Pure Mel: Cupid!

Awaaaaa... Hawawawawa...!

Huh? Looks like something's bothering Melody again...

Heeey!

Oh! Aldo.

What's going on? You look like you're in trouble again.

You're right I am! Maybe you're not a saint, but a real life Esper?!

That some kind of dessert? Tell me what's going on.

Umm... Well you see...

Our club's going to get shut down! I just got a letter from the student affairs office!

You're in a club?

Oh yeah... It's for university student's with a common interest.

You're a university student?!

Oh... Yeah, that's right. I'm in the IDA branch of the Elzion medical school.

That's why I was trying to say that I'm actually older than you.

And yet I act like this even though I'm your elder... What kind of person am I?

Calm down, Melody! So why do they want to shut down your club?

Umm... I don't know for sure, but I think it's about our record of achievements.

It's...kind of a special club... Or rather only a club in name really...

Not getting it... But if we can prove it's doing good things, then everything'll be fine, right?

That's what I'm thinking...

Come on, Aldo! I've made up my mind! We must do some good deeds! I'll go speak with the girl in charge of the club!

Sounds like a good idea. I'll come with you.

(But why did she have to make a decision on this?)

Thank you, Aldo! The girl in charge should be...

In H block on the first floor! Let's go get her!

Where could she be?

So you're finally here to commit your body to my research?!

Uhwagh! Pom! N-N-Not at all!

Are you sure? I thought you brought me the most tantalizing specimen of the male body.

Does that mean Pom is the club leader?!

Well if it isn't, Aldo. Of course it's me...

I'm the founder and first president of the Cupid's Love Research Club!

Cupid's Love Research Club? What does that mean? Coming from you, the name makes me real nervous.

Does that mean Pom is the club leader?!

Well if it isn't, Aldo. Of course it's me...

I'm the founder and first president of the Cupid's Love Research Club!

Cupid's Love Research Club?!

Does that mean this girl is the club leader?

Good day to you, future test subject. Of course I am her...

I'm the founder and first president of the Cupid's Love Research Club!

Cupid's Love Research Club?!

It's the club that Pom and I are a part of...

I'm just throwing this out there, but could it be that you're the only members in this club?

Bingo...

Ah...but since Pom is at the main Elzion medical school, we actually go to different campuses.

It's just the two of us, fighting day and night in defense of love.

Isn't that right, Moyna?

Who's Moyna?

AAAAHHHHH! HOW DARE YOU, POM?! Don't call me by that name! Aldo doesn't know it...

What's the deal? Melody... Are you Moyna?

AAAHHH... Technically, Melody is my handle... A second name I use... Moyna is my...real name.

Kind of like a nickname and a real name?

Yeah! That's a better way to put it!

But you've been calling me Melody this whole time... If you use my real name, then I'll be a bigger mess than I already am.

Okay, I get it.

I think Moyna's better.

Changing subjects, it seems that our wonderful research group is on the verge of getting shut down! This is a matter of grave concern! We'd better start recording our activities immediately.

So you were thinking about the same thing, Pom. But what can we do to make records? Speaking of which, what does the Cupid's Love Research Club actually do?

Why it's so simple! We research everything that is love all over the world! We find wayward lambs and help them find true love.

......

You're not using love potions or putting people in suspended animation, are you?

Nothing of the sort. I mean, there hasn't been a need yet! Only Aldo so far.

I don't care if you have a need!

Pom, did you give Aldo some weird medicine?! I told you that you needed to quit doing that!

How?

My research on love potions can be used to...alter a subject's perception.

You better not be thinking about doing that to anyone!

I've been dying for the opportunity in this club, but no dice so far!

Of course not, Pom! You can't give your crazy pills to anyone!

So here's the thing...

Every time I try play cupid for someone, Moyna swoops in a gets in my way! And because of that, our club hasn't gotten anything done and is now in danger of getting shut down.

Ugh... I can't just look away when you're up to something...

Now I see why you said this was a club in name only... So why don't we get back to basics and spread around love without using the potions?

You're a genius, Aldo! I guess we don't HAVE to use potions to play cupid!

Alright then, Pom! Let's go through the client list and decide who to target!

Sounds like a plan. Since we're trying to get the school's approval, let's choose someone with some influence♪

And that's why I called for a love-struck lamb! This is the new instructor that just transferred to the Elzion medical university. I brought her along since she just happened to arrive in the building.

Umm... Nice to meet you all.

N-Nice to m-meet you t-too!

Now then Professor, what do you need from us?

The situation is that there is a man I'm thinking of marrying... Even though we've been dating for some time, I'm still concerned about his attitude.

That is interesting...

Right? I've thought about it...and I'm hoping he's just looking for the right time to propose.

I'm begging you. Can you plan a date for me that will give him the push he needs?

Plan a date.... ......

You okay, Melody?

Aldo...

...I know I can do this!

You're that confident?!

Yup! I'm an expert when it comes to dates!

Really?! That's wonderful!

Then I'll go get ready and bring him to the Gamma District. As for the date instructions...

I'll contact you using your mobile device!

Thanks. Let's exchange our contact codes then.

I'm looking forward to this date!

Teehee...♪ This is gonna be fun♪

You did it, Melody! Who would've guessed you were an expert in planning dates?!

Not what you expected, right? But it's the honest truth! After all...

I've set up many dates in my online games!

...... Did you say games?!

Well sure! I used to support players who were looking to party up in the game!

On line games? You mean like line fishing?

Oh... They're games in a digital space. I used to support players who were looking to party up in the game!

Traveling across beautiful maps and fighting side-by-side against epic bosses... It's inevitable that they grow to love each other as friends.

I see... I guess humans can find love in games too.

But I thought you were can expert in real-life dates.

Umm... A r-real...d-date? I've never even been on one!

Huh? But that professor is going on a real date... Not sure if the same rules apply as they do in the games.

......

...Maybe there's a raid boss somewhere in Elzion?

Now I'm worried...

Hahaha... Everything's fine. I've got something to prepare just in case.

Moyna, can you tell me beforehand what you're planning?

Yup!

In that case...

Let's test this out. Go give the professor the date of her life!

O-Okay! The survival of our club is at stake! If this goes well, I'm sure the professor will talk to the university!

(Is this really going to work?!)

Come along Pom! Time we went to Gamma District...

I'll be going ahead. I have some things to prepare.

Heheheh♪ Giving love a helping hand sure feels great! I'm having so much fun!

Sometimes I worry about her...

Can't deny that...

Welp... Nothing to do now other than prepare and do our best! Just hope we don't use whatever Pom's got...

Come on, Aldo! Let's nail this date!

You got it! All we can do is our best!

I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay! I've got not only the game knowledge, but I've also got Pure Melody! And I also kinda had a date... I can do this!

Look, Melody. It looks like the professor is here.

O-Okay! Let's do this...

Commence remote date operations!

When people talk dates, they think about movies! That's what they said in Pure Mel Storm episode 12! This movie is perfect for a date! It will definitely bring the two closer together! Go enjoy yourselves, Professor!

So going to the movies is kind of a standard date in the future. So they're watching a romantic movie?

Heheheh... Aldo...

That'd be way to normal to be memorable!

Huh? Then what kind of movie are they watching?

Do I have to say it?

It's Pure Mel Allstar! The Adventure in the Milky Way Fairyland Remix Edition!

Pure Milky Way Fairyland Edition?

NO! It's Pure Mel Allstar! The Adventure in the Milky Way Fairyland Remix Edition!

No matter how many times you say it, it's in one ear then out the other.

Was that the one you told me to watch recently?

Nope. The one I recommended to you was the theatrical release three movies ago.

You must be speaking another language 'cause I don't get it...

The fans raved about this one being a real tearjerker! Especially the scene where Pure Magenta tells Pure Cyan her long held feelings! Then Cyan responds just as the synchronization spell activates!

Yeah...okay.

And this showing is a little different than most! You ever heard of a cheer screening? It means the audience can cheer and shout during the movie!

They're gonna shout during the movie? Doesn't that bother you?

That's the whole point of the showing! I guess there are some who are quiet during the movie...

Okay, I get that much, but do you think those two are fans of Pure Mel?

Huh? Oh, I'm not sure...

But I'm super positive that if they watch this movie, they will become diehard fans!

Okay, I got it! You're really serious about this!

Oh, here they come...

Wh-What's up? They seem oddly quiet...

Just as I thought, a movie like that where everyone's shouting is terrible for a date...

Really?! You've gotta be joking!

So...the movie was...

Yeah...it was...

Freaking fantastic! I was a bit shocked at first, but the energy from the audience woke up something deep within me... And my goodness, the all-stars were exceptional!

I know what you mean! To be honest, I couldn't keep up with who was who, but there was so much passion that it didn't matter!

Exactly what I was thinking!

I can't believe it... I think they enjoyed it!

Th-Thank goodness! I was getting a little nervous there...

Just look at that! They both really enjoyed Pure Mel!

Don't forget why we're here, Melody...

Why are we at Ishar's now? A weapons shop isn't exactly what I'd call a date spot.

Well you're wrong in this case, Aldo! Giving a strong weapon to your partner is standard in games!

But listen here, I didn't choose this place because I wanted them to buy weapons! I've thought this through...

Which means?

They also sell accessories, right? That's why I chose here...

I reserved a handmade ring-making lesson for couples!

A ring you say? I gotta give you credit, you did think this through!

You betcha! And that ring will raise their love for each other to new heights! Just you watch, Aldo!

AAAAARGH!

What was that?! I think it came from inside!

Listen to me! Ya gotta put your back into it! Look! Even the hammer's laughing at your noodle arms!

I heard you, but this is my first time...

Don't gimme any of that weak talk! This ring is for the woman you love, right?! Put your soul into each strike! That's...the true sign of devotion!

Sounds like something is going on in there!

He's like a drill sergeant. Are they really okay in there? I think I can hear crying... Not fun for a date...

......

It got real quiet all of a sudden...

This silence is deafening... D-Did I screw this up?

......

HOORAAAAHH!

HE'S RIGHT! This ring is a sign of my love and devotion!

You've got it now, brother! Keep it up! You'll be ready for marriage in no time!

I've never seen him so manly!

Incredible! This is turning out quite well.

Thank goodness...

Looks like I was right about giving crafted equipment to someone you love...!

That's not exactly the same thing...

Guess what! Today there's an event going on at the bar!

Dinner, drinks, and an event? This is a much more mature date idea.

Hey, I heard there's an event going on here today. Want to check it out?

I wonder what it could be. Let's go see what's happening.

Aldo! We should follow them inside!

Yeah, you're right. We'd better watch how things are going.

What the, ?! Look at all the costumes!

Oh yeah, all the customers and staff are cosplaying today.

The event's a collaboration between the bar and the online game that I play! Some of the couples who met in the game said they were coming here together. Now since there are kids here today, they've changed the bar into a cafe!

So that's what this is all about. It's for the fans of the game. But do those two also play the game?

...Uh.

Melody?

I-I don't know...

Serious?!

I-I already told you...! I've never been on a real date before...

Do you think they'll enjoy an event for a game that they know nothing about?

I-I...I'm not sure...

Let's check in on them...

Did this kill the mood?

Oh dear... They both look bored to tears!

So they really don't know about the game... I'm not liking this vibe at all. Their empty eyes speak volumes...

Oh nooooooo! My inexperience has ruined everything! Now we're in a jam! I've ruined my professor's relationship and our club's chances of survival!

Calm down Melody! This isn't over yet...

Huh?

Look at this... I've never seen such a cute drink!

But why's it on the house?

Nice name! Let's see how it tastes...

I'm not sure what we did to deserve this nice treatment, but I'm not complaining.

My oh my...this is good! Sweet, with a bit of carbonation, and a hint of sour at the end.

So this is the taste of first love. Guess that makes sense.

I-I don't know how this happened, but they look like they're having fun.

Good job Melody! They're really into the collaborative drinks here in the cafe.

Y-Yeah! Turns out the cafe was a great idea!

We did a lot of new stuff today, but I really enjoyed myself.

Same here...

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect with that date plan...

Huh?

Did I say something?

Forget it. Let's go to the Garden of IDA. We can have a more serious talk there.

We'd better follow them to the Garden of IDA!

Yeah!

Looks like they're taking a breather. This is the happiest I've seen them so far.

Phew... I think they're getting a little closer...

You look so relieved, Melody.

Wha? Y-You think?

It's a good look on you. This club of yours...I don't really get what it is you do, but it seems to be really important to you.

Well, it is.

Because of the way I am, when I started university, I felt really out of place. My love of cosplay didn't help much, either. I couldn't talk to people as me... And just coming in each day was enough of a challenge in the first place.

To be honest with you, I considered not dressing like this at university. But once I took off the costume... The outside world seemed so scary. I didn't want to leave the house.

Melody...

I felt so worthless that I didn't want to go anywhere, and I certainly wasn't up to joining a club.

But then Pom accosted me out of nowhere, asking if I wanted to join her in her pursuit of love.

Well that was random...

Heehee... Pretty weird, right? But there was a sparkle in her eyes.

"This girl's away with the fairies," she said. And before I knew it, she'd made me part of her group. Since then, I've been trying hard to stop Pom from being reckless. We've never actually achieved anything as a club...

But you see, I used to really love the time spent hanging out with Pom in the clubroom.

She's a good friend.

Heheh, yeah... But...I was really scared at first.

I-I always thought it was my fault that I lost Cifer...

You did?

It turns out it was just a misunderstanding. But I was so scared it would all happen again. I'd lose another friend and it would all be my fault.

But in the end... If I'd never met Cifer, I might never have accepted Pom's invitation.

You and Hismena are both pretty unique companions.

Heh, you're right. She was my first ever friend... And I could never replace her. Come to think of it, when I became friends with Pom, I was really surprised at how different she was from Cifer.

Haha... You're right about that.

Did that scare you?

You see... Because of my own weakness, I became estranged from a friend. I really hurt them and we broke up. So to be the cause of the same thing happening again...

That must've been difficult.

Yeah...I can't forget her. And I shouldn't forget her. But that didn't end up happening with Pom.

That's...

Ah, shoot! I've been rambling on again, haven't I?

My point was that if we keep this up, my professor can marry her sweetheart and our club will have gotten results! How wonderf...

This is not okay! What d'you think you're doing?!

Huh?

Wh-What the?

If this is a joke, it isn't funny! We were so close to getting married! I can't believe my boyfriend...

Is a two-timing conman who only wants to marry me to get his hands on my money!

Wha?! Whaaat?! A conman?!

Huh? Strange... How'd that come out?

You're wrong, it's just a joke! Honestly, I just... I eyed you 'cause you're a instructor so I figured you'd be rich, and you're busy, so I may as well have some fun on the side.

Huh?! Why'd I say that?! I thought I'd kept it secret!

Are you for real?! What's wrong with you?

A-A-Aldo! What's going on? Is he really a conman?

I... I guess so? But something seems off about him.

I'm so worried about my professor! We should go to her!

Ah!

Oh... Melody...!

Where's this coming from all of a sudden? You looked like you were having such a nice date.

Nice? Listen, you...

We watched an anime I've never heard of, slaved away making a weird ring, and went to a crossover cafe for some dumb game. You think I'd put up with ANY of that if I wasn't planning on squeezing her for every penny? What are you, naive?

What... S-So that's how you really feel?!

Hey, you don't have to be so rude!

What the?! Darn it!

This is getting weird. Ever since I had that drink, I keep wanting to blurt these things out when I let my guard down!

By "that drink"...do you mean the drink from the crossover cafe?

That really is weird! It's almost like you're making a confession... ......

......

No way?!

I'll be going ahead. I have some things to prepare.

Heheheh♪ Giving love a helping hand sure feels great! I'm having so much fun!

Hah. It was Pom, I'm sure of it!

So it was a truth serum? How dare she make me drink that?!

So you really are a conman? *sob* How could you...

Quit sobbing, it's so depressing! Keep this up and...

Listen up...if you don't wanna get hurt, gimme all the money you got on you!

Huh?! N-No, I won't!

Tch!

I-I won't let you do this! Y-You broke her heart... I'll never forgive you for that!

Melody! Your legs are trembling, are you okay?!

I-I-I'm f-f-fine! I-I m-may be shaking! B-But s-stay back, Professor!

I've got your back, Melody!

Aldo!

L-Let's go! I'm gonna destroy this robot with my staff!

These models...

Have a weak spot, right here!

Y-You really did destroy it?!

Don't underestimate me! It may not look it, but my Pure Mel Wand's got real weight to it!

Are your arms really up to carrying such a heavy weapon?!

I-It's not that heavy! It's lighter than a dumbbell!

Anyway, you go around hurting girls and you're gonna get your comeuppance! Let's go, Mel-mel! Together, now!

Mel Mel Mel!

Comet Burst!

Report to EGPD: sent. Photo of current location: shared. Instructions: await their arrival.

Right! You'd better behave now!

H-Hey, what's with you guys?! You've already taken a photo and reported me?!

Give up already. You've got nowhere to run.

Darn it!

Professor... I'm sorry about today. I thought this would be a special day for you. Instead, it brought you pain... And your date...I put everything together so badly in real life. What was I thinking...

Melody...

Don't apologize, Cupid. It's actually quite a relief.

Huh?

Not only was he halfhearted, he wasn't even for real! I'm glad I found that out before I married the guy. I was almost had!

I agree. He would've made the professor unhappy, and you stopped that from ever happening.

B-But, isn't that just hindsight talking?

Besides... You were so cool just now! You had me totally captivated.

Huh? I-I-I was?!

You really are a strong girl, Melody. My knight in shining armor. Heehee. You protected me. For that, I thank you. And...

Now I want to binge watch the whole Pure series! I'm gonna go home and sign up to their streaming site! I'll see you around! Thank you so much for today!

What the?

She looked so cheerful.

I didn't overdo it? She wasn't just saying that to make me feel better?

It didn't look that way to me.

Oh... Well, I'm glad then.

But what do we do now? With them broken up, your club's track record is still looking a little iffy...

Oh! Now that you mention it, we've still failed in our original goal, right?

Ngh... And what hope have we got now that this has happened?

Pom...

I think she's in H Block. Let's go see her.

Oh... What are we going to tell the student affairs office?

"We did our best, but it turns out that her boyfriend was conman and ruined everything..."?

But isn't exposing false love also part of our quest?

Umm... I guess you're right... Speaking of which Pom! Did you put something strange in their drinks?

Nothing strange about it at all. Just a little something to make them more honest with their own feelings♪

Well, that honesty did reveal that guy's plan in the end.

Is that gonna be enough to save the club?

Hmm...

Pom! Hold on a second...

What's up, Moyna?

Even if our club is shut down... You and I... We...

Oh, it's you guys! You're the ones from that cupid club, right? I'm glad I ran into you. I was just about to head back to campus.

Oh no... We were too late...

I have a message for you about the status of your club.

Um... Excuse me...!

(Melody is talking to a stranger!)

I-It's over, isn't it?! If it's about our record, then we can do better next time! Please don't shut us down!

Huh?

What's this about a record?

Huh? We heard that we'd be shut down if we didn't have a better record...

What? Nothing of the sort. You guys aren't a regular school club with an advisor, right? The rules have changed and clubs without advisors now require three members or more to maintain their status.

A member requirement?

You need one more member outside of you and Pom.

......

WHAAAAT?! So this had nothing to do with our record?!

Well what do you know... We misunderstood the situation.

B-But now we don't have enough members! What are we gonna do now...

...Oh...

Huh? Wh-Who are you looking at?

So...Aldo. You registered as an IDA School student, right?

Yeah... Just not wearing my uniform at the moment...

BUT WAIT! I'm not a student at your university though!

So...Aldo. You have a guest number at the IDA School, right?

Huh?! Well, I have one, but I don't have one for your university!

That's no problem. IDA School members can join as part of the inter-collegiate program.

What?!

Perfect♪ Then that makes three♪

Don't be counting m, !

Oh, so he's joining your club. Then there's no problem.

It's...decided...

Such joyous news! Another cupid has joined our quest!

Now then Moyna...

I could sense your desire to stay in the club and continue your quest for love! Now that our club's future is secure, let's continue to develop the it with all our hearts! I have much to test!

You better not be implying what I think you are...

No! Don't drag me into this! You're stretching my costume!

......

"That concludes today's episode, 'Pure Melody Saves the School Club!' See you next week!" ...I think they end something like that...