Esper Story: Hall

Hall, you have no missions coming up, do you?

No...

What would you say to joining a band? We need a bassist.

How come?

We've hardly met.

I'm sure. You're perfect for the role. I've had my eye on you for a while, you know.

Join just one session, please. What's the worst that could happen?

This is a band?

Yeah. An underground punk rock band. We practice whenever we got a gig coming up.

It's a great job. Wonderful. We're entertainment! Wholesome, right?

...

Hah. Then it's settled!

Come on, Hall! Let's play! This is a thousand times better than training practice, isn't it?

...I don't even know how to play bass.

Don't worry about that. Only takes an hour or two to get the basics.

But...

You know what? Let's go straight to band rehearsal. You're all good.

I usually only use this room for drum practice. It has everything we'll need.

Come practice whenever you want. No one will bother you.

I haven't said yes yet, you know...

You haven't refused either though, right? So that's a yes.

First off. Let's see if your outfit's punk enough.

Biker boots... not bad. Black leather pants... nice. A few scars... cool!

Hair... what's with the hairstyle?

Something wrong?

It's too casual, sorry. Gonna have to change it.

Gotta get it just right. Hold on, sit tight for a second.

Jeanne! You're pulling my hair! What the! Stop!

Don't move! It's just into punk-style braids.

No thank you! You can't...

Tsk. Your hair's as smooth as they come. Hairpin won't even stay in.

Stop combing... It's driving me crazy...

You know... you don't have a single split end.

What do you do to it? Hair oil? Hair mask?

...What are those things?

......

What shampoo do you use?

I don't.

I just use water.

You wash your hair with water? Hall, are you kidding?

No. It really saves time. It's water. Easy.

...Anyway. Let's just go with this hairstyle. It's gonna be your selling point.

A quiet brooding bassist with long dark hair? Sounds pretty cool to me.

Mr. Hall, let me walk you through the internal workings of our organization.

You got an Esper called Leon around here? Is he on the tour?

Mr. Leon is, uh, on a mission right now. But he will personally come brief you later.

...Okay.

...On your left is the public training room for all our guards.

If you need any special training equipment, you can file an application here to the research division.

Got it.

Ahead of us, that's a standard patrol area, the Esper on duty today is...

Beep! Beep!

Attention everyone, an experimental Miramon has escaped from the research division. This is not a drill.

All personnel not on mission are requested to assemble and prioritize Miramon recapture.

Crap! Another one escaped!

Sorry, sir! I need to go. You can wait here and I'll be back in about fifteen minutes.

Does that happen a lot?

...You'll get used to it. Be right back!

......

(I should have the place memorized now. I can move around freely... except on unfamiliar routes.)

(I wonder if they were able to catch the escaped Miramon...)

Hiss! Hiss!

Whirr! Whirr!

(What's that? Snoring? And something is slithering toward me!)

(Could it be the escaped Miramon?!)

That woke me, darnit! Who's shooting at us?

Who are you? What are you doing with that Miramon?

This is a snake, you idiot! What do you mean "Miramon"?

Are you new here? I got news for you. Don't bother me while I'm sleeping or else...

You're a "Shadow Guard"?

Yes. Now move it! I need to find somewhere else to sleep!

Is that so?

I can't let you leave.

How do I know you're a Shadow Guard? How do I know that's not a Miramon?

Are you for real?! Can't you tell the difference between a Miramon and a snake?

...I'm blind.

......

Great. So what now?

Don't worry. My trainer will be back any minute. He can identify you.

No dice. I gotta go.

Well, you can't.

How dare you wake me! How dare you restrain me! Unforgivable!

Mr. Hall, I'm back!

Stop! What's going on here? You're on the same side!

Same side?

Stupid idiot!

Mr. Hall, allow me to introduce Mr. Jacob. The snake is just a manifestation of his Esper powers.

I, uh, I see.

...My apologies.

Ugh. Enough of this rubbish. I'm going back to sleep.

Please don't disturb Mr. Jacob's sleep again, sir. He does not take kindly to it.

Is everyone here so... so colorful?!

Is Leon like him? Another colorful character?

I think you'll find our Espers are all very, uh, "lively".

Not to worry. Mr. Leon is a very calm, collected, and reasonable individual.

I sure hope so.

Ah! Sorry. We didn't see you there.

It's okay. I didn't see you either.

No, sir! Our bad!

It's New Year's Eve today. We were just having a few drinks... and got a little carried away.

Oh. It's New Year's Eve today?

And the other guards?

All busy. As far as I know, Lady Catherine is still on field duty.

Alright. Don't let me keep you.

Yes, sir!

Gotta stop thinking about him.

Training on New Year's Eve, huh?

Give it to me.

Training Participant: Leon. Target: 120. Target hit: 118. Accuracy: 98.33%

Tsk. Again!

(Leon is still here?! Maybe... I can spend New Year's Eve with him.)

(Will he want to? Will he have time?)

What's going on, Hall? Why don't you come in?

...I don't mean to disturb you.

No problem. Can I do something for you?

Uh, well, I was thinking...

(Beep!)

Hold on.

Yes? Out at 4 AM? One week of field work? Okay. Got it...

Hall. You were saying?

Uh, sorry. It's nothing actually. I'll let you train.

......

(After all that effort... New Year's Eve by myself.)

(Just two hours to go until the new year... Whatever.)

(If only someone here would...)

Knock! Knock!

Who's that?

Me. Leon.

Oh?! Coming!

I thought you were getting ready to deploy.

I've finished packing.

You have time now. Want to train with me?

Okay!

Grab your bow and arrows. Follow me.

Keep your hands steady, even after the arrow comes off.

Like so...

Target down.

Wow...

It's nothing. Just keep everything on point. And you could be better than me.

I turned the sound on. Let's train.

Sounds good.

Why are we stopping?

It's New Year's, right? Just wanted to thank you for spending this moment with me.

Oh. Sure. It's just another day to me.

Yeah, well. I still want to say... Happy New Year, Leon!

......

...Happy New Year to you too.