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

Naminé || Kingdom Hearts

[redigere]

THE CITY OF AQURES IXEN

[Honestly, Naminé hardly notices that she's arrived to Aqures Ixen. Yes, she's walking towards what is supposedly supposed to be her new home with someone called Ira-- but there's no doubt that she's somewhere else, her expression troubled. Possibly on the verge of crying. Elmina notices and pats her shoulder.]

Cheer up, Naminé! Didn't you say earlier it was better that you don't have your original powers anymore, kupo?

[Naminé bites her lip and finally comes to a stop in front of the house, neatly marked B-06.]

I did. I did and part of me still thinks it's better that I don't. But I don't know if the things I gained instead are worth it. My heart-- [She clutches her chest, the thump-thump of it unfamiliar and frightening.] --my powers connected me to all my friends before. I finally have my own heart, but I'm so far away from them now. How is that better?

[Elmina has no answer. None that wouldn't upset her charge further, at least, so she instead gently strokes her tiny paw over Naminé's hair. And perhaps shoots a passing Hero of Light a beseeching "please help her" look.]

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY

[Getting the chance to settle in properly (and admittedly, seeing familiar faces) has done wonders for Naminé's mood. She's taken a bit of time to do some exploring on her own as a confidence-building exercise, getting used to the sheer novelty that she can do whatever she wants here, as a normal girl. Well, as normal as a Hero of Light is. She still doesn't understand why any higher power thought she would be of use, especially without her original memory manipulation abilities. For all that they were horrible to have, they were the only thing dangerous about her.

Questions like that soon leave her mind when she encounters one of the festive Moogles along the streets of Aqures Ixen. She blinks down at the flyer pushed into her hands, and she's more than happy to donate some gil, but...]

Christmas is next month, though...?

[She glances at a Hero of Light passing by, as if to ask for confirmation. Elmina cuts in anyways.]

That just means you get two months of Christmas, kupo!

[Naminé looks absolutely thrilled.]

Two months of Christmas? We have to start getting ready right away.

Do I even have to say which prompt? :3c

[acceptedoblivion]

[He'd just been on the way back from work, a couple grocery bags in his hand as he made a bit of small talk with Lin on the way to B-06. Today had already been exciting, having run across Sora (or, a Sora, more accurately) already, bit of an odd jump to his step as well. They may be from different timelines, where things went far differently, but it sure had been Sora. He was... almost relieved, really.

At least, until they two rounded the last corner and he noticed yet another very very familiar figure in front of his house.]

T-that's--!

[Lin tilted her head to the side, hand raised to her chin.]

Someone you know, kupo?

[Ira hesitated, unable to ignore a pang of guilt as he finally nodded.]

Yeah, she's... my friend.

A friend, huh? Then what are you waiting for, kupo! Let's go say hello!

Hey, wait!

[But it's too late. Lin is already fluttering over, not deterred in the slightest by her silly Hero's not!teenage antics. Though when she notices the expression on the other Hero's face, her voice softens.]

P-pardon me, kupo, but I couldn't help but overhear... [She offers Naminé a cookie she'd pilfered from Ira's bags the little thief-!, a small smile crossing her tiny mouth.] I-if I may say so, I don't think either is better or worse, kupo. Only different! At least, that's what my Hero's told himself the last year, kupo...

[Said hero may or may not be slowly (and cautiously) approaching the house as well, glancing between the offered cookie and his bag. Ugh, light, not again-!]

fufufu ♥

[redigere]

[Naminé lifts her head up, rapidly blinking away any tears that might spill from her eyes when she realizes a new Moogle is talking with her. It means another Hero of Light is close by, and she hardly wants to look like this in front of her own Moogle, let alone a Hero of Light, this small and trembling version of herself that she despises.

Her heart feels like it's wringing itself of all positive emotion, but she still tries for a wane smile as she accepts the cookie.]

Different...your Hero has a point. I should be grateful for this chance to actually exist as my own person. I think everyone would have liked that for me.

[So why can't she help herself from searching for the light and shadows of all the friends she's ever known? Is this what Sora felt like during his journey to find Kairi and Riku? This loneliness of someone with a heart, someone who has formed unbreakable connections but knows that the distance is almost impossible to bridge. It hurts so much more than the loneliness of having nothing at all, like those simple yearnings from Castle Oblivion so long ago.]

♥♥♥♥♥♥

[acceptedoblivion]

[She wasn't too wrong, about the other Hero being close by. He can't help but overhear what she and the moogles are talking about, so as he closes the last bit of distance, he calls out:]

... I was told the same thing, years ago now.

[He says years, but at a glance, he probably doesn't look much different than the real thing to her. Hair a similar mop-like mess, only pulled back into a pony tail because work wasn't thrilled with the whole "bangs in front of eyes" at the store.

For her sake, Ira smiles the same smile he always gave her, although it doesn't quite reach his eyes. It has been a long day, after all. Yet it wasn't the first time he let something like a "long day" deter him from other stuff.]

It's been a while, Naminé.

[redigere]

[Naminé whirls around, eyes wide. Here was someone she never expected to see again...and yet she of all people should know that ceasing to exist may not be as simple and clean as it implies.

Riku's memories had not been able to escape her magic, that year when she was fixing Sora. The memory of Riku Replica's death was horrible and vivid in her mind then, and it's the same now. She squeezes her eyes shut, blinking hard to push away the images and the guilt. She'd made her peace with it.

Whatever her life in this new world is going to be, it'd be better if they could start anew. The smile he gives her gives her a little bit of hope that it might be possible.]

Hi. I'm really glad we could see each other again.

[Just like Sora, Riku Replica seems to have a kind of maturity to him that worries her. Just what had they gone through? In the face of all that, her own problems seem small and insignificant.]

How much did you hear just now?

City!

[gorgeous_sin]

[Unfortunately RNG picked the worst possible character to come along, the 'Hero' that the Moogle is quietly pleading with is Lust, who merely arches an eyebrow with a return "why should I?" look.]

[Which earns a loud 'AHEM AHEM!' from Kujarl, Lust's Moogle. She shoots the traitor a dirty look, but Kujarl just flashes a toothy grin. The Moogle just likes a little chaos now and then, and this is what Lust gets for not inviting her to the Downapolis fight.]

[She sighs.]

If you're looking for sympathy, I'm not going to help you. But I can give you the address of someone who would.

[redigere]

[In spite of RNG picking Lust omfg the fact that she was speaking aloud, Naminé wasn't expecting anyone to speak back, aside from Elmina. Her head snaps up and immediately lands on the beautiful woman nearby.]

No, I-- I wasn't. Looking for sympathy, I mean.

[Nobody has offered her sympathy aside from Sora and Riku, so long ago. And then, a moment of hesitation.]

How would they help?

[gorgeous_sin]

[Lust regards the girl with a scrutinizing gaze for a moment, lifting her chin a little higher. Hmm...]

It's not important at the moment, particularly if you're not seeking good will and a pat on the head.

[Whether Naminé is speaking the truth or not, Lust isn't sure. Either she's being honest, or she's just a doormat.]

What is it you want, then?

NOPE, NEVER TOO EARLY

[uncoiledpromise]

[So this is how they celebrate Starlight Festival in this star... Wow, she doesn't know exactly what to say about it. Though she can't help but catch the excitement of two others nearby.]

I believe that leaves you on the same page as most of the locals, this day.

[She can't help but be amused, and just as enthused. Starlight, while it was a holiday hailing from Ishgard, was always a joyous time.]

I don't recall you from my first foray... Did you perhaps arrive not long ago?

bwahahaha

[redigere]

Oh--!

[Naminé startles and blushes when she realizes that someone had actually listened in on her child-like musings. Elmina stifles giggles behind her paws as her ward stumbles to find her dignity again.]

Yes, I only just arrived earlier this week. And it's my first Christmas, too, so I'm very excited for it. It's nice to meet you, Miss...?

[uncoiledpromise]

Your first...?

Ah, forgive me. Alisaie Leveilleur, a fellow Hero like yourself. [Only her crystal, as opposed to Naminé's red one, is white.]

It will be my first "Christmas" in this city as well.

City, though just a smidge before Cloud runs into Vanitas and Sora's Christmas prompts

[neverfirstclass]

[There is a Hero in the direction that Namine looks, but another face intercepts the attention.]

Kweh?

[The gold chocobo leans in, inspecting the newcomer for a moment. There's an intelligence in its eyes as it looks her up and down and gives her a little sniff. Then the moment is ruined as he catches her hair with his beak and gives it a friendly nibble.]

Hey Zack!

[A young man with spiky blonde hair rushes over, wearing most but not all of a Santa costume.]

Zack knock it off you might scare her! [He looks at her and smiles.] Hey, you're one of the new Heroes, right? I'm Cloud. This is Zack. Ah, he's a chocobo. If you don't have them in your world then I'm told they're close to 'horses'. Kinda.

[redigere]

[The sudden arrival of a chocobo who apparently thinks she's edible is so startling that Naminé just comes to a full stop of surprise, rapidly blinking away any oncoming tears by just staring up at this warm, kind creature. She reaches up to give it a little pet over its beak, her voice soft as she speaks to it.]

Hello. Where did you come from?

[Elmina is visibly relieved for the distraction.]

Glad it's not coming after me too, kupo...

[She turns at the voice and has to reign in her surprise at who she sees there. It's Cloud. But...he looks very different from the Cloud she-- or rather, Sora-- remembers. Smiling. Talkative. Friendly, even. She immediately dismisses the idea of asking what had changed. It's not like he knew her, back on their world, so it's just best to leave that alone. And it'd be nice to get to know people the proper way, right from the beginning. Instead of knowing things about them before they've even met.]

Hello, Cloud. I'm Naminé, and this is Elmina. I don't have chocobos on my world, but...I think I like them a lot already. They're very sweet.

[neverfirstclass]

[Zack, for his own part, doesn't have a very strong grip on her hair at all. He just saw that the girl needed to be cheered up and everyone feels better after having their plumage preened, right? Especially blonde people since they're closer to the coloring of most chocobos. That's his logic anyway.

Even so, Zack gives the moogle a look on the order of 'is that a challenge' before Cloud runs over. The bird releases her hair and takes a small step back, puffing its chest out as it stands alongside its partner. Not just the smile and festive garb, but this Cloud also seems younger than any Namine might have met. Also absent is the soft green glow from his eyes. All told, this Cloud seems less...worn.]

Namine, nice to meet you. You too Elmina.

'KWEH!'

Ah I see. Well, there's the ranch just outside of town if you ever want to see more of them or want one of your own. We could always use more help taking care of them too.

[The smile fades a bit as his thoughts catch up to him.]

How much have you been filled in about this world?

it's never too early

[fusedshadows]

If you like to waste your time on things like that, I suppose.

( off to the side, midna had invited herself into the conversation, floating in the air just a short distance from naminé. ) Wrapping gifts, stuffing your face with sweets, "holiday cheer" tch. Who knew light dwellers had so much time on their hands.

[redigere]

[If it's talk about light and dark then of course Naminé is going to be pinged, regardless of who mentions it. She glances at the girl and takes a moment to wonder how she's levitating like that. Is it the same thing that lets Moogles float without needing to flap their wings?]

I think it's just one way for them to have fun during the winter. Otherwise it'd get very miserable, just sitting around and trying to stay warm.

[fusedshadows]

Winter, summer, people are always looking for excuses to try and make themselves feel better. ( midna turns up her palms, shaking her head, still floating effortlessly. )

But honestly, is getting ready this early necessary? It's still more than a month's time away.

City

[unyieldingspirit]

[Catching that glance, K'pandolu nods.]

Well- that's what some people call it, I hear, so- yes.

How do you celebrate it, if I might ask?

[redigere]

[More than eager to engage in conversation about Christmas with a stranger, Naminé turns, Elmina following and shaking her head good-naturedly.]

I've never actually celebrated it before, myself, but on my world people play in the snow and go ice skating and give each other presents. Santa Claus gave everyone presents too...though one time Christmas and Halloween got a bit mixed up.

[unyieldingspirit]

No? Well- I hope this will be a good first celebration for you. [Since… everything else is, well, what it is. And if she hasn't celebrated before- things must be difficult where she's from.]

Those two holidays were mixed up? How? And- how well did they combine? It seems a strange mix…

Too Early For What?

[worstintheworld]

[Natalia pauses as the young lady addresses her. My, this holiday seems to be a bigger deal than she realized! Now she's doubly relieved that Sora and Santa Claus (Cloud) explained it to her, and that she had the good foresight to request the job from Cid as soon as possible. Of course she doesn't have it yet, but soon. Soon.]

My, so you're familiar with this holiday as well? It seems more widespread than I would have believed!

[But she seems pleased at Naminé's enthusiasm and smiles, nodding firmly.]

Agreed. I should very much like to see this Santa's Village for myself. It happens to be located rather close to Trano Golsaucia, so I don't think it would be too far out of the way.

[But she can fret over schedules and travel plans later.]

Tell me, what must one do to prepare for this holiday?

[redigere]

[Naminé is embarrassed to be caught so enthusiastic by such a regal looking lady, but Christmas is definitely too enjoyable of a holiday to be embarrassed for too long. She claps her hands, the imagery coming to mind instantly.]

Oh, there should be lots of decorations, like wreaths and mistletoe and tinsel everywhere. A Christmas tree is the most important, of course, with lots of ornaments. The traditional ones are the colored orbs, but anything handmade is wonderful too.

Don't forget all the food, kupo! Everything should smell like nutmeg and cinnamon and gingerbread!

[worstintheworld]

[Natalia listens, entranced by the descriptions as she tries to imagine what it's like. Certainly she enjoys greenery, so it sounds as if a trip to the greenhouse may be in order to find some of these items.]

I see! It sounds rather extravagant. ...But I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook myself.

[Understatement of the year.]

Tell me, what is mistletoe? I'm not familiar with that particular item.

the city.

[terrorfirma]

( edna stops short a little ways behind naminé, though close enough to hear the conversation between the girl and her moogle. ) Well, that's some pretty heavy news for your first day. ( because it was obvious this girl was new.

stepping closer, the seraphim looked naminé over a little more closely, before she tilted her head to the side, turning the handle of her umbrella over her shoulder idly. ) Most humans are more worried about where they're going to sleep for the night, or where's the best place to stuff their faces full of food. And here you are, going on about finally having your own heart.

Anyway, there's no sense in worrying about whatever powers you had before since they're gone now.

[redigere]

[Naminé flinches a little at the voice behind her, turning to face the other girl.]

I wasn't human before. And I don't know-- I don't think I feel human, even with this heart. I-I'm sorry, if I bothered you with my rambling.