melodiesoflife | Prelude || The Festival Of Light

Prelude || The Festival Of Light

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.

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Something about her laugh was comforting; it had been a while since he heard one, like that, too. It reminded him of the more lighthearted days he'd spent with his friends, during their journey. Man...even though it wasn't all that long ago, it still felt like it was. So much had happened, since then...

The replica couldn't help but to give her a soft grin. Nodding to her greeting, his grin softened into a friendly smile, "It's very nice to meet you, Zelda," green eyes shifted to the moogle, as he gave a nod, "You, too, Kupola."

He blinked lightly, but accepted the hand a faint blush appearing. Well, it wasn't every day that he...held hands with someone. After stepping into line, he released her hand. Tilting his head to the side, just a bit, he asked in a curious tone, "So, uh...what kind of world are you from? Is the first one you've been to -- other than home, I mean?"

Zelda looked back at Luke at his question. "Well I'm from a place called skyloft. I don't consider this the first time but... its complicated." To her, falling from Skyloft to Hyrule was like falling to a new world but this world wasn't exactly like that.

Kupola flew around happily before placing his hands on Zelda's shoulder and lazily kicking his legs into the air. "Does that mean you have been to other worlds?"

"Skyloft...? Sounds...interesting," he started while glancing upward in slight thought, and then offered her a faint smile, "Heh, as complicated as waking up in a strange world that's not your home?"

He watched the moogle, a moment, his smile growing just a bit. While he was watching her moogle, his own was casually watching his surroundings with curious eyes. He seemed more inclined to people-watch, than actually interact. Luke was getting used to the fact that his friend was so shy, and didn't bother pushing him to speak up or come out of that shell -- maybe one day, though...

"Ah--" he started, after her question, a somewhat awkward look appearing, "Well, uh...heh. It's actually pretty complicated, as well. This is my fourth world, though."

"Your fourth!" Her moogle just continued to kick his little nubby legs, unphased, as Zelda's expressions filled with surprise. "What were those places like? Are you a hero in all of them, like here?"

She couldn't really wrap her mind around it but it was interesting and she wanted to learn more. She wondered how many worlds were out there and what was in them all.

He blinked, a bit, at that response. That's the strongest one he's received. Most people either acted full of disbelief or curiosity. Smiling, nevertheless, he nods. He starts to answer, but then hears that question of whether, or not, he'd been a hero in all of them. Blushing softly, he looks down, "Ah...I...did what I could, really."

Then, he scratches the back of his head as he continues, "The first world was called Auldrant. It's home, for me. It...was nice, aside from the miasma problem that it had, at one point. There were things called fonons. I could use skills called Fonic Artes. There, I had six friends named Tear, Guy, Jade, Anise, Natalia, and Mieu.

"The next world I was on, was a place called California. None of my friends from the first world came with me, but I met one of my dear friends, there. His name's Takasu Ryuuji. The...nights and days worked differently, there. For fourteen days, there was day, and then there was night for the same amount of time. During the day, everything was fine. Then, at night, things would change.

"After that, I arrived in a place called Saenge Seong. That world's where I met several really kind people. One of them is a child named Diarmuid, who helped me out, a lot. Another...is named Gaara. Anyway, that place was one of the strangest. In order to keep from getting sick, or losing control of your powers, you had to continue touching someone. Apparently, that world ran off of physical contact..."

He ended with a sheepish smile, "Sorry...That was probably a lot to take in," he then awkwardly scratched at the side of his face, "Say, uh...if you happen to come across anyone with any of those names, mind letting me know?"

It was amazing to hear, though he was being modest, Zelda was sure he was a hero. "This all must not be to strange for you then, huh?" She tilted her head to the side as she looked up at him.

All the places he has been sounded like interesting and wonderful words but she wandered. Since he has been to so many places, did he know the way home? It felt like it was rude to ask.

Pretty much all of his friends would likely call him an idiot, and tell him to stop being modest -- especially considering what he had done, prior to leaving Auldrant. To her question, he gave her a wry smile as he shook his head, "Actually, now that you ask...no. It was strange, at first, sure. I think the only strange thing, by this point, is the new powers."

If she were to ask, he wouldn't find it rude, at all. Luke was fairly forgiving, and slow to judge. At most, it would have likely just...had him thinking super hard. Would he ever be returning home? Though, his biggest question would remain--and one that would always have his chest tightening, it seemed--on whether, or not, he truly...wanted to.

Zelda looked at the games and sighed sadly. "I hope everyone can get back home. safely." It was almost their turn and she wasn't sure she knew how to play the game. She looked up at Luke, turning her sad expression into a happy smile.

"Are you ready to give it a try?" They were next and Zelda hoped that he would go first.

When it came down to it, he never stopped worrying more about other people, than himself. Nodding, he managed a reassuring smile, "I'm sure you'll all be fine. Besides, I plan to do everything I can to ensure you're all returned to your worlds, safely," he started, and then green eyes lowered as he muttered, "No matter what it takes..."

Her question was met with a blink, and then he was looking over at the games, "Sure! Wanna go first?" He didn't mind going first, either, of course.

Zelda took a half step back with a mock plead on her face. "I think you should go first." Her expression soon shifted into a smile as she pushed him towards the row of treasure chests.

The game was easy but it was luck that decided what you pulled, if anything at all. "Good luck!"

He blinked at that response, giving her a confused tilt of his head. Then, he caught that smile and gave her a sheepish grin, "Alright, then... I don't mind!"

He gave her a somewhat awkward "thanks", followed by a scratch of his head. With that, he was stepping towards the game upon seeing the gesture by the person in charge. And, the game really was easy to figure out. The concept of luck, though...well. Luke wasn't the luckiest person...but, he managed to come out with a few Gils and a small, stuffed dog-like creature.

Then, it was her turn. Turning towards Zelda, he gave her a grin, "Good luck!"

"Thanks" She walked over to the game and eyed each chest carefully. Her eyes fixate on the center chest and she goes over to open it. She looked inside and her smile fell slightly. "Looks like its empty."

Her moogle flew over with a smile urging her to play again. "You can do it Kupo!" Zelda shook her head, her smile quickly returning.

"That's alright others need to play too. I can try again later." She walked back over to Luke with a happy smile. "Looks like I'm unlucky."

He watched her open the chest, arms folding behind his head. There was a slight tilt of his head as she came back empty-handed. His brow tensed, and then he gave her a sheepish smile, "Sure you don't wanna try again?"

Smile still in place, he lowered his arms and scratched at the side of his head. Then, looking down at the dog-like creature...he appeared to contemplate. Well, for starters, he didn't need it. Maybe she'd appreciate it more than he ever could. Then, looking back to Zelda, he smiled at her. Holding the creature out, he said in a friendly tone, "Here!"

Zelda took the creature at first with a confused glance but her lips quickly warmed into a happy smile. "Thank you and it's alright. Everyone should get a chance to win."

She gestured back at the game dismissively and then took a few quick skips forward. "I saw we go on to something else?" She looked back with a smile.

There was a brief moment where he thought, maybe, he'd offended her -- the smile quickly reassured him. Grinning sheepishly, he said in agreement, "Guess you've gotta point there..."

He let out a soft laugh at her question. Without hesitation, he nodded and began walking towards the other games, "Alright. Let's pick something else!"

((OOC: So sorry for the delay!

Also...while I don't mind continuing (because they're super freakin' cute ♥), this does seem like a good place to cut off! |3; So, if you'd like, we can say they played a few more games, and then parted ways to go look for other people?))

"Alright!" Her smile grew wider as they walked through the fair and looked at the games. This wasn't something she's ever done and she is glad to have gotten the chance.

((OOC: Sounds like a plan! I'm good with ending it! There will always be more threads of cuteness!))

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Prelude || The Festival Of Light

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