Fortune Superstitions with Oni and Dragons Episode 3 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Merely Okay Farmland
Amanojaku: They kicked me out again. I really really tried to be a good oni! Hungry now...
Girl A: There you are! Amanojaku? Have some extra mochi we made.
Amanojaku: ...you sure? I'll pay you back with whatever veggies I find up in the moun--
Sudden warp!
Reverse Amanojaku: (UNSPEAKABLY FILTHY CURSING)
Later, some ruined temple
Amanojaku: ...it happened again...
Amanojaku looks towards the village. He remembers everything that happens as Reverse Amanojaku and only returns to normal after he notices he's flipped over.
Amanojaku: I probably shouldn't go back. Still hungry. Sleep for dinner.
Amanojaku tried so hard to live like normal people, but it keeps blowing up on him. So stays away for everyone's sakes and his own. But that decision will also reverse itself eventually.

Present
It's Setsubun! Time to get ready at Motosumi's temple because it's already drawing people in for things.
Echo: Umm...how many more cucumbers should I cut?
Amanojaku: And how much more of the other things I'm making? I'll help cut after that!
Kagutsuchi: Rice, up! ...two more pots? O-okay!
Takemaru: Thanks for comin' to help y'all.
Red Oni: Yeah. What are we helping with?
Takemaru: Mochi prep first!
Oniwaka: All these exorcism traditions always happening bug the crap outta me.
Motosumi: But you still dressed in festival gear. Why are you bitching about it NOW?
Oniwaka: Yeah yeah, I'll do my job. And give MC some good mochi!
Motosumi: Same for my babies! Now bring it!
Oniwaka and Motosumi start making mochi.
MC: Wow, vibing! / so pro / (run fast with the rice)

Girl A: Wow, he's pounding the rice so hard!
Boy B: They're giving out ehoumaki! Let's help later!
Guy C: Boss, the last of the rice? What do I do after?
Takemaru: Oh. Uh, mochi making demo after! Call dem kids over for it!
Guy C: Okay!
Qinglong: How appropriately lively for spring starting.
Fuxi: Indeed. And SIIIISTER is shining brightest.
Qinglong: I should go help now before Amanojaku complains.
Fuxi: Yes, you should. My fortune telling says you're too late though.
Qinglong: Oh. Couldn't you have said so earlier...?
Fuxi: I need to get ready! Setsubun is New Year's Eve on Old Japan calendar, so we need noodles! Which I shall make! FROM SCRATCH! FOR YOU, SIIIISTER!
Qinglong: O-okay, good(?) luck with that???

Later
All those cardboard boxes from the other day
Motosumi: Okay I gotta explain this shit. We're gonna throw peanuts instead of beans at each other!
MC: huh? / yay! / what
Motosumi: I said what I said. Instead of Setsubun exorcism tradition using beans, we use peanuts that DON'T have magic cultural faith to do what's now problematic fantasy racism stuff. Also cleaning will be easy if they're still unshelled peanuts. Then we eat!
MC: oh okay / wow you actually thought this through / nice, Qinglong
(C) Qinglong: Yes, wonderful plan Motosumi.
Motosumi: I-it's cool, Sensei... stop looking at me like that, MC

Amanojaku: Is this really okay?
Kagutsuchi: Maybe we should try it ourselves before opening it to everyone.
Motosumi: Okay. MC, throw these suckers at Takemaru.
MC: Yeet! / (toss) / (YEET THEM SO HARD)
---
(AB) No reaction.
(C) Takemaru blushes.
---
Echo: O-oh, this seems fine... why does he look happy about this?
Oniwaka: Loophole, huh? Nice.
Amanojaku: Wow...
Motosumi: How about throwing them at Qinglong too?
Amanojaku: !?
Amanojaku: !!
MC; Wow, he's getting into this

Qinglong: N-now now, I've started picking up after myself and washing utensils, haven't I?
Amanojaku: Haven't you also been secretly ordering Tokyo DoorDash at night?
Qinglong: O-of course not, not while you're slee--
Amanojaku: So why is there suddenly unexplained trash lying around in the morning?
Qinglong: okay I did it...
Echo: whoa...
Fuxi: SIIIISTER! I'll be very soft when I throw peanuts at you.
MC: I'mma bean you SO HARD / (grab peanuts) / (catch the peanuts)
(AB) Fuxi: That's so cold! ...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Oniwaka: what is this guy's deal
(C) Fuxi: Good luck to you, SIIIISTER!
Oniwaka: Back off my Master, creepo!

Motosumi: Wait we haven't even started for real yet
Takemaru: Motosumi we have like tons of people here. Maybe too much?
Motosumi thinks.
Echo: U-um, maybe this can help!
It's almost time for bean peanut throwing and all the ehoumaki are out!
PA System: Hello everyone, the peanut throwing will be starting soon. Uhh, activity explanation to be given in front of the temple? Yes that's right. Yay I didn't flub my lines!
Qinglong's car drives over to the activity area. People start coming over.
One explanation later, peanut bags are given out.
Motosumi: Here you go. Go bean Qinglong!
Amanojaku: R-right, thank you.
Oniwaka: Here ya go, Master! I'll get you some good luck!
Red Oni: Me big. Hit me. Master too, thanks.
Takemaru: We're on the other side for once! Tokyo is awesome.
Kagutsuchi: Everyone is having fun!
MC: Yeah / Gimme three more bags / this isn't a competition okay?
Motosumi: LET'S GOOOOO
BATTLE(?) START (more happens after)

Boy A and Girl B: Good luck to Motosumi! (throws peanuts)
Motosumi: Wow thanks, kids! Now I'mma pray fo--HEY WAIT you're supposed to stay still!
Echo: Um, will you throw peanuts at me, Amanojaku?
Amanojaku: O-okay?
Qinglong: You weren't NEARLY this refrained when you were throwing peanuts at me!
Kagutsuchi: Amanojaku, me too!
Amanojaku: O-okay. Good luck to you...! (throws)
Kagutsuchi: That was so nice of you!
Amanojaku: Thank you. O-okay, my turn to be thrown at...
Kagutsuchi: Okay! (throws)
Amanojaku: ...wow this is kind of fun.
Amanojaku: (I hope this stops my dark side too.)
MC: (throw at Oniwaka) / (throw at Fuxi) / (fling that shit everywhere!)
(A) Oniwaka: Thanks Master! ...wait you want me to throw them at you too!? T-tell me if I hurt you!
(B) Fuxi: Yes! YES! YES! ...okay, Big Brother's turn now. I'll be gentle...
Qinglong: You are making this sound so wrong!
(C) Qinglong: O-oh my. How kind of you.
Red Oni: Happy day!

The crowd of randos join in! Later...
Motosumi: Okay, time to clean up. Also I need to buy more rice to make mochi with because this ain't gonna be enough.
Takemaru: 'kay I got things covered here.
Motosumi: Cool. You handle any shit that happens.
Qinglong: The children can go visit the stalls set up. We can clean ourselves. MC, Amanojaku, help?
MC: Okay. Kagutsuchi, Echo, you guys go ahead?
Echo: O-oh, okay then!
Kagutsuchi: I kind of feel bad for this...
Qinglong: It's okay. Have fun.
Fuxi: I still have noodles to make, I suppose.
Red Oni: Me help.
Oniwaka: Same. I can go have fun later.
Qinglong and Fuxi give spending money to everyone. Amanojaku bows politely and seems really happy.

Amanojaku: Thank you everyone. I've been wanting to talk with you all...
Reverse Amanojaku: SO I COULD TELL YOU ALL TO EAT A DICK
Kagutsuchi and Echo: !?
MC: WHAT? The world's flipped upside down!
Brain shaker! Everyone falls down!
Qinglong: Amanojaku! Oh no, it finally happened!
Fuxi: Did the trigrams just reverse?
Amanojaku: Oh no, and things were going so well...
MC: What just happened!? / did I just get Aura Vision? / sudden tsundere snapping. nice
--
(AB) Qinglong: Everything is still okay. Shall I explain?
(C) Amanojaku: WHAT? W-wai--
Reverse Amanojaku comes out! Qinglong pushes him back in!
Qinglong: Better now? It's okay, I'll explain.
---
Amanojaku: ...okay.

One explanation later
Echo: The ability to reflect and let loose vectors?
Kagutsuchi: And being with Qinglong-sensei was to learn to control that?
Amanojaku: (frowns)
Amanojaku seems conflicted.
Echo: ...I've been cursed too. I can only answer in echoes. I know you have your own problems, but...I think that's good enough to be friends!
Kagutsuchi: I've burned people because I can't control my fire before. Nobody's perfect. I support you in trying to get better!
Amanojaku: (shocked!)
MC: Yeah!

Amanojaku: W-wait, there's more to it though! It's more than emotions and directions!
Fuxi: So, everything then?
Amanojaku: !?
Fuxi: Pfffft, that's nothing new here in Tokyo. Remember what my fortune said? Go use your money present however you want.
Qinglong: Whatever you're planning, I'm in. Go have fun.
Amanojaku: w-what?
MC: Let's goooo!
MC and the kids check out the stalls!
Kagutsuchi: Did Fuxi get all these stalls set up?
Echo: Everything looks good but I can't eat all that...
Amanojaku: You guys, this is really impor--(stomach growl)--oh.
MC: Relax! Want cotton candy? Or shooting games?

Amanojaku: I guess I am hungry...
Kagutsuchi: Let's get takoyaki then!
Echo: I'll get in line for drinks! I'll text a picture of the menu.
Amanojaku: T-thanks. What should I do?
MC: Kick back / Figure out where to go next / Let's talk
---
(C) Amanojaku: O-okay. Um, could you step back a bit?
---
Amanojaku: I don't get what everyone is thinking, but...this is fun. Also before, when I flipped out? It wasn't supposed to stop so fast. Who are you, MC?
MC: Eh, nobody really / What do you see? / Still figuring that out too.
Amanojaku: You have even more Big Mess Energy than Qinglong-sensei, but that makes you relaxing somehow.

Echo and Kagutsuchi come back with stuff, being friendly in the way Amanojaku always wished he had friends.
Amanojaku: Oh, I'll go get us wet wipes to wash our hands with. (walks off)
Amanojaku: ...this feels weird.
Too much emotional whiplash. Amanojaku decides to go inside to wash his face.
Amanojaku: Huh. I never thought what my flip side looks from the outside before... maybe it's what I felt when I looked at MC? ...ah, oh no!
Sudden Urikohime flashbacks!
Amanojaku: I have to get away from everyone! (regretting his life choices) ...huh?
Reverse Amanojaku!
Meanwhile
Fuxi: I'm ready to make noodles no--wait I sense a disturbance in the flow of things!

Where MC is
Kagutsuchi: I hope I can make mochi with Amanojaku!
Echo: Hmm. Should I make another announcement...?
Qinglong: Hello everyone!
MC: are you slacking off / didn't Amanojaku tell you no more takoyaki? / Amanojaku's getting wet wipes
---
(A) Qinglong: No, no, some people helped me to clean up!
(B) Qinglong: N-no he didn't! I wouldn't steal food from my students.
---
Qinglong: So Amanojaku went to the shrine? Maybe I should buy someth--!?--oh no! Get over here!
World warping!
MC: WHAT
Qinglong: Is everyone okay!?
Echo: I'm okay... what happened?
Kagutsuchi: Careful, I sense danger!
Qinglong steps forward! Some house collapses and something crawls out of it!
Reverse Amanojaku: (stares)
MC: Amanojaku! / (reach out) / (ready sword)
Qinglong: !!
Reverse Amanojaku: AAAAAA
End of Episode

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 2 "Annihilation Wish" Episode 1: The Deeply Deluded (Abridged)

Exio (?)(narrating): What are heroes? Great men who save the weak from danger? Eh, I guess. People who use superpowers to kill Monsters? Ehh, I GUESS. At least that's what reality says in this universe. But what qualifies someone to be a hero? Not by being awesomely competent or brave. The actual commonality is having a crazy ass conviction to make something happen despite having no evidence it can be done. They just HAVE to go for it. People who can be heroes are great, what with that precious kind of madness. But that's also why I think Heroes shouldn't exist. What I think about them is...

Present, Parallel Flight
Crowne: What do you MEAN, someone from Zero Trust came by!?
Mokdai: I know what you mean, but that's what the ID card said.
Crowne: Are you being sued for Space Twitch crimes?
Mokdai: What!? No! But it was some tech guy who seemed really calm who visited.
MC: Is Zero Trust the people in a meeting with us now? / hold up what
(A) Mokdai: Oh, yeah. They're the company managing the streaming service we use, Live@Hero.
(BC) Mokdai: Zero Trust is the company that manages the streaming service we use. The Prez is in a meeting with their rep now.

Crowne: Sooo, WHY are they contacting up an individual hero agency like this again?
Mokdai: (shrug)
Crowne: Well it can't be some business offer from their side.
Sui: But isn't that how businesses work though?
Akashi: Are they really that big a deal?
Crowne: Hmm. I guess they're a public org, but they don't really seem to do the capitalist thing of trying to make money.
Mokdai: They say one of their goals is to record hero work so they don't reach out to agencies much. They're definitely a private enterprise though and the biggest streaming business involved with hero stuff. They span the whole universe.
Melide: Oh, so that's why Huckle and Ryekie seemed on edge today.
MC: Ooh... / Exciting!
(C) Akashi: Is Ryekie rubbing off on you? I mean, I get it tho

Monomasa: This doesn't seem like a regular business deal to me.
Yoshiori: Yeah. I hope they don't string us up.
Mokdai: I'm worried about that too...
Meeting room door's opened up!
Grigory: mmmkay give it some though, kthnbai
It's Grigory! He's got drones flying around him.
Grigory: hmmmm?
Grigory spots MC.
Grigory: Ooh, are you the famous Observer? Let's talk next time, mkaaay? ...oh wait I forgot to turn off my cameras. Oh well whatever, they aren't streaming anywhere anyways. Okay byeeee. (leaves)
Akashi: ...THAT was a giant space corp business rep?
Mokdai: He could be. Maybe.
MC: uh, he had like no tension / maybe work did that to him? / mmm, softboi cutie
(C) Monomasa: What?
Melide: MC's just like that sometimes...

Ryekie and Huckle walk out.
Ryekie: Huckle, was that really okay!? Man's had like no reaction to anything!
Huckle: I know how you feel, but calm down. I'm a little unclear still, but I don't think he's up to anything bad. Still, we'll have to really think about our planning...
MC: Rough going?
Huckle: Oh hi MC. I see everyone else is here too. (faces everyone) We need to do some rescheduling, but we're all going to have a business trip. I want as many of us to go, so let us know if you have plans already.
MC: wait
Everyone Else: WHAT

That night, PF overnight room
This room's normally used for night duty and sometimes for doing first aid. MC and Exio are here alone.
Exio: Good. Keep doing that. (exhales and looks up)
Exio: I wasn't expecting a business trip for a powwow with Zero Trust. But it's worth it since we need info after the Osaka incident and need to get on the same page. Huckle's such a workaholic.
MC: I guess... / what a letdown... / It's still a vacation on paper!
(C) Exio: What an optimist. I guess life blowing up on you so much has made you bold.

Exio: Wait, you're overdoing it now. Shrink the Path.
MC: Oops! Got it!
Exio: ...good, you're learning fast.
Exio's been giving MC regular Observer training when there's time. Right now it's Path Control, practicing keeping the bare minimum Path open by sight. There's a tiny Path in front of MC now.
Exio: That Path is connected to a parallel world. Careful about fluctuations in size since it's not oriented around someone specific. But I'm here too and there's a guard outside. Relax. (sits down next to MC)
Exio: It's a relief you're working on Path control training with me. You don't have the knowledge but you can see it and feel it. You're unbalanced since you don't know what it is you're doing when you do things.
MC: what?
Exio: You're a danger to your surroundings, but that's not your fault. Lots of Observers have to flail their way around to figuring their powers out.
MC: How'd you learn?

Exio: I just...learned by experience. This practice is similar, but a lot of what I did came up out of necessity.
MC: Hmm...
Exio: It's fine, no need to approve of me. Oh, wait your Path is getting bigger again. Focus. (slides closer)
MC: TOO CLOSE
Exio: Don't stiffen up like that. Monsters do this too.
MC: What?
Exio: Lots of Monsters open up Paths all the time. They aren't that big though. They're not originally from this world, and unevolved ones can't even stay materialized. So they use Paths to send themselves in, even if they're ghostlike. Existing here requires existential declaration, so they eat things here and store Recognition in their cores.
MC: Is that why they disappear when their cores are destroyed? / How do you know this?
(C) Exio: The Broker.

Exio: Existence verification is similar to what we're doing now here. You'll figure it out soon. (puts hand on MC's hand)
MC: UHHHH / help, police
---
(C) Exio: Aww, cute. Anyways I'm kidding. Let me tell you something.
---
Exio: You can see lots of hero possibilities, right? Even little ones that fade quickly.
MC: Y-yeah? For some reason.
Exio: Hmm...
Sudden tension.
Exio: What do I look like to you?
MC: Exio? / ... / (wait what just happened?)
Exio: ...never mind, sorry.
The tension disappears.
Exio: Let's call it a day. Nice job, MC.
MC: Exio?
Exio: Hmm?
Exio looks like nothing's wrong at all. MC decides not to ask.

Weeks later. Orient City Spaceport
Huckle: Everyone here?
Ryekie: Yep, all here!
Sui: Kind of exciting for us all to be here, even if it was a surprise we're having more of a business meeting than business trip.
Mokdai: Oh wow you really did dress up more for this!
Sui: S-so? It's not that big a deal...
Akashi: You dressed up?
Sui: !?
Sui: Oh. Right. You're just like that.
Akashi: RUDE
MC: Hmm, perfume? / I can't tell... / She's at that age...

Monomasa: Is it really okay for us to be here too? (looks at Exio's group)
Huckle: It's fine, we're all invited to exchange information about all the weird stuff happening since the Osaka incident. It's more the things about the events themselves and not us unless we need to know that to understand things.
Monomasa: Oh, okay then. (looks at Melide)
Sui: Wow, I haven't played that board game in so long.
Melide: I read in a book lots of people play this game on trips so I bought it.
Crowne: Ooh, let's play it!
Monomasa: Let's not ruin her fun.
Huckle: Right. I'll try my best so she can enjoy the trip.
Yoshiori: Pffft, look at you worrying about the little things.
Monomasa: Monomasa and I want Melide to be as happy as possible.

Mokdai: Prez, is it really okay for us to talk about what we saw and felt?
Huckle: Yes, they said they wanted a majority judgment, which is why they had us bring everyone who was there for Osaka and Mt. Fuji. Somehow me and MC get caught up in a lot of really weird things.
Mokdai: Oh yeah, you did go back to being a hero after being an Observer.
Akashi: We also have Monomasa doing the Venom thing and Yoshiori being half-eaten and... (looks at MC)
Akashi: A really WEIRD Observer.
MC: RUDE
Melide: Sounds about right for MC.
MC: (GASP!) SENPAI!
Melide: W-what?
MC: Exio's teaching me now, so I guess you're Senpai. / Don't like it?
(C) Melide: ...no, just surprised.

Melide: MC's like a little sibling to me now. Weird.
Exio: (stares)
Ryekie: We're waiting for three people, right? Where are they?
Mokdai: Wait, it's not just us?
Ryekie: Yeah, one person fron Zero Trust, then--
???: Oh! There they are, Milord!
???: I see them...oh wait, they're all here?
Jingle jangling bling! Footsteps of nice shoes!
Yoshiori: Wait what
Seiichirou: Hello, sorry to keep you waiting. Tenma Seiichirou here.
Danzo: S'up Parallel Flight peeps!
MC: Seiichirou!? / Yay, Danzo! / wait what
(A) Seiichirou: Hello again MC, looking lost as always. Good to see things haven't changed, assuming you don't cut too loose.
(B) Danzo: Yoooo! Damn, you're not bad at this huh? ...wait why do you look like you agree!?

Huckle: Sir Seiichirou, thank you for joining us. I was surprised to hear you were coming.
Seiichirou: Well Zero Trust business interests me as both personally and UEHA Japan's leader. I have some time to spare from my regular work and I felt bad about making you explain everything that happened in Osaka.
Danzo: I'm bodyguarding from the shadows!
Yoshiori: Dressed like that? Really?
Danzo: Said Mr. Dressed-To-Travel-Party!
Yoshiori: GET OUT OF MY BAGS
Danzo: Hey I gotta make sure there ain't anything dangerous near my boss, so I'm checking the biggest sus's stuff first!
Yoshiori: I AIN'T SOME GOLD DIGGING ASSASSIN
Mokdai: Please stop projecting, Yoshiori.
Monomasa: I wasn't expecting to travel with Weed Groover...
MC: Know him? / You don't like him? / He's your total oppositie
(A) Monomasa: No, I just heard of him. I think Monomasa likes ninjas or something?
(B) Monomasa: No, I never even talked to him. I'm glad he's with us, not that I want something to happen.
(C) Monomasa: Maybe? Maybe I should show excitement more like him...why are you making that face?

Huckle: If that's all from our side, is the Zero Trust rep coming soon?
???: hmmmm? Whoops, did I keep y'all waiting?
Huckle: There he is!
Grigory: Hey y'aaaall. I'm Grigory from Zero Trust. Sorry, I spaced out too long watching the drones here.
Mokdai: w-wow
Huckle: Thank you for having us, Grigory. I should introduce everyone. So--
Grigory: Nah it's cool, I've seen pictures and profiles already. I'mma just skip over the introduction bit, mkaaaay?
Yoshiori: oh my god I thought he was just super high
MC: He really CAN work? / SOFTBOI
(C) Grigory: Yeeeaaah, people usually call me laid back when they first meet me for some reason. I mean, I can work my ass off when I need too.
Akashi: Oh. So he knows what people say of him at least.

Grigory: Thanks for coming y'aaaall. Okay let's go.
Huckle: Sure. What planet? You only told us to come here to the spaceport.
Grigory: Oh, right. Hmmmm... uh, I'm under NDA, can't talk here.
Huckle: Oh okay. I guess a Zero Trust facility might be confidential like that.
Grigory: Thanks for understanding, I know it sucks mkaaaay? Also thanks for coming, Seiichirou.
Seiichirou: Thank you for having me, even if I'm here as an UEHA rep. Are you sure I can be here?
Grigory: It's cool, I cleared it with your real job. My company wants whatever info you can give, mkaaay.
Seiichirou: Wow, direct. But helpful.
Grigory: It really is all about the info sharing~! Also someone else may be using us, so.
Seiichirou: ...well okay then.
Grigory: Whooooa, just like that?
MC: (Alliance stuff?) / wait what
(A) Danzo: Wow, you get it MC? Nice.
(BC) Akashi: Dunno. Mokdai?
Mokdai: I guess it's Defense Department stuff?
Sui: And Grigory knows all about that going in. Or something?

Grigory: Okay, let's goooo! But toilet break calls and luggage checks first!
MC: what are you, a tour guide? / softboi again / Can I bring snacks?
---
(AB) Grigory: Oooh, maybe I need a little flag to wave around too.
(C) Grigory: Okay! Price cap 500 space yen. Kidding.
Melide: Should I ask if bananas count? The book said they did.
Sui: ...what book?
---
Grigory leads everyone to a ship. Hours later, the ship stops somewhere
Grigory: We're here! Warp gates are awesome.
MC: ...there's nothing outside tho.
Crowne: I don't see anything either.
Sure looks like empty space out there.
Crowne: Are we docking onto some other ship?
Grigory: Nope! Now let's go to the computer room.
MC: what

Grigory: Mkaaay now, I'mma connect us through.
Grigory types onto a space keyboard and makes a door frame machine from Matrix code!
Grigory: Now I need an Observer sooo... MC, help? Take this door frame doohickey and look at it like it's a real door.
MC: Okay! / i-is this gonna be okay?
(A) Akashi: OMG don't just go along with whatever this is! Grigory is this safe!?
Grigory: Whoops. Yeah, it's allll cool. It's just in sleep mode and needs an Observer to observe it open.
(C) Grigory: Yuuup. It just needs an Observer looking at it to wake up from sleep mode.

Grigory: yeah I know it looks ugly. Still a WIP, only in house people have been using it. Okay, I'mma connect it now!
Exio: ...wait is that--
A dark spot appears in the door frame!
MC: Uh, is that a Path?
Grigory: Okay thanks, MC! You feeling okaaay?
MC: Y-yeah / Is that a goddamn Path!?
---
(A) Grigory: Oh cool. It'd be weird if you didn't.
(B) Grigory: Yup! Fun fact it was already open though.
---
The Path fills the door frame and starts shining from within.
Computer: Coordinates confirmed. Science babble initiated.
Grigory: So, like, we first found this Path by accident? (watches monitor) We do checks and modding of Paths, but sometimes we can see inside. (hits button)
The Path opens up to some grass field!
Melide: ...is that a parallel world?
Computer: Safe Mode on. Monitoring.
Shocked party!
MC: WHAT
Grigory: Mkaaay now, welcome to Zero Trust's research lab in the Imaginary Point.
End of Episode

Fortune Superstitions with Oni and Dragons Episode 2 (Abridged)

In Hourai, auroras are believed to be a a sign of war with the heavens falling apart, a sign that kingdoms will fall apart as history moves on. Light falls from the heavens to the earth, and that's why hierarchies are the way they are. Overturning this setup is impossible without the ability to turn the world on its head. Life grows, kingdoms fall, and things start over again in a cycle. Hourai also believes life and death to be single points in an endless road, and these points come again as the azure guardian watches the world go on from some castle.
Qinglong: ...I always knew where things would go.
The Azure Dragon whose role was to rule over spring loved life more than his colleages.
Qinglong: Why all the fighting, suffering, and sinning? Why all the repetition? ...oh right, I never noticed that there could be a different path before. (gets up and looks back at his throne)
Qinglong: I should go looking for that path and see where it goes. Oh right, I also have to hand the name and title to someone else if I'm leaving my post. I should probably remember to change my name to Meng Zhang...

The day after New Year's, MC goes to Motosumi's temple alone because of something that happened in Cafe Asterism.
Flashback!
Shirou: Thank you so much for reserving the place for us.
Shinya: It's okay, we were having our own NY party too and I owe MC a lot.
Taromaiti: Plus Shinya gets to relax for once. There's tons of food since Echo came. Have some!
Echo: Y-yes, I was only here to help, but thank you...
Conversations about plans!
Schrodinger's Meng Zhang: We're doing Setsubun things at a temple for our school. Want to come?
Amanojaku: ...please come? Knowing someone there helps me relax...
Echo: That Japanese exorcism holiday thing?
Qinglong: Mostly, yes. Want to come too?
Echo: Um, okay!

Present
Volunteering at Motosumi's temple!
Takemaru: Heya, MC! Been lookin' forward to ya comin over!
Kagutsuchi: Hello MC! It's been a long time!
MC: Wow, you two are here? / Fixing something, Takemaru? / You helping out, Kagutsuchi?
Kagutsuchi: I'm here to help move and fix things. So many things to carry, I'm excited for what will happen! I just got here but I'm glad to see--what? (sniffs)
MC: what? I did my laundry.
Kagutsuchi: Oh no not that. I thought I smelled another oni for a second. Weird.
MC: But there are tons of oni in Asakusa / (wait)

Kagutsuchi: Oh I mean, another oni from Takamagahara. My home world calls oni the strayers from heaven who flip over the world's order. Personally...they don't seem that way to me. Oh wait, sorry never mind me!
Motosumi: Hey, there you are. The other four guys you know are inside already.
MC: What fourth person? / I saw this coming
MC goes inside.
Qinglong: Hello MC, thank you for coming.
Amanojaku: Hi MC, let's work hard.
Echo: M-me too. I'll do my best!
Motosumi: This everyone Sensei called over? We got a lot to do today. Make mochi, prep the beans, ehoumaki, and pork soup.
MC: omg so much??? / beans? with oni around? / (hungry now)

Amanojaku: Is it really okay to make beans for Setsubun when there's oni around?
Motosumi: Yeah I know the culture thing. I got an idea for that though, it'll be cool! Also I gotta thank your big brother for making today happen, MC!
MC: wait...
Qinglong: I only just found out too. He didn't tell you either?
???: SIIIISTER!
Fuxi: Yes, I foresaw you coming! New Year's and Setsubun for good luck! Who better to do that than MEEEE?
MC: yeah yeah get to work / you are gonna help, right? / you really like that kimono, huh?
(AB) Qinglong: Guess I never needed to worry about anything.
(C) Fuxi: Isn't it perfect for this time of year?

Time to get to work! Amanojaku, Kagutsuchi, and Takemaru are carrying things. Fuxi is handling business. Motosumi and Echo are getting ready to cook. MC and Qinglong are errand boys. MC and Qinglong get into Qinglong's car to drive to Setagaya Agricultural School for a pickup.
Qinglong: It's something we'll need so oni can enjoy the bean throwing part of Setsubun, whatever it is. I suppose Motosumi knows what he's talking about, so it should be fun. And I hope Amanojaku acclimates to being around more people. He kept his distance a lot before...
MC: Kinda figures / Sounds rough / it's like you're really a probation officer!
---
(AB) Qinglong: There's no single right answer for any path, for anyone after all.
(C) Qinglong: I AM a probation officer! But I can't argue against not pushing off my housework...
---
Qinglong: ...you know, my asking you to come was something Amanojaku asked for. I have some hopes in this activity.
Red light. Awkward silence. Qinglong is staring into the distance.
Qinglong: My job as probation officer is ultimately about helping and encouraging independence. I hoped Amanojaku finds his own interests, so I trust you with my own hopes.
MC: Are you talking about his rehab or yours?

Qinglong: Oops I said too much. Just call it me having my own hope for things. Oh well, how about I talk some more since Setagaya is a way aways?
Qinglong (narrating): So back in Hourai I wandered around to learn about people and figure out my own path. I taught a little about agriculture and medicine and did some mediation. And then one day...
Flashback!
Qinglong: Seiryu Punch!
Pirate: OOF! Damn old man...
Qinglong: You the one stealing things around here lately? Mugging people for crops and livestock? Punishment time!
Qinglong (narrating): This village went through hard times and was finally bouncing back when this thief showed up. He was punished, though the villagers asked for less than what his crimes were worth. Oh well, revenge and punishment are different things. And then...
Qinglong: Huh. Who are you, child? Looking for someone?
Boy A: Yeah, have you seen Big Br--I mean a striped furry?
Qinglong (narrating): The boy came from a flooded village and only had his brother left. They lived on whatever the brother got through "work" but then he didn't come back.

Present
MC: He didn't know, huh? / Couldn't they just ask for help? / ...
Qinglong: I heard later that they did ask for help, but they were turned away, so the big brother went stealing in secret. Sad how things turned out. And I only saw a part of the big picture.
MC: So what happened?
Qinglong: Oh right, sorry to frown like that. Anyways, yes the big brother committed crimes, but I negotiated to have the brother work to make up for everything and get their necessities.
Flashback!
Qinglong: This village is going to be okay now. I should think of where to go next.
???: Sifu!
Qinglong: Oh!
Pirate: My family got bigger! Thanks to you, I...!
Qinglong: Aww thanks. Go home and be a family man.

Present
Qinglong: Eventually the thief became a trusted worker and the two brothers had a life of plenty. It was just one possible ending for them, but seeing it made me realize that no matter how your path goes, anyone with you can intervene. But intervention can't be done from far away. Help and education help you figure out your destination and make it possible to pick the happy future you want. And that's why I'm a teacher here.
MC: That's nice.
Qinglong: Right, now Amanojaku is trying to make things possible. I won't say much, but he's at a crossroads. I'm there with him so he has more choices. Oops, I'm getting old and rambly.
MC: Can I help? / I'll go with you / Tell me more
---
(A) Qinglong: You're so nice. Just be yourself.
(B) Qinglong: Oh okay then.
(C) Qinglong: About my path? Another time when we can really sit down and talk.
---
Qinglong: It's not like I hate Hourai's teachings of just being yourself as is, but I wonder if there's more than that out there. Oh well, check up on the boy if you ever have time. Okay we're almost there!

Setagaya
Volos: Hello again, Qinglong! Here's your order.
MC: Volos! / You know each other?
---
(A) Volos: Hello MC! How's everyone else? Call me if you need stew ingredients.
---
Volos: Qinglong buys a lot of fruit from me. Your regular order is in front of Motosumi's order.
Qinglong's tail shakes! Volos puts down a box full of peaches.
Qinglong: Yay, donut peaches! Coming to Tokyo was worth it to have these year round...
Qinglong: Uhhhh I'll be freezing these up and sharing them later!
MC: How many peaches is that??? / Didn't Amanojaku tell you to cut back?

Qinglong: I'll clean and wash up enough so he won't take them away!
Volos: So uh, is the other order okay?
Qinglong: Oh, right, that. MC, can you check?
MC opens a box. It's stuffed full.
Qinglong: Peanuts? Oh, I see now.
MC: ooh / what / why so many
Qinglong: Let's take everything back! I hope things don't flip out tomorrow.
Meanwhile in Asakusa
Amanojaku: Oh no things might blow up tomorrow...I hope everything goes okay.
Amanojaku: !!
Reverse Amanojaku: TF YOU MEAN, YOU HOPE EVERYTHING GOES OKAY
End of Episode

Live A Hero Aqua Vacation Thermae Panic Episode 8 (Abridged)

MC: Wow...
Townsfolk: Hooray!
A hero's welcome! With flower petals thrown around!
Obsidius: Oh. Guess we didn't need to hoof it so hard.
Rakta: Seems so. Aques's hospital isn't sending an SOS either.
Theoreol: aww, I could have just stayed back and do research in the underground lake then...
Alphecca: Haha! Let's be glad the people are okay!
MC turns off everyone's suits.
Townsfolk: YAAAAY
Rando: Alphecca, autograph please!
Alphecca: wait when did they find out who I was?
MC: You don't remember?

Obsidius: Did ya forget?
Flashback!
Alphecca: I AM ALPHECCA!
Present
Alphecca: ...oh.
Theoreol: it's okay. it was a rational decision at the time
Rakta: Agreed.
Obsidius: Hah, yup! You had to do it then and welp this is your life now.
Alphecca: I suppose. May as well stop thinking about it! (waves at crowd)

Obsidius: Oh right, you're a king! You stand in front of crowds all the time.
Rakta: I forgot too.
Alphecca: Why don't you all wave too? You fought for all this as well.
MC: Yeah! / no thanks / (hide)
Rakta: U-uhh...well I guess I will since I'm with you all!
Obsidius: I'd rather not but--hey wait, Theoreol! Get off my back!
Theoreol: (pops up) shhhh I am trying to hide
Obsidius: We were on camera 15 minutes ago!
Theoreol: but now I don't have to be on display
Alphecca: Haha, oops! Oh well. The people look like they're going to throw a party, but how about we turn in for the day?
MC: wait crap this literally all happened in one day / aww, but the party...
---
(C) Obsidius: I get you, but we're still on the clock.
Alphecca: We can just attend tomorrow!
---
Alphecca: Let's get back to enjoying our vacation!
And so the party heads back to the hotel. The party enjoys Space Rome the day after and eventually part ways.

Title Card: Hold the Crown to Your Chest

Moon City Copernicus, some big hospital room
Rakta: Obsidius, relax. It'll be over soon.
Obsidius: Just gimme a sec! (deep breaths) ...do it!
Rakta: Uh, this is just a blood drawing but here we go!
Later
Rakta: Okay, quick scan complete! Now take a slow breath while I touch you.
Obsidius: ...
Rakta: Um, you can relax now, we're almost done.
Obsidius: Easy for you to say!
Rakta: I'm still glad you're taking a medical exam now.
Obsidius: Thanks! Damn, that was quick now that I did it. I thought you'd be doing more.
Rakta: This is just a regular check up. But we can still go deeper if you want!
Obsidius: Ha, no thanks! I'll ask you if I feel like it.
Rakta: Why thank you! That trip to Aques was so worth it!
Obsidius: I know, right? But I do have one regret...
Rakta: Yes, me too.
Obsidius and Rakta: WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME!

Obsidius: They had rare ore down in the underground lake when I went to check it again! I filed for another survey at the university and they never got back to me, dammit!
Rakta: And I only got to visit half the space bathhouses in Aques after the incident!
Obsidius and Rakta sigh.
Rakta: I want us to all go together again.
Obsidius: Same! But we probably can't get the party back together anytime soon with Alphecca's stuff...
Rakta: Theoreol too. Maybe I should have stopped him...
Obsidius: I tried recruiting him to Heroic Educators. He turned you down too?
Obsidius and Rakta sigh again.

Rakta: I told him being a hero means he needs to be in an agency.
Obsidius: Same. But he said he wanted to research the agencies first. But then he didn't join up with any agency and just left...
Rakta: Yes, what could I say? I know how it is to be a researcher...
Obsidius: Yeah. Well, he's not gonna abuse his hero powers.
Rakta: I believe so too! I wonder where he is, and if he's healthy?
Obsidius: I need to discover tons of new minerals!
Rakta and Obsidius laugh and think about Theoreol again.
Rakta: Anyways you seem fine.
Obsidius: Thanks Doc. But now that I came all the way to the Moon...
Rakta: I'm done for the day now, so how about we visit town together? I've started looking up things around here. Maybe it'll help people, even if the places I can talk about could be gone already.
Obsidius: Oh well! Let's go!
Rakta: Okay!

Some wasteland on some other planet
Theoreol: maybe I looked at some place too harsh, there's nothing here...wait
Some hurt native over there!
Theoreol: I found someone! Research ti--actually, healing time!
Native: w-what? You here to help?
Theoreol: if I can! have a healing potion.
Some first aid later
Native: Thanks, I thought I was dead!
Theoreol: it's okay! no charge
Native: But I feel bad about that...oh, how about I show you to town? Treat you to some crag potatoes since that's all we have?
Thereol: ohh okay! fyi I don't eat like other people, is that okay?
Native: Sure whatever! Also, you a traveler? We don't get much of those around here.
Theoreol: close enough, I wander from planet to planet with no plan in mind
Native: Cool, we should talk about that! I'm a travelogue journalist and wanna visit other planets.
Theoreol: interesting! I would like a copy whichever decade it comes out.
Native: It won't take that long, haha. Any standout memories from your travels?
Theoreol: hmm. it's been centuries so--oh wait I recently learned about the senses of other people.
Native: O-okay? Go anywhere nice?
Theoreol: city of water and trees! I met a king there, among other people.
Native: Tell me more!
Theoreol: okay! I wonder how he's doing?

Aradicia
Rutilix: YOUR HIGHNESS! The chancellor has been looking for you! The messengers are almost here.
Alphecca: Ah yes, the ones from Aques! I'm coming!
Rutilix: I'm impressed you went to a foreign land, slayed some fiends, and opened up formal communications so quickly!
Alphecca: Ha! Coincidences. Such is fate.
Rutilix: Oh right, the chancellor and chamberlain wanted me to ask you to check the materials before the messengers arrive. Are you opening up the kingdom for sightseeing?
Alphecca: Yes, I wanted to learn about their tourism methods so I invited them to check our land.
Rutilix: I know I'm from here, but is that going to be okay?
Alphecca: Who knows! But I want to show our citizens the way.
Rutilix: What?

Alphecca: It's a big universe out there and I want people to go see it, and I'll do my best so they can go see it as people of Aradicia!
Alphecca excitedly remembers the king statue in Space Rome.
Alphecca: Well, business first.
Rutilix: Your Majesty, I don't know much of the outside world either but I will do my best to protect this kingdom!
Alphecca: Good luck with that, Senpai!
Rutilix: Stop calling me that!
Alphecca: Just kidding! But anyways... I wonder how everyone else is doing?
Rutilix: We need to get moving along!
Alphecca: Oh, right! Also, I wonder if the souvenirs I bought got delivered to the agency yet?

Orient City. It's hot out.
MC: I'm back! OH GOD it's hot!
Mokdai: Wow you are sweating! I'll get you a towel... okay here you go.
Akashi: Hey MC, want ice cream? We got some good ice cream left!
Mokdai: MY SECRET STASH! ...oh well, I guess it's a good day for it.
MC: Is is just you guys here? / Hey Mokdai! / You work today, Akashi?
(B) Mokdai: I've been watching the videos of you guys in action! I wish I could've seen Obsidius and Rakta's new suit up close. And a brand new hero! Oh, sorry to get all excited.
(C) Akashi: Not today. Just doing homework over here since it felt better than doing it at home or school. Huckle said it was okay.

Mokdai: Everyone's out doing stuff. The Prez and Ryekie should be back soon. Oh, I saw the videos but tell me about your trip!
Akashi: The one at the resort with the king? I was worried when Monsters showed up. I mean there were other heroes with you so you'd be okay, but...STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT
MC: Counting on you, Akashi! / Aww, thanks
Akashi: Y-yeah, sure! I'll always come running to save you! Oh right, your stuff came in.
Mokdai: King Alphecca sent in some huge box.
MC: Huh, wonder what? It's from Aques?
Mokdai: I asked the Prez and he said it was stuff the king put together. Also said I can open it if you're okay with that. Also there's a message card. Here you go.
MC opens the card. Which Mokdai reads for some reason.
Mokdai: "Thank you for your work!" ...wait, is this for all of us!?
Akashi: Cool! Let's open it!

MC, Akashi, and Mokdai open Alphecca's package!
Akashi and Mokdai: Uhhhh...
It's a giant water tank!
Akashi: A-are those eels?
Mokdai: Space eels, I think. Wow, there's no import ban since they can only live in the waters from their home planet.
MC: I can't believe he sent us these...
Akashi: What do we do with them?
Mokdai: Maybe some restaurant nearby can cook them for us? I'll go call.

Akashi: Ha! Weird, but these look nice actually. Wish I went with you...
MC: Wait, don't get close to them!
Akashi: what? wait WHAT IS THIS
Space eels got into Akashi's clothes!
Akashi: HELP
Mokdai: They said ok--wait WHAT
Akashi: Don't just stand there, help me!
Shenanigans! Oh look everyone else is back.
Ryekie: We're back! Wow, I am sweating like hell all over!
Huckle: Hello we--wait what's going on
MC: Hi! So uh... / It's an emergency!
Akashi: HELP ME
Ryekie: Uh, okay? Grab that? Got it!
Huckle: It's so slippery... oh no!
Mokdai: Oh no, now they're in his clothes too!
And so a nice breeze blew outside...
The End

Fortune Superstitions with Oni and Dragons Episode 1 (Abridged)

Dark.
???: Master, wake up! ...Super Special Level Three Wake-Up Petting!
MC: (jump) / (catch and pet) / zzz
---
(A) Solomon: no wait slow down, you'll give yourself a heart attack!
(BC) Solomon: noooo, wake up already and stop being a loser!
---
MC: It's not even sunrise yet / did I have plans / (go back to bed)
---
(AB) Solomon: Master you told me to wake you up so you could see the sunrise
(C) Solomon: NO STOP you have plans with your friends for sunrise!
---
Solomon: Tee hee, I should get something for doing my job right. But first, Happy New Year!
MC: Happy New Year / first petting of the year! (pets)
(A) Solomon: :D
(BC) Solomon: o-ooh

MC gets ready to go! Shirou sent a text saying the gang's gone ahead and to tell Qinglong and Amanojaku that. And then MC leaves the dorm.
MC: Cold. Sleepy. But exciting!
Hey wait something's flying above.
Ophion: WIIIIFE! (flies down)
MC: Happy New Year / lucky! / How long have you been up there!?
Ophion: There are things we have to do as married people! Also this is the Year of the Dragon? That means I should be the first to see you! Flying all night for that is nothing. Let us go!
MC: but I have plans / okay
---
(A) Ophion: I see. No matter. (pulls MC really close) Where are your friends awaiting you?
(B) Ophion: Now, we shall fly! Where to? I take it you have plans if you came out without me calling for you? I am not so boorish as to keep you from your plans with your friends.
---
Ophion: The sky is ours!
And so Ophion flies MC gently to Shinjuku Shrine.

MC: Well that was a nice wake up. Got here quick. So quick no one seems to be here yet actually...
Ophion: Hmm, I got too into bringing you over that I rushed. Oh well, we now have some priva--whomst
???: Thank you for bringing my sister so quickly.
Ophion: Hmm... the gambler whale Fuxi!
Fuxi: Indeed! And MC's one and only big brother. Happy New Year! Would you like my special NY food?
MC: Happy New Year / nice kimono / how long have you been there?
(A) Fuxi: And it's OUR year this year! I am here for you! ONLY YOU! JUST FOR YOU!
(B) Fuxi: Oooh, shivers. Thank you.

Fuxi: I read that you'd be here so I've been waiting here the whole time! And then my fortune telling said you'd be flying over, but I didn't see you'd be using one of Roppongi's execs. You surprise me like always.
MC: Um, you didn't have to wait / you haven't changed either / nervous now
Ophion: Bold, especially for someone claiming to be my wife's brother. But it is great that more people know my wife's splendor.
Fuxi: Yes, how wonderful that my sister is so loved.
Amanojaku freaks out in the background.
MC: ...peace? / Soap opera drama! / AMANOJAKU HELP
(C) Amanojaku: UHHHH, Sensei help!

Qinglong: Happy New Year's. Soup?
Ophion: ...you're lucky I'm not my grumpy older self.
Fuxi: Qinglong, did you remember what I said earlier?
Qinglong: Yes, Amanojaku has MC's soup in another pot.
Fuxi: Wonderful! Sister, this way. I talked with the shrine people and got permission to make soup. It was just for you, but I know you and made more for your friends.
MC: why are they in separate pots then? / nice! / (walk past Fuxi)
(A) Fuxi: To keep the soup full of goodies!
(C) Fuxi: Yes! YES! YES! Oh please have a seat, I will pour you soup!

Inside the shrine
Amanojaku: H-happy New Year's.
Inaba: Happy New Year's Master! I'm here early. Also I was up all night making fortune sticks. It's all cool if I can see the sunrise with you.
Agyou: Nice. Three points for you.
Inaba: I'm off to a good start!
Agyou: You already started at -100...
MC: Inaba what did you do
Agyou: He made a mess of my brushwork! He's not a good boy like Amanojaku is!
Amanojaku: O-oh, thank you...
Amanojaku: !!
Reverse Amanojaku: Shove it up your ass, actually! Give ME the -100 points!
MC: wait did I just see into the Shadow Realm

Agyou: What?
Amanojaku: N-nothing!
Amanojaku: (That was close. But fast too? No wait I flipped so hard I went 360. That never happened before... is it because there's someone like me here?)
Amanojaku: ...MC, can I sit closer to you? The madness feels different for some reason... (starts scooting up to MC and bumps into them)
Amanojaku: No wait too close I'm sorry!
MC: it's cool / I wanna hug you
(C) Amanojaku: WHAT

Amanojaku: U-um, this will sound rude but... MC, were you a terrible person once?
Agyou and Inaba: !?
MC: what / yep / Agyou, Inaba, what do you guys think?
Amanojaku: I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry!
Agyou: Oh yeah MC sucked BAD a while ago
Amanojaku: wait what
Inaba: MC can't go anywhere for five minutes without starting a scene and a fight!
MC: oof / hmmmm / RUDE
Amanojaku: (stares)
Agyou: Whatever, let's eat New Years food together after the sunrise, MC! Oh wait, here comes everyone else!

The gang joins together and goes to Overworld Shifted Mt. Hakone for a nice sightseeing spot. Ophion and Fuxi come along.
Ryouta: Three dragons in one place. This year's gonna be lucky!
Touji: Stop bothering them.
Ophion: Hmph. I forgive you for MC's sake, peasant.
Fuxi: I don't mind either!
Qinglong: There you have it. Now worship us!
MC: Luck! / giv money pls / (clasp hands)
Gullinbursti: is that what good luck feels like?
Moritaka: it certainly feels that way
Ophion: Yes, bask in my radiance, worms! Oh right, Qinglong? You are watching Amanojaku, yes? He reminds me of one of my subordinates who needs more training. Any advice on encouraging growth, even after I put him in an exchange program?
Qinglong: Handle with care and send them to new places. Ahh, Amanojaku has come a long way since doing my housework.
Amanojaku: !?
Amanojaku: ...
Amanojaku: >:(
MC: What?

Amanojaku: I do Qinglong's housework because he's a giant mess!
Shocked gang and event cast!
Fuxi: What else is he doing besides housework?
Kengo: Damn bitch, you live like that?
Qinglong: N-now now, giant mess is a bit much over ordering Tokyo DoorDash but--
Amanojaku: You don't cook, you don't do laundry, you don't even clean! At least pick up your dirty clothes!
Qinglong: okay...
MC: dang / I guess it worked out?
---
(AB) Qinglong: Now now, we can just say my lack of domestic skills was good for--
(C) Qinglong: Yes, that! If we frame my total lack of domestic skills as--
---
Amanojaku: >:C
Qinglong: I'm sorry...
Fuxi: ...
Fuxi: Heh. Oh sorry, I just remembered how you were back in Hourai. And now you're here, chastised by a child.
Qinglong: Lord Fuxi!

Time to go further up! A bunch of other people are at the sightseeing spot too.
Shirou: I'm glad it's clear. There's tea and hand warmers if anyone wants any.
Ryouta: Ooh! Hand warmers for me and Touji!
Touji: ...tea too, please. Thank you.
Kengo: Gullinbursti, bro, aren't you cold?
Gullinbursti: Seeing the sunrise with Master is heating me up!
MC: Moritaka, warm my hands! / Amanojaku, you need a hand warmer? / tea pls
(A) Moritaka: No wait stop! Awoo! No tail, stop shaking!
(B) Amanojaku: I'm okay, thank you.
(C) Shirou: Here you go. Don't burn yourself.

Inaba: Ooh, not cold Amanojaku? Inaba Stamp!
Amanojaku: !?
Agyou: STOP THAT
Qinglong: Aah, youth.
Fuxi: Yes, just like in Hourai. I'm glad MC is having fun.
Ophion: I wish we were alone, but if they are happy then all is well.
The sky is brightening.
Fuxi: It's almost sunrise, everyone.
...
Sunrise!
Amanojaku: ...wooow. Feels weird.
Qinglong: This year feels like it'll be great somehow.
Amanojaku: I hope so.
Someone claps MC's shoulder!
Fuxi: Seeing the year's first sunrise with you is touching as always. How about I give personal fortune tellings for everyone?
And so everyone heads back for Shinjuku Shrine.

Later
So many randos!
Moritaka: Line is over here! Restroom is over there!
Shirou: Amazake for three! Evils, pour out three more amazake cups and two pork soups!
Evils: Eeeee!
MC: Fortune sticks this way! Amazake is over to the right! Oh god, Nomad help!
Soooo many people.
Inaba: Fortune sticks!
Boy A: A real dragon! Can I shake your hand and take a picture?
Qinglong: Okay.
Umamichi Girl: Wow, cool getup Sensei!
Qinglong: Thank you, someone I know recreated it from my home world.
The younger crowds are drawn to Inaba and Qinglong.
MC: Wow. Is it break time yet?

Hanuman: MC I am here to help!
Amanojaku: Qinglong-sensei asked him to come.
Hanuman: I got this! Go take a break.
MC goes on break with Amanojaku. Some of the others should be too, but too many people to find them.
MC: How about a fortune stick? / Want some amazake? / (pull Amanojaku)
Amanojaku: Oh, okay...thanks.
???: There you are!
Otter: Hey MC, Happy New Year's! Present for you, don't resell it! Okay byeeee! (disappears into crowd)
Look who else is here!
Melusine: Hello MC. Greetings from my master along with a gift. Also something from me too. Please look when you have time.
New People and Past New Years Reps: MC!
Amanojaku: Wow, so many people I've never seen before in my home world! They're all being themselves...is it okay for me to be that way too?
Fuxi: Fortune telling for anyone who wants to know!
Amanojaku: (frowns)
Amanojaku: !!
Reverse Amanojaku appears!
End of Episode

Live A Hero Aqua Vacation Thermae Panic Episode 7 (Abridged)

Flashback!
Alchemist: You want to know why I made you an imperfect being?
Theoreol: yes
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, there was a kingdom on some planet where some dude was traveling with a buddy.
Alchemist: Why do you ask?
Theoreol: as I understand, the point of alchemy is to make life perfect so homunculi should be made like people. weren't all the other homunculi around here like that?
Alchemist: Oh my god you've researched visual learning! And so fast! Fascinating!
Theoreol: are you dodging my inquiry?
Alchemist: No, of course not! Hmm... (thinks)

Alchemist: Do you know about the Philosopher's Stone?
Theoreol: yes, the ultimate goal of alchemy that can perfect life
Alchemist: Good! Now the tricky part: do you know what a perfect life is?
Theoreol: no, no agreed upon definition exists
Alchemist: Right! And that's why I made you.
Theoreol: answer incomprehensible
Alchemist: Figures! Not like I know either, so let's keep traveling the world!
And so the aimless wanderings continued. The journey takes years in the kingdom before plans are made to go outside.

Alchemist: Look, the sea! How fascinating!
Theoreol: different places, different things, same work we've been doing already
Alchemist: You don't care, got it. Analysis time!
Theoreol: correction: I do care. gathering information now
Alchemist: Okay, let's compare notes later. Also, remember that one question you asked me before?
Theoreol: yes I still have a record of asking why you made an imperfect life form
Alchemist: I have a new opinion now after all that traveling. Not a full answer, but something I can express now. (thinks)
Alchemist: So, alchemy's biggest goal is a perfect life but it never looked that way to me. We all research together for some abstract goal. We research, but the goal always stays far away... so what if our goal should be where we are now in all our imperfections?
Theoreol: is that why you made me? answer still incomprehensible. by that logic shouldn't alchemy be about making imperfect homunculi?
Alchemist: You're right, logically speaking. But this is what I feel: we don't need imitations of people to advance, but the most imperfect of lives.
Theoreol: hmm.
Alchemist: I can't explain it any better now, but I want to tell you what it is when this ends one day. Now let's go! It's a big world out there!

Years pass. Decades pass. And then it all suddenly comes to a stop.
Theoreol: shouldn't you rest? I hear most old people die in bed.
Alchemist: Hmm. I do feel old, but I want to keep researching BECAUSE I'm almost dead...do you still remember that question you asked me?
Theoreol: I never lose any records I've made
Alchemist: Right. We've traveled for years, and I still never managed to give you a clear answer...will you still hear me out?
Theoreol: of course!
The alchemist thinks on his long life.

Alchemist: I've spent my life researching imperfect l--actually let me say, researching life as it is. Yes, everything was imperfect but I still thought it was all beautiful.
Theoreol: imperfect life has worth?
Alchemist: Yes! ...I think life is great because it's imperfect.
Theoreol: wow, I never expected that from you!
Alchemist: Me too! (smiles)
Alchemist: I believe the Philosopher's Stone has no form.
Theoreol: may I ask why?
Alchemist: Life is born imperfect, so life works to make things better. Same goes for alchemy. The Philosopher's Stone looks different for everyone, but I think it exists as a guide leading to new knowledge.

Theoreol: ...you have like nothing in common with anyone. one last time then: why did you make an imperfect being like me?
Alchemist: Hmm. Looking back, I wanted someone to travel with me. When I made you, you had no knowledge and a body unlike other people. But that is why you could absorb information the way you do. So I wanted to know how different our goals would be.
Oh, he's starting to die...
Alchemist: I had fun on this imperfect life. I don't know what you'll work towards after this, but I hope you'll be happy, find your own goal.
Theoreol: ...
Theoreol: I just wanted to travel with you. I don't know how rational that is. but it's true I need to think about what I'll do now. Maybe I'll keep traveling. still so much to learn.
Theoreol stayed for the Alchemist's last moments, then set off himself. He wandered the galaxy, researching everything. But in all that time, he kept wondering: why did the alchemist have a smile while explaining his last thoughts? How could he say it was fun and a good life if he didn't make it to the end of his research goals? Theoreol never managed to figure it out.

Title Card: Ignorance Leads to Wisdom

Theoreol dives into the Boss Monster!
Party: WHAT
MC: What are you DOING!?
Alphecca: What is Theoreol thinking!?
Obsidius: This wasn't on my bingo card about your ideas for helping!
Rakta: We should get him out!
MC: R-right!
The party readies to do something!
???: phase one complete, or something!
Party: WHAT
Theoreol: actually keep trying to retake my body, I'll need it back after this
MC: Mini Theoreol for some reason!

Alphecca: Explanations later, get body now!
Rakta: Agreed!
Obsidius: R-right, my tons of questions can wait!
Alphecca and Obsidius attack!
MC: Rakta, now!
Rakta: Understood! (grabs Theoreol's body)
Theoreol: thank you! okay, next part
Mini Theoreol jumps off from MC's hand and rejoins his body!
Theoreol: everything is in order, next part of plan!
Obsidius: Which would be!?
Monster: REEEE
Obsidius: We're tryina talk here, dammit!
The Monster swings two arms at the party! Obsidius counterdrills so hard the boss falls over and explodes!
MC: whoa

Rakta: Wow! Shouldn't it be dead now!?
Obsidius: Probably not yet... well we got a few seconds at least. (turns to Theoreol)
Obsidius: Shouldn't you be telling us you'll do something dangerous before you do it?
The party agrees.
Theoreol: I suppose I should have! I wanted to analyze the Monster's acid body trait, so I needed to grab a sample to do so. Preferably, while the Monster was whole. I split off part of myself for preservation, even though I never done this before. thankfully it did work! fascinating how I learned something new about myself! anyways I am making a counter agent and need a little more time...
Party: (frowns)
MC: But still!

Alphecca: ...let me speak, MC. First, thank you Theoreol! We'd be done for if we couldn't counter the acid attack, and we are forever friends! Now, I can't fault you for putting your life on the line since I am doing it too, but I will still ask. WHY!?
Obsidius and Rakta: (stares)
Theoreol: ...I have no rational explanation. All I can say is... I wanted us to go on together, wherever that turns out to be.
MC: Oh... / what?
Theoreol: I have been traveling for a long time, just moving and gathering information. I wasn't meant to find my own meaning in life like people do. I just happened to land here and planned to leave quickly after I was done. but then I met you all.
He sounds a bit emotional for once instead of flat.
Theoreol: you talked to me, openly curious. you threw yourselves in danger without hesitation, just like imperfect people always have. and traveling with such people? it's...fun. and I want to stay together longer before I have to go my own way.
Alphecca: (smiles and nods)

Theoreol: I want to know. (puts hands on chest)
Theoreol: you are all imperfect, which is why I find you so interesting. and as imperfect as I am, I may never reach perfection. there is no end point for my data collection, but I still want to know more about this world and the people in it. what will I find in the end? I will bet my life as many times as it takes to find out!
Beep beep!
Phone: New Path detected. Subject: Theoreol. Connectivity: Very High
MC: Oh!
Theoreol: (stares at MC's phone)
Monster: REEEE
Obsidius: Dammit, it's back again!
Rakta: MC, Theoreol, get back!
Alphecca: We must not waste Theoreol's efforts! Let's go!
The party readies to fight!

Theoreol: MC, does your phone shining like that mean I can be a hero too?
MC: uhh, yes?
Theoreol: ...ah! this is like what happened with Alphecca, though the light color is different. since it happened after talking about my hopes like Alphecca did, I hypothesized it would be the same. so I can fight like they can? (stares)
Theoreol: ...will you transform me then? I wonder what hero power I will get? if it helps to analyze the Monster...no wait, if it helps me save you, then I'll happily become a hero.
He sounds determined.
MC: ...okay, let's do it!
Theoreol: please!
click. Ta-dah! Hero Theoreol!

Theoreol: hmm...
Obsidius: Wait what!?
Alphecca: Haha! Now we can stand on the battlefield together!
Rakta: Let us cure the town's ills together!
Theoreol: interesting!
Theoreol's lab equipment Parallel Weapon glows and makes something!
Theoreol: I can use myself to make items! anti-acid potion, coming right up!
Theoreol pours a topical potion on the party!
Alphecca: Ooh!
Rakta: Instant medicine creation!? Details, later, please!
MC: Wow, Theoreol! / why is it slimy?
---
(C) Theoreol: that is because I'm using space eel mucus as the main ingredient!
Alphecca: WHAT! oh well, I will deal with it
---
Obsidius: Let's get the Monster!
MC: Wave battle, ride on!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Alphecca: Go! (throws spears)
Monster: REEEE
Theoreol: your acid attack won't work anymore
That Anti-Acid Potion is still working.
MC: Take it down!
Rakta: Roger! Obsidius, here!
Rakta pours water to cast a buff on Obsidius!
Obsidius: Got it!
Obsidius's weapon shines even brighter!
Obsidius: Get nailed already!
BOOM
The Monster dies and doesn't even get to scream LOVELY!
MC: ...is it dead yet? / You did it!
Theoreol: yes it seems the main body is dead now
Obsidius: We should still check around just in case
Alphecca: I think we should check back on the townspeople first
Rakta: Yes, maybe people got hurt!
The party returns to town. There...
MC: Wow...
The pretty lights are back!
End of Episode

Fortune Superstitions with Oni and Dragons Prologue (Abridged)

Everything Amanojaku does blows up on him for as long as he lived, even though he wanted things to turn out normally despite never giving any thought as to what "normal" is. He just knows things are a certain way, and him trying to do something turns out weird because of how he was made to be. And until he came to Tokyo, he never knew that things could be flipped around and stay the same, or that him flipping himself over could actually help someone.
Shinjuku Shrine, New Year's Eve
The Summoners are helping Touji out again.
MC: The crowds are huge already. Tomorrow's gonna be hell!
Touji: Indeed. Thanks for coming, MC. You should join with everyone else inside.
MC: Okay. What about you?
Touji: I still have work to do, but don't worry about me. Say hi for me to our two new volunteers.
MC: who
Touji: Oh right. They should be here already and--
The priest calls for Touji!
Touji: Oops. The others can tell you. See you later.

Inside
Ryouta: Hey MC!
Gullinbursti: Master! Let me warm you with me fur!
Kengo: But the heat's on already
Shirou: SHUT UP. Here MC, have some bean soup.
It's the rest of the gang and two strangers!
Moritaka: We were just getting acquainted.
It's Qinglong and Amanojaku!
MC: Oh. Is that who Touji was talking about?
Moritaka: Qinglong, Amanojaku, this is our guildmaster MC. Now you finally meet after coincidentally never seeing each other around before.
Qinglong: Hello, I am Qinglong, one of the Four Heavenly Spirits and a hermit dragon who protects the new year.
Chinese Flash!
MC: oh god praise be
Qinglong: On a less dramatic note, I teach at Umamichi. Nice to meet you.
MC: In Asakusa with Motosumi and everyone else? / You work with Tianjun?
(C) Qinglong: I do. You know him?

Qinglong: I retired from my old post and gave it to someone else before coming here and--oh, let's leave it at that. Your turn Amanojaku.
Amanojaku: H-hello... I'm from Wa no Kuni, I go to Umamichi as a 1st year high schooler and, uh...I live with Qinglong as his roommate.
MC: (greet) / You live together? / so cute and humble
---
(B) Qinglong: Yes, because of Reasons™.
(C) Amanojaku: WHAT
---
Amanojaku: ...um, nice to meet you.
Amanojaku: (confused staring)
Moritaka: Something wrong?
Moritaka: Sorry, did we put you off? Let's relax and eat together.
Amanojaku: Oh, it's not like that! I'm just tired or something?
Qinglong: (stares)

Qinglong: Oh yes we didn't have much for dinner. Pass the soup?
Shirou: Here you go. Have some too, MC.
Gullinbursti: I made mochi earlier! Have some of that as well.
Swarming Evils!
Shirou: Okay okay settle down, this is the last helping for you little things.
MC: (eat) / where's Agyou? / where's Hanuman?
(A) Shirou: Don't choke from eating too fast, okay?
Qinglong: I can help with my Tai Chi Chuan​ if you do choke!
Amanojaku: Oh my god you can't just kill MC!
(B) Ryouta: He's busy and said he'll come later.
(C) Ryouta: Umamichi New Years thing. He'll swing by later.

Ryouta: Oh right, Inaba said he'll be here to help midday tomorrow.
Amanojaku: Wow, so many friends...
Ryouta: You're a friend too now!
Amanojaku: O-oh, thank you. I'll try my best to be a good friend.
And so everyone starts talking about what they need to do and what they want to do next year.
Gullinbursti: Training! For Master!
Moritaka: Me too!
Gullinbursti: Let's train in the mountains together!
Kengo: Ooh! Ooh! Me to--
Shirou: Stop racking up extra classes for once. Actually, go take your extra classes seriously first.
Ryouta: Please be gentle on him. MC, you have any plans?
MC: Good health! / Money! / uhhhh
(A) Ryouta: Yeah! Good food!
Qinglong: I want to try new dishes.
Ryouta: Are you a foodie? I know lots of good spots!
(B) Ryouta: omg same, gotta save for seasonal sweets.
Qinglong: It's good to have goals. Ryouta, do you know much about food? I'm looking for new things to try.
Ryouta: I know tons of stuff!
(C) Ryouta: I know that feel. How can I pick just one?
Qinglong: A good problem to have. I hope to find new foods myself.
Ryouta: Ooh, I know lots of places you can check!

Qinglong: Wonderful!
Amanojaku: Sensei, you've been getting fatter lately.
Qinglong: Nooo, spare me on the holidays!
Amanojaku: No ordering extra junk food next year. Also cut your peach supply in half.
Qinglong: NOOO NOT MY PEACHES
Qinglong begs on bended knees. Amanojaku is holding back a smile. The party is baffled.
Moritaka: You two get along so well. Are you hoping for anything next year, Amanojaku?
Amanojaku: U-uhh...
He seems to be keeping quiet.
Amanojaku: ...I-I want to live with my feet firmly planted on the ground. No surprise turnarounds! Uhh... I caused a lot of problems since coming to Tokyo so I want to be helpful to people next year.
Moritaka: Commendable! Is that why you're here volunteering?
Amanojaku: Oh, uh, not really...
Qinglong: Amanojaku's under probation and this is part of his rehabilitation.
MC: what?

Gullinbursti: I do not understand these words
Ryouta: Amanojaku got arrested and has to show he's a good boy now?
Qinglong: Yes, something like that. I'm Amanojaku's probation officer.
Shocked gang!
Amanojaku: (looks ashamed)
Kengo: tf you mean he's a crazy punk? He helped carry things earlier just fine!
Shirou: Oh, sometimes officers pick up newly summoned Transients to keep them from committing crimes out of culture shock.
Moritaka: Amazing, Amanojaku! I'll help if you need it!
MC: I know how it is. Don't worry about it.
Amanojaku: Um, they told me they've never seen anyone like me befo--(looks down)--um, thank you. I'll do my b--
BEEP BEEP

Shirou: Whoops, my alarm for the New Years fireworks. I set it to remind us when it's five minutes before it's--!!
Gang: ON NO
Ryouta: Okay still five minutes. Let's not trip and spill and soup!
Kengo: Who cares about soup anymore!?
Gullinbursti: Ride me, Master!
Moritaka: I'll lead us to the special seats Touji got for us!
Shirou: Evils, get into my jacket!
And so everyone hurries outside.

Outside
Agyou: WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN
Touji: Why did I expect this to be any different?
MC: We made it! Hey guys, how much longer?
Touji: We must thank the priest for letting us greet New Years together.
Agyou: Yeah! Also, two minutes to go.
Qinglong and Amanojaku bring up the rear.
Agyou: There you guys are. The gang's cool, right? Sometimes.
Amanojaku: Y-yeah.
Moritaka: Isn't it hard to see back there?
Ryouta: How about you stand in front of MC?
MC: Yeah!
Qinglong: ...go on. I'm the tallest, so I'm fine standing in the back.
Amanojaku: Okay, thank you.
Amanojaku: (Something felt weird when I shook MC's hand earlier. Also I don't think I've seen fireworks with anyone before..)

Fireworks time!
Gang: Happy New Year!
MC: And happy New Year to you, Qinglong and Amanojaku!
Amanojaku: Well...no, yeah. Happy New Year's.
Qinglong: May fate smile on you.
Fireworks continue. When the show ends, people start lining up. The party joins in.
Amanojaku: ...Sensei, why are we doing the rehabilitation here?
Qinglong: To show you we are special and not special.
Amanojaku: ...I hope I can make friends. Especially with MC>
Qinglong: Huh. Why's that?
Amanojaku: My Madness seems different this time, like I'm not along. Or something.
Qinglong: Oh. I'm glad we came. I thought Fuxi of the Three Emperors recommending this place was strange, but he was right.
Somewhere Else
Fuxi: ASIAN SNEEZE SUPERSTITION! Oof, maybe I should have stayed home. Nah, Sister was never one to sit still. SIIIISTER!

Shrine
Amanojaku: Sensei, what's Fuxi like?
Qinglong: U-uhhh...you'll see him soon. Quick, let's catch up.
Amanojaku and Qinglong rejoin the party! So does Touji.
Touji: Sorry to crash the fun, but could you start helping control the lines? And look out for lost children.
MC: Time to work!
Moritaka: Understood.
Qinglong: ...you'll be okay with them. You'll see.
Amanojaku: Right. I'll help too!
MC: Let's go! / It's okay to rest if you haven't slept!
---
(A) Amanojaku: O-okay!
(BC) Amanojaku: I-I'll be okay!
---
Amanojaku: (Boy I hope I don't flip out here.)
Amanojaku: Oh right. Sensei, I'm not helping you if you pass out drunk today.
Qinglong: !?
And so begins the new year.
End of Episode