Halloween Makeover!

So like, what kind of costume are you going for this year? Something easy like a witch? Or something with a bit more "mreeeow," like a black cat?

Ohhh, would you stop it and get back to work already? We're supposed to be helping!

...In summary, Ritto Dormitory will organize this year's cross-dorm Halloween party.

The associated procedures will be overseen by me, Mihono Bourbon. As chief of the party committee, I ask your cooperation.

And me 'n Creek are handlin' the costumes! Hit us up if ya need anythin'!

We'll leave a sign-up sheet here, so please fill in your name and costume idea. The academy staff will do their best to accommodate your wishes.

Oh, also. Bourbon, this is your first time plannin' an event, yeah? Lemme know if ya got questions.

At the very least, ya won't be as crazy as Inari. Miho Dorm was in charge last year and boy, did they make a ruckus...

All processes are running smoothly. Mission: "Cross-Dorm Halloween Party," Objective 1: order candy, has been completed.

Likewise, permission to use the fog machine from last year has been granted. I will deliver it to the technical team upon confirming its operational status.

Oh my, Bourbon. You've already done all that?

Yes, though the fog machine does not appear to be functional. I attempted to turn the device on, but it is not producing f...

Beep! Fssssshhh!

Aaaaah?! Gwaaaack?!

Cough... Critical error detected. However, the excess water vapor should not have any adverse effects on us. Cough.

...We're in for a ride, huh?

I've purchased the catering team's order of butter. Next, I need to procure light bulbs for the technical team. Then, I'll draft the guide team's shift schedules and reply to the costume team's message...

Task: prepare spare jack-o'-lanterns, failed. I will eat the salvageable pieces of pumpkin...

Next, event overview practice. "Tracen Academy's first Halloween party started as an event for foreign exchange students. Rather than strict adherence to tradition, a more fluid approach was taken to maximize entertainment value."

Bourbon is being pulled every which way with all these tasks. It really goes to show how much work a cross-dorm event takes.

Oh, I wish I could help somehow, but I don't want to get in her way and overcomplicate things....

...

Rice?

Ah, s-sorry. I just... had the same thought...

I don't want to make things worse, but...

Munch, munch...

(Are those smashed-up pumpkins the ones Bourbon tried to carve earlier?)

Total pumpkin remaining, 15 kg, 600 g. Rehydration necessary before further consumption.

Um, Bourbon? Do you want us to help eat the leftovers?

No, please continue with your own routines. I am the one who failed the pumpkin carving task, so I must take responsibility for the loss incurred.

Hm? Rice, you're blockin' traffic. I'm gonna steal the last carrot hamburger steak if ya don't hurry.

Wah?! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I'm not in line, so um...

What, ya got business with Bourbon? Quit bein' shy and just ask her then. C'mon.

All righty. Hey Bourbon, we're crashin' your table. Rice's got somethin' she wants to tell ya.

N-no! I... I just... I only, um...

Aw, quit playin' coy, unless you're tryin' to make this harder. Just ease in with some small talk, yeah? Ask her 'bout the weather.

Huh?! Okay, uhm... uhhh...

N-nice weather we're having, huh?

Yes. The sky should be clear all day.

...For real? There's bad first dates... and then there's this.

Oh, goodness.

AAAAAH!

All tasks must be completed.

If one is assigned a task, one must see all associated processes through to their conclusions.

That is what "responsibility" entails.

AAAAAH!

Was that a scream? I think it came from Ritto Dorm!

W-wait, don't go, Rice! We should stay inside and notify the dorm leader in case it's dange...

Everyone, please stay away!

Gasp! That was Bourbon!

Rice?!

Aaah! Aaaagh, aaaaaah!

What happened?! You look like you've seen a ghost!

E-even worse... A hand... There was a zombified hand!

...I'll warn everyone to avoid the area. I know what caused this...

Oh, Bourbon! I'm with the prop team, and I was just wondering if you got the toy zombie hand we asked for yet.

Ah! I apologize for the wait. The dorm leader and academy staff approved the proposal, so I'll put in the order for it now... Hm? Mmm?

What, so all dis fuss was for a toy?! And fix your phone, for cryin' out loud!

A toy, yes. It seems the net order was not sent correctly. I was in the process of returning the fifty excess "Zippity Zombie!!" units when their circuitry malfunctioned.

Fifty?! Man, I shoulda known after the fog incident. We've gotta keep ya away from the tech...

My current tasklist requires handling electronic devices. I am unable to "keep away" from them at thi...

Hold up, hold up. Me 'n Creek can handle the runaway hands, no problem. You hang tight and leave it to us.

But...

Sigh. Why's she keep acceptin' tasks she can't do on her own? But anyways, any luck on your end, Creek?

...Hey, Tamtam? I was just thinking. Wouldn't it have been better to bring Bourbon with us?

Uh, why? She breaks every electronic doodad she touches. What's the point, setting her up for failure?

Ya wouldn't make a preschooler tally up the family's monthly budget, would ya? Just let Bourbon focus on her strengths.

(But Bourbon looked so upset...)

Huff, puff. Bourbooon! We snagged the hands!

I apologize for the trouble. Not only did I fail my task, I made you complete it for me...

It's not that big a deal. Just let us know if ya need any more help.

No. I will ensure that a failure like this does not happen again.

...I am truly sorry for today. I'll be more diligent going forward.

Huh? Hey! Bourbon, wait!

All we need's a "thanks," not all this mopey "sorry" business! Aaaaagh! Get back heeeere!

Tamtam...

I get the feeling that Bourbon isn't the only one who needs some guidance...

Rice! W-was everything okay? You know, with Bourbon and the scream we heard...

Oh, um. She... she's probably fine.

...Probably?

...Sorry. I shouldn't have flown out like that. I didn't mean to cause a big fuss right before bed.

I'm really, really sorry. Good night.

Back in spring, when I'd just been accepted to Tracen Academy... I remember my mother poring over the school pamphlet with a big grin.

"This academy really puts a lot of effort into student life. Look, they've even got events in the dorms for Halloween and the winter holidays!"

"You're sure to make all sorts of friends. Oh, Rob Roy, you're going to have so much fun at school!"

(The first step to making friends is making good first impressions. I've practiced a bunch of ice breakers, I can do this!)

...!

...

...

Ohhh... Why am I like this?

...Ah.

(Wait, that's right! I've got a roommate now. If anyone, I have to make friends with her!)

Uh, um...

I'm, uh...

(Hold on. She'd probably think I'm weird if I suddenly asked her to be friends out of nowhere.)

(Begging like that would just be admitting that I don't have any friends... And then she'd definitely steer clear of me...)

...

Eh?

Oh, sorry! My mother used to hold my hand like that when I was nervous, and it always made me feel better...

I'm really sorry though! I hope you didn't mind it too much...

N-not at all! I, um, I actually...

I was hoping we could be friends!

(Rice always jumps right into action when someone else needs help.)

...

(She's been itching to say something to Bourbon.)

(It's written all over her face, but I haven't done anything to help, and I don't know what I possibly could do.)

(After all, it'd only make things weird if I tried to facilitate a discussion. Maybe someone else could, though. Someone more conversational than me...)

(But deep down... I just...)

Oh. "Get your ghoul on"... "Dress up and unleash your inner devil"... "Explore your fantasies"...

"Dead men do tell tales in this park-wide costume party. A limited-time dream world awaits, Halloween Land!"

This is it! If I invite everyone, then...

Several flaws detected in current Halloween party plans. Update needed to execute mission successfully.

Projections show risk of error in next week's schedule. Primary concern, processing prop orders, has already been completed. Attempting to identify other sources of error...

...

Last night, I was going to talk to Bourbon. But then I saw Tamamo and Creek...

They didn't need me. I would've just been in everyone's way... I got so scared, thinking awful things, and the next thing I knew...

(I should stay out of their business. Worrying and fussing isn't going to accomplish anything.)

(I always go making things worse, so this time, I'll...)

H-hey you two! I order you... to be my familiars!

Huh? What?

...

I-I'm talking to you two!

To... us? Even me?

Yes, I've got a task for you both! I require familiars to escort me to the theme park!

They're holding a Halloween event, but it wouldn't be as fun alone. Every good witch knows that three heads are better than one.

And it'll be suuuuuper fun, or so I've heard! Inari said she used it as inspiration for planning last year's party.

...!

A-anyway, it'll be a blast, and I really wanna go! So, um...

I'm going to turn you into my familiars with magic and make you go with me! I-if you don't mind!

Tamamo, what should I dooo?! I was trying to mend this shirt, but look what I did...

Ah, don't sweat it! I'll fix it up later, so leave it there for me.

All that's left is to check the costumes for Miho Dorm, right? We should start rounding up the students who haven't been fitted.

Yeah, and while we're at it, I'll check up on how Bourbon's gettin' along.

Hey, I heard Bourbon's going to that crazy scary theme park! She's been struggling with party ideas, so I guess she's going for inspo.

What, by herself? She's not taking on that place alone, is she? ...But I doubt she'd let us tag along. Sigh. I wish she'd rely on us more.

Here we go again... Yeesh. Creek, would you mind comin' with?

Ahaha, not at all! I'll go get ready. ♪

Wow, look at all the cute little pumpkins! And the dancers' costumes are so floofy!

Hehe, while I agree, that's not what we're here for. Or, um... Move it, you two! We've got places to be!

Gruoooorgh... Aauuuuurgh...

Rustle... Rustle... Creak.

W-well, looks like this is... the place...

Everyone! Hold on to your tails! Hurry, before they get taken!

Graaaaah!

AAAAAH!

Rice! Rob Roy!

Creek, over here!

I'll be right there. Just give me one second to squish my bag into a locker... There! Oh no, it won't close all the way...

Cause ya packed enough junk for a family of four. Forget it, I'm gonna go track down Bourbon! Lemme know when you finish here!

Ah. Aaaah... Auaaagh...

Wha, what the heck? I almost took ya for a real zombie. That getup'd have the tykes cryin' the whole way home...

Aaaaagh!

Gyaaaack?!

Ah! That shout just now...

No, Rice's voice is softer than that. I'll have to keep searching.

Yaaaaah!

...!

Rice!

B-Bourbon?! Eep!

Owww...

Tamamo?!

W-whoops... Wait, Rice?! And Bourbon too! Glad I found ya, I've got...

What... the hell is goin' on here? My phone's goin' crazy!

Heh... Hehehe. Fouuund you. ♪

Aaaah! Eep!

Got you! ♪ Now you're mine forever.

Geez, Cree, Wait, what on earth is dat outfit?!

Hehe, we still have the costume fittings, so I figured I'd try mine on. I brought yours too! ♪

Let me know if you want to go get changed. I'll help you put it on. ♪

I-I don't know what it is, Creek, but... you seem different today.

Aaaaaagh...

Aaaaah! Not another one!

Oh my, look how dirty you've gotten yourself. Come here.

Poor baby, your arm's all scuffed up. Let me get you all patched up with a bandage.

Ahh... maaah... mah?

Ehehe, hold still now. There, now we match.

Just. Like. Mummy! ♪ Hehe.

Muh, Mummy... Mummyyy...

Yes, sweetie! I'll do my best to be everyone's mummy this Halloween. ♪ Hehe. There, there... ♪

Oh, hell no... Why're ya playin' house with it? And the zombie, why's the zombie playin' along?!

Maybe the outfit makes Creek stronger? Kind of like... our racewear?

...So the clothes do make the racer.

The clothes?

I've read that people used to wear scary costumes to disguise themselves, but now, we have costumes of fun things too.

Halloween is a day to dress up and dare to be someone else. You can borrow the costume's power to say things you can't say yourself.

That's very intriguing.

Oh, that last bit wasn't in the book, though. That was just my interpretation of it...

Information provided is not currently logged in Mission: "Cross-Dorm Halloween Party" reference files. Potential for data collection, confirmed.

Adding new task to queue: enjoy theme park.

Hey! Wait for us, Bourbon, we're goin' too! You're who we're all here for in the first place!

Hehe, I'll tag along too. I'm always happy to chaperone. ♪

C'mon Bourbon. As I'm sure ya noticed, this park's scary for real, not just for kids.

Yes, I have noticed. I collected a testimonial suggesting that this park inspired last year's party committee, so I have updated the tasklist to include researching it.

However, it was unclear who should perform the task, as it was not listed in the original plans. Hence, as chief of the party committee, I must attend to it.

Again?! Is that all you can say?! "Task this," "task that"!

Hey there, how about a group photo? Squeeze in, smile, and you'll be best friends again in a flash!

Oh! Y-yes, please! Everyone, gather round!

Here we go! Say "cheeeese"!

Oh my, this will make such a lovely souvenir. Tamtam, Bourbon, Rice, Rob Roy, and me...

Yep, you six look great!

...Huh? Six?

I see. The inclusion of a "ghost" makes commemorative photos scary. A photo area in a fixed, riggable location... We could use that technique at our party.

...No more!

Rice?! Riiice!

Th-this ride's brand new this year! Isn't it nice to sit down and chat as we go along?

Aaaaaah?! Bwaaaack?!

...Interesting. By restricting the ability to flee, you can impose a greater sense of terror.

All right, how's everyone doing? Anyone need a break? I have drinks, but no chugging them, okay?

Sigh... The next spot, for sure! I'll set up a chance for Rice to talk with Bourbon...

Rob Roy, is everything okay?

Huh? Oh, um, I'm fine... Let's go to that haunted house next!

Request: processed.

"None shall escape this manor. The exit is veiled in shadow, and the card key is shrouded in mystery."

...We've been locked in.

Eeeeek!

...Adding new entry to task list: solve mystery and locate exit.

Hold the phone, were ya listening? He said "card key." We can't have ya fryin' our only way out!

Just leave the electromagneto-whatever stuff to me. I'll get us outta here in no time.

I decline. By current assessment, you are not responsible for our current predicament. In the event of unexpected errors, the committee chief is first in line to respond.

Aaagh, not the "I'll do everything alone" speech again! Look, ya don't gotta tough it out...

If I may, I'd say that escaping the haunted house is a mission for all five of us.

...!

I know! How about we split up the tasks? Rice, Bourbon, and I can search the room on the right.

Meanwhile, Tamtam and Rob Roy can investigate the room on the left. That way, we're bound to escape twice as fast!

...Optimal workflow settings, updated.

Looks like this room's got a number lock. I bet the combo's hidden somewhere in the other room, huh?

Know what? I'm gonna go check up on how Team Bourbon's doing. Ya comin' with, Rob Roy?

Oh, no... I'll stay.

Oh, okay.

Hey, Rob Roy? From what I've seen, horror's not your forte. Why'd ya come out to a spooky place like this?

I just... you know, um...

I wanted to give Rice a chance to speak with Bourbon.

Rice? I gave her a chance myself, and all they talked about was the weather.

Yes, but I'm sure there's something more, she just hasn't worked up the courage to say it yet.

I saw an article about this park's Halloween event and how letting loose here can bring people together. I figured it'd be a good place for Rice to share her inner thoughts.

But here we are, and I still haven't managed to set the mood...

...

Gotcha. I'll get 'em talkin', so don't you worry.

You stay put here, then. I'll let 'em know you were thinkin' about 'em.

Oh, Tamtam. I had a feeling you'd show up. But I'm afraid you're not getting past me. ♪

What?

Now, Tamtam, what are you doing here? Is there something you needed in the right-side room?

Oh, y'know, I was just worried how you three were gettin' on.

...That's all? Are you suuure you weren't sneaking over to facilitate a conversation between Rice and Bourbon?

Huh?! I mean yeah, but how'd ya...

Hehe, I knew it. You're such a sweetheart, Tamtam. Whenever someone needs help, you leap right into action. But...

Ya wouldn't make a preschooler tally up the family's monthly budget, would ya? Just let Bourbon focus on her strengths.

Ah, don't sweat it! I'll fix it up later, so leave it there for me.

...Have you tried waiting for them?

Waiting?

For them to figure things out themselves. I'm not telling you to stop helping, but you shouldn't do everything for them.

Just give them a little hint... and then wait. They might not get it on the first try, but that's part of learning.

You have to believe in them, that's what caretaking is all about.

Sorry, Tamamo. Can I come after all? Creek, we solved the mystery. Can you please gather everyone?

...Because they can do it if they try.

...

Whew, we managed to make it out.

Um, Rice? Did you and Bourbon... g-get a chance to talk? While you were in... the other room...

Huh? I guess we spoke a little. Kind of. We honestly just, um...

Aaah!

...Your reactions are very pronounced. This is good reference material for tricks that will scare guests.

Oh... I-is it really?

In the end, Bourbon worked out the riddle herself. I was too scared to do much.

But that's okay. All I ever do is get in the way, so I'm really happy she called me a good reference.

And that's all thanks to you inviting us to visit the park with you. Hehe... Thank you. I really appreciate everything you've done, Rob Roy.

...!

That's a relief... I'm just glad I could be of help!

Huh? Rob Roy?

To be honest... I was so worried that I'd dragged you both here and marched you around the park without considering your feelings.

...I, I had no idea. If anything, you seemed extra confident today.

You can thank Sweep for that. She lent me a wand.

It lets me speak my mind like Sweep does. Almost like... the magic has transformed me into a real witch.

...Transformed you?

Halloween is a day to dress up and dare to be someone else. You can borrow the costume's power to say things you can't say yourself.

Does that mean... deep down, you were nervous too? And all this time, you've been hiding it?

Hehe... I was, but you seemed so down. I had to do something, even if it was forward of me.

Rice, Rob Roy. We're heading to the next area.

We'll be right there! And, Rice, um... I also wanted to say...

You keep saying you're in the way, but to me, your presence is always warm and supporting. I've been really wanting... to tell you that.

Rob Roy...

Hehe, can you believe it's this late already? We need to start heading back or we'll miss curfew.

...

Time to go. ♪

Oh, y-yeah.

...

Hehe, look at Rob Roy. She must have really tired herself out today.

...Her brain's been doin' double time all day, after all.

...

...Well, Bourbon. What are your plans for the rest of the evening?

I will compile today's data and reconfigure the party plans. Then I will complete the rest of my task list for today.

...By yourself?

Yes. That's what my role entails.

...

Here we are. Good night, you two.

Good... night...

Oh, Bourbon! G-guess what! You know the decorations we were supposed to finish tomorrow? We got through them all today!

You've been working really late on party stuff, right? Since we're free now, we were thinking we could help with your tasks.

No, that will not be necessary. Please use the extra time in your schedule to rest. You did your tasks, and I must do mine.

Wait, but...

We know you can do everything all alone, but you don't have to push yourself that hard. Let's all work together to make the party a hit!

...

If I may, I'd say that escaping the haunted house is a mission for all five of us.

...It's my responsibility to complete the specific objectives in my task list.

However, the overarching mission "Cross-Dorm Halloween Party" is the responsibility of all participants...

Then again, I've already turned so many offers down...

Rob Roy was scared she was being a bother, but she still... She was brave and helped me, so...

Maybe if I "transformed" too...

Sorry for barging in like this!

Whoa! Rice? It's almost time for lights-out! You're supposed to be in your own dorm.

I-I know, but! I, um! I... Ummm...

P-please let me borrow my costume! I need it so I can...

So I can help Bourbon...

...Rice.

Aaall right, I'll fend off Fuji and Hishiama for ya. Gimme a sec, and then I'll go with...

...Er, scratch that. Ya got the guts to make it this far, you'll be fine.

Rice, I'm sure you'll make it work. I'll grab the costume for ya, so couldja hold tight a minute?

...Flower confirmed to be asleep. I will relocate operations to another room.

Remaining tasks: write event proposal, complete today's decoration goals for anyone unable to finish, cut fabric supplies...

...?!

Welcome to my kingdom of the night! I-I'm a vampire, and...

I'm going to... turn you into my vampire friend!

Oh, hello, Tamtam. I just spotted Rice rushing down the hall.

Yeah, she wanted to do her costume fitting tonight. I already let the dorm leaders know she'll be out past curfew.

That aside though, Creek. I tried followin' your advice, but...

Man is this whole wait-'n-watch thing rough. This'd all be so much easier if I could help 'em.

Hehe, I know the feeling. The two of us will have our work cut out for us as real moms someday.

Welcome to my kingdom of the night! I-I'm a vampire, and...

What are you doing, Rice?

Ah! Oh, um. Well, I wanted to...

...I want to apologize in advance!

This might be unwarranted, and it might be a hassle, but still! I really... I reaaally...

Really want to help you!

But you're not on the...

I know I'm not in the plans, and I always make things worse when I'm around... but I can't bear to see you toiling away all alone!

Tonight, though, I'm not Rice! With this costume, I'm a super powerful, reliable vampire!

If you reject my help, I'll drink your blood and force you to be my friend! We're doing this together, whether you like it or not!

A costume...

Halloween is a day to dress up and dare to be someone else. You can borrow the costume's power to say things you can't say yourself.

I've made far too many miscalculations lately...

Huh?

...If I put on a costume, could I be like someone else too?

B-Bourbon?

I am not the Mihono Bourbon you know. I'm a ghost.

In order to help clear my cached regrets, I must ask you some questions.

I was entrusted with a certain mission, and would like to complete the related tasks perfectly. However, there is something I do not understand...

Typically, when one accepts responsibility for a task, they are expected to handle said task themself.

But... what should I do if I find flaws in the party's initial task distribution?

...Is it too late to change them? Would accepting aid mean admitting failure?

Bourbon...

There's nothing wrong with getting help. Working together will make the party an even bigger success.

But if someone offers me help, doesn't that mean they've deemed me unfit to complete the task myself?

No, not at all! Everyone knows how capable you are!

The plans were made under the assumption that I would do my own work, though. If others joined me, would it not affect their schedules?

N-not as much as it would hurt us to see you overwork yourself. I think, no, I'm sure of it.

But...

No more buts, okay?

You know, for a ghost... you're just like me, trying to hide how scared you are.

And so, I want you to hear me out. I want to be your friend. I want to help you.

And most of all, I don't want to see you stressed or worried... I want you to be happy!

...

Then... would you mind helping me finish eating the broken jack-o'-lanterns?

I'd be glad to!

I'm a pretty big eater, you know!

Aaaah! What's that?! T-there's a hand, a zombie hand!

Hehehe... What a lovely photo! Of you... and of your new ghoul friend!

Aaaaah!

Hehe, looks like this year's party is a roaring success.

We've still got plenty of spooky tricks up our sleeve! Right, Bourbon?

Yes. Attention, prop team. I will now press the switch.

Okay! Ready whenever!

BEEP! Pssshhhhh!

Aaaah!

Fssshhh...

As demonstrated, we have plenty of surprises planned to entertain guests like you.

Hehe... Everyone brainstormed them together. Hehehe! I even helped a little too.

Tremble...

Oh. That girl over there is all by herself...

...

...Chomp!

Huh?

Hehe... I just used my powers to turn you into a vampire like me.

How about you go turn that girl too? Once you're bitten... you can turn anyone into another vampire friend!

...I bet there are a whole bunch of people here who would love to be friends with you.

Everyone, the changing rooms are this way. Don't worry if you didn't apply for a costume, we brought all kinds of spares.

Hm, looks like there's no one left in line for guidance, so I'm gonna zip out and suit up.

Oh, hey Bourbon! You got the party zone lookin' real snappy! The whole dorm's been real coordinated, thanks to how hard you've been workin'.

About that, I have something to say. I know I caused you plenty of the trouble.

Huh? Not this again.

...Thank you, Tamamo. I am deeply grateful for all the assistance and advice you provided.

Haha, ya know what? You're cuter when ya smile. And sorry for bein' a busybody. Now, I've gotta hurry and get Halloweened up.

...Understood.

Happy Halloween, everyone.

I hope you all have a magical evening, and that you get to spend it "letting loose" with friends.