|
Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Event cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the plot and characters. View these tabs at your own discretion. |
Kou and the Hollow Existence/Story
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Event | Story | Gallery |
Chapter 7 and the Epilogue of this event are included in You (Event)'s Fate Episodes.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Opening
While Kou is on his way to visit the village of the second royal family's successor, he learns that successors all over are being attacked and having their flames and sacred treasures snatched away. Not wanting to see Yuel and Societte suffer the same fate, he immediately rushes to their aid.
Kou: Who are the lost royal families?
Kou: A thousand years ago, there was a kingdom that housed nine prosperous dynasties.
Kou: This kingdom worshipped a benevolent entity known as Ninetails. The citizens lived with her in peace and harmony. And as for those who despised her, there were none.
Kou: The problem is, this telling of history is a pack of lies.
Kou: The ninth royal family fabricated this false narrative to trick believers into achieving Ninetails's resurrection.
Kou: In reality, the kingdom was far from idyllic, bending to the whims of the crafty and tyrannical Ninetails.
Kou: Life under her despotism became too much to bear. Societte's ancestor, known as the first sovereign, rallied the other royal families together and sealed Ninetails away.
Kou: But my ancestors in the ninth family were only pretending to cooperate. Over the course of a millennium, they plotted to revive Ninetails.
Kou: And so the fated day arrived.
Kou: Ninetails exploited me because I carry the royal bloodline. Although her manifestation was imperfect, Ninetails had effectively returned to the skies.
Kou: Luckily (Captain)'s crew, Yuel, and Societte wouldn't let her have her way.
Societte: Alabaster Dance.
Kou: Ebon Dance.
Ninetails: Damn you! Filth, filth, filth!
Yuel: I'll make ya regret ever layin' a hand on my friends! Now scram, Ninetails!
Yuel: Crimson Dance!
Ninetails: Aaaah!
Kou: Ninetails was successfully defeated.
Kou: Thus our roles in a thousand-year-old destiny came to an end, and we each went our separate ways.
Kou: Yuel and Societte went with (Captain) to seek new adventures.
Kou: As for me, I sought out the other families in order to expose our kingdom's true history, so that Ninetails couldn't be resurrected a second time.
Kou: My journey went well. I was able to find every successor and tell them everything.
Kou: With the truth laid bare, there shouldn't be any royal families yearning for Ninetails's return.
Kou: It's about time I place a bookend on this journey. Maybe I'll hop onto (Captain)'s travels instead.
Kou: While that thought crossed my mind, I decided to pay a visit to the quiet countryside village of the second family's successor.
Kou: I wasn't prepared for what came next.
2nd Family Servant: Master Kou! Oh, Master Kou!
2nd Family Servant: You're not hurt, are you? What of your sacred treasure and Ninetails's flame?
Kou: Please calm down. I'm fine, and so is my treasure and flame. See?
2nd Family Servant: Oh, thank goodness you're safe!
Kou: This is a bit much for a welcome. Hm... Did something happen?
2nd Family Servant: Y-yes...
2nd Family Servant: The successor was attacked a few days ago!
Kou: What! Are they okay?
2nd Family Servant: Their life isn't in danger, but they still have yet to regain consciousness. The situation is extremely precarious.
Kou: Who would do such a thing?
2nd Family Servant: No one saw the culprit aside from the successor, so I will not add fuel to speculation.
2nd Family Servant: However, I am absolutely positive the attack was not driven by petty spite.
2nd Family Servant: The successor managed to whisper the following to me before losing consciousness...
2nd Family Servant: "My treasure and flame were stolen."
Kou: (Not just the sacred treasure but Ninetails's flame as well? How is that even possible? And if so, by whom?)
???: Hoo boy, do we have a huge problem on our hands!
2nd Family Servant: You're with the fourth family—gasp! Don't tell me your family fell victim too!
4th Family Servant: Huh? Y'all too? Someone also came after our successor!
4th Family Servant: They lost everything! The sacred treasure and their flame!
Kou: Even the fourth family?
4th Family Servant: It ain't just us. All the other families got hit too! This has never happened before!
Kou: Did you say all the families?
Kou: What about Societte and Yuel! Are they okay?
4th Family Servant: Um... Them two are the successors of the first and third families, yeah? Haven't heard a peep about 'em, but considerin' the hubbub that's goin' on...
Kou: Tch!
Kou: (We don't know anything about who attacked the successors nor why.)
Kou: (But that means Yuel and Societte are in danger!)
Kou: (Please, you two! Be safe until I get there!)
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 1: Burning on Empty - Episode 1
Kou is attacked on his way to Yuel and Societte. An indigo flame from the assailant's body burns through her rags, revealing ears and tails that are proof of her lineage as a successor.
Kou makes haste to Yuel and Societte's last known whereabouts. He learns from the Knickknack Shack that they're staying in a town with (Captain).
Running with all his might, he makes out the town gates up ahead, but he suddenly feels coldness on the back of his neck, not unlike someone pressing ice against it.
Kou: Gasp!
Kou instinctively ducks as sharp claws whistle over his head, grazing his ears.
Person in Rags: Tch.
Kou: What in the world are you doing, attacking someone without warning! Stop that!
Person in Rags: Humph!
Kou: You little—
Kou barely avoids being eviscerated by sinister claws that can easily tear through steel. His assailant is dressed in tatters.
Kou unsheathes his Scarlet Flash Blade, one of the sacred treasures, from the base of his umbrella and repels the unrelenting attacks.
Person in Rags: ...
Kou: Look, I'm in a hurry! I don't know who you are, but I don't have time to play with you!
Kou: If you insist on getting in my way, you leave me no choice but to use force!
Person in Rags: ...!
Person in Rags: Noying...
Kou: What?
Person in Rags: I said you're freaking annoying! Your voice makes my skin crawl! Just shut up already!
Kou: (Why get mad at me? What's wrong with this person?)
Kou: (And that voice... Sounds like that of a young girl.)
Person in Rags: Cram it, you old hag! I can do this! I'll kill him, so get off my case!
Person in Rags: I already devoured everyone else except for them! I'm through waiting! I can't take it anymore!
Kou: (Weird. It doesn't sound like those words are meant for me.)
Kou: (Just who is that person talking to then?)
Kou: (No. Maybe I should be asking "what" instead of who.)
Person in Rags: I've been waiting foreeeever for this!
Person in Rags: That's why I'm gonna start murdering right here!
Indigo flames engulf the assailant, their murderous intent burning equally as hot.
The flames burn away the ragged clothing, revealing the true identity of the person underneath.
Kou: It can't be!
Kou is shocked to see the telltale signs of a royal successor with one difference: foxlike ears, but six tails instead of one sprouting from a little girl.
Mysterious Girl: Hrrrgh!
Kou: You're a successor?
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 1: Burning on Empty - Episode 2
Kou attempts to seal the assailant's attacks with his Ebon Dance, only to be thwarted by her very own Void Dance. Filled with seething anger, the attacker imbues her claws with indigo flames before leaping at Kou.
Mysterious Girl: ...!
Kou: (This doesn't make any sense. I met all the successors, so how come I've never seen this girl before?)
Kou: (But those ears and tails prove she's a successor! Who is she?)
Mysterious Girl: Feh... That's right! You don't know a damn thing about me!
Mysterious Girl: But you on the other hand... Oh, I know every rotten detail about you!
Mysterious Girl: You... you evil villain!
Kou: A villain? W-wait a minute! I'm not—
Mysterious Girl: I don't wanna hear it! I'm gonna butcher you!
The girl plunges her arm into the indigo flames that cover her like a fiery cloak.
She pulls her hand back out from the blaze just as quickly, having retrieved a resplendent spear engraved with a crimson crest.
Kou: Scarlet Piercer! That's the second family's sacred treasure!
Mysterious Girl: Second Dance: Kemuri-Ame!
Kou: (Did she say Second Dance? She must've, because that's the color of the second sovereign's flame!)
Gripping the spear tightly, each dignified step she takes raises black smoke into the air.
The smoke forms into sharp spears and stab at Kou from above, a veritable rain of death.
Kou: Guh!
Kou dives across the ground and escapes his death sentence.
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk... Villains don't get to run away! They're supposed to die! I'll make sure of it!
The girl jams her spear into the flames and quickly pulls it out again.
But now the spear is gone, replaced by a giant axe.
Kou: Scarlet Cleaver. Sacred treasure of the fifth family.
Kou: I get it now. You're the one who attacked all the successors! The only villain here is you!
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk! Cut the crap! You'll always be the bad guy!
Mysterious Girl: Fifth Dance: Sairen!
Despite the axe being longer than her entire body, she swings it with ease, in time with her erratic footwork.
Kou feels the ground tremble beneath his feet as pillars of fire erupt from below.
Kou: Ugh!
Kou: (Not only is she effortlessly using the stolen dances and sacred treasures, but she's even mastered Ninetails's flames!)
Kou: (I've never heard of a successor with that much skill!)
Kou: (It's like fighting a group of successors all at once! I won't last long with this disadvantage.)
Kou: (But I doubt she's willing to let me simply walk away either. There's only one thing I can do!)
Kou: (Ninetails's flames are the source of her power. Extinguish them and this fight is over!)
Kou: Ebon Dance!
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk! How dare you...
Mysterious Girl: Aaargh! Don't even think about doing that dance in front of me!
Mysterious Girl: That's my dance! Mine! Stop that right now!
Kou: Your dance? What are you talking about?
Kou is so mystified by the girl's outburst that he unwittingly does as he's commanded.
Kou: Enough with the nonsense! Only members of the ninth family can inherit Ebon Dance!
Mysterious Girl: Shut up! Shut up, damn it! Why won't you just die! Let me lop off your head!
Mysterious Girl: Void Dance: Soshaku!
The girl discards the axe into her flame.
She focuses intently on Kou, indigo embers running along her sharp claws.
Kou: Void Dance?
Kou: Gasp!
Kou: My flames disappeared? It can't be...
Kou: Void Dance has the same power as Ebon Dance?
Mysterious Girl: Time to die! Die-die, bye-bye, wicked boy!
Mysterious Girl: You're all mine now! My claws will carve you into itty-bitty pieces!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 1: Burning on Empty - Episode 3
Kou, having his Ebon Dance canceled by the opponent's Void Dance, is about to suffer a finishing blow when Yuel and Societte come to the rescue. Enraged that Kou gets all the love, the assailant turns her attention to the newcomers.
Mysterious Girl: Diiiieee!
Kou: Agh...
Kou: (There's no denying it. Her Void Dance and my Ebon Dance have the same ability.)
Kou: (I can't dance anymore without Ninetails's flame.)
Kou: (But there's something else I want to know.)
Kou: Where did you learn that dance, and why does it act like Ebon Dance?
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk... Kill... Kill! Kill! Kill!
Kou: (She's not listening anymore...)
Mysterious Girl: Gaaaah!
The girl pounces at Kou, knocking his sword away with her ignited claws.
Kou: Damn—
Mysterious Girl: Raaagh!
She immediately follows up with a devastating kick that catches Kou squarely in the stomach.
Kou: Bwah!
Kou falls face-first into the dirt. The girl pins him down and starts ripping into his exposed legs.
Kou: Aaaagh!
Mysterious Girl: Let's see you try to run now! You're as good as dead!
The young girl raises her claws above her head, glaring down at Kou with her lips curled back in a vicious snarl.
Mysterious Girl: Go to hell!
Kou: Ngh...
Kou: (Huh? Nothing's happening?)
Still expecting a painful death that has yet to come, Kou cautiously opens his eyes.
Yuel: Kou! Are ya okay?
Yuel: Yer gonna be fine, ya hear? We're here to protect ya!
Kou: Yuel... Societte...
Standing by him are two Erunes. He sees the little girl struggling to get out of Yuel's grasp.
Mysterious Girl: Grrr! Let me go, damn it! Let! Me! Go!
Yuel: Yeah, like I'd take orders from you! Look what ya did to our little Kou!
Kou: What are you two doing here?
Yuel: We caught a whiff of ya headin' toward town, so we thought we'd wait there for ya.
Societte: But then you never showed up. We thought, "That's odd," so we came to investigate.
Yuel: Looks like we were right on the money. Well, wasn't expectin' this obviously.
Yuel: As fer you, missy. I don't know who or what yer deal is, but congratulations! You've earned yerself a spankin'!
Mysterious Girl: Shut up! Get your hands off me!
Flames break out across the girl's body, forcing Yuel to drop her captive.
Yuel: Yowie, that's hot. How's she doin' that?
Mysterious Girl: Yuel and Societte, huh? You both make me sick!
Societte: Have we met before? Then maybe you're a successor too... Why did you hurt Kou then?
Kou: She just... started attacking me... for no reason...
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk! Gah! Stupid! Why do you get all the love?
Mysterious Girl: Villains don't deserve to be loved! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Why does Kou get everything!
Mysterious Girl: I'll never, ever, ever forgive you! All of you must die!
Yuel: If ya can't use yer words like a big girl, then I guess we'll have to put ya in time-out!
Yuel: We're gonna have a nice, long chat after ya take a quick nappy.
Kou: Yuel... Don't underestimate her...
Kou: She's... Cough...
Societte: That's enough, Kou! Don't talk! We'll take care of everything.
Yuel: Yep, yep! No one's a match for the two of us!
Societte: Mm-hm! Yuel's right!
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk... Get out of my sight!
Gnashing her teeth, the girl readies her razor-sharp claws and leaps toward Yuel and Societte.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 1: Burning on Empty - Episode 4
After besting both Yuel and Societte, the assailant appears to have a conversation with some unknown presence before taking off. Kou falls unconscious from wounds suffered in battle; thankfully his fellow Erunes are there to take him to the Grandcypher.
Yuel and Societte coordinate their movements, dancing between the young girl's haphazard lunges and attacking when they catch her off-balance.
Though the girl avoids any serious injury, Societte and Yuel's attacks are clearly wearing her down.
Mysterious Girl: Huff... Huff... Curse you all...
Mysterious Girl: Always sticking together...
Kou: (That's weird...)
Kou: (Why didn't she use Void Dance this time?)
Kou: (That would've prevented Yuel and Societte from using their dances.)
Yuel: A deal's a deal! You're gonna tell us why ya beat up Kou. Fess up!
Mysterious Girl: Krrrk... Why protect someone like him... Why love someone like him...
Mysterious Girl: He's the villain! He took everything from me, even when I had nothing to begin with!
Kou: I did what to you?
Mysterious Girl: Huh? No, you shut up!
You: Don't call me that! My name is You! I'll kill you too, old hag!
Yuel: Excuse me? Who's an old hag! Watch yer mouth, kiddo! 'Sides, I'm more of the big sister type!
You: Why do you have to talk like that! Be quiet... I know! Aaargh!
Yuel: Um... Is she talkin' to someone else?
Kou: She's doing it again. She's talking to "something."
Societte: Something?
Yuel and Societte look at Kou in confusion. They take their eyes off the girl for only a second.
But that's all she needs to send up a fiery blast.
Yuel: Wha!
You: Next time I see you, you're dead! Don't disappoint me, Kou!
Yuel: Hey! Get back here!
Societte: She's gone...
Yuel: Aw, phooey! What the hay was that all about? I mean seriously!
Kou: Cough... Ngh...
Societte: Oh no! Kou!
Societte: His body is covered in wounds, Yuel!
Yuel: Why didn't ya say so sooner! Hang in there, Kou!
Yuel: Don't ya go dying on us now! We're gonna get help right away!
Yuel: Societte! Carry him back to (Captain)'s ship! I'll find us a doctor!
Societte nods, carefully loads Kou onto her back, and hurries off to the Grandcypher.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 2: Cursed by Nothingness - Episode 1
After waking up, Kou explains that the assailant, a girl named You, has been attacking successors all over. Having little other information to go on, Yuel suggests they go for a meal first. That's when Kou realizes his legs won't move.
Kou: Mm...
Societte: Kou! I'm so glad you made it through! Sniff...
Yuel: Sigh... Do ya enjoy oversleeping and makin' your big sisters worry, Mr. Sleepyhead?
Yuel: Buuut it's good to have ya back with us.
Kou: Societte... Yuel...
Choose: Morning, Kou.
Kou: (Captain)? Um, good morning to you too.
Kou: Er, why are you here? Wait, where am I?
Vyrn: Figures you wouldn't remember. You were unconscious when Societte carried you here. She was all cryin' and stuff.
Kou: She carried me after I blacked out? I see...
Vyrn: I can't believe this is how we're saying hello again after all this time. You were in bad shape.
Lyria: Well, at least you're awake. We can be thankful for that.
Kou: Thank you for helping me, everyone.
Vyrn: Guess we can't catch a break even on our downtime from doin' jobs.
Vyrn: So what did happen? Who put the hurt on you?
Kou: Well...
Kou recounts the events leading up to his attack.
He starts at the beginning, explaining that other successors were attacked and had their sacred treasures, dances, and flames stolen.
Concerned that Yuel and Societte were being targeted by the unknown assailant, he hurried to where (Captain) was staying.
As he approached the town, he was attacked by a young girl who called herself You. He reasons that she's the same person who attacked the other successors.
Yuel: Aw, Kou. So ya came because ya were worried about us, huh?
Yuel: Ahaha. Yer such a sweetie pie! Coochie-coochie!
Societte: Heehee, what a kind boy. Thank you, Kou. Here's a pat on the head for you.
Kou: Y-you're embarrassing me...
Vyrn: Hmm... So according to what happened to the other successors, this You person was trying to steal your treasure, dance, and flame?
Kou: Not exactly...
Lyria: Oh? How so?
Kou: Her attacks on all the other successors left them in a critical state of unconsciousness, but she didn't kill a single person.
Kou: But I felt she had a strong desire to kill me when I got ambushed.
Kou: The fact that she showed no attempt to steal my treasure or flame seems to support that.
Kou: This is no more than a hunch, but I think her initial targets were Yuel and Societte.
Kou: But then she happened across me first and attempted to kill me instead.
Vyrn: Sheesh, that's a crazy thing to get caught up in... What does she want then? The power of the successors or to see you dead?
Kou: I'm not sure myself.
Yuel: I'm just tryin' to figure out why she's got it out for ya in the first place.
Yuel: She called ya a villain, remember?
Societte: I can't imagine how anyone could call such a sweet boy a villain... What does it all mean?
Kou: I don't know. That was the first time I'd ever met her.
Lyria: Would a person call someone they've never met before a villain?
Kou: That's what I thought too, but the way she spoke to me, it sounded like she already knew a lot about me.
Vyrn: Wait, what? Well, maybe you have met her before but forgot.
Vyrn: If she's a successor too, both of you must've at least introduced yourselves or something. Nothin' pops into your head?
Kou: No, nothing at all.
Kou: I can't even tell which family she belongs to.
Kou: Normally I can figure it out with a quick look at their features. Whatever method she's using to steal the other successors' powers, maybe that collection of power is throwing me off.
Societte: Is there a family that possesses the ability to absorb the power of other successors?
Kou: Not any family that I know of...
Yuel: Hm... Then who the hay is this You girl? She's a total mystery!
Kou: Hmm...
You: Aaargh! Don't even think about doing that dance in front of me!
You: That's my dance! Mine! Stop that right now!
Kou: That reminds me of something else she said.
Kou: She claimed Ebon Dance belonged to her.
Kou: And that I took everything from her.
Kou: I keep turning her words over in my mind, but I can't make sense of them.
Yuel: So many questions and so little answers.
Yuel: Since we're talkin' mysteries, might as well toss another one onto the pile.
Yuel: During our fight it sounded like she wasn't talkin' directly at us but to "something" else.
Societte: Yeah. I almost missed it because it was so faint...
Societte: But I think I felt the presence of Ninetails.
Yuel: Wait, you too? I knew I recognized that gross, icky feelin' from somewhere!
Vyrn: Hold on! Ninetails should be history after we beat her last time!
Kou: Yeah, she should be...
Lyria: Gosh... Things are spiraling out of control.
Yuel: Okay! Listen up, people! When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin' to the nearest fish market! Stuffin' our bellies comes first!
Yuel: Didja know that each fish ya eat helps yer mind think faster?
Societte: Wow, I didn't know that! You're like a walking library, Yuel.
Vyrn: Uh-huh. If you're hungry, just say so.
Yuel: Ahaha! Busted! Then without further ado, let's get grubbin'!
Yuel: Gotta keep our spirits up in these tryin' times!
Societte: I'll bring you a delicious meal, Kou.
Kou: Thank you, but it's just a short walk. I can get it my—
Kou: Ow!
All the color drains from the boy's face as he stares intently at his legs, rubbing and tapping them to no avail.
Lyria: What's wrong, Kou?
Kou: It's my legs... I...
Kou: I can't move my legs...
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 2: Cursed by Nothingness - Episode 2
You tends to her wounds in the forest while conversing with Ninetails's voice. The beast gives her instructions to take Yuel's and Societte's powers, then to finish off Kou.
Meanwhile...
You: Wheeze... Seventh Dance: Houen.
A young girl performs a stolen dance, her face twisting in pain from injuries incurred in the previous battle.
A vermillion flame appears over her body, which slowly heals her wounds.
You: Huff... Huff... Damn, it hurts...
Ninetails: Welly, welly, that does look painful.
Ninetails: And whose fault was it to get hurt for no reason, I wonder? I warned a fool, but she wouldn't listen.
You: Shut up...
Ninetails: I've said so many times before, You. It's too early to face Kou.
Ninetails: I need the power of all the other families first. Yuel and Societte are the remaining two. Save Kou for last.
You: Tch. What a pain.
Ninetails: You're one to talk. Why must my power dwell within incompetence personified?
Ninetails: Even that sliver you call a brain should be able to understand your folly.
Ninetails: I may have been less than perfect at the time, but those three were still able to defeat me once. What chance do you stand on a level playing field?
You: I know that already! I'm so sick of your blah-blah-blah!
Ninetails: Temper, temper, little idiot. Empty vessels make the loudest sounds. Ah, but "worthless vessel" suits you better.
You: Argh! I told you not to call me that!
Ninetails: If you hate it so much, then I suggest you get the job done right next time.
Ninetails: Devour Yuel and Societte. Strip them of their power.
Ninetails: Only then can you rip apart that detestable Kou. Keeheehee, I don't think you have it in you though.
You: I'll show you! Don't underestimate me! I'll end their lives the next time I see them!
Ninetails: I'm not done speaking, fool. Let me finish.
Ninetails: How did it feel to lose? Realize that you can't win against those three.
You: Huh? Then what exactly am I supposed to do!
Ninetails: Think about it for yourself. The seeds have already been planted.
You: What seeds?
Ninetails: Keeheehee, that should make it harder for them to do anything for the time being.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 2: Cursed by Nothingness - Episode 3
Kou's symptoms only get worse as the days pass. Yuel and Societte try to cure his legs with dances but to no avail. Kou, who originally meant to rush to their aid at the outset of it all, is dismayed that he is only causing them trouble.
Kou's legs show no signs of improvement even after a number of days have gone by.
Quite the opposite. His condition grows worse by the day, charcoal-black bruising beginning to creep across his legs.
The doctor that Yuel fetched identifies the cause of the spreading blackness as a curse, which can't be lifted via conventional medical treatment.
Yuel: When didja get cursed?
Kou: Probably during the fight when You tore at my legs.
Kou: I can feel traces of Ninetails's aura coming from my wounds. That could be You's handiwork.
Societte: Well, if the source of the curse is Ninetails's power, wouldn't my dance be able to heal you?
Lyria: Oh, that's right! Societte's dance has the power to pacify Ninetails's flames! I think it could work!
Yuel: That sounds like a swell plan. I'll help too by changing into my sacred treasure!
Yuel: With Scarlet Robe's power and Societte's dance combined, you'll be out of bed in no time! I mean, not even Ninetails herself stood a chance against us!
Kou: Thanks, you two.
After Yuel changes, she and Societte begin their dances.
Unfortunately Kou's legs remain lifeless.
Vyrn: Doesn't look like it worked...
Kou: ...
Kou: I'm sorry for being a burden on everyone...
Societte: Nonsense! You are not a burden to anyone!
Yuel: We're practically yer big sisters! This is what big sisses do!
Kou: Thanks, all the same. I'm a little tired. Can I just close my eyes for a bit?
Vyrn: Sure, go for it! Get all the shut eye you need!
Lyria: Sleep tight, Kou.
Kou: Good night.
As soon as the others leave the room, they overhear Kou talking to himself. Even on the other side of the door, they can hear a quiver in his voice.
Kou: I'm so pathetic. I came here to help them, not lie in bed, causing grief...
All Four: ...
Societte: How could such tragedy befall such a sweet boy? All he wanted to do was help us.
Yuel: Takin' away his ability to walk is unforgivable!
Choose: We have to get him back on his feet.
Societte: Yeah. We have to help Kou.
Lyria: Right! It's too early to tell now, but I'm sure we'll find a cure if everyone helps out in the search!
Vyrn: Yep! All hands on deck!
And with that, the crew begin their search for a way to cure Kou's legs.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 2: Cursed by Nothingness - Episode 4
(Captain) and company split up and look for ways to undo the curse on Kou. Societte musters the courage to enter a bar alone and beats a man known as Buck Bronco in a drinking contest in hopes of gathering more info. The embarrassed and enraged Buck Bronco charges at her.
Societte: E-excuse me...
Societte: (Aw... No one's willing to listen to me. They don't even stop to look at me.)
Societte: (I can't let this happen. I told the others I wouldn't.)
Hours earlier...
Yuel: Yer gonna gather info by yourself?
Societte: It'd be more efficient for us to split up, don't you think?
Vyrn: Yeah, probably. I'm worried about your social anxiety though. You gonna be okay on your own?
Societte: I'll do my best! How can I worry about being shy when Kou is in so much pain?
Yuel: Wow... You've grown up, Societte.
Yuel: Okey-dokey! Let's split up! We're countin' on ya, Societte!
Societte: Okay!
Yuel: But if somethin' happens, call me over, 'kay? Don't get taken in by bad people, ya hear?
Vyrn: What are you, her chaperone? That being said, Societte does have a history of getting tricked by fraudsters...
Societte: I-I've learned my lesson. Probably...
Lyria: Ahaha... Probably, she says...
Societte: (I have to do something. Maybe my voice is too quiet. I could try being a bit louder...)
Societte: E-excuse me!
Town Folk: Whoa!
Societte: (Oh no, oh no... Th-that was too loud... What's wrong with me?)
Townsman 1: Uh, what's up? Sounds like you got something to say.
Societte: Oh! U-um... well... erm...
Townsman 2: Haha, take your time. You're all shaken up. Did something happen?
Societte: Y-yes! I... I have a problem!
Societte explains the situation to the kind pedestrians.
Townsman 1: Oof, that sounds rough. You ever heard of craziness like that?
Townsman 2: Nope. But if there's anyone that knows anything, they're probably gathered at the usual spot.
Societte: The usual spot? Wh-where might that be?
Townsman 2: There's a bar outside of town. That's where information dealers like to hang out.
Societte: Then I'll pay this bar a visit! Thank you so much for your help!
Townsman 1: You're technically right. That place does handle info, but isn't it also a den of lowlifes?
Townsman 2: Bahaha! I want to see how that timid little mouse handles herself in there.
Townsman 1: Man, you are twisted in the head. Guess we oughta go keep an eye on her, huh?
Townsman 2: Pffhaha! Look who's talking!
Societte arrives at the bar and steps into a raucous environment of hardened men shouting and drinking.
The young woman is taken aback by what she's stumbled into, but she gathers her courage and explains to the bargoers why she's here.
One of the burly men gestures to Societte and walks over to her.
Big, Strong Man: Don't know 'bout that bruising you mentioned, but I can tells you how to lift any curse you want.
Societte: Really? Oh, please! You have to tell me!
Big, Strong Man: Sure, no problem. So you gots something to offer in return?
Societte: Something to offer?
Big, Strong Man: The hell do you think I'm running, a charity? I don't got time to deal with moochers.
Societte: I-I beg your pardon. I will gladly pay for your information, so...
Big, Strong Man: Good. Now we're talking. I think this is fair, hey?
The man extends one finger in the air, but Societte doesn't seem to understand.
Societte: Oh, okay... Here you are.
Big, Strong Man: All right, a prompt payer! I like that—
Big, Strong Man: The hell? One rupie! Even brats got more pocket change than that! You gotta be kidding me!
Big, Strong Man: Everyone in this business knows one finger means one hundred million! Non-negotiable! So don't screw with me!
Societte: O-one hundred million! There's no way I can afford that...
Townsman 1: Haha, didn't take long for the show to start. Man, that's some bad luck though, squaring off against Buck Bronco.
Townsman 2: Bahaha! What kind of business charges that much anyhow? He's living in a dream world!
Townsman 1: Yeah, but one rupie though? That's just as ignorant. You gotta be living in a bubble to not know how the real world works.
Buck Bronco: No dough, no info.
Societte: W-wait! There's somebody I have to save no matter what!
Societte: So please... I'm begging you...
Buck Bronco: All right, all right already. You've twisted my arm. Guess we'll settle this with a wager.
Societte: A wager?
Buck Bronco: Hey, barkeep! Get the glasses out!
The grinning barkeep nods and plunks a large bottle of drink along with two smaller glasses on the table.
Societte: Y-you mean you're challenging me to a drinking contest?
Buck Bronco: Got that right! The rules are simple: whoever drinks the most of this special brew wins!
Buck Bronco: If you win, I'll tell you what you wanna know. But if I win... Well. You'll have to follow my rules. Catch my drift?
Buck Bronco: Gahaha!
Societte: I-I accept your challenge. I'll do my best.
Townsman 1: Poor thing. She's got zero chance of beating the biggest drinker in town.
Townsman 2: Yep. She's done for.
Buck Bronco: I'll kick things off with the first glass!
Glug, glug! Aaah! Tasty!
Glug, glug! Aaah! Tasty!
Societte: ...
Societte: (What should I do? I wanted to help Kou so badly that I kinda got caught up in the moment...)
Societte: (Yuel and I used wine to make pillow kebab sauce, but I've never actually drank before...)
Societte: (Wait...)
Yuel: Look what I got, Societte! It's my secret weapon for bringin' out flavor!
Societte: That's wine! You're always ahead of the curve, Yuel. So sophisticated.
Yuel: Ahaha, I think you've got the wrong idea. This isn't for drinkin', ya know. It goes into the sauce!
Yuel: Followed by a foxflame sear!
Societte: Wow! You're burning the sauce directly!
Yuel: That way the stuff that makes ya tipsy gets vaporized while leavin' behind the wine flavor!
Yuel: A normal flame takes a while, but our foxflames burn it off in an instant!
Societte: Ooh, I see... Gosh, Yuel, you know just about everything. You're so cool.
Yuel: Hehehe, quit makin' me blush, will ya? All yer compliments will only get ya a skewer!
Societte: (If I use Yuel's technique, then the effects of the alcohol shouldn't hit me.)
Societte: (But isn't that cheating? I'll become a naughty girl...)
Buck Bronco: What, givin' up already? I'm on my tenth glass, just so you know!
Societte: Oh no! I'm not giving up!
Societte: (I'm sorry to do this!
Ignite!)
Ignite!)
Societte covers the glass with her hands so that no one can see. As she brings it to her lips, she flares her foxflame for an instant before downing the drink.
With the alcohol evaporated, all that's left is sweetness.
Societte: Gulp...
Societte: Oh! This really is delicious! One more glass please!
Buck Bronco: Hahaha! Not bad, missy! Someone top me off!
Societte: Glug, glug... Phew... Next.
Buck Bronco: Unngh... Th-this isn't happening... I'm supposed to... Urp...
A large crowd has gathered around the two contestants, drawn by Societte's amazing intake capabilities.
Townsman 1: This has got to be some kinda joke. How many dozens of glasses has she gulped down?
Buck Bronco: Urp... Urgh... Blegh...
Societte: Huh? Does that mean I won?
Townsman 1: Holy crap! I can't believe she did it! Hot damn!
Townsman 2: Well, that's a first. Still, you're pretty lame, Buck. All bark and no bite.
Buck Bronco: Shut your traps! And you! Fox girl! Urp! I'll teach you to make a fool outta Buck Bronco!
Buck Bronco: Ugh... Forget the wager! I'm taking you down!
Societte: Huh? Um, let's not be hasty—
Buck Bronco: Burp... Who's being hasty!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 2: Cursed by Nothingness - Episode 4: Scene 2
Buck Bronco is so taken with Societte's honesty when she reveals her secret to winning the drinking contest that he tells her about the secret island of cleansing, Mimaka.
Buck Bronco: Damn... Can't handle the drink... Can't handle her toughness neither...
Buck Bronco: You trounced me good, Big Sis! Please treat me as if I were your little bro!
Societte: Er, I'm sorry? Big Sis? Little bro?
Buck Bronco: Yeah. I've never suffered such an utter defeat at the hands of anyone till you came along!
Buck Bronco: I should be down about losing, but, man, do I feel refreshed!
Societte: Ooh...
Buck Bronco: Big Sis! You gots my respect! I'll tells you whatever you want to know!
Buck Bronco: Uh... Wh-why are you crying? Crap! Did you get hurt!
Societte: Sniff... No, it's not that...
Societte: I did something really naughty... Sniff... I cheated...
Buck Bronco: Huh?
Societte: I really needed... your information to help a young boy... but I've never drank before...
Societte: I used my foxflame to burn off all the alcohol... Sniff...
Societte: Mr. Bronco... I hope you can forgive me...
Societte: Let me buy the information from you. I don't know how I'll get one hundred million rupies, but I'll figure out a way.
Buck Bronco: Waaah! Big Sis, you're a shining angel sent from above!
Societte: Huh?
Buck Bronco: In this business, lies and deceit are just par for the course. No one gives a crap about hurt feelings.
Buck Bronco: But you're different, Big Sis... One hoodwink was alls it took to make you feel bad and cry.
Buck Bronco: That's the mark of pure innocence. You'd never stoop to getting your hands dirty.
Buck Bronco: But you forced yourself to do it anyway... All for the sake of helping someone else!
Buck Bronco: You're A-okay in my book, Big Sis! You'll get your info, no strings attached!
Townsman 1: Are you serious, Bronco? You're gonna let a cheater walk away scot-free with the goods?
Societte: He's right. Are you sure you don't want the money?
Buck Bronco: Heh! Nope! It's my fault for not catching on to your trick in the first place!
Townsman 2: Haha, Bronco the Reformed, huh? Give that man an award for good sportsmanship! Guess you're actually a pretty cool guy!
Buck Bronco: Psh, knock it off, will you? All right, Big Sis. You wanted to know how to lift curses, right?
Buck Bronco: So there's this secret island called Mimaka. They say it's a place that cures people who suffer from unexplained illnesses and curses.
Buck Bronco: Not many people know about the little island, but there seems to be a mysterious hot spring that weakens blights.
Societte: Mimaka, a secret island that breaks curses... I'm sure this island could help Kou...
Societte: Thank you very much, sir! You've really helped me out!
Buck Bronco: No problem, Big Sis! Hope that boy of yours makes a full recovery!
Societte: Really, I can't thank you enough, Mr. Bronco! I'll come see you again some time!
Buck Bronco: Haha, I'll be here as always!
Societte hurries back to the Grandcypher to deliver the vital information she has learned.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 3: Mimaka, Land of Cleansing - Episode 1
Having arrived at Mimaka Island, Yuel gives Kou a piggyback ride to a nearby hot spring. His cheeks flush red when the locals mistake him and Yuel for siblings.
Thanks to Societte's efforts, the crew sets a course for the secret island of Mimaka.
They head for the busiest looking town as soon as they land.
Yuel: Wowie! This is one fine lookin' mystery town!
Societte: Look at all the butterflies fluttering here and there among the pretty flowers. It's like a scene from a picture book.
Kou's Voice: Y-yeah, it really is...
Lyria: Sniff, sniff... Ooh! Something smells delicious coming from that stand over there!
Yuel: Sniff, sniff... Mmm! You're so right, Lyria! Let's go, Kou!
Kou's Voice: O-okay...
Societte: What a beautiful kimono shop. Say, (Captain), don't you think Kou would look nice in that?
Kou: Ugh...
Vyrn: What's goin' on with you, Kou? You've been on edge ever since we got here.
Kou: How can I not be?
Kou: This is way too embarrassing! Please set me down.
Yuel: No way, buster. Ya can't even stand up on yer own!
Kou: Yeah, I know, but... Ugh. I'm too old for this...
Yuel: No buts. Give it up and behave.
Societte: This is not okay, Yuel...
Kou: Societte...
Societte: You can't keep him to yourself! I want to give him a piggyback ride too.
Kou: Sigh. I thought you were on my side.
Kou: And why are you acting jealous anyway?
Choose: Do you want to carry him too, Lyria?
Lyria: Wh-what? Me, c-carry Kou?
Lyria: Actually, I don't know if I'm strong enough to hold him, but I'll certainly give it a try!
Kou: Um, no, you don't have to. Really. Please don't say weird stuff like that, Lyria.
Choose: I'll tag in later.
Yuel: Oho? (Captain) wants a piece of the Kou pie, eh? Well, tough patooties. He belongs to me.
Kou: Why do you have to say it like that! Since when do I belong to you?
Societte: He's right, Yuel! That's not fair! Kou belongs to everybody!
Kou: You're not getting it... I don't belong to anybody! I'm my own man!
Continue 1Kou: Look, let's get to the hot spring quickly before anyone else sees—
Mimaka Resident: Aw, what a pair of close siblings we have here! Y'all are too cute, heehee!
Kou: Sigh... Too late...
Yuel: Mm-hm, so cute you wanna eat him up. His name is Kou. Say hi to the nice lady, Kou.
Kou: Give me a break. And stop treating me like I'm a toddler.
Societte: Come on, Yuel. I think you've had enough fun bullying Kou. I'm confiscating him from you.
Kou: Why do you keep referring to me like I'm someone's plaything!
Kou: And don't make up excuses so you can carry me!
Kou: Let's just... Can we just hurry up, please?
Yuel: Ahaha. Sorry. 'Kay-'kay! Onward to the hot spring!
Finally to Kou's relief, the crew begin their search for the healing waters.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 3: Mimaka, Land of Cleansing - Episode 2
At the hot spring resort, Yuel and Societte are eager to help Kou into the hot spring since he is still unable to walk. However, the innkeeper has her professional washers take Kou away to a separate place for a thorough cleaning.
Innkeeper: Warmest welcomes, my dears. Have you come to have a soak? Well then, enjoy your stay.
Yuel: You got it! We made it, Kou!
Kou: Yeah, after everyone saw me being lugged around like a baby...
Vyrn: Hey, don't get so down. Big boys don't cry.
Kou: I already lost my dignity!
Lyria: Well, look on the bright side. Once you slip into the hot spring and get healed, you won't have to be carried around anymore!
Yuel: Huh? The piggyback rides aren't gonna stop because he can walk again. It's so comfy havin' him on my back!
Kou: Please have mercy on me...
Yuel: Ahaha, I'm just pullin' yer tail! You're a prankster's dream!
Kou: Can we not? I'd like to get in the water as soon as possible.
Vyrn: Uh-huh. And how do you plan on getting in exactly?
Kou: What do you mean? I'll wade in and—
Kou: Oh.
Lyria: Hm, he can't go in if he can't walk or stand under his own power...
Societte's Voice: Leave that to me!
Lyria: Was that Societte? Speaking of which, she seems to have gone off somewhere...
Vyrn: Where did you go, Soci—ah, there you are. What's with the getup?
Societte: Heehee. Does it look good on me? It's sacred clothing that you wear when purifying the mind and body while bathing or meditating under a waterfall.
Societte: Wearing this while dancing is said to alleviate minor pain and illnesses of others.
Societte: My mother gave it to me when I was a little girl. I've kept it in storage for a long time.
Yuel: Ooh-wee! Lookin' good, Societte! I wanna try it on too!
Kou: Yes, it does look quite nice on you. So why are you wearing a bath robe?
Societte: Erm... Well...
Societte's cheeks flush red as she slowly slips off her outer garment.
Kou: No way...
Vyrn: Yep. That's what you gotta wear if you wanna get in the water.
Kou: Please tell me you're not thinking about getting in with me, are you?
Kou: No way, no how! You can't! Th-that's not allowed!
Kou: Because I'm a guy! And you're a... I-it's against the rules!
Yuel: Heh-heh-heh... You're so cute when you're panicking.
Yuel: It's not like she's gonna be in her birthday suit. I'm gonna get changed too. Let's all play nice and relax!
Kou: Huh? And Yuel? You're making it worse!
Yuel: What's the big deal? Like I said, we're all gonna be wrapped up anyhow. Get yer mind outta the gutter.
Kou: Wha? Th-that's not... I mean, I wasn't... That's not the issue!
Kou: Men and women aren't allowed into the same bath together! That's what I'm trying to get at here!
Lyria: But this is the only way...
Kou: That's true, but...
Yuel: Or maybe he doesn't like spendin' time with his big sisters.
Yuel: That really hurts... I feel like I'm gonna break down and cry. Doesn't it hurt, Societte?
Societte: You don't like us, Kou? I'm so sorry... Sniff...
Kou: What? No! I never said that—
Yuel: Oh, okay! Then we're comin' in!
Kou: Errrgh! That's not fair...
Vyrn: Yuel's totally got his number.
Lyria: Ahaha...
Kou: Fine, I give up. You can come in with me.
Societte: Really? Heehee, yay! We'll be nice and gentle.
Kou: At least blindfold me or something...
Yuel: Ahaha! I said we'll be wearin' stuff!
Innkeeper: Now, now, he's had enough teasing for one day. I have an idea you might like.
Innkeeper: I offer a special service for people who have trouble moving on their own. Care to try it, boy?
Kou: What kind of special service?
Innkeeper: Show yourselves, lads. It's your time to shine.
Washers: Yo!
Societte: Who might these people be?
Innkeeper: They are the washers. They help bathe handicapped guests with spirit and aplomb.
Yuel: Yer not kiddin'. I can feel their burning passion from way over here.
Washers: This way, boy!
Kou: Hey! You don't have to pull—
Kou's Voice: Waaaah!
Yuel: And there he goes, spirited away.
Societte: Aw, I unpacked my outfit for nothing.
Vyrn: Hahaha...
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 3: Mimaka, Land of Cleansing - Episode 3
The sensation in Kou's legs begins to return after a thorough soak in the hot spring. Then (Captain) and company help the kitchen staff make a special therapy course meal for all.
Before long, the washers return carrying Kou on their shoulders.
They seat Kou, who appears relaxed but out of it, gingerly onto a chair.
Washers: The boy has been washed!
Innkeeper: Very good. Take a break.
Washers: Right away!
Kou: ...
Lyria: Kou? Are you all right?
Kou: Wha? Yes, I'm fine. I think.
Innkeeper: How do your legs feel now, boy?
Kou: Now that you mention it, I think some of the feeling has come back thanks to applying heat.
Societte: Really? Can we see?
Yuel: Oh, hey! The bruising's gotten smaller! Mimaka's hot spring is as advertised!
Lyria: It's still probably too soon for you to stand up though.
Kou: Yeah. The feeling is back, but I can't move them very well yet.
Vyrn: Hmm... Guess it isn't gonna be that simple.
Yuel: Well, wouldn't another dip into the water solve the problem?
Innkeeper: Unfortunately not even Mimaka's hot spring can literally wash your problems away.
Innkeeper: I recommend Mimaka's traditional therapy meal instead.
Kou: That sounds great for illnesses, but will it work on curses as well?
Innkeeper: Haha, the Mimaka therapy meal is no ordinary dish.
Innkeeper: A divine source spreads throughout Mimaka's underground like the veins in your body, purifying the entire island.
Innkeeper: It makes the soil fertile, producing rich crops and herbs that cleanse evil and disease.
Innkeeper: Of course the fish and animals that feed off this vegetation receive the exact same benefits, becoming packed with purifying nutrients.
Societte: Wow, this land is amazing.
Vyrn: That's weird though. You'd think an incredible island like this would be more famous.
Innkeeper: We keep a low profile, otherwise the truly needy would be unable to receive treatment due to overcrowding.
Kou: That's why it's called a secret island.
Innkeeper: Well? Will you try our food?
Vyrn: Of course he will! If you get the chance to try something, might as well go all in!
Innkeeper: Very good. I'll have it prepared for you. Feel free to rest in the meantime.
Yuel: Hang on a tick, ma'am! Is it hard to make therapy food? Could we make it too?
Innkeeper: Hm. If I were to teach you, I think you could make it on your own.
Societte: Th-then is it okay if we help you? We'd like to cook for Kou.
Societte: And if everyone pitches in, we'll finish cooking a whole lot faster. I want Kou to get better as soon as possible.
Kou: Societte...
Lyria: Then we're glad to roll up our sleeves too! Right, (Captain)?
Vyrn: Yeah! Just tell us what to do and we'll do it!
Innkeeper: Is that so? Good enough for me. You can never have too many hands in the kitchen.
Innkeeper: You're a lucky boy to be loved so dearly.
Kou: ...
Yuel: Hold on, Kou! Delicious food is on the way!
Kou: S-sure. Thanks.
Kou watches as the elderly lady and the crew head into the kitchen, his lips curling into a small smile.
Kou: (I really am lucky...)
Kou: (From being raised as a sacrificial vessel for Ninetails to having all these wonderful friends...)
Kou: (Back then I couldn't even dream of this happening to me.)
Kou: (Yuel, Societte, (Captain) and the crew...)
Kou: (Thank you all. I can never thank—)
Kou: ...!
Kou is overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude for the people in his life, until he's interrupted by a flash of bloodlust coming from outside the window.
He whips his head to the window, but no one is there.
Kou: Was it just my imagination?
Eventually a fragrant smell grows stronger as the crew returns with Kou's food.
Yuel: Thanks fer yer patience! One steamin' hot meal chock full o' love and nutrients is served!
Kou: Wow... The meat and fish look so good. And you even made braised bean curd!
Kou: I assumed the ingredients would be pretty common, but this is more like a fancy meal.
Innkeeper: Hahaha. Mimaka's therapy meal isn't just good for you, it features top-class presentation and taste.
Innkeeper: That aside, I'd say the effort your friends put into making it is what really elevates it.
Vyrn: The old lady taught (Captain) and Lyria how to stew the meat!
Lyria: Heehee, I hope it's okay if we had a little taste. Wasn't the meat just the tenderest thing ever, (Captain)?
Yuel: Eh, I wouldn't call it a little taste. There'd have been nothin' left to serve if we hadn't stopped ya.
Lyria: Ahaha... See! That's how tasty it was! I think you're going to like it, Kou.
Kou: Haha, I can't wait to dig in.
Yuel: You can thank me for fryin' up that fishy! Masterfully seared with my foxflame, topped with Mimaka's organic herbs and spices!
Yuel: Crispy on the outside, juicy-wuicy on the inside! It'll light up yer taste buds!
Kou: You were always good at cooking fish, Yuel. It looks great.
Kou: So that means the bean curd was made by...
Societte: Me. If I remember correctly, you like bean curd as much as I do, right?
Societte: I let the tofu simmer in vegetable broth to get it extra fluffy.
Kou: How long has it been since I had braised bean curd... Drool...
Societte: Heehee, go for it, Kou. Before it gets cold.
Yuel: Say "ah."
Kou: I can feed myself! See? My arms can still move!
Yuel: Oh no ya don't, haha! Patients need to respect the doctor's orders!
Societte: Let yourself relax, okay? Here, open wide...
Kou: Two against one...
Lyria: Teehee, you're all so close.
Vyrn: It's like watching actual siblings in action. But, uh, maybe a little too much bullying?
(Captain) grins, nodding in total agreement with Vyrn.
A red-faced Kou eventually relents and allows the two ladies to feed him.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 3: Mimaka, Land of Cleansing - Episode 4
After the meal, Yuel and Societte use their dances to purify Kou's legs further, allowing him to stand again. Just then, a strange creature giving off Ninetails's aura surfaces in the vicinity. It shrugs off the crew's attacks, focusing entirely on setting fire to the civilian houses.
After consuming the love-filled meal, the dark mark on Kou's legs disappear.
However, Yuel and Societte can still feel traces of Ninetails's power emanating from his legs.
The two girls start their dances in the hopes that it may weaken that power.
Yuel: A little more oomph now! Crimson Dance: Rinen!
Societte: Leave the treatment to your big sisters! Alabaster Dance: Tenka.
Their dances cause red and blue flames to gently embrace Kou as he sits in a chair.
Kou: ...
Once the flames subside, Kou slowly wobbles to his feet.
Kou: I did it! I stood up!
Lyria: Yay! You're cured!
Vyrn: Phew! Finally. Congrats, buddy!
Yuel: Mm-hm. That's super-duper.
Societte: Yuel! What's wrong—
Kou: Yuel! Societte!
Lyria: Are you two okay? Where does it hurt?
Yuel: Nah, just a little dizzy is all.
Societte: Yeah... My head is kind of woozy.
Societte: I think we used up more energy than we thought in the last dance trying to get rid of Ninetails's power.
Yuel: I can barely lift a finger. Ah well. Nothin' a quick nap can't fix.
Kou: I'm sorry you had to push yourselves so hard for me.
Yuel: Wouldja stop with the sorries? What did we teach ya last time?
Kou: ...?
Kou: Oh. Haha. Oh yeah.
Kou: Thank you, Sister Yuel. Sister Societte.
Societte: Kou? Did you just call us sister?
Kou: Urk! It kinda slipped out, but I didn't mean it like that.
Yuel: Oh really? Then how do ya mean it? We're all ears.
Kou: Gulp...
Yuel: Haha, you're too cute fer yer own good.
Yuel: Whew. I'm bushed. Gonna go change into somethin' more comfy.
Yuel: The Scarlet Robe keeps drainin' my energy.
Vyrn: I know you guys are close, but don't forget about us either.
Kou: I'd never forget about you guys! I appreciate (Captain) and everyone in the crew with all my heart!
Kou: Thank you, all. I owe you so much—
Kou is about to offer a bow of thanks when an explosion outside rocks the entire inn.
Mimaka Resident 1: What was that?
Mimaka Resident 2: Aaaaah!
Yuel: What the hay was that!
Societte: It can't be... How could we have missed this?
Kou: It's Ninetails's aura! And it's getting closer!
Vyrn: Seriously? Stay sharp, (Captain)!
(Captain) gives a curt nod, and they all sprint outside.
Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh...
Kou: What the? That's not Ninetails...
Societte: No, it's not, but it is giving off a strange aura that feels likes Ninetails.
Yuel: Let's leave that aside for now! It's makin' a huge mess out here! We gotta put a stop to that!
Lyria: Right! Let's go, (Captain)!
(Captain) rushes at the strange creature that is attacking innocent townspeople and slashes it.
Burning Indigo: Urrrgh?
Mimaka Resident 1: Back off! Stay the hell away from me!
Lyria: Nothing happened?
(Captain) definitely landed a strike on the creature, but it simply eyes the captain before going after other residents.
Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh!
The creature's assault continues unabated, the flames spewing from its body igniting the buildings of Mimaka.
Mimaka Resident 2: Agh! That's my house!
Societte: Get back! I'll put it out! Alabaster Dance!
Societte's cold flames smother the offending flames, putting them out.
Yuel: You go, Societte! As for that thing, it's only gonna get worse if we don't do somethin'!
Vyrn: I don't get it! It's totally ignoring us and going for innocent people and homes instead!
Lyria: The whole town will be up in flames if it doesn't stop.
Kou: That's not going to happen! (Captain)! Let's put it down!
Gripping the sword even tighter, (Captain) launches at the rampaging creature.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 4: What's Done Is Done - Episode 1
The ballooned creature splits up into multiple smaller ones. Though curious as to why the creatures ignore them, the crew acts quickly to put a stop to the menace and extinguish the fires.
Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh...
Yuel: Phew. Finally behavin' yerself.
Societte: That's a relief. The townspeople and the town's buildings are safe as well.
Kou: But I wonder why it was targeting them.
Societte: Hm...
Yuel: Eh, at least we took it down. Ain't that good enough?
Burning Indigo: Unghh...
The creature suddenly balloons to a shocking size.
Kou: What!
It emits a brilliant blue flash that drowns out Kou's voice.
Then the creature bursts in an instant, casting a shower of sparks over a wide area.
The feeble sparks writhe around briefly before coalescing into the shape of yet another strange creature.
Little Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh...
Lyria: It got smaller...
Vyrn: But now there's more of 'em!
Little Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh!
Taking advantage of the crew's shock, the creatures slip pass them and head for the houses.
Yuel: Stop right there! Yer beef is with us!
Little Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh!
Mimaka Resident 1: What in the—gyaaah!
Mimaka Resident 2: Eeek! Help! Someone put out the fires!
Mimaka Resident 3: Water! Get some water! Hurry before we all burn to death!
Societte: Why are they still attacking the town!
Vyrn: This is bad, guys! The town is startin' to burn again!
Yuel: We gotta stop those things and put those flames out!
Yuel: No way are we gonna let 'em burn down the town that saved our Kou!
Societte: Right!
Lyria: This is our fight too, (Captain)!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 4: What's Done Is Done - Episode 2
The Erune trio deals with the creatures while the rest of the crew evacuates the townspeople. All the while, Kou remains suspicious of the creatures' activity.
Yuel and Societte: Haah!
Little Burning Indigo: Ungh...
Yuel and Societte use the power of their dances to fell the flame-born creatures, simultaneously extinguishing the fires burning around town.
Lyria: There are no fires over here, everyone! Please stay calm and evacuate this way!
Vyrn: Don't worry! We'll take care of those weird things!
(Captain) and Lyria lead the evacuation effort while holding off the creatures.
Amid the chaos, Kou uses Ebon Dance to extinguish the creatures and their flames, but he remains unsettled.
Kou: (Something's not right about this. What do they want? Why are they attacking the town?)
Kou: (While they do sort of respond to our attacks...)
Kou: (It seems like their real focus is to stir up confusion by aiming for the people and buildings. But why?)
Kou: (And why does it make me so nervous? It's almost as if something big is about to unfold.)
Little Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh...
Kou: Urk! Crap!
Kou's lapse in focus allows a creature to take an open shot at the boy. Luckily (Captain) is quick to dispatch the creature.
Kou: Thank you, (Captain).
Kou: My head is filled with so many questions, but I have to concentrate on what's in front of me.
Kou: Let's do this, (Captain)!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 4: What's Done Is Done - Episode 3
When Kou sees Yuel and Societte enter the forest to continue the relief effort, he realizes they are being led into a trap. The crew rush to their rescue but are halted by a formless manifestation of Ninetails.
Little Burning Indigo: Nrrrgh...
Vyrn: Okay, guys... This time... I think that's all of 'em...
Kou: ...
Thanks to the quick actions of (Captain) and the others, all the flames are put out with minimal damage to the town and its residents.
They enjoy a deserved respite, knowing that all the creatures have also been defeated.
Kou: (I don't know why, but I can't shake this nagging feeling.)
Kou: (It's the same feeling I got when I visited the second successor's village.)
Kou: Hm?
Kou: Where did Yuel and Societte go?
Lyria: They saw that the forest was on fire, so they went to put it out.
Kou: Just the two of them in the forest? Oh no!
Kou: (Captain)! I think we've fallen into a trap!
Kou: Yuel and Societte are in danger! We have to get to them right now!
Vyrn: Wait, say that again?
Kou: There's no time! I'll explain on the way—
???: You're too late, I'm afraid.
Kou: That voice...
Kou's entire body trembles the moment an all-too-familiar voice hits his ears.
Kou: Ninetails!
Ninetails: Long time no see, Kou.
Vyrn: That's impossible! You lost back then! How'd you get revived?
Kou: No. She hasn't been resurrected yet.
Lyria: Then how come we can see her in front of us?
Kou: We're looking at a tulpa. A kind of bodiless manifestation.
Kou: Luckily it can't do much of anything.
Ninetails: Humph. Right you are, depressing as it might be. I currently lack the power to sink my teeth into your throats.
Ninetails: All I can do is make myself a thorough nuisance.
Lyria: Nuisance?
Ninetails: Like this!
Vyrn: Tch! Tryin' to stall us, huh?
Ninetails: Keeheehee. Still here? I thought you were trying to reach the first and the third. Shouldn't you be hurrying along?
Kou: Then get out of our way, Ninetails!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 4: What's Done Is Done - Episode 4
Just as Yuel and Societte finish putting out the fires in the forest, You assaults them, managing to snatch their flames and sacred treasures.
Meanwhile Yuel and Societte manage to stop the fire from spreading throughout Mimaka's forest.
Societte: Phew. I can't believe we put out an entire forest fire. Right, Yuel?
Societte: Um, Yuel?
Fear grips Societte when she hears no response from Yuel, who should be right behind her.
She nervously turns around.
Yuel: Soci... ette...
Her eyes go wide with shock when she sees You strangling Yuel.
Societte: Yuel!
You: Don't move, or I'll kill her!
Yuel: Cough...
Societte: Stop it! Stop doing that horrible thing to her!
You: Then be a good girl and hand over your sacred treasure!
Societte: O-okay. Okay, I will.
Societte's voice quivers as she hands over her treasure.
Societte: S-see? I did what you asked, so let her go...
You: Tch. I can't stand it.
Societte: Huh?
You: That stupid old hag was right about everything.
You: None of you are a threat as long as you're separated! Damn it!
You: Void Dance: Soshaku!
Indigo flames leap from You's body to engulf Yuel.
The indigo flames are gradually dyed red, the same color as Yuel's foxflames.
Yuel: Gyaaah!
Societte: Yuel! Stop it! Please stop!
You: Shut up. She's still alive, isn't she?
You: Here, have her back. Catch!
The girl tosses Yuel at Societte.
Societte: Ngh...
Societte manages to catch Yuel, but they both go crashing to the ground.
Societte: Ooh, Yuel! Are you okay?
Yuel: ...
Societte: She's unresponsive...
You: Krrrk... Worry about yourself!
You: This is the end for you!
The same sky-tinted flames wash over Societte as You swoops in.
Societte: Aah... Aaah...
Those indigo flames are soon dyed with the same blue hue found in Societte's foxflames.
You: Heh...
The girl rummages through Yuel's belongings and pulls out the Scarlet Robe in triumph.
You: Hah! Hahaha! Now I have everything!
Her loud chortle mars the silence. She glows like an indigo torch as she haphazardly tosses Societte to the side.
Societte: ...
You: Ahahaha! All of the treasures and flames belong to me!
You: And now I can finally kill that villainous boy!
You: There's no one left to stand in my way! Gahaha!
Her flames dance to her deranged laughter, growing steadily larger and more powerful.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 5: Her Name - Episode 1
You does not appear to be sane when she joins Ninetails to battle the crew. She knocks out Kou with a fireball, after which he falls into a dream-like state of sorts—the biggest mystery being that he is You in this dream world.
Yuel & Societte: ...
You: Gahahaha!
The triumphant girl cackles over her unconscious victims, who no longer possess their flames or treasures.
She becomes intoxicated with the overflowing power coming from deep inside her, but that soon changes.
You: Hahaha—urk.
You: Huh? What was th—nnggh!
You: Nghhaaaah!
You: Huff... Huff...
You: Kill the villain... Kill him... Kill Kou!
You: Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!
She howls with madness and disappears in a burst of flames.
Ninetails: That should do. Time's up, Kou.
Kou: Huff... Huff... What are you talking about?
Ninetails: Keeheehee... You pesky brats lost.
Already exasperated with Ninetails for holding them up, Kou and company glare at her, wary of her claim to victory.
Then You appears in a puff of indigo flame, as if right on cue.
You: Grrgh... Kill... Kill! Kill!
Kou: It's You!
Vyrn: What! That's her?
Lyria: Look what's behind her!
Lyria points to the numerous arm-like wisps protruding from You's back.
Kou: Each wisp is holding a treasure stolen from the successors.
Kou: Those three are Scarlet Vane, Scarlet Twins, and Scarlet Robe...
Lyria: B-but those belong to Yuel and Societte!
Kou: What did you do to them, You!
Ninetails: That's a silly question.
Vyrn: What did you say!
Ninetails: Keeheehee... The reason Kou had a curse placed on him was to force him to visit Mimaka.
Ninetails: Once Yuel and Societte exhausted their energy trying to lift your curse, my incarnates were born from You's flames to wreak chaos.
Ninetails: Divide and conquer. All that's left is to consume you, You. That's more or less the gist of it.
Vyrn: Darn it! We fell for it right from the beginning!
Ninetails: Keeheehee. It's your turn, You. The table is set; all the utensils are laid out. Now finish the job.
Ninetails: Revel in murder! Follow in my footsteps!
You: I'm going to kill you for taking everything I had! There'll be nothing left of you!
You: Die a painful death! Burn to ash and rot, like a villain deserves!
A giant indigo fireball takes form as You rants and raves.
You: See you in hell, Kooouuu!
Vyrn: Run, Kou!
Kou: (It's too fast! I can't—)
Kou, unable to dodge the fireball's trajectory, is swallowed in the blistering conflagration.
Kou: Gaaah!
Lyria: Eeeek! Kou!
Kou: Ugh...
His scorched body screams out in pain. Unable to bear it any longer, he blacks out.
???: Gasp!
???: Crap! I passed out!
Kou's eyes fly open. He scrambles to his feet and braces for the next attack.
But there's no one else there. Not You, not Ninetails, nor (Captain) and the others.
It dawns on him that while the attack appears to be over, he now has a different matter to deal with.
???: What the? Where am I?
???: Is this the ninth family's dungeon? The same one I was confined to as a kid?
???: How did I end up here? Hmm...
???: Huh? My voice sounds strange. Something's wrong with my body too. What in the world is going on?
Kou struggles to make sense of things, when the door of the dungeon creaks open.
???: It's time, You.
Kou: (You? She's here too?)
Kou looks around frantically, trying to spot You. As he does so, a man's hand smacks him.
???: Ouch...
???: Think you're high and mighty enough to ignore me? When I speak, I expect a response, You!
You?: A-are you talking to me? My name isn't—
You?: Ngh...
???: I've had it up to here! Stop wasting valuable time!
???: Or do you need encouragement beaten into you? I don't care either way, just get ready!
???: Tch...
You?: This makes absolutely no sense. How can that violent man mistake me for You?
Kou puzzles over the exchange that occurred when he notices a large bucket of water next to him.
Gazing into the reflection in the water, he is stunned into silence.
Kou: (This can't be real! Is that... me?)
You?: How did I become You?
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 5: Her Name - Episode 2
Kou realizes that he is reliving You's memories through her flames. She underwent brutally harsh training as the eighth royal family's successor to serve as Kou's substitute should he fail to be Ninetails's vessel. Seeing that You was barely fed and her "training" was akin to torture, Kou realizes firsthand how lonely she must have felt.
You?: Ow...
???: Damn it, You! When is it going to stick? Is that ugly display supposed to be Ebon Dance? That's not going to cut it!
You?: I-I'm sorry... I'll fix it...
???: You haven't managed to get a single dance right. Talentless trash.
???: Stop staring at your feet! Or do you need a lesson for motivation?
You?: I-I'll get back to practicing right away...
Kou: (I think I get the picture.)
After bearing the brunt of You's attack, Kou finds himself in You's body for some reason.
Kou is undergoing consecutive days of austere training—similar to what he was forced into as a child. This time he experiences it through the eyes of You, and he's able to piece together the situation.
Kou: (These are probably You's memories.)
Kou: (I'm actually reliving them via her flames.)
Kou: (If true, then we had the exact same upbringing.)
Kou: (As far as I can tell from what that cruel man was saying, You was born into the eighth family.)
Kou: (The eighth family made a backroom deal with my family to help resurrect Ninetails.)
Kou: (They forced her to practice dancing and to use a treasure to become a vessel for Ninetails in the same way I was.)
Kou: (And the lessons he mentioned... It's probably the same ordeals I went through that I'd all but erased from memory.)
Kou: (No, hers might be even crueler...)
8th Family Servant: Get inside, stupid!
You: Ngh...
8th Family Servant: Today's session is over. Wash up.
The man glares as he drops a bucket filled with murky water onto the floor.
You: But that water's dirtier...
8th Family Servant: Sigh... Just when I thought you were finally becoming obedient, you revert to being a spoiled princess.
8th Family Servant: I took the time to draw this water for you! And this is the thanks I get?
8th Family Servant: Tch. Why do I have to raise such an untalented girl...
8th Family Servant: No food for you as punishment for talking back.
You: B-but that happened yesterday too—
8th Family Servant: Do you think I care? There's plenty of bugs crawling around you can eat!
You: ...
The irritated man places his head in his hands, then slams the door on his way out of the dungeon.
Kou flops to the floor in utter exhaustion. He looks at his reflection again in the large bucket of water only to see You staring back at him.
Kou: (Speaking of You, she doesn't seem to have a tail in these memories.)
Kou: (Could it be like in Yuel's case, where her royal ancestral traits were recessive?)
Kou: (Or was it when You absorbed the powers of the other successors?)
Kou: (Either way the You at this point in history didn't have much of Ninetails's power. Yet they pushed her to train so hard anyway.)
Kou: (Training through harsh discipline can hardly be considered teaching.)
Kou: (It's not that she has no talent. The teaching method is atrocious. This is more like torture.)
Kou: (It's barbaric; many times worse than what I had to endure.)
You: I'm so hungry...
You: And lonely...
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 5: Her Name - Episode 3
In the memory, You is told that because Kou has successfully completed his training to be Ninetails's vessel, she must die because her very existence is proof of the eighth royal family's betrayal. While locked in a cave waiting for her sentence to be carried out, she finds a knife and a letter stuck to the wall that leads to a secret escape passage.
Kou resumes training as You while turning over questions in his head.
As the cruelty of her training comes to light, Kou slowly realizes that his past was the lesser of two evils.
And then the hellish days come to an abrupt end.
8th Family Servant: Good news, You. Your training ends today.
You: Huh? But I still can't use the treasure or perform Ebon Dance very well.
8th Family Servant: That's no longer necessary. You don't have to learn anything anymore.
You: Why?
8th Family Servant: You were never told this, but Kou of the ninth family was raised simultaneously to be a vessel.
8th Family Servant: Kou is superior in every way. He learned Ebon Dance sooner than expected, which means he has passed the requirements to be Ninetails's vessel.
8th Family Servant: He is the savior we have been waiting for.
8th Family Servant: You are no longer required to be his spare. We have no use for you as a vessel any longer.
Kou: (That's terrible. They were only raising her in case I didn't pan out?)
8th Family Servant: What are you glaring at? You're free now. Isn't that great?
You: I-I can leave?
8th Family Servant: Do it.
A number of men silently appear from behind the man and quickly tie up Kou.
You: Wh-what? Hey!
8th Family Servant: Quiet.
You: Unh...
Kou's head droops after getting slapped in the cheek. They tie a blindfold on him.
8th Family Servant: Bring her.
You: Gasp.
Kou: (Where are they taking me?)
Eventually Kou feels himself getting tossed forward, landing hard on the ground with a thud.
You: Ugh...
Kou: (The floor feels like cold rock. Where am I?)
8th Family Servant: Time for a quick lecture.
You: Lecture?
8th Family Servant: Yes, it's a simple subject that anybody can understand.
8th Family Servant: We of the eighth family, along with the other families under the leadership of the first, oppose the resurrection of Ninetails.
8th Family Servant: But that's only on the surface. We work with the ninth family behind the scenes to bring forth the return of Ninetails.
8th Family Servant: Obviously the other families must never find out about our ulterior motives. Traitors like us are punished accordingly.
You: You don't mean...
8th Family Servant: Hehe. Now that Kou has come into his own, you're not only worthless, you're a liability.
8th Family Servant: Your existence is proof of our betrayal!
The man sneers as he claps his hands once.
A loud explosion goes off, the concussive waves bouncing off rocky walls.
The shaking causes Kou to fall, and the blindfold comes off, revealing the reality of his predicament.
He realizes he's been thrown in a cave, and the entrance has collapsed in with dirt and rock.
You: You're burying me alive?
8th Family Servant: Bwahaha! Correct! This is where we say goodbye.
8th Family Servant: Oh, and one last interesting tidbit. This cruel execution was suggested by your parents.
You: ...!
8th Family Servant: Where do you think your name comes from? Since you were only meant to be Kou's spare, we spent little effort in naming you "You." It was close enough.
8th Family Servant: "From birth to death, she was never loved." Quite fitting for an inanimate object, wouldn't you agree?
8th Family Servant: Bwahaha!
You: You're lying...
The coldness of the man's laughter rocks Kou as he is hit with truth after harsh truth.
When the last of the tumbling rocks has completely blocked all light from entering the cave, the servant lazily waves his hand.
8th Family Servant: Farewell, worthless vessel!
You: Wait!
Kou's voice only reaches himself. There's no other way out of the cave.
Unable to move his bound limbs, all he can do is cower.
Kou: (No one deserves this. It's beyond cruel.)
Kou: (Not being treated as a person, given nothing, only to be sentenced to death.)
Kou: (Now I understand why You hates me so much.)
Kou: (It's no surprise she claimed Ebon Dance as her own. It's all too clear why she considers me a villain who stole everything from her.)
Kou: (In a way she's right. If I hadn't become the receptive vessel, none of this would've happened to her.)
Kou: (But if she had learned Ebon Dance first, I'd probably be in her shoes instead.)
Kou: (Void Dance must be something she came up with on her own. That makes sense.)
Kou: (Having never perfected Ebon Dance, it was the only thing she couldn't let go of.)
Kou: (To die like this is too—)
Kou: (Wait a minute...)
Kou: (She's definitely not a ghost, so she couldn't have died.)
Kou: (She had to have escaped somehow!)
Arriving at this logical conclusion, Kou struggles against his bindings to stand up and scans the darkness.
And then he notices a tiny shaft of light beaming in.
You: That has to be a hole!
Kou eagerly hops over to the light, confirming that there is a small hole in the wall.
You: Yes! If I can just make this hole bigger, I can squeeze out of here.
You: But first I have to get my hands and legs free.
As he tries to think of a solution, he notices an old knife on the ground.
You: Is this a coincidence? It seems way too good to be true...
Skeptical as he is, Kou isn't going to turn down any help he gets and uses the knife to cut his ropes.
With a deep breath, he performs a dance that is technically a failure.
You: Void Dance....
Indigo flames pierce the hole; cracks snake out across the rock surface and then the whole thing shatters.
You: Yes! I can get outside!
You: But this is too perfect to be a coincidence. I mean, a knife laying right next to a hole?
You: Hm? There's something else on the ground.
You: A letter?
You: ...
You: Did You not read this letter? No, she couldn't have missed it!
You: Is it possible she forgot what she read? That can't be it either though, right? It's hard to believe she'd forget something this special.
You: Reading this letter should've have been her saving grace! So why doesn't she remember any of it?
You: Tell me why, You!
Kou's consciousness begins to fade into the distance.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 5: Her Name - Episode 4
Kou awakens in a room aboard the Grandcypher, where Yuel and Societte have lain unconscious the whole time as a result of losing their powers. Kou hears from the crew that You fled the scene as she learned that Ninetails had strung her along the entire time for its own revival. Kou resolves to save You.
Kou: ...
Choose: Kou!
Kou: Ngh...
Choose: Can you hear me, Kou?
Kou: (Captain)? What...
Kou: I made it out of You's memories...
Lyria: I'm so glad you're awake.
Vyrn: We could only give you basic first aid, but can you stand up?
Kou: Yeah, I think so. Thanks.
Kou stands and notices Yuel and Societte lying beside him in beds of their own.
Yuel & Societte: ...
Kou: Yuel... Societte...
Vyrn: We found them like that and brought 'em here.
Lyria: They don't seem to be injured, but they haven't opened their eyes at all.
Kou: Probably because You stole their flames.
Kou: They'll never wake up unless we get those powers back from her.
Lyria: Oh my gosh...
Kou: Where is she now?
(Captain) fills him in on what happened while he was unconscious.
You: Aaagh! Gyaaah! Kill! Kill, kill, kill!
You's fire rages all around her as she runs straight at Kou, but (Captain) immediately intercepts her.
Lyria: Stop! Don't kill Kou!
You: Shut up! Get. Out. Of. My. Waaay!
The young girl bears down on (Captain), her bitter screams chilling to the ear.
(Captain) takes You's fierce barrage head-on.
Each stroke, each slash, carries unbelievable weight. (Captain) feels an oppressive force coming from the enraged girl.
You: You disgust me!
You: Go away! Go away! Go away!
Vyrn: What the heck is she? All (Captain) can do is block! That's no ordinary strength!
Vyrn: I think she's even stronger than Ninetails when we fought her.
Ninetails: Naturally. She draws closer and closer to becoming the perfect entity that is I.
Vyrn: What do you mean?
Ninetails: In truth the flames wielded by those accursed royal families are all slivers of my power.
Ninetails: Those flames are all gathered in one place now. You could say that she's becoming my avatar.
Ninetails: Keeheehee... No beauty nor power can compare to my own once my body is completed.
Vyrn: Tch, so that's how it is. What's the plan, (Captain)? We can't stay on defense all day!
Choose: We'll pull back for now.
Vyrn: Yeah, good idea. Can't really fight all out while protecting Kou at the same time.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: What's the holdup, Lyria? The captain gave the order to retreat!
Lyria: Doesn't something seem wrong with her?
Choose: Something's wrong.
Vyrn: Uh, like what?
Lyria: Something's off about her, right, (Captain)?
Lyria: She seems like she's suffering. I'm not sure she can even see us right now.
Continue 1You: Nngh...
You clutches at her head, flames shooting out periodically from her eyes and mouth.
You: M-my body! Feels like it's... ripping apart! What do I do, stupid old hag?
Ninetails: Who says you have to do anything? You look fine to me.
You: What?
Ninetails: Keeheehee... Still haven't figured it out yet?
Ninetails: From now on you will become me. The completed me.
You: Huh?
Ninetails: Oh, I forgot. You're an imbecile.
Ninetails: Did you never question why you were stealing the successors' powers to become my avatar?
You: Why? To kill Kou... right?
Ninetails: That's what you want. My only objective is to be reborn.
You: You... tricked me!
Ninetails: My dream of being fully resurrected died when Kou spread the true history to the other families.
Ninetails: But if I make a near-perfect avatar in my own eternal image and possess it, I'll reign once more over these skies!
Ninetails: Keeheehee! Accept my heartfelt thanks, You. You'll make a fine avatar.
You: No! I don't want that! I still have to...
You: I still have to kill Kou!
The girl dashes at Kou, flames trailing behind her.
But (Captain) doesn't allow her to get anywhere near him, fending off her attacks.
You: Stop blocking me!
You: He took everything from me!
You: Leave me alone! Let me kill him!
You: Why... Why do you keep protecting him?
Choose: Because he's important to me.
You: Ngh... Everyone loves Kou... Only Kou... Always Kou...
You: Someone tell me why! Aaaah!
Long embers trickle from her eyes like tears as her tormented moans reach into the clouds above.
You: Aaahh.... Aaaaah!
With her psychological pain clearly exacting a toll, You suddenly runs away.
Vyrn: What was that all about? Guess we're safe for now?
Lyria: Mm. Let's look for Yuel and Societte while we can!
(Captain) remains concerned about You, but Yuel and Societte's safety takes precedence.
Kou: I see. That damn Ninetails...
Lyria: Kou? Where are you going?
Kou: To find You.
Vyrn: Whoa, are you crazy? You can't go after her now! She's completely nutso!
Vyrn: I know you wanna save Yuel and Societte quickly, but—
Kou: No, I'm not going to kill her.
Vyrn: Then?
Kou: The one I'm after is Ninetails. I'm going to save You.
Kou: Because it's my responsibility to.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 6: You's Hollow Existence - Episode 1
The crew learns from Kou about You's past. Just like how the crew has been extremely supportive of Kou, he also wishes to be the anchor that keeps You grounded. (Captain) and company comply in assisting him in this endeavor.
Lyria: What do you mean it's your responsibility to save her?
Kou recounts what he saw through the eyes of You to the dubious crew.
Despite how farfetched his story sounds, the conviction in Kou's voice convinces (Captain) of its veracity.
Lyria: The poor girl... She really had an awful childhood...
Vyrn: Does that really change the damage she's done though?
Vyrn: She made Yuel and Societte suffer. Not to mention she almost killed you!
Vyrn: She also messed up the island pretty bad!
Vyrn: How're we supposed to turn a blind eye to all that?
Kou: We can't.
Vyrn: You're not making any sense!
Kou: I have (Captain), Lyria, Vyrn, Yuel, and Societte.
Kou: All of you are the pillars that support me when I need it most.
Kou: I'm also guilty of committing crimes in the past that can't be undone, just like You.
Kou: But did you guys punish me? No! You offered me your hand!
Kou: Your hands pulled me back from the brink—back to a path I can walk with my head held high!
Lyria: Kou...
Kou: On the flip side, You has no one to support her. She's hollow and empty, and always has been.
Kou: How is she supposed to get back on track? She'll be forever empty until she dies. That's a fate worse than death.
Kou: At the very least, I want to be her pillar!
Kou: Just like how all of you are for me.
Choose: Okay. Then we all go.
Vyrn: Sigh... Yeah, all right. Can't abandon her to this nightmare.
Lyria: We'll go with you, Kou.
Choose: Will she listen to you?
Kou: I don't know. But I'll try everything I can think of to get through to her.
Lyria: Okay. Then we'll go with you too.
Lyria: Even if she gets violent, we'll hold her back.
Lyria: So please do all you can to make her heart whole again.
Continue 1Kou: Thanks, everyone.
Kou: Hold on a little while longer, Yuel, Societte.
Kou: There's someone else like me out there, and I'll stop at nothing to save her.
Kou: The same way you both saved me!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 6: You's Hollow Existence - Episode 2
Kou finds You and tries to save her from being taken over by Ninetails. However, You is still lost in her anger toward him and attacks. Kou stays on the defensive while explaining that he knows the hardships You has been through.
You: Geh... Nrrrgh... Stupid... hag...
You: Get... out...
Ninetails: You put up a good fight for a worthless vessel. Hurry up and let me possess you.
Ninetails: Don't worry. I promise you'll have your revenge when I devour Kou.
Ninetails: The ninth family still has a sliver of my power. I can't be considered perfect until I get it back.
Ninetails: Only when Kou's power is ripped away will my form be complete!
Ninetails: Feed your loathing for Kou! Stoke the flames of hatred!
You: Ngggh...
You: What's so special about him? We're supposed to be the same...
Ninetails: Yet Kou grows fat on love while you starve in the depths of hell!
You: It hurts... It hurts! Kou! Kou must die!
Ninetails: (Keeheehee. That festering animosity will destroy your psyche. And then you'll be ripe for the plucking.)
Ninetails: Keeheehee. That's it, curse Kou! Add more fuel to the fire!
You: Urrgh... Gah...
Kou: You!
Ninetails: (What! Why is he here?)
You: You've got some nerve... returning to your own slaughter...
You: I'll give it to you soon... The nasty death you deserve...
Kou: You're wrong, You. I've come to save you.
You: Huh?
Kou slowly reaches out a hand to the suffering girl.
Unable to understand what Kou's intentions are, You stops and stares at the boy.
You: Save me?
You: Save me?
You: The one who's come to save me... is you?
You: Pfft...
You: Hahaha! Oh, okay! Gahaha!
You: Like I'd fall for that! What a load of garbage!
You: The lucky boy born into happiness while I suffered away says he's come to pull me out of hell!
You: That's the crappiest joke I've ever heard! Have you lost your mind?
Vyrn & Lyria: ...!
(Captain) and the others shrink back from the intense heat of burning hellfire that singes the air.
Kou doesn't react at all, his gaze fixed on the girl.
Kou: I'm being serious.
You: Huh. Serious, eh?
You: Well, thank you very much.
You: That really clears my head!
You: I'll embrace this pain that's tearing at my insides! It drives my desire to kill you!
The girl charges at Kou, swinging her blazing claws at him.
Kou quickly unsheathes his sword, fending off her attacks while speaking in a calm manner.
Kou: I know how much sadness you must be feeling, You.
You: Krrrk! Everyone loves you! Yuel and Societte! Those skyfarers! Everybody!
You: No one cares about me! I'm just a thing! You can't imagine the emptiness inside of me!
You: How the hell could you ever understand me!
Kou: Ngh... You're wrong...
You: Oh really!
Kou: I'll tell you where you're wrong. You're not empty inside!
Kou: You've forgotten something important! Search your memory! Remember it, You!
You: What do you mean I'm not empty inside? What am I supposed to remember? You're not making any sense!
You: Don't pretend like you understand me when you have no idea who I am!
Kou: But I do.
You: Huh?
Kou: I know all about your tragic past. Because I experienced it for myself.
Even as You's attacks continue to rain down on Kou, he tells her about what he saw in her memories.
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 6: You's Hollow Existence - Episode 3
You continues to fume that Kou gets all the love while she gets none. He tries to explain how much You's parents loved her, citing the letter in the cave, which only adds to her confusion.
Kou: Ngh... You're wrong...
Kou's words finally reach You, causing her attacks to falter.
You: How did you find out?
You: Are you trying to trick me? Confuse me so I let my guard down?
Kou: I'm not lying to you. You're the one who knows my sincerity the best.
You: ...!
You: The hell are you talking about...
You: Fine, I'll pretend what you're saying is true. So what?
You: You still can't sympathize with me in your happy little world, all cozy and everything!
You: This emptiness eats away me, day after day. How would you know how it feels?
Kou: I told you that's not the case! You were loved!
You: Pfft...
You: You are messing with me. Who loved me, Kou? Gimme a name!
You: If you really saw my past, then you'd know!
You: I'm a thing! Not once have I been treated like a living, breathing person! Not even by my own parents!
You: So who does that leave? Well? Let's hear it, Kou!
Kou: You already said it yourself. Your own parents.
You: Hah, that's rich. Who's the insane one now?
You: My parents buried me alive!
Kou: Yes, that part is undeniable. And they did it to save you.
You: How?
Kou: You should have found a letter right before you escaped from the cave.
You: What letter?
You: Ngh... My head... hurts...
You: What's this letter?
Kou: How could you have forgotten about the letter your parents left you? It proves that they loved you!
You: What?
Shaken by this revelation, You ceases all hostility. Kou uses this chance to tell her what was written in the letter.
Parent's Letter: Dear You,
Please forgive your useless parents.
Please forgive your useless parents.
Parent's Letter: Please forgive us for not standing up to the eighth family, who ordered that you be born solely as a spare vessel.
Parent's Letter: We know we can never make up for your suffering, but the best we can do is make an escape hole in the cave wall for you.
Parent's Letter: We also left you a knife. Use it to cut your binds and escape as far away as you can.
Parent's Letter: Live on, You, freed from the shackles of duty or royal families.
Parent's Letter: You are not Ninetails's vessel. The only vessel we want you to be is a vessel full of love and kindness, like the good girl you are.
Parent's Letter: Your mom and dad love you with all our hearts.
Parent's Letter: We miss you. Whatever you do, please find happiness, You.
You: Wh-what are you saying?
You: I don't... know anything about a letter. I don't remember at all...
You: You're making it up... It's all fake!
You: You're pulling a fast one on me, right, Kou? Tell me it's a lie!
Kou: No, it's all true. But you already knew that, didn't you?
You: Nnh...
You: Sniff... I miss them...
You: Mommy... Daddy...
You: No! I... don't... I didn't know!
You: What are you doing to me, Kou! Stop it! I'll... kill you!
Vyrn: Um... Does she look kinda different to you?
Lyria: Yes... Her flames are getting smaller.
Just as Vyrn pointed out, You's flames quickly wither and grow faint.
You: Unngh!
You: Stop it! Stop! Stay away from me! Don't look at me like that... I don't like it!
You: Why are you looking at me with such kindness! Aaaahh!
You: Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it! Stay away!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Chapter 6: You's Hollow Existence - Episode 4
The encounter with Kou helps You awaken memories sealed away by Ninetails, and she now recalls that her parents loved her dearly. Ninetails, not wanting to take the chance that You recovers further, forcefully takes over her body. Incensed at the insidious beast's treatment of You, the crew joins the fray.
You: Why aren't you fighting back?
You: You're practically asking to die!
Kou: Because I don't have a reason to fight. Let's stop this, You.
You: How can I stop after everything I've done?
You: My only goal has been to kill you! And the other families! And the people of this town!
You: I can't go back now! Killing is all I know!
You: Only killing...
The girl sucks in a sharp breath as if coming to a realization, avoiding eye contact with Kou.
You: Hey...
Kou: Yes?
You: Kou... Is everything you've been telling me the truth?
Kou: Yeah...
You: Then what have I been doing all this time?
You: Why do I feel this thirst for blood?
You: Why did I want to end your life so badly?
Ninetails: (Tch... This has gone far enough.)
Ninetails: Stop the idle chatter—
You: Shut up, stupid old hag!
You yells out, hurling a fireball at Ninetails.
But as soon as she does so, her face is wracked with pain.
You: Gyaaaah!
Kou: You!
You: (What is this?)
You: Sniff... Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Daddy.
You: I have to run away just like you told me to.
Ninetails: Ah, there's my little backup vessel. I went through quite a bit of trouble tracking you down.
You: Eeek! Why is Ninetails here!
You: But you look weird. You're not the real one, are you?
Ninetails: Tch, the cheek of it all. Correct. I'm merely a residual consciousness of Ninetails.
You: Ree-zi-ju-owl?
Ninetails: Humph. My previous pet bit the hand that fed him, and now I have to rely on you.
Ninetails: Rejoice at this honor, worthless vessel. I bestow upon you my power: the power of revenge.
You: I don't want something like that!
You: I'm not with the royal family anymore! I have nothing to do with you!
Ninetails: Hm. I beg to differ. What about Kou who took everything from you? Are you going to let the royal family get away with the torture they put you through?
You: I...
You: My mommy and daddy love me, and that's final! That's all I need to know!
You: They said they want me to grow up in freedom!
You: So leave me alone!
Ninetails: I see. That is what's holding you together.
Ninetails: Okay then.
You: Huh? No... Don't come any closer... Stop!
You: Aaaah!
You: Guh...
Ninetails: You've finally come to. How do you feel?
You: Terrible... My head... I feel like throwing up...
Ninetails: I don't care about that. Now hurry up and accomplish your mission.
You: Mission?
Ninetails: Imbecile. Have you forgotten already? Hatred is your weapon.
You: Krrrk... How could I forget! Kou is the villain! I'll definitely bury him in the ground!
You: Gimme more power, Ninetails!
Ninetails: Keeheehee. Gladly. I'll pump power into that failure of an empty dance you created.
Ninetails: Use it to steal the power of the other families. Then erase Kou's existence from the world.
Ninetails: Keeheehee!
You: Ah...
You: I remember everything now...
You: Kou... My mom and dad, they... They loved me.
You: What am I going to do... What now, Kou? My emptiness...
You: My desire to kill...
Kou: Huh?
The girl trembles in tears, a stark contrast to her once ferocious visage.
You: No, no, no! Mommy! Daddy! What have I done!
Ninetails: Enough.
Sighing under her breath, Ninetails possesses You's body in the blink of an eye.
Vyrn: Whoa!
You: Gaaah!
You: Nrragh! I don't wanna! Get... out!
You: Some... one... help—
Kou: You!
The suffering girl desperately reaches her hand out to Kou.
Before he can grab it, however, indigo flames flash over her entire body like a defense mechanism.
Kou: ...!
Eventually the flames subside, revealing a menacing look on You's face.
You: ...
Vyrn: What happened? She changed forms again!
Kou: Damn you, Ninetails!
Ninetails: Don't bark at me! I'm the one who wants to scream!
Ninetails: Do you know how hard it is to possess an avatar that still has free will? One slip and the resurrection fails!
Ninetails: I waited so long for her mind to shatter!
Ninetails: Then you had to go and undo the seal I put on her memories! You'll ruin everything! Unforgivable! I'll guarantee you suffer a thousand deaths!
Lyria: Wh-what is she saying?
Vyrn: Geez. There's selfishness, and then there's Ninetails's brand of selfishness.
Kou: You're despicable! You is not a vessel! She's a living, breathing person!
Kou: Release her now, Ninetails!
Ninetails: Over my dead body! Become my flesh and blood, Kou! Sacrifice yourself, and make me whole again!
Kou and the Hollow Existence - Ending
In order to wipe away You's sense of self, Ninetails reminds her of her sins and tries to convince the Erune that no one loves her. But Kou counters by remarking that despite all his wrongdoing in the past, he's found people who've come to accept him and lead him onto the right path. Kou and You then dance the Ebon Dance together and finish off Ninetails for good.
A fierce battle rages between the crew and Ninetails, who has possessed You's body. The crew's attacks prove too overwhelming, and she sinks to one knee.
It's enough to force Ninetails out of the girl's body.
Ninetails: Aaaagh! Cursed maggots!
Kou: It's all over, Ninetails! You isn't going along with your schemes any longer! Let her go!
Ninetails: Hah! Don't get carried away! Once I have full control over her body, I'll devour each and every one of you!
Ninetails: Surrender your body to me, You!
You: Sob... No...
Ninetails: No? Don't make me laugh! What kind of life do you think is waiting for you?
You: Huh?
Ninetails: It doesn't matter if I was messing with your mind the entire time. You attacked the successors! You attacked the island! It's all your fault!
You: ...!
Kou: Don't listen to her!
Ninetails: A sin is a sin! You can't weasel your way out of this! No one will forgive you!
Ninetails: No place to call home! Loved by no one! What reason is there to live?
Ninetails: I'll do you a favor and bear your sins for you!
You: Sniff...
You: No one will forgive or love me?
You: Then why should I live—
Kou: She's wrong!
You: Kou?
Kou: I forgive you! We'll talk this out! I'm sure others will forgive you too!
You: ...
Ninetails: Tch! Stop interfering!
Choose: You need to shut up.
Continue 1
(Captain)'s weapon is leveled right at Ninetails.
Ninetails: Eergh! Damn you!
Lyria: Let other people talk, Ninetails!
Kou! Now's your chance!
Kou! Now's your chance!
Vyrn: We'll keep Ninetails off your back!
Ninetails: Again you dare stand in my way! Be gone!
Continue 2
You: You can't forgive me that easily...
You: I tried to take your life, remember?
You: I hurt Yuel and Societte, who are so important to you!
You: Not just them. So many people got hurt. I did it to them. Me!
Kou: Not because you wanted to.
You: That's the thing, Kou! I don't know if that's true! I seriously don't know!
You: Because I really did hate you!
You: Even though we should be the same, I was jealous that you got everything while I got squat!
You: That's why I let hate overcome me, even though I knew Ninetails was messing with my head!
You: In the pit of my heart, I knew. I knew I wanted to kill you and everyone around you!
You: Who's gonna forgive someone who thinks like that? No one, that's who!
Kou: And despite everything you've said, I still forgive you.
You: What?
Kou: In the past, I actually hurt a lot of people too, both physically and emotionally, all in the name of self-preservation.
You: You did?
Kou: Yes. But you know what? Everyone found it in their hearts to forgive me.
Kou: More importantly, they led me back onto the right path.
Kou: So now it's my turn to get you back on track. I won't let you continue to fumble in the darkness.
Kou: Anyone can change. As long as you feel remorse for the mistakes you've made, you can still atone.
You: Atone for my sins...
Kou: And if you still feel empty inside, let me help fill that emptiness.
You: Sniff...
Kou: So let's live on, You. Together.
You: Are you sure about this? That everyone will forgive me? Maybe even love me?
Kou: Yes. I'm sure of it.
You: Waaaah! Kou!
The girl breaks down in tears, and Kou gently takes her in his embrace.
You: I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Kou!
Kou: Hehe... Actually, what you should say in this situation is thank you.
You: Oh... Sniff...
You: Thank you...
Ninetails: Aaagh! Incorrigible insects!
Kou: Sorry I took so long, (Captain)!
Lyria: Kou!
Lyria: I'm guessing everything worked out okay?
Seeing You's hand grasped firmly in Kou's, (Captain) nods.
You: I'm sorry, you guys. I've been nothing but trouble. I'll apologize properly after this.
Vyrn: Right! First we beat up this loser fox, then we can chat as much as we want!
Ninetails: Filthy girl... How dare you betray me!
Kou: If we both perform Ebon Dance, it will completely destroy Ninetails.
You: I-I can't! I can only do Void Dance...
Kou: Don't worry. Ebon Dance is still a part of you, and it'll show in your steps.
You: Kou...
Kou: Now let's send her to the grave!
Ninetails: Not again! No, no, no! This will not stand! Nooo!
Kou & You: Ebon Dance!
With sacred treasure in hand, Kou hits each step with precision and grace.
Watching his movements, You creates a sword from her flames and takes his lead.
Their duet sparks dozens of black wisps, fluttering like sharp cherry blossom petals all around Ninetails.
Ninetails: You'll never get away with this! This is an insult to me!
Kou: May you rest forever, Ninetails.
Kou: Kage-Zakura.
The petals burst into black hellfires, looking like a cherry tree in full bloom.
Ninetails: Damn y—
Ninetails's death throes are silenced, the hellfires disappearing just as abruptly, leaving nothing behind.
Kou: Phew...
Vyrn: Yeah! Take that, loser Ninetails!
Lyria: Hooray! We won!
You: I did it... I did it! Did you see me? I did Ebon Dance!
Kou: Haha, yeah. I knew you could do it.
You: It's all thanks to you, Kou!
You: I mean it! Sniff... How can I ever thank you?
Kou: Whoa... Please don't cry anymore, You.
You: Sniff... (Captain)... Lyria and Vyrn... I'm so sorry...
Lyria: Oh, You...
Vyrn: Hmm... I never would've pegged you for a crybaby.
You: I'm crying because I hurt a lot of people you care about...
Choose: You're not a bad girl at heart, You.
Lyria: Of course she isn't! It was Ninetails who made her do all that bad stuff!
Vyrn: Yeah! We know how you feel.
Choose: Now how do we make her pay?
You: Not that it'll excuse all the crap I pulled, but I'll do anything you tell me to.
Vyrn: Haha, that's a nice thought, but (Captain)'s just bein' a bully. Right, (Captain)?
You: Huh?
Lyria: You're not a bad girl at heart, You.
Vyrn: Even though you were the one doing that stuff, it was evil Ninetails pullin' the strings.
Vyrn: As long as you reflect on what you've done, that's good enough for us.
Continue 3You: You guys... Sniff...
Kou: Hehe. See? I told you they'd forgive you.
You: But there's still others. I don't know if they'll be as nice to me.
Kou: It'll be all right. We'll be there every step of the way.
You: Okay...
The girl nods meekly, enjoying the warmth from Kou's gentle hand.
Kou responds with a light squeeze.
Even that small gesture is enough to begin filling the emptiness in her heart.
She doesn't say a word, but deep down inside she has a feeling that her heart will never be empty again.
Characters
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |