Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Elaine
5 scenes, 300 lines
1. Miss Meow
47 linesSome years ago, Elaine was still in the Shadow Decree...
Shadow Decree: Lounge
(Elaine returns to the base with Lynn after completing their mission.)
I caught you being distracted three times during the mission today. I must say, this is very unprofessional.
I'm terribly sorry!
The girl I'm in love with has recently arrived nearby, and I really want to see her.
Love is so troublesome. Still, that's no excuse for your horrible work ethic.
She's not in a romantic relationship with me... She's an idol! The Miss Meow in her idol group.
...You like idols?!
(Elaine has a disgusted look on her face. She takes two steps back, avoiding Lynn who looks like she's reliving some sort of fantasy.)
Lynn, you're a fan of Miss Meow too? I'll call you when I'm in line for her memorabilia.
Yeah, who can resist the temptation of the cute Miss Meow!
Do all of you actually like such a weak girl? Sure, she's lovely but...
You make me worried about the future of our organization.
(The next day...)
Elaine, don't you think I look cute in this shirt?
(Elaine looks at Lynn, standing beside her in a pink t-shirt with a cute, cat-eared girl on it.)
Ahem. No, not at all!
You'd better get focused on the serious stuff.
Designing t-shirts for an idol is quite a serious matter. It looks cute, right? I know you like it.
...No, I don't!
Here, take this shirt. The more people who like Miss Meow, the happier I am.
Fine, since you keep pushing...
(Seeing Elaine accept the shirt she made, Lynn quickly pulls out another shirt excitingly.)
One is enough! Don't push your luck!
Now go and prepare for tonight's mission.
(Several days later...)
Shadow Decree: Lounge
(Elaine notices that her teammate is more depressed than a few days ago.)
You look upset, what's wrong?
Miss Meow has dropped a lot in the popularity rankings.
I gave her many votes, but it seems nothing can change the results now.
Are you so unconfident about yourself and the girl you like?
No, but what can I do?
As a member of the Shadow Decree, you mustn't give up halfway.
You should support her to the bitter end.
Let me help you.
!!!
What are you waiting for?
(Elaine impatiently urges Lynn to get moving. Together, they put up lots of posters around the base and hand out tons of flyers to passersby, encouraging them to vote.)
(In the end, the Miss Meow outranks the others in the ranking by a small margin.)
We did it! Us and our fellow Miss Meow fans!
As I expected.
Thank you, Elaine, for not letting me give up. Here, take this signed post of Miss Meow from my personal collection!
There's no need.
I just felt bad for you and wanted to help.
(That night, Elaine secretly puts up a Miss Meow poster on her bedroom wall. It's the one she kept from the day's Miss Meow support drive.)
2. Challenging Letter
52 linesSome years ago, Elaine was still in the Shadow Decree...
Shadow Decree: Lounge
(Elaine returns to the base after completing her mission, and finds a letter on her desk.)
Who sent it? I smell the scent of a perfume.
There's no signature...
"To Elaine: I will never forget the day you bested me."
(Elaine quickly puts the letter away after reading it, and looks around warily.)
Is this some kind of a prank?
(Later, Elaine receives a gift.)
A music box? The tune sounds like Autumn Resolution.
(Elaine carefully examines the package that the music box came in.)
No information on who the sender is here either.
What a lame prank...
Hang on, maybe someone is trying to tell me something...
Or maybe there is a conspiracy...
(As Elaine thinks on the matter, another package arrives.)
What will it be this time?
A postcard with an arrow on it?
What is all this? I don't understand it at all.
Let me ask Embla.
Shadow Decree: Embla's Office
Some anonymous person sent me these things.
I don't know what they want though.
(Embla looks over the letter with a smug look.)
...It couldn't be more obvious. This is a letter sent as a challenge to you. Also, I bet the sender is someone who pays close attention to you.
I knew it...
The tune of the music box is Autumn Resolution. That means he wants to challenge you in the fall.
That's a good point. It's autumn now, after all.
This postcard is the biggest clue. He's saying that when he strikes, he'll hit the bullseye!
This will be a tough opponent. You mustn't underestimate him.
Sure, I'll show him no mercy.
(Elaine receives another package later on. She unwraps it to find a book inside.)
"In the bleakness of the harbor, two people are fated to meet again..."
(A note drops out from the book, revealing a home address.)
This guy is indeed inviting me to a duel!
Residential Area: Apartment
(Elaine sneaks over to the address on the note. After confirming that no one's around, she knocks on the door.)
I'm coming!
(Hearing the sounds from within the house, Elaine quickly draws her weapon.)
Stop! Don't move!
Elaine?! Hold on, what are you doing?
Cut it out. You know what's happening. Draw your weapon and get ready to duel!
Duel?! Wait, there must be some sort of misunderstanding!
Don't play the fool with me. You sent me the challenge letter, right?
(Elaine tosses all the gifts she received to the man before her.)
I... I did... send them...
But that wasn't a challenge letter...
Then what's this all about?
(Facing the angry Elaine, the man blushes and stutters as he replies.)
I-its a love letter... f-from me...
WHAT?!
(Not wanting to face her heartbroken ex-teammate, Elaine dashes away.)
3. Real Warrior
78 linesDebia: Hotel
(Elaine has become addicted to a fighting game recently.)
Killer Heroes has such an amazing story! The online mode is really well-designed too.
But the players it's matched me against have been too weak. I hope I can meet some tougher opponents.
(*Ding* Her next match pops up, against a player with the name, Madbone.)
Sounds like some bad-tempered noob with no skill.
(Ten minutes later...)
I lost to him?
Damnit! Again!
(After losing to him once again, Elaine makes sure to remember the player's ID name. She often goes out of her way to provoke him in-game.)
Arrrgh... This guy is strong!
(After being stomped by the player several times, Elaine finally speaks to him.)
Fine... I admit it, you're stronger.
You're a worthy opponent.
Stop humiliating me! I've never won a game against you, not once!
You're quite strong...
But you only use a fixed fighting style. I can easily predict and counter it.
(Reading Madbone's comment, Elaine reflects on her actions in-game.)
You make a good point...
After dodging, you always follow up with a parry or block.
You should make more unpredictable moves.
That makes sense...
It is a weakness of mine. No wonder I've plateaued in my training.
In training?
I mean in real life.
In real life? So you have knowledge of real combat?
I know a little, as a martial arts enthusiast.
I'm better at real-life combat than in-game.
Whoa, me too. I mean I'm also a martial arts enthusiast.
So you like fighting too?
I hope we'll get a chance to spar one day.
Same here. I'm sure that day will come.
(They add one another to their friend lists. Occasionally, Elaine sends her training footage to Madbone.)
That's a fancy move! I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I make some comments, right?
Not at all.
This move was countered by the opponent. Again, be unpredictable.
Okay, I'll try a direct attack the next time.
(A few weeks later, Elaine is certain this man is not only an expert gamer but also a seasoned fighter.)
(Didn't expect that this "Madbone" guy would have such profound combat experience.)
(Gotta make a chance to spar with him.)
(Elaine logs in as usual and sends a message to Madbone.)
Do you have time this weekend? Let's spar in real life.
I know a nice sparing ring at a gym nearby.
...Sorry, I'm not available this weekend.
What about next week?
Actually, I have a lot of training over the next few months. It's not very convenient for me.
Are you preparing for a pro match?
No, just some regular training.
Ok. Well, do you still have time to game with me?
Not at all.
(After that, Elaine requests Madbone to meet several times, but she's turned down every time.)
(Madbone's behavior piques Elaine's curiosity.)
(After some investigation, she locates Madbone's address via her network IP.)
A municipal hospital? Madbone is a doctor or a nurse?
Hospital: Hospital
(When Elaine arrives at the hospital room, there's no doctor or nurse in sight.)
(There, a feeble girl sits in a wheelchair. There's a laptop on her bed.)
Mad...bone?
(Elaine tentatively calls the girl's nickname, and spots her when the girl instinctually turns her head.)
Elaine?!
You're Madbone!?
No, I'm not... Now go, I don't want to see you!
(The girl closes the door and weakly pounds her fists on her legs, not daring to look Elaine in the eye.)
(There is an inexplicable feeling in Elaine's heart. She's having trouble sleeping well for days after leaving the hospital.)
Hotel: Elaine's Room
(One day, Elaine finds several unread messages on her game account.)
Sorry, I lied to you.
I used to be a martial arts enthusiast like you, but then I was paralyzed in an accident.
I was depressed for a long time after that, and I could only find comfort in video games.
But... Ever since I met you and saw your fighting footage, I became deeply motivated and want to try one more time...
I'm getting special experimental surgery next month. If it's successful, I should be able to fight again.
...
(Elaine doesn't reply, but she sends footage of one of her matches to the girl the night before the surgery.)
(For a long time, Madbone never shows up online.)
(Two months later...)
(*Ding* A familiar notification catches Elaine's attention.)
This...?
(Seeing Madbone's name on the screen, Elaine smiles and invites her to team up.)
4. The Gift
57 lines???: Apartment
(On a nice, sunny day, Leora invites Elaine to go shopping.)
You've been home for a long time. Why don't we go shopping today?
No, I want to play video games at home.
Please, we haven't hung out for ages.
...Fine, since you invited me so sincerely.
Which should I wear today?
(Leora takes out two outfits. A cream-colored dress with lace inlay and a simple, navy blue coat.)
I think the navy blue coat suits you better. Plus, it's easier for you to move in if there's an emergency.
We're just going shopping. There won't be any emergencies. I'll wear the dress.
If you've already made your decision, why bother asking me?
It's not like that...
You're always so stubborn. Pretending to ask for my opinion while you've already made up your mind.
Just go wear your dress!
(Elaine hurries off to her room in a huff.)
(After absentmindedly playing a video game for a while, she finally calms down.)
*Sigh* I'll forgive her this time.
(She walks to the doorway and knocks on the door.)
...*Ahem* I'll forgive you if you come with me to buy the latest game.
Just turn me down if you don't want to go.
(Just as Elaine is about to leave, Leora opens the door, wearing the navy blue coat Elaine had picked out.)
Let's go. You kept me waiting for so long.
(Leora says with a smile. Elaine somewhat uncomfortably walks behind Leora, trying to maintain a distance from her.)
We're walking too close together. Give me some space and stop trying to hold my hand.
???: Main Street
You like the dresses in this store, right?
How did you know that?
...You've mentioned it to me many times.
Go take a look. I'll wait.
(Leora returns with shopping bags over her arms.)
I'm soooo happy!
Why haven't you bought anything? Has nothing caught your eye?
(Elaine shakes her head in annoyance and they walk to a bookstore.)
My favorite comic, Red River Love, has a new issue... And look, this copy is signed by the author!
...Let me make this clear first, I'm not going to the girly comic section with you.
Whoa, the last episode of The Shooting Star! Plus it comes with After the Arctic Night as a bonus.
I need to queue up for my copy of Red River Love. Please help me buy this, this, and that.
(Leora passes her book list over to Elaine and joins the line, leaving Elaine shaking her head at the list with a baffled look on her face.)
The Villian Lady Is Unable To Love, what sort of dumb name is that?
Never mind, I'll get this over with quickly!
(Elaine resists the urge to roll her eyes and hurries off to find the books.)
That should be all of them. I don't understand why Leora likes these types of comics.
Sorry for making you wait, Elaine. I got the comic I wanted though.
(Looking at the satisfied look on Leora's face, an inexplicable sense of defiance rises from Elaine's heart.)
No, this isn't right. There's no way I can live together with her...
Tabaton: Hotel
(Elaine suddenly wakes up and finds herself lying in bed.)
Phew... It was just a dream...
What a strange and boring dream for me to have.
(She lies on the bed for a while before suddenly jumping out of bed, putting on a coat, and heading outside.)
Dormitory: Leora's Room
(That day, Leora receives a huge package.)
No name of the sender?
A box of Red River Love?! That's my favorite comic!
There is a note inside. Hmmm, this is Elaine's handwriting.
"Take it or leave it."
(Leora gives a thoughtful look. She sighs and slowly smiles.)
5. Tastiest Treats
66 linesTabaton: Near Cory's Home
(On the weekend, Elaine is helping Cory's family to move their goods. Cory runs to her excitedly with a picture book in his hand.)
Miss Elaine, are cakes tasty?
Why do you ask?
(Cory shows the book to Elaine. It shows several kids happily devouring a cake.)
The book says cakes are soft and sweet.
Yeah, they are tasty.
I remember Utgard used to have a nice cake store. I don't know if it is still open though...
Sounds awesome!
But Doctor Voli and the others forbid me to venture out of town...
Elaine, if I didn't need to take injections and medication every day, would I be able to go out and eat cakes?
...
(Several days later.)
Tabaton: Hotel
Eggs, milk, flour, and sugar...
That's all I can buy nearby.
(Elaine takes out her cake recipe and starts to weigh the ingredients.)
Only enough to make one cake. I mustn't fail!
(After a while, Elaine puts the cake batter into the oven.)
Bake at 160 °C for 25 minutes.
(*Ding* Hearing the sound, Elaine quickly takes the baked cake out of the oven.)
Huh, why has the middle collapsed?
And, oh, the bottom is mushy too...
(Elaine is depressed at her failed attempt.)
...Guess I should go out and just buy one for him.
(The next day...)
(After packing up, as Elaine is ready to leave, she bumps right into Cory.)
Miss Elaine, good morning!
Morning.
W-What's that...? It smells good...
Oh, no. Nothing!
(Elaine quickly hides the cake behind a desk, but Cory is keen enough to find it.)
It's a cake!
Did you go out of town to buy it?
No, I made it myself.
Whoa, you know how to make cakes? That's awesome!
Actually... I didn't do a very good job.
(Cory doesn't seem to hear Elaine's words, his eyes remain fixed on the cake.)
Can I try some?
Sure.
So soft, so sweet, so tasty!
*Ahem*...*Ahem*...
Don't eat it too fast.
(Seeing Cory wolf down the cake, Elaine rushes over to pour him a glass of water.)
(The delicious aroma of the cake lingers in the air. Cory quickly dives into another piece of cake.)
Wait, don't eat the mushy part at the bottom!
(Before Elaine can finish her sentence, Cory stuffs the cake into his mouth.)
Hmmm, this one is a bit bitter, but it's crispy and has a nice smell. Not bad too.
Miss Elaine, your cake is so good!
Mine is really inferior to that from a bakery...
Well, I now declare Elaine's cake to be the tastiest food in the world!
(Seeing Cory's broad smile, Elaine holds back the words from the tip of her tongue.)
(The next day...)
(The next morning, Elaine opens the door after hearing a hasty knocking on the door.)
Miss Elaine, I've a gift for you.
For me?
Yeah, you treated me to something delicious, so I'll give you something in return, of course.
(Cory takes out a small pack of biscuits and hands it over to Elaine.)
These are the best biscuits in town. Give them a try!
Thanks...
(Elaine takes Cory's biscuits solemnly. She breaks a small piece off and puts it in her mouth.)
Oh, I took them from Doctor Voli. Please keep it a secret!
(The dry, hard texture of the biscuit spreads in Elaine's mouth. It's not sweet, nor is it any good.)
Is it good?
Yeah, it's wonderful.
In fact, it's the best thing I've ever tasted.