Melodies Of Life || Change those flowing tears into shining courage, life goes on

[melodiesmods]

Characters: Anyone who's been in the game
Where: Aqures Ixen
When: August 3rd
Summary: A story is over, many others are about to begin. Friends may reunite and rejoice together, friends may part and say farewell to each over forever. But even if you should leave your friends behind, your voice shall never forget their melodies.


Following the battle against Kalki, the sacrifice of old friends and the second destruction of Aqures Tosf, Palitutu cast all Heroes of Light into the Rift, each of them finding themselves in an all too familiar void. And yet... Soon the void vanished, as it had once before. This time it was all too clear none of this had been a dream. Upon coming to their senses, the Heroes of Light will find themselves on the outskirts of Aqures Ixen. Music and laughter can be heard coming from the city.

Is there a celebration in the city? Shouldn't it be filled with corrupted Heroes of Light and on the brink of destruction? Before they can do anything about these questions, the Heroes of Light are submerged by a wave of fluffy white balls of fur and fluff- the Moogles who helped them for all these years and are now overjoyed to see they are safe and sound. As they once did before, the Moogles will answer all of their questions, but also drag them into the city. A celebration is indeed taking place and why, it appears they are the reason the celebration is happening. The music is joyous, the people are happy and all appears to be for the best.

Upon reaching the third district, they will see familiar faces. Cid, Wedge, Biggs, Parajapati, Mograma, O'aka and many other friends they made along the way. They will all clap for them before congratulating them and taking part in the festivities. There are more familiar faces, however. Where once stood the Crystal of Fire is now a statue depicting four Heroes of Light: Sephiroth, Minato, Tears and Sayaka, all four of them brandishing their crystal and weapons in a heroic posture.

Whilst many might be sad and mourn them, perhaps this is also an occasion to celebrate what they were in life and carry the memory of their deeds into your own life. Melodies of life, come circle round and grow deep in our hearts, as long as we remember.

THE END

Comments

OTA

[shinra_dog]

Entering the City

It was surreal... They had been pushed to the brink of death, time and again, surviving by the skin of their teeth and the ferocity of their faith. They'd been victorious, and the four sacrifices had cemented that. Then the Void -- nothingness. Loss. Seconds passed, minutes, hours, days, years? He had no idea.

Then they were out again, quick as a blink, and the world was -- well, for one thing, it was still there. There were no Calamity monsters, no Calamity Heroes, the sky was clear and there were the sounds of celebration. Moogles and cheering and laughing and music... It was a little overwhelming. Even if it was a good thing.

Reno reached for Johnny's hand as he took it all in.


The Party

Considering all they'd been through, there was certainly cause for celebration of their success. The Calamity had been quelled, this world would live -- and die -- as it should. The Heroes of Light had done it.

Reno took a break from the festivities to gaze upon the statue of the Four. Briefly he touched Sephiroth's stone foot in quiet remembrance before raising his drink in a toast.

The Decision

It was a hard decision to make. He could return to Gaia, which was likely expected of him, but he wasn't about to leave Johnny behind. He'd lost one lover already, he wouldn't lose a second. And he didn't trust Gaia not to destroy the man he loved, somehow, some way, for whatever reason. He was Shinra; Johnny was exotic, at the very least. It didn't take much more than that to be a target.

He could return to Johnny's world. But that seemed dangerous, too. The mere existence of demons seemed dangerous, and them mixing with people -- sexually -- seemed extra dangerous. It just seemed like half-breeds were natural targets there, too -- belonging to neither world, shunned by both, if Reno had to guess. Johnny was stronger than Reno, the redhead could admit that. If Johnny was the one in trouble... Reno feared he could do nothing to help. Nothing except avoid the danger in the first place.

And then there was Kyo...

The safest compromise was a sacrifice in itself. Reno and Johnny could stay here, in Crystallis. They had a place here, if they wanted it. They were recognized. No one would try to experiment on them, no one should try to kill them... probably. And maybe, with all the other off-worlders coming out of stasis, maybe somehow they'd find Kyo, too. Somewhere.

The choice was clear, even if a little painful. Reno would never go home again. He had some sincere goodbyes to make.

Decision

[ruinedempire]

A hero of light now?

[The heir to the fallen Shinra Company can't stop the amused smile from crossing his face as he looks at the statue of Sephrioth, clearly meant to honor his sacrifice. A disaster in Gaia, but here, the hero that Shinra propaganda always showed him to be-- except it seems that it's not embellished at all this time.]

And they say destiny can't be altered.

[But now isn't the time to stand around and join in the festivities, he's been wanting to return to Gaia and continue with reconstruction. Shinra can't rebuild on its own now-- and he doesn't want that to happen, really. It's a challenge he wants to fulfill with his own resources.

Of course, having a loyal Turk next to him is also needed. Rufus spots Reno rather easily and walks up to him.]

Reno. Let's start on our return.

[Because Rufus expects nothing else from the loyal Turk.]

[forcegalactic]

[And life continues.

The city had been reborn, pulling through the troubles and rebuilding itself in the wasteland of a planet, which surprisingly reminds Mordecai of Mars. Despite disasters and invasions and hostile takeovers, he's seen the human residents of the red plant pull through the troubles and continue on with their lives, keeping their eyes on the future. What was another powerful being hellbent on universal domination? It happened, things changed, and people went back home.

He liked it in a sense. However, returning to a bustling city got him nostalgic for the times he roamed the streets buying groceries and saying howdy to the residents. With a celebration taking place, someone has to make sure everyone is properly drunk.

Mordecai stays around the perimeter of the main celebrations, stopping by carts and stalls and greeting familiar faces, whether they be NPCs or PCs.]

Howdy! Ain't it a beautiful mornin'?

[It's the truth. It may be his last day, last week, last month on this planet, but by god is he going to take as much time to talk to everyone and exchange one last bit of gossip.

Afterwards, he sets up a wide tent in one of the squares housing several stands and seats. He's hired previous workers of his to pour out a variety of drinks into steins provided by the customers inside.]

Now this here is an Earth tradition known as a "Beer Garden". [He explains to anyone that questions.] If you're underage, creams soda's just over there. [Jerks a thumb at a small stand with a lone Hypello manning it.] No one's allowed inside without ID.

[He wants you to have a good time, but he's not going to break any laws.]

[ninjainviolet]

[ Sheena hadn't gotten to know Mordecai very well over the past several years, and while some may think now is too late, the ninja doesn't.

With Corrine sitting on her shoulder, she approaches him, returning his greeting with a smile and a wave. ]

Yes it is! Although [ she looks around before shaking her head and still smiling ] it seems almost unreal.

[ Looking over the display, the ninja turns to him with a puzzled expression. ] Okay, "Beer Garden" kind of makes sense [ beer was popping up all over the place like flowers ] but what do you mean "underage"?

[ Yep. In all her time there, she hadn't encountered that. ]

Well, she's an adult now so YES. :D

[boomchucka]

[And here comes the current owner of Cuppa Kupo putting on a cheery front for those that don't know her. Those that were at the battle know there's a different story playing out in her head that she's desperate trying to squash down as she hears Mordecai's proclamation about not being allowed inside without ID.]

Hey! Make an exception? I left my ID in my other purse.

[Aka: There is no ID to be found anywhere on Selphie's person and she's not about to enter the shenanigans house to go searching for something that didn't exist. Let the kid have her first big kid drink, Mordecai?]

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza enters into the 'Beer Garden', though he is not in search of a drink.]

Law breaking is much too troublesome, after all.

[He has missed his Uncle Mordecai these past years. He had heard the Barkeep calling out to him at the first and last, and he had been unable to respond. How glad he was to be here now, possessed of all his own faculties.]

Do you have time to sit with me for a drink?

[needsteaplz]

Hey now, you can't have a proper beer garden without good food!

[Saori signals more workers to bring in trays filled to the brim with food. A goddess's feast, you could say. She goes over to him with one particular moogle behind her.]

Nice job pulling this off, Mordecai. Oh, Brigid's got something for you.

[Brigid peaked over Saori's shoulder before flying in between the two. She pulls out a bound manuscript and offers it.]

I-it's not much but this was the only way to thank you for everything you taught me about writing, kupo. I'm staying but I'm going make sure no one forgets the story of the Heroes along with my own fictions. I promise to make you proud, kupo!

[unyieldingspirit]

… I'm not sure I ever got one.

[she looks genuinely concerned, leaning forward to peer in before looking back to the Barkeep.]

I think I still have a patch I made somewhere, but- there aren't many people it'd mean anything to here, still. [and it doesn't tell her age anyway, but.]

[not_most_days]

[Mary smiles as she leans against the bar, tugging at the handle of the stein with her fingertips. Not enough to lift it but she idly turns it this way and that as she lets the beer settle.]

A 'Beer Garden' eh? The scallywags I knew would just call this drinking. Still, the face of something is all about how you name it, isn't it? While the soul is what you do it for?

[There were many who tried to cast the Heroes as Destroyers, but they fought against that. The revelry they were indulging in threatened to wash out the losses and pain that they had before but for the moment it was okay. The brightness of this Beer Garden could serve just as well to raise a glass to the fallen.]

[fushigichan]

Hi, Barkeep-san!

[Suddenly this cheerful blue-haired child appears before Mordecai, already in possession of a mug of cream soda. (Priorities.)]

It's great weather! Seems like lots of stuff has happened, ne? Was it like your story? Did you finish it? Did the black mage win? Was the bad guy actually a good guy?

[That's one of his last memories, so might as well take it from there! (Wasn't the whole writing thing a secret? Don't mind~)]

[boomchucka]

[In the end, there were too many emotions to process, too much baggage to sift through. She was far from feeling cheerful when she came to at the outskirts of Aqures Ixen but she could hear the celebration from outside of the city's walls. She furiously scrubbed at her face as she let the last of her tears fall. It was long, hard battle and they'd won thanks to the sacrifice of four people she'd barely known. One of whom was more significant in changing her views than others. She walked slowly toward the entrance of her home away from home and was floored by all the people who moved the shake her hand or thank her for a job well done.

She'd hardly done anything in her opinion and her thoughts wandered to others that she was hoping to see within the city. Is this what she was looking forward to when she went back home? Did she even want to go home after everything that had happened? Of course, she did. There was no other place for her to go. There was unfinished business that needed finishing as she squared her shoulders, put on her sunny, humbled mask and worked her way through the crowds. She knows the streets of the city well enough by now to know that she's closest to Cuppa Kupo where she sneaks in the back door to make quick use of the washroom to clean herself up.

The sadness of watching a good friend die would never go away but she would do her best to take in the festivities. The perky brunette can be found just about anywhere in the city. From Cuppa Kupo to the house of shenanigans searching for familiar faces, to loitering around the hospital looking for a couple of dear friends from her home, there's no place that Selphie can't be found.

Eventually, her day ends when she finds the status of the four heroes who had given everything away for the greater good. With a small bouquet of flowers in hand, she lays it down at the base of the statue and gives it a thumbs up.]

Thanks, guys.

[shear_trigger]

[His time in Aqures Ixen and this world had been short, probably too short to really make an impact on anything. But something pulled him back one last time to take care of one last thing. This wasn’t his story...

He wanders up towards the heroes statues and looks up at them with a curious and quiet gaze. His boots make little noise as he hangs back and watches Selphie place the flowers down. He doesn’t say anything to disturb her. Instead moving to lean against a nearby wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

He’ll wait as long as she needs. Then quietly say,] You did well.

[He’s here to take her home. If she wants to come. It will ultimately be her decision after all.]

OTA

[gentleman_of_light]

[Hildibrand Manderville was not a man who dwelt on the logistics of a moment, only that heroism and the Manderville way had triumphed in the end. As he prepared to leave with his constant companion Nashu, he sniffed the air.]

What's this? The scent of a case, wafting in from a world beyond? My senses tingle me, it smells like... gunpowder?

[Looking down, Nashu blinked for a moment as a pile of lit bombs were beneath him. His face contoured into a comical expression as he was summarily launched through the portal in a massive explosion.]

OI! INSPECTOR, wait for meeeee!


Eorzea: The Wall

Hildibrand Manderville was none too surprised at the stonewalling that the Flame General was producing for them. A literal wall, some were even calling it Raubahn Savage for some unknown joke. He tapped his foot as he and Nashu stood patiently in queue, as the Flame General stood there, arm folded in waiting as person after person stepped forward.

He yawned deeply, stretching out. "Truly this is quite the queue, my dear companion. And yet, I feel slightly less agitated than the Eorzeans behind me."

Looking behind them, a literal malms long queue stretched out behind him, Nashu, and the entirety of the Adventurer Populace. Hildibrand could even see a few familiar faces in the queue.

"It's not all that bad inspector," replied Nashu cheerfully. "Look at the queue for Pipin Extreme!"

That queue, mind you, stretched PAST their line well back into the Ordens.

(ooc: replies can come from Hildi or Nashu)

DID SOMEONE SAY... THE WALL? BECAUSE GUESS WHO IS STANDING BESIDE THE FLAME GENERAL THERE

[uncoiledpromise]

OF all the faces she expected to see, these two were not among them. Alisaie's eyes widen slightly, doing her best to keep her jaw from contacting the earth beneath her feet. The Line was bad enough, but the ones who finally made it in front of the line, however...

Great, googley moogley. It's all gone to shite.

"I-Inspector Manderville, surely you have a case to solve, correct?"Please tell her you do, lest the fourth wall shatter into tiny little bits as Raubahn glanced down at her with a questioning look.

[impatienttraveler]

On the Outskirts
He had done his best to avoid many of the others after seemingly vanishing upon his defeat, allowing they who had chosen to confront him to claim the Crystal he had guarded. After granting them the knowledge he had on the many different kinds of crystals he had on hand, all that was left to watch... and wait.

One would think he had become well-versed in such a trivial matter, and yet he found in his old age he was growing more impatient by the hour.

Of course, that was before everything had become nothing. No sound, no sight, no touch - just the sweet release of the void he had for so long sought. How he reveled in it; would have basked in it had time not yet existed.

Or the sudden familiar scents of a city he had not seen in such a state in five years, and it was bustling. Whatever power that was out there, he was grateful when his Disguise took form of the first person to come to mind. Of course, it would not help if others saw him mid-transformation, nor the fact that despite his efforts, there was one specific moogle clinging to his chest. The boy was much too forgiving of this old man, but it mattered not to the former Archfiend. He could simply change appearances once again when none were watching. Including the little furball.

"Such a wondrous sight, wouldn't you agree?" They earned their "happy ending", after all. Though it only left a bitter taste in the chancellor's mouth. Not that it was a new occurrence after all these years...

The Decision: Eos
One would have been out of their minds in a different sense to stay here after and potentially face trial for his actions in assisting Kalki. Thus to any and all who had even been remotely aware of his presense since his defeat, Ardyn vanished with but a single trace.

A single note to Ales, and the little moogle who had witnessed his confrontation with his Calamity self.

If you are reading this, I survived my encounter with those who chose to face me in Old Mysidia. However, I shall not be long for this or any world. There is unfinished business in my world, the star of Eos. Rather than accept punishment for my crimes and risk this world suffering the fate I have dealt another, I will return there, and wait for eternal night to expire.

Ales, however, had one small note attached at the bottom.

Whatever your decision, Ales, it is my deepest desire it sees you fare better than coexisting with Deadpool.

Ardyn Lucis Caelum

That was likely the closest he ever had to positive emotions in two thousand years. Aw.

[ooc: Feel free to come across him at one point or another! Though he won't be entering the city proper looking like himself if he does at all.]

On the Outskirts

[boomchucka]

"Ardyn!" Selphie called out while he was getting ready to enter the city.

She couldn't blame him for wanting to enter Aqures Ixen incognito but there were some words exchanged between the two of them before the final battles had begun that she needed to amend. Their conversation, however brief it may have been, had helped to consider things in a different light. She hadn't known of other worlds and thought they were all the same as her own. People had similar ideals and aspirations but ultimately, the powers behind those forces were different.

Similar, but still different.

The SeeD jogs over to the former archfiend as he starts to put up his glamour, hoping that he'll stop long enough for her to say something that she should've said along time ago. Maybe he blamed her for what had happened and that was fine. The perky brunette however, still had to say something because it wasn't sitting right with her. They all hid behind masks sometimes and hers were falling away from her growth as a person. She looked at him seriously without a hint of her cheery disposition in sight.

She had to make amends.

"Can we talk for a few?"

OTA

[lostwisdom]

Reawakening
The last she remembered, she was preparing for her flight to Esdham, when suddenly she felt forced from time and space itself. The sensation was not unlike the Fade, and yet she knew no control over it - nor any control over herself, were she even aware.

And then, as suddenly as she had blacked out, she could hear music in the distance. Yet as she gasped for air, all that came was dust and gravel - which she promptly coughed up as she sat herself up on her knees. Where...? Outside Aqures Ixen? And why did it seem as though it had been through hell and back?

...Just how much time had she lost?

The Party
It hadn't taken long for her to be caught up by Falon, who had long since careened into her, sending her sprawling on the city streets. While she certainly laughed at his antics at the time, and would dance with the locals and any who wished to join them... She even shares some tunes from her world with the locals!

Later in the evening, a quiet voice could be heard coming from near the statue.

"We sing, rejoice. We tell the tales. We laugh and cry. We love one more day..." Ellana paused a moment, sighing. "It loses something in the translation, and yet... It only seemed right." Whether she was talking to the moogle beside her, or someone who was eavesdropping, the multiverse will never know.

The Choice
It had not been easy, deciding whether to stay and avoid her fate, or return to face what would be - and what she hoped to thwart. The future was ever uncertain, and yet, over time, it became increasingly obvious what she had to do.

Three weeks after the Heroes reawakened, she had given every belonging she owned save the clothes and staff on her back to the reconstruction effort. Even helped to the best of her ability until she found herself at the plaza once more. It would not be long now, before she would leave to return to Thedas - to her own war, and her own struggles. Yet she couldn't help the faint smile crossing her lips before it faded as her gaze fell onto Sephiroth's visage. She almost looked pensive, before giving her superior one final salute.

"Dareth shiral, Colonel. And thank you, for everything."

Party

[mindofathief]

Duster had taken a break from the festivities - hour nonstop hours of bass and concertina was bad for the arms and hands. How many years had it been since he took a quiet walk at night, discounting the time he was in stasis? He had almost forgotten how a quiet it could be only a few streets away from the main festivities. It may not have been the forest, but the effect was there.

He found himself wandering towards the statues of the four heroes. Unsurprising, being one of the largest landmarks in the city, but if he is going to leave in a month, he should etch the faces of those that sacrificed their lives. A small song played in the back of his head, a light tune that came out when he was walking alone.

Another song mixed with the imaginary one, and eventually overpowered it. Someone was singing by the statures. He sneaked around the base until he could see a humanoid shape and waiting if it would continue singing.

Sparks Nevada | open

[red_planet_blues]

[Party]
[Sparks is bothered. He's bothered that four people gave up their lives to help everything, and this tints the success they had against the Calamity for him.

Two of them were still teens, damnit. Kids. He should have gone, not them. But it was too late. He was here. The world was quiet again. People still alive needed his help and the other Heroes - former Heroes, he reckoned. They won, but there was a lot here to do. Seeing the faces of grateful citizens and returned Heroes will be a help in turning his mood around for now, at least.]


[Decision?]
[By god, did he ever want to go back to Mars. That's all he's thought about nearly every day since he showed up in Crystallis. But this place has been his home almost as long as Mars had been. It needs help too.

He's got a month to decide, but it's going to be a tough call.

For now, he's staying in Aqures Ixen to help rebuild, and get the police force back in working order. There's a lot of new paperwork to do, after all.

For anyone who knows him, seeing him stick around this long, edging closer and closer to the cut-off date, might seem strange. Even when he claimed he was so totally going back to Mars ASAP. It's pretty typical for the marshal to keep his real feelings hidden, isn't it?]

Decision?

[zodiac_brave]

[Ramza had made his decision before he reached the gates of the city, but he understands that the other Heroes of Light might not draw their conclusions so quickly. It is not such a surprise, if he thinks on it, that Sparks remains, torn between two planets that need him. He was always one to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.]

Aqures Ixen has other officers of the law, Marshal. How is it that all their paperwork ends up on your desk?

Funeral for a friend

[line_piece]

[A few days after the festival's conclusion - and certainly after paying her respects to those among her number who made the ultimate sacrifice - Chiaki has another piece of business to attend to. After all, there were actually five people who never made it back from Aqures Ixen. It was this fifth person's death that stung Chiaki the most. She knew what she had to do.

After sending messages to the other Heroes of Light, she heads for the newly reconstructed church in the 13th District. Heartened to see that he wasn't forgotten by Cid or the others, she finds a gravestone with the name 'Jack Harkness' engraved thereupon. Kneeling down briefly before the others arrive, she writes the word 'Captain' on a sticky note and attaches it, smiling to herself. That's the way he'd want to be remembered.]

...Hey, everyone.

[Her greeting is as casual as ever when the other Heroes arrive, but clearly masking how sad and lonely she feels without one of her best friends here with her. Chiaki has felt loss before, but not this keenly since she had to say goodbye to a certain someone from her own world.]

Um... I just wanted to say a few words about Jack. When I first got here, he was the first one to really listen to me and take me seriously. I know I spent a lot of time talking about games, but that's just how I understood this world. Jack... got that. He trusted me right away, and I never had to explain myself around him.

He was also one of the first people I told about my past. How I was created as an AI, and how strange it felt - coming here, and suddenly having to learn what it was like to be human. A lot of what that means, I learned from Jack. He's lived longer than any human I've ever known, and he never lost any of what made him human. He had the biggest heart.

[She's actually starting to tear up at this point.]

He... he was always fighting for what he believed in. For a better world. And not just for the people of Aqures Ixen, or the Heroes of Light. He wanted a better world for the Herans, too. Even for Kalki. He cared so much. When I talk about hope, I'm talking about people like Jack. He'd do anything to protect peoples' smiles and their futures. Even sacrifice himself for it.

I yelled at him a lot for that. I still want to yell at him. He showed me how precious life is, but it never felt like he thought much of his own life. If that was the cost to save the world, it was a small cost to pay. That's just how he was. I always thought... someday, there'd be a day when he wouldn't come back from it. And that day finally came.

[She definitely needs a moment now, as the tears come streaming down her face. After a few choked sobs, she takes a deep breath, a wistful smile forming on her face.]

...So, this is goodbye, Jack. But it's not the end. It's never the end. Not as long as we have our memories together.

[After all of that, she'll step aside to allow others to pay their respects and say a few words if they want.]

not here;

[impatienttraveler]

[The post-it note was not the only thing that rested against the tombstone. While he cared little for graveyards over the centuries - he always was just that tad envious of those who rested within - he remembered the one who advocated his survival most. Not that he truly agreed, but he could not help but admire the stubbornness with which he fought with those such as Sephiroth.

Which is why he had left a single bouquet beside the stone with the man's name etched thereupon. A simple one, really - one of dead leaves and petunias, with a single dark pink rose set in the center. A small gesture of what remained of the shadow he had once faced and his goodwill - amidst his far stronger sense of loathing and resentment for the man - before returning to Eos in order to finish what he started.

It was two days old at most.]

Johnny D'Amico | open

[charming_jerk]

[Party]
[Is it over? Is that possible? Has there ever been a point in Johnny D'Amico's life where the bullshit was over? It seemed impossible. But they won. The Calamity was gone, several brave people sacrificed themselves to see it through, and they were back in Aqures Ixen surrounded by familiar faces and happy people. Heroes were de-crystallizing and rejoining their friends and loved ones.

It was really over.

It was probably going to take a long time for that to sink in, but for now, Johnny manages to smile for real, for the first time in who knows how long.]


[Decision]
[Johnny had been all ready to go to Gaia, Reno's home. He knew Reno had a life back there, and Johnny had nowhere else to go. He couldn't return to Exsilium even if he wanted to - it was a dying dimension when he had left it, chewed up by time itself. His own home on Earth was too dangerous for his kind, and they would spend their lives fighting just for Johnny's right to exist.

Crystallis, though. He had learned to like it here, where no one was targeting him just for what he was. That alone was enough for him.

Imagine his surprise when Reno says that they were going to stay here, in Aqures Ixen. He would try to argue at first, but Reno was right. Crystallis was safer for him, for them.

While he grapples with the idea of having stability in his life for the first time in a decade, he'll make his rounds to see who was going or staying, and give them a farewell if necessary.]

Decision

[shinra_dog]

"I think we should stay."

There was a strange feeling when he said it, like his heart suddenly stopped for half a second. Saying the words out loud made it real.

Reno looked at Johnny. "I'm serious. I've thought about it. I think we should stay."

[zodiac_brave]

On the Outskirts of the City

There were sounds of celebration arising from the city, even before the Heroes arrived. The people knew they had been saved, and the rejoicing had already begun. Ramza took slow, halting steps in the direction of the noise. Part of it was the disorientation of finally controlling the body that had for five years been puppeteered by Kalki…

And part was the uncertainty of his welcome when he reached the city’s gates. Kalki had been ruthless in the pursuit of her goals, and while he had not truly participated in her actions, they had been done with his hands, his face, his body. Her thoughts had run through his mind, and even now, he struggled to define where Kalki ended and Ramza began. It had been so long since he had been himself, how could he be certain what it meant to be Ramza? And how could he expect the people of Crystallis who had suffered under Kalki’s reign not to judge?

“Yours is the soul of a knight. You will know the path you must walk,” he reminded himself. How long had it been since his dying father had spoken those words to him? But the words still rang true. He did know.

His path lay before him, into Aqures Ixen. Not for the celebration, exactly, but for the healing that underlay it. What Kalki had undone, he must redo. The seeds of despair that had driven Kalki had to be uprooted and replaced with hope for the future generations. This world had been given salvation through the sacrifice of the four Heroes of Light, and he owed it to them to serve and protect the people here.

…that meant he would never see Ivalice, or his sister, again, in this life at least. His father had never promised that the Beoulve’s path would be easy, only that it was right.

The ravaged land surrounding the city promised that last moments of quiet for the foreseeable future. Ramza let his steps stop. Just for a moment, he could forestall the future and watch the sun rise on a new day.

Reunion

Speaking with his former allies now seemed a daunting task. For most of the Heroes of Life, only a few months of consciousness had passed since the fight with Garland. For Ramza, though, it had been five years. Time and circumstance had created a barrier.

But what better time to reconnect than in the midst of the festival? So many of them would scatter into the winds soon, returning to their own worlds and times. This celebration was also a parting ceremony, a final farewell.

Ramza offers a blade of grass to those he meets. A simple, silly thing, but a treasure in his heart. As Heroes decide their destinies and part ways, they can choose to take with them this little Ivalicean trick.

“Here, let me show you. It can be a whistle, if you hold it just so.”

[not_most_days]

Mary nodded, smiling as she took the grass. She put it to her lips and blew...only managing a soft paffing as she tried. Frowning she tried again and didn't do much better. "I think I can do this better with my fingers than I can with the grass." Her brow furrowed, indignant at being defeated by so small a thing.

[needsteaplz]

The Party
[Saori watched the crowds from a rooftop but not even she could stay away. With one final leap of faith, she landed and walked through. Careful hands grabbed a cold glass as she made her way towards the center.

She didn't need any liquid courage to sing out loud but she held out her glass. To be honest, it had been some time since she sang to a group. Her voice brought a hush on the crowd. It was one of the few appropriate songs Mary had taught her. She had to turn her head away when she was done, but someone was sure to catch the goddess wiping her eyes.

When she could regain her composure and the rowdy party air restarted, she went back with the drinks and food as she chatted to Heroes and natives alike.]

The Decision
"Well, it's time, huh?"

[Saori had waited until the last day possible but not out of hesitation. There were so many things to be done before leaving. Final rites, helping in food prep for the celebrations and selling off items--save for a pair of hidden blades and a certain machine gun.

Brigid had confided in her Hero that she would be staying. Someone had to chronicle the story of the Heroes and remember their human side. If the Assassins were going to continue, Brigid could offer her services in desk work and management. Saori had a new green hakama fitted for the moogle with the Inari family crest embroidered in white, along with a manuscript filled to the brim with her own recipes to share. Finally, the moogles could learn the secret to those Kupo Nut macarons she was famous for.

The goddess knew she had to get back home eventually. At least now she won't be returning alone. ]

"Please take care everyone and thank you for everything."

Party

[not_most_days]

[Mary smiles as she watches Saori. It's not her intent to spy on her or hide from her, but she was already sitting among the crowd with her own drink when she noticed the redhead on the rooftop. She watches as she enters the gathering and begins to sing, remaining quiet as she listens.

She's reminded of another redhead and for a moment she ponders on things that could have been. Not out of regret, but the honest meandering curiosity of how things could have been different. How they might be if she was able to return to the Caribbean hale and hearty. Perhaps even with an airship with which to terrorize the Templars.

As Saori reaches the bar there is someone already there with two steins of ale in hand, holding one out in offering.]

That song never fails to bring a tear to my eye when it's sung as honest as you did.

[not_most_days]

To the Assassins
As ever, a letter was distributed by a moogle who was getting better and better at concealing her presence but still made more of a scene of her passing than not. The company was called, even Ales, to gather on a nearby rooftop once the festivities were over and done with. She already had a keen idea on her decision and it was just the timing that was still up for consideration.

More likely than not, the torch needed to be passed, and she was glad that she and hers were alive to do so. For the most part anyway. She frowned as she looked off over the horizon as the people of Aqures Ixen began to tuck into their beds. "It's a shame the Captain couldn't be here." His wasn't the only sacrifice made for this world, but it's the one who stung her the most.

To Everyone - A Departure

"I still say it's a shame I can't take it with me." Mary had been a bit uncharacteristically vocal about her displeasure about not being able to take an airship with her on her departure. The one she bought from O'aka was too large, for one, and it would remain in the hands of the Assassins of Crystallis. But seeing as she could only take one Job with her, that meant she lost the Sky Pirate airship as well.

"Maybe we can build a new one, kupo!" Bonnie, still wearing her eyepatch under her hood, was eager and sincere in her suggestion though there was no telling if the rules that governed their destination would allow such things.

"Mayhaps. Or perhaps we'll find something new to take to the skies with. Or the seas." She grinned. Even with good intentions it was unlikely the pirate would stay grounded for very long.

Assassin mom /o/

[acceptedoblivion]

He had a lot to think about, regarding his future - maybe not just his own, now that he thought about it - but, such thoughts would have to be put on the back burner for the moment. There was plenty of time to debate it. Right now, he had to focus on the rooftop, and step through the corridor.

...Which opened up just in time for him to catch the words their defacto leader spoke.

"He may not be, but the echo of his melody remains... so long as we choose to remember." It was a small thing, but he hoped it offered small comfort. Not that he had shared much feeling for his passing, but it was clear that Mary did.

OTA

[acceptedoblivion]

The Party
Ira never was one for parties, but after a little bit of pressuring from the four most important ladies of his life on Crystallis, he reluctantly joined in. It was their party, after all - even if he didn't much feel like celebrating. Instead more troubled than he would ever let on, he crossed his arms and leaned against the brick of one of the buildings as he watched the others move about. Some dancing, others drinking and toasting the Heroes and each other...

Was this what it was going to be like, when the others reclaimed their freedom?

He closed his eyes, trying to imagine it - calling back the images of his brother and sister, the faces of those he begrudgingly worked alongside in the Evil Alliance... and of those lost along the way, and those silhouettes that yet plagued him in his darkest nightmares.

'Riku, Xion, Terra... What would you say to how far we've come, I wonder?'

He shook his head, almost startled as a local offered him a glass. Not wanting to offend, he took it... and rightly stared at it for some time before pretending to take a sip so they would leave him be. Ugh, whatever it was certainly was bitter - almost pleasantly so. Seemingly satisfied, the local who - oddly enough - looked much like an even older version of himself, patted him on the shoulder. "Chin up, Hero. You guys did it."

"...Yeah," Ira replied, sparing the man a faint hint of a smile. Though with that said, the other man left, and he was left alone with his drink once more. Though after a second, he was following the other with his gaze. That... couldn't have been a doppelganger of his original self, could it?

My Heart's a Battleground
The night after the party, he knew there was one thing he had to do. His mothers both were going to Saori's world once they had done what they could ro aide in the rebuilding effort, and he knew Lydia would want to return to her parents. It was only natural, he thought - to want to return home. Though he had no idea how soon it would be before she would.

So, when he was certain she wasn't home yet, he quietly crept inside her room. Normally he wouldn't do this - or tell Lin to do so - but this was something precious to him since his arrival, and regardless of what he chose in the days to come, he would prefer that she kept it. Leaving the red heart-shaped crystal on Lydia's pillow along with a note, he vanished back into the shadows.

A Memory I Can't Lose
The last two weeks, he decided to assist with the recovery effort in his own way. Some times with his parents, sometimes on his own. Every time though, it was just to delay the inevitable. He would have to decide some time, and his heart was too conflicted to lead him.

Some things were far easier than others, he'd decided.

It had been easy to choose to follow his thirst for vengeance and side with Ganondorf. It had been easier still to spy upon both the Alliance and Pandora, feeding information to both. It had been easier still to turn his back on all that and swear his blade to the cause of the Brotherhood - to freedom. But as the days went by, his heart grew heavier, and more and more he felt trapped by the choice that would determine his future. Would he go with his family, and start a new life with them in the realm of kami? Turn his back to them and return to Earth with Lydia? Or, would he instead choose to forsake all of them and return to the hell whence he came?

As he sat upon a roof overlooking the entire city, absentmindedly rubbing the Inari crest upon his good luck charm, one thing was certain. "This world is just... too small."

Confrontation
After settling all he could, selling all but the small snowman and the blade hidden beneath his sleeve, he met with his longtime friend one last time before the memorial statue.

"Your mind's make up, kupo?" Lin asked him, a hint of sadness in her high-pitched voice.

"Yeah," Ira replied with a nod, reaching out to pat her atop the head with his unarmed side. "I wouldn't... be able to live with myself, otherwise."

"B-but-!" she began, a few sobs escaping her tiny form as she zoomed in instead to cling to his chest. "But you'll-!"

Ira tensed for a moment, before wrapping his free arm to instead hold her close. "If I go, maybe I can prevent another universe from suffering the same fate mine did... What this world nearly did," he said, just above a whisper. "From the darkness of another, I was born. From the darkness, I will rise again."

Lin huffed between her sobs, shaking her furry little head. "But you don't know that, kupo! For all you know, you'll... You'll die!"

For her adamant refusals and his own bitter acceptance of a fate that would remain unknown until he took it by the reigns, he had no comeback for her. Yet whatever the consequence, whatever the price... he was ready to pay it.

Confrontation

[needsteaplz]

A figure hooded in the Assassin's gear watched the two converse from a nearby roof top. Fingers clenched the note she had found one day on her bed. When the Hero and his moogle were at a stand still, she made their move. Quietly they climbed down from the roof, pulled back her hood, and ran at Ira.

"IRA NAKAGAWA, HOW DARE YOU," Saori's maternal rage rang out in full force as she grabbed him by his shirt. "You. Don't. EVER. Drop a note like that and not say a word to my face!"

Living Legacy

[neverfirstclass]

Party

Cloud's not been one to turn down the enthusiasm of the people of Crystallis, and he's not about to begin now. He joins in the revelry with a smile on his face, offering and taking drinks, joining in dances and song, talking with people all about and just enjoying the wide open freedom that their victory represents. The world may be in need of a lot of help still, but they're free of the worst conspiracies to bring it down.

But he's still mindful of the price they paid. Now and then his eyes drift or he finds himself lingering near the statue. He recalls the others who gave their lives as well, and the many more that might have been sacrificed without knowing why. The other cycles too. Those were a good many lives lost, no matter if they came back.

He shook his head, trying to enjoy himself, but his eyes spoke the truth when he wasn't forcing them to dance.

Decision

While a few others were mulling over their choices, Cloud's was one that he had made long ago. He would show up for the departure of those friends making that choice, but after a short time of recuperation he set himself back to work. The Chocobo Ranch would take some hard work to rebuild and get back into the prime condition it had been in, but he was resolved to do it. He'd keep on helping this world in his own way, and he'd live his life for his own ends.

A good few of the Gaians had made the decision to return home, and while he was sad to see them go he understood and respected their decisions. Most of them had spent the majority of this cycle in crystal stasis after all. This world hadn't become home to them as it had to him.

Cloud smiled as he leaned against his pitchfork, watching as Zack ran about with the other birds and helped keep them herded while the pens and fences were being rebuilt. A quiet life wasn't so bad after all. He didn't need to be a Hero to prove he existed anymore.

Party

[arcward]

Jaune, for the most part, is enjoying the merriment. He's had a pretty good run here; he's grown a lot and he's going to be able to prevent the Fall of Beacon and Pyrrha's death. The losses weighed on him, but not knowing those Heroes very well had it's advantages.

A certain blond role model was not looking to be in nearly as good spirits, though, and Jaune's decided it's time to return the favor for all the times Cloud's helped him out. He grabs a couple of drinks from the bar, careful to not spill any of the white fluid on his way over to his friend. When he arrives, he offers a glass to him with a smile and a simple "Milk?" hoping to cheer him up with some memories of good times.

[unyieldingspirit]

Party (gotta hear that music ringing)

[K'pandolu takes a while to join the celebrations proper- she's a little shaken from returning from the Rift (again), and it's a little jarring after everything. She's not… entirely sure she deserves all the cheering, either- but it's good to see the statue of their four companions. She stays there for a time- memorising the details, before she goes to join the other Heroes. Given time, she'll be as cheerful as she thinks they deserve to be- after all, they've succeeded.]

City

[In-between their return and the date the Heroes need to make their decision by, K'pandolu- well, she probably said she'd rest to someone at some point. But there's a lot in town that still looks as though it needs to be done, and… well, if anyone's looking, K'pandolu seems to be trying to get some maintenance done on the magitek reaper marked with a gear and flame, wind-up Haurchefant watching on.]

I know we didn't mean to be away that long, I don't think anyone'll buy it as an excuse for not doing anything. -I should check you, too, while we're at it…

[she's musing, mostly. but she probably should.

She'll also stop and talk while she's heading around- just to check on people.]

Decision (reaching out to the sky)

[K'pandolu's known what she wanted to do. Crystallis is… similar enough to Eorzea, in some ways- but that also makes what's different stand out more. Besides- there's things to do, people to talk to- people to protect.

If there are people she's missed talking to before now- well, now's the time.

She pats the reaper, eyes ahead for the moment, though.]

I wonder… where we'll be when we go back. … Somewhere with enough room, I hope.

City

[arcward]

[Jaune notices K'pandolu working on some sort of machine. She looks like she has it handled? Maybe? He really has no idea, knowing nothing about tech, but it's not like he has anything else to do right now. Not that he'll likely be much help, but an extra pair of hands couldn't hurt, right? ...Right? Well, he'll do what he can and just hope for the best. It's a tired and true strategy that so far has worked surprisingly well for him.]

Hey, do you need some - are you talking to the machine? I could be wrong, but they usually don't answer back.

OTA

[jadethenecromancer]

City

Entering the city, Jade had half-expected this to be one more trick to lull them into a false sense of security. This was, of course, an irrational fear. The Calamity had left this world, leaving no one who could pull off an illusion of this scale.

Even so, it was difficult not to wait for the other shoe to drop. Good grief... These years of preparing for worst-case scenarios had made him paranoid.

It wasn't until he stood before the statue of the four Heroes that reality started to sink in. They truly had succeeded. Not without some bitter sacrifices, but in many ways things had turned out far better than he would have ever expected. The Calamity -- Narayana -- had listened. The Soul Divider had worked. Even sparing Palitutu had saved them all in the end.

Perhaps now... Professor Nebilim, too, would find rest and rebirth in Narayana's new world.

Jade exhaled deeply. Despite their losses, he felt oddly light.


Quiet celebration

The first thing Jade did was check in with Cid and the others to get a grasp on the situation. The second thing he did was find a relatively vacant bar and get a goddamn drink.

As much as he didn't care to get surrounded by admiring citizens, he wasn't about to dismiss the advantage of his Hero status. Namely, getting free drinks. Finding himself an empty table in a quiet corner and filling himself with alcohol sounded heavenly right about now -- even if it did mean he might get rather more talkative and loose with his feelings in the event anyone came to him for company.

Oh well. If you couldn't let loose a little in these circumstances, when could you?


Decision

It wasn't hard to decide whether he should return to Auldrant or not. It wasn't even a choice, really. Some responsibilities couldn't be abandoned.

That didn't mean Jade was leaving right away. There were still 30 days before time was up. He had promised to see everything through to the end, after all -- and so over the next month, he did what he could to assist in rebuilding, planning for the future, making sure that Crystallis would carry on after he was gone.

And, of course, there were the goodbyes. Places and people he'd never see again. While the parting was inevitable, somehow he had come to value the bonds he'd formed here too much not to cherish what little time he had left with them.

Not that he'd ever say that out loud. He still had a reputation to maintain.

ahaha...ha...

[headfons]

His head felt like it was filled with... cotton, actually. Lots and lots of cotton, and it was pretty clear that feeling wasn't going to be going away any time soon. A while was spent with him just wandering around, doing his best to figure out what the celebration was about, what he had missed... but the answers weren't properly gathered until he encountered a familiar moogle.

Seeing the statues-... Heh, nothing could have prepared him for that. Honestly, it was one thing to know people had sacrificed themselves for that world, but--

Without looking away, he made it clear he needed a minute. An... hour, actually. Probably longer. It was during his time alone, he wasn't quite alone. People were around, were trying to celebrate... but...

"Guess it's-... over..." It's said to the sky; he's clearly not paying attention to his surroundings...

Sheena Fujibayashi - OTA

[ninjainviolet]

The Library:

How ironic is it that the first place Sheena heads is the Library upon entering the city? It was a slow process as she made her way through well-wishers and those offering congratulations.

Not to mention those she had never thought she'd see moving around ever again as all the Heroes of Light were honored.

Eventually, she made it to the building, and for a few moments, stood outside, just taking it in. This had been her first stop after waking here, then her place of employment, and along the way, it and those she worked with had become important to her. Smiling sadly, she wiped away a tear and chuckled.

"Oh, if Raine could see me now."

The Statues:

It was time.

Sheena had put off visiting the statues until close to the end of day when things had quieted down. She approached reverently and quietly, the flowers in her hands barely moving with each step she took. Once she was there, she stood for a long moment looking up at the faces of those she knew and didn't know and the sacrifice they had made. Tears sprung to her eyes as she began laying flowers at the statues' feet.

Bluebell for Gratitude, Daffodil for Respect, and Sweet Pea for Goodbye.

After she placed them, she stepped back and bowed deeply to the group. "Until we meet again," she murmured.

Decision:

A decision had to be made, they said. It was important, they said. Little did they know Sheena had made a certain decision five years ago. Not minutes. Not days. But years.

From almost the moment she had entered Albel's world and saw what he and those in that universe were going through. To be controlled by another? To be told that you aren't real? That you and your lives don't matter? Yeah, that just sounded too familiar to her, and she wasn't about to go back home knowing another world and its people were suffering.

And, this wouldn't be the first time she went against her "duty" to follow what she believed in, either. She just hoped they'd be just as understanding when she got home.

However, although she had made that decision, she had neglected to do one thing: inform the two who would be affected by it the most. So after wrangling Corrine and telling him, she began searching for Albel, hitting every place she could think of--from home to his blacksmith shop and every place in between--until she found him.

Statues

[mindofathief]

Duster stood aside, watching the four Heroes silently. He hadn't known all four of them well, but he had traveled across the eastern Lost Continent with Minato. They had fought an octopus together. They survived the cold together. And now the boy was gone.

No, he wasn't a boy anymore. He was a young adult who still thought of himself as a boy.

It was a difficult thing to reconcile.

He watched Sheena lay the flowers at their feet and waited for her to step back before approaching.

"...They're beautiful" He didn't know the meanings of those flowers, but he understood that each one was picked with a purpose.