The World of Tomorrow

[empirenpcs]

Characters: Heroes of Light who decided to answer the letter's call.
Where: Chocobo Farm
When: February 13th
Summary: The Heroes of Light received a letter last month. Those who decided to answer its call will meet a NPC and have an offer made to them.
Warning: N/A.

Back on the 23rd of January, someone named Prajapati contacted the Heroes of Light, asking to come near the Chocobo Farm on the 13th. This letter seemed to have been an answer to the attempts at forging peace between the Heroes of Light and the Empire, made by some Heroes back in December. Indeed, whoever wrote the letter claim to be thinking to the good of the people, so maybe, just mayve it might be worth a shot? A log will be posted for those going to the meeting point—There will be one NPC thread and no sign-up for this.

If any did decide that this was indeed worth a shot, they would find a woman standing by the Chocobo Farm at dusk. She was wearing a black cloak and hood, at dusk to be specific. If any Heroes came by earlier, they wouldn't have found anyone and wasted their time.

Comments

[theendiswherewestartfrom]

The Heroes predated the Calamity? That would be the smoking gun that Jack has been waiting for, to prove Kalki's theory at last. It still doesn't excuse a single action that she's taken. But it would finally make some sense.

Jack's eyes darken at Chrom's questions, the very same ones he wants to ask. "Why wouldn't they leave?" The question is tinged with guilt. "And how can we keep the same thing from happening to the next city?"

[just_want_normal_knees]

Ruby thinks on what's been said and asked before saying something that gives her a funny feeling actually saying it.

"What if trying to save them is the wrong solution?" she suggested. "I mean... what if the crystalization thing is actually helping?"

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza had kept quiet while the others responded to the idea that the Calamity was within them. But speaking of the people of Hera, he had to accept responsibility.

"We implored Emperor Garland to evacuate, but he was resigned to the destruction of the city. We... we have reason to believe the Princess Matsya helped some Herans escape when she could, but too many lives were lost, despite her efforts and ours. We failed them...but if there is any way to save them, we will."

[empirenpcs]

“As I said, I will reply to your question as best as I can—I understand how important these questions are to you, and your need for information. But first, I need to speak of the reason as to why I summoned you all here. The people of Hera.” She marked a pause. “You still have time before you. They do not.”

Prajapati looked away when Ramza mentioned what Matsya had done, and only replied once they were all done speaking.

“You didn’t fail them. Word of your efforts reached the ears of the imperial troops. Those who should have taken responsibilities failed, yet you and these soldiers succeeded. Led by their own sense of justice, they evacuated civilians – sometimes by force – on airships in the last days before the Calamity reached the imperial city.”

She marked another pause, looking at them all.

“We estimate 60% of the population was successfully evacuated and now live aboard Airships. The losses have been heavy, but if it hadn’t been for you I do not believe we would have reached 05%.” She then turned to Chrom and Jack before nodding. “Kurma is safe onboard the Midgar—His Airship. We have no news of the Emperor, but I do not believe him dead. Before the Calamity reached the imperial city he entrusted a Tarutaru with power over the remainder of the Empire. Evidently, he knew what he was doing.”

“Imperial lands are being consumed by the Calamity as we speak, and the Airships upon which the people of Hera live were originally built for war, not to house an entire population.” “I want to know if the offer you made to the Emperor is still valid. The Village of which you spoke on the Lost Continent—Can it still welcome these innocents until we find a better home?” Another pause. “… Should you refuse, I will understand.”

[forcegalactic]

The Barkeep sighed in relief, watching Ramza with pride. It seemed like his dangerous mission really did work out. "We'll need to find 'em someplace to live that ain't in the sky. And even if it's only 60 percent, 60 percent of a huge city's still a lotta people. We'd either have to build a whole 'nother city or split up everyone across continents."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda had remained quiet standing towards the back of the gathered heroes. At the woman's words she felt herself smiling. Bright sky blue eyes looking over at Ramza. That plan had been his alone and while she didn't feel particularly close with the hero as of late she was still proud. She planned to follow his example and hoped others would as well.

"I think..." She glanced around at the others to confirm. "We'll be happy to find them a place that's far more comfortable than an air ship. We just need the details to begin sEttinger things up."

[victorix]

There's a hop down from her perch on the bales, unable to contain the excitement at the news. Bouncing around now in place, the former pugilist gives a victory fist pump. Focusing on the lives won. "That's great news! Of course we'll help!"

It doesn't seem the blond is able to keep still now, and after beaming a bright smile over at the cloaked Heran she begins pacing circuits between her fellow heroes. "We'll figure something out, no problem!"

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza was halfway between whooping for joy and just sitting down and sobbing. He balled his hands into fists and blinked his eyes clear. After a deep, steadying breath, he nodded at Prajapati.

"We will send word to the Santa Village to prepare immediately. If there is not enough room there, we will find temporary homes elsewhere until another village can be built, as Barkeep said."

[theendiswherewestartfrom]

Jack lets out a stunned sound when Prajapati verifies that any of the Herans survived, let alone, so many? It worked. Doctor, it worked. For once in Jack's very long life, one of these stupid plans worked. Just like it would have for the Doctor.

Well, not quite. Because this is the point where the Doc would wish everyone well with a 'ah, you'll figure it out,' and run off to his next adventure. It's Jack's job to help them figure it out.

"That is- some very sorely needed good news, and please feel free to begin transport to the Village. I-" don't quite know what to say.

"I...assume that the Tarutaru placed in charge would be Palitulu." Problem. Jack tilts his head to the side. "Okay, we picked the Santa Village, firstly, because it is brand new construction, but also because it is neutral territory. We wouldn't want the Herans to give up their allegiance to the Empire. They are Herans, to further answer your earlier question, there is no stipulation of integrating with Aqures Ixen that's going to come with this aid."

"But, with Palitulu in charge of what's left of the Empire, Garland missing, and Kurma and Matsya with them...where does that leave them, politically? Are...they exiles from the Empire for leaving the city?"

[empirenpcs]

“This is an issue that has yet to be brought up.” She looked at Jack as she answered his question. “Are they exiles, refugees or something else…? I do not know. I am not sure it even matters. Should the Calamity pursue its progression, they might soon be all that is left of Hera.”

She turned to Ramza and Rikku.

“Thank you. Our people will help in the construction and enlargement of your village.” Before turning to Zelda and Barkeep. “As for other cities… For now, this is not an option. The government of Hera will refuse any negotiations and…”

She marked a pause and looked down.

“There are deeper issues. Hera attacked Aqures Ixen last year and countless innocents die. The regent of Aqures had his nation obliterated by the Empire. All the cities across the known world house refugees who fled because of the terror and war wrought by the Empire. In a way or another, all who dwell on this world have been negatively affected by what we did. Within these past twenty years, our nation has brought death upon many.”

Another pause.

“Hera has a lot to atone for. The people might have been unaware of what happened; but they are now the ones who will have to pay the price for their leaders’ madness… Or sometimes, their leaders’ inaction. This is why I have come to you. The empire has wronged you on many occasions; your friends have suffered because of what our troops have done to them… And yet you show kindness as if nothing had ever happened. Not even the kindest men I know would show such open-mindedness after all that happened.” She slowly shook her head. “Maybe this is why you are Heroes of Light.”

[grandsummon]

Yuna had remained quiet for the duration of the meeting, her fellow heroes touching on all the points that she would have raised. At her cousin's side, there was a smile in Ramza's direction when it was brought to light that their mission had made a difference, and pride that what he had suggested had indeed saved lives.

There were things she picked out -- about the calamity living inside of them, about the theory of why some of them turned to crystal... but Prajapati's words had a kindness of their own, and while she spoke of that of the heroes' instead, the summoner couldn't help but focus on that as well.

[zodiac_brave]

"The people should not be judged because of their king's wrongdoing. They will have a fresh start in the Village of Santa. We can post guards to protect them if you think the Herans might be harassed there."

Ramza spoke with absolute conviction. He had helped save these lives, and it was his responsibility to protect them now. Garland had been convinced that prolonging their lives would only increase their suffering. There was nothing to do now but prove him wrong.

"Do your people have all they need to make the journey? If you have wounded, our white mages can see to them. They will not discriminate between Heran and Aqurean."

[bloodypast]

Vincent had been listening too, taking mental notes of somethings more than others and quiet in the background. He spoke up though, in response to Ramza's first statement. "Just because they are blameless does not mean they won't be judged." Just as Prajapati explained. "Even with the village being welcoming, the situation must be handled delicately and diplomatically carefully."

Tempers will flare, grudges, crimson-eyes watched their contact. Fairly sure that she understood what the problems were better than some here did. Hopefully Vincent echoing her own words and pointing them out, but from the Heroe's side--would make the more idealistic among them keep it in mind.

[not_most_days]

"Garland, Palitutu and the Sage probably all think of us as fools no matter what we do. We might as well do the right thing and help out those we can anyway." Kidd shot Ramza a nod and looked back to Prajapati. No matter how much power their enemies had, the people living under them couldn't simply be left as they were. They may not all be innocent, but there was no need to punish them for being as much pawns as the Heroes were.

"If it comes down to it, this is something we're deciding. Not Aqures ixen. The Regent's conscience can be clear knowing we're the ones making this offer and the accomodations of our own accord."

[forcegalactic]

"Yeah, well, even I'm still upset over the army burnin' down half the city and almost killin' me. Can't say most of Aqures Ixen'll be forgivin' towards anyone from Hera." The Barkeep couldn't keep in all of this thoughts, not when they had a representative of the Empire standing right in front of them. There was a lot they didn't know.

"Speakin' of Hera, why does Garland have so many followers? Jenni seemed more than happy to burn the city of the ground, and Kalki was a weird case, but then there's you." He points at Prajapati. "Are you part of some rebel group, workin' high up for the intel? How're you gonna get back safe?"

[empirenpcs]

Parajapati looked at Barkeep for a moment before turning toward Vincent and the others.

"This is why your village will be a more welcoming place, until we can speak of peace with Aqures." She nodded at Ramza "We have what we need for the time being. If that is alright with you, we will have our airships approach the village in the second half of March."

And finally, she answered Barkeep's questions.

"Garland drastically improved the quality of life for our people. Scientific and economical advances progressed faster than ever. Hera became the most advanced nation in the world-- It's as simple as that. Why wouldn't the people have followed a man who improved their lives in every aspects without any drawbacks? The people didn't know of Kalki's experiments, of the Calamity or of the ressource shortages. To them, Garland was a hero."

Then she marked a pause before finishing.

"As for I, you needn't worry. I have always placed the people needs above my own. At a time, it meant collaborating with Garland even when my heart dictated otherwise. Now, it means collaborating with you."

[shepherd_prince]

Chrom smiled, pleased by Parajapati's answers. She was a good woman who desired peace, and he wholeheartedly approved of her calm bravery. Coming here alone was no easy task, especially knowing that many of the Heroes before his time had shared bitter relations with Hera.

"I'll send word ahead to the Moogles of the Village so they can begin preparations. How many refugees should we expect? I want to ensure there's enough housing and supplies for everyone to live comfortably."

To him, these decisions could only be made by the Moogles who had built the village in the first place. As they'd already granted permission earlier, he was sure they would be delighted to assist. But if not, best to find out now so they could make other arrangements if things went sour.

Something else occurred to him, and he dipped his head forward in thought for a moment. "I do have one request. The citizens of Nabila may be in danger as well. Once your people have settled into the village, may we ask for help by way of your airships to begin an evacuation, should it become necessary?"

[unyieldingspirit]

"It gladdens my heart to hear that," K'pandolu said, offering a shallow bow.

She put out a hand, one palm up. "Between now and then- can we manage some changes to the airships, to make them more comfortable?" It would still be some time before they reached the village, after all. And perhaps it would be sensible, if they came to need the airships again.

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza frowned at Prajapati's final comment. "Do your heart tell you should not work with us?" He hoped that the Heroes of Light had made a better impression than that.

"It is admirable, that you sacrifice for your people...but I hope that accepting our help is not completely objectionable for you."