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

[i_want_to_believe]

[1] The City of Aquares Ixen - A-14 || November 13

[Dorm situations were nothing new to Keith. Between foster homes from his childhood and his stint at Garrison he was more than familiar with process. That didn't mean he was happy to be returning to the situation. A year spent living alone in the desert researching mysterious voices had not done his already stunted social skills any favors. The time he'd spent with on the Castle of Lions had done a little work on easing him back into working with others, but the castle itself had been so huge that even living with 6 other people for weeks on end had not felt particularly jarring. Sure most of his team mates were loud, and weird, and immature, but they'd also been-

He shook his head to chase away the memories before they could set his heart pounding again. His team was fine, he'd get back to them soon. There was no reason to worry. Right now he had to focus on getting to his new housing situation and getting something a little more suited to the chilling temperatures sweeping the streets. The plate mail he'd woken up in was impressive, but it sure as hell wasn't insulated.]

How much further till we get there?

[He shot a look at the stuffed moogle that had been assigned to him, whiplash hitting him every time Lance spoke. Of all the personalities that had to follow him here, why did it have to be the blue paladin in stuffed animal form? It was giving him hives, the creeps, and maybe a little bit of homesickness for those who were waiting for him back home.]

Relax, Hero! I already told you it's right up ahead. You don't have to worry about being lost with me at your side. They used to call me the Moogle Compass for my sense of direction back at Mognet you know and. . .

[And off he went again. A sigh passed his lips, though he perked up easily enough when he looked around and spotted the sign for the house he'd been assigned. . . about three houses back from what they'd already passed. Raising an eyebrow at the still flying moogle he turned around and went back to the house. A brief glance down made sure the puppet thing following him was still at his side. That was something he'd handle later. For now he was unlocking the door and heading inside. He'd had his own room back at the castle. . . he better still have his own room.]

[2] The Voyage Home - Chocobo Farm || November 13

[After getting directions from the silver haired man in town, Keith had headed out to the Chocobo Farm to try and secure personal transportation. While he'd prefer something with the ability to fly, hew had a feeling that air travel required more specialized transport and passes that he currently did not have access to. The ability to get between towns on his own would be the first big step to getting a handle hold on this strange new world.

He kept repeating the directions in his head to keep his mind off the talk of other universes, other worlds besides his own that were at threat to this yawning calamity. That it was more likely than not that his universe had already been consumed and somehow he had been the only one to make it own. Keith grit his teeth and walked faster. Nope, his team was strong. They'd survived everything Zarkon had thrown at them and then some. They were back home, fine, recuperating from the wormhole. Hell, they might even be wandering around like him trying to figure out what was going on. The brisk pace of a soldier's march helped calm his thoughts, as well as warm his shivering frame. He'd been in such a rush to get out that he'd forgotten to get a coat, not that he had the money for such a thing anyway. Garrison might have had plenty of survival training, but they'd been stationed in the desert. The cold nights when the sun when down was very different to the frost he felt nipping in the wind. Transportation and then proper clothes, that was the only thing he was focused on right now.

Eventually a sound of something, warking(?), drew his attention. This must be the farm he had heard about. Keith quickly jogged of the way towards the sound, eager to get to his destination and somewhere warm. The little puppet at his side managed to keep pace just fine. The mooogle (Lance) did too, but seemed to do it on the poor fuel of many complaints. When he finally reached the first paddock Keith stopped dead, ignoring the feeling of the moogle bouncing off the back of his head. Were . . .those . . .?]

Giant chickens?

[He gasped and stared slack jawed at the multitude of giant, multi colored birds.]

[3] It's Never Too Early - Christmas What? || November 13

[The bright cheer of ginger and cinnamon spilling into the streets was giving Keith a vague sense of unease. After traveling for so long to alien locations, it was strange to see something so . . . familiar. How in the world was Christmas found here on a completely different universe? It made his head spin to be walking around in such a festive air considering he could still hear the screaming of his friends as the wormhole tore them apart.

The small ting of metal on metal pushed back his thoughts and drew his gaze downwards. The small metal puppet that had woken up beside him always stayed glued to his side. It reminded him of some of the kids on their first day of kindergarten, too scared to leave their mother's sides that they clung to their skirts. It didn't annoy him as much as he thought it would. On the other hand . . he shot a side long glance at his moogle. That flying plush toy he could do with out.

He huffed again and took a look down at the flyer another small moogle had stuffed into his hands. He still couldn't really believe it.]

Who still believes in Santa Clause?

voyage home.

[fusedshadows]

Careful. ( an imp floated closer towards keith, just in time to hear his comment. ) The other heroes of light might not appreciate being referred to with such language, eee hee.

( midna knew he was referring to the chocobos, but this was just a much funnier interpretation. )

Re: voyage home.

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith spun around and the voice. Hand instinctively reaching for his dagger, only to fumble when he found it missing. Right. He hadn't woken up with that either. His small puppet all turned to face the intruder, doll like eyes fixed and ready.]

Who are you? And what do you want?

[fusedshadows]

I'm an unfortunate guest to this world. ( she eyes him quickly, seeing him reach for what was probably a familiar weapon. new heroes were so easy to spot... ) Just like you.

It's Never Too Early

[rialynn]

[Rialynn comes to an unsteady stop. This guy just asked a question as she was walking coincidentally in his direction, and that gives her pause...albeit with a sort of deer-in-the-headlights look.]

Er... Were you asking me, or was that a rhetorical question?

[Because she's sincerely unsure. The horse she's leading doesn't seem to care either way, and is currently whuffling at one of the Moogles in its endless search for treats. The Moogle yelps in surprise as a big warm muzzle pushes against its back and it flutters quickly away to stare at the strange beast. Rialynn gestures a little with a sheepish smile.]

I mean...lots of little kids in this town do, so, you know. Probably best not to say that kind of thing out loud, right?

Re: It's Never Too Early

[i_want_to_believe]

Hey man, Christmas is serious business! Don't tell me not only can you not flirt, but you're also a grinch! I-I-HRMAKSD!!!

[The moogle became so puffed up in anger that his scarf started to cut off his breathing. Keith side eyed the irate plush toy long enough to ensure he wasn't about to be accused of 2nd degree murder before turning back to the girl who'd walked up to him and her horse? That was so 19th century.]

Am I seriously the only person confused that the one thing that decides to transcend universes is Christmas Spirit? It's like a bad Hallmark movie.

[rialynn]

[Rialynn's brow flickers in confusion. He may as well be speaking a second language. 19th century? Closer to the 17th by her world's standards. Her hazel-eyed gaze flicked to his Moogle that had (adorably) worked himself up to the point of asphyxiation. On the plus side, she's relieved that Keith can't flirt. That means they might actually get along!]

Er...I don't know. It's not something I'm familiar with personally, not on my world.

[She's just going to kinda reach out and loosen that Moogle's scarf, adjust it, and give it a light pat so he can breathe again. There you go.]

Are you new?

[i_want_to_believe]

[The little moogle gasped as his scarf loosened enough to breathe again. For a moment he bobbed in the air, but once he glanced up and saw the beautiful lady who had saved him he immediately slicked back his pom and gave her a debonair wink (as much as moogles could wink anyway).]

Thanks for the save! So, are you what it looks like when I end up on Santa's nice li-HRK!

[The moogle gagged as his scarf was yanked by one irate paladin. Keith handed the other end to his small puppet, who gladly accepted the new leash.]

You are officially on time out, Lance.

[While the moogle struggled to free himself (turns on those tiny puppet hands had a strong grip!), Keith pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed deeply. This was probably another 'hero of light' or something, which he guessed made them sort of comrades. It was probably polite to introduce himself, at least that's what the counselor they'd always made him go to said after he failed team exercises at the garrison. Besides he needed information if he was going to be successful here and find his way back home.]

My name is Keith, and yes, I'm new here.

[rialynn]

[Rialynn might be standing a little teensy bit closer to her horse, and angled herself to put Keith between her and the Moogle. Yes, perfect. Even if it's from a Moogle, flirting is still kinda... Well she wouldn't say she's scared but she does seem to find convenient excuses to be somewhere else when it happens.]

Nice to meet you. I'm Rialynn.

[Welcoming new people isn't easy. As exciting as it is to meet them and learn their histories and legends, there's really no easy way to say 'Welcome to this dying world, can't wait to save it so our worlds don't die too!' But...the stories they have to tell are so good...]

It's a lot to get used to, isn't it? How long have you been awake?

[She turns her head to glance around the city before coming back to him.]

Have you had a chance to get a look around, get settled...all of that?

[i_want_to_believe]

I woke up .. .just this morning.

[He looked around the square, trying to to follow where she was looking. It still felt alien, and almost unsettling considering how familiar the holiday was. Dark eyes quickly drew back to the conversation in need of a distraction.]

I haven't had time to get settled yet. I'm still figuring out this place.

[rialynn]

Oh wow...you really are new! Well...

[She gives her horse a pat.]

Why don't we head to the housing district so you can at least see where you're staying? I'll tether my horse while we're there and show you around. You'll probably want to buy a few personal effects and a traveling pack.

[Rialynn grins.]

Then you can tell me about where you're from. It sounds like you've got a few stories to tell, and as an avid collector of stories, I'd love to hear more.

Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

[One thing that might have caught Keith's eye back in the city were a few things parked alongside one of the neighboring houses. House A-13 had a large riding armor, a magitek armor as it was called, with a hotrod red paint job complete with flames. Next to it was a motorcycle, custom built from various parts by the look of it. He'd be meeting the owner soon enough.

None of the chocobos in the paddock seemed put off by his assessment of them. He wouldn't have been the first to call them that and why would they care anyway.

Well, perhaps not none. One of them was looking at him with a very focused gaze. It stood out among the other yellow birds as it hard a far more golden sheen to its plumage. Eyeing him and his moogle carefully the bird wandered a bit closer, cocking its head in curiosity.]

Kweh?

Re: Chocobo Time

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith was about to go in when the soft sound of birds made him turn. Chickens. Giant chickens. How? In spite of himself he found himself turning from the promise of warmth and moved towards the strange creature. It was different from his fellows, not only in plumage but in temperament. There was something oddly intelligent in its gaze. . . He stopped on the other side of the fence, far enough back that should the bird decide to use it's wicked beak he'd have time to jump back, and cocked his head to the side.]

Kweh?

[He repeated back, trying to make sense of the strange sound.]

Re: Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

[All chocobos were fairly smart, yes, but Zack is a particularly keen bird. He watches as Keith gets a bit closer, though he doesn't draw any closer himself nor does he make any moves. He watches Keith curiously, and then after a long enough amount of time to make things awkward for the young Hero he finally responds.]

KWEH!

Re: Chocobo Time

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith jerked a little at the sudden reply, before slowly moving closer again. It was behind a fence in a paddock(?) of some sort, so it had to be domesticated. That meant it probably wasn't too dangerous. Besides he was fast, and wasn't part of being a Galaxy Garrison cadet exploring new world? Well, he may have dropped out but-with a clenched fist he wiped the memory from his head and got right up to the strange bird by the fence. He had armor plated fingers for gods sake, and he was no slouch for dodging. He was picked to be the red paladin partly because of his speed. He could get close enough to examine a domesticated bird. Carefully he held out his hand to the bird, palm up. That was what you were supposed to do with horses, right?]

Re: Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

[Zack was certainly tame and domesticated, as much as any other bird at the ranch was. But a chocobo isn't dangerous in the same way a horse or a bull isn't dangerous. Normally they're fine unless provoked, and that's when you get a well muscled leg planting a clawed foot in your chest.

Good thing Keith isn't Lance.

And since he's approaching the chocobo with respect he's treated in kind. Zack leans forward, sniffing at the palm, a little underwhelmed at the lack of food in it. Still, it's nice enough he supposes. He gives another chirp and nuzzles his beat into the palm.]

Getting to know the new Heroes, Zack?

[Cloud calls out as he approaches from the bird side of the fence, wearing his working clothes and carrying a bundle of greens. The bird chirps excitedly, turning away from Keith to snatch those greens out of the air as they're tossed over. Cloud laughs and gives his bird's neck an affectionate pat before looking to Keith.]

Hey there. Did you just arrive? I'm Cloud, one of the Heroes who's been here for a while.

Re: Chocobo Time

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith froze when he felt the pressure of the hard beak through his plate mail. Even though the bird was just nuzzling him, he could easily feel the weight of muscles and power in that long neck. It made him feel a little bit like a kid inside to realize he was touching an alien bird on an alien world. He didn't have much experience with animals growing up, so it was a pleasantly surreal experience. Just as he began to reach forward with his other hide to try and pet the bird, the sound of a voice startled him. He instantly jerked his hand back and turned to face the new comer.

The man was blond, close to his height and wearing some kind of work clothes. Judging by the easy manner he dealt with the bird this was probably the owner. Also the fact that he came from the house. . . yeah that too.]

Yeah, I just woke up here today. Was trying to find my house, not that the stuffed animal has been much help.

Re: Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

(ooc: Ooops! I intended for this thread to be at the chocobo ranch but we can have it at the residential area instead and in front of Cloud's house. I'll correct it.)

[Cloud gave Keith a satisfied nod, and then another one of greeting to his moogle.]

Give the little fluffballs a chance. They have a lot to do but they're all pretty earnest about it. I know all of this can be confusing when you first get here.

[Cloud is probably giving Lance way more credit than he deserves.]

Like I said I'm one of the Heroes who's been here since...well I was in the first group here. If you have any questions I can try to help you out.

[He pets Zack as the bird keeps chomping down the greens.]

I also work over at the ranch, so if you need a bird of your own I can help you with that too. This is Zack by the way.

Kweh~

So...I'm guessing your world didn't have chocobos. Did it have magic? Monsters?

Re: Chocobo Time

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith continued to watch the bird in barely concealed fascination. So much of his time since boarding the castle of lions had been spent running for his life. It was uncomfortably pleasant, and a little terrifying, to find that that bit of wonder for exploring new planets from garrison hadn't died out in the desert like he'd thought.]

I'll take your word on the fluff balls. Magic not really. As for monsters. . .

[He grit his teeth at the thought of purple skin and glowing eyes, not to mention the shudder as claws the size of buildings slammed into his ship's side.]

I'm more than familiar with monsters. Kind of wish this saving the universe thing wasn't so . . universal of a problem?

[There was something weird about what he'd just said, he knew it. It kind of reminded him of Lance and that weird chant he'd tried to make them do for some reason.]

Re: Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

Ah I see...

[Cloud had noticed a lot of the Heroes came from worlds that needed to be protected from one crisis or another. Maybe that's why they had to be picked.]

I doubt they're all connected, but I wouldn't be surprised if a problem in one world leads to a problem in another somehow. I mean that's how wars start between countries, right?

So what was your world like, if you don't mind my asking? Mine was pretty similar to this one, actually.

Re: Chocobo Time

[i_want_to_believe]

My planet was pretty similar to this too, but more technology advancements. Haven't been planet side for a while though. I'm guessing this world doesn't have much of a space program.

[All of troubled planets? That smacked of conspiracy, or very poor planning on fate's side?]

Re: Chocobo Time

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud nods as his brow furrows. He's not quite sure where to place Gaia as compared to Crystallis. It's ahead of Aqures Ixen but the Heran Empire seems about fit to match ShinRa in more ways than one.]

Well...not as such, but there's an ancient ruin. A complex and a gateway that leads to some base on the moon. Some of the other Heroes have been exploring it.

[Thanks to past adventures of potential futures Cloud doesn't want any part of it.]

Never Too Early

[unyieldingspirit]

[Maybe that wasn't aimed at her, but K'pandolu can't resist a comment.]

Careful. I hear if he hears you said that, he takes your most precious mementoes and makes them… tacky.

[Sure, that's something of a matter of taste- but still.]

Re: Never Too Early

[i_want_to_believe]

[Keith turns to see a purple . . cat(?) girl beside him. He cocked his head in confusion.]

Him . .. .? Oh you mean Santa.

[He sighed and tilted his head.]

How would a figment of children's imagination pull that one off?

Re: Never Too Early

[unyieldingspirit]

[don't tell her you don't believe in her, either; that'll be entirely embarrassing.]

Ah, now- all the more easily for that. If you think he's only imagined, why- he could walk past and never be noticed at all.