Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Yamato
5 scenes, 312 lines
1. The Flu
47 lines(Several years ago...)
The Suburbs: In the Mansion
"Partly cloudy with light showers today. Temperatures ranging from 8-16 degrees Celsius."
"Spring is coming, so watch out for unpredictable weather. Stay safe! There is a flu going around."
(Yamato turned off the TV. He was just about to check today's schedule when his communicator beeped.)
*Cough*… Yamato, you up? Sorry, I'm bothering you this early... *Cough*
Mr. Kokuzan? You don't sound well.
I haven't been feeling well since the last mission. It must be the flu.
*Cough*… I need you to keep an eye on the organization for a few days.
Understood, Yuuhime and I will make sure everything runs smoothly. Please take care of yourself, sir.
Yuuhime is also sick.
Really?
She caught the flu also… *Cough*
Watch yourself, Yamato. I don't want you to get sick also.
Of course, sir.
(Yamato couldn't help but smile after hanging up.)
This means that I'm in charge...
This is a good chance to see how the others really feel about Kokuzan.
(However, things did not go as Yamato planned.)
(The flu spread throughout the organization. Everyone called in sick, everyone except Yamato.)
What a pain...
I guess everything is up to me.
(In the next few days, Yamato worked 24/7 running various branches of the organization.)
(Things got back on track after a week when the others started recovering.)
I didn't expect you to handle everything yourself. Well done, Yamato.
Thank you, sir. I still have a lot to learn.
Mr. Yamato, thank you for all your hard work!
Yes, you saved us! If you need any help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask.
Don't mention it. I only did what needed to be done.
By the way, you all need to exercise more and pay more attention to your health.
(As Yamato is leaving, the new workers notice how tired he is.)
Saying thanks isn't enough.
Then let's get him a gift and surprise him!
(In the evening...)
Mansion: In the Corridor
I can finally relax...
No need to wake early tomorrow... Next up is a hot shower.
(Yamato walks quickly toward his room. He smelled a light fragrance beside the door.)
This scent...
(Yamato opens the door and finds a huge arrangement of flowers inside his home.)
!!!
Who did this...
A-choo!
(Before Yamato could cover up his nose, another sneeze arises.)
Ahh - Ahchoo!
Who did this?! A-choo!
(The next day, Yamato is the only person who is absent due to his pollen allergy.)
2. Static Shock
71 lines(Several years ago...)
Downtown: In the Banquet Hall
(Everyone in the hall was drinking and talking. Yamato was among them.)
I believe fate has brought us together again, Mr. Yamato.
(A celebrity warmly greets Yamato and shakes his hand. However, the moment their hands meet, there is static.)
*Zap*
!!!
I'm sorry if I hurt you, sir.
Hahaha... It's normal this time of year. You don't need to blame yourself, Mr. Yamato.
It's not like you can control static or anything.
Fair point, sir.
(A middle-aged waiter approached with a tray of drinks.)
Here's what you ordered, sir. Please enjoy your drink.
Thank you.
(As the waiter gets closer to Yamato, he discreetly mouths a few words to Yamato.)
(Don't forget your mission today.)
…
Please excuse me, Mr. Smith. I have an urgent matter I need to tend to. It was a pleasure talking with you today.
I understand. Feel free to come visit my villa when you get the chance. You know where I live.
You have my word.
(As Yamato takes the drink from the waiter's hand, there is more static.)
!!!
Sorry about that.
It's alright, sir.
Mr. Yamato, you really know how to "shock" people, don't you?
…
(Looking at Kokuzan's expression after getting shocked, Yamato feels a different kind of emotion rising inside him.)
(A few minutes later...)
Outside the Ballroom: In the Backyard
(Kokuzan is currently disguised as a waiter. He and Yamato surround their target.)
Who are you?
You don't need to know.
Don't worry. It'll be over in a few seconds.
You don't know who you're messing with!
(The target snaps his fingers, and several bodyguards appear out of nowhere. They rush towards Kokuzan.)
!!!
Cover me, Yamato!
(*Sigh*...)
(Yamato charges toward Kokuzan with a reluctant expression in his eyes.)
(As soon as a blade is about to reach Kokuzan's back, Yamato saves him and pulls him aside.)
Hmph!
All of you, it's time to die!
(Under Yamato and Kokuzan's joint attack, the target and his bodyguards are slaughtered.)
Ugh...
Are you okay? Let me check your injuries.
…There's no need.
Don't lie to me. Your arm's bleeding.
(I would've been just fine if it weren't for you...)
(Kokuzan takes out a handkerchief to bind Yamato's arm. It is at this moment...)
*Zap*
!!!
Sorry.
It's fine.
(Kokuzan continues binding Yamato's wound.)
*Zap!*
…
Are you venting or something?
Mr. Kokuzan, I'm not sure I'm following.
You're frustrated because I was controlling you and had you protect me.
You're overthinking it, sir. It's just static.
Is it?
Static is common in autumn, and I did just use a lot of lightning in the fight.
I hope that makes sense to you.
Mr. Kokuzan, I swear I would never doubt any of your decisions.
I will always accomplish the mission, no matter the price.
That's good to hear.
(Kokuzan lifts his hand to try to bind up Yamato's wound again, but he hesitates.)
It's alright. I'll do it myself.
(Kokuzan nods and leaves.)
(Yamato gazed at Kokuzan's back... like a hunter gazing at his prey.)
(A grim smile appeared on Yamato's face. A few scarlet sparks course through his fingers.)
3. Caged Bird
66 lines(Several years ago...)
The Suburbs: In the Mansion
(Yamato is passing by Yuuhime's room as usual and sees something that's out of place.)
(The scrunchie that was supposed to be three centimeters away from the outer edge of the dressing table was missing.)
(The snack cabinet was rummaged differently this time.)
(And the zipper position of the pillow was moved down.)
…
…Yamato? What brings you here?
I'm just passing by.
(Yamato notices that Yuuhime is carrying a birdcage. The bird and Yamato look at each other for a few seconds.)
She's cute, isn't she?
Is that your scrunchie on her leg?
(Yuuhime passes by Yamato and enters the room. She carefully puts the cage on the table.)
Yes, to show that she's mine.
(Yamato notices that the bird is stepping on a layer of cotton, which looks nice and fluffy.)
Pillow cotton is definitely good for making bedding.
Did you give her some cookies?
Yes, and also water.
I found her along the road. The poor thing was starving.
She couldn't fly because her wing was injured. She could only cry out for help.
(Yamato kneeled down to observe the bird.)
She's recovered now.
…Yes.
Do you want to set her free?
…
You did all of this. You must really like her.
It would be a pity to just to let her fly away.
But she's a bird...
(Yuuhime's voice is nearly inaudible as she speaks.)
Birds are meant to fly... not stuck in some tiny cage.
You're right.
But have you ever considered the dangers out there?
She'll never get hurt if she's in the cage.
(Yuuhime bites her lip and remains silent. Yamato tenderly caresses his younger sister's head.)
I'll leave the choice to you.
(A few weeks later...)
No Man's Land: In the Woods
*Roar!*
It's almost dead!
(The Miramon disappears. Only its earsplitting howls echo throughout the woods. A small figure is accidentally hit by Kokuzan and falls from the sky.)
(It's a little bird. Still breathing, but barely.)
(Yamato notices a familiar scrunchie on its leg.)
…
Yamato, what are you looking at?
Is it about that bird on the ground?
…Don't tell me you feel bad.
(There is an inquiring look in Kokuzan's eyes. Yamato shakes his head.)
In this world, some lives are just fragile.
I wasn't feeling bad about anything. I was just thinking about the past.
(Yamato walks purposefully forward and obstructs Kokuzan's view of the bird.)
Mr. Kokuzan, you may leave first. I'll take care of the remaining Miramon here.
The Suburbs: In the Mansion
(After the mission was finished, Yamato returns home. Yuuhime brews him a cup of tea.)
Thank you.
I saw something today.
?
You chose to set that bird free, didn't you?
...!
I saw her today.
How is she?!
Good... She flew so high in the sky. She looked happy.
(Yuuhime's brows relax. She looks relieved.)
I'm glad I made the right choice.
(Yamato picks up the tea cup and drinks in one gulp.)
(Yamato smiles, but it does not reach his eyes. Yuuhime didn't notice.)
(In the woods, a small earthen mound rests upon the ground.)
4. Fugu Sashimi
71 lines(Several years ago...)
Restaurant: In the Restaurant
(Yamato sits at a round dining table and points to the menu.)
Fugu sashimi, please.
You really like fugu sashimi, don't you?
(Kokuzan smilingly looks at Yamato with his hands folded.)
I thought you were pretending before and forced yourself to eat it.
That's not true, Mr. Kokuzan.
There's no reason for me to do things I don't want to do.
Besides, when things are a little dangerous, they taste just a bit better.
(Kokuzan is stunned for a moment, and then he bursts into laughter.)
Hahaha... you haven't changed all these years.
(Several years ago...)
(It was at the same restaurant. Many people sat around the dining table.)
(Kokuzan stood up and clapped his hands, preparing to give a speech.)
Today, we have the top members of our organization here. You've all become amazing Espers.
We're gathering here because, as the leader of the Syndicate, I'd like to express my thanks to all of you.
(Members cheered as Kokuzan continued his speech.)
(There was no expression on Yamato's face as he sat quietly at the table.)
Before we get started, I've requested a special appetizer for you all.
(Kokuzan snapped his fingers, and a waiter brought out two identical-looking plates of fugu sashimi.)
…
…
(The sashimi was sliced as thin as cicada wings, clear and translucent. The meat shined under the restaurant lights. The dishes looked beautiful but also deadly.)
One of these has been precisely prepared - nontoxic and delicious.
While the other one... was not.
At my age, I've become forgetful. I do not remember which one is safe... and which one is not.
But... please enjoy.
(The atmosphere in the room became very tense all of a sudden.)
(Everyone stared at the plates of sashimi, but none dared to try a piece.)
Fugu sashimi is a delicacy that's hard to find. Thank you for preparing this for us, Mr. Kokuzan.
!!!
(Yamato reached forward and tried a piece of sashimi from the plate closest to him.)
…
(His expression remained unchanged as he savored this piece of fugu.)
(Everyone else held their breath and seemed afraid that something might happen in the next few seconds.)
Fresh, smooth, and tender... It's an amazing dish indeed.
…Hahaha! Wonderful!
(Kokuzan burst into laughter and applauded Yamato.)
(Kokuzan stood up, walked behind Yamato, and put his hands on his shoulders approvingly.)
What Yamato did today took courage. I want you all to learn from him.
Alright, you may all start eating now.
It was just a joke. Both plates were prepared carefully.
That test made me realize how special you are. You showed me your loyalty through your actions that day.
Mr. Kokuzan, you've always taken great care of Yuuhime and me, and I have always strived to repay you.
(Kokuzan nods with satisfaction.)
(A waiter brings out the fugu sashimi Yamato had ordered earlier.)
(Yamato takes a slice and puts it in his mouth. A few seconds later, his expression changes.)
…
Yamato? Are you alright?
…My tongue, my fingers... are numb.
(Yamato's face pales.)
I guess my luck's run out.
This isn't the time for jokes.
(Kokuzan becomes a bit frantic as he sees Yamato hunching over his stomach.)
(Kokuzan quickly contacts Yuuhime for her to come and help Yamato back to the mansion for treatment.)
Mr. Kokuzan... I remember you still have business to attend to.
You don't have to worry about me. Yuuhime will contact you if anything arises.
(Kokuzan hesitates and checks the time on the pocket watch.)
Okay, I'll be leaving once Yuuhime arrives.
(She arrives shortly and takes Yamato home.)
The Suburbs: In the Mansion
(The normally placid Yuuhime shows a bit of anger toward Yamato.)
Do not ever eat fugu sashimi again. It's not worth the risk.
(Although he seemed like he was in pain a moment ago, now Yamato is utterly unperturbed.)
I'm fine.
…?
(Of course, he's fine.)
(All he wanted to see was how Kokuzan would react.)
(Yamato stands up and smiles.)
(His eyes hold a fierce flame of desire, burning passionately.)
5. The Gift
57 lines(Several years ago...)
The Suburbs: In the Mansion
(The antique clock strikes 12. On this rare day off, both Kokuzan and Yamato are staying indoors.)
Good afternoon, Mr. Kokuzan.
(Kokuzan notices a cup of instant noodles in Yamato's hand.)
Are you having that crap for lunch?
Don't judge me. Instant noodles are a perfect snack for young people these days.
Besides, I just wanted to try it.
(Kokuzan shakes his head and lets out a sigh.)
Yamato, there's no need to sacrifice your health and standards just to try out some new fad.
The noodles are already cooked. They shouldn't go to waste.
...
(After Yamato leaves, Kokuzan is unable to get the image of Yamato pouring hot water into a bowl of instant noodle out of his head.)
(Something feels off here.)
(Kokuzan's instincts tell him that it must be because Yamato isn't telling the whole truth.)
Say, why would someone who has never eaten instant noodles in his life suddenly decide to try them?
Out of curiosity, perhaps?
...Say he isn't that type of person.
What if it's because he's been too busy with work and hasn't had the time to prepare a proper meal or go out to eat?
Then he could've ordered some takeout.
Hmmm... then there is only one reason, really. It's because it's cheap.
Cheap?
Yeah, for someone who doesn't have a lot of money, instant noodles are a pretty good choice.
(Kokuzan thinks for a moment. Yamato is a core member of the organization and is paid handsomely.)
(He should have enough money.)
(Unless he is secretly spending a lot on the side...)
(Kokuzan's face darkens. He gives an order to one of his underlings.)
I want you to go check Yamato's recent expenses and travel history.
And be smart about it. Don't let him notice.
Understood, Boss!
(Two days later, his subordinate brings back a message.)
Sir, there are no abnormalities in Yamato's bank accounts. His expenses seem to be only for daily necessities.
As for his travel history, besides going to work, he has been going to some jewelry stores recently.
Jewelry stores? What for?
I'm not sure, sir...
(Kokuzan becomes more curious. When Yamato returns, he stops him right away.)
Yamato, why have you been going to different jewelry stores recently?
!!!
So you've found out... Well, it's kinda embarrassing to say.
Actually, I've been saving my money to buy a birthday gift for Yuuhime.
I didn't really manage my spending before, so when I wanted to buy a decent gift for Yuuhime, I found that I didn't have enough money.
Please don't judge me, Mr. Kokuzan.
(Kokuzan didn't expect to hear this, but it's a valid explanation upon careful consideration.)
Not at all! I suppose Yuuhime must be happy to have such a caring older brother.
You're my adopted son. Just let me know if you are having any sort of money issues. We're family, after all.
(Kokuzan prepays Yamato's bonus for the next mission.)
(Yamato heads back to his room after expressing his gratitude to Kokuzan.)
Mansion: Yamato's room
(Yuuhime walks out from a dark corner.)
Yuuhime, come.
...
(Yamato opens the small box in his hand. There isn't any expensive jewelry inside, but a delicate-looking scrunchie instead.)
(Yuuhime quietly turns and sits down, letting Yamato gently help her put on the scrunchie.)
I'm grateful that you noticed that Kokuzan's men were tailing me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to give him the slip.
It's just a small gift.
(Yamato smiles as he gently brushes Yuuhime's long and silky hair.)
Soon... we'll be free...