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

[uncoiledpromise]

A Rude Awakening || The Hospital, 7th of November
[The sensation of all her weight suddenly being placed upon her feet was enough to cause her to collapse to hand and knee, gasping for air when the planet finally deemed that she was not as much of a threat as it had assumed. Once again, she was draped in the familiar-yet-not Tactician robes, aware in a world not her own. As memories began to circulate within her mind once more, of the long journey across crystallized plains and caverns, seeing much and more of her comrades falling victim to the wiles of the world and its occupants.

That's right... It hadn't simply been those she'd failed to save in the caravan.

Dusting herself off, she helped herself to her feet, and was determined to leave the Heroes' Ward--

At least until she was met with at least three security officers armed with rifles. Holding her hands up where they could plainly see them, she slowly backs her way into the hospital wing once more.]

What in the seven hells-? [A beat] Stand down; I mean you no harm!

["We have clear orders to shoot any 'Hero' who leaves without a Moogle! Stand back or we will fire!"]

Then send for him! My friend's name is Kupni, and he will vouch for me.

The Aftermath || The Hospital, 7th of November

[Once the guards have been satisfied that she isn't about to leave again without an escort, people will find her staring at four heroes in particular as she waits for her companion to finish rounds. Kupni had always enjoyed offering to lend an extra hand or two at Mognet Central, so it came to no surprise to Alisaie that he was running late. Still, there was something of a glimmer behind her eyes to notice yet another had fallen into stasis.]

The star never was kind to those who sought to protect her, was it? Our own, and this one.

[She frowns, lowering her gaze before a tear escaped her. She didn't particularly like two of them, but it still wasn't as if any of them deserved this. No one did.

After a moment of silence, she placed a white lily in a vase beside Minfilia. Maybe after Kupni finally arrived, she'd be able to retrieve more flowers for the others. For now though, all she can really do is wait.]

Rest well, sister.

What Is That Paint Job I Don't Even [For Cloud] || A-13 Residential Ward, Evening, 7th of November

[After all the mess that was the hospital, Alisaie was almost relieved to be going somewhere she could potentially rest without armed guards threatening her if she so much as looked at them funny. Granted, she wouldn't have blamed them, with what she'd heard from the grapevine. Still...

Though she noticed that Kupni was leading her to a different house than she was in previously. Confused, she looked to her fluffy friend.]

Where are we- but B-04 is that way. [She pointed to the west, perplexed.]

W-well, B-04 is completely empty, so we t-thought you would like somewhere else with a roommate, kupo! [Kupni, if you were even more nervous, she could have sworn she'd seen actual sweatdrops as you fidgeted.] So you'll be staying in A-13 from now on! ...Please don't be mad, kupo...

[She sighs, loudly, though.] I'm not mad, though I do wonder what happened to the few things I had besides my tome and sword...

[...And what the hells was with the armor parked beside the house?]

??? || ???
[Can't see a reason to tag her from above prompts? She'll be wandering the town the next few days looking for as much info on what she missed while a crystal, so feel free to bump into her!]

a rude awakening

[dammit_flynn]

Hold, it, hold it. She's with me. Do us all a favor and not shoot down the Heroes of Light we have left.

[ Yuri stepped in front of the guards with his moogle floating above him. Yuri was keeping one of his hands near his sword, while his dog was hidden in the shadows waiting to protect its master if anyone were to shoot. ]

I know we're on edge lately, but you all need to take it easy.

[ He mused again. Surely his tone wasn't helpful but his gaze was. He wasn't really coming here to play hero but he wasn't going to let someone innocent get shot down for leaving the ward without their moogle. If he knew a thing or two about moogles, it is that they're always constantly moving about so they can protect their Heroes. He's assuming hers is the same. ]

[uncoiledpromise]

[The guard seems to hesitate for a moment, before looking at least slightly sympathetic.]

Sorry, but orders demand we not let any Heroes without their moogle companion exit the wing. She can wait inside until this "Kupni" arrives.

[Not that he sounded entirely reassured that she wasn't simply controlled like the others had been last week, but no warning shots were fired? Not yet, at least.]

T'is almost as if I'd slept through the apocalypse... [She muttered, shaking her head. As though recalling herself, she adds:] Thank you.

[dammit_flynn]

[ Yuri doesn't stop from standing in front of the individual. Honestly, he can sense their tense selves, but there isn't time for this kind of lynching or whatever it is they're trying to do to the girl. She doesn't look like a zombie nor does she act like one. ]

You know, if you keep treating us Heroes of Light like this, you'll only get nothing out of it. The lady looks pretty sane to me. I'm pretty sure she's not a zombie or whatever it is you're thinking she is. Plus, Acrisius can confirm that she's someone we know right?

[ The moogle shoots Yuri a look before sighing. ]

Indeed. Her moogle is waiting outside for us. We were asked specifically to pick her up in the meantime, Kupo.

[ Yuri gives her an almost sympathetic look. ]

It's been chaotic. I'm not sure how long you've been out but things changed pretty quickly around here. I can fill you in later if you'd like and no need for thanks.

[ He gives her a reassuring smile. If all else fails, he's going to make her run for it with him. ]

[uncoiledpromise]

[That's when the second guard, who was a bit less sympathetic spoke up:]

That's what we thought, until a few of you started to act like moogles two weeks ago!

[Ugh, why did hyuran guards have to be so idiotic? She was going straight from terrified to outright furious at the treatment she was getting from them; t'was almost as if she were in Downapolis again!]

Considering the temperature drop, a few moon cycles at least. T'would be appreciated.

[Yeah, she's ever more glad for the tactician's robes now. Her outfit she initially left for Eorzea in was not the best suited for colder climes... Fortunately, it isn't long before a loud, drawn out "kupo!" is heard from down the hall. The guards look a bit perplexed, turning to face the new arrival. If they were going to make a run for it, now was the time.]

[dammit_flynn]

[ Yuri gives him a blank stare. ]

You're kidding right? Why the hell would Heroes act like-- moogles?

[ He raised a brow at the guy though his tone hasn't changed much. Except this situation is a bit too sticky for his taste. ]

Sounds like a plan. So when I say go-- you're going to go. I'll follow right behind ya.

[ He whispered to her for a moment and then looked back at the guard. He slowly put his fingers to his mouth and makes a loud whistling sound. The guards will be assaulted by a large dog like creature with a knife in its mouth as soon as he whistles. ]

GO!

[ He made a push at her as he hears the Kupo! ]

[uncoiledpromise]

[The more incredulous guard raised his eyebrow at that.]

Did you not h- Hey, get back here- augh!!

[But it was too late, as Alisaie bolted past them and the dog (Twelve bless that pup; it totally deserves a few scraps later, in her humble opinion). It isn't long after they are out of line of sight, and that the source of the kupo is made known. Mostly in the fact that a moogle barreled right into the shorter Hero, clinging to her and burying his face into her tiny chest.]

M-miss Alisaie...! I-I'd been so worried, k-kupo!

Kupni? Where were you five minutes ago?

Hospital

[shepherd_prince]

What's going on here?

[Chrom had only intended to stop by and check on Robin, Emmeryn, and Morgan. Any time new Heroes start to appear, he can't help getting optimistic, even if each visit only culminates in disappointment. Alerted by the sudden tension of the guards, he hastened, and now he can see the obvious fear and hesitation in the guards. Though Chrom wasn't there when the mindless heroes slaughtered countless hospital staff, he knows it happened, so he can understand their reactions.]

Look at her. She's lucid. There can be no mistake that she is clearly not your enemy.

[He turns to Alisaie.]

You said your Moogle's name is Kupni? Kulevi.

[The Moogle with the dyed thatch of blue on top of her head pops up over his shoulder, draping herself over the armor plating.]

'Yeeeessss?'

See if you can find this Kupni she speaks of and bring him here at once.

'Understood!'

[She looks at Alisaie and winks playfully before zipping off with a few artful zig-zags before soaring out the nearest open window.]

Be at ease. They have good reason for their suspicions, but they will not act in haste.

Re: Hospital

[uncoiledpromise]

[Oh thank Thaliak, someone who actually has and utilizes reason. She almost smiles, lowering her hand slightly as she takes a single half-step back to better turn toward the other. He almost looked... familiar.]

...I am fully aware. [She replies, still a bit relieved to have a bit of confirmation of her assumption, but tries to hide it with a small "hmph!"] 'Tis not like Downapolis, after all.

[Yeah, she's still not fond of that city after how many others had perished because of a death cult.]

[shepherd_prince]

Downapolis...?

[Chrom turns to face her, for now she has his full attention.]

When were you in Downapolis?

[He knows several Heroes of Light traveled there earlier last month, but few have ever visited that accursed city for any extended period of time on account of the danger the cultists present. Could it be...?]

Were you part of that group that Kalki summoned to this world?

[uncoiledpromise]

Moons ago, wh-?

[She was about to ask why, when he made it obvious as to what he was implying. A little surprised, she nodded.]

Correct. I was one of the few who survived uncrystallized as well, but that did not last, as is plain by where we are.

[shepherd_prince]

[Chrom inclines his head slowly.]

I understand there have been some drastic changes in that city. It is largely abandoned now.

[He looks at the guards, stubbornly holding their positions. He's not military, nor a peace officer, so he can hardly tell them to stand down. Besides, the protocol is there for a reason. It won't hurt them to remain patient until Alisaie's Moogle returns.]

My name is Chrom. What month do you last remember? I'll try to bring you up to speed while we wait.

[uncoiledpromise]

Abandoned?

[That got her attention faster than much of what had already occurred in such a short span of time.]

Let's see... it was about a moon cycle after my group reached Mysidia, if I recall correctly. Pray tell, what has occurred?

[neverfirstclass]

[There were probably a couple of moogles that might have muttered about House A-13 being cursed. After all one of the occupants had come to Crystallis in the first wave of Heroes. All of his roommates since then however had wound up in crystal stasis and he'd been spending the past few months living alone.

And yes, parked alongside the house is a fierce looking magitek armor with hotrod red paint and flames, as well as a custom built motorcycle set up alongside it.

And right on cue a young man dressed in Santa garb with the hat and beard in his hand comes walking up with a moogle of his own. He has the look on his face of a man ready to get home, take a shower and do nothing until he goes to bed. He's not expecting a new occupant standing on the doorstep.]

Uh, hey...can I help you...oh! You're...

[Recognition of the moogle as well as the Hero herself filters into his mind.

SHIT! WHAT WAS HER NAME?

'Oh, right. You have a new roommate, kupo. I forgot to tell you.'

MAKO! Come on! I know you're sour about the lab but you have to tell me these things!

[uncoiledpromise]

[...This guy bears a striking resemblance to the legend on a certain triple triad card back home, she thinks, blinking and attempting not to chuckle. Ah yes, she recognized Mako.]

It has been some time, Mako. [She smiles politely, turning to Cloud.] I take it this is the hero you mentioned all that time ago, yes?

[She holds out a hand, out of courtesy also to get Kupni to stop coughing behind his hand.]

Alisaie Leveilleur. Apparently I'll be living here as well from now on, unless you find fault with this?

[Her father will likely kill her if he ever finds out, but then she's all but disowned at this point anyway!!]

[neverfirstclass]

[The moogle gives the Elezen a friendly nod while adjusting his glasses in a display of dignified cuteness.

Cloud's own expression loses the tension as she offers her name and her hand. Hearing it as he does he suddenly doesn't feel so bad for forgetting it and he's glad he didn't wind up mangling it. By the time he's shaking her hand he's wearing a warm and welcoming smile.]

No, not at all. Ah, I'm Cloud, Cloud Strife. I guess I better clean up a bit. I kinda spread out my stuff a bit after having the place to myself for a few months. But you've met Mako before? Did you just come out of crystal stasis?

[His eyes roll up slightly as a few thoughts slide into place.]

Was there another house you were staying at? [If she's moving in with him then maybe they filled it up? Or it was entirely empty at this point.] Do you have any belongings you need to go get?

[uncoiledpromise]

[Were her friend here, there would likely not be a single trace of "dignity" in that sentence. Still, she smiles just a bit more at the display, and the returned gesture.]

Nice to met you at last, Mr. Strife.

[She briefly glances to Kupni to be sure she used the correct term (after all, this world was weird when it came to not using sir/ser as oft as her own) before politely looking back to Cloud upon receiving a nod from the moogle.]

I did, yes. [Kind of answers both questions.] We met at the library not long after the two groups finally reunited, in a sense. Though I'm afraid it wasn't long after that when I too crystallized...

[Meaning: she's missed out on much more than she'd like to admit.]

I already took care of that, kupo. Her old house is empty now, so I grabbed what I could of her belongings before it was emptied out by the others.

[neverfirstclass]

[Ser would be a good way to get Cloud flustered at the least. Mister seemed acceptable but even that looks like it puts him on the spot.]

Just Cloud is fine. [A bit of sadness comes to his eyes as he finally figures out Alisaie's place among the Heroes.] I see...I'm sorry about all the others that were lost. It's good to have you back with us at least. And thank you for watching over us in Aqures Tosf.

[He then gives Kupni a nod, impressed with the moogle's initiative.]

I guess we just gotta get you moved in then. Again, sorry about the mess. I'll take care of it.

[uncoiledpromise]

Cloud, then. [An affirmative nod, and after a brief flicker of an unnamed emotion crosses her thoughtful expression, she seemed to steel herself.] ...You and I both, though you don't need to thank me.

[She is totally not blushing a little, nope. That said, the repeated apology got a small chuckle out of her.]

I lived with a twin brother who more than dabbled in various methods of artistic expression for most of my life. No need to fret over a little mess.

some point after the hospital?

[unyieldingspirit]

[The wing of crystallised Heroes has never been the happiest place, and K'pandolu doesn't think it can have got any better with the security guards about. With more of their friends in stasis, it's a poor welcome indeed, and K'pandolu goes quiet for a little while before speaking again.]

I could bring something by,if you liked.

werks!

[uncoiledpromise]

T'would be appreciated; thank you, K'pandolu.

[She smiles faintly, trying to ignore the security guards as much as she possibly could. Sigh; she truly hopes whatever has kept Kupni was something good.]

[unyieldingspirit]

[She tries not to worry about them; but every time someone moves she can't help a flicker of attention going that way. It's very annoying.

She smiles, though, ears lifting.]

All right, then. I'll see if I can't wrangle something past the guards now- and perhaps late, when you've settled, I can bring some other dishes I've been trying. Or a new type of cookie. It is turning towards that time of year, after all.

[she reaches out to touch Alisaie's shoulder, before going to try to negotiate with the guards.]

It won't take long- just a few moments, that's all. [she's no intentions of going very far at all, to be honest.]

[uncoiledpromise]

I thought I felt a chill coming from the windows...

[God gods, she'd been crystallized that long?] I shall be here. If Kupni arrives before you, I'll send him for you.

[unyieldingspirit]

[she pauses, considering]

I could- bring a scarf, but- I'd have to go further… Perhaps once Kupni's arrived.

[she snorts, but nods- she's just going to head to the nearest shop to buy a bag of cookies. Not the same as any she makes herself, but the point is more to get something for Alisaie, and so she returns with the bag in hand, looking around for Kupni.]

Here you go.

[uncoiledpromise]

[She doesn't have to look far for the little furball of nerves and constant kupos, as he's currently apologizing profusely for how long it took him to come find her. Something about having forgotten he'd left a box of her things in the spare closet of his estranged mother's house...?]

I-it's fine, believe- ah, thank you, K'pandolu.

[Alisaie almost looks relieved when the other returns, accepting the bag of cookies. How does she handle over-excitable moogle companion.]