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[ Thankfully, the armlet doesn't hang obscenely loosely on her, the blond having given a general estimate of her upper arm beforehand. Better yet when it comfortably fits, it won't even be noticeable beneath her looser sleeves! Whether she was dressed in her traditional dress, or anything that left her arms exposed, it would work. All of this was rationalized in Cloud's head while they were away in Shikoku. He...may or may not have played this out in his mind a couple times. And now he's glad it's working. ]

A shock triggered by a user's mind is required. The more powerful the spell, the more taxing it is on your stamina.

[ Cloud wasn't going to have her cast the barrier magic while they were sitting at the table. But at the very least, as it responds to Ayaka and fits to her arm, he can draw it away as he inspects it. Color him impressed...the smith was able to follow his commission to a T. But even without its defensive properties and the new Materia gifted to her, it's a lightweight, pretty accessory! ]

There. How's it feel? [ A beat. ] Want me to teach you after breakfast?

[ A shock in her mind? That doesn't sound convenient. Or easy. Ayaka trusts Cloud, though... He'll surely teach her properly later. And once she knows how? She'll have to practice and work hard so that Cloud's gift doesn't go to waste.

For any questions? She'll save it after breakfast! ]

Alright. I would like it if you taught me how to use it.

[ It's rather awkward to look at the piece of jewellery from her arm, so she removes it first, gesturing at Cloud to help her so that she can look at it properly. ]

This is another way of my prince protecting and supporting me. [ But she has a part in it, too! The trust Cloud has put on her is something she won't ever take for granted. Her heart feels like it's about to burst out of her chest just thinking about how grateful she is for the present, and to the person with her now. ] When I am able to use this properly, [ She holds up the bracelet to show him what she's talking about. ] I shall be sure to protect and support you, as well.

Edited 2022-10-04 23:41 (UTC)

[ It's the more technical way of describing utilizing Materia. But when the time came? His next explanation was hopefully going to be much simpler. If anything, he felt confident in giving her not only the Barrier Materia, but...even the likes of Bahamut. Of which he hoped would never need to be used. For all intents and purposes, that Summon was best kept as an heirloom now, to be safeguarded by the Kamisatos to prevent an abuse of its power. But Cloud has confidence in her, for a couple of reasons. ]

Got a feeling it'll be easy for you.

[ The band loosens itself as it makes its way down her arm, her beau easily helping it come down and off her wrist before presenting it back to her. Ayaka's remark about him being her prince again sets his cheeks a richer color of red. Ahah... There she goes, again. Setting his own heart racing when she holds her new bracer up to show him. While he hopes there won't have to be a time where she needs to use it for more dire straits, or for his sake...he also knows how strong Ayaka is. Cloud would protect her from anything and everything that dared lay a finger on her. That nightmare in Nara only anchored that guarded feeling in his heart. She would never have to be scared of anything as long as he stayed strong for her. ]

Mm. [ His hands hold hers once more, keeping her own hold upon the armlet and Materia slotted within safe and sound as he nods with confidence, the smile matching in kind. ] I'll be counting on it, - [ He's her prince? Well, ] -my lady.

[ Squeeze! And he lets go and leans back again. ]

This looks good.

[ Breakfast! They should start eating so they can kickstart their day off right. ]

[ You can call Ayaka your princess or "my lady" all you like, Cloud. She quite likes it! And flowers begin to bloom around her just from hearing it. Add the fact that Cloud thinks the breakfast spread looks good, and she could kiss him for all of it.

But she controls herself, as she always does. She must! ]

Hehe. I hope you like it.

[ It's a very simple and traditional breakfast, but she hopes she got it just right for Cloud's tastes. Now that he's ready to eat, she sets aside the armlet for now by placing it back in its box. Next, she provides a staple for any meal with Cloud— tea! Pouring it into the cup, steam rises and dissipates into the air. A light and smooth blend this morning is best. ]

I shall be staying home today. I am hoping Ayato will, too. I should like to spend the day with him before the two of us go out this evening.

[ He can't help but laugh under his breath as the sakura blossoms reappear. It's not like he wasn't going to respond in kind, even if it was just natural at this point for the sparkle of mako particles to hover and float above him. But they mustn't! ~~Not in front of her parents adsfkjh~~ ]

Already know I will.

[ But he would always be truthful with her! It's such a pleasant little breakfast. And of course, of course, he has to go for the salmon, breaking it apart with his chopsticks as the slice is nice and fatty. So much so that he lets out a soft exhale in excitement. Don't comment on it. He's come to really like this fish. ...and when Ayaka makes it as he takes his first bite. The tea will shortly follow as the flavors dance on his tongue. ]

Sounds like a good idea. [ It would be a different story if Cloud lived across the tracks still, but he doesn't feel bad about taking his leave anymore. Not when he's literally two blocks down. Just the thought of it nearly brings a smile to his face, but the salmon he just finished already made good work of that. ] I'll take off after we clean up. [ A beat. ] And after you learn how to use Materia.

[ After all, he'll come back tonight! ]

[ She hopes he isn't thinking that she's asking him to leave! But she is very excited for tonight, because she gets to spend time with him, in the same way that she spent time with him during his birthday. ]

May I also give you something before we clean up? Hehe.

[ Dessert! Or if he is busy this morning? He can have it for dessert. ]

I also prepared something to give you, you see.

[ Never. Cloud's plans revolved around Ayaka today, but that also didn't mean he planned on monopolizing her time either. Especially when her brother was in this world. He's in no rush, but at the same time, he'll part when the time is right. ]

Something for me...?

[ It's not his birthday. But he's not going to complain about it either. He's learned to better fight back that kneejerk "you really don't have to" response that he was wont for in the past. That, and coming from Ayaka... ]

What is it?

[ She likes Cloud's letter very much... she hopes that the letter she'd prepared for him is just as good. Something for him to read over and over, just like how she imagines she would with the letter he's written her. ]

I made some sakura mochi. I also had someone send a box to Zack and other friends.

[ And Cloud is a special friend! So he gets more OuO ]

[ What did she think he did with her letter from his birthday? That's been safely tucked away in his nightstand's drawer. And as far as he was concerned? It wasn't going anywhere else but in his two hands whenever he wanted to read it again. When she mentions sakura mochi, his eyes light up a little with a hum of approval. ]

Don't think I'll ever get enough of that. [ A beat, picking up his tea once more as he lifts it beneath his chin so the aroma can sooth his senses as he breathes in. ] Thank you.

[ After taking a drink and setting it on the table, hands still holding the cup, his smile softens as he stares into his reflection within the tea. ]

It feels nice...celebrating someone else.

[ In Cloud's case? For what feels like the first time in a very long time. ]

Indeed!

[ She remembers the most recent birthday celebration Ayato had. It was so very fun... While Ayaka may have spoiled the surprise, it was still a fun evening, because she was able to spend good and quality time with the people she treats as family. ]

From planning, to buying a present, crafting a letter, to the day itself... It has all been very fun. [ She means his birthday! ] Today has only just begun, though, and I feel so happy already.

[ Ayaka can't express her gratitude and her happiness enough. With a small smile, she continues with her meal, silently eating so she may finish quickly and spend a little more time with Cloud before he has to leave. ]

I hope we will be able to celebrate more things together, Cloud.

Might be hard to top that birthday for me.

[ Because it was also the day that he finally listened to his heart, and opened it for her to see in its entirety. When he told her that he loved her, only to double down when she sought his answer again. ]

Mm. [ It wasn't just a hope, for Cloud. He doesn't understand how he's going to do it, yet. But even if he's meant to return to the Planet and go after Sephiroth, he wasn't about to forget what's happened here. Or who he wants to come back to. And if they're so fortunate... ] We're going to.

[ Come what may, whatever holidays or festivals were the norm in this world, he'll adapt and learn with her. ]

[ This shouldn't take long. Once they've quickly finished with their breakfast, the blond accompanying her to tidy up (it's her birthday. if she wants to lead? lead on,) he reassures her that the lesson on Materia will not take long. And if his hunch is correct? He believes she'll take to it like a duck to water. ~~Free as the white heron's become in her stay in Nippon, she may never truly escape these bird analogies.~~ The lesson he intends to teach her is hardly destructive or disruptive, but while the weather was still pleasant, he accompanies her into the courtyard along the side of her estate. ]

Before we start, I have a question. [ Something he's never really thought to ask before, but to this and her impromptu tutelage? It's more important than ever. ] How do you use your Cryo Vision?

[ Her ability to wield the frigid elements. A blessing from the gods, but to Cloud, it was like a magic in of itself as he keeps a hold of her hand for now. ]

What do you think about when using it?

[ That's a very good question, Cloud... One that canon does not even have an answer for! It is why Ayaka does not know how to properly respond, taking her time to think first before answering. ]

Visions manifest differently from one person to another, so I do not really know the scientific explanation to it.

[ And it can't be explained scientifically to begin with, when it is all mystical. ]

When you receive your Vision, should be fortunate enough, then you just know. The application is embedded in your mind, as if you had the Vision all along.

[ Her answer is...straightforward, and not even disappointing. The application is embedded in your mind... Well, in that case, it still didn't change how he was going to ask her to tap into the power of her Materia. But first, she'll need to reequip her armlet. Cloud, at least, doesn't seem disheartened that she couldn't go into detail of what she thinks of upon using it.

Her swimming senpai levelled up to Materia tutorial guide. ]

No need for anything scientific. [ With a squeeze of her hand, he slips away from her hold and takes a step back. Still within reach of her, to emphasize the leisure nature of this exercise. ] Let's try your bracer on. You're gonna cast a Barrier spell.

Right.

[ They've cleaned up already, so there's learning how to use Materia, and then Ayaka will give Cloud a present! There's no way she would rush this, because she really would like to learn what Cloud has to impart to her. As such, she brings out the box again from under the table, opens it and takes out the armlet.

One look, then she places it on her arm, sleeves already rolled up. She'll take a moment to see how it looks on her, because she's not really sure if there's supposed to be an effect of having it on. Is it like a Vision that you must keep close to be able to use its gift? Ayaka doesn't really know. Not yet, anyway. ]

Alright. What must I do?

So long as you've got Materia equipped with your weapons or accessories, it's yours to command.

[ Well? Since he couldn't relate it to her Vision, not yet, he would go the more straightforward route. The first thing he has her do? ]

Place your hand on your bracer. You won't need to next time, but just do it for now.

[ And should she do that? He patiently waits, having deliberated whether or not she should cast it on someone else, or herself... Ultimately, he decides, ]

Close your eyes and picture yourself creating a bubble. Doesn't matter what it looks like.

[ It was all about where she wished to place that bubble. Should she do so, keeping the Materia in mind for its intended purpose, the wisdom of the Planet and the power this particular stone could impart upon her would become clearer. There would be no pain, and if he's to believe in her strength? No stress upon her mind. An aura of light will begin to rise from her feet, the Materia upon her bangle answering her. ]

[ Ayaka does as she's told, her other hand on her bracer first, then she closes her eyes. Admittedly? This is a little nervewracking! But she wants to be able to do this properly. She wants to make Cloud proud, and at the core of it all? She wants to be able to support him.

Now she imagines a bubble. Her ambition to help those around her far stronger than anything else. If she has to make a barrier, it's meant to protect someone, isn't it? The bubble is just a mental image to be able to make the barrier manifest. And it does, as soon as she's able to imagine it! It surrounds not her, but the blond before her— light, almost transparent, at first, until seconds pass and the colour solidifies for a moment. ]

Am I doing it?

[ She still has her eyes closed!! ]

[ He only takes one more step back when she begins, the light enveloping her as she already begins tapping into the power of her new Materia. While he went into this confident in Ayaka's abilities, seeing her wielding power that manifests from his world was still a sight to behold. Even now, she still looks collected and beautiful, ever the white heron princess who commits herself to everything she strives to perfect. A symbol of purity and love for the people of Inazuma, and one who would continue to uphold her clan's ideals.

It's just that he wasn't quite prepared for Ayaka to target him without instruction, his breath silently catching as he can see the hexagonal patterns begin to form around him.

"Am I doing it?" ]

See for yourself!

[ Because when she does, she'll be just in time to see him completely covered in a hexagonal bubble, the effects of an impressive Barrier spell taking effect. For Cloud, it feels like his body is more fortified than ever, without deterring his movement whatsoever. Pain, if any is inflicted on him, is dulled, and any damage he takes was also minimized whilst the effects of the spell remained active. The bubble breaks away like glass, the only thing left remaining is swirling particles of starlight that signify that he is currently under the protection of her spell.

Now, before he can appraise her, he has one final question. ]

How're you feeling?

[ On cue, she opens her eyes, awestruck at what she immediately sees. It's nothing like the shield Thoma is able to make, but... the concept is the same, she imagines. Ayaka moves closer to press her hand against where she saw the "bubble" to see if she would be able to touch anything. ]

I did this, [ she says softly, her hand feeling something there in the air, but it doesn't stop her from moving closer. Ayaka does not close the distance any more than she already has, instead concentrating on herself and how she's feeling since Cloud asks her about it. ]

I'm not sure... I don't feel any different.

What about you?

[ His smile softens at the revelation. Ayaka will find that she'll be able to touch him perfectly fine. His muscles may feel more taut, but he feels no strain in the slightest. More than anything, it's the magic of the Materia that's instilling this upon him. The fact she can already cast it upon others instead of focusing on herself was impressive in of itself. But more importantly, she really needs to know. ]

Thought as much.

[ As for him? ]

I'm fine. [ Now for the last leg of the tutorial. ] All you need to do is imagine what you want to cast.

[ Just like that! Though to put her mind at ease, ]

The more you use more powerful magic, the more tired you'll get.

[ She thinks she gets the hang of it! So long as her mind is calm, then she thinks she'll be able to use the Materia. ]

Then... would this mean that this bubble I've made can become even more powerful?

[ Thoma's shield is able to grow stronger with more application, so if she expends more energy in making the bubble manifest in the first place, would it mean she would be able to create a stronger barrier? ]

[ It is now called the Bubble Materia. We will not be taking questions at this time. ]

Mm. You're a natural to begin with, so...

[ It'll only get better from there, he nods with an affirmative hum. If it were anyone else, he would have left it at that. But with everything that's come to pass between himself and Ayaka, it becomes second nature to him, setting his hand reassuringly on her shoulder. ]

You can even create protection against magical attacks.

[ !! ]

I shall do my best!

[ She nods a couple of times, determined and emboldened by Cloud's words. This is a gift she won't ever allow to go to waste! ]

I do not wish to have to use this, but... knowing how dangerous the world can be, I must work hard to support the people I care about.

[ She's gonna surprise you too, Ayato! Your dps sister can make shields now! ]

You will.

[ Cloud didn't do this very often. The first time he really gave someone a rundown of Materia in this world, he cast Haste on Hu Tao to make her walk faster. afdskjh But with Ayaka, this was a special occasion. ]

That, and I think it looks good on you.

[ Whenever she wears anything sleeveless, that is! ]

Do you really think so? But you can't see it now...

[ With her sleeves covering her arm and all.

... hang on just a minute. Ayaka's cheeks redden and she looks away, stammering before she finally asks: ]

Ah... Did- Did you want me to wear sleeveless dresses more often?

[ So much skin... o///o ]

Edited 2022-10-08 08:18 (UTC)

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