jikan_network | Text; un: PantsonPyre

Oh yes, of course! I'll send you my address!

[With that, off she types the address!]

Edited 2022-07-06 19:13 (UTC)

Got it.

✿ ✿ ✿

[ It's true what Cloud said before; he knows his way around Tokyo. To a lesser extent, Kyoto, but having a penchant of getting lost in his thoughts also lent itself to plenty of time spent walking. Cloud wasn't one to sit still for very long, even back home. He hurries home first so he can drop off his things, as well as so he can equip himself appropriately for the upcoming encounter. Not that he wasn't looking forward to demonstrating how magic on his planet worked, but there's no excitement or anxiousness on his part either. Not in the same way he felt during May. The less said about the "Month of Love", the better.

It's felt...nice- making decisions and doing things for himself. As just Cloud. Not that Hu Tao needed to know about how he was feeling, even as he carries this calm confidence with him into tracking the Director down. He's easy to spot, too, should the girl be on the lookout. He didn't think to give a descriptor for himself, with his spiky blond hair, bright blue eyes and SOLDIER uniform; not factoring in the massive sword on his back, he definitely screamed 'not from around here'. As he crosses the street, he thinks he spots the person in his description as he pulls out his magi-comm.

Yup. The right address, then. ]

Hu Tao? [ he calls. ]

[Hu Tao wasn't sure who to expect as she found herself standing in front of her place. If anything, she was surprised Cloud was so willing to help her out and show him some materials that belonged to his world. It was a little odd, he wasn't used to people being so friendly toward her when she was used to rough treatment back home.

As she thought about it, she couldn't help but wonder about her business. Were her undertakers doing okay? How were they fairing without her or Zhongli to manage everything? With a sigh, she decided not to think about it too much. Especially when there was a strangely spiky haired man coming her way. Raising an eyebrow or two, this had to be the person who she spoke to.]

Mhmm, that is my name. And I'm assuming you must be Cloud, correct? It's a pleasure to meet you! [She giggled before giving her hand out. That was the right thing to do for people outside of Liyue, correct?]

[ Cloud blinks down at her hand when she extends it. Maybe it's because he's only ever met people from Inazuma when it came to Teyvat, but he was almost prepared to give a light bow of his head! But this? This is familiar territory to him! Placing a hand on his hip with a hum of approval, he nods and holds out his own hand, a firm grip as he shakes Hu Tao's hand. ]

Likewise.

[ He doesn't extend this shake for long, though his hand does slip from hers a little slower than normal as he makes eye contact with the girl. And people commented on his eyes. Hers were so bright and unique, that it's only been a few seconds? And he'd have a hard time forgetting them. For Hu Tao? He may be a lot calmer and far less eccentric, but luckily for her, he's used to people like her. Honestly, he just gets dragged along for the ride most of the time... He doesn't see her Pyro Vision on her yet, but that's not the reason why he was here. She wanted a demonstration!

He wasn't trying to swing his sword around or light the ground on fire with Lightning magic this time ~~yet~~, so he doesn't think they need to go far. But maybe someplace more open or private? ]

Got any preference on where we can set up?

[Now that Hu Tao got a closer look at him, she had to admit. He was rather tall compared for her 5'1 self. However, she was used to seeing people at a height advantage. Raising an eyebrow or two, she wasn't expecting someone to give off the impression of being rather cool. Why else would he have such a big sword? That was why she found herself staring at the poor man for a few seconds before chuckling.

Well, this would make it a bit easy to befriend him. She had her fair share of dealing with some stoic faced people.]

Is there a park we can go to? I'm not sure how much energy a materia could generate but I believe it would be big enough where it wouldn't hurt anyone.

[That said, she looked at her phone before looking back up at Cloud.]

I wonder if we could find such a place...! [She said before leaning a bit closer. Care to help her out?]

[ Noting her bright gaze honed on him for a good couple moments, his own brow raises as he gives himself a onceover. She wasn't staring just at his eyes...so it wasn't the Mako, was it? She doesn't stare long enough, though, to weird him out. Especially when she shares space with Cloud and they determine where they should go. He's really hyping this up to be something requiring space...but unless he was bringing out the big guns (Cloud why did you bring them...), it wouldn't need much. ]

Most Materia's pretty self-contained. [ A beat. ] Unless you're casting high level magic.

[ He hums thoughtfully as she leans closer so he can give her aid. Considering where she was and how far she was from the nearest open public space... When in doubt? ]

You know the park a few blocks down from here?

I see, I suppose it isn't all that different from the visions we use back home.

[Which she wasn't sure if she should be happy or not. While it was nice to see that there were similarities between his and her world, she just hoped it wasn't as dangerous as hers. Or at the very least, not always overrun with monsters.

However, she had to take her head at his answer.]

I believe so but perhaps you can show me? I'm afraid you know this world better than I do. [Pause] Because I rather not get us lost.

And... [ Since Visions were usually visible on a wearer, ] Where's yours?

[ He only gave her a little onceover, not wanting to be blatant in trying to scope out where it is. It's just curiosity! ...that and he's self-conscious about acting ~~like a dork~~ weird. ]

Works for me. I'll lead.

[ It won't be a long walk at least! It's in the opposite direction, so he turns back around so that she may follow him, remembering to keep his pace slow after the last time he got ahead of someone. ]

[And thus why she crossed her arms before giving a smirk or two.]

Oh? Are you that curious to see where mine is? Now, now, don't be impatient! You'll get to see it once we go to the park.

[Not that she wouldn't, it was only fair that he gets to see her vision after he was so willing to show her some materia. However, she couldn't help it.]

Why spoil the surprise when I can show you how great my pyro vision is?

[ Ah, a cheeky one is this Hu Tao! Her words, however, give way to an idea that crops up in the swordsman's head. He doesn't appear disappointed, instead sighing through his nose as he turns his gaze to his wrist. Or more specifically, a green sphere slotted on the bangle there. A thoughtful little hum, and a quick glance back to her, and he returns her smirk with a light one of his own. ]

Guess there's no time to lose.

[ Oh he totally phrased it like that on purpose, as he taps into the magic of the Materia as it shines brighter on his wrist. Sorry not sorry, but you're getting a taste before getting there! With a subtler wave of his hand at Hu Tao, she'll suddenly find a circling set of glowing gears spinning around her, sparking yet not giving off any heat. The spell's visual is illusory, and just as quickly as it comes, it's gone. But the effect it'll have on Hu Tao? ]

C'mon. Let's walk a little faster.

[ He just cast Haste on the girl. And should she heed his advice, she'll find that even if she were to start walking or running, not only would it be at a faster pace? But with none of the added exertion.

...

Okay so Cloud might be a bit of a dorky showoff. ]

[It seems that he was used to people teasing, wasn't he? It would explain his reaction as if he were nothing. However, as he looked at the strange green sphere, it all but confirmed her suspicions. It wasn't any different from the visions she would see back home.

Should she be worried about that? She wasn't sure but it seemed her thoughts were cut short the moment she found herself being around surrounded by gears. As much as she wanted to say something, she gave a small smirk.]

I see somebody feels the need to display what they could do! Can't say that is something I can do back home but it is rather impressive.

[Af first, when she walked behind him, she didn't seem to notice the effects right away. However, was it her imagination or was just walking a little faster...?

Hmmm...]

I'll teach you when we get there.

[ Even if he can't wield a Vision, intrigued as he is behind them, he also no interest in obtaining one. His aspirations don't need a sign, he mulls to himself. But he puts those focuses aside for now, sparing a glance over his shoulder to Hu Tao...

Only to deliberately start walking faster just to see what she does in response. They weren't powerwalking or anything ~~yet~~, but to other passersby, they look like they're in a hurry compared to everyone else.

Weirdos... ]

So what part of Teyvat are you from? [ Because no, Cloud; Inazuma doesn't = All of Teyvat. ]

[It was definitely not her imagination that she was indeed getting faster. Not that she was complaining, it certainly was a nice change now that she could easily keep up with him. That and compared to how much shorter she was to him?

Being able to walk easily without running was amazing! However, she'll keep that part to herself.]

I'm from Liyue, have you heard of that before? Or better yet, who have you met that is from Teyvat?

[Not that she should be worried, she should be happy to know that she wasn't alone. And yet, another part of her couldn't help but wonder....]

Liyue?

[ His pronunciation could use some work, but, not bad! But as he lets the region's name roll of his tongue, bright mako eyes searching her up and down once, ]

Nope. [ She certainly didn't dress like anyone he knew from Inazuma! So it made sense. But to answer her second question, ] Let's see. There's...

Ayaka, an Oni named Itto, Ayato, Kazuha... [ A mysterious half-masked man he accidentally started singing an anime ED to while the credits rolled as they stared up at nothing from opposite sides of a tree. adsfhj ] Pretty sure there were more from Teyvat at the party I went to, but you're the first person from Liyue I know.

[For a moment, she raised an eyebrow or two. Those names certainly sound familiar but she can't say that she knew them personally. In the midst of her walking, she tilted her head as she gazed upward.]

I see. Then I suppose you're more familiar with the people in Inazuma.

[Should she be worried about that? She wasn't sure but it just means she has more people she could befriend! Or at least, she hoped so.]

No matter, it just means I need to make sure you know more people from my country. I can already tell which people you would like! [Because him and Zhongli or Xiao? It's going to be great.

Which was why she still had that smile on her face.]

Just my luck making my way around. [ Though now that he mentions it...and "making his way around", he remembers, ] Oh. There's Lumine and Aether, I guess. Not sure where they're from, though...

[ Especially when Lumine touched upon Teyvat being another world. He still needed to catch up with her proper sometime. ]

Really? Like who?

[ Her smile is contagious, and though he doesn't return it with the same level of excitement, there is still a calm and light one curling his lips. With the added boon of Haste lasting for a couple more minutes, they'll have cut their walking time down quite a bit. He won't go casting it on her again, though... He can wait to demonstrate once they've reached the park! ]

Well, they aren't quite from Teyvat but you can rest assured that Lumine is definitely someone whom I considered from my world.

[Although, the mere mention of Aether name does raise an eyebrow or two. How interesting. All she can do is hope that the both of them finally get the time they deserve with one another after everything that happened.

But again, she'll keep that to herself. Instead?]

Oh you know. Zhongli is probably the type you would like to spend time with. That is, if you do enjoy long talks about things that aren't too interesting.

[She cares a lot about you, Zhongli. Really, she does.]

[ His smile turns to a smirk as Hu Tao roasts her coworker. He has no idea what Zhongli looks like, having not interacted with him at the party, but he'll take her word for it! ]

Not necessarily a chatterbox, but, I'll take your word for it. If he doesn't mind listeners.

The other one would be Xiao but you have to be careful too.

[Then she leaned in a little closer as if to give a dramatic effect. With a raised eyebrow, she was waiting for the perfect moment to say something.]

I'm afraid he is what most people would call a jerk. But a good one. [Again, she also care a lot of Xiao. Really, she does!!]

[ Cloud doesn't make such a dramatic motion, but he still finds himself impulsively leaning in as if he's being let in on a secret. ]

Rrright. Where've I heard that one before.

[ Oh right. When people explain him. dajklhfs ]

Perhaps from your own world? Or even the people here?

[She gave a giggle before placing a c shaped motion with her hand around her mouth. Again, in a low whisper?]

Rest assured, I might look like I gossip but I promise I'm not that bad! [Take that however you will!]

[ He huffs, though it's more of an amused feign of a laugh as he smirks right back at Hu Tao. This is his first time meeting her, and perhaps it has a lot to do with experience in being around peppier people like her in the past, but Cloud wasn't minding taking a chance to come show her Materia. That, and in the time he's been here, while he's away from his world? The chance encounters he's had with denizens of Teyvat only continued to spark his curiosity! If he's going to try this whole "living" thing, he might as well do some learning along with it. ]

Nah. [ He shrugs. ] I asked, you gave me the rundown.

[ And now he knows he'll maybe get along with a man who talks a lot? And a "good" jerk. He was also referring to himself. He is the "good" jerk. But as they cross the street, the park entrance is just to their left, through the open gates! For the most part, it's a relatively open space, with a couple of little stone pathways branching off to little shrines. If this were a garden, they definitely wouldn't be allowed to come here for 'demonstrations'. It's not so crowded, either! So while they walk and set out for a nice open patch of grass with nice-sized trees providing shade, he'll remove the small glimmering green orb from his bracer, slowing down as he holds it out for Hu Tao. ]

It's safe to hold.

[As Hu Tao got through the gates, she had to admit. While she just arrived here, there was a hint of nostalgia as she was reminded of her world. With the various shrines and how peaceful it all was, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her world. What was happening to her parlor? And especially with Zhongli here?

She didn't know. Again, she knows she shouldn't think about it. Shaking her head to herself, she'll have to figure it out later. Right now?]

Are you certain? If it suddenly explodes, you're not going to pin the blame on me, will you?

[No, she wasn't serious but...just in case.]

[ He spots her softly shaking her head to herself, his eyes settling on the open space they're in and the various shrines spread out throughout the park. Something to file away for later, if he finds the opportunity. It really wasn't any of his business, either... Then again, she'd been the one to ask about his world in turn. So, indeed! As of right now? ]

Maybe. You're the one holding it. [ But just to be sure, he smiles lightly before closing the distance between himself and Hu Tao. Holding out his other hand, she can either accept it so he can place it in her palm himself, he wait for her to accept it. ] Just joking.

Edited 2022-07-21 05:07 (UTC)

I'm glad to see someone who appreciates my humor! If I hold it, I'm fully expecting you to take fully responsibility should it break.

[That being said, as she held it in her hand, she couldn't help but to stare. While its abilities were almost the same as a vision, she didn't think it would be quite as bright as it was. That said, as she kept on staring, she stared back at Cloud with a raised eyebrow.]

Please do tell me, just where do you find these "materia" in your world. I'm assuming a god didn't give this to you, correct?

Text; un: PantsonPyre

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