Scenario:Kou - Step Up, Big Bro

Step Up, Big Bro

As they work to help out the residents of Mimaka, Kou and You begin to get along like real siblings. Later, the two hatch a plan to use the skills they learned working at a hot spring inn to thank the crew for all their help.

---

Thanks to (Captain) and the others, the curse You laid on Kou is lifted, and Kou is once again able to walk around freely.

They manage to free You from Ninetails's control after years of the demon preying on her mind and corrupting her actions. Together, the royal descendants defeat Ninetails.

Kou and You settle their differences, and Kou supports You every step of the way as she makes amends for her actions toward the people of Mimaka.

The two work at the hot spring inn to repay You's debt to the town. Living and toiling side by side strengthens their bond until they seem like siblings.

Time slips by, and Kou and You leave the island as official members of (Captain)'s crew. One day, aboard the Grandcypher, Kou calls You to his room for a chat.

Kou: Promise me you'll keep what I'm about to say just between the two of us.

You: Gahaha! Sounds like you've got some mischief in mind. That's not like you.

Kou: Don't twist my words. You've got it backward.

You: Oh yeah?

Kou: Hahaha. How would you like to join me in repaying my debt to (Captain) and the others?

Kou: They've saved my tail in two battles with Ninetails now. I want to show my gratitude properly.

You: Debts? Gratitude? Gahaha... What're you talking about?

You: Not! I'll do it! I'm in! All the way! Pssht. As if I'd do anything else!

You: I was just wondering how I could say thanks to Sis Yuel, Sis Societte, (Captain), and the others!

Kou: Hehe, good. With you by my side, I know I can do it.

You: But... What're we gonna do?

Kou: Think about it. What skills have we recently acquired?

You: Uh... Oh! We got good at speed-eating fried tofu!

Kou: What? No! When did I do that with you?

Kou: C'mon, think! What did we both learn to do while working at the inn?

You: Oh! Hostility!

Kou: Hospitality! We learned all the techniques! Cooking! Clean-up! Drink service! Even new dances!

Kou: You knew what I was talking about, didn't you? You're just messing with me.

You: Gahahaha! Sorry, sorry. You get so hot under the collar, I can't resist.

You: But you need a lotta prep to give someone that kinda welcome.

You: We wouldn't be able to set it up on the Grandcypher without them noticing. The cat'd be outta the bag before you even closed it.

Kou: That's true... Let's talk with the innkeeper about it.

Kou: She might have a large enough room she'd let us use.

You: You're so smart! That way, we can meet up with everybody from Mimaka too! Let's go, let's go!

The two children excitedly discuss their plans to throw a party for (Captain) and the others.

Then they do their best to suggest setting a course for Mimaka, without revealing their hospitable intent.

Step Up, Big Bro: Scene 2

Kou and You ask the owner of the inn they once worked at to lend them a room, but the only one available has been sealed shut for decades. The kids venture inside and find a surprisingly luxurious room, but they are soon assailed by supernatural phenomena and find themselves unable to leave.

---

When the Grandcypher makes port in Mimaka, Kou and You slip away to visit the hot spring inn.

They explain their plans to the owner.

Innkeeper: How nice of you kids to want to repay your friends' kindness. I'd be happy to lend the two of you a room...

Innkeeper: If only I had one to spare.

Innkeeper: We're in the middle of peak season, and I don't have a single open room, I'm afraid.

Kou: Oh...

Innkeeper: Sorry I can't help you out, kids...

Kou: Oh no, that's all right! I'm sorry to make such an unreasonable request when you're so busy.

You: ...

Kou: Hm? What are you looking at, You?

You: That corner room over there...

You: The whole time we were working here, even when the rest of the inn was packed, that room always stayed empty, remember?

Kou: That's right, now that you mention it. But if the inn is booked solid, then I'm sure that one—

Innkeeper: It's vacant.

Kou: What? It is?

You: Then! Then! Can we borrow that one? Pretty please?

Innkeeper: Mm... I don't know...

Innkeeper: You see, no one has opened the door to that room since looong before I was even born. I don't know why.

Innkeeper: It spooks me, so I've always kept it locked up tight.

Kou: An eternally sealed room... That is spooky.

You: Is it? It's just locked. What's the big deal about a plain ol' room?

Innkeeper: Perhaps... But even so, it hasn't been cleaned for decades, so I'm sure it's filthy.

You: Hey, no problem! With me and Bro Kou on the job, we'll have it spick-and-span in a flash!

Innkeeper: Hmm... I suppose it couldn't hurt for you just to take a look. If you decide you want to use it, you're welcome to it.

Kou: Really? Thank you so much!

You: We did it! Now we can show everyone how much we appreciate them!

Kou: Hehehe, let's not get ahead of ourselves. First we have to see if the room is in usable condition.

The two children take the room key from the innkeeper.

You's ears and fluffy tails are pricked up excitedly as she trots after Kou.

But the moment the door opens, the smile slides off her face.

You: Wha...

Beyond that door is another one.

The second door is festooned with magical wards and chained shut, locked with a heavy padlock.

Kou: It's all sealed up...

As if in response to Kou's voice, the lock shatters and the chains crash to the floor.

You: Whoa!

Kou: I-it's okay. The lock must have been really old and rusty. It's just a coincidence that it happened to break right then. Must be.

You: Aha... Gahaha... Sure. That makes sense...

You: B-Bro Kou... Y'think the door opening by itself is because it's old too?

Kou: Heh... Of course. Must be. Um. Let's take a look inside.

Kou: (Well, it is dusty, but it's such an elegant room... And large too.)

The luxurious room takes Kou by surprise. Together, he and You step inside.

Careful of his companion, who is almost glued to his side, Kou inspects the room to determine its suitability for their purposes.

Kou: (Neither the floorboards nor the tabletops look rotten, and none of the windows are cracked... The furniture all seems to be in good shape too.)

Kou: After all those chains and wards, I wasn't sure what we'd find, but... it certainly looks all right.

You: Y-you think? I've been getting a nasty feeling from this place since we walked in...

Kou: Nasty? How so?

You: Well, look. That picture, for example...

With a trembling finger, You points to a painting hanging on the wall.

You: Aaaahhh!

Kou: It's okay, You! Please, calm down! This is just another c-coinci—

Kou's words die in his throat.

In the spot where the picture hung are another host of wards just like the ones stuck to the door.

Kou: Th-those...

You: Yeeek! Bro Koouu! S-something fell out of it!

Kou: H-hair... And there's so much of it... Where did it all come from?

You: Aaaggghh! Look, look, looook! Th-that d-doll just blinked!

Kou: What on earth is going on here! What is this!

Laughing Voice: Hee hee hee heeee...

You: What was that! Who's there! Show yourself!

Laughing Voice: Hee hee hee heeee...

You: What're you laughing at! No more! I can't take any more of this!

You: We gotta get outta here! Let's beat it, Bro Kou!

Kou: Y-yes... I think that's best...

Kou: ...

Kou: Ah... You? Did you close the door?

You: No! Why would I ever do that!

Kou: Oh no...

The door seems to have closed on its own. Kou reaches for the knob.

Kou: I-it won't open...

Step Up, Big Bro: Scene 3

Night falls with no hope of rescue or escape. Kou comforts the terrified You, but when she realizes he's hiding his own fears to do it, You puts on a brave face too. When Kou notices that the ghost seems to take pleasure in scaring You, he loses his temper and attacks the spirit.

---

Kou and You try desperately to open the door, but to no avail.

They call for help, but no matter how loud they yell, there's no response from the other side.

As they labor to find some means of escape, the sun sets, leaving them trapped in the dark in this uncanny room.

You looks to be on the verge of tears.

You: Yeek! Th-there it goes again! Did you hear that?

You: Eeeyaaah!

Hee hee hee hee!

You: Whimper...
What is it? What is it!

Kou: You...

Kou gently pats You's head.

Kou: Look at me, You.

You: Huh?

Kou: Come on. Listen to my voice and look at my face. Can you do that for me?

You: Y-yeah... Sniff... I can... do that...

Kou: Good job, You. Hehehe. You're a good girl.

You: Wh-what're you doing! Quit patting my head!

Kou: Do you want ear scritches instead? You've been handling this so well, you deserve some attention.

You: I'm fine! Knock it off! Stop acting like Sis Yuel and Sis Societte! What's your problem!

Cheeks pink, You peers angrily at Kou.

Which is when she notices how stiff his expression is, and the minute shaking of his shoulders.

You: (Is he scared too?)

You: (So why did he suddenly start saying all that nice stuff about me?)

You: (Was he just... trying to make me feel better? Even though he was scared himself?)

You: (Geez... He's busting his tail for me, and here I am jumping at every little noise...)

You: Hey... sorry. Thanks. I'm... gonna be fine!

Kou: Really? You don't have to pretend for me.

You: Yeah, I'm good! Those bumps in the night are only putting half my hair on end now!

You: All right, Bro Kou! Let's put our heads together and figure our way outta here! Just act like you don't even hear that—

A cold breeze whispers down You's back and she freezes.

She turns around stiffly.

Laughing Spirit: Hee hee hee...

You: Meep! I can see it now! Auuugh, this is even worse! Save me!

You bursts into tears once more and hides behind Kou.

Laughing Spirit: Hee hee hee hee hee!

Kou: (That's the same voice we've been hearing...)

Kou: (I swear it was only when You screamed that I heard that laughter...)

Kou: Are you enjoying scaring You like that?

Laughing Spirit: Hee hee hee hee hee!

Kou: You lousy bully! Stay away from her!

Step Up, Big Bro: Scene 4

With the ghost defeated, Kou and You are able to leave the room, which no longer seems haunted. They invite the crew there to show them some hospitality. At the end of the evening, Kou warms (Captain)'s futon, and ends up being drafted as a bed warmer for the rest of the night. The two sleep well, shielding each other from the cold.

---

Laughing Spirit: Yeeee!

With a gurgling, otherworldly screech, the ghost succumbs to Kou's attacks and fades from existence.

That very moment, the door opens.

Kou: You... guys!

Yuel: Kou! You!

Societte: Are y'all all right? Are you hurt...? You look okay... Oh, thank goodness!

You: Sis Yuel! Sis Societte!

Yuel: Y'all really had us worried! One minute ya were there—the next ya were gone. We waited an' waited, but ya never came back.

Kou: I'm sorry... But how did you know where to find us?

Societte: We had a hunch you might head to the inn, so we came looking.

Societte: Then the owner told us you'd gone into that room and hadn't come out...

Vyrn: Even with all of us pulling together, we couldn't get the door open. That really threw us for a loop. What the heck happened in here?

Kou: Well...

Kou relates everything that happened after they broke the seal on the long-unopened room.

Lyria: That's so awful... You must have been so scared!

You: Sniffle... Bro Kou... If you hadn't been here with me, I...

Societte: There, there... Kou took good care of you, didn't he? And you were very brave, You.

1. I'm proud of you, Kou.

Choose: I'm proud of you, Kou.

Kou: ...!

(Captain) gently pats Kou's head.

The dam finally breaks, and tears spill down Kou's cheeks.

Kou: H-huh?
Sniff... Whimper...

Yuel: Kou... You really hung in there for your li'l sis, didn'tcha?

Kou: Sob...
I was... really scared too... I thought we'd never get out...

(Captain) folds the crying boy in a warm embrace.

Kou: Waaahhh!

Yuel: Easy, li'l man... You did real good today.

The crew lets the two children cry themselves out, then brings them back to the ship.

A few days later, Kou and You screw their courage to the sticking place and pay another visit to the sealed room.

All traces of supernatural activity seem to have vanished. The wards, the piles of hair, and the dolls are nowhere to be seen.

The children clean every inch of the room, then invite the crew over.

Shortly after (Captain) and the others settle in, they hear knocking at the door.

Kou & You: Excuse us.

Kou and You quietly push open the door and kneel in front of their guests.

Kou: Thank you for visiting our inn. We are thrilled that you accepted our invitation. My name is Kou, and it will be my pleasure to look after you during your stay.

You: And my name is You.

Kou: We hope to offer you a relaxing experience that will clear your minds and lift your spirits. Please take your ease and allow us to tend to your every need.

You: These sweets are our specialty. I hope you like them. They're freakin'... uh... they're extremely delicious.

Kou: Hehehe... If you'll excuse us, we must go prepare your meal.

Kou and You bow to the crew, then withdraw from the room without rising to their feet.

Yuel: Oh, geez, I... Lookit 'em bein' so formal... They're so cute I'm gonna cry!

Societte: They've grown... so much...

Vyrn: Yeesh, give 'em a chance to show off a little before you break down blubbering. I know you're proud big sisters, but this is ridiculous.

Kou and You pull out all the stops to take care of their guests.

The pair serves the crew food and drink and entertains them with dances in between courses.

At last, night falls. The guests climb into the futons You and Kou lay out.

Relaxed by a day of pampering, the crew falls into a deep, restful slumber.

All but (Captain), who remains wakeful, perhaps because of the unfamiliar surroundings. The captain decides to take a stroll.

When the night air has done its work, (Captain) returns to the room.

Kou: Welcome back.

Kou is waiting in the captain's futon.

Kou: It's a little cold outside, so I kept it warm for you.

Kou: Were you having trouble sleeping without a teddy bear? Need me to fill in?

Kou: Hehe... Oh, I'm only kidding. That's what you get for teasing me all the time.

Kou: Well then, it's time for me to—

Before Kou can climb out from under the blanket, (Captain) slips in alongside him.

Kou: Wha! Wait a second, (Captain)!

Kou: I was only joking! You're so pushy...

Kou: W-well, fine. I guess if you need my help getting to sleep then it's my duty. Don't tell anyone though, all right?

Kou resigns himself to his fate as (Captain)'s teddy bear.

Kou: (Captain)... Did you enjoy our hospitality today?

Kou: I hope we managed to return some fraction of the kindness you always show us.

Kou: (Captain)?

Kou: Are you asleep? Don't tell me you passed out the moment you put your head down...

Kou: W-wake up...
Wow... (Captain)'s really sawing wood... So I guess that means... we really did manage to provide some stress relief?

With a small, proud smile, Kou nestles in beside (Captain) and closes his eyes.

Secure beside someone he trusts so much, Kou, too, sleeps deeply.

A little too deeply.

His guard thoroughly lowered, Kou oversleeps, and Yuel, Societte, and You all catch him snuggling with (Captain).

Faced with a storm of jealousy, the popular young man is obliged to play teddy bear for his sisters as well.