Esper Story: Mona

It's good to finally be back. They've released two new characters this year. I can commit to at least two games.

Hey, long time no see.

You're back again.

Have you reset the scores? Or did someone beat my high score?

Wow, someone beat it!

We had this pro-gamer dude in here not too long ago. He actually managed to beat your crazy high score.

Dammit! I'm not taking that lying down!

You fancy a rematch?

Let's start with one game.

Uh, just one thing: we're all out of that limited edition memorabilia, so you'll just win whatever other prizes we have in its place.

Leave it to me.

I'm only playing for the high score anyway.

Right-o. But you've still done pretty well with the collectibles.

That's because I'm the best!

Alright, let's do this!

Not bad, another bullseye.

Let's go again.

You can play other games you know, Mona. They released some new characters in that fighting game you like. Doesn't that take your fancy?

Right after I reclaim the top spot.

What is this?

You've been playing so long that we've run out of prizes! That means we have nothing to give anyone else who has a go.

Look, I don't actually care about the prizes. Why don't you keep them?

All I want is to reclaim the top spot.

It's alright. I just don't want people to think the event is over. You've earned them.

Alright, I'll finish up in a few minutes.

Phew... You're gonna have to share the top spot with me now. That was exhausting. It took every ounce of my concentration...

Oh, I see you matched his high score.

In other words, not good enough! A draw is as good as a loss in my book.

Goshdarnit! Again!

I hate to be a bit of a spoilsport, Mona, but look around you. No one's playing. Everyone's just watching you. Please.

?

I can't have everyone just standing around.

Look, can I just give you all of the prizes? I'm running a business here.

...Alright. I'll, uh, stop... for now. I'd like to donate all of my "prize-winnings" to my spectators!

Thank you!

This guy's reflexes must be incredible! I need to get faster to beat him.

Hopefully, the event will have ended by then. I'm out of prizes.

I wanted to ask you: what can you tell me about the guy who beat my high score? Like, what's his account name? Maybe I can add him as a friend and we can chat?

Sure. Oh, actually, I remember now, he used a guest account. Sorry about that.

Interesting. Quite secretive...

Does he come around here often?

No. I think that was his first and only time. I think he just came by to win a prize.

That's a shame, because it'd be fun to get to know such a skilled marksman. I guess it's a good reason for me to come back more often, right?

Tom, this is my phone number. Could you do me a solid? The next time you run an event like this with a shooting contest, give me a call.

I don't think I'll be running this sort of contest again...

Not too shabby, but I've really gotta work on my combos. The tournament is in two days! I've gotta win.

Oh my goodness! How did it get so late?!

I've got things I need to do early tomorrow morning, I mean, this morning. I've got to go back and sleep.

Hey! Look who it is. Mona! What're you doing up at this unhealthy hour of the night?

I know, I know! Don't remind me. I need sleep.

I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. Mona, you're an even greater esports fan than I am!

You've been rather abrupt on our last few missions. I hope I haven't worked my way into your bad books?

Making mountains out of molehills again, Arcana?

I'm just kidding.

Seriously, what is wrong with you?

Phew. My cybercafe secret is safe.

Excuse me, Miss: I found these paint brushes on my desk this morning. Do you happen to know who I could ask to find out who gave them to me?

Excuse me, sir, do you happen to know anything about these brushes I found on my desk?

What on earth is Arcana doing?

Uh-oh, he's heading my way.

Excuse me, I'm sorry, can I just get through?

To all of the participants in the Esper Union's first official Esports Tournament yesterday, we'd like to say, thank you! We are happy to announce the winner of the tournament is Mona!

Mona's prize was a set of paint brushes. Going forward, we are excited to announce there will be even more activities in the future and we look forward to seeing you all there!

Oh no!

Mona! Exactly who I was looking for! Where are you rushing off to?

None of your business! Come on, let me pass!

I was just meaning to ask you: were these brushes left on my desk this morning a gift from you?

Now, that doesn't make any sense, does it? It's just a happy coincidence.

Really? But the championship sticker is still attached.

What? No... I was sure I'd removed it...

Oh, I mean, no, it's not from me!

It would take more than luck for this to happen...

Alright! Yes, it was for me. Stop smiling!

But to what do I owe this most marvelous pleasure? I'm overjoyed that my battle partner thinks well enough to compliment me with such a gift.

Pinch me, please. Am I dreaming?

You can give it back to me if you don't want it!

Surely you don't think I would do that, do you?

...I, uh, hope you like it.

Of course.

Anyway, can I just talk to you "mano-a-mano" for a moment? I'm genuinely curious. What really prompted you to give this to me?

......

There must have been something, right? Have I helped you somehow recently? You don't need a favor or anything, do you?

No, if anything, you've been extremely annoying! But I have to admit you've helped me a great deal, and been a great teammate. So, if you don't like the present, then...

What, doth mine ears deceive me?

It's just a gift! Spur-of-the-moment!

Alright, alright. Thank you, Mona. I mean it.

But, you know, you can also just thank me as well.

Not after today!

Mona, wait! What have I said this time?

I've got to go. You think about it.

A-choo!

Mona, are you feeling okay?

I'm fine...

A-choo!

You're looking a bit pale.

You've got a fever! Go to the clinic. I'll examine you...

No thanks, Suhua, its alright. The mission's in half an hour.

Mona!

*ROAR*

Ah!

I'll be fine! I hardly ever get sick....

Excuse me, Miss, are you alright?

No, this can't be happening to me! I never get sick! I'm an Esper! Espers can't get sick!

Your face is real flushed, Miss.

That's what you get for defeating a horde of Miramon.

Miss!

Is this... the Union clinic?

What happened to the girl?

She's fine. We got her to a safe zone and someone's been in touch with her parents.

Thank goodness.

......

That could have gone really badly... I'm sorry.

Mm. There really are a lot of people that you should apologize to.

I'm sorry.

You know, there's no shortage of Espers to go on missions. But, there's only one Mona, and she's indispensable and irreplaceable.

Yes, Suhua...

I heard they found you on the ground, unconscious!

Yet you used the last of your strength to put yourself between that girl and the Miramon.

I...

We have serious responsibilities to the Union, but we also have serious responsibilities to our own health!

That's the last time I go on a mission with an infection like that.

Why do I feel so skeptical...?

I...

Alright then. Take some good rest, okay? Don't worry, they've pushed your mission schedule well back to give you space to recover.

Oh no, why?

I just have a slight fever. I'll be fine in a couple of days.

I don't know about that. People were pretty freaked out to hear that you lost consciousness, Mona. They've come to a joint decision to help you focus on your health, just to be safe.

So, those missions had to be postponed.

Please, we don't have to do a whole physical examination. It's overkill...

Hello. Ah, Miss Mona. I'm glad to see you again.

Hm.

By the way, they recently released a new flavor. Would you like to try that too?

Uh-huh.

Mona? I didn't expect to see you here.

Did they ask you to prep the gifts for the orphanage too?

Gifts?

Uh, yeah, for the kids. I was just about to pay for them.

Wow! I'm going back to the orphanage the day after tomorrow. I'm sure the kids will be thrilled!

Hm.

Which flavors did you end up getting?

I actually don't know the first thing about candy. I just know that this store has a good reputation.

Uh... mainly the milk and fruit ones. But I think both the lollipops and gummies here are pretty good.

Sounds like you know what the kids go for these days!

Heh, yeah, well, kids love adorably shaped candy.

This shop specializes in ordering the exact candy shape that you want. They even let you customize it.

I had no idea they could do that. Neat! So you're pretty familiar with this shop, right? Do you come here often?

No, oh no! I was just talking with the clerk about all the things they do here.

She was just telling me that they released a new lollipop flavor. You can try it if you want.

Yeah?

Could I please get a kinda large order of the bunny-shaped milk-flavored candies and the teddy bear-shaped fruit-flavored gummies? Oh, and the new one as well?

Not a problem. We're seeing a lot of interest in this new flavor. You'll love it.

A lot of interest? Oh well, then can I get a separate box, just for that flavor?

Sounds good.

Are you sure you don't want a hand with one of those?

I'm good. Don't you have a mission lined up this afternoon? I can bring them all back with me.

Okay. Safe travels.

Alright, I almost forgot, here you go.

Lollipops? For me?

A little thank you for helping me choose the sweets.

I remember seeing a lot of lollipops in your office. I guess you like them? So... I got you an extra box.

Oh... Actually, Arcana keeps giving them to me.

I mean, he hands them out like candies, literally. He thinks it makes him popular, then he leaves the leftovers to me.

Oh? I didn't know that.

Well, if you don't want them... but the clerk said it was a really popular new flavor...

Well, I guess it couldn't hurt to try it.

And, of course, I really appreciate your gift.

Cool. Here.

Here you go. See you the day after tomorrow.

Great. See you then.

New flavor, huh? Well, impress me and I'll buy a whole lot more of you.

Oh, it's spicy!

is that what qualifies as a new flavor? Spicy?