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

[goddessofthesky]

“I will” Zelda kept her smile in place as she stepped up to the treasure chest game. She chose the one on the end but nothing was inside.

Her moogle flew over with his green hat and a happy smile. “You can always try again, Kupo!”

[goddessofthesky]

Yuna’s mention of magic drew Zelda’s attention back to the sphere. She couldn't see anything from where she sat but she still felt like she should try and look. So much of this world was new to her.

As Yuna stood and cheered, Zelda quickly joined her cheering for the same team. She wasn't sure of all the rules but after watching she got a basic idea and soon hoped that the team they had been cheering for would win.

After a while Zelda sat back in her seat. Her cheeks were flushed from cheering and she was slightly out of breath. “This is fun.” She smiled warmly at Yuna her eyes still on the game playing out in front of them.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda took a moment to think.

"Lets start with getting more information. Maybe there is a library we can go to?" She didn't know much about magic, her world had the powers of the goddess but she didn't consider those to be magic.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Ah, there we go. Kaji nods emphatically, "Actually, you're right. The one person who predicted that we would show up goes missing. Awfully suspicious. Maybe she either had to leave, or someone doesn't want us talking to her. That should be our top priority. I'd like to know what she has to say."

And, that might not be a dangerous task. Or, at least, should be less dangerous than whatever this thing is with the 'Heran Empire.'

[kuramaless]

Naruto's gaze dropped down to stare at his ramen, and then back up at Ashelia - picking up on her concern had taken him this long, but it was only then that he really understood the magnitude of it.

Bowl still in hand, he made his intention to follow her known, shovelling some more ramen in his mouth.

"Well--" swallowing. "What are we supposed to do about it?"

[kuramaless]

Naruto had visibly calmed, and a moment later he tipped his bowl up toward his lips, turning his head to be able to watch Sephiroth as he drank the last of his soup, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Uh - not long." He followed the guy's line of sight and turned to look. His bowl was empty...

"Wanna go get some more?"

[kuramaless]

"Yeah---"

He wasn't even sure it was possible.

"How do they even-- it's water right?"

[kuramaless]

Naruto was quick to grin, following Luffy and jumping up onto one of the stools beside him. It was a surprise to hear him order one of everything and he watched the guy behind the stand. Luffy got another stare, and very gradually another grin filled his face.

"Uncle? Yeah. I'll get another one."

[kuramaless]

The moment Cloud had inferred that the moogles might have had something against them he turned his head to look at the one that had been following him around, Mogsuke was quick to shake his head.

"You think? I don't think it means anything."

[red_planet_blues]

They got nanotech - oh, excuse me, "Na-Noh Tech" [Finger quotes accompany that] - that fixes 'em when they get hurt in any way. Like they just. They kinda just slide back together and it's just gross. Oh, they got two tongues, too. And a million extra senses. Look, I spent some time in a Martian's body, so just take my word on it.

[red_planet_blues]

They look kinda dumb. I don't even think they can fly. Never thought I'd miss my rocket steed. [A rocket steed can fly, thankyouverymuch.]

[red_planet_blues]

Okay, I know I've only known you for like a minute, but you are a weird guy. Just so you know.

[red_planet_blues]

No planes or ships or anythin'? Just big birds?

Well, it's a steed, and it's got rockets strapped to it. That's about it. Cyborg horse that gets me around the planet in a flash.

[red_planet_blues]

Corporal, huh. You in the army or somethin'?

Sounds like ya know a lot more than me about all this. Do ya happen to know anything about this whole "heroes of light" junk they're tryin' to sell us?

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis leaned forward and punched his arm.

"No, you seem real to me," Genesis said, almost nonchalantly. He did sound like a madman, almost. But not so much that she worried for him. This was a whole new situation that she didn't believe when she first arrived. But she had the time to realize that, no, she really did somehow end up on an entirely different world.

[aeromancer]

It took pretty much everything Zojja had to not openly bask in the praise.

"Exactly. If this world needs a hero, it should pick some from its own ranks."

[shinrasfinest]

Not much in the way of manners, either, it seemed. One of Sephiroth's eyebrows twitched at the corner at the way that Naruto watched him while finishing his soup, fully expecting the spillage down his chin as a result from undue attention being given to eating and as a result wasn't all that surprised at the back-of-the-hand wipe at his mouth after wards. Disgusting. He parted lips as if to say something about it, then thought better of it and reset his jaw.

He wore it well though and averted his gaze away from the boy back over in the direction of where he'd said the ramen stand was.

"That depends. It's a little too warm for noodle soup." And messy, he neglected to add. Sephiroth wouldn't eat the way that Naruto had just done, in public or even privately.

[holycrows]

Henry beams at the complement.

"Thanks! My name's Henry, and I guess I'm a dark night or whatever."

[wear_tear_rust]

The revelation was a comfort and it showed on Angeal's face. He nodded his head once and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Cloud. Infantry or not, any friend of Zack's is worth meeting."

He wasn't about to be pessimistic with the idea that Zack would never be seen here and in a way, he hoped that he wasn't here. It was hard on him and the memory was still very fresh that he pushed his friend and pupil away. Zack, he knew, needed to stand on his own and while the action was harsh it was necessary.

"I don't know." Angeal's voice softened just enough to betray his emotional imbalance, however slight. He rubbed his chin in thought, an action he often did when he was uncertain about something. He wasn't sure if he should search for Zack or law low. They didn't entirely part on the most friendly of terms.

"He's too stubborn to be this quiet." Angeal mused.

[wear_tear_rust]

Angeal was a little surprised how hard that punch was. It was strange and his hand moved up to rub the spot where she punched along with an expression of disbelief. Did he feel pain?

"Ouch." He spoke before he had the chance to think on it.

He was still of the mind to believe that this was a dream concocted by madness but even then dreams weren't this vivid. So, he decided to keep his gaze to the fireworks. He leaned back with his arms as support. "Maybe. I'm still left to figure it out."

[no_dreams_for_you]

Luke’s face had turned red again, piquing the ninja’s intrigue. He did know that there was an alternate reason for people blushing, which happened to be the concept of embarrassment. But why would Luke experience that feeling, right at this moment? Was there something embarrassing about their current situation? Gaara started glancing around and analyzing every possible cause for it, in spite of his earnest confusion.

Looking down at their joined hands, he asked quietly, “Would you like to be released?” And then, to answer that question about his job class, “I have been assigned to the White Mage and Dark Knight Job Classes. My current appearance is that of the White Mage class. Your aptitudes must have changed as well, then.”

Streak o’ lean…? He had never heard of that dish. He knew what bacon was – commonly derived from pork meat. He didn’t particularly feel one way or the other, toward it. As Gaara was stepping closer to inspect it, he caught sight of another dish that drew his attention. Without announcing his intentions, he began to pull Luke over to that booth, where he placed an order for grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs.

She was quickly distracted by a certain item, and flitted to the booth with Ion in tow. After accepting the cone, she unfortunately had to let go of the other Moogle. Pulling off a piece of cotton candy, she attempted to feed Ion by bringing it toward his lips. “Try some, kupo! I love cotton candy!”

All smiles, she started licking at the fluffy candy herself. Some of it got onto her nose, but she didn’t seem to notice. Curiously, she peered at the people surrounding them, then commented idly, “Mmm… There are so many new Heroes!” Glancing back over her shoulder, she tilted her shoulder toward their respective human companions. “They’re still holding hands, kupo! Not all humans do that… It’s so interesting, kupo!”

[damnthatkiel]

He briefly considered a pseudonym, but thought better of it. It was hardly as if his name meant much in this, well, universe.

"...Gnashblade. Evon Gnashblade. It's been a pleasure."

[sunny_soda_breeze]

"It sure looks like water. But I guess we'll know for sure once they let us in there."

He's also pretty impressed with how long they can hold their breath.

[sunny_soda_breeze]

[Several seconds of silence.]

They have two tongues? Does that mean.... they taste everything twice?

[Yep, that was what he took away from all of that. Imagine how delicious ice cream would be if you could taste it double.]

[her_rose_is_red]

[Ib smiles. She likes to believe that too, but sometimes it's good to hear it from someone else. It makes her feel just slightly more optimistic.]

Thanks...

[She means for making her feel better.]