Dislyte story · Esper Stories
Esper Story: Yuuhime
5 scenes, 306 lines
1. Siblings
64 lines(Several Years Ago)
The Suburbs: Outlying Suburb
(Yuuhime decides to take the long way home after a mission. She pauses at a street corner to take in her surroundings, and finds herself drawn to the blaring of a nearby TV set.)
"It's the end of the road for you, Dr. Prawn! Not another step!"
"We'll see about that... My next research topic: how powerful the returning Sunflower Warrior really is!"
"The Return of the Sunflower Warrior"... They came out with a new season?
Teach him a lesson, Sunflower Warrior!
What about Professor Prawn? Why do you always want the Sunflower Warrior to win?
Huh? Don't be silly! The Sunflower Warrior's the good guy. Professor Prawn's a bad guy!
How do you know he's the good guy? Just because he says he is?
Because he always defeats the bad guys and saves the world!
You don't like him? You don't like... the Sunflower Warrior?
He's boring! I'd rather see more of Dr. Prawn!
Professor Prawn gets to do what he wants, when he wants!
But he's a bad guy! And bad guys are always defeated by the Sunflower Warrior.
Not always! I bet you this time the Sunflower Warrior loses.
…
(The episode on the TV finally reaches the moment the audience has been waiting for, the decisive battle.)
"I missed? Impossible!"
"Hah! You can't even hit me. Not much of a threat, are you?"
I told you, didn't I? The Sunflower Warrior lost!
*Sob*Sob*
Why... Why are you crying?
*Sob* Did the Sunflower Warrior... really lose?
I think, uh, they'll continue it in the next one. Don't worry... I was just teasing you.
(The sight of his little sister about to burst into tears too much to bear, the boy hurriedly takes out a few lollies from his pocket.)
By the way, look! I also got your favorite strawberry candies!
(The excitement of new lollies puts an end to the young girl's tears. She takes them.)
Strawberry lollies...
(The sight of the pink lollies in the boy's hand conjures up a far distant childhood memory in Yuuhime's mind.)
*Sob* But the Sunflower Warrior can't lose!
It's not that he lost, it's just the bad guy is a little bit too strong this time.
Wah...
Please don't cry, Yuuhime. Here. Had any of your favorite strawberry candies yet?
*Sobs* I don't want candy, I want ice cream!
Very well. Let's go buy your favorite matcha ice cream!
Right!
(The two siblings have already left by the time Yuuhime catches herself in a reverie. She can hear the closing credits still playing on the TV.)
(Yuuhime enters the video store straight away to buy a "Return of the Sunflower Warrior" DVD.)
Mansion: Yuuhime's Room
(Yuuhime rummages around her room until finally locating a dusty old DVD player. She immediately inserts the DVD just purchased.)
I hope the player still works...
*Knock*Knock*
Come in.
Yuuhime, I had something to tell you about tomorrow's mission...
I'm sorry, am I interrupting?
Not at all. Please.
It's only going to be you and me tomorrow. We'll only get one shot. So... we've got to be 100% prepared.
Sure.
I'll leave you to it then.
(Yuuhime nods in Yamato's direction before turning back to the DVD player.)
(I wonder if Yamato'd be interested in watching the video with me...)
(Yuuhime glances back at her brother's departing figure after a moment.)
Yamato...?
Oh, I almost forgot!
!!!
I just bought some ice cream. It's in the fridge. Help yourself any time!
Alright...
(Yamato finally notices the DVD cover near Yuuhime's hand. He grins, boyishly.)
Still into comics?
Oh, what was it you wanted to say?
It's alright. Nothing really important.
(Yamato leaves again and Yuuhime returns to the DVD player. Fortunately, it still works.)
(Unfortunately, the days when the two siblings could enjoy an episode of their favorite TV show together have gone.)
2. Cold Facade
62 lines(Several Years Ago)
(Yuuhime is leading a training retreat in a large mountain cave for the organization's newest Espers.)
No Man's Land: Mountain Cave
*ROAR*
Argh! I... I can't take much more!
We're gonna have to pull back. It's way too strong!
*ROAR*
We can't! We're surrounded!
Now disappear.
*Whine*...
How are you holding up?
We're alright, Yuuhime. Thanks for saving our lives.
If you're ever surrounded again, try identifying a weak point to smash your way through.
Yes ma'am!
I'll handle the rest deeper inside.
(So saying, Yuuhime turns and departs.)
Thank goodness Yuuhime showed up. I'd hate to spend the rest of eternity here.
Do we really need to train in this dark and dangerous cave? Our Boss is not very concerned with our safety.
Yeah, well, I dunno... you yelled you were gonna die when they tripped the power last mission.
Huh.
We'll just clean up the last few Miramon in the vicinity and we can return.
(The pair remain more engrossed in their banter than their surroundings as a crafty Miramon quietly sneaks up from the shadows.)
*ROAR*
Ahhh!
…
(Yuuhime brings her blade down with a powerful slash, dissolving the Miramon into flickers of light and shadow.)
That was bad. We should've done better, Yuuhime.
I was going to say visibility isn't great around here so keep your guard up.
We'll do better next time.
Perhaps we should check out that way? Maybe a couple slipped the net.
(Yuuhime nods again before departing. The pair glance back at her departing figure with a strange mix of admiration and envy.)
Pretty cool, huh? Very strong. Very calm under pressure, isn't she?
I'd be doing a whole lot better than I am now if I had just half... no, a tenth of her powers!
Yeah... Being calm under pressure is really key, especially in places like this. Can't show 'em any weakness.
She's not high up in the Crows for nothing. If we want to make it here we'd better do likewise.
(Ten minutes later...)
The last Miramon's gone. How'd you go over there?
This area looks clear.
Then let's go back.
Tough day. How about a detour on our way back for a round of ice creams. Helps with the heat.
We appreciate it, Ms Yuuhime! But you don't have to buy us anything.
Just a few ice creams. No big deal.
(And so Yuuhime and the two new entrants arrived at a local convenience store.)
The Suburbs: Convenience Store
Which ice creams can I get you?
Can I have the pudding one, please?
Just a regular ice pop for me, thanks.
Okay.
(Yuuhime opens a freezer and rummages around.)
(Oh? A new matcha flavor? I should try it.)
(Yuuhime returns from the freezer with the ice creams and heads to the cashier.)
Hello. Just these three please.
My pleasure!
(The cashier bags the ice creams. Yuuhime glances absent-mindedly at the prices on the monitor. Her eyes widen in shock.)
(Gosh, that's expensive!)
(Yuuhime quickly recovers her customary cool composure. She takes out her purse and pays as if nothing had happened.)
(But her two new colleagues are not so easily fooled.)
Yuuhime's a bit... shocked at the price, huh?
I'll say... I mean, I'd be too for just three ice creams...
What are you whispering back there?
Oh, nothing, Miss.
(I know Yuuhime's weakness now. Expensive ice cream!)
3. Flashes of Dreams
61 linesMansion: Yuuhime and Yamato's House
(Yuuhime has woken up quite early this morning, yet finds her brother Yamato fully dressed and about to leave.)
This is pretty early for you...
I've got a difficult case. Sooner I get some help with it, the better.
Also, you'll have to help me mind the place with the Butler 'til I get back next week.
Why do I have to help mind the place?
How do you mean?
I don't necessarily want to stay home either. What if I want to go out?
Sure! I'm not asking you to not leave the house.
I don't mean if I want to go outside, what I'm saying is...
To leave just open this door and walk out at your leisure.
(Yamato stands to one side theatrically as he makes way for Yuuhime to exit. She gingerly opens the door.)
*Squeak*
Outside the Mansion: Courtyard
(Yuuhime does not see the clear blue sky she had expected, but a raging fire accompanied by dark plumes of smoke.)
Fire! Our house is on fire!
…
Butler, do something! Or our parent's house...
…
Save Yamato! He's still in the house!
…
(The Butler ignores Yuuhime's pleas for help, opting instead to activate a music box in his hands gently.)
(A familiar melody washes over Yuuhime's consciousness as her expression turns from panic to outright terror.)
No! Not that!
(Yuuhime runs from the seething mass of flames with a terrified howl and, with each step, the music box melody grows fainter.)
White Beluga: Deck of the White Beluga
Wake up, Yuuhime. Yuuhime?
!!!
You were really fast asleep!
I had a bad dream... I was dreaming about...
Shhh!
We're in a new chapter of our lives. Time to banish the old nightmares.
(Yamato smiles gently in Yuuhime's direction, before glancing at a pocket watch in his hand.)
It's still early, you know. You can sleep more if you want.
Okay.
(Yuuhime laid herself down again peacefully beside Yamato as the familiar music box melody again rang in her ears.)
!!!
What's the matter? I can sing a lullaby if you want.
Something's wrong. You're not... really him.
I'm... still dreaming.
(The ship's deck begins to contort and fissure as countless hands and shadowy figures seem to reach out from the dark cracks within.)
(Yamato smiles. While seconds ago it would have seemed the smile of a loving brother, now it felt twisted, strange, and alien.)
You cannot control the dream, Yuuhime. In fact, I can be anyone you can imagine...
I can be someone you're deeply afraid of...
Someone that you missed longingly...
But whatever it is, you cannot escape.
And you cannot be free of me.
Maybe I can't be free of you or escape...
But this place is still mine, my dream!
(Yuuhime gazes over the ship's railing at the frothy waves below and jumps off the deck.)
Hotel: Yuuhime's Room
(Yuuhime opens her eyes again, but this time finds an unfamiliar, but quite bright white bulb next to her head.)
*Ding*
"Morning! How'd you find the hotel I recommended? Hope you slept well."
Text from Tang Xuan...
I think I really am awake now...
*Ding*
"Did you know they also have free breakfast? I really recommend it, it's fantastic!"
I'd better go get some breakfast then...
(Yuuhime leaves her Communicator in the room as she gingerly exits the hotel room.)
(The Communicator in her room is playing a quiet rendition of the same music box melody...)
4. Hair Care Secrets
54 linesThe Suburbs: Hot Spring Hotel
This is the life, eh? A relaxing, refreshing spa dip after a daring adventure!
(Li Guang eventually gets out of the hot spring spa and begins combing her hair.)
It's so knotty today, eh...
Ouch!
My hair always does this around this time in Debia. Bad timing...
…
("Her long dark hair is simply gorgeous! Rather healthy-looking too.")
(The sight of Yuuhime's luscious dark hair inspires Li Guang with an idea.)
Excuse me, Miss? Sorry to bother you!
Can I help you?
Yes, actually! My name is Li Guang. I'm a professional explorer!
Hi. I'm Yuuhime.
Yuuhime, I just couldn't help noticing... How do you do it? I mean, maintain such beautiful long hair?
How do I keep my hair in excellent condition?
Yes, exactly! You must be doing something, right? I can't see a single tangle. It's simply gorgeous.
Uh, I do use a few products...
I knew it!
Yuuhime, please. Give me some recommendations. Which ones? What products?
Um...
I mean, look at me over here. This is what a day in the desert wind does to my hair. It's like... dead grass!
Alright. I suppose I could help you write a list?
You'd do that? Thank you so much!
(Li Guang excitedly rushes off to buy a bunch of new cosmetic products with Yuuhime's "Hair Care Guide" list in hand.)
Hot Spring Hotel: Li Guang's Room
Hydrating Sea Mist Conditioner... Avocado Hair Mask... and Geranium Hair Care Essential Oil...
This is the lot! Fingers crossed I get the same great results...
"Rinse hair then apply Mist Conditioner."
Easy-peasy!
(Li Guang happily rinses her hair before rushing back to check the next step on her list.)
"It's important to maintain the perfect moisture balance in your hair. Start applying the heated hair mask from the ends and then wait about 15 minutes..."
"You'll want to pay careful attention to when you start applying the mask to one end versus when you finish, as you'll need to quickly rinse the solution within the time limit."
Gosh. Where did I start...?
(Li Guang finally manages to rinse the mask off with some difficulty, and then gingerly checks the next step.)
"Divide your hair into eight zones. Apply an appropriate amount of the Essence to each zone and be sure to massage it into the scalp."
Eight zones?! Are you serious?!
It's already taking too long! I need help. How can she do all this?
I need more advice...
Hot Spring Hotel: Yuuhime's Room
*Knock*Knock*
Hi, it's me, Li Guang.
Come in.
Yuuhime! I'm so sorry to bother you.
I tried my best to follow your instructions exactly, I'm sorry but for some reason I can't make it work.
Are you sure you wrote everything down correctly?
(Yuuhime carefully eyes the instructions given earlier to Li Guang. At no point do her eyes betray a sense of self-doubt.)
It's correct.
Oh. Okay. I'll, uh, just try again.
How about you can just watch me do it?
You'd do that? Thank you so much!
(Yuuhime nods in Li Guang's direction as she select from her own products. Li Guang's excitement quickly turns to surprise and then dismay at the unfolding scene.)
(Twelve hands seemingly appear out of nowhere from behind Yuuhime's back, each acting in perfect sync as they pick up and dispense various hair care products on the table.)
The list only involves three products: the Mist Conditioner, Mask, and the Oil Essence. Honestly, it seems pretty straightforward to me...
You didn't say anything about having twelve extra hands!
5. Part-Time Job
65 linesDowntown: Streetside
Budget's a bit tight this month for my ice cream treat today. A pity.
(Yuuhime casts a melancholy eye at her thinning purse, yet is soon drawn by a few conspicuously-placed part-time ads on a nearby street corner jobs board.)
Or I could try earning some extra money on my break.
Fancy meeting you here, Yuuhime! What are you up to? Have you been well?
Pretty well.
You're interested in a part-time job?
I don't think I have much choice with the price of ice cream these days. I could do it over the break.
Right... You know, my friend's cafe is looking for more people right now. I could get you in if you want to try it?
Okay.
(Yuuhime's adventures in part-time work thus begin at the cafe with Tang Xuan's introduction.)
District: Cafe
*Ring*
Such nice ambience!
Hi! What can we do for you today?
Eek!
She just popped out of nowhere behind me, really gives me the willies that girl.
We do apologize for that, ma'am. She's very new here, and still in training.
Right. I guess I'll just order.
Can I get your omelette rice special and a latte?
Sure.
(A few minutes later Yuuhime emerges with the customer's steaming rice dish and presents it before her.)
Omelette rice a la carte, a unique specialty of our establishment. And it comes with some extra magic!
"Extra magic"?! Oh, okay then. Interesting.
Our golden omelette, fluffy and light... Mixed with rice, what a sight... Savor each bite, pure delight...
(Yuuhime lists off the cafe's "magical" incantation with all the expression of a block of wood. The customer looks on with curiosity, but soon notices a strange smell coming from the dish.)
("I'm not sure 'magic' is the right word. 'Curse' is more like it...")
Bon appetit!
I'm sorry... I've changed my mind. Can I return it?
(The cafe's fortunes soon dip with the addition of Yuuhime. Customer numbers begin to dwindle.)
(Yuuhime catches the manager sighing as he checks and rechecks the income and turnover figures.)
I'm sorry. I really will try to do better tomorrow.
It's alright, actually. Uh, I think perhaps we can, you can consider not coming in tomorrow.
But I'm fully trained now!
It's, uh, not a question of training...
I don't want to step on anyone's toes here, but in this business you have to be constantly upbeat.
I'm afraid you kind of have a, uh, severity about you which... the customers may not appreciate...
…
(The next day...)
Downtown: Streetside
(Tang Xuan runs into Yuuhime yet again by the part-time job ads board.)
We meet here again, Yuuhime! But aren't you working at my friend's cafe?
(Yuuhime turns her gaze from the board to explain the whole ordeal.)
Oh. I see...
It happens. Don't worry about it. Here, let's look for something more suitable.
You don't have to say that just because I'm your friend...
(Yuuhime looks down a bit sheepishly, only to discover an inconspicuous but rather interesting job opportunity on the ground.)
"Staff wanted for ShrimpWay Escape Room, including interior designers, copywriters..."
"And haunted house actors (urgent)."
"Meals provided during operating season, excellent remuneration. Additional chilled treats/beverages provided to actors due to workload."
An escape room? With haunted house actors? Chilled treats?
Escape room, huh? It's all the rage now, apparently.
Is it fun?
Not bad, I guess. Some colleagues invited me once but I don't really enjoy being scared. I didn't go.
But I don't think it's really that scary. When I saw them after they looked more excited than anything.
Maybe that's the point: the excitement is the scare.
Yeah. I guess that's how it's meant to work.
(So people enjoy being scared, huh?)
I think I might have found my job, Tang Xuan.
You sure?
Yes. Or at least there's no harm in trying.
(Yuuhime picks up the relevant flyer and shows Tang Xuan the section on escape room actors.)
Alright! I'll go there in person to support you!
(At that very moment the brilliant rays of the afternoon sun finally pierce the gray overhanging clouds. Yuuhime glitters for a moment, dazzling, in the sunlight.)
(And with that the last vestiges of the gloomy winter that had for so long cast its grim spell over the beginning of summer began to dissipate.)