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

Zelda

[goddessofthesky]

1- Arrival:

Zelda felt a strange weight on her as her eyes fluttered opened. While waiting for her to wake her Moogle had fallen asleep on top of her. It's tummy rhythmically rose and fell as it softly snored. She didn't want to wake the thing but she also didn't want to say lying on the ground.

She tried to move the moggle to the side but it ended up rolling to the ground and waking up with a thud. "Kuuuupoo!" Zelda rushed to it's side and gently placed it in her lap.

"I'm sorry. Are you alright?" This didn't seem possible but she knew this wasn't home. She focused on the creature in front of her and tried to pushed the rest back for the time being.

"Kupo!" The moogle shook his head and fluttered up so that he was flying in front of Zelda. "Morning, Kupo! Welcome, Hero of light! I'm Kopula, Kupo!"

"Hero?" Her voice was even more unsure with this piece of information. Her eyes scanned around the area before she let out a long breath. "You will guide me?"

The moogle nodded and flew back towards Zelda's lap where it sat looking up happily. Zelda wrapped her arms around it and stood.

2- Game Stands:

Her arms are wrapped around her moogle as she walked through the stands eyeing the games and prizes. Everything looked exciting and she couldn't help but take the time to enjoy it. Time was never on her side in the past and now she wished that he was here with her.

A few prizes and small trinkets catch her eye but she hasn't decided what she wanted to try yet. Her moogle points over to a few of the games describing the rules, urging her to give them a try.

3- Fireworks:

Zelda was sitting on a low ledge her eyes searching the sky. Once the fireworks began a smile spread across her lips. Her eyes are glued to the lights of the fireworks as they explode in a kaleidoscope of colors in the sky. It was beautiful and she didn't want to look away. Even with the story she heard from Kopula and the new adventure that lay before her, the day felt like a dream. The city was wonderful and unlike any place she has visited before.

It was missing some pieces and some things felt out of place but it was a warm welcome she wasn't going to forget. Kopula was asleep in her arms and she was finally left alone with her thoughts. She carefully let the information she gathered unfold in her mind as she thought about her day.

4- Anywhere else

Zelda looked like a tourist with her eyes trying to take in everything all at once. The town was exciting and there were so many people she felt like it would have been so easy to get lost without Kopula's help.

Kopula stayed in her arms, worried he would lose her if they weren't close together. She mostly wandered around trying to find more information about this world. A few times she stopped suddenly thinking she saw a familiar face in the crowd.

2

[headfons]

With Ion sitting on his shoulder, the replica decides to check out some of the games. He's only played a small number of games in his lifetime, and nothing...quite like the ones he's seeing. One hand resting on his hip, he pauses to get a closer look at one of them. It looks...simple enough.

Well, he does wind up winning a stuffed...thing. Tossing said thing into the bag he'd gotten himself early on in the night, he spots a young woman who appears to be considering one of the games. He hasn't really spoken to anyone since his arrival, but it's nothing to do with his level of friendliness...

No, it's more-so to do with the fact that he'd gotten so caught up in distracting himself. He doesn't want to think about the fact that he's appeared in yet another world...alone. After moving to stand next to her, he rests a hand on his hip. A light smile appears as he speaks. His tone, while friendly, is soft.

"They're actually pretty fun, you know. You should give it a try..."

The moogle on his shoulder is silent as he appears to be shyly watching the other two. Luke glances over to him to give him an encouraging smile. Seriously, though...the little guy's nothing like this when it's just the two of them...

2

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda looked up at the boy with a curious glance. "Which one?" She turned towards him, her moogle happily going along for the ride as it sits in her arms. It's cute stubby little legs wiggle back and forth. Her eyes noticed the shy moogle behind the man's head and quickly realized that he must be in a similar situation to her. Her expression softened into a smile as her eyes went back to the games.

She had been inspecting a few of the them but wasn't sure of a good place to start. "Why don't we play something together?" It's always more fun with more people.

[headfons]

Ion returns the smile with an ounce of hesitation, one paw lifting in a somewhat shy wave. Luke, on the other hand, was offering a faint grin. Green eyes lingered on her inhuman features, in a casual and non-judgmental way, for maybe a split second- he, immediately after, glanced back over to the game.

"This one," he said as he gestured towards the one he'd just tried.

The object of the game had been to shoot a target that looked like various people he didn't recognize. To her invitation, his grin grew a tiny bit. The replica certainly couldn't object to enjoying a fun game- with someone that seemed very nice, in fact, "Alright. Wanna try that one, or..."

He turned and surveyed the area. After a short moment, his eyes landed on one with chests lined in a row, "How about that one...?" Oh...and, "By the way, my name's Luke. And this," he rested a hand against his newest...friend, of sorts, "-is Ion. It's nice to meet you."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda giggled at his indecision, her laughter was light and playful, with a musical ring. "My name's Zelda and this is Kupola." She gestured to the moogle in her arms.

Her smile stayed on her face as she looked over all the choice's that he suggested. "Let's both open a chest." She reached for his hand and pulled Luke over to where a short line has formed to play the game. Her smile grew as they moved closer to being next. She loved games like these.

[headfons]

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?"

[goddessofthesky]

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?"

[headfons]

"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."

[goddessofthesky]

"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.

4

[lodossknight]

He wasn't a familiar face, but he did take it upon himself to greet her. Since Parn was going out his way to try and meet everyone like him here. At least a good portion of them anyway.

"Greetings." Parn had a twinge of being somewhat polite, but that was only because of him being a knight. He was accustomed to dealing with royalty now-a-days, not to mention he was still somewhat sexist towards women. In a sense where they were delicate and needed protecting. Deedlit was the only one who has every challenged him on that.

4

[goddessofthesky]

"Hello." Zelda turned to face the man full, her moogle wrapped protectively in her arms. She was used to being protected but it was her duty as the goddess. She never wanted to have to be protected like that.

Her eyes looked up at the boy but she didn't spot his moogle right away. "Are you stuck here too?"

[lodossknight]

"It appears so. Alida insists that like everyone else here, I'm a hero of light. I can't say I recall ever helping this country, but it seems as though our help might be needed."

Really he harbored no ill feelings for being taken unwillingly. Parn knew desperation could cloud people's better judgement.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda knew of many reasons why they might have been called warriors of light but they are all from her own experiences and they might not apply here. "I'm not used to being called a hero." Her voice was soft and there was humor in her eyes.

"Are you a knight?" She gestured at his clothing curiously. Her own garb was a white dress much like the dress of the goddess. The only difference was the ring of armor around her waist and the plates on her shoulders.

[lodossknight]

While they weren't his clothes (they were now,) it did give the impression that he still held his original class. Though Parn was still upset about his father's armor not being with him when he came here.

"I...think?" His moogle Alida would kindly chime in. "You're a warrior, kupo!"

The dark haired teen chuckled softly. "I guess I'm a warrior." He pointed at her attire. "What about you?"

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda was wearing a white dress much like the dress she wore at home but this one had a hood and red accents. Silver plates circled her waist and rested on her shoulder. "I think I'm a white mage and paladin? Though I haven't ever used a sword before."

She was still a little nervous about it. Her moogle kicked it's feet in the air and gave Zelda a little nudge. It was his was of saying that he believed in her.

[lodossknight]

"It's easy once you get the hang of it. There's a few people here who would be able to demonstrate for you." Parn being one of them.

He expressed a soft smile. "Do you intend to help these people?" He did.

[goddessofthesky]

"Yes." She kept her answer simple. She was going to help them but she is also on a search of her own, to find her hero and she wasn't ready to give that up.

"I'm not really sure what I can do but we were brought here for a purpose." Her hand reached into her pocket and pulled out the crystal shard that she woke up with. She stared at it a moment feeling it as it rest in the palm of her hand.

After a moment she shook her head and looked back up at the warrior. "I think we need more answers though. If we really want to help."

4

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji was starting to get tired, probably about to be heading for where his moogle, Shinji, was pointing him towards the residential quarters. But he pauses in mid-stride and turns to look, because Zelda has caught his eye in more than one way.

1: He has been keeping an eye out for anyone else with a moogle.
2: Zelda is the first obviously non-human person he has seen here.
3: Hel-lo!

Kaji materializes at her side with a flirtatious grin. He keeps his tone of voice smooth and low, but tries for slightly joking. "If you're looking for someone, I'm pretty sure you've just found them. Ryoji Kaji, and who are you?"

4

[goddessofthesky]

She jumped at his sudden approach and looked up with a curious gaze. "Zelda." Her voice was sweet but cautions. Her moogle looked up at the man from her arms and appeared to be very unhappy at the sudden jolt.

"Do I know you?" She was sure she didn't but he appeared to be a 'hero' like her, indicated by the moogle floating by his side. Maybe he knew something that she didn't.

Re: 4

[iknowtheconsequences]

"Zelda," Kaji repeats with a smile. "Well, I suppose not, I'd definitely remember a face like yours." He gives a slight bow, but it's still too playful to be taken seriously. "At your service, then."

"Are you already from here? I've seen some others with moogles, but you definitely seem to blend in a lot more than the rest of us." Case in point, Kaji is dressed in the Scholar's robes, but has already loosened up his cravat, unbuttoned the top button of the shirt, rolled up the sleeves, and his moogle is wearing his mortarboard hat instead of him, giving him a disheveled (but still cool) look.

4

[goddessofthesky]

She smiled at his gestures, he was charming in his own way and he appeared to be willing to help. "No. I'm not from here." The fact that he thought she was from here was surprising but she tried her best not to show it.

Her white dress cling to her sides and snuggly hung like her dresses from home. A small belt of silver armor circled her waist and small metal pads adorned her shoulders. It was odd to be wearing armor but she still felt comfortable.

Kupola wiggled out of her arms and flew up next to Kaji. "Don't be rude! Kupo. Zelda is the greatest hero." He puffed out his chest as Zelda moved to pull the enthusiastic moogle back into her arms.

"Sorry about that. I think he wants to be a hero more than I do." She gave Kaji an awkward smile. Sometimes Kupola was lazy, other times he wanted adventure but he was always very protective of Zelda.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji only smiles further at Kupola. "My apologies, then."

"I've never been a hero before, personally. Know a few people who might be heroes. You can't tell them I said that, though." None of the three pilots would actually believe Kaji. Even Asuka would question a genuine compliment like that.

"Where were you before here, then?" And what's with the elf ears? But even Kaji knows better than to just outright ask that.

[goddessofthesky]

"I know a hero back home too." Her affection could be heard as she said the word hero, like a sweet memory had come to mind.

Zelda smiled while still trying to hold her moogle close and keep him quiet. After awhile he stopped struggling and stayed quietly in her arms. "I'm from Skyloft." Not that the name of her home meant anything to him but it was a start.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji's eyebrows raise at the mention of another hero, and his voice dips in a knowing tone. "Oh? Boyfriend back home?" Sounds teasing, not disappointed, and he is very interested in her reaction. Shinji gives him a double-take at the personal question from out of nowhere, though.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda was caught off guard by the question and found herself, yet again, holding down her moogle. Her cheeks flushed a light pink but she quickly regained her composure. "It's nothing like that. I mean... he's a childhood friend."

It sounded like an excuse but it was the answer that she often gave her father and it was the easiest answer to reach.