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

Genesis "Genny" Rhapsodos aka the female one

[rhapsoidein]

Monty and Genesis meandered through the festival, in her hands she held some rock candy on a stick and she nibbled on it as she walked through. Waking up here had been a trip and she was getting used to not being so hyperaware of things, given she had normal human senses now and her eyes no longer glowed. In fact, they had reverted to their original color, which was gray.

She also didn't have the outfit she was wearing before arriving here but her current outfit was comfortable enough that she didn't ask Monty for her old ones back. The festival looked like a lot of fun and it kept her mind off home. She wondered what she would find...

Treasure Chest Game

"Pick that one, kupo!"

Genesis shook her head. "No, the ones on the end are always terrible... but so are the ones in the middle..."

The moogle rested on her shoulder again, pouting. She shared a look with him before sighing and shrugging. She pointed to the chest on the end at the right. It opened to reveal a rather large Moomba toy. Monty cheered as she was handed the large orange plushie, it was nearly as big as her! "...thanks a lot, Monty."

"You're welcome, kupo!!" That wasn't suppose to be a good thing.

Fireworks!!!

Finding a secluded spot on a hill, Genesis sat down on the grass, Moomba in her lap and Monty resting on its head as they watched the night sky light up in various colors. She was getting tired and she knew the full impact of what had happened was going to hit her in the morning, but right now, the sky was beautiful and for once, she felt safe. ShinRa wasn't after her in this new place. Maybe this is what the Goddess intended, after all...

Fireworks.

[wear_tear_rust]

While the day was spent figuring out the ins and outs of this town, Angeal had come to realize that this place was actually pretty nice. The friendly faces offered him plenty but the way they spoke to him was confusing, almost muddy.

From tasting different foods, he wasn't hungry, that was certain. He wanted to get away from the population for a while considering that from the moment he woke up to this moment in time, he wasn't sure if he should be happy or upset. The theater really did him in on his thoughts that this was nothing more than a dream.

With a heavy sigh, he wanted to clear his head. His moogle, now dubbed Lester, floated after him but was also left in a state of bewilderment.

Angeal spotted a lone figure on the hill and decided to make his way up. This figure had a familiar silhouette. ...could it be?

His thoughts were cut off in favor of moving forward. It wasn't until he had reached the top of the hill that he spoke for the first time in what felt like hours. "Genesis?"

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis heard the familiar voice and she turned toward it, not entirely believe it was him until she saw him. He was here too? Genesis let the huge plushie fall onto the grass as she stood up, ignoring Monty's protests in favor of greeting Angeal. She smiled softly, almost nervously.

"Hey."

Was he angry with her? She didn't know. Nothing had really been the same these last four years and she had a feeling that the reason he had taken so long to meet her in the Mines was because he finally left to go with Sephiroth and Zack. She couldn't be sure as she fell asleep before anyone arrived at the rendezvous point.

[wear_tear_rust]

The voice from Genesis didn't sound like the Genesis he knew. Was his mind really going that he was making things up as he went along? Maybe he was still back in Shinra, left inside the tank to rot away into oblivion. This wasn't right at all.

"Hi." He wasn't about to stop being himself even through his confusion. His voice was just the same as it had been while he was appointed the task of taking care of the Seconds and Thirds. He had left that life behind in favor of a friend.

His heart sank. Maybe he was thinking subconsciously that his only childhood friend was a figment of fantasy as a woman. He couldn't simply dismiss his feelings regarding those long lingering memories. He had to convince himself that maybe his mental state was his reality. Perhaps it was why he had told Zack that his mind was mired in fog and his only hope of keeping his sanity was to retreat into those fantasies.

Maybe...

He stepped closer and tilted his head to the side. He noticed the ignored moomba and picked up the toy. It sure felt real enough but maybe it was his mind playing tricks again. "You dropped this."

[rhapsoidein]

The fact that he didn't greet her with any sort of happiness answered the question. But she also was unaware that this wasn't the Angeal she grew up with. She stayed silent as he picked up the large toy and handed it back to her. She took it and held it against her chest, unsure of what to say for once.

What did one say to someone you weren't sure was even your friend anymore? All those ignored feelings returned, leaving her with those memories of how she acted over the four years. She didn't deserve Angeal's friendship. "I... thank you."

She paused again, sighing softly through her nose. She didn't know how to apologize, really.

"I didn't expect you to be here as well."

[wear_tear_rust]

Angeal's emotions were running dry. He had very little to smile for, and even less to be happy about. He was left conflicted and hurt that he had to leave behind his values for the sake of saving his best friend's life and betrayed Sephiroth in the process. It hurt to think about and he had hoped not to revisit the bitterness.

If Genesis was here, then maybe Sephiroth was too and that alone made him close his eyes. "Neither did I, to be honest."

His head lowered. He wanted to cry but he couldn't. What could he say to Genesis, and was this really the Genesis he knew? He pushed back all the anger as he drew in a deep breath. No one told him what it felt like to die. Maybe he was close to it himself and was given that one chance to atone for his sins through this hallucination.

But if that was the case, he should do the same for Sephiroth. All he had to do was find him and come to that point where he could have that peace again. That reason to smile was so far out of reach that it hurt. When was the last time he ever did? Then he thought of Wutai and that bitterness came right back and he decided that it was best to leave but those steps were just too heavy.

"I'm sorry."

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis tilted her head in confusion, frowning. He was sorry? What for? He didn't do anything wrong. She was the one who caused the rift, made Sephiroth hate her, starting a whole new war that no one really wanted all because she defected from the company and they didn't want her telling their secrets.

Hesitantly, she reached out and rested her hand on his arm. "Why? You are not to blame. None of you are."

But she already felt like she was overstepping her boundaries and pulled back, hugging the Moomba a bit further as she stood awkwardly in silence. When was the last time she was at a loss for words?

[wear_tear_rust]

He felt her hand on his arm he looked toward it before he made a quarter turn to look at her. His head tilted to the side and wondered if he was caught between insanity and old memories. The look on her face reflected just how crushed he was inside.

He didn't push her away nor shrug off her hand. It felt nice to actually feel contact and his expression softened. "You're right. The blame lies on the shoulders of those that caused suffering. You suffered and so have I."

But, didn't he just talk to the Genesis he knew from home? Something didn't make sense.

[rhapsoidein]

ShinRa really did need to take the blame. Had they not messed with their cells, none of this would have happened. Although, if she really thought about it, she would probably wouldn't have met Angeal.

She nodded and sighed. "So, where do we go from here? I know you wanted to get back to Zack and Sephiroth, they have been looking for you since they left ShinRa. But I don't even know if they are here as well. How we arrived just doesn't make sense."

[wear_tear_rust]

Those names were a barb on his heart. He had met Sephiroth and the emotions that stirred from that encounter was a hard pill to swallow. This dream was a roller coaster of emotions that Angeal was having trouble sorting through.

He wanted to smile and believe that everything was fine but the truth behind it all was anything but fine. He had to take that step and with a full turn toward Genesis, he stepped up to her. "We can go where ever we want to go. I'll cross those bridges once I reach them."

Then there was that one bit that wasn't consistent with his memories. Was this a trick of his own mind to throw him off?

"They didn't leave Shinra."

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis looked more confused now than ever. "Yes, they did. After I told Sephiroth about Project S, he decided he was better off without ShinRa, Zack joined him. Both of them have been looking for you ever since."

How could Angeal not know this? It's why they were on the move all the time! Having two SOLDIERs track them down was just a major pain in the butt but neither of them thought to go back to Banora yet. What was going on for Angeal to suddenly not remember?

"What's going on?"

treasure game!

[grandsummon]

Although not really partaking in any herself, Yuna found herself spectating at many of the game booths set up along the paths. When Genesis's prize was revealed, Yuna giggled to herself softly, concealing it behind a fist as best she could.

"I suppose -- not all of the prizes are practical ones."

"Not even half of them, I bet!" Her own moogle chimed in cheerfully, floating haphazardly behind her.

[rhapsoidein]

The laughter was so not appreciated. Genesis looked over her shoulder from the toy and gave an annoyed frown Yuna. "Thank you for stating the obvious."

Monty, however, looked quite satisfied with himself and sat on the toy.

"Monty, I don't need to carry you, either," she sighed, hefting the plush toy into a better position. She turned to Yuna again.

"Do you want it?"

[grandsummon]

"Ah--" Oh no, had she offended the other woman. "I didn't mean..." she trailed off, head dipping to the side slightly in remorse. It had just been amusing to see such a large Moomba pop out, when the ones Lulu had used had been so small in comparison...

But when she was questioned if she would take in instead, Yuna wasn't quite sure what to say at first. Did she even have room for it? "Well, I..."

But she was interrupted as her own moogle suddenly surfaced between them again. "Yes! We'll take it for sure! A big comfy Moomba would make a great bed, kupo!"

She's really a nice woman, I swear! XD

[rhapsoidein]

"It's alright," She shrugged. She wasn't going to yell at Yuna or anything, she just didn't enjoy being laughed at. Even though she wasn't aware Yuna was laughing more at the size of the toy than anything else.

Monty, however, was having none of it. "No, the Moomba is mine! Genny won it fair and square, kupo!"

"Yes, I won it, but I don't want it and it's too big for you." Monty hung his head, little pom-pom drooping. Genny sighed heavily, why did Monty have to be so adorable. "Fine, we can keep it."

She gave Yuna a small, helpless shrug. "Sorry about that."

suuuuure ;^;

[grandsummon]

Momolumi seemed to visibly deflate at the news that the moomba already had a home, wilting to the ground with exaggerated dramatics. Yuna's light chuckle was further proof that it wasn't in seriousness. "It sounds like they were both pretty excited for it," a small smile lined her lips as she shifted her weight on her feet, "I guess it had more use than either of us thought."

Nodding her head in a slight bow, she took the opportunity to introduce herself. "I'm Yuna."

;3;

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis returned the gesture. "Genesis. This is Monty."

She turned to the treasure chest and nodded over to them. "Why don't you pick a treasure chest for your moogle, perhaps she will enjoy the prize her friend gives her instead?"

It seemed to be the best solution, really. Even if it wasn't really on the seriousness. She just also knew, from what she had seen on Monty, that the moogle's emotions seemed to be... extreme, to say the least.

[grandsummon]

"And I'm Momolumi!" chimed in the moogle, striking a pose with an arm raised in the air as he continued to hover by Yuna's side.

"Yes, that's right," Yuna nodded with a quiet chuckle, "and this is Momolumi." Pausing, she took a moment to look at the unopened treasures and then took a glance at the other patrons around. Everyone seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves... it would be okay to lose herself in the moment for just a little bit... right?

"Okay," she finally answered, a smile beaming again as she nodded again, and shuffled over to take her place. Her companion seemed elated at the decision to play, as he spun in place, clapping. "Maybe... this one?" Leaning over towards the chest, she placed a hand on the top of it as it sprung open suddenly.

Taking a step back with a shocked -- "Oh!" a barrage of sparkles exploded from within the treasure, covering her, and any of the nearby participants with small feathers, glitter and cotton fluff --a ll the good stuff that seemed to cling to clothes and hair alike. A banner popped up as the slight fog cleared reading 'BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!' with a single gil at the bottom.

Yuna laughed softly, pulling some of the debris from her hair, with a quiet "Whoops..."

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis jumped and covered her head when she heard the noise and saw the sparkles. Luckily, it was just glitter and fluff, but that didn't mean she enjoyed getting it into her hair. Well, it was certainly a surprise.

"Hm, wasn't aware some of the chests do that..." She muttered, pulling at her own hair as well. Monty giggled and flew about to catch more of the stuff. She rolled her eyes at him but didn't try to stop. "Well, it was worth a go."

No harm done, except lots of glitter in her hair.

we can probably steer this towards a close soon methinks??

[grandsummon]

Brushing herself off, she was glad that Genesis didn't seem too angry at the chests' contents but took the time to apologize still. "I'm sorry -- I had no idea, either. I suppose... they have to balance one another out right?" She turned to her moogle as well. "Sorry Momolumi... it seems as though we didn't manage to win anything," her tone and spirits were still light, but the moogle took it upon himself to search the contents of the chest even further, balancing on the ledge and tipping himself into it in the process.

"Maybe... I'll have better luck on the next game," she chuckled again. "Would -- you like to come with me? These sorts of things... always seem to be better when you're with someone else." Her gaze dropped to the side, feeling a little sheepish, asking a perfect stranger for company.

Treasure Chest Game

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda was watching the game with interest. She wasn't sure if she wanted to try it but out of all the games this one was the most interesting while also being easy. She watch the red haired girl as she pulled the plushie from the chest. It was an odd little creature but it was cute.

A smile spread across her lips as she the girl looked at her prize. "You did it!" Zelda cheered at the girl hoping to see her smile. Kupola was flying next to her and clapping at the red heads success after adjusting his newly acquired green.

[rhapsoidein]

Genesis hadn't been expecting the cheer and raised her eyebrow at the young woman.

"It hardly seems worth cheering for," She said lightly, turning back to stare at the big orange creature she now held in her hands. "You pick a chest and get whatever is inside."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda lifts a single finger to the side as she makes her point. "But you still won. It's worth cheering for." She has been watching the game and has seen most people walk away with nothing.

It might be small but it was something cheerful and that was important, more so in situations like these. Her moogle nodded as Zelda spoke his arms crossed with a playful expression on his face.

[rhapsoidein]

"I suppose so," Genesis shrugged. It was a valid point, but still not worth a cheer, she felt. Cheers were usually meant to help those along, like in a race or something. But she wasn't about to be a spoilsport either. "Well, have fun."

She wasn't entirely sure what else to say to the young woman and Monty was already itching to have Genesis play another game.

[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!”