR HUCKLE!
MC: OH NO DIRECTOR ARE YOU OKAY!?
Akashi: Hang on I'm com--(dodges)--whoa!
Monster Procys block the way
Crowne Alter: Bitch, you wanna get over here you talk to the guards.
Monster Procys multiply again.

Akashi: Why won't these things die already!?
Ryekie: Get out of the way! Huckle, hang in there!
MC: Ryekie, the tentacle is coming from the front! Stop!
Ryekie: Wha--(smacked into a wall)--gahh!
Sui: So we have to avoid the tentacle and destroy the monsters to get over there...?
Mokdai: N-no way, we can't deal with all that! B-but then...!
Crowne Alter: Nice. Dance for me, dipshits!

Crowne: What did you just do to Huckle!?
Melide: Forced Observer separation...
Yoshiori: And what the hell is that!?
Melide: Observers are what happens when you fuse two people from different universes into one being. It's like having two souls in one body. They just pulled one of them away by force...and destroyed it, killing the other person that was inside Huckle. The original person's personality has died, leaving an empty shell...
Crowne: OH MY GOD
Monomasa: How can you be so cruel to other people!? How can you be so calm after killing someone so terribly!?

Crowne Alter: Are you really asking me that? I hate everyone besides me and wish they'd drop dead. You know how it is, right Sui?
Sui: ...! (stiffens and looks away in shame)
Crowne Alter: Tch, pussy. But then again, that's just like you. Oh right, you're getting in the way. Eat it! (kicks Huckle in the chest repeatedly)
Huckle: Agh! Can't...move..!
Ryekie: S-stop! Huckle, run!
Crowne Alter: Look, he said run! Run, fat boy, run! C'mon! Run like a bitch!
Huckle: Urgh! Ungh! (gets kicked down a hole in the ground) Aaahhh...!
Ryekie: HUCKLE! Damn you...!

Crowne Alter: HA HA! Why don't you do something about it, Zap the Justice!? Gonna let someone die again, just like Back Then!?
Ryekie: !!!
Akashi: Ryekie, we'll handle the mobs! You go get the director!
Crowne Alter: Stop struggling and die already! Don't think your stupid plans will save anything!
Monster Procy: (hits Akashi)
Akashi: Agh!
Mokdai: Oh no!

Huckle: E-everyone! Calm down, I'm still okay! Focus on the Monsters...!
MC: Director, something's behind you!
Huckle: Wha...!?
Giant tentacle comes in and splits into four to sweep around. Huckle attempts to evade it in vain.
Huckle: B-body can't move right...!
Melide: Yoshiori! Shoot near that street light!
Yoshiori: Eat space lead! ...I'm hitting something but it isn't reacting! I'm going in! Hang in there a bit longer!
Melide: Oh no! You won't make it in time!
Huckle is getting dragged into the Monster's mouth along with a bunch of rubble.
Huckle: Agh...!
MC: NO
Monster: nom
Ryekie: ...!!! HUUUUCKLLLLEEEEE!!!

Inside the Monster
Huckle: ...huh? Oh. Right. The giant thing ate me. Well that was sad of me. I couldn't move around right at all... My body's starting to disappear. I wish I could have...said goodbye to him...at least.
Back outside
Ryekie: Hu...ckle...
Akashi: ...oh my god.
Mokdai: The giant monster...it...
Sui: We have to defeat it to save him...
Crowne Alter: HAHAHAHA! What can maggots like you guys do!? You talked big, but in the end you're all GARBAGE. Now I just gotta swat one last pest and--
Someone is behind Crowne Alter and raises their hand.
Crowne Alter: Wait wha--(SUCKER PUNCHED)

Crowne is standing above Crowne Alter, breathing heavily and bleeding from the hand she punched with.
MC: Crowne!?
Monomasa: Stop, it's too dangerous!
Crowne Alter: BITCH! You think you're hot shit slipping under my radar and--
Crowne: You really can't be me.
Crowne Alter: ...wat
Crowne: If you think I'd turn out to be a twisted piece of trash like you, I'd have killed myself a long time ago!
Crowne Alter: ...YOU SHUT UP! You aren't even a hero or an Observer, cocky ass pansy!
Crowne: Wha--ahh!?
Crowne Alter pushes Crowne back and over, then starts mercilessly beating on her. The robo arms pin Crowne and prevent her from defending herself, so blood starts flying with every hit.

Sui: Stop, she'll die!
Crowne Alter: Die...? Oh wait, right...I can kill her too with no problems. Things can be balanced out in other ways even if she's a parallel life. (tosses Crowne over to Monster Procy)
Crowne: Augh! (cough)
Crowne Alter: You're Monster food next. Don't worry, everyone else will be too, soon.
Crowne: Ugh, ahh...!
MC: Oh no! / That scum!

Ryekie: How dare you look down on life so horribly! I'll stop you in your tracks!
Ryekie: MC, your orders! I'm taking everything I have and throwing it all into beating them!
Phone: bwooong
MC: huh
Phone: high pitch sheening
MC: oh my god it's burning up!
Phone: (starts cracking from the heat)
MC: I HAVE TO CUT THE POWER
Phone: Exceedingly strong path found. Reconnect? For: Zap the Justice
MC: wait what the hell is this new window!?
Ryekie: MC, what's going on!? Tell me what to do!
MC: Is this a new path found from Ryekie and my feelings? ...whatever, let's go for it! (tap)

Akashi: Hey wait what's happening? Why's Ryekie shining!?
Mokdai: MY EYES
Thunder and lightning wrap around Ryekie, flashing pale blue light several times as bright as daylight.
Crowne Alter: WHAT
MC: (feels like they're being pulled into the sky by gravity forces) OW WHAT
Something like a black hole has opened above.
MC: No really, what!? I'm not gonna get sucked in by that!
Ryekie: Raaaah!!! (FLASH)

Sui: Ryekie?
Monomasa: He's gone...
MC: Where did he go?
The black hole and gravity effect is gone too.
MC: what the hell just happened
Crowne Alter: ...wait was that just some bluff? Waste of my goddamn time
Something SLAMS into the ground and the Giant Monster roars.
Crowne Alter: wait wha
MC: The tentacle that got Huckle got cut down!
Monster Procy: (gets blown up)
Crowne: h-huh
Crowne Alter: What's going on now!? Wait...
???: Raaaagghhh!!!
A light zooms back to the ground, then fades to reveal...
EX Ryekie: The lightning of justice that tears the heavens is now here! I am ZAP THE JUSTICE!
MC: R-Ryekie? / Justice? / What!?
(C) Mokdai: J-Justice!? What's that new form...!?

EX Ryekie: I dunno what happened, but I know MC gave me new power at least! There's more power going through my body than I've ever felt, and now I'm here to kick evil's ass!
Yoshiori: What!? Is this a new Observer thing!?
Melide: No, not all Observers can do that. Normally connecting a path to a host universe and writing over a current transformation like that would tear you apart and suck you into that universe. But MC could do that...?
EX Ryekie: ...guys, let me handle all this. (points at Crowne Alter) This is war! All your attacks on Exio! All your insults and assaults on us and your attacks on Crowne! And all you did to my long time partner Huckle! You're gonna pay for EVERYTHING!
Crowne: Ryekie...
Crowne Alter: Eat shit, bastard! You don't get to talk big just 'cuz you learned to control your power a little! And you, MC! Lick my pointy ass shoes, trash! You ain't better than me!

Crowne Alter raises their hand to Monster Procy, fusing them all back together. Dark sparks scatter from it as it stands in front of Ryekie.
Mokdai: Oh no it's powering up!
Monomasa: He wants us to leave it to him. It'd be pointless to get ourselves endangered.
Sui: B-but...
Akashi: ...I get it. Ryekie's putting his pride on the line for this.
EX Ryekie: Yeah, I got this! I'll win for sure! MC, we'll do this together!
MC: Okay!
Crowne Alter: Know your goddamned place!
EX Ryekie: You've destroyed and hurt people while indulging in your own desires! You've trampled on lives and freedom as you selfishly called them in your way! You are evil, and you are going down NOW!
BATTLE START

Christmas Showdown Police Side Episode 1 Part 2 (Abridged)

Wolf: I'll get you for this, bird boy!
Dine and dasher wolf is handed over to the backup Tajikarao calls. Taromaiti, Hermes, and MC talk about the other day in the meantime.
Taromaiti: ...Hermes did you know who that wolf was?
Hermes: Shrug, lmao! But he seemed sus to me. And since he's the one to bump into MC, I guess that's karma. I just set a little trap for him to fall into.
Taromaiti: Oh. It's not the most respectable of methods, but I'll still thank you for saving my friend.
MC: Thanks Hermes / I was sweating bullets / That was funny
(A) Hermes: It's cool. But I won't say no if you wanna pay me back with money~
(B) Hermes: What's a thrill here and there gonna hurt~?
(C) Hermes: Wow you got guts. Let's do that again then!

Taromaiti: >:C
Hermes: It was just a joke, bro.
Tajikarao: I'm back! Thank you you two for helping catch that criminal and cooperating with our investigation! Although this does sound like it's all Hermes's fault.
Hermes: Oh come on dude I am an upstanding citizen now! I just...ran away as a habit when you saw me playing my flute the other day. Look! The proper forms to perform in public!
Tajikarao: Very crumpled forms, but the right forms nonetheless. And you did help arrest a criminal just now...
Taromaiti: Please let him go.
Tajikaro: ...who are you? Do you know Hermes?
Taromaiti: Taromaiti. I work with Hermes at Cafe Asterism. He's our delivery boy.
Tajikarao: He has a job!?
MC: Why is that a big surprise? / Is he that shady? / Is he a bad guy? 

Tajikarao: Well, I already know Hermes is openly rebellious against the police. But if anyone saw how he acted now, they'd be surprised and find it admirable! This one time, Hougen and I were investigating something and--I MEAN I'm sorry I shouldn't be talking about Hermes's personal situation and
Hermes: You can say whatever. You are still so unguarded.
Tajikarao: Mghgh. I can't argue with that right now...but it makes me happy to think that I may have rehabilitated myself a bit.
Hermes: wat

Hermes: Are you getting ideas about a troublemaker like me again? Just catch a dude, punish them, and let them go already.
MC: Arrests aren't all the police do / Tajikarao is a kind guy / (Hermes called himself a troublemaker...)
Tajikarao: Yes, I may have taken the wrong attitude with you before. I had pegged you as a shameful criminal, but I've been learning and thinking about things more since joining police school, seeing how things are in Tokyo, and meeting MC.
MC: Like what? / Yeah lots of stuff happened.
Tajikarao: Well you may have been taught this at school, but laws have been developed since the Gates to other worlds opened up. But more Transients have come faster than the laws can handle their issues, so there are people who haven't been supported by the law whether or not they obeyed them. So as a police officer, I not only need to handle crimes that have happened, it's important to help rehabilitate and reintegrate criminals too. That's why I go talk to Transients who have finished their prison terms under Hougen's directions.
Hermes: ...huh. Big ideals there.
MC: Must be tough for you / Must be tough for Transients / Hermes?

Tajikarao: Hermes, is our work bothering you? I know some of the people I talk to don't like the police...
Tajikarao doesn't notice when Hermes dodges the question.
Hermes: Oh, Hougen came to talk to me too.
Tajikarao: ? He did?
Hermes: Yeah, he asked me to help him with something.
Tajikarao: Oh! The Santa School case?
Hermes: Oh yeah, That Case with the calling card. Totally not playing along with something you blurted out, nosirree.

Tajikarao: Yes, that case indeed. I'm working with Kioh to guard the school and investigate.
Hermes: Wow, blabbermouth. You don't even know if we're all in on that case.
Tajikarao: OH NO
Taromaiti: Don't worry, I'm in. Hougen talked to me about it the other day.
Hermes: If you were worried about Taromaiti, I guess that means you're already in on this?
MC: (shrug)
Tajikarao: I've been informed that we'd be having outside help to cooperate with the case. MC is one of them!
Hermes: hmmmm, I see how it is. Well nice to be working with you, MC.
MC: Yep. (something seems shady...) (smile and handshake)

Later, after MC leaves
Taromaiti: Nice question dodging there. This doesn't feel good.
Hermes: You were talking to an idealistic policeman and a goddamn high school amateur. That should be easy to do. I mean you didn't tell them you were going to be involved as one of the thieves.
Taromaiti: Well what did you expect from me? And there's that bad habit of yours again, tricking people from the word "go." What's your plan anyway? You haven't told Hougen if you'd be in but Tajikarao already thinks you are.
Hermes: Aww sorry, don't be like that! I'll do it, yeah. We're gonna be on opposite sides.
Taromaiti: Right, let's do our best anyways.

Taromaiti: By the way, it's unusual for you to talk about your past. You okay?
Hermes: Well with someone friendly like that, it'd be fine to open up a little. It's way better than them sticking to me trying to become friends.
Taromaiti: ...what's wrong with that?
Hermes: Hey this is work! I don't want to be any closer than that. Plus it's the quickest way for everyone involved. (leaves)
Taromaiti: ...I can't read him, like he's made hiding his thoughts and feelings a core part of himself. Did someone force him to be that way, or...?

Elsewhere
???: Everything is going according to plan. Please leave it to me.
Ose: I'll send the information ahead of time by other means since I don't want to risk it leaking over the phone or computer. The training drill may be a bit big, but I'm still going to stick with it. Plus I might be able to get some info no matter what happens.
Ose: Hmm. Benten's joining in as a participant too? Nice, this should make things more exciting. I guess every one of us Nakano Performing Arts Academy students all want to stand out. Considering the school's Other Side, making her a thief makes sense. Now about the police side... (pulls out notes and a photo of MC and Hermes meeting at Kabukicho)
Ose: So that Transient who helped MC and coincidentally met them again is participating in the drill. He's held off on telling Hougen whether he'd be in this whole time, but then joined in after talking with MC. Coincidence, or "coincidence?" Hmm...I guess I should put in some effort too.
End of Episode