Esper Story: Triki

Eira, I've got something I need your help with. How's your weekend looking?

Very busy. I don't know if I'll have time.

Well, I have misplaced a very important customized bracelet. I haven't been able to retrieve it yet, and it's been several days.

If you have time and can help me find it this weekend, then I'll be very happy to sponsor your big charity performance.

Really?

Of course.

Deal!

You always said charity events are all expense and no return? You can't seriously be thinking of sponsoring me this go around?

I am! If you help me find the bracelet by the weekend, it'd only be fair of me to help you.

No problem then! I can find anything, no matter what it is.

You're not going to go back on your word, are you?

I made you a solemn promise. Why would I possibly think of going back on it?

Then it's a deal. See you this weekend.

Till then!

What did this important bracelet look like?

It was engraved with pink gemstones, like flower petals.

Don't worry. Just leave it to me.

I've combed through the entire house, every nook and cranny, every crevice!

I've even gone across your whole front and back lawns!

Have a careful think: when was the last time you saw the bracelet?

I really can't say.

Then I'm going to have to go through your trash. Maybe you threw it out by accident.

No! I have a problem, Eira. And I would like it if you could answer me as honestly as possible.

Why do you really want to put on this charity performance in Graywater?

Life has been going pretty well for people in Graywater, under your esteemed authority.

But there are places that don't quite benefit from your abilities. And, as you know, the Miracles haven't stopped sending us refugees.

I want this concert to be a place where the refugees can go to feel hopeful again.

And make a bit of cash for the orphanage from your bounty hunters.

Particularly from you! It'd feel really good if we got a massive contribution from you!

Oh, I see...

Alright then. I'll go and search through the garbage.

Don't bother. I've just realized that I think I might have left the bracelet near my study desk.

You might want to check it out again.

Triki!!!

You're in trouble now!

Great! You found my bracelet!

That's too much. It was in your safe box the whole time. You never lost it!

You wasted two hours of my time, and I nearly went through your trash!

Don't jump to conclusions. Have a look at the bracelet. You might find it interesting.

For Eira... What's that supposed to mean?

From what I can tell, it's a gift to you.

But why?

Happy birthday.

Oh wait... My goodness, today is my birthday!

You have nothing but work and the concert on your brain.

You literally forgot your own birthday.

See the lengths I had to go to in order to force you to take a day off?

Rummaging through your house is not what I'd consider a "day off"!

2 hours taken from the rest of your pleasant, task-free day.

I like this gift.

Same here, thank you.

Huh?

I got a video of you running around my place, getting annoyed about the bracelet. The expression on your face when I told you was priceless.

What?! You're terrible!

Triki, I'm here.

Come. Try them out.

Alright...

How does it feel?

None of this stuff holds a candle to my Esper powers.

Using one of these in battle didn't help me at all. It didn't give me an advantage. It even slowed me down.

And how does it compare to the previous batch?

These firearms look at least twice as powerful.

Please don't compare the threat posed by these weapons to your own powers.

After all, they're not intended for people like us, but for "ordinary folks".

......

What's up?

I remember you once said that, as a businessman, you're always looking at the bottom line.

These weapons are more powerful, and yet so is the cost of making them...

So, as a businessman, you're thinking it's not worth importing these any more?

That's right. Even with these weapons, it'd be difficult for a non-Esper to do anything even against the most primitive Miramon.

They're never going to play a decisive role in any engagement. Your investment...

Will not yield the desired return.

Yeah...

And that's very obvious.

Then why...

If ordinary people don't have access to any weapons, then all they can do is sit and wait for an Esper to come and save them.

Too much of that and they lose their sense of self-reliance. They'll be reduced to begging for Espers like scraps... cowering from Miramon all day.

The arrival of the Miracles destroyed our delicate sense of shared prosperity and social harmony. Millions have perished.

If you are just an ordinary person, without any Esper powers, what would you do in the face of this unending catastrophe?

Find some way of fighting the Miracles.

Exactly. And that is exactly what these weapons represent: Hope! And therefore a key to freedom.

It doesn't matter whether or not they can deliver a killing blow. If a person has hope, then he has the will to resist.

I see. And here I was thinking just about profits.

I may be a businessman, but I can recognize the importance of hope for our customers.

And perhaps that is one of the best things we can do for the people.

Eh... I suppose I never really thought about everyone "doing their part".

I always thought that as long as we risk our lives to fight the Miramon, that was enough...

I didn't consider that ordinary people would be more than happy to die for a chance to do something.

That's alright. We don't need to dwell on it.

Let's try out these guns anyway. If they're good enough, we can give them to some of the other bounty hunters.

Okay!

Oh, Ren Si, what the heck did you do?

(Oh dear... That's what I get for being too excited. I must have twisted the butt of the gun off...)

It shouldn't do that, Triki. These weapons are real low-grade trash.

Who's the designer? I'll have a word with him.

I want you to promise me that you'll stay at least three feet away from my armory or else I'm talking half a month's pay.

Alright...

Huh? A message from Triki?

......

Hmph... Work, work, work! I'm just as busy as you are, okay?!

I worked late four evenings this week to see that film...

You just messed up my weekend.

Anyway... I suppose I have a lot of free time on my hands now. I may as well visit Graywater and see what Triki's up to.

When someone says they're very busy at work, you don't expect to see them lazing at home in their pajamas?

So? What do you have to say for yourself?

Nothing (cough.) Please come in.

Why is your voice hoarse? Are you not feeling well?

I'm fine. Don't mess up my fringe...

Hey, let me have a look! You might have a fever?!

I'm just... (cough) I'm just trying to wake up.

Why make it harder for yourself? You could have just told me you were sick. I was so annoyed at you.

(Cough) I'm completely fine. I'm getting better.

What are you doing?

Looking after you! Why don't you have anyone to care for you when you're sick?

I don't want to pass it on to you...

We practically grew up in the same household. We're past social niceties. Besides, I never get sick!

What about... caring for my strong sense of independence and self-reliance?

Right, right, right. So, Mr. Self-reliant, why are you not in your bed sleeping?

I'll go make you a cup of tea.

Strong, milk, brown sugar and honey, just the way you like it.

Thanks.

This is from my first performance, isn't it?

Yes, back when you were still playing the piano, before you were a conductor.

Where did you get this? I doubt anyone had even heard of me by that stage.

The agency said there were no copies left. I don't even have one.

......

Uh... (cough.).. It was a gift from one of my men. I sometimes put it on when I'm having trouble sleeping.

I'm pleasantly surprised to find out about this habits of yours.

You like listening to me playing the piano?

Yes... (Cough) So can I invite the master pianist for a performance?

Lie down! Let me play you a lullaby to help you sleep.

Oh? Is this the piano... from the orphanage?

Yes, it is...

Triki, are you still awake?

......

(Probably not. I think he's actually pretty sick.)

(Stop trying to act all mature. I know you, Triki, you don't need to be like this.)

(Just like when we were kids, still afraid that someone will take his toys.)

Goodbye Triki, and sweet dreams.

What's going on?

???

What do you want to say? I know that face.

I was just wondering how well I really know you... Who are you really?

What kind of a question is that?

Don't tell me you haven't figured it out after we've worked together this long?

You once told me that you're a businessman, focused on profits, income and nothing else.

But today you've shown me a different side of yourself. I don't see what's in it for us.

Ren Si, not all profits are of the monetary and financial kind.

???

One also profits in good relationships.

If the occasional inconvenience is the price to pay for maintaining ties, then why not?

Oh, I see.

I don't have any work this afternoon, so this is your opportunity to ask your questions. I will endeavor to respond as honestly as possible.

......

I honestly don't know what to ask.

How about you ask me some questions and I'll answer them?

I ask you some questions?

Ask me about yourself and see if I can't respond.

To establish whether or not I really "get" you.

A novel method... How is it you think so differently to everyone else?

Alright then. As you wish. But there's something dreadfully limiting about a "question and answer" session. How about we raise the stakes with a friendly bet?

If you can answer all my questions correctly, I'll give you a week's pay as a bonus.

If you don't, then you have to pay one month of me dining out. What do you think?

It... doesn't seem very fair.

You give me a week's salary but I have to support your dining habits for a month?

But you're the man with the thirst for knowledge.

Seems... reasonable.

It's a deal!

First question: is this my natural hair color?

Uhh...

Yes.

Second question: what's my favorite color?

Color? I've never paid attention to stuff like that.

Really? Then you'll lose the bet, I'm afraid.

I know: red.

Oh? Why red?

You chose this outfit because it complements your hair color.

But not your shoes. They must be your favorite color.

......

Alright, and now the third: why would I stoop to the level of playing such a silly game with you?

......

Just like you said, it's not always about profits. People have feelings.

This little game is building rapport between us.

*Cough*

???

So? How did I do?

Hah! You didn't even get one right. I look forward to dining out every night this month at your expense.

Let me see, what's the most expensive restaurant in Graywater called again?

Hey, boss, everything you wanted is recorded here.

What's that around your neck?

A talisman!

It's a rather interesting color. It seems somehow familiar.

*Chuckle*

Boss, Ren Si's here. Did you want to see him now?

Stand up straight.

What do you have around your neck?

It's a protective ward that I just bought!

Are protective talismans all the rage right now?

Isn't this made from your horns, boss?

I beg your pardon?

Look, the talisman's made from the bits of your horns that have "shedded" off.

Why would you buy a ward like that?

It helps to protect you, and it balances your body's "magnetic energy".

Right, plus it's also a pretty fashionable charm anyhow.

It's really cool, a one-of-a-kind accessory!

......

It's your horns, boss! Everyone in Graywater knows what a total pro you are at everything.

Charming, fashionable, successful, heroic...

......

Forward that article to me, and give me the contact details of that company, ShrimpWay Media.

Yes, sir!

You can go now.

Hold on, leave the talismans with me.

Is it him?

Is it his?

You two, stay here! Oh, by the way, can you call Ren Si in here?

What's going on, Triki?

Ren Si, I have a particular matter I'd like to leave in your hands.

Read this and then let me know what you think.

What do you think?

Do you want to buy one as well? Well, obviously you have one already, but maybe it'd be nice as a talisman?

Do you think I would really want that?

Heh! I bought one too. It was really expensive though, so I don't like to take it out with me all the time.

And why would you do a thing like that?

Look here, it says the talisman helps with memory and judgment.

Maybe it'll help me think a bit clearer.

And you believe that?

Of course, it's made from your horns! It'll draw power from the god Loki. So it makes sense that it'll have miraculous powers.

The only reason people are willing to pay such a high price is because they respect you so much.

What's strange about that? Why even follow it up?

I'm honestly speechless.

By the way, you said you were going to assign me a task. What can I do?

You know what? I've just had a really good idea. Don't worry about it for now. You can go.

ShrimpWay Media? Well, guess what? I'm Triki.

You wanted to use my name to tout your fake product, did you? Did you ever stop to consider the consequences?

No, I'm not angry. After all, you've done it so "masterfully", I think we can talk business.

You can keep on selling the talismans, but you need to give me a cut, a reasonable cut.

I'm glad you're such a reasonable business person. To our successful partnership!