Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Yun Chuan
5 scenes, 323 lines
1. King of Jagalions
62 linesApex Plains: Bar
(It's nearly midnight in the bar, and Yun Chuan appears to the other patrons to be really enjoying himself. A nearby youth is intrigued, and starts up a conversation.)
Sorry, but I couldn't help notice that clearly you work out. Which gym do you go to?
Heh! I appreciate that. The gym's irrelevant. It's persistence.
Yeah, right. Persistence... I was just doing a checkup and my doctor told me to hit the gym, but I don't know where to go.
Do you think if I worked out a lot, I could get muscles like that?
(Yun Chuan looks the young kid over. He's a little on the thin side, fragile, even. Yun Chuan smiles confidently.)
You got nothing to worry about, kid. How about I'll be your personal trainer from now on?
Wow, really? Sure!
(Day 1 of the "Special Training")
Apex Plains: In the Suburbs
Today we're learning about animal tracks.
See that? That large round print? That's from a Jagalion...
See the four small circles? Those are Jagalion's toes.
...Quick question: this is, like, for exercise, right?
Don't worry. It'll all become clear in no time.
(Hours pass and the sun is beginning to set. Yun Chuan has already taught the young man how to recognize a wide variety of animal tracks.)
Well, that just about concludes today.
......
(The second day's task revolves around picking up and assembling a really large pile of firewood.)
That should just about do it. Now we're gonna whittle these sticks into something useful. I'll go find some herbs.
Sounds good.
(First day analyzing animal tracks? Now I'm gathering firewood? What on earth does this have to do with exercise?)
(Is this meant to be some kind of elaborate test? I've already made it this far... may as well continue.)
(Come the third day, the youth has set an animal trap under Yun Chuan's helpful guidance. The pair wait by a nearby grove for their prey to show up.)
I hear something!
Shh! Quiet or we'll scare him off.
(The pair hear rustling from the makeshift net, and go to see how the trap has performed.)
AHHHHHH!
You're one lucky kid!
But...
What's going on?
Excuse me, can I ask what does any of this have to do with training?
A lot, my friend. Still gotta long way to go.
?!
(On the fourth day, the youth meets Yun Chuan at a remote location outside the city. He sees Yun Chuan coming, the animal trapped yesterday hoisted over his shoulder.)
You remember what I said about animal tracks? Particularly the Jagalion?
Yeah...
Then let's go!
(This is like no gym routine I've ever heard of. I wonder if I can just walk away.. or maybe I'm in too deep...)
(The youth buries his doubts and follows dutifully after Yun Chuan, who is busy surveying animal tracks on the ground. The pair follow the tracks all the way back to a pride of Jagalions.)
(Then, without warning, Yun Chuan suddenly charges at the Jagalions and engages them in combat.)
Ah! Ha!
*Whimper*
!!!
Not bad. Got a trick or two, huh?
Hey, check this out. This type of punch is great for your biceps!
And this relies on your quads!
(It was a tough fight. An exhausted Yun Chuan and a Jagalion ended up resting next to each other.)
Now that's a workout! Ha!
See why I brought you? This is where the real exercise happens! Not in some boring gym.
(The young man looks aghast at the sight of the Jagalion, that had just been wrestling Yun Chuan, caresses his chest with fluffy ears.)
When you get a moment, could you help me really get that fire going? With the firewood from before.
(Yun Chuan begins spit-roasting chunks of meat he has brought over the now-roaring bonfire. He then starts sharing pieces of roast meat with the salivating Jagalions.)
!!!
Want some? FYI, they might challenge you to a friendly round if they see you're interested. That alright?
I guess I'd... I'd better have some.
(This is what he means by "training"? I don't think this is safe... not at all...)
(Yun Chuan is preparing to head into Apex Plains when he gets a sudden text message from the young man.)
(I'm sorry. Something urgent came up. Can't meet today.)
Giving up just like that, huh? Eh. Let's see what he says tomorrow...
(And that was the last time Yun Chuan ever heard from the young man.)
2. Straightforward Guy
48 linesGyrate: Cabaret
(One of the ladies entering the ballroom may have worn more than she bargained for. Her high heels almost trip her up until a pair of strong arms catch her.)
You okay?
Yeah. Thanks...
(He's gorgeous! Maybe this could be my chance to meet someone new...)
Super slippery here. Got to be careful.
Hey, would you like to dance with me?
You mean me?
No?
Wouldn't want to upset your partner, whenever he comes...
Forget about him! He probably just cancelled again, as usual. It's his fault I nearly slipped there.
You really don't want to dance with me? Not even for one song?
(The sight of the lady's tearful expression was too much to bear. Yun Chuan reluctantly offers his hand.)
Alright.
(Yun Chuan and the lady prepare to enter the main area. An old lady selling flowers stops them by the entrance.)
You two are such a beautiful couple!
How about a bouquet for your girlfriend, good sir? I'll give you a good price.
(Delighted, the girl goes to take the bouquet when Yun Chuan abruptly intervenes.)
Actually, we just met.
And I think it does this fair lady a disservice to assume I'm in her league.
(The man's quite clueless, isn't he?)
I'm sorry! My mistake then.
It's okay, thank you for offering.
Miss, you should be more careful. You don't want to be taken advantage of.
There are a lot of liars and hustlers these days. You shouldn't trust people that easily.
(The experience provides Yun Chuan the perfect pretext to go into a long lecture about going out alone. He remains oblivious to the look she was giving him.)
(My goodness! How can I get him to really notice me?)
(The music from the main ballroom starts playing. Yun Chuan's companion deftly removes her coat to reveal a dazzling and very alluring dress.)
Let's dance.
!
This...
What's going on?
Isn't that dress a bit short? You'll catch a cold in this weather!
What else am I supposed to wear for a dance?
You might be more comfortable with the coat.
(Yun Chuan makes as if to look away, embarrassed by her dazzling outfit. But there's something in his expression. She flashes a confident smile.)
(The confident lady glides in front of Yun Chuan and performs a few twirls with her dress.)
Come on, don't shut your eyes!
I don't want to be improper!
(Yun Chuan covers his eyes in embarrassment, forgetting of course to also cover his third eye.)
(Yun Chuan moves his right hand to cover his third eye, but this time can't help but open his right eye.)
Argh! How am I supposed to cover all three eyes at once...
You're a funny one, aren't you?
Uh...
What do you think? I look good, don't I?
(It's all too much for Yun Chuan, who goes red in the face. Then he changes his tune with a loud pronouncement.)
You look... You look great!!!
(That's what a lot of other people who danced in the ballroom that evening heard, more than a few times, that night.)
3. How To Persuade Children
77 linesGyrate: Kindergarten
Mr. Li Ling!
Can I fly on your shoulders, Mr. Li Ling?
Please! Don't! Climb on me! No scratching! Hey! No hair pulling, please!
Don't you know what happens to bad little kids? Someone comes to take them away!
(Several kids in the play area are doing their best to climb up Li Ling's back. He sets each one down on the ground, rather impatiently, and then looks over at Yun Chuan for help.)
You're finally here, Master!
You said it was an emergency! But it's a kindergarten?
Hey! There's some birthday thing today, and the play room leader said the kids really like me. Who'd have thought they'd be so... short-staffed...?
(Li Ling glances at the kids trying to climb onto his back once again and sighs. Yun Chuan guesses what Li Ling is about to say.)
...So they asked you to watch the kids?
The kindergarten must be truly desperate to hand the room to you.
See what I mean? It's an emergency, isn't it?
I've always known you capable of handling anything, Master! Minding a couple of kids is nothing, right?
I minded you. You made enough of a mess for 10 ordinary kids. And here you are today. How hard can it be?
Spoken like a true master! Well then, I'd better go help the director move some stuff.
?!
(Li Ling exits the room as quickly as possible as if any delay might threaten his departure. He departs with a distant yell.)
They're in your hands, Master!
......
(Yun Chuan looks down at the kids.)
......
......
(The worst-behaving kids that had just been trying to climb on Li Ling's back stare up at Yun Chuan in fearful awe.)
*Cough* Alright then. Let's keep on playing.
*Sob*...
(There is something unbearably stern about Yun Chuan's booming voice. One of the little girls frowns. She starts crying.)
What is wrong, my dear? Why are you crying?
(Yun Chuan frowns anxiously at the sight of the young girl's tears, but it only accentuates his third eye in a somehow more threatening manner. The girl is now bawling her eyes out.)
Waaaah! He's a bad guy!
Don't worry. I-I'll protect you... I'll protect you.
(A little boy protectively places himself between Yun Chuan and the crying girl.)
You're a bad guy! You should leave!
Oh... Do I look like a bad guy to you?
(The kids all look with one accord at Yun Chuan's menacing figure and nod in unison.)
You're a giant and you look so... scary!
But, little girl, I'm not a bad guy! Actually, I'm good friends with Mr. Li Ling.
Yeah right! Mr Li Ling told us bad guys always lie. And pretend to be good guys! And they come and try and take us away!
A-and you have scars like a bad guy!
Li Ling said to stay away from people with scars because it means they get into fights and they're dangerous!
He has quite a few himself, young man.
Those are different!
Yeah! Mr. Li Ling's a good guy!
Well then... How about I take you for some tasty barbecue snacks?
Barbecue?
(The little girl's expression immediately brightens as the well of her tears dries up.)
Remember what Mr Li Ling said? "Never take food from strangers"!
......
And what else has Mr. Li Ling taught you?
Don't tell him! Mr. Li Ling said bad guys always try to trick us so they can do something bad!
You will never get what you want from us, Mr Bad Guy!
......
Well then, how about a little story? I have a dog, a very big dog, and he's very fierce and also very smart.
(Mention of the word "dog" in a story format seems to put the children slightly more at ease. They stare at Yun Chuan as he prepares to tell the story.)
(Yun Chuan has finally hit upon a trick that quiets the room. He goes on to tell some funny stories in an endearing way.)
Can he catch frisbees?
Does he say "woof woof"?
He's not one for frisbees, but he did come with me to my matches... He doesn't say "woof woof". It's more like this...
(Yun Chuan takes a deep breath and does his very best to imitate his dog's cry with a loud voice.)
Awoo!!!!
What do you think? Everyone says it's a perfect impression!
(Yun Chuan looks at the kids with supreme confidence. They remain silent.)
Waaaah! It's a wolf!
*Crying* I want Mr. Li Ling!
(A renewed outbreak of crying leaves Yun Chuan nervously scratching his head. But he soon thinks of something else involving his third eye.)
Hey! Your eye! Light's coming out!
(Seeing the boy's astonished reaction, Yun Chuan tries to do a little more with his third eye. He releases a beam of light at the wall behind the children.)
Wow! Your eye can shoot lasers!
I saw that in the Sunflower Warrior! His friend, Lightningman, always does that, he can shoot lasers out of his eyes!
(Yun Chuan obligingly uses his "laser eyes" to shoot beams of light around the room as the happy kids circle around.)
(Mr. Li Ling returns eventually to find a room of children very happily engaged in this strange activity.)
What did I tell you? No kindergarten is a match for Master Yun Chuan!
......
Fun game. Now where have I seen it before...
Oh I remember! Didn't you train your dog with this technique?
Eh. Don't remind me.
As long as the kids like it, I'm happy!
4. The Midnight Alarm
76 linesEsper Union: Dormitory
(Li Ling celebrates closing the last of the suitcases with a satisfying clap of his hands.)
Phew. What a move.
So what do you think of your new home, Master Yun Chuan? Good, huh?
Much better than my old house.
Absolutely. Because it isn't a standalone unit.
Joining the Union means having a whole bunch of neighbors right outside your front door!
Well, I hope you're all ready for my training sessions then, heh.
Anyway. It's getting late.
Alright. Just call out if you need anything. I'll be over there right away!
(Li Ling heads back to his room, freshens up, and then throws himself on his bed for some much-needed rest.)
(Li Ling is just about to drift off to sleep when he hears the sound of an alarm.)
Oh... What's that...
Is that the... Eh... Zzzzz
(The sound of the alarm battles Li Ling's desire to sleep. Finally, sleep wins and Li Ling drifts off into a restful slumber.)
(Eight o'clock in the morning)
Esper Union: Dormitory corridor
Morning! Just had a walk around. You know this place has a really good gym!
(Yawn.)
You're up early, Master.
Bit hard to sleep in a new bed, eh?
I can't just sleep for eight hours straight like you young guns.
You know, something, I thought I heard the alarm last night. I guess not...
Hm?
Did you hear anything? Maybe your phone?
I guess I heard wrong.
Anyway, it doesn't matter. Hey, Master, let me take you for a tour of Gyrate.
Breakfast first. High time you developed some good habits!
(Dead of Night)
Esper Union: Dormitory
*Woo*Wee*...*Woo*Wee
(The familiar sound of the alarm from last night drifts into Li Ling's sleepy consciousness. But this time he decides to wake himself up.)
What's going on? What is it?
There's nothing on my phone. No urgent missions...
*Woo*Wee*...*Woo*Wee
Who the heck tripped the alarm at midnight?
(An angry Li Ling storms out of bed, throws open his door, and heads off in search of the alarm's cause.)
(He opens the front door to the dormitory building. And just then the alarm stops.)
The heck?!
(Early morning)
We got a practical joker in the building I'm telling you!
Who is it? Tang Xuan? Q? Or both maybe.
Maybe it's just a malfunction.
Impossible. Two nights in a row?
Eh. If it happens again tonight, I'll go looking with you.
Alright then. Tonight then, in the corridor!
I'm not sleeping 'til I catch that prankster!
Alright. But don't go too hard on them. It's just a joke, after all.
(It's getting dark. Li Ling and Yun Chuan leave their doors open a crack to keep an eye out for strange pranksters wandering the hallways. It's going to be a long night.)
(All the residents are now in their rooms. The hallway lights switch off.)
You're fine to just watch the hallway? You're not tired?
I'm not letting him get away with it again!
Everyone's gone to bed. I don't think it's happening tonight.
(Yun Chuan's words prove prophetic. The pair stay up for several more hours and... nothing happens.)
Think we gave ourselves away?
Or he's waiting for us to go to bed. Let's walk around!
I'll look around the warehouse. Why don't you check out the utilities room?
(The pair circle around the hallways without running into any suspicious figures. Li Ling spends a long time searching every nook and cranny of the warehouse. Nothing is amiss.)
......
(They return to their own rooms. A moment later and Li Ling is sprawled on his bed, exhausted.)
(Something brushes past Li Ling's pillow while he's lying there on the bed. It's Yun Chuan's flute.)
You're playing the flute?
Always. Just before I go to bed. My dog loves it.
(Yun Chuan's dog looks over excitedly at the sight of his Master putting the flute to his lips. He sits nearby, obediently.)
Seriously? That's awesome. A bit of flute before bed. Might help me sleep.
*Woo*Wee*...*Woo*Wee
!!!
*Woo*Wee*...*Woo*Wee
(Yun Chuan is so engrossed in his performance that he does not notice the strange expression forming on Li Ling's face.)
(Yun Chuan finishes his performance with a loud flourish that gives Li Ling a jolt.)
Sorry, Master, I didn't mention when we moved in, the Union actually doesn't allow music inside the dorms.
Has to be outside.
Anyway, I'm off to sleep. See you later.
Night-night.
?
(Not sure I like that flute solo. Sounds too much like the alarm...)
5. Quick-tempered
60 linesTangton: Deer Country
(Yun Chuan is pushing his cart along the Deer Country road as he hums out of tune.)
Heh. Haven't been this way for ages. Time for some real training.
(A little old lady happens to be heading in the opposite direction and, as she's keeping her eyes firmly on the ground, doesn't notice Yun Chuan's incoming cart.)
!!!
(Yun Chuan slams on the brakes just in time to stop the cart inches from the old lady's face.)
Watch out! Please be more careful, ma'am!
Huh? What is it??
What are you doing out here on the road all by yourself? Can I give you a lift anywhere?
I was just looking for... for my basket of vegetables...
Could you help me find it?
...Not a problem.
You lost a basket out here, right? That's what you're looking for?
That's right, I lost my vegetables. In my basket... around here!
Alright. And when did you last see if?
I don't remember... where I... lost it.
I was holding it when I... went out the door.
Can you remember what road it was? We can look there.
I think I was heading... this way.
Alright then. Come up, have a seat on my cart. We'll just follow the road until we see the basket. What does it look like?
It was made of bamboo... My husband wove it for me... it was a gift.
There's an embroidered blue handkerchief on the cover...
I see. Well then, I can imagine how much it means to you.
And don't worry about a thing, I'll find it, guaranteed!
(Yun Chuan starts up the cart again as the pair proceed slowly down the road, eyes peeled for any sign of a basket.)
(The pair eventually reach a crossroads. No basket so far.)
Excuse me, we're at the crossroads now. Do you remember which way you went?
I think...
Was it this way?
Yeah. Yeah. This way.
Okay then! We'll turn down here. And keep your eyes peeled.
This way.
That's where we're going...
This is the wrong way...
I thought you just said it was this way?
I went over... there...
Alright. Not to worry. We'll go look for it over there then.
(The old lady is clearly confused. Yun Chuan begins to realize that she might not actually remember. The constant changes in direction are getting him worried.)
Don't worry, my dear. Just have a careful think, okay? So do you think it was this way?
I think so...
Sorry, I... I can't remember.
We're in no rush! Let's just have a look.
(The pair finally make their way past a house by the roadside selling fruits. The sharp-eyed Yun Chuan notices a beautiful basket full of vegetables next to the stall.)
(And, just as the lady had mentioned, it is embroidered with a beautiful blue cover, though slightly tattered.)
Excuse me? Is that over there your basket?
Oh, it... it is!
(Yun Chuan jumps off the cart and then helps the old lady down by the stall.)
Very nice to see you again, ma'am! We've been taking good care of those vegetables you bought.
Don't forget to take them next time!
Thank you. I won't forget!
Looks like you found it in the end.
Thank you, young man!
No problem. It was the least I could do.
Here... have some apples.
Thank you!
(Yun Chuan glances at the time after escorting the old lady back to her house with some difficulty. It looks like his "Deer Country training" plans might have to wait.)
(It's dark when Yun Chuan arrives home. He returns to find the TV still switched on, currently broadcasting the nightly news.)
(This evening we've also received reports of numerous landslides around Apex Plains, including with the collapse of the Main Street crossroads. A number of local residents have been injured so far...)
Main Street? I would have been there today if it hadn't been for...
(Yun Chuan glances at the TV and then back to the bag of apples from the old lady.)