005 [Audio/Action]

[aerialassault]

[Audio]
Yo. Everyone.

[It was midday that he addressed the village as a whole, without any lead-in or hint of apology in his tone for being so goddamn casual.]

I'm lookin' for a friend of mine. He's got long hair and has a pet pig-- lemme know if you see him.

[Action]

[It was training, Souji had been insisting for the last few weeks when he set an enraged, squealing Saizou upon him without any warning. Speed training for a little game between the two of them that they both had a stake in. And, finally-- after many days of running from the grumpy little pig-- the game was on.

Cliff had 24 hours to catch Souji. Truth be told, he had no idea what the little prankster was up to.

He'll be anywhere and everywhere around town that day, searching every corner and under every table for any hint of that teasing smile...all the while remaining on high alert for anything that would attempt to dive-bomb him.]

Comments

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

Or...find a hairbrush he might have used. Or some laundry.

[Video]

[aerialassault]

...

This is gonna make me look like a stalker, isn't it?

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

No? It's just a part of being a magician.

[Of the Harry Dresden School of thought, anyway.]

[Video]

[aerialassault]

Hm. That's way more informal than I realized.

[Symbology-- something that was described as 'magic' by the rest of Luceti, was actually a science in his world. There were standards and protocols and the order of action had to be done just right before you could send a hail of frozen needles at your foe.]

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

Well it's not like I keep samples of his hair around...

[Video]

[aerialassault]

I know that.

[That would have been weirder than this idea already was.]

...Hey, would a pillow work? It'd be less awkward, and I'd feel better about it.

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

It should, yes. It may not be as strong, but I think it should be okay.

[Video]

[aerialassault]

Alright then. I've got the okay from Kohaku to drop by, so I'll see if I can grab one. Did you wanna meet me there? Or somewhere else?

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

It'd be better if you came to the shrine. There are materials I need there, and it's easier to focus.

[Video]

[aerialassault]

Alright. We'll meet there as soon as I can get ahold of something.

...Oh. And, thanks for the help.

[Video]

[faithfulflame]

I'll be here, getting things ready then.

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

[Not too long later Cliff arrived at the shrine, breathing heavily from his jog across town for the sake of both efficiency and speed. He was grinning broadly despite the exertion, however-- even if the 'training' was questionable in nature, it was still fun.

Pillow wrapped up in a bag and tucked under his arm, Cliff cautiously peered through the entry to the Shrine. He didn't want to disturb Rei in whatever preparations she was making.]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

[Rei's inside, sitting in a small circle of candles and looking up at Cliff expectantly.]

Well, do you have it?

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

Right here.

[He waved the package for her to see, and passed his gaze between the interior of the building and his shoes in silent inquiry.]

...did you want me to take my shoes off?

[It wasn't a normal concept for him-- but, at least he remembered that some people preferred that.]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

Yes, please. Never, ever step on tatami mats with your shoes on. It damages them.

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

Right. Yes, ma'am.

[The way she worded her explanation sounded suspiciously like an order in his book. It was smart to play it safe.

He untied his boots and neatly set them aside before entering the Shrine, taking a little more care in his steps than he normally would.]

What all do you need to do for this spell? [His tone was low, even respectful when he spoke. It was never wise to cause a fuss when unfamiliar magic was involved...]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

[She nods, smiling at his compliance.]

I need something that Souji's touched, or a part of him. Hair, clothes, a pillow, like I said. Salt. And a few little things, which I've got here.

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

Ah-- okay. So it doesn't matter if he's washed the pillow recently or anything?

[Because, after the convo earlier that day with another mage, Cliff needed to know.]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

It...shouldn't, unless he's bought new ones, never slept in them before, or washed them. At best all I'll be able to give you is a general direction, though.

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

That'll be fine. It's better than running all over town, looking in every corner for him.

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

Alright, then give it here and be quiet, and I'll do what I can do.

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

Yes, ma'am.

[Nodding in understanding, he took a few steps backward to give her space and, resting his hands on his hips, watched her work.]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

[And Rei takes the pillow, draws a sigil around it, and begins to chant in a low tone, calling up the spell that she'd done for homework not even a month ago...]

[Action!]

[aerialassault]

[He slowed his breath and listened to the words, both out of respect and fascination about the magic of another culture. This was the first time he had actually witnessed an intentional act that wasn't the Symbology from his homeworld.]

[Action!]

[faithfulflame]

[A moment later, Rei's hands snap over to a bottle of water and pours a tiny bit onto the pillow.

The water doesn't seep into it, instead it starts to move and shift, taking on a definite shape...]