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

[headfons]

Though...?

Luke tilted his head, a bit, as he waited for Gaara to finish. Instead, he was standing. Green eyes drifted to the ground, a moment, as he thought on that. For some reason, his thoughts turned to Guy. He'd thought of him as his best friend, for years, to find out there were...certain feelings he'd held. Luke had wanted to immediately jump back to being best friends, but...

Well, his first thoughts were that he had no right to even ask for that. With what his father had done, Guy would have had every right to hate him, right? In the midst of his being, momentarily, deep in thought, he didn't notice the impact. Then, glancing up, he saw the crash of bodies, and then jumped to his feet, "...!"

Then, after blinking a couple of times, his brow tensed. O...kay, then...That definitely answered his question of whether, or not, they were friends.

[no_dreams_for_you]

…His back was beginning to ache a little, from hitting the floor twice in a short period of time.

Gaara didn’t mean to stumble back, but the force of that slam weakened his guard, and took him down after he was unable to recover. He had been much more durable with his sand defenses intact. Being without it, he realized just how vulnerable he was reduced to, at present. Scowling, he made a mental note to begin training the following day, so that he could become more physically resilient. He and Sai had held quite a few sessions together, but his body was… human, now. Weaker, susceptible to factors that he could have deflected, with his ninja abilities.

“Naruto,” he repeated with a visible grimace, “if this was an attempt to attack me… then I would advise you to try a more subtle approach.”

Hands curling over Naruto’s shoulders, he nudged him back, placing some distance between them. While the gesture wasn’t utterly unappreciated, Gaara didn’t expect this kind of greeting. It made his senses alarmingly alert, as though his body was preparing for a fight. Glancing over to the side, his eyes met Luke’s, silently noting the way he had risen so abruptly. The surprise that reflected within those green depths likely mirrored his own display of emotion.

[kuramaless]

Naruto wasn't sure what he'd expected, but for Gaara to fall like that, and well - perhaps he could blame it on a lack of chakra, but he was sure he had more coordination than to let them both take a trip right down to the floor.

He was laughing quite quickly after hearing Gaara's 'advice', and although he was being nudged back, Naruto was already in the process of finding solid grounding on the floor either side of Gaara's head to push himself up - eyes still bright with glee that matched his grin.

"Hey."

Gaara wasn't looking his way though, and he turned to see what he was looking at, catching sight of Luke. Whatever it was he thought he saw, Naruto was pushing up off the floor soon after, jumping to his feet - one planted either side of Gaara before he offered his hand.

"You just get here today, too? Who's your friend? Have you eaten?"

[headfons]

"..."

A brief memory of Anise surfaced as he watched the two topple to the floor. She'd always been super eager to wrap her arms around Luke, in the beginning, after all. That memory had a faint, sad smile tugging at his lips, just for a moment. Boy, did he miss his friends...

One hand lifted to scratch the side of his head, a frown immediately appearing. He couldn't have known what to expect of someone from an allying village, back on Gaara's world. Nevertheless, just from knowing the redheaded ninja? Him having friends, such as that, wouldn't have been an immediate assumption he'd have made.

Also, the incident served as a reminder of the guy's change in abilities. Without Gaara's sand abilities, he didn't have that cool sand shield, anymore. That was likely going to become a problem, for him, quickly...wasn't it? Really, Luke kind of felt bad for him. In a way, he had no idea how it felt to go your whole life with something, only to suddenly not have it. While he'd always had fonons, he'd only recently started learning how to use them. Essentially, things were...easier, for him.

Well, he certainly planned to assist him in defensive training, as soon as possible...

After watching the blond-haired young man return to his feet, the replica glanced down at Gaara, returning the look. Instantly, he offered a somewhat wry smile and moved a little closer; though, still giving them plenty enough room to move. After looking at the hand that was offered to the redhead, and then back to his friend, he offered a smile to Naruto, "I'm his-" he started, and then was left blushing.

Looking away, for just a moment, he cleared his throat. His...what? That actually hadn't been properly established, prior to their leaving Saeng Seong, "-yeah...His friend! We actually met in another world, before this one. I'm just grateful that I was lucky enough to wind up up here, together, with him." He said with a faint grin, before continuing, "My name's Luke. It's nice to meet you-...Naruto, right?"

He wanted to make sure he had the pronunciation down, since it wasn't much like any name he'd have heard on Auldrant.

[no_dreams_for_you]

His Moogle was laughing – Naruto seemed like a nice person too! Very enthusiastic and friendly. She felt surprised to see Gaara being taken off-guard, a second time. Flitting down to her hero companion, she offered her paws to him, just as helpfully. “You have nice friends, kupo!”

While rising back up to his feet, Gaara turned away for a moment, in an attempt to conceal the smile that was threatening to form over his lips. Even after all the time he spent at the facility, he was still surprised by the notion that he actually had friends. His father told him, long ago, that he would always be alone. Wouldn’t he be shocked as well, if he saw his situation at present…

His gaze settling back on Naruto and Luke, he nodded in response to the first question. “Yes. Both of us arrived recently.” And since Luke had already introduced himself… “We have eaten. I trust you have, as well?” A brief pause. “Did you visit every ramen stand in this district?” That was one common factor between the various versions of Naruto, at the facility.

Gaara quirked a curious brow at Luke for that notable pause… and the blush. Strange… was he feeling embarrassed about something? It couldn’t be the current temperature affecting him – the weather wasn’t hot enough.

“Naruto. Do you… remember the facility?” Because if not, then Naruto wouldn’t immediately comprehend the concept of there being other worlds in existence.

[kuramaless]

Naruto was quick to grab one of Gaara's wrists, grinning across at the moogle that was helping him up with the other hand - for what use it was, but those guys were pretty friendly, and helpful. Which reminded him--

Just as he turned, Mogsuke set his bowl of ramen down on the same table Luke was standing near, shaking his hands as if the weight had hurt him. Naruto just grinned, looking between the others, nodding firmly at Luke. "Naruto-- that's it."

Wait. What?

His face reeled through a few expressions before he settled on a frown, thumbing toward the table as he walked over to where his half-eaten bowl of ramen stood. "There's just this one place I found." He mumbled, looking around to get a feel for what sort of food this place they'd found themselves in provided.

"Facility? Never heard of anything like it... Is-- Luke from another ninja village?" He asked - and, well. The look Luke got from him might have been a tad judgmental.

[headfons]

Luke blinked down at the moogle that had struggled to carry that weight; he hadn't noticed the little guy struggling, otherwise, he would have helped him. A sheepish smile was given as he asked, "You okay?"

Looking back to Naruto and Gaara, he nodded to the acknowledgment of the name. It was fortunate he'd been given practice with pronouncing unique names, so far. He was getting better at being able to pronounce them, right off the bat. The mention of ramen had him giving a slight tilt of his head, at the blond, "...Yeah, I tried some of the ramen, here, not long after I woke up. It's not bad, actually. They just make it a little different from how my friends and I do," he said, before asking, "Guessing that's a favorite food of yours, then?"

As he glanced over to the other redhead, Luke listened to the question of the facility. There was a faint shift in his stance. In spite of his not knowing- everything about that place, he knew it must have been a bad one. Or, at least...he got the feeling it was. Also, the mention of the world Gaara had been in, prior to Saeng Seong, only served to remind him of the hotel. Holding a blink, he let out an almost inaudible sigh.

Hearing his name, he glanced back to Gaara's friend, "Hm?" ...Er.

Luke was giving a somewhat awkward scratch to his head. Well, he wouldn't fault Naruto on not catching what he'd been getting at. He hadn't been super clear with it. He'd try to be clearer, with the next words. Shaking his head, he answered with a, "Uh...No, actually. There's...apparently a lot of worlds out there. I'm originally from a world called Auldrant." He paused for just a moment.

Folding his arms over his chest, he made a somewhat frustrated face, "My situation isn't all that different from Gaara's, when it comes down to it; this is the fourth world, for the both of us. Though, for me...the first place I woke up in--that wasn't my home--was this place called California. Then, after vanishing from California, I woke up in the place Gaara and I met. It was a place called Saeng Seong."

He then let out more audible sigh, "There are lots of worlds out there, with different versions of people, too. You can vanish from one world, then wake up in another, where there are people that remember you -- but not the other way around. On the same note, sometimes, the people you've met remember you; sometimes...they don't," he said, his expression gradually dimming, You might make friends, on these worlds, that follow you to the next one, and...sometimes--"

Turning his head to look away, his expression fell as he went quiet for just a moment. After clearing his throat, he managed a smile and looked back to Naruto. There wasn't time for moping, damn it. Somewhat forcing out a laugh, he spoke to his newest acquaintance, "Hopefully, none of that confused you. Sorry, if it did. I haven't had to explain any of that, before. I'm not actually the greatest at that sort of thing, to begin with..."

[no_dreams_for_you]

A brow quirked with amusement when Naruto asked if Luke was from another ninja village. He could certainly comprehend his confusion, though… Facility wasn’t the name of any village that he was aware of. (Then again, Naruto had traveled over the world with Jiraiya, so perhaps he came across more villages than Gaara’s personal knowledge.)

He appreciated Luke’s explanation, because his own would have been considerably vaguer. It wasn’t a simple concept to accept, and he might not have, if he hadn’t actually experienced it. Even space/time jutsu wasn’t common for most ninja from their world. He would also need to mention that he had seen multiple versions of Naruto appearing at the facility, along with many shinobi from his village…

“Your explanation is comprehensible, Luke,” Gaara reassured him in a calm tone, brows furrowing as he thought of what else he should add. “Some individuals are derived from different time periods, Naruto. For instance, Temari recalled events from the recent war, but Kankuro had yet to experience them.”

Gaara himself came from the farthest point back in time, since Shukaku hadn’t been extracted from him yet. And every Naruto he met at the facility possessed their own set of unique memories, which made it more difficult to connect with them. The experiments that had taken place – he would rather not disclose them to Naruto, lest he become upset. Like on Valentine’s Day, when Sakura and Shikamaru had their hearts forcibly removed, amongst other occurrences. If Naruto had questions of his own, then he would answer them, but… not without first knowing where his primary concerns resided.

“......”

He was still learning how to identify emotions in general, but he thought Luke’s tone seemed… to hold a level of pain in it. Gaara briefly touched his arm, understanding that he felt upset due to the memory of his roommate, from the hotel. Not to mention, all of the friends and comrades that he left behind, on Auldrant. To his knowledge, Luke had yet to see any of them, despite having traveled to two worlds already, after departing from his original home.