[video] (Forward dated to Cordis moon)

[demachi]

[Wataru pops up on the video with a big grin, a white dove settled contentedly on his shoulder.]

Greetings, my fellow citizens! I come to you today with two urgent requests, and while it humbles me to make them, I'm doing it nonetheless! In the interest of getting what I need, I'll also get right to the point.

For the first request, I'm interested in gathering connections to other musicians and performance-inclined individuals for a small project. A tiny one. Oya? You're worried? Definitely nothing to concern yourselves over! I know of a few others, but if you introduce yourselves to me directly we can avoid all kinds of delays. I'm especially interested in other idols, and in genres other than what I personally am accustomed to performing. Shown here.

[He plays a song with his acquired music box, just for about forty-five seconds or so as he hums along, then shuts it off and laughs.]

Ah, now... [He sets the box back aside, then takes the bird from his shoulder and pets her gently.] ...The second matter is a little more delicate. I think this has to do with my Moonblessing! I'm absolutely famished at all times during this moon, and especially starved for... Fufufu, well, it's contact I'm starved for! Chroma is a precious thing, and I can't seem to get enough. It's as simple as agreeing to meet up and hold my hand for a while, you see! We'll discuss things, or perhaps we could see a movie, or a play? I could sing to you!~ Magic tricks are my forte, as well, and I'd be happy to show you some of those. Look! One, Two, Amazing☆!

[He pets the white dove once, twice, then nudges her up into flight as a rose blooms where she just sat on his hand. She comes back to land on his shoulder, unfazed.]

See? Just as simple as that. So I'll pay you in entertainment, and you'll give me some companionship! Nothing simpler. Age isn't a factor, or anything else. I'm quite known to love entertaining people of all ages, and I dare say all races and species!

[He doesn't even look embarrassed as he reaches the end of his request, and he grins broadly. This man has NO shame.]

There you have it~ Until next we meet, I'll remain your very own Wataru Hibiki☆~!

Comments

[demachi]

But you did! Why, I knew precisely zero musicians before this, and you've increased my knowledge by one hundred percent! Amazing☆~!

[He's a master performer; his smile will stay on endlessly. He looks at Ayer with a discerning gaze, studying him in the video, considering...]

Something interesting... Let's see. I know just what will amaze you, but I'd rather show you in person. Would you indulge me?

[bust]

No, shut it with that.

[ That first part HAS to be an exaggeration!! Still, the words are strangely touching and Ayer thinks to himself, maybe that's part of why Wataru managed to become an entertainer in the first place. It's at that moment he has an epiphany, that maybe that cheerful smile may not be as it seems. Though it's so warm and pleasant, it's hard for him to imagine otherwise.

He'll try not to think about it too much, it's not good to assume anyway. He'll find out in time, for now, he'll continue to flow along. After he settles down again, he calmly accepts the proposal. ]

… All right. Where do you want to meet?

[demachi]

[He laughs quietly, nodding as he covers his mouth with one hand politely. It's feigned modesty, to be certain, and when he draws his hand away, he winks. It's all thickly laid on charm, authentic, but slightly tinged with his current hunger.]

Wonderful! There's a park near where I live; let me send you the coordinates.

[He does so!]

If you'll meet me there in, oh, ten minutes? Or however long it may take you to get there. Bring a drinking glass and a handkerchief or scarf. Can you do that?

[bust]

[ Considering what moon it is tonight, Wataru is radiating Cordis traits for sure. It's hard to miss. But it suits him for some reason… Though who is Ayer to think that, he only met just him. Can't help it though, it feels strangely fitting. Maybe it's because Wataru is naturally attractive as it is…? Okay, no one saw that. He definitely, definitely didn't think that just now!! ]

I don't have a drinking glass. I'll bring the rest.

[ Someone eats outside too much. He hasn't had home-cooking in a while. Actually, he hasn't had any since arriving here, so… that's why he doesn't own one. ]

i am totally canonblind but i love him

[demachi]

[Cordis is, hilariously, just an extension of what's normal for him... minus that fact that people usually find him off-putting back home. Here he hasn't had as much trouble with it, gratefully.

...And yes, he's pretty darn good looking. Idol, hello!]

I can bring a glass, but you must promise you'll inspect it before we begin!

[He'll gather one up even as they're still talking.]

Is ten minutes long enough?

o-oh thank you ❤ wataru is lovable too!!

[bust]

[ NO. Ayer shall deny this… at least until he's pestered enough to admit it! Then he'll give in and say it… ]

It's fine. I'll get there in less, but I'm not in a hurry.

[ Wataru must be busy with all the calls he's getting. Ayer can accommodate for that. He doesn't think he deserves all this attention at all. ]

uwu 💙

[demachi]

Then I'll see you soon, so very soon! I hope your mind will be open to the mysteries you'll witness!

[If Wataru decides you merit attention, you get it. So he waves a gentle goodbye before ending the stream, changing into a version of his Phantom Thieves ensemble before heading to the park. There, he waits eagerly by a bench, a small bag held in one hand and a white bird perched on his shoulder.]

[bust]

[ Considering Ayer's from a beautiful place filled with everyday adventures, he certainly has an open mind for mysteries and wonders. And it's practically his profession as well as a hobby back home to seek out exciting thrills. He has high expectations now after Wataru said that.

As promised, Ayer arrives in less than ten minutes and he's quick to spot the lovely Wataru. It helps that the young idol's outfit stands out really well against the blue moonlight. He approaches with that familiar serious face of his but manages to nod as a greeting even if he's not vocal about it. ]

Oh. Right, I forgot to mention, you might want to be careful with that bird. Baal owns a cat.

[demachi]

[Wataru waves him over, taking a theatrical bow as Ayer approaches. With a little laugh, he snaps his fingers, and Jeanne takes off into the air and disappears? Amazing!☆]

Jeanne is a friend to all. Even to ornery kitties! She'd also not hesitate to peck the thing's eyes if it tried to grab her, so all's well!

Now! For the main event. The scarf! Do you have it? Please unfold it and hold it up by the corners. Inspect it carefully. No holes! No tricks! [He pushes up his own sleeves one at a time.] Nothing at all up my sleeves!

[bust]

[ What the—

That alone is impressive already. Ayer couldn't help but glance around, wondering where Jeanne went. Maybe he should be feeling sorry for Hannibal instead of Jeanne. He only looks back down when asked for the scarf, so he offers out the scarf he normally wears under his hoodie. ]

Y, yeah.

[ He does as told, holding up his precious scarf and wondering what Wataru is going to do with it. He looks a bit hesitant because he cares for this scarf, so he hopes it's nothing that will damage it. He'll trust him though, Wataru doesn't seem to look like the type to pull off a nasty trick. ]

[demachi]

[Wataru smiles gently, much like he would with anyone timid about his tricks, and shows off the large, empty drinking glass. It's clear and quite normal! Then he holds the glass out to Ayer.]

Take this, and hold it upright with both hands. I'll take the scarf...

[He swaps the items between them, and eases the cup into position, held out in Ayer's hands in front of him. With a flourish, he drapes the scarf over the upright cup.]

Do you like flowers?

[bust]

Ha?

[ Not really his aesthetic, but… Yeah, sure. Who doesn't appreciate a nice flower? Surely anyone will know how to appreciate their natural beauty. Ayer thinks that to himself, then gives a small nod.

Ayer stays still, holding up the glass this time as guided to. ]

I guess.

[demachi]

[Wataru nods approval, then waves a flat hand, palm down, over the scarf-covered glass. Then...]

One, two, Amazing☆!

[He pulls the scarf up by pinching the center, revealing that the glass is now full to the brim with flowers of all colors.

Pleased with himself, but infinitely curious, he looks to Ayer for a reaction. Maybe it'll be a good one... It's been a little while since he did a trick that complex on a small scale.]

[bust]

[ Considering Ayer didn't sense any magic being cast and with how smooth that was pulled off, he has to say he's impressed. How could Wataru spring up flowers so perfectly under his scarf right before his eyes? If it wasn't magic, then it was likely dextrous hands. It was so quick and so flawless that he's speechless at the idea alone.

He's blinking a few times as if he can't believe anyone could pull such a feat off within seconds. He's only ever known one girl who can pull flowers out of nowhere and that was because of her magic. This one though… That was pretty cool if it was out of mere skill. ]

Not bad.

[ It takes much to earn a compliment from Ayer, so when he says something like that, it means he's acknowledging Wataru's talent. Ah, he can already see Lyria and the others' loud and amused gawking if they were here. ]

If the people I knew saw that, they would be gaping by now.

[demachi]

["Not bad"? Wataru knows it is a pretty basic thing to make flowers appear, so he won't be disheartened by the response.]

Ah, but you're not so easily impressed!

[He drapes the scarf over one of Ayer's arms and takes the cup from him, swinging it down, then up, sending flowers flying up into the air and, oddly enough, the same white dove from before. Wataru removes his hat and balances it on his forearm as Jeanne circles around to land on its brim.]

I'm afraid I don't have the resources for my larger tricks, but perhaps I can still win my audience over!

[bust]

What are you talking about?

[ Even though Ayer isn't openly praising Wataru, he really was genuinely impressed. Is Wataru trying to get him to admit it? The thought brings back that shy, irritated expression from earlier as if he doesn't want to give in that easily. Maybe he doesn't! It's embarrassing!!

Ayer stares, a small light in his eyes as he watches Jeanne's fancy return. He's a little unsure, wondering what Wataru is up to this time. ]

[demachi]

[Even Jeanne appearing again didn't impress him visibly? Wataru has met a tough customer today, then! He ponders for a few moments, a hand tapping his chin, Jeanne seated primly on the brim of the hat.]

Usually those two in a row get at least a little applause. But you might be more sophisticated than that. What sort of magic do you prefer, if not illusions?

[bust]

Magic?

[ In a way, Ayer can use some form of magic. But it's not the kind of traditional magic that mages do. His own is incorporated into his martial arts, so it's through movements that he executes enchantments. He thinks about that, it's the kind of magic he prefers since he's fond of using them.

But he understands that's out of the question. He thinks about it more, this time considering his own allies who are capable of powerful spells as well as those who use them creatively like Lennah who flourishes flowers out of nowhere.

That's when an idea comes to him. ]

Hmph, I'll tell you what. If you really want to impress me, come up with a new spell with me. You're a Cordis Moonblessed, aren't you?

[ By now, Ayer has a more solid idea about the moonblessings. From how Wataru is acting and the timing of tonight, it's very likely he's an affected Cordis. He should be able to wield some kind of ice spell. ]

Are you up for it?

[demachi]

[Wataru loves magic in all its forms, and he's absolutely thrilled that this place has granted him a little of the "real" thing. Of course he'll always hold illusions close to his heart, but the elemental stuff is just too delightful!

He puts the hat carefully back on his head and stashes the glass inside his coat before handing the scarf back over.]

Of course I am! Why, what magician would pass this opportunity up? No one in their right mind! Fufufu... My debut at last. Are you prepared?

[bust]

[ When the scarf is returned, Ayer properly wears it again. The light in his eyes seems to glow a bit more, pleased that Wataru is up for the challenge. It likely won't be easy to pull off, but he's counting on the pretty idol to keep up with him. He'll keep practicing with him until they both get it right. ]

Yeah. Let's go.

[ Since Wataru is Cordis… ]

Let's move closer to the lake.

[demachi]

[Well! This has turned exciting! He's not getting any moonlacing out of it, but it's actually going to be fun, he thinks! So it's worth the sidetrack from his desperation.

He follows along, looking odd and bold in his costume, but he doesn't seem to be making a big deal out of it. He's perfectly comfortable, in fact comfortable enough to swoosh his cape from time to time as they go.]

What will we be attempting?

[bust]

[ The outfit looks so natural on Wataru, Ayer doesn't think it's odd at all. And considering the kind of world Ayer's from, seeing such beautiful outfits isn't peculiar. Because of that, he actually feels more at ease, as if he's talking to someone from home. ]

Before anything else, I need to know how much you know and can pull off. Since you work with illusions, you probably have an idea. Have you tried using your magic here yet?

[demachi]

[Swoosh, swoosh.

Wataru would be glad to know he made Ayer feel comfortable, but he does seem a bit at ease from what Wataru can read. It's nice. He's being accepted...?]

I tend to rely on sleight of hand rather than "real" magic, but I've dabbled here and there since I arrived. I have ice magic, of course, so I can chill things slightly, like drinks and food, and once I did manage a little bit of frost on a window.

1/2

[bust]

[ Though Ayer won't vocally say it, Wataru is indeed accepted. He never would've brought this up otherwise, as he wouldn't want to work with anyone he doesn't want to potentially acknowledge. He has hopes for him. ]

That is plenty for me. What I'm interested in is…

[ It's easier to explain with a demonstration. Ayer concentrates, a gentle golden light slowly surrounding a single arm. This is only a sample, so he doesn't pull much effort and time to do it. Seconds later, once enough energy is gathered, he launches his arm to hit the air beside them—

There's an immediate impact on the end of his fist, blasting in the direction of the lake as it cuts the water momentarily. ]

[bust]

As you can probably tell, when I do things like these, I burn chroma. What I'm after is you being able to enchant my attack so my burden would be lessened.

[ Wouldn't it be cool? An ice-aspected joint attack? Straightening up, Ayer shakes off the pressure from his arm and momentarily gives Wataru an encouraging smile. ]

Still up for it?