Prelude || The Festival Of Light

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light."
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: The 3rd of August, final day of the Festival of Light. The Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The Heroes of Light awaken in Aqures Ixen and are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and what their destinies are. This a log for them to react to the situation, meet each other and optionally participate in activities provided by the Festival of Light.
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. Upon doing so, you can hear a soft, soothing voice speaking:


"Wake up."

Soon, the void itself vanishes and is replaced by distant noises of engines. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call one more time, but is soon replaced with a much less graceful "Wake up, Kupo!" Hand clutched on your Crystal, the call of the Moogle may finally wake you up. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Fire, in the third district of a city called Aqures Ixen. At this point, you may realize the engine noise actually originates from an Airship flying low over the city and headed to dock beneath the castle. As if it wasn't strange enough, your clothes have changed as well. They are now a reflection of the Jobs you are wielding. Last but not least, you are surrounded by Moogles, small and fluffy creatures who are more than happy to tell you about everything you want to know, about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light, about what awaits you.

Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any citizens aside from Moogles in the vicinity. Indeed, the population of Aqures Ixen seems to be busy elsewhere in the city-- The Moogle will tell you there currently an event named the Festival of Light, which most people are attending. But you are not alone! It probably will not be long before you realize there are plenty of people like you all around, and if somehow you do not realize it, the Moogle who woke you up will be more than happy to inform you there are others like you around. Maybe with their help, you will be able to find out what is happening to you.






— Final Day —
The Festival of Light is a yearly event held at Aqures Ixen to celebrate the victory of the "Heroes of Light" over the "Calamity from the Skies" two thousands years ago, or so do the legends say. Whether people believe in the legends or not, this is an occasion for them to have fun and spend time with family and friends. The Festival is held from the 28th of July to the 3rd of August.

Unfortunately, most attractions and events are over by the third of August. Yet, there is enough to do, should the newly arrived Heroes of Light favor spending time looking at the attractions rather than panicking about their situation. The festival ends at midnight.


Theater Play
— Ninth District || 14:00 —

There is a large theater stage installed in the 9th district-- It is probably only temporary by the look of it. There is quite a crowd seated to watch the play about to unfold, as well as numerous people standing beneath the seats or sitting on the ceilings because they couldn't get a seat. After the audience grows quiet, a woman with long silver hair and green-ish skin steps onto the stage to address the audience.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight's performance is a story that takes place long, long ago! At the time when the Ancients reigned over the planet, when the Calamities from the Skies landed on this world and waged war against all forms of life. When our story begins, the Ancients are on the brink of extinction and gathering the last of their forces to fight. And now people of Aqures Ixen and visitors from distant lands, we proudly present 'The 4 Heroes of Light'!"

After this, the play starts and will last for roughly one hour and a half. The main characters appear to be four Heroes of Light, respectively dressed as a Warrior, Monk, Black Mage and White Mage. Other characters include the Calamity from the Skies played by the silver-haired woman, an Ancient scientist and the Princess of Crystallis. The story appears to be a highly romanticized version of the tale the Moogles told the characters earlier. As the play unfolds, there is a love story between one of the Heroes of Light, the Warrior, and the Princess of Crystallis. At the end of the play, the Heroes of Light successfully defeat the Calamity from the Skies, but the Warrior has to sacrifice himself and die in order to protect the Princess of Crystallis.


Culinary Attractions
— Fourteenth District || Anytime —
What would a festival be without free food and banquets? Not really a festival. In the fourteenth district, there is a banquet and many stands held by people from all over the world-- People from Balicea, Aerilon, Esdham, Flence, etc. There is even a stand held by former inhabitants of the Empire. All kind of food from all over the world can be found here-- Refined food, pastries, cakes, cooked meals, etc. It's virtually impossible not to find something to like in all of this, and it's all free until midnight!


Competitions
— Tenth & Eight District || 18:00 —

At 18:00, there will be a Blitzball match opposing the teams of Aqures Ixen and Balicea in the Blitzball Stadium. It is more of an exposition match, with nothing to be won aside from glory. Anyone is free to enter the stadium to watch the match. Following this, people - playable characters included - will be allowed to play some Blitzball Match on their own, if they want to try.

At the same time, a Triple Triad competition will be taking place in the eight district, in the campus of the university. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament, and if they do so they will be given very basic cards and explained the rules. With low level cards and whatsoever no experience, odds are that they may lose to much more experienced and competitive players, but what matters is trying, right? Whilst no characters may recognize him yet, it is notable that one of the NPCs, Wedge, is taking part in the competition. It's just a shame knowing he will lose in the semi-finals.


Trano Golsaucia's Stands
— Eleventh District || Anytime —
Specially for the occasions, stallholders from Trano Golsaucia traveled to Aqures Ixen and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, they brought Chocobos and will organize numerous races throughout the day, on an improvised tracks running around the houses. The Heroes of Light are more than welcome to try and bet, should they want to lose (or multiply) what few Gils they have. If they feel adventurous, they may even try to enter one of the races and ride a Chocobo-- At their own risks.

Aside from this, there are some more attractions worthy of attention. There is a shooting stand-- Coincidentally, all the targets are vaguely similar to the main antagonists of numbered Final Fantasy games. There is a treasure chest game, where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushie. There is also a fortune teller Moogle, it is notable that his predictions will always include either the character suffering hell or dying soon, in one form or another. Hopefully this moogle is just a scam.


Fireworks
— First District || 23:00 —

What better way to conclude a festival than fireworks? Fireworks will be launched from the Castle of Aqures Ixen starting 23:00, and will end at midnight, at the same time than the festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them easilly if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise.

Comments

[thelasttsviet]

"Yes," Shelke nodded once, glancing up at her own moogle, then at Zelda's. "There seem to be a few dozen of us, from what I have witnessed amongst the crowd."

[thelasttsviet]

"Yes," she answered with a faint nod, her attention shifting from him, to the cards she was holding, to the table, and then back. She wasn't sure what to make of the man, though his surprise at her was either due to her appearance or her age, and she didn't particularly feel the need to dwell on either.

"Most people who have a mog...a moogle with them seem to have arrived at the same time."

She'd stop calling them mogs eventually. Somehow.

[thelasttsviet]

Shelke glanced up from her food and hesitated, her eyes a bit wide as she watched Cloud sit down at a table near her, offering her a nod and...not recognizing her in the least?

She had only met him once, of course, during the preparations for the assault on Deepground. But he should've at least known who she was. She found herself studying him, her head tilted slightly to the side. He looked...different. Thinner, at least. ...Younger, maybe?

And then it hit her. His eyes, they didn't have the mako glow that so many members of SOLDIER shared. So...

"Cloud Strife?" She finally asked. Maybe he just looked...really similar somehow.

[goddessofthesky]

"Did you, by chance, see a boy with short golden hair and ears like mine?" Zelda had to ask even though it didn't seem likely.

Her moogle settled down but stayed in her arms so she wouldn't get lost again.

[thelasttsviet]

Shelke paused, thinking back over the people she had noticed today, before she shook her head.

"No." A hesitation. "I'm sorry."

That was the right thing to say there, right? She was still adjusting to this whole...people...thing.

[goddessofthesky]

"I see." Zelda didn't let her disappointment show and she quickly smiled back at the girl. "Thank you. Were you going to play the game?"

She held up the deck she had been handed. She didn't know the rules but that has never stopped her from trying things in the past.

[thelasttsviet]

Shelke didn't answer for a moment, looking at the cards the girl was holding, then back at her own.

"Yes, but I have not figured out all of the rules yet."

[goddessofthesky]

"Neither have I. Would you like to figure it out together?" She didn't want to be pushy but Zelda hasn't been able to find anyone willing to play with her yet.

[her_rose_is_red]

[Ib likes this lady, she's really nice.]

My name's Ib. What's yours?

[goddessofthesky]

My name is Zelda. It's nice to meet you.

[her_rose_is_red]

I still think you would've got it with a few more tries. You were really close a few times.

[She's not too interested in races or betting, but the chocobos are pretty neat.]

I haven't seen the races, but Rose told me I could learn to ride a chocobo if I want.

[sunny_soda_breeze]

[So excitable.]

But you live on Mars, right? What's it like? Are there Martians?

[Sparks' question barely warrants notice.]

Sparks-chan. Don't worry, you an call me Nagisa.

[That was clearly the issue, right?]

[her_rose_is_red]

It's nice to meet you too!

Um, so Rose told me I'm a Red Mage. What job did you get?

[She's not mentioning her other job. Not yet. She doesn't think 'thief' will go over well.]

[goddessofthesky]

White mage and Paladin.

[Zelda pauses a moment before continuing.]

Do you mind if I ask how old you are?

[neverfirstclass]

Zelda has probably seen some odd hair in Skyloft, but Cloud's looked like it could give Groose's a run for the rupees...maybe. He blushed a bit as the hat was pulled off and snatched it back. He appreciated the encouragement but at the same time felt like he was being talked down to.

But he wasn't about to get angry at a friendly girl like this, "I just don't like having stuff like this dumped on me without an explanation." He WAS going to give this mage thing a try though, at least until he could get a better weapon.

[her_rose_is_red]

I'm nine.....

What's a Paladin?

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda smiled up at him. "Then lets find out together. It seems there is a legend about Hero's appearing from all over, to save this world from a calamity." She wasn't to happy about the situation either but it would benefit them if they handled it with cool heads.

[goddessofthesky]

I was told they specialize in holy attacks and protecting others around around them.

[She is so young...]

[shinrasfinest]

Sephiroth was starting to wonder just how many more terrible acts of this play would he have to stand there and listen to. What didn't help was Spencer, perched on his shoulder plate, who seemed completely enthralled and near mesmerized by the performance being put on.

"Oh no Kupo, here comes the Dragon."

Naturally it was the White Mage who seized by the Dragon, the sheer predictability of the same almost caused an eye roll on it's own but instead Sephiroth shifted on his feet and rolled his shoulders back once, though not enough to knock his companion from his perch. It had gotten boring already and -by the look of the way the bad costume carried itself across the stage- the actor inside that ridiculous suit had already had enough as well.

"Not so much a fearsome dragon. He can hardly fit in that costume."

"Ssssssh, Kupo. Just watch-"

And watch he did, the rest of the scene much as he'd watch the rest of the play until it ended. However painful it was to watch, despite it's apparent roots in the history of this dream world. Arms folded as tightly as they could over his chest, though even in his light armor Sephiroth was already uncomfortable and much too warm inside.

[red_planet_blues]

Not even close. Been on Mars so long, feels like I almost forgot what a big city was like. Not that any city on Earth looks like this one. And we ain't got any giant chickens to race, either.

[He's handling things pretty well, though, probably better than most other Earthlings would. He's more annoyed at the situation in general than anything else.

He sticks out a hand for a handshake and introduction, though.] Marshal Sparks Nevada.

[red_planet_blues]

Yeah. It's red. And dry. And of course there's Martians. Where're you from that there ain't?

No, yeah, look, I got that part, but what the heck does "chan" mean? [He's never been to Japan. Explain yerself, kiddo.]

[red_planet_blues]

[Sparks scratches his chin. With the moogle by her side, he assumed she was one of these "Heroes" like him.]

Ya sure seem to know enough about 'em. You from here?

[goddessofthesky]

No but I had a loftwing back home. They are wonderful birds that fly through the sky.

[Zelda's voice sounds wistful as she thinks of her home. It feels like forever since she has been back there.]

[gomu_ningen]

"No. Plenty of food! But if we're goin' adventuring, I need to make sure I eat enough to stay strong!"
"What he said!"

As they finish the few dozen or so skewers they're able to get their mitts upon, Luffy and his moogle companion stand with expectation as they watch Kaji and Shinji intently.

"Where ya' from, Uncle? Not from around here, right?"

[gomu_ningen]

"Hey! I'm not loud!"

Fuming, the lad picks up the hat that had been on his head, dusting off the weathered and worn hat with a grunt as he places it back atop his noggin.

"Never heard of getting hit on the back to stop choking. Thanks, anyways."

Luffy, having really never learned proper manners, cannot help but look at his savior with curious, observing eyes. He's never seen a.. a.. well, whatever it was that was standing before him.

"You're the weirdest monkey I've ever seen."