Intro Log || Just in Time for the Last Holiday Season

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: November 01st - November 30th. New characters may wake up any time.

Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken from Crystal Stasis and might find themselves in quite the predicament. Are they in Aqures Ixen, the Desert, a Forest or a completely empty plain? The choice is yours! You can have your character wake up anywhere, so long as the location is neither crystallized nor sealed away (such as the Temple of the Heroes of Light).

Please refer to the Information Post for more information regarding the state of Crystallis. Fear not however as soon a Moogle and maybe your friends shall come to you. Indeed, Heroes of Light in Aqures Ixen have access to a map that show them whenever a new Hero of Light appears.The Moogles are using it to quickly find any newcomers, but nothing prevents other Heroes of Light from using it to go to the rescue! The exception to this are characters who were formerly in the game: they will wake up from Crystal Stasis in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen.

Furthermore, feel free to plot out with players already in-game if you want for them to come and search your character, find them and plot their escape from a particularly dangerous place and the likes!

Warning: N/A.

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, the world around you collapses. Reality twists and shatters... Or maybe you are the one who is collapsing and shattering away from reality as you knew it. No matter what the answer is, it will only take a few seconds for you to find yourself sinking into a void, your world vanishing into the distance. There is nothing but darkness as far as the eye can see. Even you feel different: all the powers you might once have had, are now gone. It is silent, cold and it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this moment, when it looks as though nothing but a never-ending void awaits you, a red Crystal forms before you. In this void, its warmth compels you to grab it. But soon it faded, and everything else along with it, nothing but darkness remaining....


The Search for the Heroes
— Anytime —
To you, it's like only a second passed ever since you grabbed this crystal. But months or even years may have passed in the real world. And as you emerge, you find yourself in the world of Crystallis, a place where magic and technology coexist, filled with friendly people... And not so friendly ones. Have you awakened in Aqures Ixen, Esdham or a similar city...? Then it's perfect, you are surrounded by friendly people who will be - very confused - but helpful to an extent.

Have you woken up in the wilderness? Hopefully there aren't too many monsters around! As it is, other Heroes of Light might have woken up close to your position, it might be a good idea to work together with them.

Thankfully enough, before long a fluffy ball of fur flies toward (and most crashes into) you! This creature is a Moogle, sent from Mognet Central to assist you and take you to Aqures Ixen. It will explain you everything about the situation, the other Heroes of Light already present in Crystallis and all that is happening! This Moogle will be your guide back to Aqures Ixen-- If you decide to follow them anyway...


The Voyage Home
— Anytime —
The journey to Aqures Ixen might be an eventful one (or uneventful one if you awoke in the city already). It is a possibility for you to explore the world by taking your time, or to be lazy and board an Airship in the closest city. Don't lose your way or you risk venturing close to the Calamity-- You wouldn't want to be devoured and ripped apart my mega-powered Calamity Monsters, would you?

And thanks to the map and the efficiency of Mognet, odds are you'll encounter other Heroes of Light on your way: those who arrived in this world within the past two years. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you that there were other Heroes of Light in this city. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers when they told you about how they managed to push back the Empire and defeat the fearsome Palitutu! And more importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have all the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a tragic disappointment. Still, for the most part they know more than you on the situation and may be more than happy to fill you in, especially if your Moogle didn't tell you much.


The City of Aqures Ixen
— Anytime —
Finally, you might reach Aqures Ixen... And it turns out to be a very busy city. You might visit it, or the laboratory from where you can spy track where Heroes of Light are. Indeed, Palitutu's Laboratory (and its underground section) is a place where employed characters can research various topics. Most importantly, characters can see a file with their name...

Should your character decide to go there and peek at their file, there are two possibilities. Either the file is corrupted and they cannot access it: too bad for them, but at least their life will remain a mystery. Or should you decide the file isn't corrupted, they will find a summary of their lives up to their canon point, as if written by a third-person omniscient narrator. On the column left to the text, to the top there is a portrait of them, and beneath it there is a 3D model of them. Said portrait and model can be switched to any year of their life. At the bottom there is a percentage, indicating 0%. On the right column, there are various links, most of which are grayed out. The clickable links lead to their Homeworld History and their future post-canon point history (corrupted file for unfinished canons). At least, they can lock this file away if they don't want anyone to see it.

Or maybe you could visit your new house in the 11th or 14th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate(s). Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with.


It's Never Too Early
— Anytime —
No matter where you wake up in this world, from the arid climate of Esdham to the balmy jungles of Mysidia, you might notice a hint of ~**Christmas Whimsy**~ in the air. Pine-scented garlands are wound about streetlamps, delicate glass ornaments and twinkling lights have begun to adorn tree branches. The air is rich with the smell of baked pumpkin and cinnamon, and the occasional cool hint of peppermint. The bakeries are filled with seasonal treats like kupo nut pies, cranberry tarts, eggnog cakes. Though it's only the month of November, anyone complaining about the good cheer and pretty decorations will be stared at with a mixture of shock and pity, for clearly these people do not understand the true magic of the season.

Wherever you go, there's a distinct and rhythmic clanging of a small brass bell. Following the sound of the bell inevitably leads to a small adorable Moogle decked out in a fur-trimmed red suit standing next to a donations pot, with another clad in green passing out fliers inviting people to visit the Santa Village. They're requesting gil to craft toys for the refugees living there as well as the children across the world, and to expand and improve the Village as well.

Upon seeing any indication that you might be a Hero of Light, both Moogles make a happy sound and immediately press a flyer into your hand, insisting that you must visit, and not so subtly hinting that those who take up the Santa Claus job would be warmly welcomed by everyone. 'Tis the season, eh? Eh?


The Hospital
— Anytime —
Characters who have already been in Crystallis before do not wake up anywhere like everyone else. Instead, they will wake up in the Hospital of Aqures Ixen, in a room where there are over a hundred other Heroes of Light like them-- Maybe even some familiar faces... Except they're all in Crystal Stasis.

A couple Moogles and a few nurses will be waiting by the room, and they will welcome all characters waking up. Upon exiting the room, they will also meet a lot of guards, and they all have orders to shoot anyone that comes out of this room without a Moogle. Hopefully you won't try running out without waiting for your Moogle. As for why the guards are so on edge, it might be a good idea to ask the other Heroes of Light about what happened last year.

Comments

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

Republic of Esdham - The arrival

In all honesty, Mirai expected the blackness - the nothingness that accompanied death after she said her farewell to Akihito. She had only existed inside that place, nothing more than her own consciousness as she'd destroyed her body long ago. What was left of her had crumbled, slowly at first before shattering completely and then fading into nothing. That's why it doesn't seem strange to her at first. Everything had already slipped through her fingers and there wasn't anything left of her anymore. All that would remain would be the memories left in the minds of those who knew her, which weren't that many people to start with.

It's fine. This is how it was supposed to be. She had accepted that this would be her fate upon defeating Kyoukai no Kanata. Which it's more surprising for there to be a faint light that she reaches out for and a voice calling to her. A voice that has trouble waking her up but when it does, Mirai physically jolted upright until she was suddenly standing on her feet.

"Eh?!" She's so deeply startled. Mirai blinked at the sudden burst of light and the sense of being again, confused on how this is possible. In her hand is a crystal and her surroundings are completely unfamiliar. As if all of that wasn't bad enough a strange creature floated into her line of sight and she screamed - stepping back so quickly that her balance is lost and Mirai landed on her butt.

When the moogle moved in closer, Mirai crab-walked back as fast as she possibly could in order to get away. It could be considered a funny scene considering she's clutching the crystal in one hand and therefore can't use it to shuffle backwards. Her three-limbed crab only ended when she collided with something... or someone. Mirai doesn't even spare a glance back at the wall as she reached to pull at the ring around the thumb of her right hand. Once removed, she held out her hand and...

Nothing! Nothing was happening. There was no blood dripping from her hand that would allow her to form her weapon and the strange creature was once again coming closer. This was it, she would be killed by a youmu - one that was tiny and sort of cute and dangerous. She was technically already dead so it probably wouldn't matter but Mirai certainly wasn't about to go without attacking so she does the only thing she can think of.

She threw her crystal at the moogle, who merely caught the projectile. "Careful! You don't want to damage or lose this, kupo!"

Now without any weapon, Mirai stared at the moogle who - she realized - was not attacking her. Her now empty hand reached up to push her glasses further up her nose to prevent them from sliding off completely. "You aren't going to kill me?"

"No way, you're a Hero! Why I would want to kill you? I've been sent to help you, kupo."

It's happened before, youmu who had no interest in fighting humans. This was apparently one of them. All of the panic that had gripped her mere moments before were gone now, she was a little more confident even if she was still sprawled out on the ground. "Help me? Help me do what?"

"To save the world, kupo!" The moogle responded rather happily. She floated closer and held out the crystal which Mirai took back. "I'll tell you all about it! First you should apologize to your fellow Hero!" With that Riaru gestured to the thing behind her that Mirai had mistaken for a wall moments before.

"Eh?" Now she looked back and those are certainly a pair of legs her back is pressed against. Just as quick as she found herself there, Mirai is up on her feet again and bowing to the other individual several times. "Please forgive me! I didn't mean to inconvienence you!"

The Voyage Home

[She hadn't left Esdham right away, mostly because she hadn't any money to board an airship and walking to the city of Aqures Ixen wasn't possible. Not without her typical abilities. So Mirai had stayed there learning how to work her new job a little bit to earn enough money for her fare. Admittedly it had taken longer than she expected due to the fact that she had to eat, get a room at an inn all while mastering this job her moogle youmu was calling Water Bending. It wasn't quite like her own blood manipulation abilities but it was similar enough to the point where she could defeat single and weak youmu on her own.

But finally she's on her way to the city where there's supposed free housing waiting for her and that will certainly help her manage her budget. Rather than sit and wait for the airship to take her across the sky, Mirai is standing at the railing. Both of her arms are folded it and the wind ruffles her short hair. Every once in a while she pushes her glasses up further onto her nose to prevent them from falling.

The height they're at doesn't really bother her. Actually she quite likes being up high, especially in a new place. It gives her a look at all of the things below and from what she can see - it's mostly wilderness.]

It's a good thing we didn't walk to Aqures Ixen, kupo! We would have had a long journey if we had tried! [Her moogle chirps up beside her, ever the cheerful companion that she never asked for.]

Hm. [For a long moment that's the only answer Mirai gives. One of her feet swings forward - hanging over the edge of the ship. She's definitely distracted by something.]

Aqures Ixen - It's never too early

[Everywhere she looks it's Christmas. There's a cheer in the air that almost seems to cover the sense of urgency that any threatened world holds. She notices though. Notices some people moving more quickly on the streets than others. Almost as if they're trying to get home before some sort of disaster strikes. A chill that has nothing to do with the weather constantly brushes against the back of her neck and Mirai almost expects to look up at any given minute and see the Beyond the Boundary reflecting at her. Trying to trick her with a world filled with illusions and never-ending youmu attempting to kill her.

It's during one those glances up that a moogle suddenly shoves a flyer in her face, shaking it to get her attention. Mirai visible startles and tears her gaze from the sky to look at the paper.]

You can donate gil to make toys for refugee children too, kupo! [One of the costumed moogles tells her cheerfully.]

E-eh?! [Shaking hands come up to grip the flyer so she can properly look it over. Even now that they've been rent-free for a time, money is not something Mirai is good at budgeting. She looks torn for all of thirty seconds before her eyes go to the eagerly-waiting moogle. Then she reaches into her pocket to grasp some gil, not coming out with very much.

Actually releasing it into the moogle's paw is a bit more a struggle for her to actually do. A little more of a dramatic scene as Mirai and moogle remain still for a very long minute. People are stopping to stare at the pair of them.]

Aren't you donating it, kupo?

Y-yes! Of course I am! Happy to help! [And yet she still hasn't let go, her face is a picture of slight anguish.]

House A08

[She's lived with other people plenty, strangers that she hadn't known to start with and now Sakura stays with her. But this a little different. Mirai isn't going to be living in an attic and someone people look at with fear and hatred from the start. The other person will have no idea that she's from a cursed bloodline, that people have hunted her ancestors until only she remains now because they're afraid. On the other side of this door is a stranger who knows none of that.

Which is why she's hesitating outside, moogle hovering worriedly over her shoulder as Mirai attempts to make sure that she looks okay. First impressions are important. First impressions are key. Or something like that.

With stiff movements she approaches the door and knocks firmly on it before opening it a crack and peering in cautiously. Despite the fact that this is supposed to be her new home, Mirai certainly doesn't want to disturb whoever might be inside without warning. That's also a good way to get attacked.]

H-hello? My name is Kuriyami Mirai, I've been assigned to stay here. [She pushes the door open more fully and stands in the entranceway.] If that's not acceptable I can always request another place to stay!

[Oh, that came out louder and more bluntly than she intended.]

It's Never Too Early!

[just_want_normal_knees]

[And as Mirai struggles to donate, someone else donates before her]

I'll donate, too!

[And by her side is a girl about her age in a black and red outfit, the most striking feature of her being her read cloak and those piercing silver eyes of hers]

Anything to help out for Christmas!

[And she then notices the other girl]

Oh, you're a new face, aren't you? ...I wonder why no one showed up at the Temple of Fire, then? Oh, well - my name's Ruby Rose! What's yours?

[Oh, my god, who is this cheerful girl?!}

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[Another voice pops up beside her and Mirai stops to look at her, even with her hand still wrapped around the gil she's attempting to donate.]

Thanks for your donations, kupo!

[Perhaps it's the sight of someone giving so cheerfully that allows her to finally release the money into the moogle's hand but she does and afterwards she sighs a little.

O-oh! The new girl is talking to her!]

Yes, I am. The Temple of Fire? [Her moogle may have mentioned that name in passing.] It's Kuriyama Mirai. Nice to meet you.

[Mirai bows to the other girl, hands clasped together even as they hang loose in front.]

[just_want_normal_knees]

Mm-hmm! That's where the other Heroes of Light like me came from. But, I didn't see anyone there this time.

[Ruby shook her head as she continued]

It's nice to meet you, too, Kuriyama!

[Sorry, Mirai, nothing close to Japanese in Remnant.]

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

Oh, I woke up in the Republic of Esdham. I don't know why I was there instead of the Temple of Fire.

[The fact that she woke up anywhere is strange enough to start with.]

Have you been here long, Ruby-san?

[Well, using last names are more polite so she hardly notices.]

[just_want_normal_knees]

All the way over there? Wow, something really must be wrong, then...!

[Of course, everything isn't being ran by Palitutu anymore.]

As for being here long? [She counts on her fingers] It's been a year this month!

...wow, it's been a long time.

Republic of Esdham - The arrival

[dammit_flynn]

During this whole ordeal that Mirai is going through, Yuri just stares at her blankly as her moogle reminds her that he isn't a brick wall. Not that he minds to be honest, since a small thing like her can't even hurt him. He's toughened up since his first time in Crystallis.

He pats Acrisius as he waits for the other girl to finally acknowledge that she bumped into. Of course, Repede is sniffing around her all the same. Yuri chuckles as he gives her a gesture of everything being okay. He couldn't help but find it a bit amusing. Surely, he must be a better person than this right?

Unfortunately, not. He's going to tease her because she's easy and he can already feel it.

"Man you sure did. Isn't it a bit too early for you to be a bit sloshed, young lady?"

Yuri trolling at its finest? Probably.

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

She's still bowing when Mirai actually notices the dog, not minding that he is sniffing around her. Though Mirai doesn't attempt to offer out her hand just yet - that's how people get bit. Instead she lets Repede do his thing and will make nice with the dog after she apologizes to the person he belongs to. It's a shame that she doesn't have anything to feed him.

The chuckling at her expense doesn't go unnoticed as her eyes are on the dog but she can let it go. Along with the first thing this man says. Yet when he continues on, that's what gets her. A bristle of irritation ripples up her spine until she's standing up straight again and causes her hair to flair outwards in the process.

Her eye rise up and up and up to look at the man who practically towers over her but that doesn't intimidate Mirai in the least.

"How unpleasant!" Words that spill out of her mouth without hesitation. "I'm not drunk!"

Oh look at how easily ruffled she is. Where did the nervous, polite tiny girl go?

[dammit_flynn]

Repede doesn't find any threat in her so he sort of turns back to Yuri while switching the position of his pipe. Yes, the dog has a pipe in his mouth. She doesn't have to mind it too much but please don't take it from him. It will result in backlash, Yuri gives her a raised brow when she suddenly starts lashing out on him. He didn't expect that but again he was teasing her so it shouldn't have been a surprise to him. Somehow that meek girl is nowhere to be seen at the moment.

Honestly, he can't help but find the whole situation kind of silly. The girl is probably no more than five feet and she's looking at him so intensely with her loud voice. Well, definitely can't judge a book by its cover.

"Oh, you know what that means? Well, you certainly gave off that feeling. My bad."

Of course, it's not really his bad. He's only being a jerk because he can.

"Jokes aside, you're not hurt right? Don't worry, Repede's pretty well behaved. He likes kids."

He might have accidentally struck another nerve.

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

It is a strange sight, surely, but Mirai has seen animal-like creatures who turn human. Ayaka smokes a pipe in that form so why shouldn't a dog have one? Though it hardly seems important at the moment. Mirai wouldn't attempt to take it as it so clearly belongs to the dog at this point. She has more pressing matters to deal with than the dog with the pipe and that's the man the dog belongs to.

A hand comes up to aggressively push her glasses further up her nose as if that's an intimidating action. Mirai isn't afraid of him - she's faced things far scarier than a man with a weapon.

"Of course I do! If it seemed like I'm drunk it's only because I've woken up in a strange place with weird and rude people!"

Especially since she hadn't expected to wake up at all. Still riled up because he's still teasing her but then for a moment the stranger doesn't seem so bad. She actually has to take a moment to consider his question. Everything seems fine except for one thing.

"I'm not hurt but what happened to my abilities?" Mirai could not use her blood to form her sword earlier. The strange creature had said that she was here to save the world - but what world.

"Repede? Is that your dog's name?" Once again her eyes find the animal who's turned away. Mirai's cheeks puff a little about being called a kid. But she'll crouch down, knees pressing into her chest and offer her hand out in Repede's line of sight, not wanting to simply pet him when his back is turned towards her now. "Where am I?"

"You're on the world called Crystallis, kupo!" Finally her Moogle chimes in helpfully.

It's never too early.

[water_meebo]

[ Mikleo is a bit astounded by the new change of seasons that he didn't see in Glenwood. Honestly, he's seen the snow before when they ended up in that strange snow village, but at the same time it's still very new to him. He was minding his own business really, watching the snow and the children. After a few moments, he notices that there is someone that stands out among the natives. She seemed to be struggling with something. The moogle looks like he's asking for something but the girl looks like she doesn't want to give up whatever it is she's trying to give. With Muse perched on his shoulders, and pointing him towards the girl, Mikleo starts her way.

Eventually, he makes it close enough that he hands the moogle a gracious donation in a small blue envelope, enough for him and the girl. ]

Perhaps this will suffice?

[ He gave the moogle a small smile. He can't ignore a person in need, it seems even if she doesn't look like she needs his help. ]

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[If the wintery weather is a surprise to her, Mirai doesn't act like it. Though she is bundled up against the chill as best she can, luckily her job provided her with a set of clothes to help so she'd only needed to add a little bit on to it. While Christmas is not an unfamiliar holiday she also isn't going out of her way to celebrate it either. It's just nice and that's all.

As she's in the middle of her internal struggle to give up her meager savings, someone else approaches and hands the moogle an envelope. Of course she can't see inside to know how much it is but the moogle collecting it seems happy enough.]

Thank you for your donation, kupo! [It then flies off without taking any of Mirai's money - safe for another day.

Mirai herself turns towards the new arrival, her head hanging a little shamefully but also in gratitude. She's an easy mark for things like this and would donate every time a moogle would ask.]

Thank you. [Truly, she's grateful.]

[water_meebo]

[ She seems like she's fine being bundled up. Mikleo is rather used to the temperature, cold or not. It's because he's a Water Seraph and small things liker cold and snow don't really bother him. Mikleo didn't know much about such a holiday so he's intrigued by it and wants to learn more about it. Donations and such things like that seem to be what is part of putting in that Christmas spirit.

He waves to the moogle as he flies away. The amount isn't important since Mikleo isn't the type for monetary things anyway. ]

You're quite welcome. Feel free to find me later if you require more assistance.

[ He smiled as the moogle vanished. She seemed new here so he thought that it would help her out. He might be wondering why she looked so ashamed. ]

You are quite welcome. I'm sorry if I intervened rudely.

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[Being anemic can cause her to feel the cold more acutely though sometimes she's just so active that it means she doesn't always need to bundle up so much. However, she also knows that just because she felt warm doesn't mean she won't get sick if she doesn't cover up appropriately.

Mirai watches as the festive moogle zooms away, her own comes close enough to pat the top of her head reassuringly. The act causes Mirai to smile up at the creature faintly. It's nice, having someone care about her here -- even if they've only known each other a short amount of time.

But then the nice boy is saying something and she shakes her head.]

It wasn't rude! I only wish that I could do more to help. [She feels useless, honestly. If she had her own abililties it wouldn't be like this. Mirai would have no problem facing strong enemies on her own, earning money from that so that she could donate like he had too.]

NEVER Too Early

[shepherd_prince]

[Chrom can't help himself; he chuckles as he happens to catch a glimpse of the scene. The expectant Moogle, the reluctant young lady. She's not someone he recognizes, and unless her Moogle happens to be close by, he can't truly be sure if she's a new Hero of Light or one of the citizens of Aqures Ixen that he's never met. But perhaps he can help.]

That's very generous.

[He makes the comment openly as he strides forward, opting for his paladin's armor instead of the Santa Claus suit. He'd really rather not get fat and bearded like he did last year, if he can help it.]

After you've finished your act of good will, why don't I treat you to something at the cafe in return? It's the least I can do for someone who's willing to support the refugees in the north.

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[There is a Moogle hovering over Mirai's shoulder, watching the scene unfolding as if it were a comedian act rather than what it really is. But her Moogle is quiet because it has realized that her new Hero is bad when it comes to managing money. They had quite the struggle already.

Mirai turns her head to look at the man speaking. Eyes widening at his offer and then her head shakes rather violently.]

That's not necessary! [Oh but just the thought of food has her stomach rumbling, her face turning red at the sound.] Ah!

[Quieter because she's been betrayed by her own stomach:] Thank you.

[shepherd_prince]

[Chrom chuckles. He isn't accustomed to dealing with such shy Heroes, not since meeting Olivia.]

No need for thanks. You're new here, aren't you? It's a lot to take in, and a good meal will help settle your nerves.

[He loosens the strings of his own money pouch and passes some gil to the Moogle, then presses Mirai's hand back down. She needn't donate just yet. He, on the other hand, has been earning a steady income at the training hall providing lessons for citizens and Heroes. He can afford this.]

My name is Chrom. How long have you been here? Where did you wake up?

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[She isn't always so shy but this man just so happened to catch her doing something embarassing. Even though he says there's no need for thanks - Mirai has already given it. Can't take it back now.]

I've come at what seems to be a bad time. There's trouble everywhere already and I can't use my own abilities to help.

[Mirai isn't as strong with these new ones, the water bending even though it is partially like manipulating her own blood. Already she's discovered the downside to this ability and has taken to carrying around a small container of water to manipulate.

As for his donation in her place... that's startling! Her cheeks turn red but she pockets her gil.]

My name is Kuriyama Mirai. [Ah, all the questions.] I arrived a week ago in the Republic of Esdham. It took me some time to make my way here after Riaru told me this is where the Heroes usually live. [She points to her Moogle companion.]

House A-08

[zodiac_brave]

[Luckily, Mirai catches Ramza at home. He is currently in the kitchen, staring helplessly at ingredients, wondering how he is supposed to reassemble them into something edible. He looks up when he hears knocking.]

Good day. I had wondered if someone new would arrive. Please, come in.

[He looks at his new roommate, then inclines his head in a bow.]

I am Ramza Beoulve. You are most welcome here.

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[It's a boy. She is housed with a man! This is unpleasant! No. No, he could be a perfectly nice man who isn't a pervert like some boys she knows.]

Thank you. [Mirai steps further into the house and shuts the door behind her.

In response to his little head bow, she gives him a deeper one.] My name is Kuriyama Mirai. It's nice to be here.

[Now that she's closer, she can see he is looking at a bunch of food things.] Are you making something to eat?

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza responds to her question with a roll of his shoulders. He is not inclined to lie, as a general rule.]

I am...attempting. My previous roommates have been much more talented than I in that area.

[There may be a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he looks at Mirai. At least it was pretty unlikely that she could be worse at cooking than he was.]

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[He's looking at her hopefully, maybe even expectantly. Mirai looks back at him and then at the ingredients he has acquired.]

W-well, I'm not terrible! Maybe between the two of us we could make something edible.

[Admittedly her own meals were not as good as Sakura's but with her budget always suffering she has occasionally thrown together something delicious.]

It's Never Too Early

[unyieldingspirit]

[K'pandolu watches for a moment, head tilted in concern, and then steps forward, with a little amount of gil from her own pocket.]

I hope this will help.

[and she turns to Mirai.]

Might it be easier to lend them some of your time?

[unpleasanthemokinesis]

[She looks over at the woman, blinking up at her. Mirai is so fixated on the act that she almost misses the question. Then brightens.]

Oh, yes! I could do that if it would be alright.

[The holiday moogle nods excitedly.] That would be great, kupo!

[With that it seems the problem is resolved. She turns to bow to K'pandolu.]

Thank you for your help.

[unyieldingspirit]

[There- and good news all round. She smiles at Mirai, ears lifting.]

I'm glad I could help. You've arrived recently, I assume?