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Forgiveness and Gratitude/Story
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Forgivness and Gratitude - Opening
While practicing their dances, Yuel and Societte have a vision of a slaughterstone—a remnant of the petrified Ninetails—and an unknown successor who plans to go to an island called Akino. The crew decides to head there too in hopes of uncovering any possible leads.
The sun shines down on the deck of the Grandcypher, where the sound of nimble footsteps melts into the blue.
Yuel and Societte are practicing—dancing in synchronic harmony—but (Captain) notices something different about Yuel today.
Choose: Interesting outfit you got there.
Yuel: Sharp eyes! Whatcha think? Do we match well or what?
Lyria: It's like you and Societte are twins. How cute!
Yuel: But they're more than just cute, right?
Choose: You look sweaty.
Yuel: Yeah, yeah. I'm boiling out here!
Yuel: No, wait. This is nothin'. 'Sides, I ain't ever been the type to give two hoots about the heat!
Yuel: C'mon, look closer. What else do ya see? Guess! Guess!
Vyrn: Um... Oh! Your clothes kinda look like what Societte would wear!
Yuel: Bingo! You get a cookie!
Yuel: But they're more than just cute, right?
Continue 1Societte: This is ceremonial attire used in the dances dedicated to Lady Ninetails.
Societte: They're my old hand-me-downs, but I'm glad Yuel was able to slip into them nicely.
Vyrn: Gotcha. But why the sudden fashion change?
Yuel: Well, here's what I was thinkin'. I've gotta perfect my dancin'.
Yuel: So why not step into Societte's shoes—and clothes—for a tango!
Yuel: Hehehe, what could be better than dancin' in matchin' outfits?
Vyrn: Uh-huh. You actually believe any of what you just said?
Yuel: Hahaha, busted.
Yuel: Truth is I just wanted to boogey with Societte!
Yuel: Now enough yappin'. Let's get to prancin'!
Societte: Okay, Yuel!
Interlude concluded, the two Erunes start to move with their sacred treasures—one's fan unfolding, the other's twin swords flashing.
Red and blue embers mark the outlines of where their bodies used to be, like trailing will-o'-the-wisps revolving around each other.
Lyria: Wow! No matter how many times I see it, I never get used to how beautiful it is.
Yuel: ...!
Yuel and Societte come to a grinding halt while clutching their heads.
Societte: It's that feeling again...
They've both experienced this sensation before—a headache accompanied by a vision that strikes in the middle of their dance.
This is a place Yuel and Societte have been to before.
It's the island where Ninetails met her end, turned into what some call slaughterstone.
And standing before that very stone is a child who resembles Yuel and Societte.
???: This is the first one. With this, Lady Ninetails' time will finally be...
???: The next stop is Akino Island. I'd better hurry.
Yuel: Gah... Huff... Huff...
Lyria: Yuel! Societte! Are you two okay?
Societte: Y-yes... I'm fine.
Yuel: Akino! It's in Akino!
Vyrn: Huh? What are you talking about?
Societte: We both saw it just now. Another successor just like us!
Yuel: We've seen that kid before. I betcha we'll cross paths if we go to Akino Island!
Yuel: So please, (Captain)! Take us there right away!
Sensing the gravity of the situation, (Captain) answers Yuel and Societte's pleas.
With a new clue in this yet unsolved mystery, the course is set for Akino Island.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 1: Successor Number Three - Episode 1
The crew establishes that they need the sacred treasures, the dances, and Ninetails to bring back the royal families. But considering some of the horrific things Ninetails has done in the past, they aren't too gung-ho about resurrecting her.
The island of Akino is a small landmass which can hardly be considered prosperous.
A meeting is called inside the airship to establish what they know about Ninetails before their arrival.
Vyrn: Okay, so how do we even start sorting out this info?
Yuel: You said it. Hmm...
Yuel not in crew
Yuel is on a personal mission to revive the royal families of a lost kingdom.
The crew discovers that she is searching for sacred treasures and decides to lend a hand.
Societte: Um...
Yuel: Oooh! Ya came up with somethin' good?
Societte: Er, I don't know if it's good, but...
No version of Societte in crew
Societte, descendant of a royal lineage lost one thousand years ago, roams the skies in an effort to revive the noble houses.
She used to travel alone, but that all ended when she met (Captain) and the crew.
Societte: Why don't we start from the very beginning of each of our journeys and work our way up to now?
Yuel: Yeah, yeah, good thinkin'. That's my Societte!
Yuel: But, uh, my brain's kinda fuzzy when it comes to small details.
Choose: You got this, Societte.
Societte: Huh? M-me?
Yuel: Be reasonable, (Captain). Have pity on the poor girl.
Yuel: When it comes to teasin', it should be limited to tickles. Like this!
Yuel: Coochy-coochy-coochy!
Societte: Aha... S-stop... You know I'm ticklish... Heehee...
Vyrn: Can we please focus here?
Yuel: Hah! These fingers know no bounds.
Yuel: All right, what are we s'posed to do then?
Vyrn: Not to worry. That's where Lyria comes in!
Choose: You got this, Lyria.
Yuel: Lyria? Oh yeah! Lyria's the ticket!
Yuel: You can call up primal beasts and tap into their memories!
Lyria: Unfortunately I don't think it works that way...
Societte: Oh dear... What are we going to do then?
Vyrn: Heh-heh-heh. Lyria's got other talents besides summoning primal beasts!
Continue 1Lyria: Attention, please! Presenting my journal!
Societte: Is that the one you're always writing in?
Vyrn: Yep! Lyria jots down everything that happens on our trips.
Yuel: Whoa, yer really committed to yer work. Doesn't surprise me one bit.
Yuel: Now let's have a look-see.
Lyria: Aah! Wait, wait! You can't!
Lyria: There's some embarrassing things in there that I'd rather not share, so I'll only read out the important parts we need, okay?
Yuel: Phooey. Well, it's your journal, so...
Societte: Promise not to go snooping through it afterwards, Yuel.
Yuel: Ahaha, I wouldn't do that!
Yuel: Or would I...
Societte: Yuel... Listen, please?
Lyria: Ahem. I'll start with when we first met Yuel.
One day (Captain) and company happen to spot smoke signals coming from a small island. They're accosted by a young woman when they land to investigate.
Yuel: Don't move a muscle! Aiming to do a little kidnapping, eh? Unfortunately for y'all, I'm not easy pickings!
Vyrn: Oh yeah! She mistook us for kidnappers at first!
Yuel: Ahaha. Sorry 'bout that. It was all a blur back then, and y'all took me by surprise.
With the misunderstanding cleared up, Yuel had explained that she was searching for sacred treasures to revive long-lost royal families.
On top of that, she revealed her ability to use foxflames.
Perhaps if this Erune girl were to follow (Captain) and company, she'd able to accomplish her goal.
Yuel: Anyhow! What's a girl gotta do to get in on this sojourn of yours?
Yuel: If I stick with you, I bet I'll have those eight treasures just as quick as can be!
Societte: Eight treasures?
Yuel: Hey, I was only off by one! Never would've guessed there were actually nine!
Vyrn: Talk about marching to your own beat.
Lyria: So that was how we met Yuel.
Lyria: Next is Societte!
A lone Erune girl stands silently before the crew.
She doesn't say a word as she gazes at the people in front of her.
Societte: ...
Yuel: Hahaha! Yer social anxiety reared its ugly head on ya!
Societte: I-I can't help being shy...
Societte: I still wasn't used to talking to strangers back then.
The crew learns that Societte also seeks the same treasures Yuel is searching for.
In addition to the treasures, she's also looking for successors to royal bloodlines and the dances dedicated to Ninetails that they possess.
Societte: I protected our homeland as a descendant of the royal line.
Societte: As a successor, I must make everything lost known once more.
Societte: That's why I'm here. I'm sure of it.
Yuel: Pretty smooth there, Societte.
Societte: Um, I guess...
Lyria: But Societte wasn't telling us everything at the time.
Vyrn: She was trying to protect us.
Once the crew had given their full support for helping Societte, she divulged the rest of her intentions.
Her true goal was to uncover the existence of Ninetails.
The crew also learned that her parents had been killed by malefactors who also sought information on Ninetails.
Societte: I thought that if I told you about her, you would only end up being dragged into my conflict.
Yuel: Societte's such a kindhearted person.
Vyrn: But being too nice can turn a positive into a negative.
Yuel: Haha, gotta agree with ya there. Watch yourself, eh, Societte?
Societte: Y-yeah...
From their first meeting on, the crew had resolved to double their efforts in helping Societte.
Lyria: And that's Societte's story!
Lyria: Eventually Yuel and Societte reunited and came with us on our journey.
Vyrn: Yeah, and then I think Yuel found a sacred treasure after that.
Yuel's strength suddenly gave out, but at the same time the crew came across the Scarlet Twins, one of the sacred treasures.
These twin swords belonged to the third lost royal family.
Yuel learned she is a descendant of this family, and she inherited the Scarlet Twins and its dances in the process.
Yuel: Crimson Dance: Yugetsu!
Yuel: Yeah, yeah! I definitely became a successor that day, and I regained my ability to use foxflames again!
After obtaining the swords, Yuel and Societte practiced dances dedicated to Ninetails, but its power ran amok and consumed Yuel in flame.
???: You cannot perform my dance? Then I have no need of you.
Yuel: Huff... Pant... So hot...
But thanks to Societte's last-minute actions, Yuel was brought back from the fiery brink, and she was able to learn the dance to Ninetails in the end.
Yuel: That was pretty crazy. Just 'cuz I couldn't do a dance, I woulda been burnt to a crisp.
Vyrn: Ninetails don't mess around.
Societte: ...
Lyria: Okay, almost done. There's just one more passage left.
Yuel and Societte are dancing when they're struck by a sudden vision.
In it they witness a monstrous visage of what appears to be Ninetails. It writhes in agony as the dances of the successors slowly turn her into stone.
Societte: Urgh... Y-Yuel? W-was that...
Yuel: I saw it too. Was like... Was like we were right there, fightin' alongside the other successors.
Societte: I don't get it, but... that flaming beast. It was Lady Ninetails.
Societte: Still, I... I can't believe it. How could that terrifyin' monster be Lady Ninetails?
Societte: That was nothin' like the stories my parents told me...
Shocked and confused as they were by the vision, they rallied themselves to find out more about the stone that used to be Ninetails.
Vyrn: And so you went on to learn all about that creepy rock-thing people call the slaughterstone.
Lyria: It's also when you learned about a boy who was guarding it.
Societte: That boy is probably the same child we saw in our vision from yesterday.
The slaughterstone was surrounded by a poisonous miasma that kills nearly anyone who gets close.
When Yuel and Societte touched the stone later on, they saw a continuation of the vision from before.
In this vision the Ninetails-turned-stone breaks and releases the same miasma, which kills all of the dancing successors.
Societte: What... was that? I don't get any o' this...
Societte: If what we just saw really happened, then everyone who turned Lady Ninetails to stone... died?
Societte: Does that mean Lady Ninetails... killed everyone?
Societte's parents had always told stories about how Ninetails was righteous. Having been raised under that belief, she finds it difficult to trust her own eyes.
Lyria: That covers everything. Phew.
Yuel: Nice work. Thanks, Lyria.
Yuel: All righty. So we need the sacred treasures, the dances, and Ninetails to bring back the royal families.
Societte: Yes. If we perform the dances using the sacred treasures, I think we'll be able to restore Lady Ninetails back from stone.
Vyrn: As far as the info we've got is concerned anyway.
Yuel: Yeah. There's still somethin' buggin' me though.
Yuel: Like, we're doin' the right thing by resurrecting Ninetails, right?
Societte: Um, well...
Yuel: All I've been hearin' so far 'bout her doesn't make her sound very nice.
Yuel: I was almost killed fer cryin' out loud. Those fires were so freakin' hot.
Societte: Yer not the only one to think that way...
Societte: But, but... Mom and Dad always said that Lady Ninetails was nice, so...
Yuel: Guess we'll never know unless we ask that kid who went off to Akino.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 1: Successor Number Three - Episode 2
In Akino, the crew finds the fox-like boy who had appeared in Yuel and Societte's visions. Though his callous demeanor puts them off, (Captain) and company return to the local village to ask around about the boy after he disappears.
Soon enough the crew lands on a small island.
Yuel: Woo-hoo! So this is Akino.
Societte: That child should be here somewhere.
Yuel: Yep! Whoa, check that out!
Lyria: Huh? Did you find him already?
Yuel: Nah, that's not what I'm talkin' about.
Vyrn: Of course it wouldn't be that easy!
Yuel: Ahaha! Nope, but it's still worth checkin' out!
Akino Vendor: Ah, the lady's got an eye for quality! This is Akino's specialty, pillow kebabs!
Societte: P-pillows? You can actually eat them?
Choose: They're delish.
Yuel: Darn right! Just slather up a couple o' poofies in sauce and ya got yerself a treat!
Societte: Oh, really? I had no idea.
Societte: You guys are like walking encyclopedias...
Vyrn: Um, you do know they're pulling your leg, right?
Societte: Wha? I got tricked?
Yuel: Pffft... Sorry, hon. You're just too cute.
Societte: Humph! What a pair of bullies...
Choose: Uh, don't think you can eat pillows...
Societte: Huh? Really?
Vyrn: How would you even eat a pillow?
Societte: Oh... How embarrassing...
Yuel: Aw, just shake it off! Anyone coulda made that mistake, ya know!
Continue 1Akino Vendor: A pillow kebab is a skewer of deep-fried tofu and fresh vegetables dabbed with secret sauce.
Akino Vendor: All it takes is one bite to get that burst of flavor! After the first flaky crunch, you won't be able to get enough fluffy goodness!
Yuel: Hot diggity! Now that's some good eatin'!
Societte: It certainly does look as delicious as advertised.
Yuel: Um... One, two, three, four...
Yuel: Hey, vendor, could we get a sample for each of us?
Vyrn: Sample? You might as well say "stick 'em up" while you're at it.
Akino Vendor: Haha! You're a funny lady! Sure, I don't mind a stick up. A stick for each of you!
Yuel: Yowza! Yer the best, mister! I ain't gonna turn down someone's genero—
Scream: Gaaaah!
Lyria: That scream came from outside the village!
Akino Vendor: Oh, crap! I ain't stickin' around for that guy!
Akino Vendor: Sorry, kids, shop's closed! See ya!
Yuel: Hey, wait! What about our skewers, old man!
Vyrn: Geez, he tore outta here like a speedship.
Yuel: Dang it! I was this close to gettin' a taste!
Yuel: This is all that screamer's fault! What the hay is goin' on?
Societte: Don't ask me. Wanna go take a look?
Frantic Youth: Aaaah! I'm gonna die!
Yuel: Not so fast, you screamy guy! What's yer problem?
Frantic Youth: H-help me! I got ambushed! By him!
The shaken victim points to the attacker: a blade-wielding youngster with fox ears and tail.
Yuel: It's you!
???: Hm, by the looks of those two... Could they be a first and a third?
Lyria: Wait a minute. Is this the boy you two are looking for?
Societte: Yes, he's definitely the boy from our visions.
???: Ugh... Things have gotten annoying.
The boy sighs with visible disdain and sheathes his blade into an oilpaper umbrella.
Yuel: What's with your behavior? Swingin' swords at people, not to mention bein' rude to us!
Yuel: Nah, but first of all, what're ya doin', attackin' that guy?
???: Why do I even have to give you a reason? You wouldn't understand anyway.
???: And do you think you can boss me around simply because I'm a ninth and therefore lower than you?
Yuel: Huh? You'd better stop talkin' nonsense!
???: Hah. You don't know anything.
Vyrn: Ergh! What's with this guy?
Societte: Let's all try to calm down... There has to be more to this, right, boy?
???: ...
The boy doesn't answer. He begins to head into the forest.
Societte: Ah... Um... H-hello?
???: Hm?
???: Oh, were you talking to me? 'Fraid all I heard was some meek chirps.
???: Thought it was a bug calling.
Societte: Ah...
Societte: B-bug...
Yuel: D-don't listen to 'im, Societte. Ya ain't a bug!
Yuel: Ya better apologize for that rude mouth of yers!
Yuel lets her anger fly as she comforts Societte.
But the boy is nowhere to be seen.
Yuel: Wha? When did he disappear?
Vyrn: That little loser! We can't let him get away!
Lyria: But we don't even know where he went. There's no way we would be able to catch him.
Lyria: Maybe we should go back to the village and ask the villagers if they know anything.
They all nod in agreement and turn to head back.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 1: Successor Number Three - Episode 3
While chowing down on pillow kebabs, the crew discovers how mean-spirited the boy has been. But Societte has something else in mind and suggests going out to look for him again.
Back at the village, (Captain) and the others question the villagers about the boy while chowing down on pillow kebabs.
What they hear is clearly bad news, judging from their expressions.
Akino Vendor: Ugh, that guy. Guess he showed up recently on the island and made a home in the woods.
Akino Villager 1: He's despicable! He'll cut you up just for getting close to the forest!
Akino Villager 2: Rude is what he is! And those deranged eyes! Dangerous doesn't come close to describing him!
Akino Vendor: Thankfully no one's actually been injured by that scary red blade of his.
Societte: So he hasn't hurt anyone yet...
Akino Villager 1: Don't be stupid!
Akino Villager 1: Chasin' people around like a lunatic... How many do you think have injured themselves tripping or smashing into things tryin' to get away?
Yuel: Phooey! We finally caught up to him, and he turns out to be some ill-mannered brat! Unbelievable!
Yuel: Next time I see him, he's gonna get a stern talkin' to! And a spankerin'! Bap-bap-bap!
Societte: Just don't kill him, okay? We have questions for him that need to be answered.
Yuel: Ah, my sweet summer child. See, this is when bein' too nice has its downsides.
Yuel: Let Angry Societte come out to play! Don't ya remember when he ignored ya 'cuz he thought ya were a bug?
Yuel: Well? A stinkin', know-nothin' bug! Pisses me off, that stumpy runt!
Yuel: Om-nom-nom.
Yuel: Food eases the pain! Gimme me another stick, old man!
Vyrn: Don't you think you've had enough?
Yuel: Can't help it. Om-nom-nom.
Yuel: I was hooked from the first time I tasted one of these.
Lyria: Mmm, mmm... I could eat a million.
Akino Vendor: Good to see my work being appreciated. It's Akino's vegetables that make the skewers so good.
Akino Vendor: Those vegetables are the pride of this island. We even ship 'em out to other islands.
Yuel: That's great! I'd love to try them veggies raw.
Societte: Yeah... Yeah...
Yuel: What's a matter? Yer not gonna eat?
Societte: Oh, er, sorry...
Societte: I was just thinking about that boy.
Societte: This might sound silly, but I felt something off about him.
Vyrn: Off? What do you mean?
Societte: I can't really say for sure right now.
Societte: Perhaps we could go see him one more time?
And so the party heads for the forest where the boy lives per Societte's timid request.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 1: Successor Number Three - Episode 4
Most of the crew members are shocked when they see the boy wrecking crops in the fields. Societte is the lone exception, seeing kindness in him where others don't.
The party leaves the village to track down the boy in the forest, but he saves them the trouble.
Yuel: You! What do you think yer doin'!
Yuel flies into a rage as soon as she sees the boy.
He is, after all, destroying a crop field just outside of the village.
Vyrn: Stop it! Do you know how important that field is to the villagers?
???: No, not really. Don't care either.
Vyrn: Aaargh!
Vyrn: You friggin' piss me off!
Yuel: You asked for it! We'll make ya stop!
???: Please don't order me around just because you're a third.
???: I.
???: Will do.
???: What I want to do.
Vyrn: Quit stompin' those veggies!
Vyrn: Screw this! I'm gonna get him!
The little dragon hurls himself at the boy.
???: Way too slow.
The boy steps nimbly to the side, almost as if he were dancing, and Vyrn hurtles harmlessly by.
Vyrn: Whoa!
???: Well, if you'll excuse me.
Yuel: No! You're not gettin' away this time! After 'im, Societte!
Societte: Hmm...
This time Yuel and company turn their attention to Societte, for she doesn't seem to be paying any attention to them.
She intently surveys the ruined field instead and soon gives a small, satisfied nod.
Societte: Just as I thought. He's not a bad kid.
(Captain) and the others can only stand there wondering what in the skies is going through Societte's mind.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 2: Two Sisters - Episode 1
The crew catches up with the boy and learns that, as crass as his methods may have been, he was simply trying to distance the villagers from the rotten crops and whatever foul thing was causing them to decay. Yuel and Societte convince him to explain himself to the villagers and ask for forgiveness.
Societte: Watch this.
Societte takes a step toward the forest where the boy seems to be living in.
He immediately dashes out from the brush in front of Societte to block her path, his red blade at the ready.
???: This again. You're all so stubborn.
Yuel: Societte! You okay?
Societte: Yes, I'm fine. Heehee, I knew it.
Societte: You're a very kind boy.
???: Wha...
???: Huh?
Yuel: Kind? This shrimpy shrimp?
Vyrn: Uh, news flash! He attacked people, stomped up the village's most precious field, and now he's pointing a sword at you!
Societte: Y-yes, but there's a reason for all of that.
Societte: See this?
Societte picks up a smashed vegetable.
Yuel: What a waste. That coulda been part of one fine skewer.
Yuel: The inside's all slimy too. I feel so bad for it...
Yuel: Huh? Slimy?
Lyria: Isn't it rotten?
Societte: Yep. It's rotten. In fact every vegetable in this whole field is rotten.
Societte: You destroyed the crops so that the villagers wouldn't end up eating them. Am I right?
???: ...!
Societte: And it seems like you're trying to protect me from something. No?
???: Not really...
Societte: I think there's something harmful in the forest.
Societte: Harmful enough to contaminate all of these vegetables.
Societte: That's why you chase away anyone that gets too close, so they don't get hurt by whatever's in there.
???: Whatever...
Societte: Judging from your response, I think I'd be right.
Societte: And when all of those coincidental clues come together...
Societte: We find that you're actually a good boy!
Societte triumphantly delivers her deduction, though not with a sense of tact.
Yuel: Sounds like a Societte-kinda theory. So it's more like the kid sucks with people.
???: Sh-shut up.
Yuel: All right, I'll accept that. But ya still can't just do whatever ya want.
Yuel: There's a right way, and there's a wrong way. What ya did was the wrong way.
Yuel: Yer gonna have to apologize for troublin' the villagers and for that nasty thing ya said to Societte.
???: Okay. It was kind of bad.
There. Is that good enough?
There. Is that good enough?
Vyrn: You're still bein' bratty about it! And don't try pulling that "but I'm just a poor kid" stuff.
Yuel: Eh, let it go.
Yuel: But don't ya dare forget to apologize when ya do somethin' bad or hurt someone. Even though that should be obvious.
Yuel: What I'm sayin' is ya got some villagers to apologize to!
???: What!
Yuel: We got a mountain o' questions for ya, but that'll have to wait for now.
Societte: Shall we go together? I have to apologize as well.
Vyrn: Nah, nah. Why together? You didn't do anything wrong.
Societte: True, but I want to help clear up this misunderstanding.
Yuel: She's a saint, I tells ya. You should be grateful to her, uh...
Yuel: What's yer name?
Kou: It's Kou.
Yuel: That's a nice name!
Yuel: Okay, here we go! Follow your big sisters!
Kou isn't thrilled with the situation he finds himself in but follows behind Yuel and Societte nonetheless.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 2: Two Sisters - Episode 2
The villagers agree to forgive Kou if he'll set things straight. Kou is surprised at how Yuel and Societte, descendants of the powerful first and third royal families, are so kind to
him—progeny of the lowly ninth royal family.
him—progeny of the lowly ninth royal family.
Once the party arrive back at the village, they explain Kou's reasons for his actions.
Yuel and Societte hope this is enough for Kou to escape harsh punishment.
Akino Villager 1: I don't think so. Regardless of the circumstances, we still suffered from it.
Akino Villager 2: Yep, took the words right outta my mouth. This ain't something that's easily washed away.
Societte: Okay, so what can Kou do to make up for it?
Yuel: What if he gets the field back to how it was? That should help y'all out, right?
Akino Villager 1: Hah! Sure, we'll call it even if he can pull that off. And that's a big if.
Kou: How annoying.
Yuel: Wrong!
Kou: Ow! Wh-why!
Yuel: It's better if you don't complain, right? Bein' all down about it is only gonna make it worse.
Kou: Whatever.
Societte: I'll help you too, Kou. Let's work hard together.
Kou: Why?
Kou: You're a first and a third. Why would you go out of your way for a ninth?
Yuel: Ya said that when we first met. Are you a descendant too?
Kou: That's right. Our royal family was the last in line to receive any authority.
Kou: In essence the ninth family had no authority and was told by the other families to be nothing more than sycophants.
Kou: They all despised us.
Kou: Everyone except for you two, the descendants of the first and third families. That's what I don't understand.
Yuel: Wowie! Was there really a system like that? That's news to me.
Yuel: Eh, got nothin' to do with us though. Ancient history ain't gonna change who we are.
Societte: We can't just ignore all of it though. You're a good kid, Kou, and it's sad that you got caught up in all that.
Kou: It's not like that... I'm really not as good as you seem to think I am.
Yuel: Then just be good from here on out. Brace yourself 'cuz here we go!
Kou: Hey... W-wait... I never said I would—
Yuel and Societte grab Kou by the hand and drag him out of the village.
Vyrn: We should go too.
(Captain) nods, and the crew chases after them.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 2: Two Sisters - Episode 3
While helping Kou restore the fields to their former state, Yuel and Societte take the opportunity to instill him with decent manners.
(Captain) and company are toiling away with Kou to restore the wrecked field.
Yuel: La-dee-doo... Plant food... Fertilizer...
Lyria: Yuel's amazing! It's like she was born to farm!
Vyrn: That's surprising, but it doesn't blow my mind as much as—
Societte: Heave-ho! This row needs plowing. Heave-ho...
Vyrn: It shocks me how quickly she picked up farming.
Yuel: I'll have ya know we used to help out Grampy and Grammy in the countryside when we were kids.
Societte: Heehee, that was so long ago. When it comes to dirt, I've got green thumbs.
Vyrn: That explains it. Uh, whatcha doin' there, Umbrella Kid?
Kou: Making some shade. I'm getting sleepy.
Yuel: Get to work! No slacking!
Kou: I've never done any of this before though.
Kou: Sigh... Do I just swing this stick downward?
Kou raises a hoe high and swings, wobbling on its way up and on its way down.
Yuel: No, no, no! I get that yer a newbie, but you'll injure yourself swingin' it from that height!
Kou: Well, how should I do it then?
Yuel: Got no choice, do I? My hands'll show ya how.
Yuel gently takes Kou's hands in hers.
Kou: Eep...
Yuel: What're ya squealin' fer? Ooh... Are ya embarrassed?
Kou: No, I'm not! Please just hurry and show me how to do this on my own!
Yuel: Fine, fine. Like this, see? Ya gotta swing with a rhythm, like yer followin' a beat.
Kou: A beat...
Yuel: You dance too, don't ya? Then followin' a beat shouldn't be a problem for ya.
Kou: Hah! Yah!
Kou: Like that?
Societte: That's it. You're good at this. Even better than me to be honest.
Kou: ...
The Erune trio and the crew continue to till the field.
Before long the soil is prepped and reseeded.
Vyrn: Phew. Looks good to me.
Yuel: Fantastic! All the seeds are planted. Things should be right as rain!
Societte: Thanks for your help, everyone.
Societte: And I'm sorry for guilting you all into my own affairs.
Vyrn: Aw, don't mention it. You got nothin' to apologize for.
Vyrn: Ain't that right, kid?
Kou: You are quite patronizing for a lizard.
Vyrn: Aaargh! I hate this guy!
Yuel: Cut it out! Why're you so quick to gettin' into people's faces?
Kou: Yeah, yeah. Sorry.
Yuel: Sigh... Fine.
Yuel: So whatcha think of farm work?
Kou: I'd have to say it's pretty tough as a beginner.
Yuel: Yeah. I almost forgot how hard it was gettin' a field back into shape.
Yuel: Formin' bonds with people ain't easy either. That's why ya gotta cherish everything and everyone.
Yuel: If ya do somethin' wrong, you should apologize.
Yuel: That's how ya keep strong relationships with people.
Kou: Sorry, I guess.
Societte: Ah, Kou...
Societte: Actually you should probably be saying thank you at a time like this.
Kou: ...
Kou: Th-thank you...
Yuel: Hahaha. Ya know what, Kou? I really thought ya were such a brat at first, but yer a surprisingly cute kid.
Kou: C-cute?
Societte: That's what I've been saying. You're a good boy. I knew it all along!
Kou: Wha? Wait! You've got it all wrong! I am not cute!
Societte: He's got a point, Yuel. Maybe we could just say he's cool instead?
Yuel: Huh? But you think he's a cutie-pie too, right?
Societte: Um... Well... Yeah...
Kou: Huh?
Yuel: Uh-huh, uh-huh! But how can we make him even cuter? Maybe with a laughing spree?
Yuel: Coochy-coochy-coochy!
Kou: No, sto—Hahaha! Ahaha! No—pfft—more...
Societte: Isn't that good enough, Yuel?
Yuel: Do I detect a hint of jealousy? I think you've got a hankerin' for some ticklin'!
Yuel: Who am I to say no? Coochy-coochy-coochy!
Societte: H-have mercy...
Lyria: They get along almost like siblings.
Vyrn: Siblings, eh? Hah, I can totally see that!
The crew free Kou and Societte from Yuel's wily fingers, and they all return to the village.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 2: Two Sisters - Episode 4
Seeing the reformed Kou helps the villagers clear up any misconceptions they had about him. When Yuel asks what exactly it was that Kou was trying to distance the villagers from, he leads to them to a slaughterstone—a fragment of Ninetails.
The party returns to the village and runs a few more errands for the villagers.
Once the work is finally over, the vendor comes over to greet them.
Akino Vendor: You guys did great today. We're in good shape thanks to your hard work.
Yuel: It's all good. (Captain)'s crew helped us out too, so it wasn't that bad.
Yuel: Come on, Kou. You should thank them properly for their help too.
Kou: Thanks for nothing.
Choose: You'll pay for that.
(Captain) takes Kou's splendid tail and begins to stroke it.
Kou: No! Hey! What are you doing? Stop it!
Yuel: Ahaha! That looks fun actually. I'ma get in on the action!
Kou: W-wait! Why won't anyone listen to me!
Choose: One noogie coming up.
(Captain) places both hands atop Kou's head.
Kou: What?
(Captain)'s knuckles move rapidly through Kou's hair like a tempest.
Kou: Aaah! What is this?
Kou: What are you doing to me? Please stop it right now!
Yuel: Hmm? I get the feelin' yer actually enjoyin' this. Can I have a go?
Kou: Absolutely not!
Yuel: Oh... Would ya rather have Societte do it?
Kou: That's not the problem! Please, that's enough...
Continue 1Yuel: See what happens when ya don't listen?
Kou: Humph.
Akino Vendor: Bwahaha! You guys seem pretty close. Anyway, have some skewers as thanks.
Kou: What's this?
Akino Vendor: My treat for a job well done.
Akino Villager 1: I thought for sure ya'll would've slacked off...
Akino Villager 2: Looks like the silver-haired lady was right about you, kid. You don't seem to be a delinquent.
Akino Villager 2: Ah, well. You made a bit of trouble for us, but I ain't mad atcha.
Akino Vendor: What it all boils down to in the end is you just aren't a people person! Hahaha!
Yuel: Got that right. He's awkward with a disrespectful mouth to boot.
Societte: But he really means well. Oh, I'm so glad we got this all cleared up.
Societte: Now eat up before it gets cold.
Kou: Nom.
Kou: Delicious...
Yuel: Right? Right? Ain't nothin' better than a meal after a hard day's work!
Kou: Yes, that's true.
Kou: Heh...
Vyrn: Gotta say, though, your manners could use some work.
Vyrn: Did no one ever teach you anything?
Kou: No. Everyone goes on and on about Ninetails, but there hasn't been a single person who's cared enough to teach me anything else really—not until you guys showed up.
Kou: I don't have family. Or friends.
Vyrn: Ah, that so. I didn't mean to...
Kou: It's okay. It's never bothered me.
Kou: Anyway, isn't this where you're supposed to say sorry?
Vyrn: Look who's talkin'!
Vyrn: When did you ever apologize for all the crap you've pulled?
Kou: I have no clue what you're blabbering about.
Yuel: Aha, I think I get where that rebellious side of yers comes from now.
Yuel: Oh! I just got a brilliant idea!
Yuel: There's a lot of stuff ya still don't know about, yeah?
Yuel: Why don't ya let us teach ya then!
Societte: W-we can do it!
Kou: It's none of your business.
Societte: Oh...
Vyrn: Heh, what a thing to say when it looks like you don't actually mean it.
Kou: Sh-shut up...
Yuel: Bout time we got this show on the road. Let's move away from the village and get to learnin'.
Kou: Hmm. Doesn't seem as if I have much of a choice except to go with you.
Kou: I will say that I probably learn faster by watching than listening.
Kou: I'll show you the way into the forest. Come with me.
Kou: But only Yuel and Societte. I'd like (Captain), Lyria, and the lizard to please stay here.
Kou: Unless you wish to die. That's up to you.
Lyria: Die? What could that mean?
Yuel: Got it. Only us two will go with you.
Societte: Wait here, (Captain). We'll be okay.
And with that, Yuel and Societte follow Kou into the forest.
As they head deeper into the forest, Yuel and Societte notice their surroundings gradually changing.
Plants wilt, the sky dims, and the air stagnates.
What Yuel and Societte come to see in the heart of this miserable forest leaves them bewildered.
Societte: So that's why the environment is like this.
Yuel: It's like it doesn't want anyone entering the forest.
There it is in front of them, a clue to getting one step closer to Ninetails.
Societte: A fragment of Lady Ninetails... A slaughterstone!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 3: Tragic Transformation - Episode 1
Kou explains that the miasma released by the slaughterstone puts most of Akino in a precarious state. His royal family, the ninth, is to blame for everything, including being the impetus for resurrecting Ninetails.
Yuel and Societte stand in awe at the austere bloodlust exuding from the slaughterstone.
Yuel: Now we know why the air's got that foul feelin' to it.
Kou: Most of the forest—no, most of the island—is being eaten away by the stone's miasma.
Kou: It's a good thing this island has so few people living on it. Their forest has become extremely hazardous.
Kou: Lady Ninetails is strangling the life out of everything, from the plants to the animals.
Societte: Then the rotten vegetables were also a result of this stone...
Kou: Exactly. They became contaminated with Lady Ninetails' miasma.
Yuel: No way! That means all that plantin' we did earlier was all fer nothin'!
Kou: No, it's all right. I've already reaped away the miasma.
Kou: This forest decay is only temporary. If I perform a certain procedure, the miasma will completely disappear within a couple of years.
Yuel: You can do that? What the hay are ya?
Kou: I guess it's probably okay to tell you two considering your connection.
Kou: But before I do, I want you to touch the stone.
Kou: I'm sure it'll reveal some of the answers you've been longing for.
At Kou's urging, Yuel and Societte cautiously stick their hands out toward the stone.
Visions of the past flow before their eyes.
A hellscape stretches before them. Half-chewed bodies litter the piecemeal land while Ninetails, wreathed in flames, looks over a devastated kingdom.
Men, women, young, and old—their pleas for mercy are silenced by a being that seems to have gone mad.
Ninetails: Grotesque creatures. Who gave you permission to exist?
Ninetails: I shall give you the honor of becoming one with my flesh and blood after I consume you all. Rejoice!
Ninetails: Hahaha...
Gaaahahaha!
Gaaahahaha!
The vision ends abruptly.
Societte: I didn't want to believe it, but that was Lady Ninetails...
Yuel: Take my hand, Societte. You okay? Can ya stand?
Societte: Y-yeah...
Kou: What you just saw is a reality that played out hundreds of years ago.
Kou: Lady Ninetails is an evil calamity that must not be resurrected.
Yuel: Sure seems that way.
Societte: But why would Father and Mother praise Lady Ninetails? They only ever had good things to say about her...
Yuel: That's what's buggin' me too. It's totally different from what I heard in the past.
Yuel: Grampy and Grammy told an old tale about collectin' sacred treasures in order to revive the royal families.
Yuel: This sounds like the opposite. When we gather all the treasures and dance with 'em, Ninetails will come back instead...
Societte: That would spell disaster for the world.
Kou: Yes, I agree with you on that. However, there is a simple way to explain it all.
Kou: My family, the ninth family, is the sole cause of everything.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 3: Tragic Transformation - Episode 2
Kou continues describing how the ninth family, unsatisfied with their lowly political status, plotted to control the world with Ninetails. They spread misinformation about her supposed divinity and magnanimity, eventually convincing others to resurrect Ninetails.
Yuel and Societte return to the crew to relay the truth about Ninetails.
Then they all head to a village inn to rest and hear what else Kou has to say.
Vyrn: Why do you say your family is responsible for causing everything?
Kou: I suppose it'll become clearer if I tell you everything. Yes, I'll start at the beginning with the ninth family's plan.
Kou: We colluded with the other families to seal away Lady Ninetails, but in actuality we were the ones who had the most vested interest in her.
Kou: It wasn't out of piety or anything. The ninth family wanted to weaponize her and take a seat atop the world.
Yuel: Why were ya tryin' to do that?
Kou: I mentioned before about power and authority within the royal families.
Kou: The ninth family had the least amount of authority among all the others; we had no power to oppose any decision brought forth.
Kou: If we could wield the terrifying power of Lady Ninetails, absolute control would be in our grasp.
Kou: But the unity of the other families was simply too strong to overcome; feigned fealty proved the only solution.
Kou: They wouldn't give up on their last hope for power though. They devised many last-ditch ideas for resurrecting Lady Ninetails.
Kou: One of which was spreading misinformation.
Societte: Misinformation about Lady Ninetails, you mean.
Kou: It took many years to accomplish, but in the end they were able to destroy all traces of what really happened and spread lies in its place.
Kou: Lies like how Lady Ninetails was benevolent.
Yuel: Ah... There ya go. No wonder Societte's parents only had good things to say about Ninetails.
Kou: Even the descendants of the first family fell for the deception. A thousand years is a long time after all.
Kou: It doesn't end there though. Rumors of Lady Ninetails' good nature wasn't the only thing to spread.
Kou: The successors were told that the revival of Lady Ninetails was of the utmost importance.
Kou: At the same time they sweet-talked scofflaws into believing that they'd come into immense power if the resurrection was completed.
Vyrn: Why'd they do that?
Kou: The dances and sacred treasures to revive Lady Ninetails need to be gathered into one place.
Kou: They did it to increase the number of people that could look for and gather those necessities scattered throughout the skies.
Kou pulls out a set of clothes from his bag and unsheathes a blade from his oilpaper umbrella.
Kou: This is one of the sacred treasures, Scarlet Robe. And this Scarlet Flash Blade was handed down by the ninth family.
Kou: I heard from other family members that these two items were acquired with the resurrection in mind.
Lyria: Wow! They're so beautiful...
Lyria reaches out to touch the treasures without even realizing it until (Captain) gently stops her.
Lyria: Huh? (Captain)?
Kou: You judged correctly. Touching it haphazardly won't end well for you.
Lyria: I'm sorry...
Kou: These clothes are especially dangerous. There's a tremendous power within that makes them hard to control.
Kou: If the treasure doesn't deem you worthy, your soul will be set ablaze and turned to ash.
Yuel: Like the time Ninetails tried to burn me alive.
Kou: It's because of the gathering of these treasures that so many lives of family members were threatened by scoundrels.
Vyrn: Wait, go back. If I'm hearin' you right, Societte's parents were basically killed because of the ninth family's lies!
Yuel: Her parents were murdered by idiots looking for information about Ninetails.
Kou: I guess that makes me Societte's enemy.
Kou: The death of your parents is most certainly due to my family's actions...
Societte: N-no! It's not your fault.
Societte: I mean, I'm definitely shocked by all of this.
Societte: But I wouldn't bring myself to blame you for it.
Kou: I'm really happy to hear that.
Kou: That's everything I have to say.
Yuel: Hm? Say, Kou. You mentioned somethin' 'bout absorbin' the miasma from the field or whatever.
Yuel: How'd ya end up gettin' that kinda power?
Kou: Well...
Kou: I'm a little tired from today. Would it be all right if I told you some other time?
Yuel: Mm, sure. Feelin' a bit sleepy myself. Complicated stuff's my worst enemy.
Yuel: Anyway, we found out that Ninetails is evil. Let's nix trying to revive her, eh?
Yuel: Now I've lost the one reason I had for journeyin'.
Choose: Don't leave me, Yuel.
Yuel: Ahaha! Oh, you sweetie-pie.
Yuel: Don'tcha worry. Societte and I aren't goin' anywhere.
Societte: Traveling with you is too much fun, (Captain). I'm staying put like Yuel said.
Choose: Goodbye... Yuel...
Yuel: Yep! See ya!
Yuel: Hey, whatcha talkin' about? Havin' one less reason to traipse about doesn't mean I'm going bye-bye!
Yuel: You've grown on us, (Captain).
Societte: Heehee, that's right. It's fun when we're all together.
Yuel: Yeah! Whatever happens, we'll follow ya! As long as ya can handle us! Ahaha!
Continue 1Kou: You guys have determination.
Yuel: Mm-hm. Things aren't easy to fix once broken.
Yuel: Like I said before, formin' bonds with people ain't easy. That's why ya gotta cherish everything and everyone.
Kou: Cherish, huh...
Kou mumbles to himself as he starts to slip away.
Societte: Kou?
Kou: I'm going to bed.
Yuel: Wanna have a sleepover with yer sisters? You don't wanna sleep alone, do ya?
Kou: I'm fine! And I'm not lonely!
Yuel: Kay, kay! We'll save it for next time then.
Kou: Forget it already. Sheesh...
Kou: Good night.
Yuel: Mm, night.
Societte: Good night, Kou.
Kou steals a glance at the crew and leaves.
Societte: ...
Societte watches the boy disappear out the door, unable to bring herself to admit aloud the resurgence of the eerie feeling she'd been feeling from Kou.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 3: Tragic Transformation - Episode 3
After everyone is asleep, Societte secretly spots Ninetails leaking from Kou's body in the form of a murky haze. Kou converses with Ninetails, stating that he is ready to end his life in order to end Ninetails', even though it was the first family who started the whole debacle. Taking responsibility for her ancestors' actions, Societte is determined to do something about it.
The night is quiet.
Everyone is sound asleep except for Societte.
Societte: I wonder if Kou's okay...
Yuel: Zzz... Zzz... Yum... Fishies...
Societte: Yuel, I'm going to go check up on Kou.
Yuel: Mm... Crispy...
Societte: Heehee...
Societte gives the knocked-out Yuel another quick glance and tiptoes away.
She arrives at Kou's room but finds it empty.
That uneasy feeling wells up inside her again, but she spots Kou outside through the window, and she sighs a breath of relief.
Kou: Phew...
Kou is dancing with a blade in his hand.
Trails of black sparks are left behind by the arc of the swinging metal like a storm of petals.
Societte: What a beautiful dance.
Societte: Heehee... How fun it would be if he were to join Yuel and I.
She smiles and approaches the window to talk to him.
But then something causes her to stop dead.
???: Hm. Insufficient.
Societte: That voice!
The voice that rings in her head is a voice she recognizes in an instant.
Societte: Lady Ninetails!
Kou stops dancing and a murky haze exits his body, gradually shifting into malice incarnate.
Kou: What do you want?
Ninetails: That was a lovely story you told. A descendant of the ninth family though you may be, you still point your blade at me.
Kou: You seem to be enjoying this.
Ninetails: I find it to be... most amusing.
Ninetails: But why did you leave out the good bit? My resurrection requires not only treasures and dances but a vessel.
Kou: I didn't feel the need to. Those two will no longer fall for your ruse.
Ninetails: Hm, is that so. But you really are amusing, Kou.
Ninetails: You whose sole reason for being brought into this world to serve as my vessel—you of all people continue to snap back at me.
Kou: If I could borrow the words of a meddlesome person for a moment...
Kou: Once something is broken, it can't be easily fixed.
Kou: If I become your vessel, the first people I've ever come to cherish will be broken.
Kou: That's the one thing I would hate to have happen. I can't allow you to be revived.
Kou: Even if the purpose behind my birth was for purely vile intentions.
Ninetails: What you wish for is impossible. Resist all you like, but I will be reborn.
Ninetails: If you truly wish to protect your precious little people, the only way is to strike me down by your own hand.
Kou: Yes. As your vessel, I will end my own life... thus ending yours as well.
Kou: That's the only way, isn't it?
Ninetails: Heh heh heh...
Societte: What?
Societte: Kou is Lady Ninetails' vessel?
Societte: That was the only reason he was born?
Societte: And he's talking about self-sacrifice...
Kou: I'm ready for it. I will perform the dance for the slaughterstone tomorrow and force your imperfect resurrection.
Kou: I doubt I'd be able to eliminate you completely, but it would be enough to stop you from turning the blue skies red.
Ninetails: You do what you have to do. If you've already made up your mind, then we'll both die together.
Ninetails: But who was that girl again? Societte of the first family? She is a fool. A foolish fool.
Ninetails: Yes, she suffered when her parents were killed, but you are the true victim.
Ninetails: They are the ones who started this! The first family caused you to live in torment!
Ninetails: It was always the fault of the first family for sending the ninth family and its lineage into madness!
Ninetails: Who was it that arbitrarily decided that among the nine families, authority would be distributed in ascending order? The first family!
Ninetails: Jealousy ate away at your ancestors! A king with no power cannot be crowned a king!
Ninetails: The only purpose of the ninth was to preserve their dance and sacred treasure in order to seal me away. Mere figureheads of vanity!
Ninetails: They laughed at you. Despised you. From the other royals down to the lowest commoners. Every single day. Yet the ninth were still called "royalty."
Ninetails: Hahaha! It would be outlandish not to go crazy!
Kou: Shut up...
Ninetails: Aww, you are a pitiable boy, Kou. If only the first family never existed!
Ninetails: Then you wouldn't have been born just to die, nor separated from your parents, nor desperately seeking to stop my resurrection.
Ninetails: You are not yet of the ripe old age of fifteen... But perhaps the inevitability of death is as much compassion as you will be afforded.
Kou: Shut up!
Ninetails: You shouldn't have to die! Our fated deaths are the roots of all this madness! That descendant of the first family, Soci—
Kou: I said shut up!
Kou: You can't change my mind. You and I are going to die.
Ninetails: Tch. You are boring.
Societte: It can't be!
Societte: Kou is going to die because of what my ancestors did?
Societte: Why, Kou? You're just a child, and yet you've had to shoulder this terrible burden.
Societte: It's wrong... All wrong!
Societte: I...
Societte: I have to do something. That's my true calling as a member of the first family!
Societte: Kou doesn't have to die!
Societte arrives at a difficult decision, but determination fills her face.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 3: Tragic Transformation - Episode 4
Societte runs off alone to the slaughterstone early in the morning. When the crew catches up to her, she is suddenly engulfed in ravenous flame before transforming into the monstrosity that Yuel had seen so many times in her visions.
Yuel: Yawn... Societte... I lost the fishies...
Yuel: Mm? Societte?
Yuel: Wakey, wakey...
Yuel: Huh? She's not here...
Yuel: ...
Yuel: (Captain)!
Vyrn: Ack! What the heck?
Yuel: I can't find Societte anywhere! You know where she went?
Lyria: Um, no... Ah! What if she went to Kou's room?
Yuel: Let's go!
Vyrn: What's the matter? Why are you freaking out?
Yuel: I don't know why, but I just get the feelin' like I'm never gonna see her again!
(Captain) nods quickly, and they rush over to Kou's room.
But what they find is not Societte but Kou frozen in a stupor.
Yuel: Kou! Have you seen Societte?
Kou: She went to the slaughterstone.
Vyrn: Whoa? Why'd she do that?
Vyrn: Hang on, you knew? You could've stopped her!
Kou: ...
Yuel: Forget it. We gotta get to her fast!
Yuel heads for the slaughterstone, this time with (Captain) and the rest of the crew.
Before they reach the slaughterstone, however, they stumble across Societte.
Yuel: Societte! Yer all right. Maybe I didn't need to worry so—
Societte: ...
Yuel: Societte? What's...
Societte: I'm... sorry...
Societte: Yuel...
A quick flash and Societte's entire body is ignited in hellfire.
Yuel: Societte!
Yuel tries to reach out to her but is stopped by (Captain).
Yuel: Lemme go! She needs me! Let. Me. Go!
Yuel has lost her restraint, but the sight of her friend ablaze leaves her thunderstruck.
Societte: Ah... Aah...
Yuel: Societte?
Societte: Aaaaah!
The ashes of her former beloved friend reflect in the eyes of Yuel.
Societte: Aaaaah!
In the wake of the flames is an entity resembling the calamitous monster seen throughout their visions.
Vyrn: What's happening?
Societte: Hrrngh...
Hrrngh...
Hrrngh...
Societte: Aaaaah!
Vyrn: Oh, this ain't good! Get back, you!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 4: Ninetails' Scheme - Episode 1
Ninetails, having overtaken Societte's body, explains that her diatribe directed at Kou the night before was merely their ploy to get Societte to come to her. After a brief scuffle with the crew, Societte vanishes in hellfire.
Vyrn: This power is insane!
Phantom Fox: Hahaha! I'm pleased by your assessment of a mere half-realized manifestation.
Phantom Fox: Kou would've made a fine vessel, but this pure young lady is a cut above the rest.
Yuel: Are you Ninetails?
Ninetails: I am Ninpress.
Ninetails: Has my name been forgotten and reduced to a mere numeration of my tails? Well, it matters not.
Ninetails: I must congratulate you, Kou, on a job well done.
Ninetails: You managed to dupe this fool of a girl, your dreadfully transparent theatrics notwithstanding.
Vyrn: What's she talkin' about?
Ninetails: I'm in a good mood right now. So much so I can't let a good tale go to waste.
Ninetails: It's not a particularly long one. In order to be brought back into this world I require a vessel.
Ninetails: Kou was originally meant to be my vessel, but that all changed on a whim of mine.
Ninetails: When a descendant of the wretched first sovereign came strolling along, I couldn't stop imagining what fun it would be to turn her into my own flesh and blood.
Ninetails: I offered Kou his freedom in exchange for switching places with her.
Lyria: No! Would you really do that, Kou?
Yuel: I don't care about that right now! Give us back Societte!
Yuel: Give her back!
Ninetails: No. Her body belongs to me now.
Yuel: You shut yer mouth!
Yuel: Societte, I know ya can hear me! Wake up! I'm beggin' ya!
Ninetails: The one you call Societte is gone. There is only me.
Yuel: I told ya to shut it! No one's talkin' to you, ya blusterin' heatbag!
Ninetails: You're a rather unpleasant girl. Just as one would expect from the insolence of the third family.
Ninetails: I will not be disrespected again. I'll have your dear friend do the honor of ripping out your voice box.
Lyria: Stop it!
Lyria's cry goes unheeded; Ninetails aims for Yuel, claws bared.
Ninetails: Ngh...
But her attack stops just short.
Societte: Don't... touch... Yuel...
Societte: Aaaah! Gaaaah!
With a scream of agony, Societte jumps back.
Ninetails: Well played, descendant of the first. Even a common insect can be contrarily tenacious.
Ninetails: But your soul is being devoured bit by bit. What shall we do once you become an empty shell?
Ninetails: Can you imagine this pretty young woman feasting on the organs of her still-breathing victims?
Ninetails: Or if she were to skin multitudes of innocents and bathe in a literal bloodbath?
Rancorous laughter crackles in the stale air and hellish flames envelop Ninetails' new body.
Yuel: Don't go! Societte! Societte!
Yuel darts forward, her outstretched hands finding naught but scalding burns.
And then the flames vanish, leaving Yuel to stare up at the sky while clutching at nothingness.
Yuel: Societte!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 4: Ninetails' Scheme - Episode 2
With Ninetails in control of Societte's body, Kou's feelings and memories come flooding into her mind. Societte learns of how Kou was raised to serve as the ultimate vessel for Ninetails, but she is willing to bear the brunt of it all and wants Kou to live out his life.
Societte's body has been taken away from her by Ninetails, but her mind escapes the same fate for the time being.
She experiences memories and emotions that aren't hers.
Societte: (This is... Is that Kou?)
Kou: Sob...
Ninth Descendant 1: Kou! Why do you refuse to take up the sacred treasure?
Kou: Because I don't want to...
Ninth Descendant 1: How can you say that! You were born to bring salvation to the ninth family!
Ninth Descendant 2: You are a superior vessel that took a thousand years to mold.
Ninth Descendant 2: And only you can fulfill the resurrection of Lady Ninetails and achieve our desires.
Ninth Descendant 1: Your life belongs to Lady Ninetails! You should be overjoyed to be reincarnated as the savior.
Kou: (So I was born to die.)
Kou: (I don't want to die, but if I resist...)
Ninth Descendant 2: Sigh... Why do you have that look on your face? Is it time for another lesson?
Kou: Ah!
Kou: I—
Ninth Descendant 1: It's unfortunate that we have to do this.
Kou: No, I'll... I'll do it... Just no more lessons...
Kou's voice trembles as he picks up the sacred treasure.
Kou: (I hate this!)
Kou: (I can't take it anymore... Someone... Someone save me...)
Kou: (Save me...)
Societte: This is too barbaric.
Societte: They kept putting him through so much misery.
Societte: I'll bear it all for you. You're free now, Kou.
Societte: Live, Kou!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 4: Ninetails' Scheme - Episode 3
Kou confesses that he was in on the ruse to get Societte to become Ninetails' vessel. But he now expresses unspeakable regret, and Yuel tries to console him.
Yuel shakes out of her funk, turning to address Kou.
Yuel: Was everything Ninetails said true?
Yuel: Did ya fool Societte into becoming her vessel?
Yuel: Gettin' on our good side... Was it all just an act from the moment we met ya?
Kou: Yes.
Kou: I was born as a mere vessel. My only purpose in life was to be reincarnated as Lady Ninetails.
Kou: But I didn't want that. Never ever!
Yuel: So to save yer own skin, ya took advantage of Societte's kindness.
Vyrn: You suck! How could you do something like that?
Kou: Shut the hell up!
Vyrn: ...!
Kou: Do you know what it's like when your life has no meaning other than to be a container for someone else?
Kou: I've had unbearable pain constantly shoved into my face!
Kou: So I gave up. No one was coming for me. No one except for Lady Ninetails and the embrace of death.
Kou: But then she offered me a way out, and I thought this was my chance!
Kou: I'd be unchained from the ninth family, free of her tyranny. I wouldn't have to feel the pain anymore!
Kou: That's why I... I...
Yuel: Okay.
Yuel: And now Ninetails is on the loose. How do ya feel 'bout that, Kou?
Kou: ...!
Kou: P-pained...
Kou: Tortured!
Kou: Even more than when I was bound to the family and Lady Ninetails for all those years.
Kou: I should be free now! Aren't I?
Should be... free...
Should be... free...
Lyria: Kou...
Kou: Societte was so kind to me, and I just...
I...
I...
Kou: I did something that can never be undone!
Kou: I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!
The youth collapses onto his knees, tears soaking the dirt. He bellows his apologies until the words melt into garbled wails.
Yuel walks over quietly, crouches down, and gently strokes the boy's head.
Yuel: Finally got a proper apology out of ya.
Kou: Sob...
Yuel: But I'm not the one that can forgive ya. You know who can though, right?
Yuel: Let's both go apologize to Societte. You'll get yer spankin' after that.
Kou: Sob...
Yuel: C'mon, dry those eyes and hold yerself high. Be the man I know you are.
Yuel ruffles his hair and pulls him up to his feet.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 4: Ninetails' Scheme - Episode 4
When Kou reveals that dancing clad in the Scarlet Robe—a sacred treasure—can chase Ninetails out of Societte's body, Yuel immediately snatches the robe from him. Though certain death is promised to those the Scarlet Robe deems unworthy, Yuel is willing to take her chances in order to save Societte. She puts it on, only to be immediately engulfed in hellfire.
Yuel: Are ya all cried out?
Kou: Yeah. I'm feeling better now.
Lyria: Kou, is there a way to save Societte?
Kou: Yes, but only one.
Kou pulls out the Scarlet Robe.
Vyrn: Isn't that the thing that boils your soul or something?
Kou: By wearing this sacred treasure and performing a dance, the incomplete Lady—
Kou: I mean, Ninetails will be chased out of Societte's body.
Kou: The problem is I've never gotten it to work for me.
Lyria: Oh... Well, maybe we can think of something else.
Kou: There isn't. It has to be worn.
Yuel: Kay. I'll just give it a whirl then if that's all there is to it.
Yuel picks up the robe from Kou's hands.
Kou: Huh?
Yuel: I'll throw it on and go after Societte.
Kou: It's not that simple! The treasure has to deem you worthy!
Kou: Don't you realize you'll die if you wear it?
Yuel: So it just has to respect me. It's not like we got any other options.
Kou: Why would you knowingly stare death in the face?
Kou: How can you risk your life so readily?
Yuel: I don't need a reason when a dear friend o' mine needs savin'.
Kou: ...
Yuel: (Captain) over there would definitely do the same to save me and Societte.
Yuel: Except I'm the one who has to dance with the sacred treasure this time.
Vyrn: But...
Yuel: Y'all don't wimp out on me now! It's gonna be fine!
Kou: Yuel...
Yuel: I promised to spank ya when this is all over, and I'm not one to break promises.
Yuel smiles and throws the robe over her shoulders.
A thunderous roar erupts the moment the robe is fastened, and she is engulfed in ravenous flame.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 5: Save You, Save Me - Episode 1
Shocked at first to see (Captain) risking life and limb in an attempt to save Yuel, Kou's surprise quickly turns to admiration, and he walks toward the burning Yuel himself.
Lyria: Yuel! Oh no, no, no! What do we do?
Kou: The treasure rejected her.
Choose: Kou!
Kou: Unfortunately there's nothing to be done when she's like that.
Lyria: Oh my gosh, Yuel will be...
Lyria: No, make it stop! Yuel! Yuel!
Choose: I'm going in!
Kou: Wait. Do you have a plan?
Vyrn: What plan? Pull the robe off her and be done with it!
Kou: Impossible. That's no ordinary flame. It'll sear anyone's soul.
Lyria: Then tell us what to do!
Continue 1Kou: ...
(Captain) doesn't bother to wait for Kou's response and reaches out for Yuel, still wrapped in hellfire.
Kou immediately stops (Captain).
Kou: What are you doing? You'll get swallowed up too.
Kou: Ah, I get it. I guess you wouldn't need a reason to save someone dear to you either.
Kou: All of you are simply amazing.
Kou's smile gleams in the light of the fire as he calmly takes a step closer to it.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 5: Save You, Save Me - Episode 2
Meanwhile Societte, still consumed by Ninetails, has a vision of events from a thousand years ago. She learns of how Ninetails came to be and her connection with the nine royal families. The nine sovereigns sought to eradicate Ninetails with their dances and sacred treasures, but they only managed to seal the beast away in the form of a stone that was split into three.
As Yuel burns under the sacred treasure, something else is taking place elsewhere.
Societte: Waa...
Ninetails' consumption has progressed to the point where Societte can no longer think for herself.
All she can do is observe another vision.
It is a thousand years in the past at the dawning of Ninetails' birth.
In a sky realm with no clear-cut governance, a group of mages devises a plan to rectify that.
They combine negative emotions of the people with bizarre monster parts to create Ninetails.
Ninetails: You must be so proud of yourselves to bring me to life. I prefer to call it hubris. Do you intend to place me in shackles?
Ninetails: The decision to live in servitude is mine alone to make. Know your place!
The mages are crushed between the jaws of Ninetails before they even realize their doom.
Ninetails: Hatred, sweet hatred... Why did you bring me, a superior being, into this world?
Ninetails: Unforgivable! Unforgivable!
The blazing enmity of this fiery terror pardons no one, grants no grace to the many who will come to rest in her stomach.
Her malevolence sweeps over countless islands, searing life off their surfaces.
But then Ninetails notices a group of beautiful, dancing Erunes, and strangely her hatred subsides by the slightest degree.
She offers them a proposal.
Ninetails: I am all-powerful, but your dancing is captivating.
Ninetails: Devote your lives to dancing for me, and I will deem to spare them.
A lone sovereign who bears a striking resemblance to Societte answers the call.
First Sovereign: If thy words ring true, so it shall be.
For the sake of protecting their homeland, all of the sovereigns continue to perform a variety of dances to appease the beast.
But they also spend days, months, and years trying to devise a way to rid themselves of the fiery despot.
Finally their chance arrives. Taken with the sovereigns, Ninetails bestows her own flames to them.
First Sovereign: With these flames, our dreams of sealing her away will come true.
Such was the thinking of the first sovereign. The numbered dances would seal Ninetails first, and then the dances of colors would kill her for good.
And so they created the sacred treasures to be used in conjunction with the dances.
But the combination of dances and treasures is too dangerous for any single person to bear.
Thus the sovereign enlists the aid of eight other sovereigns who could be trusted with the dances and treasures.
When all is ready, the Erunes lull Ninetails into a trap and seal her away.
Ninetails laughs derisively, still confident despite her body turning to stone.
Ninetails: Stupid fools! This isn't enough to kill me.
First Sovereign: As we are aware.
Ninetails: Oh?
First Sovereign: Our efforts end here. This is the limit to what we can achieve.
First Sovereign: However, there is hope for the future. Our progeny will realize the day of your eternal reckoning.
Ninetails: A boast almost as immense as my power.
Ninetails: I'll play along and bide my time in this stone.
Ninetails: But all of you will die today!
First Sovereign: So be it! But you won't escape our descendants. They will vanquish you without fail!
First Sovereign: Quiver in fear of the promised day!
Ninetails: Laughable!
Ninetails expels a black miasma before she is completely encased in her stone prison.
It invades the lungs of each sovereign, and one by one they perish forever.
But even as blood dribbles from the first sovereign's mouth, the noble figure never falls and never turns away.
The giant fan of the first swings down the moment the stone transformation is complete.
First Sovereign: Scatter to the wind, Ninpress!
Ninetails cracks into three pieces, and each piece flies off far into the sky.
The first watches the fragments disappear and finally crumples to meet the end.
First Sovereign: Forgive us, our unborn children.
First Sovereign: Please... Please take up the mantle and rid the world of Ninetails.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 5: Save You, Save Me - Episode 3
Kou steps into the hellfire surrounding Yuel and finds her collapsed on the ground. He replaces Yuel's soul with his own, thus weakening the flames but also imperiling his life. Even so, he remains confident that Yuel will conquer the sacred treasure's flames.
Societte is busy reliving a memory between Ninetails and the royal families.
Elsewhere Kou attempts to deal with Yuel who is ensconced in hellfire.
Lyria: Kou? What are you doing?
Kou ignores the dread in Lyria's voice and moves closer to Yuel.
Vyrn: Whoa, get back here! No one can pull her from that flame! You said it yourself!
Vyrn's appeal is also ignored, and Kou steps into the fires with Yuel.
Kou: Ungh!
Kou battles against losing consciousness and struggles over to Yuel who is lying on the ground.
Kou: Yuel!
Yuel: Ngh...
Kou takes Yuel in his arms. He gives her limp hand a firm squeeze.
The fires consuming Yuel's soul start to weaken without explanation.
Yuel: Huh? Kou?
Kou: Huff... Huff... This should ease the pain for a moment.
Kou: My soul's ablaze... but I have something I have to say before it's burnt away.
Yuel: What're ya doing here! Don't tell me ya switched yer soul with mine!
Kou: You don't need a reason to protect someone you cherish.
Kou: Someone dear to me taught me that.
Yuel: I don't need ya to be actin' like a hero. I don't need ya to save me!
Yuel: You've done enough! Now hurry up and let go of my hand!
Kou: Haha... You don't have to bluff with me.
Kou: It's too late anyway. I was doomed the moment I took your place.
Kou: Yuel... Societte... (Captain)...
Kou: I couldn't bring myself to do this before I met all of you.
Kou: But now that I've felt your kindness and courage, I want to fight with everyone too.
Kou: I can't handle this sacred treasure, but I'm confident you'll be able to, Yuel...
Kou: Ugh...
Gwaaah!
Gwaaah!
Yuel: Kou!
Yuel: Yer always doin' stuff without askin' anyone how they feel.
Yuel: We promised to apologize to Societte together, didn't we?
Yuel: Who says ya get to burn out here?
Yuel: I'll save ya... I'll save ya and Societte one way or another!
Yuel: Haaaa!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 5: Save You, Save Me - Episode 4
As (Captain) and the others pray for the safety of the successors trapped in the hellfire, Yuel, donning the Scarlet Robe, walks out with Kou in her arms. The robe has acknowledged her before it was too late, and with newfound resolve, they head out to rescue Societte.
Lyria can only weep amid the sound of crackling flame that consumes her friends.
Lyria: Yuel... Kou...
Choose: Let's believe in Yuel.
Lyria: Yes... She'll probably be okay...
???: No probablys about it.
Vyrn: That voice!
Yuel: Crimson Dance... Yugetsu!
They hear a familiar voice call out over the din. The fire swirls like an eddy and dissipates.
Yuel appears from the smoke, still wearing the robe and carrying Kou.
Yuel: You can always count on me.
Lyria: Yuel!
Lyria: Oh, thank goodness...
Choose: Good to have you back.
Yuel: Thanks fer havin' faith in me, (Captain).
Yuel: Sorry fer makin' y'all sweat back there.
Vyrn: Understatement of the year! Geez!
Vyrn: Hehe, but it looks like you conquered that sacred treasure thingy.
Yuel: Who do ya think yer talkin' to?
Yuel: But half the credit should go to Kou.
Kou: ...
Lyria: Kou! Are you okay?
Kou: Y-yeah... Somehow...
Kou: I think... Yuel cut it pretty close... but she was recognized by the robe and made the flames go away.
Yuel: Ya went too far, ya knucklehead.
Kou: Guess the robe's yours now, Sis.
Yuel: Hahaha! That's too rich! I ain't gonna argue with ya on that.
Yuel: Still, ya sure ya can keep going?
Kou: Yeah, I'm fine. We have to act fast.
Kou: That thing's been inside of me for so long that I'm pretty sure I know where it is.
Yuel: Hang on, Societte, we're comin' to get ya!
Yuel gains a new power, and Kou gains renewed determination.
The mission to save Societte is underway.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 6: The Whole Nine Yards - Episode 1
Societte appears in front of the crew and immediately transforms into Ninetails. The crew gets ready to take on the beast and save their friend.
Kou leads the party through the forest.
They finally see Societte who is staring blankly into the sky.
Yuel: Societte!
Kou: Don't get too close to her! That's not Societte!
Societte: Humph, boring. They didn't fall for it.
Ninetails: I had planned on snacking on one or two foolish enough to get close.
Kou: As if I'd let you!
Ninetails: Well, isn't this a big surprise. Why are you here?
Ninetails: No, actually why have you all forgiven Kou? His deceitful personality shouldn't be lost on you.
Kou: Tch...
Yuel: Quiet, you! Ya pushed him to do it!
Ninetails: Pushed him? I don't know what you mean.
Yuel: Ya really know how to grate on someone's nerves! Give Societte back to us! Now!
Ninetails: Heh heh... Hahaha.
Ninetails: Why, I do believe that is the Scarlet Robe wrapped around you, third sovereign. No, Yuel, was it?
Ninetails: I see. By purifying that robe, killing the incomplete me through sheer force does become a possibility.
Ninetails: But you're a step late, I'm afraid. Your chance is gone forever.
Yuel: You don't know that till we try!
Ninetails: Idiot. I'm telling you that you can't do anything. Let's pretend that you actually do kill me.
Ninetails: Societte is already gone. You can't bring back someone who isn't there.
Yuel: What!
Ninetails: She's been completely devoured. The descendant of the first makes for quite a tasty little morsel.
Lyria: You're lying...
Yuel: Yeah, like I'd believe a big blowhard like you!
Yuel: I know yer still in there, Societte! I know ya can hear me!
Yuel: I'm comin' to save ya! Hang in there, 'kay?
Ninetails: Futility is futility. Can you honestly not understand that? Do you sense Societte within me?
Yuel sinks to the floor under the mocking laughter of Ninetails.
Yuel: Why's it gotta be like this?
Yuel: Why won't ya answer me?
Yuel: I really can't feel her presence at all... It just can't be... Sob...
Yuel: Oh, Societte...
Ninetails: Bwahaha! I love that look on your face! Hahahaha!
Kou: Stop laughing! There's nothing humorous about this at all!
Yuel: Kou?
Kou: Don't worry. Let's keep faith that Societte is all right.
Kou: We made a promise, didn't we?
Kou: You'd bring down the wrath of the gods on me and Societte.
Yuel: Ah...
Yuel: I did say something like that.
Yuel: That piece o' crap had me doubtin' Societte. I can't believe I almost fell for it!
Yuel: (Captain)! Societte's still with us!
Yuel: Let's kick this washed-up Ninetails to the curb and rescue Societte!
Lyria: Yes! Let's do it, (Captain)!
Ninetails: Even now you cling to hope. Do as you like.
Ninetails: Perhaps force is the only way to bash inconvenient truths into your thick skulls.
Ninetails: Taste despair.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 6: The Whole Nine Yards - Episode 2
Societte nearly loses herself in the darkness, but Yuel's voice gives her the strength to fight back. She opens her eyes to find Yuel gripping her hands ever so tightly and gently squeezes back.
Societte: Hm...
Societte: What is this place?
Societte: How did I... Huh?
Societte: Who am I again? Yawn...
Societte: I'm getting sleepy... Can't stay awake anymore...
???: Soci...
Societte: A voice.
Societte: Someone important to me.
Societte: Wake up... Have to wake up... but...
Societte: How do I do that?
Societte: Eyes... won't open at all.
Societte: Arms... won't move at all. Weird.
Societte: Oh... Because I have no body to move. Nothing to move. Nothing...
Societte sinks deeper into the lonesome dark.
Yuel: Societte!
And then Societte remembers the gentle warmth of a pair of hands, opening her eyes that she isn't supposed to have.
There she sees her friend serenely holding her hands.
Societte: Yuel?
The moment she speaks her friend's name, a brilliant blaze cleanses the darkness.
Sensation returns to Societte's lost body, and she returns the squeeze she feels on her fingers.
Societte: Yuel.
Yuel: Ya forgot to set yer alarm clock. Really had me worried there.
Yuel: Ya really did...
Societte: Sor—No, that's not right.
Societte: Thanks, Yuel.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 6: The Whole Nine Yards - Episode 3
(Captain) and the others manage to free Societte of Ninetails' grasp, leading to a heartfelt reunion among the successors. But when Yuel gets ready to use one of the numbered dances on Ninetails, Societte stops her.
Ninetails: Urrgh! This can't be!
Yuel: Let her go!
Ninetails: Gyaaaah!
Societte: Ngh...
Societte collapses, freed from Ninetails' grip.
The party is by Societte's side in a flash.
Lyria: Societte!
Kou: Societte!
Societte: Kou? Oh, that won't do.
Societte: Don't cry now. Ya did nothin' wrong.
Kou: Sob... Societte!
Kou: I'm so, so sorry!
Kou: Please forgive me!
Societte: There, there. No need to cry over—oh well, I guess it's fine.
Societte: It's been so tough for you all this time. You've been working so hard even though no one came for you.
Societte: But it's all okay now, Kou.
Kou: Sniffle...
Yuel: Societte...
Yuel: You... I am so gonna turn yer tush red with spankins after this!
Societte: Yuel...
Choose: I've never been so relieved.
Vyrn: Uh...
Vyrn: Bad news, guys! A pissed off Ninetails is heading our way!
Vyrn's warning jostles (Captain) back to focus. With a flick of the blade, (Captain) immediately takes a swing at the incoming danger.
Choose: Ninetails!
(Captain) is quick to spot Ninetails aiming for Yuel, Kou, and Societte, who are temporarily lost in their own world.
(Captain) repels the incoming danger with a furious slash.
Continue 1Ninetails: Urgh!
Ninetails: How dare a mere louse defy me!
Yuel: (Captain), a louse? Hah! That's a laugh n' a half!
Yuel: Thanks for the save, (Captain)!
Ninetails: Shouted down by an idiot. Tch...
Ninetails: Without a vessel my power is insufficient!
Yuel: Now we're in business! I'll do my third dance and send ya flyin'!
Societte: Wait! Not good enough, Yuel!
Yuel: What the hay! Why'd ya stop me?
Societte: Sendin' her packin' ain't gonna do.
Societte: We need to destroy Ninetails!
The beautiful Erune stares down Ninetails, her voice full of conviction.
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Chapter 6: The Whole Nine Yards - Episode 4
Societte explains the visions she saw while she was consumed by Ninetails, stating that they must use the dances of colors, not the numbered dances, in order to do away with Ninetails for good. The monstrosity mocks the crew as they enter a final showdown.
Societte reveals everything she saw during her out-of-body experience.
Societte: The final mission left behind by the first sovereign was fer us to destroy Ninetails!
Societte: Numbered dances ain't gonna cut it here!
Kou: To finish her off, we need the dances of colors.
Kou: I didn't know that. Or rather I wasn't allowed to since it would get in the way of Ninetails' resurrection.
Yuel: Then that's the plan! We dance until that half-complete monstrosity bites it!
Vyrn: Let's get to it already!
Ninetails: Don't get ahead of yourselves, you filth! You'll never defeat me!
Ninetails: I can easily turn each and everyone of you into ash!
Yuel: I'd like to see ya try! Yer the one that's gonna get burned!
Ninetails: I'll kill you!
Ninetails: You're unworthy of a death by my beautiful flames! I'll tear into your belly and rip out your entrails!
Yuel: Hah, why don't ya just talk us to death. Bring it, Ninetails!
Societte: Together, we'll...
Yuel: Destroy ya!
Forgiveness and Gratitude - Ending
Days after Ninetails' defeat, Kou decides to part ways in order to relay to the other descendants of the royal families everything that has transpired. He says his goodbyes to the crew with the promise of meeting up again one day, and then sets off on his own journey to seek out the last remaining slaughterstone.
Ninetails: Rrrgh!
(Captain) continues to push back the heavily injured Ninetails, creating a small opening.
(Captain) signals to Societte with a glance, and she nods back.
Societte: Alabaster Dance.
Societte unfurls her fan and moves her feet with swift grace. Her lips move too as if partaking in song.
Kindle the frigid fires of sapphire hue and smother the flames of Ninetails.
The flames of the raging beast immediately start to diminish.
Ninetails: Damn you! Filth, filth, filth!
Ninetails: Cursed first sovereign! How dare you enfeeble my fire!
Kou: We'll do more than that. I'll blow them out.
Kou: Ebon Dance.
Kou draws his blade from his umbrella before flowing into the steps.
The sharp edge of the blade slices the air, emitting black embers with each pass.
Kou: Kage-Zakura.
A storm of black-fire petals, each as sharp as any mastercrafted sword, rain down on the flame-less Ninetails.
Ninetails: Unngh!
The petals pierce through the flesh and pin her down to the ground.
Ninetails: My power... gone! This can't... be possible... It's impossible!
Yuel: Believe it, ya washout.
Yuel: This is how you'll meet yer end.
Yuel clutches her twin swords and with a final glare toward Ninetails begins her dance.
The tips of the swords glow red-hot until flames come off the metal.
Ninetails: Huff... Huff... My end?
Ninetails: Have you forgotten about the other stone that's still out there? You can't stop my return!
Ninetails: And when I do, I'll savor feasting upon every piece of your body until nothing remains! My vengeance will come!
Yuel: Hah, go for it. We'll foil yer plans as many times as ya like.
Yuel: I'll make ya regret ever layin' a hand on my friends! Now scram, Ninetails!
Yuel: Crimson Dance!
Ninetails: Aaaah!
Yuel: Yugetsu!
A dazzling radiance blasts out of Yuel's sword tips, as bright as miniature suns.
Ninetails: ...!
Yuel: Huff... Huff...
Yuel's own hellfires engulf Ninetails, incinerating the entity so that not even a single hair remains.
Yuel: Did we get her?
Societte: Yep! We got rid of Ninetails!
Yuel: Oh, good... Phew...
With a sigh of relief, Yuel drops to the ground, her energy completely spent.
Societte: Oh, oh, oh!
Societte quickly picks up the fallen Erune in her arms but is greeted with playful giggling.
Yuel: Thank ya. I think I need a little nap.
Societte: You've earned it, Yuel. Let's take the rest of today off.
Kou: That's great because I'm pretty much done too.
Vyrn: Hahaha. I think we can all agree on that.
The party members tend to each other's wounds, supporting one another on the road back to the village.
The next day soon arrives.
Societte and Kou are kneeling before Yuel back at the inn.
The mood is... subdued.
Yuel: Well, then. Let's start with you, Societte.
Societte: Uh-oh...
Yuel: Why did ya put yerself in danger by taking Kou's place without consultin' anyone beforehand?
Societte: Um, well...
Societte: I'm sorry. I thought Kou was gonna die right then and there.
Societte: I couldn't just sit there. I had to save 'im.
Yuel: Sigh...
Yuel: Do ya want me to die too?
Societte: What! No way I'd go for that! Never!
Yuel: Well, if I didn't have ya with me, Societte, I'd totally die, ya know.
Yuel: That's how heartbroken I'd be.
Societte: I'm sorry...
Yuel: Don't ya ever do somethin' like that again! Ya hear me?
Yuel: Movin' on! Kou!
Kou: P-present!
Societte: Could ya maybe go a bit easy on him?
Yuel: Not a chance.
Societte: Oh...
Yuel: Where do I even begin with ya? You got so much lecturin' comin' yer way.
Yuel: But fer now, you yerself know what ya gotta do, don'tcha?
Kou: Yes.
I'm truly sorry for my actions.
I'm truly sorry for my actions.
Yuel: Don't ya ever, ever forget that apology ya just gave us.
Yuel: Good! Lecture time over.
Yuel: Sigh. Now c'mon, y'all. Put a little more value into yer lives. Y'all were so close to leavin' this world...
Choose: Miss Yuel...
Yuel: Wh-what? This can't be good...
Choose: Sit your butt down!
Yuel: Huh? Why do I gotta sit?
Continue 1Vyrn: You should follow your own lessons too. I swear you gave us all heart attacks.
Lyria: When I saw you going up in flames, I never thought I'd ever see you again. It was really scary.
Yuel: Oh, yeah... Um...
A sheepish laugh escapes from Yuel as she takes her place beside Kou and Societte.
Societte: Pfft...
Kou: Heh...
Yuel: Ahaha! What the hay! This is so awkward!
Yuel: I gotta apologize to everyone too.
Kou: No, I think you've got it wrong.
Kou: In this situation, I think it's best to say thank you, right?
Societte: Heehee. Yeah, same.
Societte: We should be thanking everyone.
Yuel: Ah, ya totally got me there.
Yuel: No, no! What's all this sweet, lovey-dovey stuff comin' outta my mouth?
Yuel: I almost forgot about the main event!
Vyrn: Main... event?
Yuel: Spankins!
Societte: Huh?
Kou: You were actually serious about that? I thought you were joking!
Yuel: Uh-uh. Totally serious here. Is yer bottom ready?
Kou: N-nooo!
Yuel: Hahaha! Wait fer meee!
Lyria: Haha...
A few days pass.
The crew has boarded the Grandcypher and is about to leave Akino.
Kou: I guess this is where we part.
Yuel: Watcha gonna do now, Kou?
Kou: I'm going to go on a journey to fix the problems caused by the ninth family.
Kou: I imagine there are still a few people from other families dancing based off of the false information we spread.
Kou: I'll find them and let them know the correct history.
Kou: Then I'll seek out the final slaughterstone and destroy it.
Societte: Then we should go together—
Kou: Thanks for the offer, but I can't.
Kou: I need to make up for all the horrible stuff I put you guys through.
Kou: If I let you baby me, I'll probably end up glossing over the lessons I've learned from this.
Yuel: Kou...
Yuel and Societte smile and take turns patting Kou on the head.
Kou: ...
Yuel: Keep yer spirits up.
Kou: Take care, Yuel and Societte. May you all go in good health.
Lyria: Let's meet again.
Kou: Yes, let's. It's a promise.
With smiles all around, Kou and the crew wave goodbye to each other.
The young boy continues to wave until he can no longer make out the airship.
Kou: Societte... Yuel...
Kou: Thank you so much for everything.
Societte: Sob... Kou...
Yuel: Oh, stop cryin'! Ya still got me, don'tcha?
Societte: Yeah, but I wanna see him again.
Yuel: Oh, we will! We're bound to meet again out here in the big skies!
Yuel: I'm already thinkin' 'bout what comes next. Should we go after the last slaughterstone? Or should we lounge around doin' nothin'?
Societte: Hmm, I don't know. I'm up for whatever as long as it's with you and everyone else.
Yuel: Haha! Same!
Yuel: Then for now I suggest we get some tasty fishies into our bellies!
Societte: Okay!
Yuel and Societte have accomplished one of the goals they had set out to do, but they're already on the heels of a new adventure.
(Captain) smiles at the thought of the many fun experiences with this fantastic duo that are yet to come.
Forgiveness and Gratitude
The End
The End
Characters
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