Akiba and Dragons Episode 5 Part 1 (Abridged)

There are many secrets in the world, which in turn necessitates cyphers. Human history in turn is a cycle of struggle between those who would reveal these secrets and those who would hide them.
Tindalos: Reveal the dirty laundry!
Enigma: Hide crimes!
What is he saying?
Tindalos: It feels GREAT getting it all out! Take that weight off your shoulders!
Enigma: Secrets are treasures, a wish of something you keep dear. Hide it within yourself, deep where no one can see it.
No really, what is he saying?
Enigma: Secrets are the societal boundaries between yourself and others. You must not publicize them or show them to anyone else.
Tindalos: Don't you want to show who you really are? Show them everything!
Error
Tindalos: Secrets are the differences between yourself and others born within you. They're too heavy to hold by yourself.
Enigma: Don't you want to keep them for yourself? Full disclosure is not the end all, be all.
What
Enigma/Tindalos: Seclude [Expose] your secrets.
Tindalos: Tell everyone. That's my theory.
Enigma: Tell no one. That's my theory.
Definition: Unclear. Building consensus...building consensus...
Click
Tindalos Bro: Conclusion drawn. Beginning task.

Present
Kuniyoshi: Furry Stan SERVE!
Catoblepas: I-I got it! Uhh, here? (bonk) OW!
Zhurong: Yeees, more pictures!
Vapula: WHY ARE WE PLAYING VABEACH VOLLEYBALL
Creators: BECAUSE!
Vapula: They didn't even need to think on that!
Kuniyoshi: Come on, we're at the beach. Doing stuff will make great manga references!
Hecate: Yeah, weird how being in a virtual world makes me want to try it out even though I'd hard pass in reality.
Catoblepas: Thank you for inviting me...also, we need a change of pace at times like this. Okay, ball's in your court Vapula!
Vapula: wait what AAAAHH
Vapula: I'll get you for this! Vapula Smash!
Vapula sucks at volleyball so the ball veers off elsewhere. The sand dragon runs off to pick it up.
Sand Dragon: Bark bark!

MC: Ooh, nice toss! Harem Protagonist Smash!
Kuniyoshi: Oh no, MC is on the other side!
Catoblepas: It's okay, I've brought reinforcements for this situation.
Akiha Gongen: Oh! Oh! He's talking about me! Put me in coach! Bump that ball for me!
Catoblepas: O-okay, here goes!
Akiha: Firefighter Smash!
MC: Oh no! Vapula, you good?
Vapula: R-right. If I'm vaplaying, I'm in it to win it! And, uhh...
Sand Dragon: Bark bark!
Vapula: ! Okay, here we go!
Zhurong: Good luck everybody!
Babe Bunyan: Zhurong, stop taking pictures and join in!
Zhurong: Oh! You're right, Babe.

Later
Itzamna: Hmm. It's good to have experiences like this from time to time after locking up in our studios. Would everyone like to take a break? Our delivery from the dining area has come!
Creator: HOORAY!
Tons of food is laid out on picnic blankets.
Itzamna: Oh my! This food looks more like art than mere cooking.
Hecate: It's the Akihabara Metaverse School collaboration menu. Everything's a special based on famous students.
Kuniyoshi: Well let's look and eat. I'm hungry after all that moving around.
Zhurong: Wait, pictures first!

Akiha Gongen: I'll split it up then. Anything you guys want specifically?
MC: Refreshing Black Soda / Mixed Taste Changing Soba / wait what the hell is Mystery Fried Tindalos
(A) Babe Bunyan: Holy shit that soda's good!
Zhurong: It looks so bubbly but the taste is so unexpected! It's great!
Hecate: An unapproachable appearance but actually a clear and nice taste inside? Reminds me of someone...
Catoblepas: Ooh, I think I know who it's based on.
(B) Kuniyoshi: This just looks like a mix of three kinds of noodles...
Hecate: Hey the pasta's actually yakisoba. Surprising!
Akiha: And this part that looks like ramen is soba noodles! So many different spices!
(C) Vapula: Way to vaplay it straight with the name...
Itzamna: It says the idea is based on exposing secrets? It looks like regular takoyaki.
Vapula: Hey, there's no octopus at all! There's cheese and sausages vaput inside though!
Itzamna: I found apples and custard. Very creative!

PA System: Paging Vapula and MC Fullname to the manager's area!
MC: Huh?
Vapula: Oh! It's time for Tindalos's vaprototype test! Let's go!
Vapula quickly runs off...then immediately comes back.
Vapula: I almost forgot! Thanks for the food!
Vapula runs off again. MC follows along this time.
Hecate: Hey, hasn't Vapula changed?
Kuniyoshi: Well he's a hasty guy. Also my name is Pot now.
Akiha Gongen: Hmm...it feels like he's looking at his surroundings more.
Catoblepas: ...we're past the halfway point of the event, but I hope Vapula figures out what feels means to him.
Itzamna: Okay, we have things to do once lunch is done. Lots of visitors coming, I hear, so do your best everyone.
Creators: Okay!
Everyone runs off.
Sand Dragon: Chirp? (stares off into the distance)

Later
Vapula: Hey, we're here! How's the vapreparations going?
Tindalos, Turing, and Enigma are here with Tindalos Bros' body.
MC: This is kinda exciting / Another collab? / Technology and art fusion, huh?
Turing: Yep. Of course I'd know about an autonomous thinking robot AI Transient with a personality. We humans don't get a chance to make something like that every millenium! This could be my final invention as a human too. Nothing ominous there!
Enigma: Beginning activation sequence, proceeding through checklist.
Tindalos: Screw the list! Down with convention!
Enigma: Objection. Cutting edge technology must proceed with caution. I have been paying careful attention to the system construction and added a failsafe function over your emulated personality. My specs are nothing special, but I have made the best system I could.
Tindalos: Humblebragging! That doesn't fit you! How can you live so constrained with rules for rules' sake!? What is even the point!? Then again that's why I go around saying you should put everything out in the open.
Enigma: I must ask you the same. What do you secure with that freedom? Our students' social statuses and economy function due to present day society. If its order and secrets are torn apart, all would descend into chaos as people hurt one another. There would be no culture, no art, much less Youtubers. Protecting the freedom you howl so much about is the true nature of the societal rules you claim to hate.
Enigma and Tindalos: >:C

MC: Stop! / Let's focus on the project! / Philosophize later
Tindalos: Ugh, FIIINE. I'll leave you in charge for now, Enigma.
Enigma: Understood. I apologize for picking such a trivial fight.
Vapula: ...t-they really vapulled back out of the fight. I don't like those loud aggressive fights... I mean we're gonna vaput something cool together. We oughta smile!
Turing: (stares femboyishly)
Enigma: Vapula, please set up the body. I will monitor the interior.
Tindalos: What am I supposed to do? Just stand there?
Enigma: Think of something for the mental pattern readers to pick up on.
Tindalos: That's all you have to tell me!? You want something from the darkest parts of my mind!?

The three get to their positions to do things, so MC walks over to the spectator section with Turing, who stands there smiling.
MC: Truly the face of pure evil / So which side are you on? / Ayyyy, when's your next day off?
(A) Turing: Oh, do I have my plotting face on? ...it was for a lark because I'm evil like that. What are you going to do about it? Chide me? Rebuke me? Or...become a joint researcher with me? ...Kidding! I'm not planning anything. Anything evil, at least.
(B) Turing: Are you referring to their argument? That was just a matter of mental gymnastics. Debating order and chaos is a time honored tradition of affirming the society you belong to. Infrastructure is something people tend to forget about, so those debates become necessary. But let's just say society will collapse no matter which I support. Not that I think old school ways collapsing is bad~.
(C) Turing: ...how novel. Is this flirting? I know about it intellectually, at least. My schedule is very flexible, but it'd take some shifting things around even for you. Could you call Enigma later?

Tindalos Bro is being worked on.
Enigma: Forming pseudonerves...
The body starts breathing.
Tindalos: Yeeeah, come on Bro!
It's the creation of a new life, even if it is a copy of someone else!
Turing: !!
Tindalos Bro: ...
Enigma, Vapula, and Tindalos: ...WE DID IT!
Later
The special stage area is filled with tons of people. Part of them are Tindalos fans waving glowsticks. Everyone else is just expecting a good time.
Kuniyoshi: I really wasn't expecting Tindalos to put an event on all of a sudden.
Hecate: Yeah, and in reality instead of online. It's trending on the net.
Zhurong: Hmm. Maybe a famous Youtuber could be a good news topic.
Babe Bunyan: Yeeeah, trailblazing by genre busting! I should see how the net does things for when I become a farmer one day!

Backstage, there's a sigh of relief at seeing how excited everyone is.
Vapula: I guess we can relax after all we vaput in making that vapiece of work. All those power cables and magnetic fluids holding all the sand together and stuff.
Enigma: You did well on that, Vapula.
Vapula: Well yeah! I can re-vaproduce anything written in a book!
MC: Are you not gonna make a physical body, Enigma? / So cutting edge, huh? / Enigma's swimsuit, yeeees
(A) Enigma: A body for interacting with the physical world? Frankly, it is unnecessary. I am already in a server, and bodily functions do not present any advantages as a tradeoff for less computational ability... We could touch one another? Would you like me to add pressure sensors to your VR headset? ...it'd be pointless if it were one-sided? Understood, I will recalculate based on your irrational desire.
(B) Enigma: I will refrain to some extent on answering that question, but there are no problems with the individual technology. The magnetic fluid came from Kamata while the sand was given to us by civil engineers. The organic assembly is our original work, however. Hmm? I seem proud of it? Well I am just answering what was asked of me...actually, I suppose I should be saying you are correct.
(C) Enigma: Biorhythm change detected in MC. I see, so you are inclined to that. This design was made to suit people of certain tastes. You want to know what I think of your opinion? Your ogling is the height of incompetence, which I deem very much worth supporting.

Suddenly music starts! The glowstick waving fans look at the big screen monitor, at which point Tindalos gets on.
Tindalos: Hey everybody! It's ya ears and brains' boyfriend! It's the Tindalos--
Audience: Channel!
Kuniyoshi: Oh my god there's this many of Tindalos's followers here!?
Hecate: Well it was trending on the net. Maybe that's why there's more people here than expected?
Zhurong: But he's still on a monitor when he said he'd show up in reality.
Babe Bunyan: Oh man, the flame wars that'd start if he doesn't deliver.
Tindalos: Ayyyy, you can't rush these big shows like that baby.
Babe: Hey f0ck YOU, man! I-I totally knew that!
Tindalos: Yeees, just like that! Okay Bro, it's showtime! Come on out, TINDALOS BRO!
Tindalos Bro comes out.
End of Episode half

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 1 Episode 1: From the Multiverse (Abridged)

Some spaceship
PA System: Alert: 265 million enemies detected, 89% of which are evolved Monsters. Black hole engine stabilizing, outer hull damage low. No effects on field formation. Enemy forces have begun attacking. Barriers deployed while awaiting hero deployment.
Huckle: Well this is it. It's kind of moving.
Mokdai: We have to win for the trillions of lives in this universe!
Roiker: We really do have the fate of the universe on our shoulders now.
Akashi: Okay, I'm ready to go for the fight of my life! ...what's up, MC? Haha, stop looking so apologetic! I'm the one who chose to stick with you to the end! I'll fight with you. It's only two million creeps, no bigs. We should get started on clearing them out, so...don't ever give up backing us up.
Seiichiro: All heroes, ready for dispatch. MC, it's all up to you now. We came all this way for this moment. Everyone here trusts you and is putting their lives in your hands. That includes me as well. Now let us all save this universe together. Your orders, Captain!
The Broker's spaceship
Broker: Fools, you know I always have the initiative! I commend you all for getting this far, but remember I still hold all the cards!
Spaceship A
Seiichiro: The Captain has spoken: don't die on me! All hands, get out and fight!

Were you expecting an explanation for all that? Surprise!
One day at Parallel Flight...
MC: A business trip to Osaka?
Huckle: Yes, a government agency passed on a message through UEHA. It's a two night, three day trip in Osaka and they apparently want to talk to you and Exio. So now I called you two over to talk about some details about work and the meeting.
Exio: They want me too?
Akashi: A meeting? What for? MC, did you do something?
Mokdai: Maybe it's actually an inquiry. Think it has to do with MC bringing back Mt. Fuji?
Exio: Possibly. Actually, I bet that's exactly it. There are government officials who have hero potential, some who are Observers, and some who are actual working heroes. Of course they're going to be interested when they notice Mt. Fuji came back.
Sui: Regular civilians apparently think it was there the whole time, which is why they haven't made a bigger fuss about it.

Brief flashback of everyone last chapter being surprised about Mt. Fuji.
MC: Oh. That...
Melide: I bet they want to ask MC how they brought Mt. Fuji back. Too bad it's not going to turn anything up since MC doesn't know what they were doing. Also, MC still doesn't understand their ability much.
Yoshiori: Just tell them to eat a dick because you don't have to tell them a damn thing! Plus we're former villains and underworlders, so going on this business trip could be dangerous. I can't be by Exio all the time either...
Akashi: Why are you even here today? You haven't been scheduled for work.
Yoshiori: S-shut up, I'm just worried about Exio...! And now that I think about it, YOU weren't scheduled today either, bitch!
Akashi: Y-YOU shut up! I've been here a while, I got my reasons!
Monomasa: ...you haven't been here that long.

Huckle: Okay kids, stop fighting. I know we put down Yoshiori and Monomasa as part timers, but they're still part of the team so we should get along. Also, since this came from UEHA we do have to respond to the message.
Yoshiori: ...what?
Huckle: They've done a lot of favors for us, so we can't just ignore them. And I know you really want to go, but I'm asking you to stay this time. They've assigned the party to go. I'm sorry.
Yoshiori: NOOOO! I'm supposed to be Exio's bodyguard!
Monomasa: Stop arguing, Yoshiori. There's only so many of us in the agency, so if something does happen we'll be out the number of people who can go assist in that case.
Yoshiori: BUT...!
Exio: Oh fine. Yoshiori, I want you to hold the fort. If MC and I have to go, then Melide should still be here to be an Operator. So stay and help her.
Yoshiori: Urgh...r-roger! Please be careful!
Mokdai: oh my god he really does only listen to Exio
Yoshiori: SHUT IT
Mokdai: Eek!

Huckle: ...so about the party being sent on this trip. Exio and MC have to go for starters, so Ryekie and I will come along. Also for some reason they want Akashi to go too.
MC: What!? He's just a part timer!
Akashi: Wait what WHY
Huckle: Don't know. But that's the five of us going. Is your schedule okay to go?
Akashi: W-well if it's for three days I can do school online and stuff. I just need to talk to the team about practice to figure something about practice... Why do they want me going again?
Huckle: Well I won't force the issue, but what do you want to do? You don't have to make a decision until the night before.
Akashi: Hmm...I'd rather not miss out on practice either. Can I get some time?
Huckle: Okay. Oh right, one more thing. A guide will be coming to meet us.
MC: A guide?
Huckle: Yes, someone working for the client. We're supposed to hear from them soon but--
Bwoop bwoop bwoop
Ryekie: It's an emergency call!
Announcer: Business employee reported villains causing trouble in Central Ward. Requesting nearby heroes for backup.
Monomasa: ...duty calls.
Huckle: Right. Team B, head out. Team A, stand by on the ready. MC, Akashi, Mokdai, Sui, Monomasa, get going now.
MC: Right! Heading out!

Later at some restaurant
Mafia Red: Get out here, you cheater!
Blue: You got some nerve to play with the boss like that!
Yellow: You better come out with your friends too, or we'll blow this place up!
Worker: But they've already retired! Oh no please stop!
The shop is already a mess and people are running and panicking. The party is outside.
Akashi: ...do we really have to get in there?
Sui: Is this something we have room to get involved in...?
MC: Yeah I kinda want to bail / I can barely hear the daytime soap drama happening / But we have to stop them!
(AB) Sui: Maybe we shouldn't go in? It's hard to do so already.
Monomasa: But we have to to stop any collateral.
Mokdai: ...right! As heroes we have to stop problems no matter why they happened!
(C) Monomasa: MC is right.
Mokdai: ...yeah! We can't let anyone around get hurt either!

And so the party runs in.
Akashi: Stop!
Green: Stay out of our problems!
Sui: It stopped being your problem when you made it the problem of people outside too!
Mokdai: Please surrender peacefully so we can talk!
Green: Shut up and kiss my ass or I'll kick yours too!
Monomasa: ...negotiations have failed. MC, time to fight.
MC: R-right!
Blue: Come at me bro!
Yellow: ...hey haven't I heard the name MC somewhere before?
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Blue: Noooo!
Red: Damn you to hell!
Red and Blue's suits cancel out as they fall over.
Monomasa: You guys lost and your suits have come undone. You can't fight anymore.
Red: S-shut up! It's you guys' fault for sticking your heads into our problem!
Blue: Who ARE you guys!? I know you stalled us so HE could run away! We'll get you too for this!
Sui: M-my head hurts from this miscommunication...
Mokdai: We're with Parallel Flight and we have no idea who it is you're looking for...
Yellow: OH NO! Boss, it's them!
Sudden villain meeting!
Red: No way...
Blue: Yes way. If they're involved...

MC: w-what
Akashi: Well at least they stopped...? Shouldn't we tie them up until the police get here? MC, did you call them yet?
MC: Yeah. Though I guess they'd come even if I didn't.
Yellow: OH NO MC IS HERE!
Blue: Holy shit we're gonna be in deep if they find out!
Red: We gotta run! We can't be seen with them here!
MC: what?
The villains scatter and run!
Akashi: HEY GET BACK HERE
Akashi is about to jump out the window when...
???: Haha, can't let ya do that, brah!
Not Red: W-who the fu--(punched!)
Red: Oh my god he's not even transformed and--(punched!)
Some Other Not Red: Boss! (punched!)

A few moments later the restaurant's front door opens.
DJ Ninja: Whoo, that was easy!
DJ Ninja's bling jangles as he drags the mafia mobs in chained up. Loud music blares from his headphones.
Sui: Umm...are you from a hero agency?
Mokdai: NO WAY!
MC: Uh, who are you? / A robot? A cyborg? / Hot
---
(C) Akashi: Y-you're up for that, MC...?
---
DJ Ninja: Yo, dudes and dudettes from Parallel Flight! I got the villains dealt with, no worries! I'm Yahiko Danzo. I work as a music producer, but Big Boss asked me to escort ya to Osaka, dig? Nice meeting ya!
End of Episode

Akiba and Dragons Episode 4 Part 2 (Abridged)

Catoblepas's name means "to look downwards." His eyes have the power to draw eyes to him. Anyone he looks at stop moving as their attention goes to him. In his home world (wherever that is), he was shunned for that and everyone always told him to keep his eyes hidden. So he lived with his head down, face hidden, never looking anyone in the eyes. His heart was always heavy, his feet slow as if caught in swamp.
Then one day Catoblepas came to Tokyo and discovered cosplaying in Akihabara. Through that, he learned about the joy in becoming who you want to be and the fun in pretending to be a fictional self that isn't yourself. He threw himself into it before long. When in costume, he completely fell into character and forgot that he was himself. It was fun spending time with people with the same interests and understood, and he could go the deep end of addiction with it.

But when Catoblepas took the costume off, shadows filled his heart. He feared he was enjoying fiction more than reality. He worried that he was turning away from reality. He felt unsteady, like a dog with a broken collar or a balloon that slipped away...
Akiha Gongen: ...hi Catoblepas. You coming back from another cosplay event?
Catoblepas: A-Akiha Gongen? Uh, umm...y-yes.
Akiha: I just got out of fire fighting drills myself. Let's go home together!
That same grade classmate casually called out to him with a smile. Catoblepas looked away and stepped back. Catoblepas thought of Akiha as a normie, someone with a firm foothold in reality. And then Akiha straightforwardly says:
Akiha: Man, otakus are so passionate! That's what I feel when I look at you, Catoblepas. Your outfits are great, and I bet what you wore today was too!
Every time Akiha sees Catoblepas, he'd shower him in genuine compliments about his hobby while looking straight at him.
Catoblepas: N-no, not really...
Catoblepas always felt embarrassed whenever he heard those words. But...
Catoblepas: B-but...still, t-thank you very much.
This time spent together felt nice. A sense of stability, a sense of disparate feelings mixing together in a strange way. But Catoblepas still can't express it in words...

Present
Enigma: So is the problem here the interoperability of fiction and reality.
Turing: Mostly, love. You always get straight to the point, don't you? So not human...but that fits my tastes so well.
Enigma: Interpreting as compliment, Master.
Turing: Without reality, fiction cannot exist. But without fiction, reality cannot expand. Therefore humans see the future in the Metaverse, but sometimes fiction and reality do not mix well... That's why we need something to bridge the gap between the two! That's why I had the Metaverse technology invested in.
Enigma: ...
Turing: Reality influences fiction, fiction further influences reality. Humans create an AI as good as humans, and AIs push humans up above AI.
Enigma: ...that is also my wish. The point of my existence is to compensate for mankind's incompetence.
Turing: You phrase things so rudely but you actually like people. That's the opposite of me! But I believe that cycle will be the optimal way to bring us to the singularity. It's a way better approach than Having a God Create the World and Arbitrarily Leading Humanity. I want to be something Not Human, but I don't think someone else leading me would be correct. My technology is a long way off from perfection though, which is why this experiment is worthwhile. But experiments always have uncertain things and--oh, something's happening.
Screaming in the distance.

Elsewhere in the Metaverse
Catoblepas is running while carrying canned juice.
Attendees: Oh my god he's hot! Is he an actor or model?
Pro Agents: PLEBS! That's Catoble, a new rising star in the cosplay world! And he's cosplaying as that new show Rescue Double! When his photos went up they started trending!
Catoblepas doesn't notice any of the attention being put on him.
Yellow Trooper: HNNNGH! (stares angrily)
Yellow: Character overlaaaap!
Yellow also picked the same subject Catoblepas was doing for his term project. He made a sand sculpture from a TV show and is dressed as another character from it, but he was only working on it alone instead of with others since no one else he could ask could make it.
Yellow: I need differentiation!
Yellow would take anything that would amaze the attendees, but he drew a blank. Now all that frenetic energy is going to his head.
Yellow: What do other people do in this situation?
No one is around to give him an answer, so Yellow thinks back to a late night livestream...
Tindalos: Hey guys, it's ya cyber boyfriend! If you're worried, you oughta do what your heart tells you! You can't let yourself be held back by common sense in Gensokyo Tokyo, right!?

Present
Yellow: Oh my god he's right! Look out world, I'm gonna bring a huge surprise! Lifeguards can't just sit there and pose and look hot! I'm gonna swim across that ocean because that'll be True Art! YEEEAAAAHH! (jumps into the fictional ocean)
Girl A: Oh no somebody jumped into the water!
Boy B: Yeah it's not real! And is he DROWNING!?
Vapula: How does anyone vapull that off!?
Catoblepas: B-but Enigma said there's still many parts of this technology with undetermined effects!
If someone believes they drowned in this blend of fiction and reality, maybe they really WILL drown.
Yellow: Help! Glug
Vapula: Hey he's a classmate! We have to help! ...no wait, Catoblepas!
Catoblepas also runs in to the ocean.

Vapula: Yeeeah, vaput your back into it Catoblepas! ...wait, can he swim?
Sand Dragon: (confused chirp)
Catoblepas: AGHBRGLGR
Yep. Still sucks at exercise. He can think of himself as a lifeguard, but everyone else knows he's cosplaying.
Vapula: OH NO NOW WE HAVE TWO PEOPLE WE NEED TO VAPULL OUT OF THE WATER
Akiha Gongen: You guys I am here to help! Two people drowning in the water? I see one of our schoolmates and...Catoblepas!?
MC: Oh no! / Calm down Vapula! / We have to help!
Akiha: Two victims! We need to hurry! (turns to MC)
MC: I was taught by a lifeguard at Toyosu / A police teacher taught me old swim techs / My class's assistant teacher drilled me
---
(A) Akiha: Oh wow, you know him? He taught me how to help in ocean emergencies too. Can you get one of them?
(B) Akiha: Well the old ways can be easier to do for water rescues. But this is for real, so be careful you don't lock up!
(C) Akiha: You had a teacher show you how to swim upstream through rapids? Hardcore...but reassuring! But this situation is different, so I'll give you instructions to follow.
---
Akiha hands MC a life vest and flotation ring, eyes the distance needed to go out, then gives MC a quick rundown on rescuing people.
Akiha: Be sure to approach their back, or else they'll drag you down if they grab onto you. If you can grab the back of their neck area, put the vest on them and pull them to shore. Relax your arms and legs to float and conserve energy.
MC: Okay!
Akiha: Let's go!
BATTLE(?) START (more happens after)

At the bottom of Eden is the sky of Gehenna. Long ago, the people of Gehenna looked up and saw a falling shooting star. The books wrote down the legend of the top that connects these two worlds.
At his back was the sign of Eden's greatest angel, the twelve wings also known as the Gravity Cutter. That angel discarded the wings that were a part of himself and passed them off to another. And then he turned into a fiery shooting star jumping from the top of Eden to the depths of Gehenna. Every book called him the Fallen Angel of Flame, the dragon serpent of the paradise Eden.
Vapula wondered why did that angel discarded a part of himself. Or rather, what did he discard them for? Why fall from the top of Eden to the hell of Gehenna? What did he learn in Eden that would drive him to discard his wings? Vapula read from a book that the Serpent of Eden knew the significance of the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge. One book said that the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge was for understanding the hierarchy of good and evil. Some other book said the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge was meant to give Names to all things in nature...

Present
Akiha Gongen: Dammit these waters are rough! Grab my hand!
Akiha grabs Yellow, but...
Akiha: BGRL!?
Gravity starts dragging him down.
MC: Oh no, Akiha!
Sand Dragon: SCREEE (somehow here to channel Solomon!)
Akiha: Hey I got lighter for some reason! Why? Actually never mind! Catoblepas, grab my other hand--
Catoblepas: Akiha Gongen! (cough)
Akiha and Catoblepas are just out of reach from each other. Maybe it's because they hesitated to touch and meet each other's eyes up to this point.
MC: (grab both Akiha and Catoblepas's hands to connect them)
Akiha: MC!? 

Later
Akiha Gongen: You guys are okay now, we made it to shore. Calm down and take a deep breath...
Akiha tends to Catoblepas and Yellow.
Yellow: (coughing and sputtering because apparently even robots need to breathe) Dammit...this sucks.
Catoblepas: T-thank you very much. (cough) My leg cramped on the way over... I was so stupid.
Yellow: Sorry for losing my cool. I'm calm now. I was worried about my display the whole time...
Catoblepas: Excuse me, are you cosplaying the same thing I am? Would you like to collab with me?
Yellow: what
Catoblepas: If we like the same things...maybe it would be even more fun if we did them together.
Yellow: Oh...I...yeah, I wanna collab with you.

Later again
Yellow has left. Akiha Gongen squats to talk to Catoblepas.
Akiha: ...you know what I'm going to say, right?
Catoblepas: Yes...I'm really sorry. I got caught up and forgot about what I could do...
Akiha: Well it's also my fault I wasn't there at first. Still, you could've called me. Why'd you do that?
Catoblepas: ...
Akiha: I know you stay away from everyone...so you can't trust in me either?
Catoblepas: N-no, it's not that. But...
MC: You want to be better friends? / You want to be depended on more?
Akiha and Catoblepas: !?

Akiha Gongen: ...really, Catoblepas?
Catoblepas: Ever since I put on this costume, I've been thinking. If I were your buddy, then I want to someone worth relying on.
Akiha: O-oh...umm...
Catoblepas: And then when that accident just happened, it was all I could think of...I was sure you would go help him without thinking about it, so my body did too.
MC: You really became your character, huh? You totally understood Akiha Gongen. Holy crap!
Vapula: (stares in shock)
Akiha: I'm glad you feel that way, but you know you shouldn't be reckless, right?
Catoblepas: Y-yes...sorry. Thank you too, MC.
Akiha: ...you don't have to force yourself to change though. I think you're fine as you are.
Catoblepas: ...huh?
Akiha: ANYWAYS! (casually piggybacks Catoblepas)

Catoblepas: W-what!? I'm fine, I can walk!
Akiha Gongen: As your punishment for recklessness, you're gonna let me carry you to the nurse's office. Got that?
Catoblepas: ...o-okay. I'm sorry...
Sand Dragon: Bark bark!
Vapula: Aww, you want vapraise? Good boy!
MC: Yeah, good boy. I really wanna name you. Hey Vapula, I...wait what?
Vapula: (frown)
MC: Vapula, why are you spacing out?
Vapula: ...sometimes the other Creators say they get a vapeeling of falling when they make something. I've had my moments too from concentrating so hard on my work, but I've never felt like Catoblepas did in chasing after something I didn't have. I mean, I can do anything if I read a book. I can see the end coming and know everything.

Vapula thinks "doesn't that mean there's nothing past it?" When something ends, there's nothing to pick up on it after. Aren't those your limits you feel, he thinks.
Vapula: Do I...really have something like that? What do you think?
MC: Yep / Nope / Let's look together
---
(A) Vapula: Really!? Where!? ...oh, right. That's your thing. There's no guarantee I can see it even if I look at it. But if you say so, I vaputd my hopes up a bit. Maybe I can find it if I look.
(B) Vapula: Really? But I feel like there's a difference between you and me. I feel like...you have a vapiece that I want.
(C) Vapula: You shouldn't make vapromises without thinking about it. Wait, you'll still do it? Umm, wow... But I feel like it might work out!
---
Vapula: ...my chest feels funny. Is this what people mean by feels!?
PA System: Announcing a special program! After breaktime, there will--
Vapula: Break time! Let's go help Tindalos afterwards!

Catoblepas (narrating): I always felt from watching at a distance that my normal self wasn't a Creator. I was different from everyone else who was always a Creator. But it's because of that I felt closer to you. I couldn't let anyone see me in the eye, and you couldn't touch anyone. I always wanted to be better friends with you. But I could never put it into words...
Somewhere in the Metaverse
Catoblepas: ...oh no! Did I fall asleep!?
Akiha Gongen: Don't worry, it was only for a little bit.
Catoblepas: Oh no, that's so embarrassing...I can't believe I fell asleep on your back...
Akiha: ...you've done stuff for me in the past first, so this isn't a big deal.
Catoblepas: ...I did?
Akiha smiled. They never really ever gelled, but...

Akiha Gongen: Hey, if we're gonna bring someone with us, why not bring MC along? Then...maybe things will get better.
Catoblepas: Oh...that's a great idea! Let's do it!
Akiha smiled as he adjusted Catoblepas's weight on his back. He must be smiling too as Akiha felt his arms wrap around him. There's no label for their relationship yet, but they'll probably have one after the season passes.
PA System: Announcing a special program! After breaktime, there will--
Akiha: You know what, I'm hungry. Maybe I'll buy lunch after we get to the nurse's office.
Catoblepas: How about we go buy something right now?
Akiha: Okay! New stop, the school store!
Catoblepas: No wait, please let me down now!
Akiha: It's okay, I'm strong enough to carry you!
Catoblepas: But this is embarrassing! Akiha Gongen are you listening to me!?
And so Akiha walks along carrying the mostly better Catoblepas while remembering how it felt to walk home together with him in the past.
End of Episode

Akiba and Dragons Episode 4 Part 1 (Abridged)

There was once an age of happiness, and there was once a person who gave Akiha Gongen (and other people of the land who don't matter for this exposition) the power and class of fire prevention. This person was Onamuji no Mikoto, the person who stood at the top of the world's hierarchy and was stronger than anyone else. He was also a parental figure for Akiha Gongen, and the time he spent with him is why Akiha thinks he has such high self-esteem. But everything ends. Reigns pass, and new ages begin. Akiha has no idea what the next ruler after Onamuji is like somehow, but all he knows is that Things End. It's all in the past to him, but that memory is one of the things that make him who he is now.
Once Akiha Gongen came to Tokyo, he learned of Akihabara's history. The land was once burned to the ground, the gongen incarnation was deified there, and the land was named after him. Then the city had its varied history as a city of greengrocers, a city of electronics, a city of nerds and creators, and a city of sightseeing and food among other things. Each age that passes gives way to a new one, and Akiha wanted to learn even more of this city.
Akiha Gongen attends Akihabara Academy as a traditional crafting student since he wanted to be better friends with the otakus who come here. The otaku don't seem to know how to socialize with him though. He doesn't understand their lingo, which meant he couldn't communicate himself very well. Also his power would put out the fires of passion of these creators, and as a mental effect it wouldn't be reverted by app magic. So he thinks of course they'd avoid him. But then...

Flashback
Catoblepas: Akiha Gongen? Why are you still here at school so late? Umm...want to go home together with me?
Catoblepas is in the same grade as Akiha and never looks anyone in the eye. He's talking to Akiha some distance away. Normally he never approaches anyone because he has a Mystic Eye power able to charm anyone who looks at him. Also he was always told by someone to never meet other people's eyes, so he keeps EVERYONE at arm's length.
Catoblepas: U-umm, is something wrong Akiha Gongen?
Akiha couldn't put it into words but he thought that everyone is different, not that there are good otaku and bad otaku. And there are people like himself who could be saved. He loved this city. He always knew these days would one day end, which is why he wants to protect the city. He wants to watch over its history.
Akiha: Baatar-senpai, let's go train already!

Present
Vapula: Okay we're here, Akiha Gongen! Vapery good job on the modeling and security!
Akiha Gongen: Hi Vapula, I've been waiting! You're with MC?
Sand Dragon: Bark!
The beach has turned into a special gallery and now has many pieces up. Akiha looks like one of them when he was standing as a model.
MC: Hi Akiha Gongen! / Mmm, so beefy... / (big hug!)
(A) Akiha: I heard you did a lot of work while I was called to patrol somewhere else! Things came out alright thanks to you all, so I should focus harder as a guard.
(B) Akiha: Thanks, I work out through my fire drill training. Baatar-senpai complimented on me when I showed him, but he was half joking and whistling. I don't think I can trust what he says much, but if you think it's good I guess his judgment isn't all bad.
(C) Akiha: OH MY GOD WHAT!? Oh, I don't hate it or anything. I was just surprised. You aren't worried about touching me even though you're an otaku? ...oh, no...? Hehe, thanks MC. (hugs back)

MC: Oh that reminds me, you said you were waiting for us? Vapula, are you doing something?
Vapula: Good catch! Akiha Gongen and I are doing a co-vapuroduction with this one company.
Catoblepas: (runs up) Wheeeze... s-sorry to keep you waiting. I messed up with the measurements and finally finished altering it. People always told me I was slow...
MC: Hi Catoblepas / Oh, you're dressed as a lifeguard? / HOT
---
(BC) Catoblepas: Oh, thank you. Yes, this costume is cool! Thank you for your compliment on it! ...huh? That wasn't what you were referring to?
---
Vapula: MC, did you see the show they vaput on Nichi Asa this year? The one called Yes! Rescue Spirit Rescue Double. It's a kid hero buddy show where kids transform into lifeguards vaprotect the vapeace of the ocean! Today I had Catoblepas and Akiha dress up in costume as characters from that show while I go vaproduce a diorama with accompanying minor characters.
Catoblepas: Are you interested, MC? Would you like to match costumes with us!?
Akiha: Wow Catoblepas you really change personalities when people talk about cosplaying.
Catoblepas: R-really? ...when I cosplay, I really think I've become someone else... And since I'm someone else, I start thinking it's okay to look people in the eye.

MC: Say, does your Mystic Eye still work even if the app isn't on? Then again Akiha Gongen's power still works too.
Catoblepas: ...huh, I never thought about it before.
Vapula: It'll work if you vabelieve it will...if it's the same as the magic I know about.
Catoblepas: What?
Vapula: I read the Key of Solomon and related vabooks before. It also reminds me of Agrippa's On the Futility of...what was the title?
MC: Solo...what? Reminds me of Solomon. I'm sure it's unrelated.
Vapula: Well it says the vabasis of magic is mutual sympathy, where it's important to for you to vabelieve and for whoever you're with to vabelieve. Something can be impossible, but if you and someone else vabelieve it wholeheartedly, it will surpass reality. It's how Santa could fly in the pass without the app. Vabased on what the vabook said, the app is just supporting the sympathy of that faith. ANYWAYS, theoretically if Catoblepas vabelieves he really becomes someone else when he cosplay, then his Mystic Eye won't do anything regardless of what the app is doing!
Catoblepas: ...really? Well if I can do it, then...
Vapula: Yeah, IF! This normally wouldn't work unless you're a vapulunatic!
MC: Really? Why?

Vapula: For vabetter or worse, your power is your identity. Being fast or smart would be easy examples, right? Stuff like that would be things that how you vaput yourself together up to that point. Cutting it off would be the same as cutting off a vapiece of yourself, your past. Akiha Gongen must have some special memories tied to his power. Could he really throw them away?
Akiha: ...no. Someone important gave it to me.
Vapula: Yeah that's what makes Catoblepas out there, even if cosplay is a temp thing. No vaperson in this world could do that intentionally!
MC: Not everyone could do it? No matter what?
Vapula: Well I do know one way if it's just for one vaperson. In the Valley of Hinnom in Gehenna there's--!!
There was once an Angel of Fire who stood at the top of the heavenly Eden. He was the original dragon serpent who discarded his twelve supreme wings and fell to the deepest part of Gehenna. He burned brighter than anything and fell like a shooting star. He was--
Vapula: ...huh? (looks back and forth between MC and the sand dragon)
Sand Dragon: Chirp?
Vapula: N-nah, it's vaprobably my imagination! You just happen to look alike, totally!
Catoblepas: Um, shouldn't we start posing together soon?
Vapula: O-oh! Right! We should get started then. You vaprepared to go?

Later
Akiha Gongen: Okay, time to pose again?
Akiha starts doing various poses. Vapula takes phone pictures. It starts off looking like gravure shots, but Vapula's directing changes things.
Vapula: Raise your right arm! Vapull your left knee up to your chest...okay! Stop so I can see your legs!
Akiha: Standing like this is hard... do I really need to do this?
Vapula: Last check! Good! Just photoshopped you into the background vapiece I had done earlier!
Akiha: This is so different than modeling for art class.
Vapula: Art class focuses on showing perspective via vaplanar composition. It's a bit different with dioramas.
Akiha: ...so can I pose like this?
Catoblepas: Wow, nice cosplay and smile Akiha Gongen! Vapula's doing great as a specialist...
MC: He seems to be having fun / Cosplaying must be nice... / Maybe I should work out too...
(A) Akiha: Aww, I'm happy to help you otakus out! I'm a traditional crafting student focused on bladesmithing, so I don't work together with anyone else much. So I have to do my best when these opportunities come up.
(B) Akiha: I'll do it with you, MC! Tell me which one you like next time and we can cosplay in your room!
(C) Akiha: Working out is good! It can help in a pinch and maybe help other people. Some otakus move so little they get chronic fatigue. How about I teach you some easy to do stretches?

Vapula: Vaput your arms higher! No, the other way!
Akiha Gongen: ...that reminds me. You don't seem worried about getting close to me, Vapula.
Vapula: Oh, right...
Akiha: You never thought about it!? ...but why? Feels like it's for a different reason than Catoblepas but I can't put it into words.
Vapula: Well...? (stops like he has to think about it)
MC: Vapula?
Vapula: ...maybe it's because I think of it the same way with my golems. They'll vapu-nish as soon as I'm done with them anyway, and stuff.
Still thinking it over.
Vapula: I have passion for doing it, but...I think I never cared because it'll be gone when it's gone.
Akiha: ...Vapula?
Vapula: ...was I wrong? Maybe those are my limits...

Akiha Gongen: Vapula? Sorry, I know you're in the middle of thinking about stuff, but I'm real glad there's other people who aren't bothered to be around me.
Vapula: ...
Akiha: We should take a break. MC and I will go get drinks.
Sand Dragon: Bark bark!
Akiha: Oh the sand dragon is posing! I think he wants to switch places with me?
MC: Yeah he seems to want to help. He can stay to assist, the visitors seem to like him.
Catoblepas: Oh, I'll come too then.
Akiha: Okay, be back soon! It's all on you now, dragon!
Sand Dragon: (excited cheep)

Later
Akiha Gongen: You know, you're really ripped and look good in anything for a guy who sucks with exercising.
Catoblepas: Y-yes, I am... I failed to jump over the vaulting box at all the other day in gym class. But, thank...you. I'm glad since my body is important for cosplaying.
MC: You two sure get along for people who don't seem to have much in common. I bet Akiha Gongen talked first?
Catoblepas: Huh? ...oh, yes. It was a little after I enrolled in school. I wasn't used to him at first, but we got through it later. I'd like to be more like him that way. I always overthink and have a hard time reaching out.
Akiha: ...so what do you guys want to drink? I'll pay this time, so you guys can do it next time!
Catoblepas: I-it's okay, I brought change and--
Akiha: Nah, I'm saying I want to come together again later...hmm, I really have a hard time saying how I feel.

PA System: Attention please! The special Akihabara exhibition will begin shortly. Performing students, please go to your designated areas. Repeat...
Catoblepas: I'll head back first and hand out the juice. Um, MC? If you'd like, later on--
MC: I'll come see. I'll take pictures!
Akiha Gongen: I'll do my best too. I hope it'll come out good.
Catoblepas: Y-yes, let's do our best!
Catoblepas runs off. Akiha sighs.
Akiha: ...even something casual would be fine to the people being reached out to.
MC: wait what? Is something wrong?
Akiha: Nah, it's no big deal. It's just...he tried reaching out to me once and--
Suddenly bell ringing!
Akiha: Oh no, something happened!
MC: Let's check it out! (grabs Akiha's hand and runs)
Akiha is surprised at first, but he smiles a second after and runs with MC...
End of Episode half

Live A Hero Special Episode: Second Anniversary Celebration (Abridged)

One morning at Parallel Flight
Akashi: ...Mokdai, why are we here? We weren't scheduled to come in or anything.
Mokdai: The director asked me to bring you guys here, but he didn't say why. MC, do you know?
MC: Nope.
Sui: So it's not business-related? But it has to do with us at least. ...maybe I made a mistake at the last sales job.
Mokdai: U-uh, maybe I messed up at that business trip the other day...
Akashi: I...froze up at a hero show when I saw a camera pointed at me...
MC: Oh man I can think of possibilities too...i-it'll be okay!
...
Huckle's voice comes from the office meeting room.
Huckle: Okay, we're ready. Mokdai, can you bring everyone over if you're all there?
Mokdai: O-okay!
Everyone heads over, nervous.

Mokdai: O-okay, I'm opening the door now--
Huckle, Ryekie, and Crowne: Happy second year of joining, everybody!
MC: WHAT
There's cake and hors d'oeuvres on the table. Team Rookie is surprised.
Crowne: Heh, nice look. All that work was worth it.
Akashi: Uhh...second year of joining...?
Huckle: Well Mokdai has been here slightly longer than that, but it's been about two years now since you, MC, and Sui joined up. We decided to throw a party to celebrate that.
Ryekie: It's thanks to you guys Parallel Flight is what it is today! We totally gotta celebrate that!
Ryekie pulls everyone forward.

Mokdai: ...whoa, a surprise celebration? That's so great!
Sui: It's been two years, huh? I wasn't a member back then...but now that I think about it, it feels kind of nostalgic.
Mokdai: Yeah, I wasn't a hero back then either... Time flies!
Crowne: And MC's gotten used to this work too. Time to call you a pro now?
MC: NO
Ryekie: Hey Huckle. Speech! Speech! Speech!
Huckle: Can we not...?
Ryekie: Too late, all eyes on you now!
Huckle: ...ahem. Just a little bit then. So I know how much work you all have put in for the agency. Thank you for everything, there's just one thing I want to say to you all.

Summer Hero Fest memory
Huckle: I'm sure you've met plenty of people up to this point
Orient City Assault memory
Huckle: I want you all to treasure the thoughts and feelings you've had then.
Melodic Meteor Christmas memory
Huckle: Those feelings will guide you as Heroes and Operators when you feel lost.
Chocolate Circus memory
Huckle: I'm sure more disasters will appear before us, now and later on.
Reminiscence of Ghostwoods memory
Huckle: Maybe you'll feel stuck at times...
Osaka Space Terrorist Racists (I'll get there soon) memory
Huckle: But all these experiences and encounters...
Lost Ancients of Blue memory
Huckle: Will be the light that brings you courage and lead you to the future.

Huckle: You'll meet more people from here on, so it'd be great if you remember today even a little bit. (nods to Team Rookie)
Crowne: Good speech! Rank S Hero speeches really do hit different!
Huckle: Stop making fun of me. Anyways, that's enough of that. The food's going to get cold, but there's still one more thing.
Crowne: Right, That Thing! The adjustments are perfect!
Crowne pulls out three little boxes and gives them to Huckle.
Huckle: I want to give you all our company badges and had them custom made.
Crowne: You can stick them on top of your hero suits. It's a special from me and Maculata! It won't fall off even in battle.
Huckle: You should probably put them on later and see how it feels. It's the same design as the emblem on MC's tie.

Mokdai: Wow, a custom made medal for our suits? It's so cool! Thanks! Now I'll match MC during battles!
Sui: Thank you very much. Is it okay for us to wear them though?
Akashi: Yeah I'm still officially just a part timer...
Ryekie: Sure it's fine!
Huckle: MC, I'll give them to you so you can put them on when you transform them.
MC: Okay. Tell me when you want to put them on, guys!
Huckle: Thanks again for risking your lives to save our peace. And MC, thank you for always supporting us heroes on the front line. I expect good work from you. Now, okay everyone! (claps)
Huckle: It's about time we toasted to the occasion!
Akashi: Yeees! I'm getting hungry here!
Mokdai: Me too!
Sui: Look, cake. MC, what are you getting first?
Crowne: So many good snacks! Huckle, can I have some beer--
Ryekie: CAN I HAVE KIWI!?
Huckle: ...Crowne, if I let you have alcohol I have to let Ryekie have kiwis too. But I'll consider it if you promise to look after Ryekie when he's drunk.
Crowne ...pass.
Huckle: Come on, there's still the toast to get to.
Ryekie: Oh right! Everyone have their glass!? Congratulations on making it to Year 2 again!
Everyone: CHEERS!
The End

Live A Hero Reminiscence of Ghostwoods Episode 8 (Abridged)

Flamier: Gorou, Lilac! I'll draw the enemy's attention, so you two attack!
Sui: I'll follow up and help you, Flamier!
Flamier: Thank you. Let's go!
Flamier super jump, away!
Flamier: I swore to these shoes I would do everything I wanted to do to its end! ...Grandfather, I haven't forgotten what you've taught me. Here I come!
Flamier's shoes start glowing and leaving a light trail as she moves.
BOOM
Monsters: Geeee...
Gorou: Whoa, Flamier combined light and explosions in one move!
The Monsters have been stunned by Flamier's light blast!
MC: The enemy's attentions is on Flamier! Sui, take them all out!

Sui: Got it! Master, I'm going to copy your techniques. I'll string you all up! Fairy Godmother's Dressmaker!
Sui sends out nearly invisible strings to bind any Monsters trying to escape.
Sui: Flamier! Burn it all!
Flamier: Thank you Sui! Now I can bomb them all at once! Fire Flower Bomber!
Giant explosion!
Lilac: Sui and Flamier did great! Now it's our turn!
Gorou: Right, I'll help out!
Gorou and Lilac run in while Sui and Flamier have drawn most of the aggro. The Big Monster notices and creates more minion ghosts in response.
Gorou: What, it thinks it'll protect itself with a mob meat shield? I'll put them all to sleep and set you up for Lilac! Let me play you the song of my people!
Gorou's sound waves spread across the Monsters, who react by attempting to run away.

MC: It's working Gorou! Now's your chance, Lilac!
Lilac: Thank you, Gorou!
Lilac superjumps at the Reaper type Monster. The Reaper readies its scythe to counterattack!
Lilac: How dare you use my brother's memories against me! I will cut you out by the root! Garden Shears X-Scissors!
Lilac beats the Monster to the punch and stabs its core!
Lilac: I will never let you go for that stunt!
Lilac stabs the shears in even harder!
Monster: L-L-LOVELYYYYY (poofs)

Sui: Look! The ghost Monsters are disappearing too.
Flamier: We did it! Lilac destroyed the main boss's core!
Gorou: ...yeah, looks like Lilac moved on too.
Lilac falls to his knees from pushing so hard on his weapon.
Lilac: (panting) It's over...now--
One Monster in the middle of disappearing comes at Lilac from behind.
MC: Lilac, look out!
Lilac: Oh no!
MC being the closest runs in without thinking. Since Lilac can't move, MC uses the toy sword and swings at the Monster. Surprisingly, it knocks it back really hard.
MC: W-what!?
MC looks at the sword. It breaks, having finished its job.
Lilac: MC, are you okay!? You saved me, but that was so dangerous! Normal weapons don't work on Monsters!
MC: Sorry, I moved before thinking... and actually why did the sword work?
Lilac: ...no, I'm sorry. I panicked in the surprise of it all, thank you... I can get up now. My apologizes for prompting you into recklessness. Please let me handle the rest.

Lilac stands in front of MC to face against the Monster. It looks like some pixellated shadow, but it still mimics Hashidoi.
Shadow: Li...la...c...
Lilac: I won't fall for that anymore, no matter how much you mimic my brother... he's always been inside me, ever since that day...
Lilac thinks back to that time he wasn't able to say 'sorry.' He whispers goodbye to those feelings, then grips his weapon.
Lilac: Hashidoi, I've gotten stronger. Would I be able to protect you now?
The instant Lilac finishes his question, the Monster fades to mist.
MC: ...good job. Finishing the operation.

With the Monsters gone, MC walks over to Lilac. The rest of the party runs over to regroup.
Gorou: MC! Is Lilac okay?
Lilac: Yes, I'm just a little tired but I'm alright.
Gorou: That's great then! Now we just need to find the kid and...hey, is that...?
Gorou sees the little boy fallen at the sacred tree's roots. Gorou runs over and picks him up. The boy is breathing.
Gorou: ...seems he's asleep. Did the Monster get him already earlier? Good thing we made it in time...
Sui: That's Celt's brother. I'm so glad we rescued him safe and sound.
Flamier: He doesn't have any serious injuries. We should still take him to the hospital once we get out of the forest though.
Gorou: Right. And we should let the family know since they'll be worried.
Lilac: Yes. Let's go back on the path we marked up.

Light starts pouring from the sky as clouds part.
MC: Oh my god guys, look behind us!
Lilac: Behind? What--!
The sacred tree blooms beautifully in the morning light, and pale petals scatter down gorgeously.
Lilac: T-that's Wehrmalt's symbol, the true form of the sacred tree!
Sui: It's so beautiful. How fantastic...
Flamier: I agree. I didn't know Wehrmalt had something like this.
Gorou: How pretty. I've never seen so flowers bloom like this before.
Everyone's attention is held by the breathtaking view.
Lilac: Hashidoi...
Only MC hears Lilac.
MC: ...um, Lilac...
MC holds out the broken sword.
MC: I'm sorry.

Lilac: MC... No, it's okay. You defended me.
Lilac takes the broken sword and looks at it with a gentle smile.
Lilac: I think your courage combined with my brother to protect me. This sword...my brother has helped me out so much.
Lilac looks to the sacred tree. The wind rustles its branches.
Lilac: ...Hashidoi loved flowers. He'd smell their scents and love them. He taught me so much about flowers.
Lilac holds the broken sword and his brother's memories close to himself.
Lilac: ...his eyesight and health were poor, but...I wanted to show him this view.
Lilac's voice wavers with unspoken feelings. A tear falls onto the sword.
Lilac: ...I'm sure...he would have loved it. And he would have been jealous that I could see such beauty.
Lilac quietly closes his eyes as he holds the unchangeable past close and thinks.
Lilac: ...I'm sorry Hashidoi. Thank you.

Title card: Reminiscence

Midday, MC and Sui call Huckle.
MC: And that's what happened. Sorry to worry you...
Huckle: ...I see. I understand the situation, thank you. You had a rough time on what was supposed to be paid vacation, huh. I'm glad you two made it out alright. Any injuries?
Sui: No, we're okay. Sorry for causing concern...
Huckle: Oh, no need to apologize. You got attacked by Monsters, and you called in earlier. I got worried when Mokdai filled me in, but you did well with so little information. He and Ryekie were worried too, spending all night researching Monsters.
Mokdai and Ryekie are snoring off to the side.
Sui: Oh... we just added more work onto your piles...
Huckle: If it helps save lives, it's all worth it. Everyone was doing their best. And actually we did find something similar to ghost type Monsters in the database.
MC: Similar? What's it like?

Huckle: The ghost types in their first stage are so small you can't see them by eye. When enough of them gather together they form something like fog or mist.
Sui: So the fog itself was a Monster...? Oh, so that's why MC sensed Monsters when the fog showed up.
Huckle: The small ones can't eat much like that, but the amnesia cases that happened this incident is likely from the Monsters eating a portion of people's memories. They grow that way until they become visible.
MC: So they gather together to become bigger. I remember something like that.
Sui: The evolved ones can physically interact with this world, right? We've seen some attack and destroy cities, but I guess mimic types aren't that rare...
MC: So I could hit it with the sword because it evolved? The mimics could be touched too.

Sui: And after we defeated the Reaper Type Monster, all the other ones started disappearing...does that mean the big one was manipulating the others?
Huckle: If nothing else, its core was sharing energy with the other Monsters.
Huckle sighs and thinks.
Huckle: The way these ones tried to pretend to be someone people knew and frighten them makes it look like they were trying to drive people to despair... it's an unnatural behavior. It's only a guess, but I sense some sort of artificial design to them.
Huckle: Well, we can leave it aside for now. You two should go relax since you hadn't really had the chance yet, right? We'll upload the intel and battle video to the Monster database and extend some paid days off for working on vacation.
MC: Oh my god, really? Yay! / I feel bad now...
(AB) Huckle: ...uh, yes?

Huckle: Haha, don't worry about it. You guys haven't really had any down time like you planned yet. I'm not THAT terrible a boss to make you work without having rested. And Maculata told me to tell Sui to accept what people give you. Go have fun, boss's orders.
Loud noises come from behind Huckle!
Akashi: Director! I just heard Sui and MC got into a Monster case at their vacation spot! Are they okay!? Mokdai wouldn't pick up when I called and...o-oh, you two seem fine...
Huckle: Haha, Akashi was really worried.
MC: Thanks for worrying about us / Sorry I couldn't call / So how was the test?
(A) Akashi: ...uh, I mean of course I'd be worried if I heard you guys ran into a Monster! At least call, dammit...
(B) Akashi: R-right...well at least you're okay... I'm tired from running all this way now...
(C) Akashi: T-test!? Uh, I did my best but...wait, we're not talking about that now! Ugh, I'm drained now... I'm glad you seem fine...

Akashi: (slumps shoulders) Well, I figured you'd be okay since Sui was with you.
Sui: Aww, is that what you think of me? Are you being shy?
Akashi: What!? NO! I'm just saying don't make me worry!
Huckle: Haha, well Akashi is right. Careful on your trip.
Click
Sui: We really worried everyone. Not like we could help it since it was an emergency... We should buy lots of souvenir presents as an apology.
MC: Good idea. What should we get?
MC and Sui walk to the flower festival area.
Sui: ...oh right, it's almost time to meet everyone else. We're supposed to meet at the dining area, so we should hurry since it's further away.
MC and Sui walk over when MC notices someone along the way.
MC: ...wasn't that Lilac? Where's he going?
Lilac is heading for the forest.
Sui: ...what's wrong?
MC: I just saw Lilac head for the forest. Could you go on ahead and let everyone else know?
Sui: There doesn't seem to be any more Monsters around, but still that's weird. Okay, I'll tell Gorou and Flamier when I see them. Call me if something happens.

Later
Lilac has gone to the sacred tree and has a bouquet in his hands.
Lilac: ...Hashidoi. You came here that day, didn't you?
Lilac inclines his head as he lays the bouquet at the sacred tree's roots. Small white flowers bloom on a branch with a sweet, gentle scent.
MC: ...here you are, Lilac.
Lilac ...MC? Why are you here? Weren't you going to go sightseeing?
MC: I saw you go into the forest and got worried...
Lilac: Ah, I see. I came to visit the sacred tree again. (looks at the tree)
Lilac: Wehrmalt's flower festival was originally based on this tree. It's a miracle flower that blooms only every 200 years, and on this day you tell people the things you normally can't say. That's the tradition I've heard of since I was a child. I didn't know the tree was real back then. Maybe that was when the Monster started eating it little by little.

A pale flower petal falls on Lilac's shoulder.
Lilac: ...maybe I shouldn't be telling you this since we only just met, but...would you listen to me?
MC nods.
Lilac: Have you ever given anyone flowers? My brother taught me about the simple but clean feelings about picking flowers for someone you care about and remembering someone when looking at flowers.
Lilac looks at the broken sword he has with him.
Lilac: This sword was stuck in the back of the sacred tree...it's so strange. The day before he disappeared, I threw this sword at him. I was young, but I yelled that the sword was worthless if he wouldn't go adventure with me. But the sword was here instead of at home...he tried to keep his promise.
Lilac gives the sword a hug before planting it into the ground.
MC: Lilac...

Lilac: I truly love flowers, and I'm sure my brother felt the same way. I loved them so much that I could handle them for work... but I was wrong. I understand that now that I've found this sword again.
Lilac looks at MC.
Lilac: What I really love is the smile of people who are happy when they see flowers. I want to watch over those smiles close to the flowers, just like the time I gave flowers to my brother. I won't be doing things in my brother's place because he couldn't do them, but because I want to... I won't ever forget my brother. I will go forward with no regrets, and I want to make people smile with these feelings. I've finally realized that doing so will make it feel like my brother is around. I've realized that that dream was born because Hashidoi was here. It's what he gave me.
Lilac holds his hand out to MC.
Lilac: You were an Operator with no hero power, and you saved me with that sword. Thank you very much. I can say it wasn't a mistake to trust that sword to you.
MC: No, thank you. It's because of you we defeated the Monster!
MC and Lilac look towards the tree.
MC: I'm sure those feelings will reach your brother.
Lilac: ...yes. Thank you for listening to me.

A gentle breeze blows, bringing petals down to the open space below. Short trees with white flowers bloom just beyond.
MC: ...those are the same flowers in your bouquet. What're they called?
Lilac: Those are...moria flowers! I can't believe so many are growing out here.
Lilac gently picks some flowers.
Lilac: In the language of flowers, morias mean "thank you for being besides me." My brother gave these to me once.
MC: Your brother was showing how he felt.
Lilac: ...MC.
Lilac looks at the flowers. It has a gentle scent.
Gorou: Heeey, Lilac! MC!
Flamier: Lilac! MC! Are you there?
Lilac: It's... Gorou and Flamier. Why are you here?

Sui: Oh, there you two are. These flowers always look so beautiful.
Flamier: Yes, and they smell so lovely. So calming.
Gorou: We were looking for you two. You should have asked us along if you were gonna watch the flowers! We just dealt with a Monster attack and there's a great view here. May as well drink to it!
Sui: You and your alcohol. But yes, I agree about the scenery.
Gorou: Aww, you do understand! I got nonalcoholic drinks for you too!
Flamier: Lilac, would you like to come with us to the flower festival?
Lilac: Me?
Gorou: Hell yeah! Didn't you say you were going to show me to a good pub?
Sui: I'm interested in some hot dogs and flower berry candy. MC, how about we buy some to share?
Flamier: There's also the fireworks show I'm helping with happening on the last day. Ooh, please come see it with me!
Lilac: Okay okay, I will...! Oh wait, I need to call management before that!
MC: Time's a-wastin'! / The party's just getting started / Fun time!
MC pushes Lilac forward, and the party follows along. A gentle breeze blows across the quiet clearing, scattering the petals lightly...
The End

Akiba and Dragons Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

In the past there was a dream of endless lands and the lives of people who wanted to trailblaze them. These pioneers talked about a lumberjack named Paul Bunyan and his partner Babe.
One was a mountain of a man since birth with a huge ass axe. The other was a calf. Paul could strip a mountain of lumber in a night, make rivers with his tears, and drain lakes when he was thirsty. When cooking, he had a frying pan hundreds of meters long. That said, nobody needed to say aloud that he was Fiction to know that fact. He was just an embellished legend to amuse people in their harsh lives.
Babe Bunyan is folk lore, a type of urban legend and a being born from a tall tale. People know those things are Not Real, which means they don't rise to the levels of Myths that hold faith. Still Babe likes those kinds of stories. He loved the stories of his daddy who was bigger than any sea, mountain, or person.

Present
Babe Bunyan: Holy shit it's HUGE! I can't believe this is the inside of a school, Zhurong!
Zhurong: Yeah! Oh, more pictures to take!
MC: Cute swimsuit, Zhurong! / Nice swimsuit, Babe! / I like your swimsuits, guys
(A) Zhurong: Yay, thank you!
(B) Babe: Aww, shut up. I'mma a cowboy, my swimsuit's gotta be good too. Something wet doesn't fit parched lands...what? Don't talk shit, I can swim! I managed to swim 25 meters without a kickboard the other day!
(C) Zhurong: I was worried earlier since I didn't bring a swimsuit, but I was told some sort of computer magic called projection mapping would fix it for me!
Babe: Summer means swimsuits apparently, so dressing like this is fine once in a while.
Zhurong: Huh? But you whispered to me how excited you were about how grown up your swimsuit was and--
Babe: NO SHUT UP
Zhurong: Hehe, oops. MC, you shouldn't say anything either.

Zhurong: Anyways, WOW look at all the cool and pretty sand pieces!
Babe Bunyan: Whoa, awesome! I've seen a bunch of these out of video games and manga and OH MY GOD
The kids are excited.
Vapula: I just made a life size model as part of a collaboration with a company that holds intellectual vaproperty of this character. Sweet sponsorship!
Babe: Damn, it looks like it'll move any second!
The art is of characters who exist only in fiction, but they look real in Babe and Zhurong's eyes.
Vapula: Funny you should say that! I could show you how if it vapleases you.
Babe: Oh my god! Zhurong, maybe we should make something!
Zhurong: Umm...w-what do we do?

Itzamna: Haha, are you having trouble making up your minds, little ones?
Babe Bunyan: Hey I may be little but I'm gonna do just as good as anyone else! I drink my milk every day for when I get bigger. I'm Babe Bunyan, who's gonna be even bigger than my daddy and that's my friend Zhurong!
Zhurong: You're so cool, Babe! (takes pictures)
Itzamna: Ah, excuse me. Future big boy Babe Bunyan then. You two should use your hands to give form to something that doesn't exist in this world. Art and creation is an act of examining where you are heading into the world.
Vapula: (stares in amazement)
Itzamna: So, Babe Bunyan, what do you want to be? What is your guiding principle in life?
MC: Isn't this a bit much for elementary schoolers!?

Babe Bunyan: I'm gonna be bigger than my daddy someday!
Itzamna: You should put those feelings into the sand then. Vapula, can you show them how?
Vapula: Got it! Okay, feel free to vaplay around with the sand over here.
Babe: Mmm, freedom. We're in unexplored territory here!
Zhurong: What should I make? Maybe the best picture I've taken before? ...how would that work?
Turing: How about this then?
Turing starts piling up some sand and dumping shells onto it for decoration.
Zhurong: It's a mountain! Are the shells trees? And this hole is a cave?
Turing: Right, just use your imagination. Give it a go.
Zhurong: Okay! I'm gonna dig a bunch of holes and pour water in and...
Babe: Where will I be when I grow up...? Oh, I'll make my dream farm. That means I should make a house for me, Zhurong, and MC, a horse stable, and then...

Boy A: Hmm...maybe I'll make cars and roads.
Boy B: I'll make buildings, parks, and then a secret base...
The children start making things under the Creators' instructions. Simple and abstract things are made with many different meanings given to them.
Turing: I once read humanity grew further than anything else because they named things. They took all sorts of building materials, put them together, and added connections to them. They'd pick streets, people, or memorable places. To name something is to make connections and give something meaning, which is where things that surpass reality appear. That is the act of creating things that do not exist yet. You could say giving meaning to things is most basic and simple form of art.
MC: Turing, do you like art? Art and math don't seem that connected. / I wanna give meaning to my relationship with you.
(C) Turing: You what? Does that mean you want to create a relationship that wasn't there before? How provocative, you upstart...oops. Pardon me. If you're sure, then I may go along with it to some extent.

Itzamna: Art and math are just tools to make things that don't exist yet.
Turing: ...Itzamna.
Itzamna: If I have to say so, a knife is the same way. You could use it to live, or you could use it to harm and destroy. A paintbrush is like that for me, like figures are to Vapula. For you it would be math formulas. You can harm someone with a brush, or you can paint over the world.
Vapula: Hey MC! Vaplease come here for a minute! And bring the golem!
Turing: Duty calls. We have things handled here, so go on.
Sand Dragon: (excited barking)
The sand dragon quickly shuffles ahead. It doesn't look like a guard at all.
MC: Wait up! / Aww, it's like having a little brother. / Okay, let's go together.
Sand Dragon: (croons)

Vapula: There you guys are. Okay, vapulisten up. I'm gonna turn what everyone made into golems, but you need to pick just one thing and nothing too big! For reference, it'll come out like this!
Sand Dragon: cheep cheep
Kids: Wow!
Vapula: Okay, go vaplay around and let your imagination run wild!
Zhurong: Wow, you're awesome Vapula! Everyone's focusing so hard!
MC: You gonna be okay making so many golems?
Vapula: No vaproblemo! My power just replicates things exactly as I've read out of a book. It's the same as an engineer reading a book on robotics and using it to make a robot. I read the Sefer Yetzirah that has the recorded knowledge of golems. Form has meaning, and if it's something that moves, it'll naturally have the ability to move vaput inside it! Birds fly, fish swim, and people walk.

Kids: We're done!
Vapula: Okay everybody, line your creations up!
Vapula starts animating all the figures made, which then walk back to their creators to play with them.
Vapula: Hey wait, where's Babe? What did he vaput together...? Wait WHAT? What is that!? It's HUGE! Is it a farm diorama? Holy crap. I see Babe and Zhurong inside it. It's vaprobably okay to animate that?
Babe Bunyan: Nah, it's perfect as is.
Vapula: Uhh. Well I'm here and all. How about I animate some farm animals to vaput in it?
Babe: Heh. It's Fine since it doesn't move and Isn't Real.
Vapula: ...well okay then? My job here is done then, so I better get back to my vaproductions with the time I've got.
MC: Your what now? / The Tindalos Bros were awesome / I think I wanna make something too now...
(A) Vapula: My collab vaproduction with Turing and Tindalos! You're excited about that, right? Vapromise me you'll tell me what you think!
(B) Vapula: It was HARD getting the 3D model data from him and 3D vaprinting it. Then I had to paint bits of sand to move and vaperify every single mobile piece! My eyes were gonna fall out! But yeah I did it.
(C) Vapula: Really!? That vapleases me as a modeler! Come by the hobby shop I work at sometime. I'll teach you the ABCs of how fun vaplastic models are!

Vapula: No matter what I say, I like creating things...so it was a shock when my vaproducts went wild. (stares at the sand dragon)
Vapula: ...I like your dragon. It reminds me of something...a feeling I'm thankful for. I wanna vaput something together with you. Maybe...I'll figure something out.
MC: Oh, that reminds me. Do we need to worry about the dragon going out of control again?
Turing: Oh, no problems there as long as we stay in the sand box area. It's an isolated, closed off space where they won't move unless the creator gives them an intentional order.
Kid: Stop, that's my space!
Turing and Vapula: !!

Boy A: Stay out, this is our turf!
Boy B: No it's not! You keep pushing sand this way! And your sand golem keeps barging in over here!
Boy C: We're making a castle here, you guys are in the way!
Vapula: Nooo, stop!
Boy A: Get them, Robocop!
Boy B: Transformer, fight back!
The golems are fighting!
Turing: ...fascinating.
MC: Well they aren't going crazy like before, but this is turning crazy! / What the hell, Turing!?

Vapula: I said it before, but the golems won't stop until we do something about their vaprogramming after they're given orders! What's worse is that they've been given attack orders!
Zhurong gets caught between robot figures!
Zhurong: HELP
Babe: OH SHIT
Turing: Vapula, where are the golems' cores?
Vapula: I-I usually vaput them in the chest areas for humanoids and animals!
Turing: I'll give you guys directions on how to get them then and we can get this all done quickly. Okay, MC?
MC: You better get it right, Turing! / Babe, stop the golems! / Zhurong, blind them!
---
(A) Turing: Of course. I won't let you or any of the children get hurt.
(B) Babe: My time has come! I'll show you my rodeo lasso skills!
(C) Zhurong: O-okay, close your eyes everybody!
---
Zhurong: Stop fighting! Lovecraft Color Flash!
Turing: Now, MC! Aim for the cores!
BATTLE START (more happens later)

Babe Bunyan saw a dream of himself who wasn't himself. In Great Spirit, the one who stood atop of that self was the highest being of the world, Wakan Tanka. Babe's other self was once Wakan Tanka's servant, the white buffalo calf as everyone called him. Everyone in Great Spirit is a part of Wakan Tanka, and they return to him upon death. And Babe's self was given guidance to lead everyone in that world to Wakan Tanka...
Babe: NO THAT'S NOT ME!
Entertainers Theater or something
Christine: Oh that's just the memories of your body. You are just an urban legend folkloric fictional being, an actor of a tall tale who couldn't get faith. It's harsh, but I had to tell you since I have the same origins. You are the white buffalo calf from Great Spirit with the Babe Bunyan persona.
Babe: ...oh I get it now. So what?
Christine: (shook)
Babe (narrating): I'm Babe, a cowboy and the partner of that guy bigger than anyone else. Daddy was big because he was a tall tale, fiction. I'm proud of tall tales, and I believe the future starts from there. I always believed he was more awesome than reality.
Babe: Man, elementary school life has been rough lately. Still...
Babe tips his hat and smiles like Paul.
Babe (narrating): Even if I know an age will end, I...we will put on a brave face and live on.

Present
Babe Bunyan: Noble Phantasm! The Spirit of Manifest Destiny!
Babe puts his feet down on the sand with the horseshoe artifact he isn't drawn wearing to cause the waterways to overflow, recreating the legend of Paul and Babe creating a giant river. Making waterways isn't the true nature of his artifact's power though, as it's the shared faith of Babe and the white buffalo calf. That faith is the idea that every path has its end. Babe defines it as the end of the frontier. The white buffalo calf defines it as the Great Mystery all things one day reach. They both know that a boundless world is only fiction.
Babe: And that's exactly why I'll keep up talking big with my big mouth!
But Babe steps over that with his horseshoes because only fiction can surpass this reality. It is only within this wavering that urban legends can move freely. The waters swallow up the golems and gather them up in one place to tell them 'this is the end of the road for you.'
MC: The water flow stopped them. NOW!
SLASH
Babe: Yay, we did it!

MC: Awesome, Babe!
Babe Bunyan: Hell yeah, I'm Paul Bunyan's partner, baby! ...you ain't bad either. Maybe we can do great things together? I could call you Owner if you want!
Turing: Okay, nobody seems hurt. Good job everyone.
Babe: Hey, don't you guys have something to say after causing all that trouble?
Kids: W-we're sorry...
Babe: Good! Now let's play without causing another fight!
Vapula: I know it wasn't on vapurpose, but I'm still bummed...
Babe: Stop being a sadsack. You know that one Chinese story with the old man who lost his horse? It's like that! Blessings in disguise!
Vapula: A VAPRIMARY SCHOOL KID IS TRYING TO CHEER ME UP, MY LIFE IS OVER

Turing: Babe's right, you know. I discovered something from what just happened.
Vapula: What?
Turing: The golems the children made have this feeling that they aren't grounded.
MC: So they change natures based on their owner? What about the dragon?
Sand Dragon: gurgle chirp
Vapula: Having an elementary kid and one of my own creations trying to cheer me up is a vaprofessional humiliation.
Babe: Don't you guys have something else to be getting to?
Vapula: Oh no! But the class isn't over yet!
Babe: I'll handle it then. Hey everybody, let's play in the farm I made!
Kids: Okay!
Vapula:
Vapula: I GOT UPSTAGED!
End of Episode