melodiesoflife | Event || Another Side, Another Story (Conclusion)

Entry tags:

Event || Another Side, Another Story (Conclusion)

Characters: Anyone (only characters who came in as part of the event can start new threads).
Where: Anywhere
When: 29th of February.
Summary: As the final day of the event closes in, the characters who came in are on the verge of meeting with a terrible fate: some are going to die whilst some are going to crystallize and disappear. The tragedy may happen to them anytime from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM on this day, so they can see some of their friends die or crystallize before it happens to them—Or not. If you plan on app’ing your character next week, then nothing will happen to them so long as their application is accepted. In doubt, you are free to wait until the application round starts and your app gets processed before posting here.
Warning: Tragedies of the Greek and Shakespearean flavors.

MELODIES OF DEATH
— Warning: If you pick this option, you will lock yourself out from ever app’ing this particular version of your character again —
Maybe you were minding your own business, planning for the future as you finally reached civilization and met a lot of wonderful people. Maybe even you were thinking about ways for you to save your homeworld, ways to fight Palitutu, Garland and the Calamity. But unfortunately you will not be able to do any of these things, for a terrible fate awaits these Heroes of Light who were awakened by Kalki all these months ago.

At any time during the day, it could strike any of newly arrived Heroes of Light. At first it will start with a terrible, agonizing pain that will surge throughout their bodies—Nearly unbearable, as if they were dying. After mere seconds the pain will subside, but then they will feel life itself leaving their bodies. There would be a little bit of time for the Heroes of Light to speak final words to their friends, but only seconds to a minute at best before death catches up with them

And upon dying, the crystals of dead Heroes of Light will shatter and their bodies will remain, not crystallizing. All the Heroes of Light in Crystallis will feel a sharp pain as this happens—But the pain will grow lesser and lesser with each subsequent death, until it’ll become nothing more than a tingle.

MELODIES OF ETERNITY
— This option will have the characters crystallize and disappear, meaning they can still be app’d at some point in the future —
And because many of the newly arrived Heroes of Light, maybe you assumed you would as well—But maybe you wouldn’t. Not all of the Heroes of Light who reached Mysidia this past week were meet with such a terrible fate. Some will fall in Crystal Stasis instead. It was a state that had immobilized and taken away countless Heroes of Light before, but maybe this was better than death?

Like those who died, they will feel a terrible pain surging throughout their bodies. But rather than fading, the pain will remain as their bodies slowly crystallize. They will have the time for a farewell to their friends, but their time is limited to nothing more than mere seconds.

And only instants after their bodies fully crystallized, they will vanish, nowhere to be found.

MELODIES OF LIFE
— This option is for character being app’d and then accepted into the game —
Or maybe nothing will happen to you. But unfortunately, you can see everyone around you dying of crystallizing, and assume the same fate awaits you.

But why? Why it this happening to everyone on the same day, just after the two groups of Heroes of Light finally reunited? Surely this cannot be a coincidence…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

So much had happened far too sudden for Lucrecia's liking. For the first couple hours, she had wondered in a shocked and panic-filled stupor as she ran, searching for an answer. What in Gaia's name was happening? Why now, after the two groups had just been reunited? Would she too be next? Would she be leaving her son and her comrades with one less to seek the end of this Calamity?

The thought was enough to keep her moving for a while. She had wandered the city streets for some time, trying to find others she'd traveled with, attempting to get the word out as the panic The pain she could handle; she was used to the sensation of her heart and torso were being stabbed with hundreds of scaplels on a daily basis even though not a one broke her skin in decades. But the sight of those younger, full of so much more life left to live dropping one by one or crystallizing before vanishing without a trace...

Night had fallen a few hours ago. Weary, she dropped to her knees as her legs buckled beneath her from moving far too much for such a long period of time. The pain had lessened greatly since the early morning hours, but the aching of her heart had only made room for grief of another sort. A few tears escaped her as she rested her face in her hands before the Crystal of Fire. "Why... Why them, and not... and not..."

Why could it not have been her instead of the others?

He'd been at the now-leaderless training school for heroes. It provided a range for archery and marksmanship with basic firearms. Not that Vincent needed the practice, but it was a long-held habit and way of letting his mind focus.A welcome distraction while letting his brain sort itself out.

The first time the pain had hit, his shot had gone wide as Vincent was caught off-guard. Almost an echo of long-ago-pain mingled with maniacal laughter as he crumpled to the ground. Left hand even going to his chest in shock, then finding no wound. What?--taking care with safety rules and cleaning up quickly, the school was left behind.

Especially as more pain--sharp and piercing, that somehow grew less--even as he remained aware of them. Not aided in the least by the panic beginning to take hold in parts of the city from reactions to Heroes of Light. Word eventually reached him, although it took Vincent too long to sort out rumor from truth and exaggeration from fact. Once he did though, little time was wasted as one person dominated his thoughts.

They had only just started to talk, to actually start talking with each other, and mending old aches and wounds. She couldn't leave--not like this. Not so abrupt a parting without even a goodbye for closure. Not this time.

None of the sudden fear and worry showed, as Vincent crouched by a statue and breathed. Taking the moment, calming himself and trying to think of how to find her. Then setting off in methodical-search, trying to ignore his own rising panic with each lessened-pain turning to faint tingling twinges, that he would be too late again.

Too long; too long and almost too late, and it was dark and now only tingles signified when another Hero left. Died--somehow permanently it seemed--from what he'd gleaned from information scraps. Almost too late, as Vincent found himself near the Crystal of Fire. Her voice faint as a ghost, and yet it was loud as a siren in his mind as her words trailed off.

Turning the corner, and his heart beat a staccato tempo as he slowed from his jog to a quick walk. Boots leaving small ticks of sound along the street, reaching for her and her name on the tip of his tongue before he stopped. Stopped himself, watching her grieve and relieved so much to find she was still there.

For all they knew, there was no rhyme or reason. And as the relative silence continued and bystanders seemed to walk past, not wanting to make eye contact in case she too started to crystallize or simply die of a broken heart. Something she'd likely have died to long ago, were it possible.

She didn't hear the footsteps approach at first, surprised she still had tears to shed as she was. Yet as the tears became less, she noticed a few whispering as they passed. She wasn't doing herself or any of the fallen any favors by kneeling here, was she? Taking a moment to try and compose herself--or more accurately, regain some strength in her legs to stand--she turned her head slightly to see a group of teenagers out far too late for normal curfews looking at something behind her. Raising an eyebrow, her gaze followed theirs until she noticed the familiar silhouette watching her almost expectantly.

"Vincent..." Had it been any other time, she'd likely feel embarrassed at how she must look right now. Yet, all she could feel was remorse and a guilt that had plagued her for decades. She strained to get to her feet on her own, but smiled faintly. "Have you come... to check up on me?"

The smile didn't meet her eyes in the slightest.

Vincent was good at ignoring others, while being aware of his surroundings. Also aware of just how he stood out from how he dressed and carried himself. Ignoring it now, and the group of teenagers. Only turning to narrow his eyes, glare at them as he came closer to Lucrecia. Encouraging them to leave, before shifting his attention to her once more.

He wanted to reach out, to help her to her feet... He didn't, holding back and aware of everything between them they still had to deal with. Relieved she was still here, and yet wondering at it too. "Did you think I wouldn't, once I realized what was going on?" Voice low, almost hurt in the accusation.

She shook her head in place of voicing all she wanted to. How she didn't deserve him caring, not after what she'd done. The words failed her at each attempt as she opened dried lips. Almost as though anything she would say were capable of condemning either one, but she couldn't help it.

"I... admit it wasn't the first thing that came to mind, when it began," she finally stated after a prolonged silence. "If anything, I'd wanted to find you one last time, in case I..." She couldn't finish the sentence; images of Wander and others crystallizing in front of her immediately coming to mind.

There was tightness in his chest; relief/pleased surprise/fear/hints of anger/confusion... All less than the first time they'd interacted but still strong and almost choking him. Vincent ignored it though, crouching down to be more level with her.

Studying her profile, letting that silence stretch as he pondered just what, if anything, he wanted to say. The unexpected conversation with Yuffie, and her fears, also kept turning in his thoughts. Silence was an old friend to Vincent however, so that it stretched on did not bother him. He did not allow hints of the turmoil beneath show.

Offering his hand instead, to help her to hers. Even amidst the various thoughts in his head, he was already thinking to get her somewhere she would feel safer. Less exposed, as grief often was a private emotion.

Silence became a steadfast companion long ago, oft fleeting in the past months with so many young minds that she couldn't help but both admire and envy at once. To be met with Silence once more was not something that was comforting, oddly enough, yet as he crouched down to her level and merely stared, she couldn't help but be reminded of another awkward conversation or two she'd had the last week. How that young princess wanted nothing but for her to become scarce. Perhaps she should, with the anger and confusion she could see plain in the other's features.

Lucrecia blinked when instead of anything else, he offered his left hand. She hesitated, first looking at the outstretched hand then to Vincent's eyes in an effort to gauge his reaction before her gaze fell once more, before accepting his assistance. No where was safe, not really. This was a fact she had accepted long ago. Yet wherever he wanted to lead, it was likely better than here.

Vincent's eyes were unreadable for once, as he carefully hid the turmoil behind a wall. Did...did she remember enough about him, to know he did this to protect himself? It had always been obvious on his 'job' too--the professional mask slipped even more in place to be only what the Turks needed. So he was hiding now, lest he be hurt and yet he still offered her his hand.

Always taking the utmost care when not in battle, with the wickedly sharp claws and tarnished gold metal that comprised the gauntlet covering his left hand and fingers. Cool, even where the leather greeted metal, and providing cover and aid to a limb and hand that were scarred and damaged. Wrapping gently around her own, before standing and pulling her to her feet.

Late enough, and it seems the panic was dying down for now--the chaos having stopped at the moment. Whether it was the calm in the eye of the storm, or a true end was too early to tell. The Library however where Vincent worked was not far, and even while closed, there were benches outside and street-lights to provide illumination. Certainly easier to linger there, than in front of the Crystal of Fire.

For once, she likely wouldn't have minded if he hadn't been careful with his clawed gauntlet. Yet she seemed even more gentle in her grip as she rose to her feet, knowing perhaps better than most others the condition of the tissue comprising the hand beneath metal and leather. (Not that she would assume.)

Looking into his eyes just once more in an attempt to make some sense of it all, she relented to follow without prying. She couldn't read him no matter how many brief glances except that she couldn't. Perhaps that was why she remained silent, even as they neared the library. There was nothing to be said, and she wasn't one to break the silence save the sound of pulling a small bit of cloth from her coat pocket to dry her cheeks of remaining tears she couldn't hide behind her own mask.

In a way, she was trying to keep her promise to Yuffie. Difficult as it may be with circumstances doing that for her.

Once closer to the Library, out of the way, and her hand was dropped as he turned to face her once more. Quiet still while he studied her face again. "I am glad you are still here." A heartbeat. "It is hard though, to live."

Fiddling with the cloth in her now free hands, she debated whether to say something she'd likely regret the moment it was out her mouth. Deciding against it, she shook her head. "To choose to live," she quietly corrected him before half-heartedly glaring. As though he had no idea how easily she could have died for good before today. "Were it not for the children, I..."

The words died on her lips nearly as fast as her anger. Sighing, she amended her statement. "None save Barret knew who I was, but the others convinced me it was better to 'move on.' Now most of them are gone, whether by beast, cultists, or..." Well, he knew the other two or three options.

Oh but he could read her emotions far more easily. Even the half-hearted glare told him much, and he shook his head at himself. "I didn't......" A sigh, and he trailed off. No, Vincent had not meant to upset her, and there were still so many things they needed to talk about with each other.

"I am sorry, for your loss." He finally decided to say, then moved to lean against the Library wall. "But I am glad you are here. I worried, that I would be too late." Trying to give her some distance, to give himself some as well. Too easy to wound each other still, without care taken.

"No, I'm sorry." She shook her head, looking down at her still-sore feet. "It's... been a long day." A weak excuse and gross understatement all wrapped up into one, but truthful to say the least. Though if she learned anything the last seven months, it was that the fates seem to have decided she wasn't allow to perish just yet.

"It's still too early to say it's over, but... I'm glad, too." Somewhat. Still confused, but maybe just glad if it meant a second chance? Or was it third at this point?

A long day, after a very long journey for her, and a long month for all of them. Watching her, mouth and lower face hidden in the cowl of his mantle, crimson eyes still hiding behind a mask of professionalism. "There is still much between us, that needs to be discussed."

"Of course." She'd wondered how long that would come up. Perhaps it was a sign of her weariness, or simply acceptance of that fact, that she didn't argue that much.

Silence once more, eyes focusing more on reading her posture, narrowing slightly as they studied her. Letting it carry on for a minute, before he sighed. "But neither of us are able to do so right now." Not when she was clearly grieving and exhausted, and he was...

Vincent wasn't sure what he was, aside from hiding behind stoicism to cover the ball of confused emotions stirred inside.

"Where are you staying?"

"The observatory" She replied before adding: "I was planning on returning to Mysidia today, but... Well." The fates playing "drop it like it's hot" with those from her group disrupted those plans.

Vincent shoved his thoughts regarding her returning to Mysidia (was it permanent? or temporary?) to the side. Nodding, mouth and lower face hidden in his cowl for a bit longer. "When you are ready to go for the night" Crimson eyes moved to meet her own, and were not hidden by a wall. "I would like to accompany you, if that is alright?"

Just to walk her 'home', and be sure she was safe, was alright--was still here.

Were he to ask, she would have likely confirmed it was the latter. Though the question for the meantime snapped her out of her current train of thought to one of perplexity. Was it simply out of an old loyalty to his job as a Turk, or something else? Though one look at his ever-watchful gaze told enough. Goddess, she practically brought about the events that caused his death and transformation and he still...cared? About her safety?

She wasn't sure what to make of this, but considering the awful truth of today she was not willing to look a gift chocobo in the beak. Despite how large the elephant in the room between them, she wasn't exactly looking forward to the walk alone.

"If it will put your mind at ease," she supposed.

Some of why he cared was the large unspoken elephant; they had a chance to actually 'talk' and perhaps start the healing process. Whatever else, that kind of closure was important. It was likely part of why she'd sought out Sephiroth, as well--the son she had biologically birthed, but never mothered?

Her reply, and uncertainty, made Vincent raise an eyebrow. Not moving from his perch leaning against the Library wall, lower face still hidden. "If my presence is distasteful..." Honest there, as he would not intrude. As much as he wanted answers, wanted to actually talk and to be certain she was safe--he would not make himself a pest.

Edited 2016-03-23 04:34 (UTC)

She shook her head immediately, perhaps to even her own surprise. "No, that isn't it. Were that the case, I wouldn't have come." The words themselves were blunt, yet the severity dulled as Lucrecia grasped her hands in front of her. They weren't meant to be harsh in the first place. Yet the uncertainty remained, and while there wasn't much of a sensation like there had been nearly an hour ago, she couldn't help but think on it.

She'd been there, when Wander had crystallized. He'd already seen her in pain from her own mistakes as it was. If she started feeling the same white-hot pain she'd witnessed in her friend on the way...

She didn't want to think on it further, for fear of it becoming self-fulfilled. "I'm sorry. Let's go."

Vincent was skeptical, but willing to accept it at face-value for now. Then again, more than likely it was complicated. Things between Lucrecia and himself ever were; why should this be no different?

A nod, and he moved from where he'd been leaning against the Library's wall. Senses alert, and close but not too close as they started off. Silence once more a constant companion as they headed towards the Observatory in the 4th district.

The distance she appreciated, not truly desiring to be close enough to touch. Despite not having the ailments from on Gaia, she didn't deserve it. And, odd as it may sound, the silence was comforting in a sense. At least until her thoughts drifted once more to that morning, and Wander's last words.

She lowered her head once as they walked, not breaking pace with her former bodyguard.

It had been a long day, longer for her most likely given all she'd been through lately and then this...

So easy to let the silence continue, and it was what Vincent was used to. What really was even appropriate to say? From him, from her--she'd mentioned she'd want to find him... But they were agreeing, for the moment, to avoid the major conversations they needed to have.

A slow blink, and for all his stoicism, Vincent let out a noise of frustration from his throat.

She looked towards him from the corner of her eye, a little perplexed. It took a great deal for him to show any sign of his emotions when not caught off guard (much like she was just then). Luckily her bangs hid much of her expression, but still.

"You have something to say?" She surmised, leaving the floor open.

Event || Another Side, Another Story (Conclusion)

Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

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Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

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Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent

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Re: Melodies of Life | Lucrecia Crescent