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]

"It is nice to be met with such celebrations." Yuna's excitement was contagious and Zelda found herself smiling along with her as they moved through the crowd. She felt giddy as they moved and her excitement rose with each step. Even though she had no idea what they were heading towards.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed but soon the crowd opened up and before them expanded a large arena with a sphere of water hanging in midair. Zelda's eyes went wide and she stopped to stare at the arena. "It's amazing." Her voice was just a whisper. She might have heard about the game but seeing it was something else entirely.

[grandsummon]

"That's the spherepool," Yuna explained, coming to a halt alongside the other girl. It looks like it's just about finished being filled," she noted, with a nod to confirm. If we can get to our seats in time, we'll be able to see the players enter!"

She took a quick scan of the area before she set off again. "It looks like there's some free over there! Let's go."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda followed close behind, her eyes occasionally looking over to the sphere pool. When they got to their seats Zelda's moogle flew to sit in her lap. "How do they hold their breath for so long?"

Her eyes were filled with wonder as she stared at the collection of water.

[grandsummon]

"They train all day long," she recounted with a smile, images of the Auroch's on Besaid's shores not far from her mind. She had spent many a wonderful afternoon watching their training sessions -- when she had been freed from her duties of the temple. "There's a break, at half time, and some say that there's still a little magic that must help but... it's really amazing, isn't it?"

"Ah! It's just about to start... Go, go!" Yuna rose to her feet suddenly, cupping her mouth as she cheered loudly. The start of the game had stirred a level of excitement in her that even she hadn't realized until that moment.

[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.

[grandsummon]

About to apologize for her outburst (the setting and mood really had just upped her excitement suddenly -- ) Yuna turned to see that Zelda had also taken it upon herself to cheer for the players. The brunette smiled warmly at the other girl, thinking that perhaps arriving in a new world with festivities going on... was something that they needed. It took away from the dismal thoughts and unknown tomorrows... even if just for a little while.

It didn't really matter who won, in fact, Yuna found herself applauding the fantastic plays produced by both teams. And when one or the other would score, she cheered even louder, clapping her hands together, feeling elated by the crowds around them.

"Thank you -- for coming with me, Zelda. I don't think it would have been quite as much fun it if had only been Momolumi and I."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda's smile warmed. "Thank you for explaining the rules to me. I don't think it would have been as much fun alone either."

She was happy that she decided to watch the game though she felt like she should have been searching instead.