Esper Story: Ye Suhua

Great. That was our last patient.

Please, everyone, please secure your medical equipment as we will be returning to Gyrate in half an hour.

What happened to Ye Suhua? She was here just a moment ago. I don't see her...

Suhua, could you start to pack up your equipment please? We're about to head back.

Bandages and ointments. Got it!

Who else is injured?

It's not a great idea to go off alone especially into a place like this–even to save someone's life.

Anyone else in need of assistance?

Ah! Who's that? Who's over there?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.

I was just asking whether you needed help?

Oh, it's Heng Yue! Great...

Sorry. I overreacted.

It's okay. I always keep my guard up on missions too.

Not to mention we just got hit by a pretty sizeable Miramon attack. You never know what's going to happen out here...

On that note, who are you bandaging? We missed one of the residents?

Someone who got hit pretty bad by Miramon, but not exactly a resident...

...?

Coooh...

What is this? A cat? A... Manul cat?

I, uh, don't know.

Wild animals are breeding grounds for all kinds of pathogens. You should know that.

I see... make sure you get them all checked out and cleaned of any nasties if you decide to bring them back.

Yes, yes, Heng Yue ma'am.

So they're the ones you're trying to... heal?

Come on... Hey! Settle down there little fella. Let me finish.

No! You can't do that! You can't pull my hair!

I'm trying to bandage you up! If you can't keep still, you're not going to recover!

Calm down... Very good!

When did you notice them?

When I arrived. A few of them were badly hurt and they just seemed so helpless and afraid. They were taking shelter inside a wall.

I was worried they might get killed in the evacuation. So I hid them here.

Since we've already done the injured humans, I figured I had enough time to look after them.

......

Would you like to pet it, Heng Yue?

...That's alright.

Don't attack me. Not only am I in charge of the medic team, I'm more than a match for you.

Awoo...

Heng Yue, they're badly hurt. It's normal for them to get startled by strangers and sudden movements.

Just give it a comforting pat and it will calm down. Like so–

Don't do anything silly, okay? We mean you no harm.

Looks like your "new patients" listen to you, at least.

Some animals are very smart. They can tell when we mean them harm. There's really little difference between an injured human and an injured animal in that sense.

If we are honest with them, then they can be just as cooperative as any person.

They may listen to what you have to say and let you bandage them, but the sun's going down.

We can't stay much longer. We have to go back.

I-I'm sorry, Heng Yue. I'll try to finish this ASAP!

Don't do that! The bandage is going to come off!

Seems they're not as attentive as we'd hoped.

That's alright. I'll help... A little warning: they'd better keep their dirty claws far, far away from my face, or else!

Got it, Heng Yue!

I'm sorry, madam, the shop is closed this afternoon for a private function. Please come back tomorrow.

Closed for a private function? Do you know how hard it was to get here... You're not really closed yet, are you?

We've closed the store to receive some VIP guests this afternoon and, unfortunately, regular patrons will not be permitted during this time...

"Regular patrons"? Are you implying something about us "regular patrons"?

I am not implying anything, madam...

Helena!

You have today off as well, Suhua?

Yeah. If I'd known you were shopping here, I'd have asked you to join me.

It's a shame they're closed to "regular" customers today. I suggest we try elsewhere.

Closed? What? I just got off the phone with them.

Welcome to our store, Madam Suhua! This way, please. We've also prepared afternoon tea.

?!

You're a friend of Miss Ye, I see. I'm terribly sorry about this misunderstanding. Please, come in.

So you're saying that I can go in now?

Of course. Welcome!

What's going on?

Uh... This way please.

Nice tea. And I haven't eaten butter cookies this soft in ages.

You should also try the macarons–they're extraordinary!

Unfortunately, the kitchen seems to have run out...

No problem! We can easily find some at another store later. By the way, was there something here you were after?

Oh, the manager called to see if I wanted to check out their new range.

(You get a call from the manager when they get new stock? That's what you can expect as a VIP customer, I guess.)

How about you?

Maybe a formal evening gown as I'm going to appear on the Gyrate TV awards ceremony in just a few days.

Wow! Then this is the right store for you. They have the most amazing styles and range. Let me have a look...

Pink leather is totally in right now, and I find this avant-garde skirt really eye-catching...

The only thing is the hemming is a bit plain. If we could puff it up a bit, it'd be ideal.

Just what I was thinking!

What about this one?

I think that black satin is elegant and conspicuous enough for the awards ceremony. Good quality too...

But the entire piece is a little "over the top", don't you think? But it'd be perfect with a light-colored belt of some kind...

My goodness! Exactly what I was thinking!

So hard to find people with similar tastes!

Remember to make a booking before we go shopping next time.

Sure. Which of these skirts do you think?

Both of them have slight "imperfections", so instead maybe you could consider–

My friend is very happy with both of these skirts, but would like to make some changes.

How long do you think that would take?

I'll go ask our in-house designer. I'll be back in a moment.

Thank you.

I didn't realize the store provides tailoring?

Of course, they do! It's very upmarket. They really focus on each customer.

Any suggestions we have could help them too. Sometimes it's good to give feedback.

Suhua, why don't you tell them!

Me...?

I have faith in your vision!

That was really fun! And I got to experience having my own "personal tailor" thanks to you.

Oh, I didn't do anything! I'll be so excited to see you at the presentation in this beautiful dress in a few days.

I'll send you the photos. Hopefully I can really stand out.

But... there is one thing I'd like your help with.

Yes?

Do you have time tomorrow night? To be a special VIP guest on my program?

VIP guest?

You have so much experience clothes-shopping in Gyrate. I can't think of anyone who'd be half as good.

!!!

Alright. I'll take that as a yes! Don't worry, it'll be great.

Morning, Sally. I'm collecting the equipment this week. Could you add some more bandages while you're at it?

We used up all our supplies on that last mission... Oh. That smells wonderful! What's that?

Suhua? Great timing! Could you please help me pack these chocolates away?

What are you doing with all those chocolates?!

I had a get-together with some friends yesterday. At the end everyone was saying what a nice idea it'd be to make some chocolate.

We did, but I made way too many. I was thinking of giving them out. Would you like one?

Chocolate liqueur? Fantastic! Can I have another one?

By all means! As many as you can stomach! Less work for me...

I don't want to spend the whole afternoon on this.

That went a lot faster with you here! Here, your med kit as well as... this...

For me?

In recognition of your services today. I'm going over to give Drew and the others some too.

Great! But don't eat too many. Remember, they are alcoholic!

I am a bit hungry... strong tea and chocolate sounds like a pretty good night in to me.

Sally plays the French horn, she makes a mean cheese fondue, and now I find out she makes chocolates too. Plus she's a really kind person...

No wonder she has so many fans. Her friends are very fortunate.

Ah... The perfect combination: chocolate liqueur and black tea! Thank you, Sally! How about another one... and another.

They're so small. There's hardly any alcohol. I'll be fine.

I must ask Sally how she managed to make such delicious chocolate all by herself. Tomorrow.

I'll give a box to Brynn once I figure out the secret. Another.

One, two... only two left? Hardly enough to save for tomorrow.

I may as well just eat them all! Tomorrow... I'll have to find Sally tomorrow. And... Uh.

Morning, Arcana.

Suhua! You look a little hungover, uh, I mean over... joyed. You look overjoyed to be awake!

???

Very good! You look very healthy.

You're a little... odd today. What's up?

Whatever do you mean?! Oh, by the way, this is for you, your... favorite macarons!

Well. I'd best be going now. Toodaloo.

How strange... Is today my birthday or something? Why are people giving me presents?

Good morning.

Commander Falken? I'm sorry. I didn't see you there. Gotta go.

Hold on.

(He's not annoyed, is he?)

I almost forgot! This is for you.

A box of macarons?

Please. And look after yourself.

Thanks...

Falken is acting odd too. What is wrong with everyone today?

Brynn... Help me, please! My arms are failing me.

Is today a special occasion or something? Why is everyone giving me macarons?

I'm very happy to get them, of course, but it's weird!

And here's mine! Here.

Another box of macarons? Please, let me in on the secret! What is going on?

Are... you sure you want to know?

*Nod*

And if I don't keep a straight face, will you forgive me?

I... (hiccup)... order everyone to give me a box of macarons tomorrow! My (hiccup) favorite macarons...

And if... if you don't, then I'll be very... angry... (hiccup).

Did... I send that?

I swear I'm never eating another alcoholic chocolate again!