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

[enter_the_darkness]

It's Way Too Early

[Suddenly being in a strange world, wearing stupid-looking clothes, while constantly getting followed by some weird creature isn't even the worst of it. No, this is something he'd be able to handle, no problem. The worst of it's being in a strange world, wearing stupid clothes, getting pestered by a weird creature... with no way of leaving and with none of his own powers.

Even just by glancing at Vanitas, it's clear he's far from happy with his situation.

Which is why it might not be too surprising that he's quick to shut down the Moogles who are trying to talk him into visiting some stupid village. The fact that he's already got the Santa Claus Job would make this even better, after all!

...Sadly, the flier will be crumbled and tossed aside without a second thought, and he's not even hesitating to turn and walk in the opposite direction right after. The pair of Moogles look about as crushed as the paper he just threw to the ground, and his own Moogle is actually scolding him.]

I told you to beat it, fur ball. [Even as the poor guy demands that Vanitas call him Plena (not fur ball -- how RUDE, kupo), he's walking faster.]

New Life, New "Home"

[For those living in house B-10, things are about to get... interesting.

He's far from happy to find that he'll be living with someone else. It's with a huff-like sigh, he moves through the place, quickly trying to find the bedroom that isn't already occupied. Once that's sorted out, he will be moving to the living area and collapsing into the couch. Leaning back, he rests an arm over his eyes, releasing a heavy sigh.

This is a lot to take in, even for him.

When Plena starts to talk, trying to explain the crystals, he lifts a hand and swats at the Moogle, almost as though he's nothing more than a fly.] If you want to be useful, try being quiet for a change.

[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!]

Is it too early?

[mindofathief]

[Duster is a person that is often overlooked. He is quiet, he doesn't agitate easily. Being one of the chillest guys around lulls everyone into a false sense of security that he is never emotional.

But that man did not crush the spirits of the adorable Moogles.

Dressed in his own Santa outfit, he rushes to the crumpled flyer to flatten it out, rubbing his on his leg to get the worse of the creases out.]

Can I take this?

[The Moogle volunteers nod. The embarrassment from Vanitas' rude reply not completely gone, but somewhat healed. Duster folds the sheet of paper and slides into his before before turning to the other Hero.]

They're been working really hard on this, you know.

Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear | Tales of the Abyss

[worstintheworld]

The Threat to Trano Golsaucia

It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Natalia that she's pretty much jumped into her role feet first, rolling up her proverbial sleeves and getting straight to work. There was still a great deal about this place she didn't know, but Kumew had been an absolute gem in answering her barrage of questions. Her curiosity was not yet sated, but she knew enough for now.

What frustrated her the most was the lack of her skills, even as an archer. Her natural talents should have allowed her to assault the crystalline beasts with a flurry of arrows. Instead she could scarcely manage more than one at a time. Her accuracy remained as sharp as ever, but even so. She found the whole situation to be more than stressful, especially with her weakened healing abilities.

It was fortunate that most of the Tarutarus remained as safe as they could be within the city limits, and she had to admire their dedication to restoring the grandeur of the city they loved so much. But every now and then, a monster could still break through. If Natalia was lucky, she could drive it off and use her White Magic to heal the wounds. If she wasn't lucky...

It was really too sad to think about.

Finding Natalia wasn't all that difficult. She could often be seen walking the perimeter of the city with an arrow nocked to her bow, green eyes sharp and focused as she scanned for threats. She rested and ate when she could, knowing it would be unwise to push herself too hard, especially when she was still waiting for reinforcements. Natalia just hoped Kumew would return soon with the pension she was supposedly granted, which had been placed in her new quarters in Aqures Ixen. Bundles of arrows didn't come cheap, and neither did the rates of even the most inexpensive hotel in Trano Golsaucia.

[OOC: Want to fight monsters? Find a Mu and give it some fire? Take a break on the streets? Escort her home? The sky's the limit!]

* * * * *

House B-07 (and open to neighbors and passersby)

[When Natalia finally completes her long (and unexpected) stay in Trano Golsaucia, coming to Aqures Ixen is a literal ray of sunshine. It feels so good to have the sun on her face again, and the air seems downright balmy after dwelling in that chilly city for so long.]

[She's eased the string on her bow and slung the weapon across her shoulders, walking gracefully down the street with her head held high despite the weariness of her body. She's so tired, and could certainly do with a hot meal and a nice long bath. As such, her first order of business is to seek out the house to which she was assigned and meet her new roommates.]

[As Natalia starts down the little stone walkway leading to the front door, a little Moogle zips in front of her, colliding with the princess's shoulder and squeaking in surprise.]

Goodness! Are you all right?

[The Moogle shakes its head to gather its senses, fluffs up its fur, and presents her with a neatly folded brochure.]

'This is for you, kupo!'

[As Natalia takes it, the Moogle flies off, leaving her to examine the contents.]

My...! A discount for new Heroes to visit the Fairy Spa, with massage treatments and a hot spring?

[She's very tempted. She curls her fingers thoughtfully under her chin. There's so much work to do, she feels guilty at the thought of indulging like this. But the chance to relax and have someone work her sore muscles...]

I really shouldn't...

[...buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut...]

* * * * *

It's Never Too Early

What's this?

[Natalia accepts one of the flyers and reads it curiously. While she's had quite enough of the cold thanks to waking up in Trano Golsaucia, the pictures featured on the paper she's holding seem so warm and cozy that it lights her heart up just looking at them. She isn't familiar with the concept of Christmas and Santa Claus, so the Moogles have found themselves a very attentive listener.]

[Or they would, if a Hypello didn't just come by and leave a large donation. Both Moogles squeal with delight and fly up to the fellow to shake his weird gross hand, leaving Natalia to figure things out on her own.]

[Well. They seem busy, so she turns and briefly scours the streets before her eyes land on a fellow Hero.]

You. Come here.

[She holds up the flyer, waiting patiently for her new contact to approach. Once this individual arrives, she gives the paper a light shake.]

What can you tell me about this Christmas celebration, and the Santa Claus job? I sincerely hope you plan on using this job yourself, it sounds as if there is a great need for its use, does it not?

-------------------

[OOC: Brackets and prose tags are both fine with me, as are original starters if nothing above suits your fancy.]

[skyofreverie]

Chocobo Farm - Closed to Naminé

[He'd reached for the light in the darkness, desperately clung to it in hopes of banishing the emptiness. Maybe it only seems like a lot of time has passed for Sora because the darkness feels like its crushing in around. Maybe a lot of time did actually pass. All he knows is that he had to hold on to the light, let it rest in his hands and soak in the warmth it radiated.

Then something is tugging on his hair. Groggily he reaches up to swat at the creature doing it, expecting to feel the soft and smoothness of his cat's fur. That isn't at all what he touches. It's hard and there are feathers where his fingers brush against. Instantly his eyes pop open and Sora is staring up at the beak of a giant chicken.

A giant chicken that just so happens to be trying to eat his hair.]

Hey! Stop that! [Sora pushes himself up to a sitting position, feeling a yank to his head as he frees his brown spikes from the chocobo.

The bird straightens to its full height too, way up there that Sora has to tilt his head to look at it.]

That's... a chocobo. [Memories from years ago provide the name for the creature. Memories that don't belong to him but have a home somewhere besides in his head.] Wait is this..?

[He can't finish that question, breath caught in his chest. It's a new world. Is it their world? The one that belongs to the other versions of people he knows. Sora scrambles to his feet, looking around and there sure are a lot of chocobos here - ones of all colors just like his stolen memories can recall.]

What world is this? [Sora asks the question loudly, so loudly that several of the nearby chocobos all look at him curiously and some even startle back away from him.]

Aqures Ixen - It's too early - Part 1

[The trip to the nearby city had been tiring without his usual abilities. He'd had to rely solely on magic to defeat the enemies on the trip here but Sora had good company. It hadn't been his Nami at his side but she was Naminé just the same. Now that he's here all he wants is some food in his stomach, a nice long shower and an even longer nap.

Thankfully fighting all of those enemies had gotten him some munny... or was it gil here? Enough for a meal and maybe a room at some inn for the night. Either way the busy city life has Sora feeling like he should be painting on a smile much like he had in the last big city he'd been in. Before he can make it extremely far into the city it isn't easy to miss all of the festive cheer.

It has him stopping in a large and crowded courtyard as he looks up at decorations.]

So it's Christmas time again. That feels weird. [Christmas had only been a few months back for him.] Though I guess I did kind of miss it being dead and all.

[Sora isn't really paying attention to the people around him, nor is he attempting to keep his words spoken only for him to hear.]

Aqures Ixen - It's too early - Part 2

[Eventually Sora has a moogle of his own following around behind him, an orange tabby is also perching on his shoulder as if this were an everyday occurence. Sora has completed step one of his list of things to do in the city and now has a full belly. It's revived him a bit, perked him up so that he can better enjoy the festive cheer around him. He's darting through the streets in an erratic manner, almost as if he's attempting to escape something. Either way it's weird.

He does stop when a flyer is handed a flyer to him by one of the cutely dressed moogles and Sora actually stops long enough to look it over.]

Santa's village, huh? I wonder if Santa's really going to come here. [There's something in his face and it almost might seem out of place. Sora is smiling, sure, but there's also a bit of sadness to it. The smile doesn't quite make it to his eyes.]

Look there! [His moogle moves in to point at a spot on the flyer.]

Huh? [Sora peers at it more closely and then he laughs lightly.] Oh! Maybe that's why I have the Santa job! I should definitely check it out later.

It's never ever too early

[skyofreverie]

[Sora is definitely a fellow Hero and actually is utilizing his job as Santa. Seeing as how there doesn't appear to be trouble in this city, he's done the red suit and is doing his best to pass along his Christmas cheer. Even after everything it is still his most favorite holiday of the year.

So when a voice calls out to him, unfamiliar but insistent, Sora turns towards her. At the sight of the flyer in her hand he does indeed move closer.]

Oh! [He's a bit surprised at the questions. It seems like it's been so long since he's had to explain Christmas and Santa to anyone.]

Well, Christmas is a holiday celebrated during the winter season that has some religious meaning to some worlds out there. Though I've found that for a lot of worlds it basically all comes down to spending time with your friends and family with good cheer, great food and even gifts. You can do all kinds of winter activities with each other like ice skating, building snowmen, going skiing, sitting together and drinking warm drinks around a fire.

Santa Claus isn't just a job. He's a person. One who wears something like this. [Sora motions to his red clothes with white fur trim. He even has the hat on, though it's a little crooked on his head.] He has a big belly and an even bigger heart. Every year on Christmas Eve, Santa uses magic to deliver presents to all of the good boys and girls who belive in him. I haven't exactly understood why it's a job yet but I don't think you need the job to spread the good cheer around.

[He laughs and scratches at his cheek with one of his seriously scarred fingers.] I think the moogles are just extremely excited to have people take on the job so they're trying to encourage it.

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.

[worstintheworld]

[By now most people might be regarding Sora with a healthy dose of skepticism, or at least humoring his explanation. Natalia doesn't question any of it for a single second.]

My, it sounds like an absolutely charming holiday! And to think that someone would be so kind as to use his magic and generosity for the sake of the children. Why it's no wonder the Moogles have been suggesting we take on his job and visit his village.

[Natalia seems delighted by Sora's explanation. It's got her fired up to request this job immediately so she can be of service. Of course, that does leave her with the quandary of which familiar job she'd have to set aside. She folds her arms thoughtfully, about to debate the matter when she notices Sora's hands. They're scars, not wounds, so she can't possibly heal them with her spells, but the sight does cause her some concern.]

Oh, your poor hands! You must have been through something dreadful indeed if you bear that many scars.

[She lays her fingertips against her collarbone.]

My name is Natalia. And you are?

It's (always) too early - Part 1!

[acceptedoblivion]

[Only having about thirty minutes to take a break before the mad dash for closing was killer, especially with how the moogles would get about decorating and fliers on Santa Village. Maybe he'd at least buy a few of the toys at the store he worked at to donate to the cause...

It was halfway to the bakery he's visited so many times since his arrival that he noticed a very familiar scent; one he hasn't caught wind of in well over a year. Not outside of the hospital, at least. Almost like it had doubled, but not quite?

Without thinking about it, he decided to skip his lunch break and nearly broke into a sprint when he saw the familiar spiky brown hair. As he spotted him, he could feel the anxiety and indecision pulling at him, long before his moogle had time to ask him to slow down. This scent was similar, but not quite the same as any Sora he'd ever met. In his brief moment of hope and trepidation, he'd nearly forgotten the basic truth he'd already come to accept.

This wouldn't be the Sora he knew, would it.

Activating Dark Mode under his retail uniform, just in case he would have to make a speedy getaway (most likely because he'd be running late for work after this), he slowly approached. Though he could feel his heart nearly dropping at hearing the last four words.]

...Almost. [No, going to ignore the last bit-] They like decorating for big events like this over a month in advance. Especially the Starlight Festival and Night of the Thirteen Moogles. Just missed that one, fortunately.

[Despite himself, he smirks a little bit.]

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-!]

[redigere]

Sora?

[The new voice startles more of the chocobos away, a sea of yellow feathers parting until Naminé is revealed on the other side. It's clearly not his Naminé. She's still wearing that white dress, and her left eye is still a clear ocean blue. But it's a Naminé, one whose troubled expression only gets more alarmed when she gets a good look at him. All the things she'd been about to say-- it's good to see you again, I don't know where we are, why couldn't I sense your presence just now, Sora my chest hurts-- all of it dies on her tongue.

What memories would she see, if she still had her powers, if she had reason to sort through them one more time? The boy smiling at Kairi on the beach just a few minutes ago...what happened that the man in front of her now is who that boy had become? She isn't sure she wants to know. But at the same time there's the undeniable feeling of needing to know. To take his heart between her hands and fix it once again, so that he can return to the life he'd been fighting so long for.

She can't know what he's been through, can't know what to fix. Doesn't even know if he remembers her properly. But she can try to mend what little bits of him she can. Naminé would devote whatever second life she has right now to that, to this Sora.

She lets out a soft sound, and new heart breaking, holds out her hands to him.]

It's good to see you again.

[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.]

[skyofreverie]

[By this point in his life, Sora has had a lot of varying reactions to the idea of Christmas and Santa Claus. Some think he's foolish but it's a matter of fact that Santa's workshop exists somewhere out there. This teen is not one those people, her enthusiasm brings a smile to his face.]

It is a great holiday. One of my favorites. I always liked the fact that there was someone who delivered gifts for the sake of giving. [He nods and looks over his own Moogle.] Yeah, I can see why they'd do that. With everything happening here they're trying to bring a bit a cheer and hope to the people. I'm helping out as much as I can with that. Mostly by lending my hands to help with the construction of the Village they're building.

[Even though he doesn't have his usual abilities, he can still work with his hands to build things. That was something that he could do despite being stripped of pretty much every other ability he'd had.

He blinks in confusion when she makes the first comment about his hands. Then proceeeds to laugh it off like it isn't a big deal.]

Oh, yeah. I guess. It doesn't seem like that bad now that they've healed.

[Not in comparison to when he got them.]

Nice to meet you, Natalia. I'm Sora. Are you new to this world?

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.]

plz, at least it's not Christmas in July

[skyofreverie]

[Sora is so engrossed in this flyer that he doesn't notice the approach of a face that he does know. Not that he would anyway. He's been without his powers before whenever the doctors or Val decided they needed the struggle but sometimes he just doesn't have the energy to keep an eye out for trouble.

Or possible trouble. It's not like he can smell the people he knows from a distance like Riku and Mera (he's been Mera to him for so long that it's the name that's stuck, besides he can't just call him Replica Riku).

So he stands there unaware while not-Mera draws closer and gets the opportunity to assess this not-Sora that has invaded this new world. Of course Sora still thinks it's all a big mistake - that this world has summoned the wrong version because he hasn't ever saved a world before. At most he's just been a visitor that experienced some things but then just kept moving on by. He's never even saved a world created by a team of doctors.

The familiar voice has his head shooting up, paper completely forgotten in his hands even as they clench around it tightly enough to crumple the edges. He stares at the face. Sora has seen it all in his journey across ships and worlds. He's seen Riku in all parts of his life - tiny and innocent, young and on the verge of doing something terrible, one who was Riku inside but had the face of another, teenager and best friend, dream versions, Riku the Keyblade Master. This is not any of those.]

Oh. [Sora makes no move for a weapon of any kind, doesn't attempt to defend himself. The person standing in front of him is Mera... not-Mera, his mind helpfully supplies. His next words are spoken almost distractedly as if he isn't really thinking about it at all.] I'm a little disappointed I missed out on the Starlight Festival. It sounds nice.

[A brief pause. Curiously:] What's the Night of the Thirteen Moogles?

♥♥♥♥♥♥

[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.

[skyofreverie]

[In the brief moment when she says his name and he gets his first look at her, Sora's hope skyrockets. Then it comes crashing back down when the chocobos disperse and he lays eyes on her. All of the differences are so glaring obvious that it would be impossible to mistake her for the Nami he knew. So he hadn't managed to make it back to Hinoto-Ri either. This really was a new world. Or at least a different one. And the Naminé that stands across the pen from him isn't the one he'd spent months with in the Facility.

Even though she isn't the one he expected to see, Sora is still glad to see her. So he gives her a smile, not touching on the alarm that had been so evident on her face. Sometimes he wonders what he looks like to the different versions of his friends. Someone thinner, paler, still muscled and with brown spikes that defy gravity and blue eyes that are deep as the sky. But there's also a weariness that rests upon his shoulders sometimes, a grief that sometimes feels like it's hollowed him out inside. He's always careful to cover the scars he's collected, to prevent others from blaming themselves for the ones they couldn't stop from happening. To stop himself from constantly looking at them and remembering how he'd gotten each and every single one of them.

From here Sora can see the questions she doesn't ask. Doesn't offer any answers to them just yet because he's gotten used to carrying them so close and not telling others about them. It hurts to share - both him and the one he shares with. Not that keeping it all for himself didn't hurt too.

The Naminé standing before doesn't know all of the memories he holds, not yet. He'd never had to share all those things with her like he did with other people. Always she knew what lay in his head and his heart. It almost hurts that she doesn't now but Sora doesn't blame her for it. Actually he's a little bit grateful because all he can think about is that room where it was kill or be killed. The jailers had sent so many of the people he loved into that room - copies of them, he's sure but it hadn't made the pain any less.

It's only when Naminé speaks that he realizes that he's just been standing there, staring at her without really seeing her. The smile that's still on his face has probably gone wrong - a mere shadow of what it should be. Without hesitation Sora crosses over to her, instantly enfolding her in his arms for a hug.]

I'm glad to see you too. [His words are genuine because he is, without a shadow of a doubt, happy to see those he cares about. Sora holds her as if she is the most precious thing in the world right now. (And she is to him.) He holds her as if embracing a sibling he hasn't seen in forever but loved immensely.]

BOOP 1/?? I need multiple comments to properly express Sora's emotions in this moment

[skyofreverie]

[He'd been in his room, laying back on the new bed (wow, it's so comfortable) and staring up at the ceiling when there are sounds of movement and talking beyond his closed door. For the longest time Sora doesn't move, long enough for the other person to claim a bedroom. Moving from this spot seems like a huge chore at the moment so he simply lays there, Mittens curled up on his chest and purring as he idly pets her.

Eventually he finds the energy to move... though it might be more accurate to say that he can't get to sleep and take a nap. The idea that he'll go to sleep and have nightmares without his Dream Eaters has made it impossible to shut down his mind.

Since a nap is out of the question he might as well go greet his new housemate. Though as he cracks his door open, a frown instantly forms on his face. The voice is familiar but he can't quite place it. Maybe it's someone he knew and lost a long time ago. It's possible. But that isn't the only reason he's frowning. It's the tone mostly.

He steps out of his room and into the living room to give this guy a pieces of his mind.] Hey! You don't have be so mean. Your moogle is only trying to--

[skyofreverie]

...help. [The outrage slides right off his face, it disappears from his words and instead slides into confusion.

Welp, that's... new.

Okay not new completely. Sora has seen clones of himself, he's seen all kinds of things that look like such as Shadows and shadows and evil clones out to make his life miserable. But he's never seen it like this.

With black hair and gold eyes. And so he has to settle on confusion as his primary emotion at the moment because Sora hasn't yet decided how to feel.]

[skyofreverie]

[It only takes a second longer before he decides on the emotion to express. Sora jabs a finger at the near identical twin casually sitting on the couch and it's anger.]

Don't say such mean things with my face!

[Yes, because that is exactly what is the problem here. The stranger saying mean comments and looking like Sora. It's the worst crime that has ever existed, probably. Or at least it's currently the worst crime until a more cruel one comes along.]

[skyofreverie]

[There's something else, though. Something bugging Sora in the back of his mind that he's probably forgotten. A lot of things have been forgotten in his life like the fact that he can't remember the last test he'd taken in school or even what grade he might have gotten on it.

But this one seems important and his head is starting spin with the effort it's taking to retrieve this forgotten memory. He leans forward and squints hard at this imposter as if a closer look will bring it to the surface to grasp. This time the emotion he's experiencing is frustration. Frustration at this lookalike not ringing any bells, frustration at himself for forgetting in the first place.]

Who are you anyway?

[skyofreverie]

[Realization is slow to creep in. He realizes what this is, realizes why he doesn't and does have this sense of familiarity. It all makes sense now that he knows.

Sora had never seen this person before, not really because looking in the mirror absolutely do not count. Not even on his bad days. Eyes widen with the realization that he does know this person though. In a way.]

It's you! You're why...! [This is the reason Ventus had been angry the first time they'd ever spoken. The blond boy had mistaken Sora for this guy. He hadn't gotten much out of Ven about this guy and a lot of the conversation keeps escaping him but he knows enough. Ven was a good person and didn't like this guy who looked like Sora so this guy sitting on the couch watching Sora go through all of these emotions was not a good one.]

okay done

[skyofreverie]

[Sora shakes his fist, now a combination of many of the previous emotions he just filtered through.]

Ugh! Why can't I remember your name? [While he could just call him "you", he also doesn't want other people to mistake them for brothers or the same person or whatever. It's happened before with other people who looked less like Mr. Grumpy did.]

And why did you have to go and use my face? [Okay, Sora does actually know but he's not about to go telling that to this guy.]

If headmod had his way, EVERY day would be Christmas though.

[acceptedoblivion]

[It probably doesn't help much that, other than the retail uniform and the pony tail, he kind of looks about the same age as Riku was when the encoder exploded and he retained his real appearance back. That and maybe a few of the scars gave it away...

Shaking his head, he elects to ignore the slight staring. Eh, he was probably just trying to figure out which one of the dorks who wear this face he is.]

Only last year's... It's next month. [A small "heh" escapes him.] Night of the Thirteen Moogles is this world's name for Halloween, which was about a week ago. Starlight is their Christmas.

Name's Ira, by the way.

[Whether that name means anything or not, who knows.]

Sora could go for that just so long as there isn't magic mistletoe

[skyofreverie]

[Not really. Mera hardly ever changed back in the Facility. Sure they all got other clothes whenever they went to the various F3s but it's more weird to see him in a uniform with his hair pulled back. All he does know is that the person standing in front of him is the one from Castle Oblivion. He doesn't know how he can tell them apart because they're both Riku but he can. Maybe it comes from the time he spent with both of them around at the same time.

Actually, the staring wasn't because he was trying to figure out who was wearing the face. He was trying to figure out if it was Mera. And if it wasn't Mera then he was half-expecting an attack. Not that Sora would have fought back all that much.]

Oh, haha. I get it. Guess I just saw Santa on the flier and thought they were calling it Christmas. My bad. [WELL THEN, of course Sora's going to like the Starlight Festival because it's Christmas.] So it's November again. Why is it always November?

[It was November when he got the Facility the first time, it was November for his first termination, and November again when he arrived to the last world. All this made it hard to keep track of just how long he's been doing this.

There's a single nod of his head but no recognition.] Right, Ira then.

[The name is sort of close to the one he'd picked in the Facility. Here's hoping he doesn't mess that up.]

I'm Sora. [As if it's important he announce that rather than just habit whenever meeting someone new. And it is. Technically he's a replica of the real thing but still calls himself Sora. But he's already moving on from that introduction - pointing to the orange tabby cat on his shoulder.] That's Mittens.

[Then a gesture to the moogle.] And Ina.