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

Cloud Strife

[neverfirstclass]

1) Arrival

Cloud groaned as he awoke on the cold stone floor of the chamber. He had been suiting up for his next mission, but when he was jerked out of his home world and into this one he wasn't able to take any of his belongings with him. His armor was gone and his rifle was still back in the armory back home. The equipment he found himself wearing on his arrival was even more of a shock.

The moogle who had welcomed him was kind enough to explain everything as they left the crystal chamber and entered the city proper, but Cloud was starting to get frustrated with how confounding the whole explanation was. Legendary heroes? Cloud wasn’t a legendary anything. He WANTED to be a hero, this didn’t sound like anything he would have signed up for.

"I'm sorry...Mako was it?" Cloud frowned. The moogle's name was interesting. He couldn't help but wonder if they were paired on purpose, "I don’t get it. What's going on here?"

"I already explained to you! Kupo! You're one of the Heroes of Light! Kids these days! They never listen, kupo!"

"No, not that. I mean this!" Cloud shook the staff he was leaning against and pointed at his pointy hat. "I'm no mage! Back home I know how to use guns and I'm decent with a sword, but I can't cast magic! Especially not without materia!"

"Kupo! I already told you!" The bickering between the two continued as the moogle kept trying to explain and Cloud kept denying matters.

2) The play

Cloud stumbled around in darkness. He couldn't see and he could barely breathe. He couldn't believe he let Mako talk him into this, but the moogle had insisted over and over that this was a good plan. It didn't stop this from being an absurd one though.

"Mako, are you sure about this?" Cloud's voice came out a bit muffled behind the mask.

"Of course, kupo! If you're in this play, some of your friends may recognize you if they're here, kupo!"

"But how are they-"

"Never mind that! You're on! Kupo!" The moogle flew at him and bumped him in the belly, making him stumble out on stage. The other actors looked towards Cloud, waiting for his line. He swallowed hard, sweat dripping down his face, but he was glad that no one would be able actually to recognize it was him.

"RAWR. I'm the dread dragon! I have come to pave the way for my dark lord! You heroes will fall before my breath!" His delivery....could have used some work.

3) The Shooting Stand

"I'm sorry, kupo! I was sure you'd find a friend at the last event." Mako murmured as he flew along behind Cloud. He'd had his fun of pushing the spiky blonde around and now he was actually feeling bad for all the wild goose chases.

"It's fine. If we haven't seen him yet, then Zack probably isn't here." 'And I'm a little glad Tifa won't see me like this,' he added to himself. "The housing district is this way, right? I think we could both use a shower and some rest. I can try again tomorrow." Preferably without the fuzzball trying to help.

"But what about the festival, kupo! It's going to be going all night! We can try the Triple Triad tournament! Or maybe at the fireworks grand finale, kupo!"

"Look, I'm not interest....huh?" Cloud glanced beyond his moogle, looking at the shooting gallery that was set up.

"What is it, kupo?"

"That target...it looks a little like General Sephiroth...I wonder why..." Cloud frowned as he looked at the target. A lot of things weren't making sense since his arrival, but this one was bothering him the most. It resembled something from home but...what was with that sinister look on the man's face? Sephiroth was never the warmest man in SOLDIER but...it didn't really suit him to look THAT evil.

1: This almost got reposted from Jack's account...awkward.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji had only just gotten his explanation from his own moogle, Shinji, when he can start to see that there are a lot of other people disoriented, and each of them has their own moogle, as well. In-ter-es-ting.

Kaji has no problem approaching the bickering pair, and he has an eyebrow raised at the tall, pointed hat. "You know, if you don't like the hat, you could always just give it away."

He jerks a thumb back towards Shinji, who is wearing the Scholar mortarboard hat lopsided over one ear. He seems to like it a lot more than Kaji does.

"But I think we've got bigger problems than just some unfashionable headgear, don't you?"

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud is about to say something when he spots the hat on the other man's moogle. It seems that he's gotten off a little better with his own hat, but it still feels like something that someone would wear to a costume party. The young man takes a long breath and then nods, calming some but still looking annoyed.

"I don't know about problems, but I'd like some answers." He turns back and glares at his moogle, "And while he doesn't HAVE any, Mako here keeps expecting me to trust him and just follow his lead."

"Listen you! You've been tapped to be a hero, and when we get more information all of you will be the first to know!" The moogle is trying to sound smart, but he honestly doesn't know for sure if he's right. He won't admit to it though.

[iknowtheconsequences]

"Oh, I think we got the same story? Chosen to be a hero, special powers, world depending on you, blah blah." His tone is sarcastic, and he waves his hands grandiosely, then his voice drops and his eyes narrow. "I've heard this line once before, only it wasn't aimed at me last time."

He extends a hand. "Ryoji Kaji. Just Kaji's fine. And this is Shinji, apparently." The moogle waves politely.

"I don't know whether it's nice or terrible that we aren't alone in this." He scans the crowd again, and there are quite a few people standing out, visibly confused or irritated, like Cloud is.

[neverfirstclass]

To be honest, Cloud didn't mind the whole 'be a hero' part. That bit was what he always wanted. The rest of it was coming as a shock however. And as similar as this world was to his own, a lot of the specifics didn't seem to be lining up. Magic use for example.

"Cloud. Cloud Strife. This wouldn't be so bad if I still had my things with me. I'm not even that big a magic user back home. I don't know how whatever it was picked me out as one." He looks around as well at the cloud before looking back to Kaji. The man looked like he had about ten years or so on him. "Back where I'm from I'm in the army. What about you?"

the play!

[grandsummon]

Admittedly, Yuna hadn't been paying all that much attention to the play. Her gaze wandered all over the immediate area, taking in the various sights and sounds. It was almost enough to distract you from having been taken from an otherworld...

"Look, kupo! This is where it starts getting good!" Momolumi tugged at the long sleeve of her white mage robe, prompting her to pay attention to the stage, just as the human-clad in dragon took the stage.

Her eyes widened as her body stiffened, a cold feeling washing over her. "W- warrior of Chaos?!"

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud was, of course, oblivious to the reaction of the mage in the stands. Not only was he not the Cloud that fought in the battlefields of that other realm, he wasn't even the same Cloud that others in the city might remember. He was not yet the swordsman he would later become if he was still in his world.

For now, he was just a young man stuffed in a too hot dragon costume. He continued to stomp around the stage, taking wide swings at the actors who dodged with ease and then counter attacked. Was it just him or were they hitting harder than they needed to?

eek sorry for delay, this got buried!

[grandsummon]

Her brow furrowed in worry as she looked over the scene, wondering why a member of Chaos's team would be participating in such an event anyway... Working her way closer towards the stage, Yuna bumped shoulders with the crowd as she pushed ahead, wanting to get a better look -- and a better understanding of the situation.

"Excuse me," she offered apologetically as she moved, "I'm sorry..."

When she was finally near the front, it seemed that once one of the stagehand moogles had noticed, all of them took note of her as they came over in a flurry of little wings and pompoms. "A hero of light, kupo!" they chimed, "What are you doing, you should be back stage!" another exclaimed.

"Ah -- " she tried to explain herself, but before she knew it tiny paws were shoving her forward as they batted their wings harder, three or four pushing her at a time, while two others took her arms to tug.

"It's your big moment, kupopo!"
"That's right, that's right! It's time to make your entrance!"

"Bu-- but I'm not -- !"

There was no protesting it, suddenly she was behind the curtains, and with a mighty collective shove, onto the stage she went, clad in the white mage robes she'd found herself in upon arrival.

Stunned, looking out to the crowd with wide eyes, she didn't know what to do at first. She looked from the crowd to the other actors on stage -- to Cloud, then back out towards the audience.

"Ah... st- stop right there, O dreaded king of dragons!"

It's okay, I've been buried too...and then sick

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud hadn't noticed Yuna's approach at all, but as she was pushed out onto the stage he turned to face her. That was the cue to begin the mid-figh posturing, right? And the female warrior was the one he was supposed to grab during the melee. Seemed simple enough.

He tried to carefully adjust the mask, making sure he actually had a good line of sight. The last thing he wanted to do was trip and make an even bigger fool of himself. With a "mighty" roar he pushes the other actors back, standing to face Yuna.

"You foolish weaklings. You fancy yourselves heroes, but my lord has revived me and you will not find me as easy to beat as last time. I am an agent of Chaos now!" This was so laaaaaaaaaaame!

1

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda overheard the shouting and followed the disgruntled argument to the scene the man was causing. Her moogle flew behind her still a little groggy from being woken from it's nap. She had managed to understand the gist of the situation but the moogles only had a limited amount of information. She walked up to the blond hair boy and stepped in front of him with a frown, her fingering pointed up at him.

"You shouldn't yell at them. They are trying to help you." Her voice was firm, much like a school teacher as she stared up at the unhappy mage. Her own moogle flew behind the blond hair boy, inspecting him.

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud had just been threatening to hit the moogle with a lightning bolt when Zelda cut in. They were both baffled by the interruption, but Mako was the first to recover, getting a smug look on his face and his paws on his hips. As far as he knew he had an ally and he was going to milk that for all he could.

"Heh heh! You see Kupo? I'm just here to help! You should give me more respect."

Cloud glared again at his moogle before looking back to Zelda. He hadn't meant to be yelling, but the argument had escalated in volume as they went back and forth. He tried to say something stern to her, but he couldn't manage it and just pulled his mage hat low over his eyes.

"Sorry..."

[goddessofthesky]

"Good." Zelda's tone became softer and she smiled at the blond mage. She tilted her head to the side so she could look up under his foppish hat. "So what's wrong?"

She could easily guess considering the situation but sometimes it was better if someone voiced their frustrations; without yelling.

Her own moogle finished his inspection of the boy and flew over to hang off Zelda's shoulder.

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud sighed, still trying to avoid eye contact with the woman. It wasn't her fault that he was having a bad day. Then again, with another human here maybe he'd be able to get somewhere.

"I'm just trying to make sense of all this. The last thing I remember I was at the armory getting my gear, and then I woke up here with this stuff on. I don't know how to use magic...I mean, I can use a little, but I'm better with a rifle. Maybe a sword."

Mako rolls his eyes, looking like he's about to give Cloud another lecture over this.

2

[wear_tear_rust]

The theater was silent while the story unfolded by the actor's interpretation of legends long ago. Angeal watched among the crowd and had remained here long after Sephiroth had left. He wanted to see for himself and learn as much as he could about the culture and determine for himself that this wasn't a dream, but in fact a new reality, or a really elaborate mind game from Shinra.

Either of those options were still possible but for Angeal it was better not to assume and listen. He hadn't anticipated the next scene to be so anticlimactic. He raised his right brow as he often had when Zack pulled one of his stunts and laughed while he felt embarrassed for the trooper under the costume.

His hand covered his mouth that moved down his face to the scruff of his chin to rub his jaw while he groaned. He felt a pit in his stomach that the poor kid might panic and freeze.

"You can do this, don't give up just yet." He thought to himself. If only his words could reach Cloud. He lowered his hand and settled back into his stoicism. If Cloud were to see him, he would give an encouraging nod to keep going even if he stumbled through his lines.

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud was doing his best. He was given no preparation, the barest of explanations, and he could barely see in the stuffy and ill fitting costume. The roars he was making occasionally missed their timing, and it didn't help how much they were muffled either.

It didn't matter, the kids in the audience were eating it up, watching this evil dragon do battle with the great heroes. It wasn't the part of the play that was supposed to be scary. It was Cloud's job to lose this fight.

He wasn't thrilled with that job, but Cloud wasn't the type to let something like this get him down. At least with his poor visibility he was able to ignore any impulses towards stage fright.

'Just follow the script as best you can,' he thought to himself as he lunged at one hero, grabbing them in both hands of the costume, 'At least you'll get some gil out of this.'

[wear_tear_rust]

Angeal snorted a laugh or two while the children giggled and clapped. It was strange how he found amusement in the simplest things but the energy he felt here now was pretty much on par with how odd he felt. The misplaced roars and the clumsy movements of the dragon only made the situation just that much more hilarious. And Angeal needed to laugh.

He only wished that Sephiroth and Genesis would get involved in the simpler things but that was a wish that might not ever come true if things moved at the pace they were.

These were the days that he missed, to just simply laugh. He hadn't much reason to smile, but the play was certainly...entertaining and he felt incredibly silly.

[neverfirstclass]

The dragon doesn't last much longer. The hero shouted as he grabbed them, and the others beat him down soundly, leaving him to limp his way off stage. The costume did a good job of softening some of the blows, but he was still going to be sore. Whoever that warrior was, he was being pretty aggressive.

Still, the kids (and some of the adults) seemed to like the performance, and that made him smile.

With his scene done, Cloud had a chance to change before the play was through, and he was in the lobby just as it was letting out. He was about to leave when he spotted what seemed like a familiar person in the crowd. "Zack!" He called out, but as the name left his mouth he realized he was wrong. This man was too tall, too old. The only similarity was the hair.

2

[holycrows]

A voice alights from the crowd.

"YES! GO DRAGON! SLAY THEM LIKE A DRAGON!"

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud could faintly hear the cheering through the material of the costume, but the thing was so bulky that it was hard for him to fight, let alone change the script and come out on top. He was too hot, could barely see, and he had a feeling the actors thought that the thing was better padded than it really was.

He continued to give half-hearted roars while swinging his arms around, too wide and too slow to actually hit anything.

[holycrows]

"USE YOUR FIRE"

[neverfirstclass]

Using fire? That could work to win this, right? He was a black mage now, so he could use...wait no! That was a TERRIBLE idea! He could barely see and he'd just as likely hit the scenery or the audience!

He lunges forward and grabs one of the heroes, as per the script...he hopes he has the right one. The mask has gotten twisted.

2 - time to make this even more painful...

[headfons]

Well...

He was pretty sure his own acting wouldn't be remotely better. There had been an obvious mix-up, and--for some reason--everyone seemed to believe he was one of the, uh...actors? Not just that, but they seemed to believe he was one of the main actors. Ugh, talk about one hell of a misunderstanding. He hadn't even been here, all that long, damn it!

Nevertheless, there he was...after having been dragged out onto the stage...

Luke suppressed a sigh as he felt the eyes shift onto him. O-oh, right...it was...his turn, wasn't it? Forcing his expression to tense, he...almost manages to look...fierce.

"Not if...we can help it! There won't be a breath to fall before, dread...dragon, seeing as we're...soon to make you take your last one!" Nailed it...

...Only, not really, seeing as those pauses were in terrible places. Again, Luke was suppressing the urge to sigh. The thing was, he had no idea what the script was supposed to say. He was kind of just...saying whatever seemed fitting. After the other "heroes" delivered their lines, it was time to "fight" the "dragon", apparently...

Sorry for being slow myself, I got sick

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud could barely see Luke through the eye slits of the mask. The whole thing was built for someone taller than him, sure, but at the same time you'd think that for a play as important as this they could have afforded some better craftsmanship. In any case, Cloud didn't need to see Luke's face to imagine the expression. He could tell the other actor was pushed into this too, but at least he had the better role.

Cloud was just glad his own lines were done and came out swinging. The raking claws of the dragon came slow and wide. Blind punches and arm swings were thrown about, not wanting to actually hit anyone and making sure he was giving them a chance to counter attack.

He didn't like losing a fight on purpose, but he was going to work his hardest. Even for a crap job like this.


((ooc: btw, I just started playing Abyss for the first time, so please be kind on spoilers :D ))

No worries! I basically just wound up dealing with the same thing l-lol

[headfons]

His costume was, fortunately, much easier to deal with -- he kind of...felt bad for the person in that dragon costume. Once the "fight" started, Luke had an easy time moving across the stage. Thank Lorelei, for his improved speed and agility...

The redhead could tell the stranger was doing his best to avoid hitting anyone. As the redhead let the ones that were also acting as heroes get in their feigned hits, he hung back as much as possible. Since he wasn't even sure on his actual role, he was following everyone else's lead.

Minutes later, he could hear the crowd egging the heroes on. A soft smirk appeared. Then, he was given a visual cue, of sorts, to start attacking more. Biting back the urge to groan in slight annoyance at the uncertainty he felt, he nimbly moved right into the dragon's face. With that, he landed a soft blow to the side of the costume, "Die, dragon!"

It was in that moment, it seemed everyone was landing their "final blows". Huh...guess the fight was supposed to be ending soon? Seriously, Luke had no idea, and could only hope it wouldn't end on a super boring note. It was supposed to be an exciting play, after all, right?

[[OOC: No problem! This Luke's been to two other worlds, aside from Auldrant, so he'll likely dwell on memories of those worlds, more. ♥ Also, if you ever need any pointers/tips/assistance, feel free to lemme know.]]

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud took heavy steps backward as he was hit with the foam weapons. The redhead actor was nice enough, but that other swordsman was just enjoying himself way too much. How did he not know how to pull his punches? This was going to leave a bruise for sure.

With Luke's line at least, he gave a soft sigh. He was almost done here, "No! This power! How can this be!" All the actors raised their weapons and the pyrotechnics and light effects all went off, the heroes casting Ultima as one. He shouted and stepped back into the trap door that opened behind him. "ARRRRGH!"

For a brief second in midair, Cloud worried that something else would go wrong, but the cushion was exactly where it was supposed to be. The impact knocked off his mask and he took in the first breath of fresh air he'd had in the past half hour. "Ugh...finally."