A Dip with Societte
The crew brings Kou to the island of Mimaka, where they hope to lift the curse on Kou's legs. In the meantime Societte dons a new outfit and performs various curative dances that whisk away Yuel's fatigue but exhaust Societte in the process.
Societte and Yuel, successors of the lost royal families from a thousand years ago, continue to travel with the crew.
Over the course of their journey, they found another successor named Kou, who was caught up in the feud between the royal families and Ninetails.
With the crew's help, they struck down the evil incarnate that was Ninetails, thereby saving Kou from a darker fate.
Following those events he goes on a journey alone, parting with (Captain) and company for some time.
Months have passed when they next meet Kou again.
Kou has been rendered largely immobile by a curse put on his legs.
The crew pays a visit to Mimaka, the island of blessing, in hopes of finding a cure for the curse.
Yuel: Whew... Hot springs are the best...
Societte: I love how relaxing it feels in here...
Yuel: Ya can say that again... Hehe, yer wide open!
Societte: Eep! Y-Yuel!
Yuel: Ahaha. Just 'cause yer in the water doesn't mean yer safe from the tickle monster! Coochie-coochie-coo!
Societte: Aha, ahaha! That tickles, Yuel! I... I'm gonna have to fight back!
Yuel: Ahahaha! Wow, Societte! Aiiee, not my ears! Ya know how sensitive I get over there!
Societte: I do, that's why I'm going there... I've been taking this lying down for too long!
Yuel: Ahaha! I-I give up!
Vyrn: Sigh... What are those two even doing?
Lyria: Teehee... They always get along so well.
The crew is taking a relaxing dip in the hot springs.
However, Kou is not with them. They got separated slightly earlier.
Washers: This way, boy!
Kou: Hey! You don't have to pull—
Kou: Waaaah!
Societte and Yuel had offered to help him into the hot springs because he couldn't walk under his own power.
But the innkeeper had a few helpers take him away for a more efficient washing instead.
Being left without cause to use the special outfit she had prepared, Societte droops her shoulders in disappointment.
Lyria: Um... I'm sure you'll have another chance to use it sometime!
Lyria: I mean, Kou did agree to go in with you at the end!
Societte: You're right... I guess I'll have to wait for another chance to use it.
Societte: Sigh... What a shame... I guess I unpacked this outfit for nothing.
Yuel: Don't think I've seen that one before. Any chance that's the one ya use to treat wounds and illnesses?
Societte: Mm-hm, I got it from my mom. It's for the Recovery Dance.
Societte: My mom danced it for me once when I got really sick as a child.
Societte: I felt better immediately.
Societte: Haha. I still remember being so surprised and bombarding my mom with questions.
Lyria: Teehee, that outfit must bring back so many memories of your mother.
Societte: Yeah...
With a nod, Societte slips off her outer garment.
Societte: It was also used for ablutions originally.
Vyrn: Ablutions? Haven't heard much about that...
Societte: It's a ritual where you use water to cleanse one's body of impurities.
Societte: It was also worn when helping the injured enter a bath.
Societte: You'd take off the outer garment like I just did when getting in.
Vyrn: Neat... You can do the Recovery Dance okay like that?
Societte: It'd be hard wearing just the kimono slip. But it's easier to do the Tranquility Dance this way, which instills a sense of calm in anyone who watches.
Societte: From what my mom told me, you perform ablutions with the sick or injured, then do the Tranquility Dance.
Societte: It's only when they're relaxed enough that you put the outer garment back on and start the Recovery Dance.
Yuel: Whew... That's really somethin' special ya got there, Societte.
Vyrn: I would've taken it for plain ol' clothes if I didn't know otherwise.
Societte: ...
Societte: Hey, (Captain), why don't you join me in the hot spring?
Lyria: Huh? Why the sudden invitation?
Societte: There's even more secrets hidden in this attire that I'd like to show you directly.
Societte: Besides, aren't you guys tired too? A dip would be so refreshing...
- Erm, I dunno about that...
- Sure.
Choose: Erm, I dunno about that...Societte: Y-you don't want to take a dip with me, (Captain)?
(Captain) tries to clear any misunderstanding.
Yuel: Ahaha... That's pretty much the same thing Kou said.
Yuel: But it'll be fine! I'll wear either my bathin' suit or bathrobe! And you can rest assured Societte won't be goin' in naked!
Yuel: C'mon, (Captain), just say yes!
Though hesitant at first, (Captain) eventually acquiesces.
Choose: Sure.Societte: Ehehe... I get to take a dip with (Captain)...
Societte: Oh, that's right!
Societte: Um, if you don't mind, is it okay if I wash your back?
Societte: You do so much for us all the time, so this'd be a way for me to pay you back...
Lyria: Ooh, I want to wash (Captain)'s back too!
Societte: Teehee... We can do it together, Lyria.
Lyria: I'd like that! I've never washed someone's back before, but I'll try my best, (Captain)!
Societte: Besides, aren't you guys tired too? A dip would be so refreshing...
(Captain) responds with a warm smile, looking to the Erune with genuine curiosity.
Societte: Oh, that's right!
Societte: Um, if you don't mind, is it okay if I wash your back?
Societte: You do so much for us all the time, so this'd be a way for me to pay you back...
Lyria: Ooh, I want to wash (Captain)'s back too!
Societte: Teehee... We can do it together, Lyria.
Lyria: I'd like that! I've never washed someone's back before, but I'll try my best, (Captain)!
The two manage to draw a sheepish grin from the captain.
Continue 1Societte: Teehee... One big happy crew in the hot spring... What fun...
And that is how (Captain) and company ended up joining the Erune pair for a soak in the hot spring.
Vyrn: Nothing wrong with messing around, but I hope you're not forgetting about us...
Societte: Oh, sorry... Gimme a sec.
Societte steps out of the hot spring and gestures for the others to come over to her.
(Captain) and company approach in puzzlement.
Societte: Go on and touch my clothing.
Following her instructions, the others reach out with their hands.
Lyria: Wow! Even after all that time in the hot spring, it's not wet at all!
Vyrn: I can't even feel any heaviness... Wait, am I really holding this? It's gotta be some kinda illusion!
Societte: Haha. Oh, you're definitely holding on to it.
Societte: This outfit can do so much more than just purify.
Societte: In addition to being able to dry itself instantly, it's also incredibly lightweight.
Lyria: So that's the secret to the Recovery and Tranquility Dances... It really is amazing.
Vyrn: But if we've got this amazing outfit already, couldn't we have solved Kou's problem without comin' to Mimaka?
Societte: Well... There are limits to what it can do.
Societte: The curse that's been put on Kou is too strong for me to do anything about.
Societte: But if the curse can be weakened on this island...
Lyria: Then you'd be able to cure him!
Societte: Uh-huh. Of course, I won't know if it'll work until I try it...
- I have every confidence in you.
Choose: I have every confidence in you.Societte: Teehee... Thanks, (Captain).
Yuel: Societte, I've gotta ask... Any chance the dance cures dizziness after a long bath?
Societte: I think it would, but I can't say for sure...
Societte: Wait, is something wrong? Yuel, your face is bright red!
Yuel: It's not every day we get to bathe in a hot spring... Thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity...
Yuel: Hoo boy, the world's spinnin' round and round... I ain't feelin' so good...
Vyrn: Guess that explains why you stayed quiet for so long!
Vyrn: Loosening up in a hot spring is cool and all, but taking it too far doesn't do your body any favors!
Societte: Okay, I'm going to try the Recovery Dance now. Let's see how well it works.
Societte puts her kimono jacket back on, whips out her fan, then whirls into a cascade of graceful steps.
Yuel: Ooh! That's what I'm talkin' about!
Yuel: I feel way better now... Can't believe I was feelin' woozy only moments ago!
Vyrn: Whoa, that sure took effect fast!
Societte: Ehehe... Now to do it for the rest of you.
Societte: We could all use a little pick-me-up after running all over the place for Kou.
One glimpse at her dance, and any hint of fatigue the crew feels is instantly wiped away. Instead, they are now brimming with energy.
Lyria: Wow! I feel so much lighter and ready to do anything now...
Vyrn: Wouldja believe I'm actually brimmin' with energy.
Societte: Ehehe, I'm glad it worked...
Societte suddenly reels before collapsing on the ground.
Yuel: What the... Societte! You okay?
Societte: Ahaha... There's only one little problem with this outfit...
Societte: The Restoration and Tranquility Dances take so much outta me...
Societte: Especially when you consider I just came out of the hot spring... I...
Societte: Rgh...
Yuel: No! Societte!
Lyria: Yikes! Now it's Societte's cheeks that are bright red!
Yuel: Curing someone else only to get sick yourself? Oh, the irony! Take it easy, Societte!
Extended time spent soaking in the hot spring has led to excess blood rushing to her head, causing the Erune to collapse.
The crew act in haste as they tend to her.
Aren't Baths Fun?
While comparing the fluffiness of their tails, Societte and Yuel are surprised by the stiffness in You's tails. The older successors suggest You take a warm bath, which causes You to lose her temper.
The crew rescues You, who was being used as Ninetails's puppet.
Some time after reconciling with her, they all assist with Mimaka's reconstruction.
One day Societte, Yuel, and You head out to town for a supply run.
After acquiring the necessary items, the three decide to take a break on a bench in the town square of Mimaka.
You: ...
Societte: What's wrong, You? Is there something on our tails?
You: No... It's just that yours are so much more bushier and fluffier than mine... They smell great too...
Yuel: Ahaha, nice to know ya can appreciate some fine tail! How are they any different from yers though?
Yuel: If ya ask me, yer tails are just as fuzzy and wuzzy!
Yuel: I bet it'd feel so good to wrap my arms around 'em all at once!
You: Wh-whoa! Don't just go touching them without asking!
Yuel: Aw, c'mon now, what have ya got to lose?
Glomp!
Yuel: Yeeowch! What the hay! Why are they so stiff?
Societte: Huh?
Societte gently strokes one of You's tails.
Her eyes widen in surprise at the rigidity belied by its fluffy appearance.
Societte: I-it's almost rock solid.
The confused Societte whips out a comb and lightly brushes it against You's tail.
However, the comb won't go through. Societte is puzzled.
Societte: But it looks so soft... How is this possible?
You: Oh, quit it already... See, I told you...
Societte: Um... Are you washing them regularly?
You: Well yeah, they can get pretty dirty... So I run 'em through some cold water every day—that's about it.
Yuel: You're kiddin'! Do ya not take baths?
You: Baths?
The mere mention of the word makes every strand of fur on her stand on end as she leaps away from Societte.
You: No way am I gonna have anything to do with baths! That'd just burn my skin off!
Societte: Huh?
You: You better not try to make me either! My mind's made up on this!
You: Unless you two wanna drown me that bad! Please tell me that's not it!
Yuel: Whoa! Slow down there, You!
You: Gah! Don't come any closer!
An indigo flame begins to engulf her entire body.
Societte: What's happenin'... Oh no...
Aren't Baths Fun?: Scene 2
You's angry outburst causes Kou to come quickly to see what the commotion is. After hearing about You's refusal to take hot baths, he explains that You is traumatized from being forcibly submerged in hot water during her captivity. Societte persuades You that warm baths aren't scary, and You agrees to enter the hot spring as long as Societte, Yuel, and Kou go with her.
Societte and Yuel are surprised to see You's sudden outburst.
Societte notices she is shaking.
Societte: You...
You: Argh! Get the hell away from me!
Societte: I... I can't get any closer...
Yuel: What's wrong, You?
Kou: Societte, Yuel!
Societte: Kou? What are you doing here?
Kou: I ran here as soon as I saw You's flames! What's happening?
Societte: We're just as confused... We got to talking about baths, and then...
Kou: Baths, huh... That would do it.
Societte: Hm? What do you mean?
Kou: Well, back when I saw You's memories...
Kou: There was one episode where members of the eighth family forced her to enter scalding hot water under the guise of "purification."
Kou: It wasn't just once either... This was a regular thing. Every time she tried to get out, they'd just dunk her head right back in and hold her down there.
Yuel: Holy hell... Now that's just disgusting...
Kou: I experienced it only once in reliving her memory, and that was enough to scare me away from hot water for a while... I can't imagine how much worse it must be for her...
Societte: That explains why she hates baths so much...
Yuel: Those eighth family bullies are lower than a snake's belly! I'd tan their hides if I could!
Societte: I can't believe it... You's still just a child...
The three look to her, feeling sorry for what she's had to endure.
Societte then approaches the frightened You.
You: Rgh! No... I hate baths!
As if already thrust back into scalding water, You's body contorts as she shrieks in utter pain and terror.
However, a gentle, loving hug from Societte proves enough to calm her down.
You: Ah...
Societte: It'll be okay... Everything'll be fine... We'd never ever do anything to hurt you.
Societte: So please just settle down...
You: Huh? You're not going to force me under water?
Societte: Absolutely not... That's a promise.
Yuel: When Societte makes a promise, she keeps it. Not like we'd ever do somethin' so awful to ya anyway...
You: Sis Yuel... Sis Societte...
Yuel: Oh, and You... There's something you've got completely mixed up.
You: And that is?
Yuel: A real bath is so soothing and cozy.
Yuel: The sorta "bath" ya have in mind is called torture. It's definitely not a real bath.
You: Soothing and cozy?
Societte: Mm-hm. Why don't you join us, You? It'll be fun...
You: ...!
Societte: Scrub your tails real good in there, and they'll be as soft and fluffy as ours.
Societte: We can guide you through every step of the way if you're not sure how to go about it.
You: Mng...
You: You really think it'll work? Fluffy tails for me?
You: Just like you two?
Yuel: Heck yeah! Have I ever lied to ya, You?
You: Well, you do tell a lot of jokes...
Yuel: Whoopsy... Yer right about that...
Societte: It's true. Your tails will be so soft to the touch when we're done.
You: ...
You: O-okay... Let's go in together then...
Yuel: Aw, how adorable. Startin' to get an interest in that stuff, aren't ya?
Yuel gently ruffles You's head, a smile playing on her face.
You: Hey! Cut that out, Sis Yuel!
Kou: Ahaha... Take care of her, you two.
Kou: Well, I'm off to the hot spring...
Yuel: Hold it right there!
Just as Kou turns around to go on his way...
Yuel clutches his hand.
Yuel: Yer goin' to the hot spring too?
Kou: Yeah, need to wash off all this sweat...
Yuel: Hehehe! Perfect! We all get to go together then!
Kou: Wait... Why together!
Societte: We couldn't go in together on our last visit. So it's time for a do-over.
Kou: That's not much of a reason! I can move around just fine on my own now, so don't expect me to join you three!
Kou makes a run for it.
You is the one to grab his arm this time.
You: Bro Kou... I'm scared of being the only new one to go in there...
Kou: Ah... Y-You...
Yuel: Y'see, Kou? Even You wants ya to join us.
Yuel: Or would ya rather have a lil' sis like her go through something' so frightenin' without ya?
Kou: Now that's just mean... Fine already! I'll come along!
Kou: I'll be keeping my eyes closed the whole time though!
Yuel: Ahaha... We'll have clothin' on. It'll be fine.
Yuel: All righty! On to the hot spring!
Societte: Ehehe, we get to bathe with Kou and You together... This is gonna be fun.
And so the four make their way to the hot spring.
Aren't Baths Fun?: Scene 3
Societte and Yuel take turns washing You, but Yuel's propensity for teasing is too much for the young Erune, who tells her to stop. While a dejected Yuel takes out her bullying on Kou, Societte resumes washing You, happily musing that this is what it must be like to have a little sister.
Yuel and Societte bring You and Kou to the hot spring.
After changing into their respective garments, they gather in the bathing room.
You: Mng...
A fearful You grasps Societte's clothing.
Societte responds with a smile and a head pat.
Societte: It'll be fine. I'll be right beside you.
Societte: And like I said before, I promise we won't do anything that might make you feel uncomfortable.
You: But scary stuff is still scary...
Yuel: Now that's a side of You I ain't seen much... It's kinda adorable.
Societte: C'mon, Yuel, stop teasing her... I do know what you mean though.
Yuel: Ahaha... Kou, why are ya so far from us? Come closer.
Yuel: Don't tell me yer feelin' all shy from seein' our swimsuits and bathrobes?
Kou: Ngh... You know darn well why, but I see that doesn't stop you from poking fun at me...
Kou: I'm going in!
His cheeks flushed bright red, Kou steps into the hot spring as if to escape.
Societte: Would you stop teasing Kou already.
Yuel: Ahaha, I hear ya. I just can't get enough of his reactions. Hehe...
Yuel: I'll have more fun with him later... 'Cuz washin' You comes first!
You: ...
Societte: Relax, You. We'll be gentle and clean you up real nice.
You: Okay...
Societte and Yuel lather up some soap and begin scrubbing You's body.
Yuel: Rub and scrub, grime goes down the drain!
You: Eep! Sis Yuel! You're being too touchy-feely!
Yuel: Well, whaddya expect? I've gotta wash ya down good. Coochie-coochie!
Yuel gets to work on You's ears, making sure to wash them in their entirety.
You: Eep! Aiiee! Stop touching me all funny, Sis Yuel! It tickles!
Societte: Aw, Yuel. You big bully.
Yuel: Me? A bully? I was only tryin' to help her settle in with a bit of laughs...
You: I... don't really like being tickled...
You: If I have to be washed, can it just be Sis Societte?
Yuel: Wha... I can't believe You just dumped me... Waah!
Yuel: Koouuu! Societte and You don't want me anymore! I need someone to comfort me!
Kou: Wh-whoa! Really now, Yuel! Could you please not grab on to me all of a sudden?
Societte: Ahaha... Yuel's being Yuel as always...
Societte: Let's keep going, You.
You: Y-you're not gonna pull anything funny like Sis Yuel, are you?
Societte: Haha, of course not.
Societte is delicate in her movements as she happily washes You's hair and tails.
Societte: Scrub, scrub.
How does it feel? Good, I hope?
You: Mm... Can you do it a little stronger?
Societte: Like this?
Scrub, scrub.
You: Mm... That's good... Ahh... I... don't know how to put it... But... this feels so good... I think...
You: Aah... Aha... That's a bit ticklish there... But I don't mind if it's you, Sis Societte.
Societte: Teehee, I'm glad to hear that.
Societte: You sure is adorable. This might be what it feels like to have a little sister...
As Societte continues rinsing...
Her smile is so genuinely sweet that an unexpected warmth rushes through You.
Aren't Baths Fun?: Scene 4
You finally takes her first step into the hot spring with Societte and Yuel. A smile crosses her face as she soaks in the comforting, warm water, and she thanks them for helping her overcome her fears.
While continuing to wash You...
Societte takes out a bottle filled with creamy white liquid and applies it to You's tails.
You: Eep! That really tickles! Wh-what is that you're rubbing in there?
Societte: Much better... It's a type of moisturizing agent. One of my favorites actually.
Societte: Don't you find that floral scent so relaxing?
You: Sniff, sniff... You're right...
Societte: There's many different kinds. This one's a lavender scent.
Societte: Teehee. It works so well on you, You.
You: Y-you think so? Thanks...
You: B-but it feels so much more ticklish now...
Societte: Can you let it sit for a bit? This'll really make your tails shine.
You: Urgh, hurry up, will ya? Mm... Hngggh!
Societte: There, that should do it. Now to just rinse it off with some warm water.
You: Aah...
Societte: Okay! All done.
You: Whew, finally...
You: Wait a sec! Are these really my tails? How are they so pretty!
You: So fluffy, moist, and shiny... Just like yours and Sis Yuel's!
Societte: They'll look even better if you make sure to take care of them every day!
You: Every day? But I'm not really good with this stuff... I'd probably just forget how to do it...
Societte: Haha, I wouldn't mind teaching you all over again. Feel free to come ask me anytime.
You: Really? I wouldn't be too much of a bother?
Societte: Not in the slightest. I mean, we're like family now, aren't we?
You: Family... We're family...
You: Wah! Sis Societte...
You pulls Societte in close for an embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Societte: Attagirl, You...
Societte: But weep too much, and it might ruin your cute face.
Societte wipes You's tears with her sleeve.
You: I don't know if I'd call myself cute...
Societte: Oh, you're definitely adorable, You. I guarantee it.
You: Mm...
Societte: Teehee...
With a loving look in her eyes, Societte responds to You's embrace with a head rub.
Yuel: You. Looks like you've really taken to Societte, eh?
Societte: Ah, Yuel. Where's Kou?
Yuel: Haha, he's restin' up over there.
Kou is sprawled out, floating lifelessly in the hot spring.
Societte: Yuel? What did you do to him?
Yuel: Nothin' out of the ordinary! All I did was tickle him a bit here and there...
Yuel: Well, okay. I tickled his entire body to bits.
Societte: "Nothing out of the ordinary"... Well, I guess that's probably true in your mind...
Yuel: I might've went overboard after feelin' down about You dumpin' me... Guess I should be more careful next time.
Yuel: Anyhoo, are ya done washin'? 'Cuz the next step is to actually enter the hot spring bath!
You: S-so we'll be entering a bath after all...
Yuel: Oh, you'll be all right. I mean, ya saw me and Kou soakin' in there just fine, right?
You: But...
Societte: Relax, You. I'll be in there with you.
You: O-okay... Um... Is it okay if we hold hands?
Societte: Sure, I don't mind at all.
Societte layers her own hand on top of You's trembling one.
You: Here goes...
You timidly steps into the water.
You: It... isn't hot... More like warm...
Yuel: Haha, just let go of yerself and take it all in. It'll feel even better.
You: Okay...
You relaxes her whole body.
You: Aah...
You: It feels so nice and warm in here...
You: I didn't know a bath could be so soothing... Mm...
Societte: Right? There's nothing to be afraid of, so just kick back and enjoy it.
Societte: From now on, you can try real bathing instead of just splashing cold water.
Yuel: If yer ever afraid again, we'll gladly come in with ya anytime.
You: Really? Okay then, I guess I can try bathing...
You: I want my tails to be soft and fluffy with all that glimmer like yours...
Societte: Haha, glad to hear it.
Societte and Yuel are relieved to hear You's words.
You: And um... Sorry about today.
Yuel: Huh? What for?
You: I must've caused so much trouble for you two today...
Yuel: Pff, ahaha!
You: Huh? Did I say something weird?
Yuel: Kou said somethin' like that to us a long time ago.
Yuel: And back then, I told him that he should be sayin' thanks instead of apologizin'.
You: Ah...
You: I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Kou!
Kou: Hehe... Actually, the right thing to say in this case is thank you.
You: Kou said the same thing...
You: Sis Societte, Sis Yuel... Thanks.
The two exchange smiles while stroking You's hair.
You responds to the gesture with a huge grin.
Kou: (I'm glad it worked out, You...)
Kou: (Though I wonder if there was any point in me tagging along...)
Kou: (Well, I guess it's all good as long as You's happy now.)
Kou is more delighted than anyone else to see You so content.
However, he does have mixed feelings about his role in all this.