Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Ife
5 scenes, 301 lines
1. Special Mission
60 linesGyrate: Main Street
Professor Dhalia? Good morning!
(As if she never thought she'd encounter Dhalia on the weekend, Ife looks down and nervously fiddles with her hair.)
Good morning, Ife, Bardon.
Morning Professor Dahlia.
Are you guys having fun?
Bardon wants me to help him pick out a present for his friend. He says it's for a girl he knows...
Hmm... I chose a few action figures that I think are cool but... I'm not too sure now...
I think it's fine if you like them, I mean, I trust your judgment!
(Dhalia's eyes seem to smile briefly, but her expression remains serious.)
As it happens, I have an urgent mission which I'd like the two of you to help complete!
Of course! What do you need us to do?
Here...
(Dhalia hands Ife a note with a bunch of numbers written on it.)
This is a code of some sort. I need you to decipher what it really says.
Is this an... Esper Union Special Mission, professor?
...If you like. Good luck.
(After a brief explanation, Dhalia leaves.)
(This is a good chance to make up for all the trouble I caused professor Dhalia in the past!)
(Come on, Ife! You can do it!)
Relax! This won't be problem for the two of us.
So, the numbers on the paper are: 52016081422-73.
Let's try Morse Code first...
(Ife quickly fills a sheet of paper with horizontal rows of varying lengths.)
(But she quickly frowns.)
What's wrong?
Well, nope. That doesn't work either.
Maybe if I try it this way...
Perhaps it's not as complicated as we think?
Hmm... think it could be a letter swap thing?
(Ife briefly jots down a few things, but her troubled expression remains unchanged.)
Nah, a direct substitution cypher doesn't work.
They couldn't be initial letters of words...? But in that case the meaning would be too obscure.
And what's with the dash before the '73'?
At first glance, these numbers seemed to me to indicate some sort of date, maybe related to events in the Union's past?
Oh... well, should we go look in the Union archives?
Gyrate: Union Archives
(They carefully comb through many books, but unfortunately find nothing useful.)
(While replacing the books, Ife suddenly notices a number on the bookshelf.)
These numbers...
(She fishes out the scrap of paper again and carefully compares the numbers.)
Maybe by starting with the initial letters, we can grasp their meaning. Let me see...
(Ife follows the numbers to a specific area, specific bookshelf, and finally to a specific book.)
Bardon? Bardon! Come here! I think I've got it!
Eighth row... fourteenth book... "Birthday"??
(Turning to page 22, Ife finds a small, exquisite serpentine pendant.)
(Just then, Dhalia and Bardon appear from behind a bookshelf, smiling as they look at Ife.)
Seems it all went quite smoothly.
Hehe, didn't even need me to give her a nudge.
...?
...It's your birthday today, Ife!
!!!
(Ife clutches the pendant tightly as a current of warmth surges through her, making her blush and unable to say a word.)
As for the present you picked this morning... that was for you.
That was pretty lazy, Bardon!
Forgive me! I'm honestly rubbish at choosing presents!
(Ife, her face still bright red, finally speaks in a hushed voice.)
...Th-thank you... I really like it...
I see you found the pendant as well. Happy birthday, Ife!
Happy birthday!
2. Horrific Rumors
63 linesEsper Union: Apartment Corridor
Ife! Come over here.
(Somewhere in the Esper Academy, Bardon bows slightly to Ife and beckons mysteriously.)
...What's up, Bardon?
You've heard those scary rumors going around the Union apartment complex, right?
Hey, what's with the whispering? Such a big guy speaking in such a little voice, now that's a little scary...
...That's not the point.
Rumor has it that ghosts haunt the area behind the apartment complex in the dead of night.
Anyone who gets too close to one is spirited away, disappearing into the darkness.
They also lie quietly in wait for any lost little lambs who stray their way.
......
Um, I've gotta go. There's something I need to do.
Wait! Hang on a minute! You're not scared?
I mean... do ghosts really exist? It all sounds a little far-fetched.
There are many ineffable forces at play in this world, miracles, divine waves, even our Esperhood.
Would ghosts really be that strange?
...That kinda makes sense, I guess.
(Bardon's face shows a "Right?!" expression, then he continues excitedly.)
You know, someone actually saw a ghost flash by the window on the left of the teaching block, then appear in a split second over on the right!
This is where the rumor of ghost doppelgangers comes from!
But all of this is just rumor, I don't think it's particularly credible.
You might think that, but I've got proof!
(Bardon pulls out his phone and shows Ife a "ghost photo".)
(Only the ghost's silhouette can be seen in the dark photo, but even this doesn't really look human. Instead, it resembles that of some strange creature.)
This is hardly definitive proof. Anyone with half-decent computer skills could make something similar.
(Holding her head really close to the phone, Ife carefully examines the photo.)
Odd... this photo doesn't show any signs of having been edited.
Seems at least the photo is real enough...
See what I mean?!
(Ife still looks suspicious, and zooms in on the photo for an even closer look.)
It was too dark when it was taken. You can't really make out much detail.
But you can tell that it was taken in our apartment complex.
Yes...
Since we can see the building itself, there must be some light reflecting off it, besides the faint light outside which reflects off the 'ghost'.
The apartment complex at night...
Windows!
(Ife zooms in on the photo again, and looks carefully for reflections from the windows.)
Yes! I see something, right here!
(A small, easily overlooked reflection reveals the true face of the 'ghost' in the window...)
Professor Dhalia?!
What?!
That face... even though it's pretty blurry, that's professor Dhalia alright!
But how could she be taken for a ghost?
My guess is because, by moonlight, all you can see are people's silhouettes.
Professor Dhalia always wears a hood, while the strong wind that night made her cloak billow.
Hmm...
And the Esper cloak hides her body...
From an onlooker's viewpoint, an indistinct figure in the corridor would naturally be quite scary!
For sure...
But where did the rumor of people being snatched if they got too close come from?
I reckon... professor Dhalia is on night patrol.
If a student is found wandering around that late, then of course she'd take them away for a talking to.
You think that's what it is then? I guess it makes sense, though I still wonder about the other 'ghost'.
Hmm, yes. What could that be...?
(Ife taps her head in frustration, then spots her own reflection in the window.)
(She looks down at the enlarged photo in Bardon's phone, and sees that the indistinct shadow is identical to that of her own hood.)
...Oh! Ife! Your hood!
Er... yeah, so...
(Is this the night of the training?)
(I was gonna grab a snack from the canteen at like two in the morning...)
Is it you?
Wh-who can really tell?! Anyway, I need to go!
Wait, Ife!
3. Save The Cinema
52 linesGyrate: Main Street
(Satisfied, Ife walks out of the theater at the end of the movie.)
(After returning her 3D glasses, she hears the manager calling her from over by the entrance.)
How was the movie, Ife?
Excellent as ever.
Will it still be out in a couple days? I kind of want to see it again.
(The manager gives a disappointed sigh.)
You're a regular, so I'll be frank... We may need to close our doors next month.
What?!
A while ago, a new theater opened in the nearby mall, and they've stolen almost all our customers,
We've been here for over a decade. But longevity can't compete with the newest technology and shiniest surroundings.
......
It would be a real shame if you had to close.
While the facilities and stuff here can't compare with the new place, there's no replacing its old school vibe.
Is there any way to save it?
*Sighs* Whatever there is, it's going to cost...
Let me see if I can think of anything...
How about making a special movie snack menu? It would be in line with the feeling of the place, and you know that everyone loves letting everyone know about good food.
Okay...
(Ife sighs herself, as she sees the manager's downcast expression.)
Actually, that's... I was surprised how much people loved my popcorn.
If you wouldn't mind, I'd be happy to give it a go?
Oh, Miss Ife! As a regular, I really am so grateful for your kindness.
But...
You'll never know if you don't try! Please, give me a chance!
I really like it here.
...Thank you, Miss Ife. If you really want to then... Be my guest.
(The following afternoon, Ife's already set up her popcorn stand by the theater entrance.)
(Different artisanal popcorn flavors are just waiting to be sold, the delicious aroma spreading far and wide.)
(C'mon Ife! Don't be scared! You can do it, especially for your favorite theater!)
Excuse me, would you like to try some caramel or chocolate popcorn?
Great, the second screening is going to start...
(Everyone loves Ife's popcorn, but it doesn't seem to attract many viewers.)
Perhaps... People should come to the theatre to see a movie, not to have popcorn...
Hi there! Can I ask, did you make this popcorn yourself?
Um, yep. I did.
That's impressive! So is it like... Movie-themed popcorn?
Huh? Is there something wrong with it? I can give you a new one, if you want!
No, not at all! It's just this popcorn... Tastes like the movie I saw, like a sports drink.
I thought that it was on purpose. That you were selling popcorn which matched the movie!
???
It creates an ambience which perfectly matches the movie genre. I just couldn't stop eating!
What other funky flavors have you got? I'll definitely be back for more!
(After saying goodbye to the excited young man, Ife looks thoughtfully at the popcorn.)
Could it actually work...? A special promotion of 'movie-themed flavored popcorn'...?
(After a busy day getting ready, "Marvellous Movie-Flavored Munch" opens for business.)
"Boxing Legend"? Well, how about some boxing glove flavor popcorn?
"Fire and Speed"? That'll be gasoline flavor!
And don't forget our cola, lemon-lime, or salted fish flavors! Eat them with the plot for an unforgettable experience!
Are you brave enough for a blind box? Just pray you don't get mucus flavor...!
(Ife's wacky flavored popcorn is bringing more and more people back to the theater. It's the place that all internet popcorn or movie influencers simply must visit, and even local and national media are picking up the story.)
(It seems that, at least for now, Ife's favorite theater is safe.)
4. Roleplay
64 linesGyrate: Corridor in the Esper Union HQ
Hey, Ife!
(Bardon waves a flyer as he calls excitedly to Ife )
Good afternoon, Bardon.
Have you seen the flyer for ShrimpWay?! They're holding a movie cosplay competition!
Wow! Er... Are you going to go?
Of course! I've wanted to be Kung Fu Master Li since, like, forever!
What about you? How about we enter the contest together?
(Ife stares at the flyer for a while, before looking away again.)
I... I don't think I want to go.
The Esper Union Action Movie Clubmaster isn't going? Then I'm not gonna get too excited either...
(Seeing Bardon's disappointment, Ife elaborates.)
The main thing is that there will be too many people. I get a little anxious attending these sorts of occasions.
What if I bump into someone I know there, who sees me all dressed up? How embarrassing would that be?!
(Bardon considers for a moment, then seems to think of something.)
If you're worried about showing your face in a crowded place then... Just cover it!
Haven't you been all about that character, The Masked Visitor, lately?
Just go as him! What do you say?
Hmm... That might work.
Then be happy with this decision!
Gyrate: Main Street
(The next day Ife gets into character and, together with Bardon, goes to the ShrimpWay competition.)
Ladies and gentlemen, robots and kawaii girls, a very warm welcome to you all!
Wow! You can tell it's a proper cosplay competition, how wonderful everyone looks!
Contestants will be asked to come to the stage and enact their character. They will be scored by our official judges as well as the audience.
The winner will walk away with the secret grand prize!
(As Ife's turn approaches, she turns to the side and practices quietly.)
No, don't thank me, thank all the, ah!
(Someone wearing a hoodie and a mask bumps into her, and fails to apologize.)
(The stranger hurries into the crowd.)
...?
Ife? Get up there! It's your turn!
(Bardon gives her a little push, and she stands in front of the stage.)
(It was as if the world had gone silent. All Ife could hear was her own quick breaths and racing heartbeat.)
(Just relax, Ife... You're wearing a mask, after all. You can do it! Let's go...)
No, don't apologize, I mean thank, me! Thank all the unmet...
(Just then, Ife spots a sneaky figure in the crowd.)
(Some kind of sixth sense makes Ife immediately realize that the person is a thief.)
(In the middle of her performance, Ife dives off the stage and adroitly overpowers the thief, who yells in alarm.)
Sorry for alarming you, madam, HEY! Don't move!
You left me with quite a strong impression, after you bumped into me...
Bet you thought it'd be easy pickings in this sort of environment, right?
(The man who had bumped into her struggles a little, before giving up when he realizes she's too strong.)
(Sure enough, Ife finds the purse of the nearby woman on him.)
......
Marshal!
(The drama over, Ife realizes that she's become the center of attention, and freezes awkwardly on the spot.)
...Um... I-I...
Quick, say the lines!
Huh?!
No, don't thank me. Thank justice for existing in the world?
(As Ife says the line, the entire audience erupts with cheers.)
They might have been stumbling over their lines just now, but boy do we have a real hero on our hands!
I'm sure we already know who the winner is, right?
Give it up for The Masked Visitor!! Her bravery and conviction truly embodies the spirit of the character!
(Ife is uncomfortable in the cheering crowd, but a small smile is visible on her face.)
First place gets their choice from all this wonderful movie merch! Take your pick!
...How about this?
A limited edition poster for Kung Fu Master Li!!
Yep. I know you like it so here, it's yours.
?!
Thanks for inviting me to this. I had a really good time!
(Ife whispers through her blushes.)
It's my first time playing The Masked Visitor, too. I'm happy.
5. Let's Dance
62 linesGyrate: Dance Studio
Extend right foot... Toes down.
Bring it back, and to reiterate, knees should be bent here.
(Kaylee is carefully teaching a class of young children in the kids' dance studio.)
...Isn't Kaylee awesome?
Huh? Did you say something, Ife?
Oh, no. Nothing.
Anyway, there's this boy who's never willing to participate in class.
He's like you, really shy. I think you're probably the only one who can help him.
Me? But I'm not exactly great at dance, I'm not sure how much help I'd be...
Oh, what I mean is that maybe you'd be better able to understand his circumstances.
Dancing is a journey. All that's necessary is to enjoy it.
Look, he's right over there.
(Following Kaylee's gaze, Ife spots a little boy sitting by himself in the corner.)
(His expression is filled with longing, as he looks at his classmates.)
He always looks like he wants to join in, but refuses every time I've invited him...
He...
I'm sorry, I have to continue with my class. Please, see if you can do anything about him!
(Kaylee smiles and gives Ife a big thumbs up, before turning back to the children.)
......
(Ife hesitates briefly, then heads over to the corner. The boy looks up at her as he sits on the floor holding his knees.)
(The two of them shyly look away at the same time.)
He-hello there!
So, uh, you... Do you want to dance with the others?
......
If you don't mind, I could teach you a few tricks to overcome your shyness?
Basically...
(The boy freezes for a couple seconds, then vigorously nods in surprise.)
When you dance, just imagine that all the people watching you are turnips! Wouldn't it be easier if they were all just delicious turnips?
A group of turnips who can dance? And interact with me...? Th-that's a little scary.
Well, then how about wearing a mask? If you cover your face and think 'no one knows me', then there wouldn't be any pressure!
No one knows me... No one knows me... Like that...
How is that meant to relax me...?
Erm... Okay, let's think some more. Seems the mask idea is a no-go.
If you're the only one wearing a mask, it'll actually have the opposite effect to avoiding attention.
Let's see now... how about the ostrich effect?
Ostrich effect?
Be like the ostrich, who buries its head in the sand! Just close your eyes and dance! What do you think?
Ignoring the outside world... focused on dancing... doesn't that sound great?!
But, the ostrich is just avoiding things...
Well, I suppose so, from a psychological angle...
But to shy people like you and me, this tactic will help you make progress. Right?
...Right! I'll try it out! Thank you, teacher!
Teacher?!
(John joins Kaylee's class. He stands nervously in the group, and closes his eyes tightly as soon as the first note plays.)
(Everything was going well, until he trips over his own feet while twirling.)
!!!
(Just as he's about to tumble, he instinctively braces himself on one foot.)
(He immediately becomes the center of attention.)
......
(John looks like he's about to cry, but then crisp, clear applause rings out, it's Ife.)
What beautiful dancing!
On one knee, arms out, fingers naturally falling, you are speaking the language of dance fluently!
Wh-what?
Inspired improvisation! And your last movement flowed so naturally, too.
May I add it to my choreography?
(The other children rush forward with joyful admiration, enveloping the boy in a babbling crowd.)
...Looks like you won't need to close your eyes next time.
Won't you join our dance, Ife?
Huh? Wait...
(Without waiting for a response, Kaylee takes Ife's hand and drags her towards the children.)
(Golden afternoon sunlight pours through the window into the dance studio, as warm as the smile on everyone's face.)