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!]

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.

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.

[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.]

[arcward]

Hospital
[Jaune gasped as he was suddenly able to breathe again – when had he even stopped? He crashed down on all fours, drinking in the air like he had been without it for days. After a moment of deep breathing, his eyes widened when he realized he wasn’t wearing his normal hoodie and makeshift armor. He stretched his neck to look at his ensemble.]

What the heck is going on here?

[He looked around and blinked, seeing the statues that surrounded him.]

Where the heck is here?

[He stood up and started to slowly make his way around the room, examining the crystals and stopping in front of a familiar one.]

What the…? Blake? But why is she-

‘Kupo!’

[Jaune shrieked at the noise, flailing wildly and nearly knocking Blake over, just barely managing to catch her before she shattered against the tile.

Hopefully no one saw that.]
------------------
Mistakes Were Made

[Jaune’s luck, it seemed, had run out. First he was sucked out of his own world and thrown here, and now he was being mugged, and it wasn’t even his fault! One wrong turn had led him right to the criminal, who was now threatening him with a knife, demanding his money. His moogle seemed to be of little help, cowering behind him.]

I already told you: I don’t have any money!

[The mugger took that as a lie, apparently, since his response was a growl and a lunge forward. Jaune stumbled backwards out of the way with a yelp. He scrambled for his sword, thankful he still had that, at least, and held his shield up defensively.]

You’re messing with the wrong guy, you know. I’m a Hero of Light.

[Or so they told him. Personally, he wasn’t so sure, but if it got the guy to back off… Unfortunately it did not, and he barely had the chance to raise his shield from the next blow.]
---------------
Home Sweet Home (B-12)

[Jaune looked unsure as he approached his new home. None of this made sense. He was in a new world, the aura he had finally figured out how to use didn’t work, and now he was rooming with strangers. And to top it all off, he was being followed by some weird animal, helpful as it may be. He still wasn’t convinced that this wasn’t just some weird dream and he’d wake up in his own bed.]

‘Go on, kupo! Go meet your new friends!’

[Jaune nodded before fishing his key out of his pocket.]

Well, here goes nothing.

[He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and looked around. There was no one there, but then again he didn’t usually stand around in doorways either.]

Hello? Is anyone home?
----------------
Operation: Make Jaune Santa Claus

[Jaune’s mind was still swimming at the idea of being in a new world, so it was understandable that he was caught off guard by the pair of moogles that had taken his hand and started to lead him away.]

Listen, you guys seem really nice and I’m sure it’s for a good cause and all, but I’m kind of new to town and I don’t even know where I live yet.

[Whether or not they heard or were just ignoring him was yet to be seen as the moogles kept dragging him down the street.]

‘Once you get there you’ll see how great it is!’

[To anyone watching, it was probably comical a teenager being pulled away with a moogle on each arm. Jaune, however, was not amused, but couldn’t figure out how to get them to stop. He turned to his moogle for help.]

Pumpkin Pete, help me!

[i_want_to_believe]

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

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

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

How much further till we get there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giant chickens?

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

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

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

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

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

Who still believes in Santa Clause?

[handle]

a) the search for heroes

[ Sorey's trying to find his footing.

Considering that it wasn't too long ago since he left his home, muchless done it alone, this is... a rather unique experience, to put it lightly. He's somehow found his way into wilderness. Luckily or him, he's got the experience in strange, new places and fighting. However, fighting with the power he's been given here? That's another story entirely.

If your character runs into him, they'll find him fighting a monster that he's run into. However, he makes no effort to strike an fatal blows at his enemy, focusing more on defense rather than offense.

When he hears your character approach, he'll quickly turn his head, eyes wide. ]

--Watch out! I've got this!

b) it's never too early

[ Waking up in an entirely new world is once thing, yet being told that he's a hero int that world is-- well, that part might not be new in particular to him, but suddenly being thrown into a situation like this is. First things first, though. He'll take the time to explore and take in his surroundings before he does anything else. You need to get to know where you are before you can do anything else, right? And... Frankly, the world sure does seem bright and cheerful right now.

It's a nice sight, to put it lightly.

When he hears others complaining about how bright it is, he blinks a little, tilting his head. ]

I get that it's a holiday, but-- is it really so bad for things to be like this early?

[ However, he's quickly cut off when a moogle grabs his hand, insisting for him to follow them. ]

--Huh? Uh, okay! I'm coming!

c) wildcard

( feel free to throw any prompt my way! )