Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Abigail
5 scenes, 288 lines
1. Age Matters
63 linesGyrate: Evening Sounds (Exterior)
Hey, you! Stop!
(The commanding voice of the "Evening Sounds" bouncer can be heard clearly even in these bustling streets.)
(It's late. Evening Sounds is lit up with neon colors for the fantasy-themed event. The visitors all wear formal suits and gowns, dress shoes and high-heels.)
(Abigail arrives. The young and sweet-looking girl seems somehow quite out of place.)
You're rude... speaking to a guest like that.
(Abigail is not happy with the bouncer, who has blocked her entry with an arm.)
Sorry. You're not allowed.
How come?
Check the, uh, notice on the door.
...No minors.
Yes. I'm well aware of that.
Where are your parents, kid? You should have them pick you up.
...?
(Abigail suppress her anger once again as she pulls out an ID card from a classy handbag and shows it to the bouncer.)
Arrrrgh.... Abi... gail....
(The bouncer's surprised face turns serious as he glances through the name and details.)
I should've expected you'd pull something like this.
I take it you're prepared for the legal consequences? Pulled this trick a few times, have you?
You're not 35. Girl, you know falsifying an ID card is a crime, right?!
???
(Abigail takes a deep breath and calms the rising anger within.)
Fine. I'll phone your manager then.
Hi. Celine? I'm phoning you because I have a misunderstanding with a bouncer out front. He's stopping me from entering.
...Okay. Thank you.
(A few moments later, Celine rushes out of Evening Sounds, her high-heels clunking noisily on the floor.)
I'm terribly sorry! Miss Abigail!
He's new here and not familiar with some of our clientele. We do apologize!
(The shocked bouncer only realizes his mistake in Celine's glaring expression.)
I'm so sorry. I, uh, I didn't mean to...
It's okay. Just doing your job. Some of us look different on TV to what you expect.
I'd hate to be a complete unknown... I am the "mayor" of this town, after all...
(The embarrassed guard gives an awkward smile and nods.)
Miss Abigail! Please, come in!
One of our bartenders has just come up with a new drink. Everyone's crazy about it.
I'll make sure you have a good time tonight!
(The guard bows obsequiously and steps aside for Abigail and Celine.)
I'm so sorry about all that.
A very high-end restaurant just opened around the corner. How about I treat you tomorrow night?
Sure. Sounds nice. Thanks.
(The next evening...)
Gyrate: Upscale Restaurant
(Abigail takes one last bite of her dessert before placing her silver spoon down with great satisfaction. She wipes the corner of her mouth with a napkin.)
Allow me to apologize again for that misunderstanding last night, Miss Abigail.
Don't worry about it. I don't take these sorts of things seriously. Let it go.
(The restaurant manager approaches the pair as they are about to depart.)
We appreciate your support, especially in our first week of opening!
...We've prepared some gifts for our first-ever customers. First, fine coffee beans from Woodsville.
...And a box of sweets for your daughter.
......
(Abigail falls silent as she watches the manager hand over a metallic box covered in cartoons.)
I do hope you'll like them!
(Three days later...)
Utgard: Abigail's room
You're being very weird. Why do you keep staring at me?
There's something different about you today...
Is it your makeup? You look... more mature somehow. Older.
I've always been a very mature person.
......
Oh, I know! It's the shoes, isn't it? On that rack? I've never seen them before.
(Abigail's luxurious shoe rack is currently filled with newish high heels decorated with studs.)
Where are the cute flats with bow-knots?
...Threw them away. They look childish.
2. A Taste Of Childhood
59 linesUtgard: On "Snack Street"
Hello busy "Miss Mayor". So, did you want to get something to eat?
Hmmm... Anywhere you'd recommend?
First, nothing recommended by the Internet.
I didn't say anything!
I refuse to try any restaurants scamming foolish netizens and online guide users. They're all image, no substance.
Oh?
(Alexa is intrigued by the novel approach. She waits for Abigail to explain further, who sighs and continues.)
Well, last week I finally gave in to my curiosity and tried the top-recommended restaurant on Gulp.
The food looked great, sure but the taste? It was... well... questionable, to say the least.
Worst of all, I was photobombed by some paparazzi wannabe who posted pictures of me eating there online.
(Annoyed, Abigail realizes from Alexa's expression that she's already seen it.)
You've seen the image, haven't you?
"Breaking news! Even the lady of House Saunbert has horrible taste!"
...Ridiculous!
Mm!
(Abigail gives Alexa a frustrated glare. Alexa wipes the smile off her face and leans in.)
Don't worry about whatever the paparazzi say. I think it just proves how approachable you are!
Anyway, I wasn't going to take you to any of those silly restaurants. I'm taking you for some real food, what I used to eat.
It really brings me back to when I was a kid. So... are you coming, please?
...Fine.
(Alexa takes Abigail to a shabby-looking stall.)
(The stall chef has some very basic cooking tools. He places a couple of large pieces of flatbread on one side and a collection of sauces on the other.)
......
Hello!
Oh? Alexa? Good to see you again. The usual?
Yep, but double the cheese and some extra salad dressing too, please.
No problem!
(Alexa looks pretty happy with her order. Abigail carefully leans in to observe the owner-chef at work.)
(Abigail eventually selects the very same wrap. She still has her doubts, but Alexa's enthusiasm convinces Abigail to take a few bites.)
......
...?
!!!
W-what! You devoured the whole wrap?! That's not like you...
...Ahem... Pardon my manners.
Well, I wasn't kidding, eh? It's really, really good!
It's interesting. Unique. Yeah. Very yummy.
Stewed meat, a fresh wrap, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. The stringy cheese enriches the texture. The tomato sauce adds a bit of extra zing...
I just never thought... It'd be in a stall like that...
Take me there next time, will you? I want to try his other flavors.
I wish I could... But his stall is closing down soon.
The ShrimpWay Group's expanding like crazy all over Utgard. They've driving out all the stalls and mom 'n' pop shops like his.
These traditional snacks will be gone one day. Forever...
(Alexa smiles, but Abigail can sense she's quite sad about it.)
(Two days later...)
Utgard: Abigail's study room
(Abigail's phone rings. She stops working to take the call.)
Abigail, I was just reading some forums... on the internet...
(Alexa sounds like she's choosing her words carefully over the phone.)
I don't quite know why, but, for some reason, there's more stuff about you on the forums. About eating street food...
Do you want me to do something? File a complaint?
Great!
...Huh?
My plan is working!
(Abigail skims through the various threads containing her name. Some have funny, exaggerated titles like "Mayor of Utgard Found Eating Local Street Food" and "Favorite Foods For Famous Saunbert". She smiles.)
Looks like those mom'n'pop stalls will stay around a while longer...
?!
Want to go for more wraps today? It's got a long queue these days, they say.
Soon afterward, a new dish called "The Mayor's Wrap" becomes a well-known Utgardian street delicacy.
3. Valentine's Day
58 linesUtgard: Golden City
(Valentine's Day is just around the corner. It's a sweet festival worth celebrating to many a lovebird...)
(But to others... it's just the opposite.)
(Alexa is one such individual. Here she is on Valentine's Day, sadly picking away at her newly-painted nails.)
Boss, I've finished all the festival banners and decorations.
Hm.
Anything else?
Hm.
...Boss? What are you thinking about? The festival?
Oh, no. Not at all. And I don't have anyone to go with anyway.
I'm sure that's not a problem. I mean, if you really wanted to have a romantic dinner with somebody tonight.
(Alexa stares at her employee. He just smiles back at her, quite embarrassed.)
Actually, boss, the festival's getting to be more and more about your close friends. Not always romantic partners. Why don't you ask Miss Abigail?
But...
(Alexa mulls her Valentine's Day plans. Then she receives a call from Abigail.)
Alexa, do you have time tomorrow?
A-Abigail? Y-yeah, I do!
Great, I'll go to the Golden City and pick you up then.
(Alexa hangs up and immediately feels a lot better.)
Hey. Can you phone my favorite restaurant?
I want you to ask them if I can book the whole place for tomorrow. And if so I'd like them to replace all their tableware and furnishings with a special set, understand?
Yes, ma'am!
The Next Day
Utgard: Upscale Restaurant
Abigail, I'm here!
It's been a while. You look gorgeous today.
(Alexa puts her arm around Abigail affectionately and pulls her into the restaurant.)
Do you have anywhere to go after?
Well... just a quiet place to discuss a business proposal.
...Business proposal?
Yeah. I want to talk with you about something I have in mind.
......
What's wrong?
Oh, no, it's nothing. It's just that today is such a special day...
See? The whole street is decorated with hearts.
Oh, that's right. It's Valentine's Day.
Meh. Conventional. Pretentious. Not my cup of tea.
(Alexa blushes with awkward embarrassment at Abigail's harsh appraisal of the day's celebrations. They soon arrive at the restaurant entrance.)
Are we dining here?
Well... you see...
(Abigail enters. She's immediately surprised at all the decorations Alexa has organized...)
This restaurant's too loud. Let's go somewhere...
Miss Abigail! There you are! We've all been waiting for you. And you, Lady Alexa!
(Alexa has no choice but to bite the bullet and lead Abigail in.)
(Abigail is astonished at the fancy Valentine's Day theme in the restaurant. The attending staff beam at the pair as they await instructions.)
...What is this all about?
(She stares at Alexa's reddening face. Then everything clicks.)
I, uh, like the decorations. Did you arrange all of this? For me?
Thank you so much, Alexa. But I think something's missing...
Huh?
(Abigail lifts her hand into the air. Roses suddenly appear in every corner of the restaurant thanks to her unique Esper powers.)
(The whole restaurant is filled with a lovely floral scent. It's even more perfect now.)
(Alexa's embarrassment eases, but not entirely.)
What do you think? This is a real Valentine's Day dinner, right?
It's all so beautiful...
But, don't you think it's a bit pretentious... me setting all this up?
Not at all. It's just right.
Happy Valentine's Day, Alexa!
4. Opening Ceremony
41 linesUtgard: Children's Museum of Science and Technology
Hello and welcome to the opening ceremony for the Utgard Children's Museum of Science and Technology. Any questions?
Mr. Narmer, could you go into some of your reasons for funding the museum?
We at House Saunbert have always believed showcasing the latest technologies is very much in the public benefit.
We hope this museum can educate our young people in the wonders of technology and science, and nurture their interests in the field.
We've heard Mayor Abigail is here as well. Will she be speaking?
Hello everyone.
What are your personal expectations for this museum?
I think my expectations are... more centered on the children, not the museum.
I hope the children will have a lot of fun and learn a lot.
It is reported there is a special 3D game in the museum, a flight simulator that can provide a highly authentic aviation experience.
Mayor Abigail, would you be so kind to try the game with a few of the children here?
(All the children look eagerly at Abigail.)
She, uh...
Yeah, sure.
(Abigail smiles at the children. She takes the initiative and puts on the helmet-like simulation device. The children copy her.)
(Abigail ends up winning the simulator game by a very small margin.)
Haha. Much appreciated, Mayor Abigail!
It's a fun game. I hope that it, along with all the other features of this museum, will promote youth interest in science.
(The opening ceremony comes to a close. Narmer waits for the journalists to leave before escorting Abigail to one side.)
Are you alright?
Your left eye... I mean... I thought you lost the ability to, uh, see out of it?
I didn't think that having one eye... I thought the simulation required both.
...I suppose it was a bit dizzying.
You could've just let it go when that reporter asked you.
No. I wanted to try it.
I'm the mayor of Utgard, after all. I've got to do what the people want, huh? Especially our young people.
Besides, I'm no quitter. I wanted to win.
Oh? That was thoughtful of you, Mayor Abigail.
...Until next time, Mr. Narmer.
Utgard: Abigail's bedroom
(Back home, Abigail is lying on her bed, staring silently at the ceiling.)
(She jumps out of bed in excitement after a short while.)
(She pulls out a leather case out from under her bed and fumbles around inside. Finally she locates a scrapbook from her childhood.)
(I had almost forgotten about this...)
(The first page has a photo of a little girl flying a beautiful pink airplane.)
(Heh.)
(She flips to the next page. There's a pilot certificate with two stamps: "Left eye, no vision" and "Not qualified.")
(I may not be qualified to fly...)
(At least I can realize my childhood dream in a simulator. Like today.)
(She smiles and draws a picture of herself participating in an "Airplane Simulation Training Competition" on the next page. Next to it, she adds the word "qualified".)
5. Honey Bee
67 linesUtgard: Elitetown
Oh, our Mayor! You've here.
(The resort owner immediately hurries over to welcome Abigail as soon as she steps out of the car.)
Well. What a nice resort!
Very glad to hear that! Did you check the proposals I sent you...?
Yes, I've looked at your plans and the profit-sharing agreement.
I'm always happy, as the mayor, to see such promising projects that can drive more tourism to our fair city.
You'd better know something about my standards though.
I only invest in projects that are genuinely beneficial to Utgard.
Certainly. With that in mind, allow me to give you the tour.
Okay. Please, lead the way.
(The owner nods in agreement and takes Abigail to a section of the resort displaying a forest of beautiful ornamental plants.)
Please feel free to explore the space. It's uniquely charming, I think, and quite emblematic of our resort.
This is what we call an "aerobic forest".
(Twittering bird calls fill the lush forest grove. A twisting brook runs alongside Abigail's feet.)
Wonderful fresh air in a fully-developed ecosystem. A dense forest filled with natural oxygen, quite unexpected in our busy city!
...And a truly unforgettable experience for all our busy patrons that need a break from their heavily "urbanized" lives.
(The owner keeps advertising the benefits of their unique forest design until a swarm of bees flies over.)
(The shocked owner tries to wave the bees away. They continue to fly around, undeterred.)
An amazing ecosystem. As wild as they come.
...My apologies, Miss Mayor! For your own safety, allow me to escort you to the villa area.
(They run back to the car and move on to another area, free of bees.)
Great. No more bees, heh. We're safe.
Allow me to introduce the facilities around our villas...
(More bees fly over regardless of the change of scene.)
???
(The two take evasive steps. The owner suddenly realizes something.)
Mayor! It must be the rose on your hat. It's the pollen!
......
One rose? It's not. You tell me. What's with all the bees?
Don't you have some plan to manage them?
(Abigail looks annoyed. The owner apologizes further.)
I'm so sorry! This has literally never happened before...
I will get to the bottom of this! And file a full report on the cause, whatever it is!
This way, please. Allow me to show you to your room.
(The boss asks his staff to see to the bees while he escorts Abigail to a meeting room in one of the villas.)
See? No more bees, heh. Allow me to show you another...
No thanks. I'm not in the mood for further excursions.
!!!
Any guest would have left by now. That is a ridiculous number of bees you have here.
Clearly, you still have a lot to work to do. We'll talk after you fix your "insect issue".
Wait! Please reconsider, ma'am... We've already scheduled other investors...
Is there anything I could do to encourage you to... reconsider?
...Like what?
How about, uh, we could change the terms to increase your share of the profits by, uh, 20%?
I'd also be willing to build you your own private villa here. You and any of your friends would be welcome any time, of course.
A private villa just for me? I think not. Make it a charity villa if you have to.
A "charity villa"?
Yes, sure. Wouldn't that be nice for our orphans and injured servicemen? A luxurious villa... free of charge, of course.
If you agreed to that then, well, I don't think I'd need to press you on the other issues.
......
Okay! No problem! How very thoughtful of you, keeping the people of our great city in mind, always, as ever!
Good. It's settled then. I look forward to a beautiful partnership.
Utgard: Golden City
Hey. Has Miss Mayor returned from her vacation already?
How did your business venture go?
...Perfectly.
(Abigail raises two fingers. Alexa's eyes widen.)
You negotiated 20% more?!
That, plus the resort offers free retreats for some of our most vulnerable members of society.
That's wonderful! Hey, don't forget who gave you that idea! I think I should get at least one decent meal out of it!
Sure. And I appreciate that special perfume you gave me. Complemented my rose very well.
And it sure attracted a whole lot of bees. Not sure I can handle that very often.
I knew you'd like it! My best perfume yet!
(Alexa opens a lid of the fragrance before Abigail can intervene.)
Huh? We have bees around here?
Well. You did leave the windows open...