Scenario:Makura - Truth Behind Rabbit Ears

Truth Behind Rabbit Ears

Makura and Rakko arrive at the Jewel Resort to give Rakusho his chocolates, but are denied entry due to Makura's rabbit ears. Instead of being upset, Makura is happy that the legend of the first Divine Rabbit lives on to this day, as the ban on rabbit-ear accessories exists due to her. The employee realizes that Makura is the Divine Rabbit and apologizes profusely before fetching Garrett, the resort's CEO.

---

The Jewel Resort is a grand casino ship that cruises through Phantagrande Skydom.

After learning that Apparetei Rakusho is currently on said ship, Makura brings Rakko there.

Makura: What? What do you mean I'm not allowed in?

Employee: My sincerest apologies, but we have a strict no-rabbit-ears policy.

Apparetei Rakko: So other ears are fine? Just not rabbit ones specifically?

Makura: Heheh...

Apparetei Rakko: What are you giggling for? You just got rejected entry.

Makura: It's just... I got giddy thinking about how the legacy of the first Divine Rabbit lives on to this day.

Apparetei Rakko: Her legacy?

Rabbit-Eared Staff: Excuse me, correct me if I'm wrong but... your fluffy-looking ears wouldn't happen to be real, would they?

Makura: They sure are, and I can prove it. Wanna give them a feel?

Rabbit-Eared Staff: Oh no, I couldn't possibly!

Employee: That means... you must be the Divine Rabbit!

Makura: Guilty as charged, though I'm not here in any official capacity. Pleased to make your acquaintance!

Rabbit-Eared Staff: I'm so, so sorry for the holdup! If you wouldn't mind, could you please wait here another moment?

The two employees scurry off in a poorly-disguised panic, heading somewhere else inside the Jewel Resort.

Apparetei Rakko: Huh... They seem pretty frazzled. I wonder what's going on.

Makura: Could be they went to go grab VIP passes or something now that they know I'm the real deal.

Apparetei Rakko: I still don't understand. Why do they have a rule against wearing rabbit ears?

Makura: Oh... About that, do you remember what I told you before about the first Divine Rabbit?

Apparetei Rakko: Yeah. She developed a taste for gambling and opened up a gambling den next to the Rabbit Temple.

Apparetei Rakko: And to top it off, she became so good at it that everyone started calling her the goddess of gambling!

Makura: Yep, that's her. So it should come as no surprise that she's related to rabbit-ear accessories being banned in this casino.

Makura: Back in the day, no gambler could beat the first Divine Rabbit, even if they played dirty. That's when they took a closer look at her ears...

Gambler: I bet it's because those damn ears can hear how the dice roll!

Makura: They believed that they'd never be able to win against her, since she had rabbit ears and they didn't.

Makura: So then they started thinking—if you can't beat 'em, why not join 'em?

Makura: That's when they made their own rabbit ears and wore them as good luck charms.

Gambler: Hehe, try this on for size!

Apparetei Rakko: Ehehe! They must've been at their wits' end if they were willing to go that far!

Makura: Desperate times call for desperate measures. They weren't afraid to throw their pride out the window if it meant victory.

Apparetei Rakko: Reminds me of how those rabbit-eared customers were acting back in the chocolaterie...

Makura: That's a pretty accurate comparison, not gonna lie. But anyway, there's more to the story.

Makura: One day, a whole bunch of these rabbit-eared gamblers walked into the biggest casino at the time.

Makura: Hehehe, so then the owner...

Apparetei Rakko: Must've been flabbergasted, I bet!

Makura: Yeah! Can you imagine it? All these people with serious game faces on and the cutest pair of ears on top of their heads.

Makura: Bet it was a terrifying sight, especially if you had no clue what was happening.

Makura: The owner had the other guests to consider, which is why he told them straight up they weren't allowed to wear the ears.

Owner: No wearing rabbit ears inside my establishment, you hear?

Gambler: Huh? Why the hell not? You better give us a damn good reason, or else!

Makura: The ears were their last-ditch effort for success, after all, so they weren't about to give up without a fight.

Makura: Confronted by people who were hotheaded and desperate, the owner had an epiphany.

Owner: All right, how about this? The casino's staff members will wear those rabbit ears instead.

Owner: Th-that way everyone can be equally blessed by their good luck!

Apparetei Rakko: Wowie... A bold, but brilliant move!

Makura: And that's how casinos started having rabbit-eared employees.

Apparetei Rakko: So they're supposed to be spreading good luck equally to everyone...

Apparetei Rakko: Kind of hard to believe, considering how our master fares in these kinds of places.

Makura: Ahahaha! Well you know, casinos gotta turn a profit somehow. But that aside...

Makura: I never expected that old rule to still exist in this casino.

Makura beams, more than happy to have shared the history of her predecessor with another.

Garrett: Ah, you must be the current Divine Rabbit. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.

Garrett: I am Garrett, the Jewel Resort's chief executive officer.

Makura: I appreciate the proper introduction! Nice to meet you. The name's Makura, and I am indeed the Divine Rabbit.

Garrett gives a big grin as the two shake hands, his usual poker face nowhere to be found.

Garrett: It's a miracle you've come at this timing... Or perhaps this is the work of fate. Regardless, I couldn't be more pleased you're here.

Makura: At this... timing?

Garrett: It just happens there's someone here who's been insistent on meeting the Divine Rabbit.

Confused, yet curious, Makura and Rakko are led to a luxurious parlor room inside the casino.

Truth Behind Rabbit Ears: Scene 2

Garrett requires Makura's help to deal with a dice cup that's haunted by a ghost. Upon being summoned, the ghost introduces himself as a casino owner who amassed a fortune thanks to the first Divine Rabbit. The man hid his collection of jewels inside the dice cup and has been unable to pass on because he worries it will be stolen. He trusts only the Divine Rabbit to slice the cup open and return the jewels to him. Makura obliges, but a familiar voice interrupts before she can finish the job.

---

Upon entering the parlor room, Makura's jaw drops as she spots a majestic portrait of a rabbit-eared woman.

Makura: Don't tell me, this lady is...

Garrett: Exactly who you think it is—the first Divine Rabbit, goddess of gambling to us all.

Makura: Whew... I almost can't believe my eyes. This is amazing!

Makura: You really gave her a fancy display in the Jewel Resort—the premier casino of all casinos!

Harriet: Ahaha, it's just... This painting makes it seem like she was drop-dead gorgeous.

Harrington: Excuse you! Some thoughts should be kept to yourself, you know!

Makura: Hey, I was having a moment here. Could you guys not ruin it?

Garrett: Pardon me, but have your rabbit companions met the first Divine Rabbit in person?

Makura: Yep, they sure have, since they're all shikigami that've been passed down from one Divine Rabbit to the next.

Makura: Of course, that's not to say they all have great memory like Harriet and Harrington...

Harry: Me and Harley don't remember a thing!

Harley: I'm hungry...

Apparetei Rakko: They've got unique personalities, at least.

Garrett: Would Harriet and Harrington mind assisting me later with adjusting the portrait for accuracy?

Makura: I'm sure they'd be up for it, but... Uh, sorry about this.

Garrett: There's nothing to apologize for. It's a boon for us all to have her likeness be properly portrayed.

Garrett: That aside, I'd like to speak to you about why I brought you here.

Expression growing serious, Garrett retrieves an antique box from elsewhere in the room.

Garrett: These objects happened to come into my possession a few days ago.

Opening the box reveals a vintage-looking dice cup and accompanying die.

Garrett: According to the antique dealer, this was the first Divine Rabbit's favorite set.

Makura: For real?

Apparetei Rakko: That cup's kinda huge. Was she super tall herself or something?

Harrington: Not at all. She was pretty much the same size as the boss here.

Harriet: Sorry in advance if I'm wrong, but... even though that looks like her favorite dice cup, something about it is off.

Garrett: Hm, in that case... Did it belong to someone else?

With furrowed brows, Garrett lightly flicks the dice cup.

???: Hey! Quit it!

Makura: Uh, did someone say something just now?

Garrett: It was the dice cup.

Makura: Huh? I don't get it.

Garrett: The thing kept whispering to me night after night, saying it'll curse me if I don't let it meet the Divine Rabbit.

Garrett: Of course, I told it to try me and see what happens, but then it started crying to get my sympathy.

Apparetei Rakko: (I-I think we just saw the real Garrett for a second there...)

Garrett: When that didn't work, it promised a reward if I did what it asked.

Garrett: I demanded an explanation, but it stubbornly refused, saying it'd only speak to the Divine Rabbit.

Garrett: It makes me wonder... How long has this old dice cup been threatening and coercing people, just to get what it wants?

Garrett: Now it's come into my possession after passing through who knows how many hands.

Makura: And then we showed up in this very moment. No wonder you were happy to see me, huh?

Garrett: Exactly. All that's left is to finally get this thing to explain itself.

Garrett: If you wouldn't mind, place your hand on the cup. He says he'll reveal himself if you do.

Makura: All righty then. Let's give it a shot.

As Makura cautiously places her hand atop the object, a lazy puff of smoke rises out of it and eventually takes the shape of a person.

Apparition: Boo...

Makura: Boo? Cliche much?

Apparition: Listen, there's uh... a procedure to these sorts of things. Hey, could you move me into the shade? Sunlight's kinda blinding me.

Apparetei Rakko: (Are you kidding me? How's a ghost able to appear during the daytime anyway?)

Apparition: You're really something else, Garrett! I barely just got here, and the Divine Rabbit's already showed up! You must be my lucky charm!

Garrett: Don't get ahead of yourself.

Apparition: Sorry.

Makura: So what's been bothering you? If it's something I can help with, I'd be glad to.

Apparition: That's the Divine Rabbit I know and love! No matter how many generations go by, you're always so good at taking care of others!

Garrett: Cut to the chase already. She doesn't have all day.

Apparition: Okay...

Apparetei Rakko: (Even I'm quaking in my shoes...)

Apparition: I've been wishing for years upon years to meet you... and now it's finally happened!

Apparition: The truth is, I'm the casino owner that first put rabbit ears on our employees way back in the day.

Makura: No way! We were just talking about you!

Makura: What a tough situation that must've been. My hat's off to you for handling it with a cool head, despite tensions running high.

Owner: Oh... I think there might be a bit of a misunderstanding about that...

Owner: You see, the moment all those rabbit-eared gamblers closed in on me... Well...

Gambler: Yeah? And what gives you the right to ban our ears?

Owner: E-eek! I'm sorry! That vase is expensive, so please don't... Ahhh!

Owner: After they finished whacking me around, they started smashing the place up.

Owner: That sent my employees scurrying out the door, and none of them looked back. I thought my business was done for.

Owner: But that's when she appeared before me.

First Divine Rabbit: Oof, they really did a number on you, huh?

First Divine Rabbit: And it sounds like my ears are partially to blame. I'm real sorry about all the trouble they caused.

Owner: Please, there's no need to bow your head. It's not like an apology will fix things at this point...

First Divine Rabbit: Fair enough. Money would be far more helpful than sympathies, wouldn't it?

Owner: After saying that, the Divine Rabbit placed an enormous sum in front of me.

First Divine Rabbit: Take this as an apology. Use it to fix the place up and get your employees back.

Owner: Even if I get everything up and running again, those gamblers will just come back. I've already made an enemy out of them...

First Divine Rabbit: So here's what you do: Put rabbit ears on the employees you drag back.

First Divine Rabbit: Then you let everyone know this means every guest is getting equally blessed by good fortune.

First Divine Rabbit: If someone doesn't believe you, just say that you've got the approval of the Divine Rabbit, goddess of gambling herself...

First Divine Rabbit: And show 'em this die and cup as proof!

Owner: Th-thank you so muuuch! I owe you my life!

Makura: Whew, what a legend! She really was something else!

Apparetei Rakko: The first Divine Rabbit gave you a proper apology, and you were able to fix the casino after...

Apparetei Rakko: The truth's a bit different from the story we heard, but the end result's the same. So what unfinished business could you possibly have?

Owner: I dunno if it was because of the rabbit ears or what have you, but I raked in the dough afterwards. I exchanged the money I got for gems.

Owner: And the gems, well... I might've... attached them to the dice cup.

Apparetei Rakko: You hid them in this?

Owner: Ehehe.

Makura: Huh... No wonder this cup is so ridiculously huge. That certainly explains that.

Owner: After I died, I couldn't rest knowing that someone out there could steal my precious gems at any given moment...

Every living person in the room blinks in stunned surprise as they hear the real reason why the owner's spirit is still around.

Garrett: Why bother looking for the current Divine Rabbit though? I could've yanked the gems out myself.

Owner: It's just... you know how people are. Too easy to be tempted by greed.

Owner: But I figured any descendant of the Divine Rabbit would be guaranteed to pop the gems out and hand 'em to me without hesitation... Eheh.

Makura: Wow, they're all so sparkly—each and every last one of them. They'd look great with my outfit today, wouldn't they?

Owner: Huh? D-Divine Rabbit, surely you're not after my gems, right? Please say you're kidding!

Makura: Of course I am. I'd rather not risk getting possessed by you over a couple of gems, thanks.

???: Hold it right there!

Just as Makura is about to slice the cup open, a familiar voice shouts for the proceedings to halt.

Truth Behind Rabbit Ears: Scene 3

Appearing out of nowhere, Rakusho challenges the ghost to a poker game for the jewels and immediately loses. Makura finally opens the cup, but before she can hand the jewels over, the owner passes on from the satisfaction of winning the game and seeing the jewels. With the haunting solved, Makura and Rakko give their chocolates to Rakusho and, after seeing how overjoyed their master is, resolve to keep giving him chocolates every year going forward.

---

???: Hold it right there!

Makura: I'd recognize that voice anywhere...

Turning around, Makura and Rakko spot a familiar man in a kimono and handcuffs, flanked on both sides by casino employees.

Apparetei Rakko: Master! What've you gone and done this time?

The man that Rakko refers to as her master is Apparetei Rakusho.

He is a professional performer of rakugo, a storytelling art that originates from an island in the east.

Apparetei Rakusho: I heard everything, clear as day. Are you sure you should take what that spirit says at face value?

Makura: Forget the ghost for a second... Why do you look like you've been arrested for something?

Apparetei Rakusho: Hehe, oh, this? Just a little romantic entanglement I've got going on.

Rabbit-Eared Staff: That's not what this is at all!

Employee: ...
This guest here was pestering our staff members for Valentine's Day chocolates and wouldn't leave them alone.

Employee: We weren't sure how to deal with him, so we came to see Garrett for directions...

Apparetei Rakko: I am so, so sorry for the trouble my master's caused! I'm not sure how we can ever make up for it!

Garrett: There's no need for you to apologize. The only one responsible for your master's actions is himself.

Garrett fixes Rakusho with a deadly glare, to which the man responds by promptly prostrating himself on the floor.

Apparetei Rakusho: My sincerest apologieees!

Apparetei Rakko: I wanna crawl in a hole and hide...

Garrett: Let the man go.

Apparetei Rakusho: Thank you so muuuch!

As soon as his arms are freed, Rakusho approaches the spirit.

Apparetei Rakusho: Hey, hey, hey. The others' might've taken you at your word, but I know something fishy when I smell it.

Apparetei Rakusho: If you really made it big like you said, then you should've taken some of your riches and paid the first Divine Rabbit back.

Apparetei Rakusho: But your stingy behind took that money and turned it into a hoard of gems for yourself.

Apparetei Rakusho: Even worse, your greed's kept you from moving on, and now we're forced to clean up your mess. Aagh, people like you make me sick!

Owner: I-I don't even know who you are... Why're you mad at me...

Rabbit-Eared Staff: The man lost a lot today, so he might be taking out his frustrations on you.

Apparetei Rakko: Really, Master? We're resorting to pettiness now?

Apparetei Rakusho: Anyway! I'm not gonna hand these gems over to you just like that!

Makura: Even if you're right, the gems are why he's a ghost in the first place. How's he supposed to move on without 'em?

Owner: Right? Oh, I can always count on you to set things straight, Divine Rabbit!

Apparetei Rakusho: Listen here, Makura. You're the apprentice, and I'm the master. Resolving drama despite a few plot holes is all in a day's work for a professional, you get me?

Makura: Is this really the time for that?

Apparetei Rakusho: In other words... If you want the spoils of that dice cup, then you'll have to face me in a game of poker.

Owner: You want to play a match against me? Now there's an idea—one that's got my heart pounding.

Apparetei Rakusho: You say that like a ghost has a heart. But hey, I can't lie—I feel the same way.

Garrett: If you're both set on this... then I'll be the dealer.

Rakusho and the spirit gather in front of Garrett, and the match begins.

Apparetei Rakusho: But whyyy!

Makura: Well that was kinda sad... Why'd you bother with poker if you're that bad at it?

Apparetei Rakusho: I just had this feeling that maybe I could win if I tried!

Apparetei Rakko: That baseless confidence is exactly why you're gonna be penniless forever...

Apparetei Rakusho: One more time, spirit! Please! Else I might cry...

Employee: A loss is a loss, sir.

Apparetei Rakusho: What? W-wait... Let go of me! Noooo!

At Garrett's signal, the employee drags Rakusho away from the group and into another room, ignoring his protests all the while.

Apparetei Rakko: You're probably tired of hearing it already, but... I'm so sorry.

Garrett: It's fine. More importantly... Divine Rabbit.

Makura: Understood!

In one smooth motion, Makura slices the cup open using her two blades, causing the gems inside to spill out.

Owner: Yes... Yes, my precious gems! Divine Rabbit, thank you so much! Thank... youuuu...

Makura: Hehe, with these back in your possession, you can properly pass on—

Makura moves to hand the owner his gems, but the spirit is nowhere to be found.

Makura: Huh? Where'd he go?

Apparetei Rakko: He, um... He smiled real wide and just kind of faded away into the sky.

Makura: So he became a spirit and caused all this ruckus, just to not take the gems with him?

Garrett: Let's just consider this solved and not question it further. There was no guarantee the gems would've been able to go with him, anyway.

Apparetei Rakko: Yeah. He's passed on, so I'd consider this a job well done!

Makura: In that case...

Harrington: Lepus Troupe, represent!

Harry: Woo! Hoo! Represent!

Makura: My job here is done!

Apparetei Rakko: What are you gonna do about the gems?

Apparetei Rakko: If you leave them here, our master is probably going to come around and claim them for himself, saying he's the victor by default or something.

Makura: These belong to Garrett, actually.

Garrett: Me?

Makura: Not just the gems either. The cup and die are also yours, since you got them from the antique dealer.

Makura: Am I wrong? Here you go!

Garrett: I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less from one of the Divine Rabbits. Your good nature always shines through.

Makura: Ehehe, please. You're gonna make me blush!

Harley: Boss... I'm hungry...

Makura: Didn't you just snack on a ton of chocolate earlier?

Apparetei Rakko: Oh, we completely forgot! The whole reason we came here was for...

Makura: Valentine's Day!

Makura and Rakko dash into the room Rakusho was taken into and find him curled up in the corner.

Makura: Master.

Apparetei Rakusho: Oh. Hey... What happened with that old geezer's spirit?

Makura: Passed on with a smile on his face.

Apparetei Rakusho: Yeah? I was afraid a wishy-washy guy like that would still end up attached to this world if you just handed over those gems like he wanted.

Apparetei Rakusho: So I figured I'd put him into a good mood and make sure that didn't happen.

Makura: Does that mean... you lost on purpose?

Apparetei Rakusho: Obviously I did! You think I normally get walked all over like that?

Apparetei Rakko: To think our master, who absolutely hates losing, would be considerate of someone else for once... Sniffle... I'm so proud...

Apparetei Rakusho: Cut that out, this isn't worth crying over. Honestly, I'm the one that wants to cry. That bunny lady didn't even give me the time of day—

Apprentices: Here, Master.

Apparetei Rakusho: What's this now?

Rakusho blinks in surprise at the large volume of Valentine's chocolate that Makura and Rakko pull out.

Makura: Sorry this isn't from that bunny lady of yours... But you were looking for chocolate, right?

Apparetei Rakusho: I can't believe my eyes! Thank you, thank you!

Apparetei Rakusho: I got my first Valentine's Day chocolates ever from my apprentices! Woo-hoooo!

Makura: Who are you screaming to?

Apparetei Rakusho: Everyone in the skies, duh! Gotta spread the word far and wide that I've got the best apprentices!

Makura: Ahahaha! Seeing how happy you are makes me think it was worth the effort.

It is at this moment that both Makura and Rakko quietly decide to give their master chocolate every year, without fail.

However, whether or not Rakusho ends up giving them a White Day gift in return is another story entirely.