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

[red_planet_blues]

[One minute Sparks Nevada is shooting down the alien weirdo proclaiming themselves the emperor of Mars, and electing a new sheriff, and then next he's being dragged off to some other universe to become world saving hero.

Great.]

[A - around]
Many new heroes have been brought here today, but this one sticks out due to the cowboy hat with his paladin armor, and the large robotic gloves tied to his belt. His moogle is perched on top of his hat, rubbing her little paws excitedly. The hat's owner looks unamused by everything in general.]

Let's go, kupo! I want to get some snacks, and then see the Blitzball game!

Yeah, I'm not exactly hungry at the moment. Wait, the what-ball game? Y'know, you're heavier than you look. And you can fly. [Sparks lazily swats at her to move, but Red keeps her place.]

[B - chocobo races]
[His moogle might be a pain in the butt, but Sparks is glad to have her around for some answers, at least.]

Wait, that's a chocobo? [This wasn't really the sort of race he was expecting. He thought 'chocobo' might have been some local word for their kind of horses.]

Yep, kupo! Hopefully soon enough we can get you one for travelling, kupo.

I-- What? No, no way am I riding one of those. They're ridiculous. That idea's ridiculous.

[After a race or two, though, Sparks is enjoying himself. It's no fun to watch some races without bets though, so he'll offer up one to the stranger sitting near him.]

Hey. I'm willing to put this popcorn on the line next round if number four wins. Whattaya say?


[[C - fireworks]
[Sparks finally has a moment away from his pushy moogle to collect his own thoughts and watch the fireworks display. He's still out among the crowds, but finds an on place in the grass to plop down, and wonders if he's going to wake up from this crazy dream. He's been through some weird stuff, but this really takes the cake. Scanning the crowds, he sees plenty of humans, but no Martians, nor any other races he's familiar with. He couldn't help but worry about how long he might be stuck in this place, and what was going to happen to his friends, his position and his adoptive home planet while he was gone. With a sigh he falls backwards onto the grass.]

Okay, Nevada. Ya can wake up aaany minute now.

B

[sunny_soda_breeze]

[Nagisa can't wait to ride one of these things. It looks so fun!

The sudden bet from the guy next to him is a surprise. The fact that the guy next to him is like a medieval knight/cowboy is just plain awesome. He grins.]

Okay! You're on!

[He doesn't have any popcorn, but he does have cotton candy. That's roughly equivalent, right?]

[red_planet_blues]

[Cotton candy works for him.] Who'd ya got yer eye on? Number two looks kinda feisty. But my heart says four.

[sunny_soda_breeze]

Number three! He looks really happy!

[Because that has anything to do with winning races. But maybe good Chocobo morale is important too. Nagisa sounds pretty confident either way.]

i actually flipped a coin for this

[red_planet_blues]

I guess, uh. I guess that's valid criteria. [He shrugs. What does he know about what makes a giant chicken a good runner?

The race starts, and their two birds are in the top three for most of the race. Sparks has gotten all tense watching this, despite himself. But right near the finish line, it's number three that makes it by a neck. He sits back and folds his arms, shaking his head.]

Whaaaat? Jeez, way to let a guy down, number four. Well, kid, you earned this fair 'n square-like. [He slides the popcorn over to Nagisa.]

[sunny_soda_breeze]

Go, go , go, go! Number three! Yes!

[He enthusiastically cheers that chocobo to victory. And now popcorn. Best day.]

Thanks~!

[But he has an awful lot of treats. He indicates the popcorn and the cotton candy.]

Do you wanna share?

C

[holycrows]

At some point Sparks finds a pale man with his face way too close to Spark's own.

"Feelin' tired mister?"

[red_planet_blues]

[Most people would jump away in surprise, but Sparks doesn't. He just blinks up at the kid before furrowing his brow.]

Somethin' like that. Been a long day. Say, I just managed to untangle the moogle from my hair, so hows about you back of a few dozen feet.

[holycrows]

[Henry rolls back into a sitting position.]

At least there is a festival! I hear you on the busy day those. I was going to stop an assassination, but so much has been going on it doesn't seem like that'll happen, nyahaha.

[red_planet_blues]

[Sparks sits up now.] Wait. An assassination? Like, here? [The whole place seemed pretty peaceful, so far. Of course, no place was perfect.]

[holycrows]

"What Really? Where!?! I was so sad I was gonna miss one this is great!"

C

[iknowtheconsequences]

"Already tried that, I'm afraid."

Kaji was trying to get away from the crowd a little bit, too, but the man in the cowboy hat just sticks out too much. Shinji the moogle had mentioned that there were others of these 'Heroes' in the city. This must be one of them. So, if Kaji can talk to someone else in this same position one on one, then all the better.

He reaches a hand up and loosens the cravat around his neck. "If this was my dream, there would be a lot more brunettes in miniskirts running around."

[red_planet_blues]

[Sparks sits up, and stretches his shoulders and neck.]

Heh. Good point. Also my dreams don't usually savin' some other world's day. Busy enough doin' that on my own.

[Also his dreams usually involve a cat. No cats in sight. Just moogles.]

[iknowtheconsequences]

Now that has Kaji's interest, and he takes a seat next to the man. "Oh? They're calling us all Heroes of Light. Afraid I've never done the hero-ing business before. Tried to tell them they've got the wrong guy. But you have done this before, then?"

He sticks over a hand. "Ryoji Kaji. Just Kaji is fine."

[red_planet_blues]

[Have a handshake!]

Sparks Nevada, ma-- former marshal on Mars, I guess. Maybe "currently displaced" marshal. [He's got every intention of going home, thank you.] So savin' the day kinda comes with the territory. Occasionally the universe, too.

[iknowtheconsequences]

Kaji's eyes light up. "Mars? The planet, Mars? Really? There's life on Mars?" He breaks into a grin. "Oh, if I ever get home, I've got somebody's bubble to burst on that one!" (Eat it, Ikari.)

B

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda is excited to see the golden birds in action. They really do remind her of the loftwings back home, with the way that they almost fly across the ground.

When the man to her right speaks to her she finally tears her eyes away from the birds. She looks from the man to the popcorn curiously. Her moogle who was happily sitting on her lap looks over and eyes the man.]

But if you win I don't have anything to give you.

[red_planet_blues]

Seriously? The food's free, ya know. They're just handin' this stuff out. So don't worry about it.

I'm goin' with number one in this race. Lookit 'im. That's a chicken with killer instinct.

[The chocobo in particular looks pretty much the same as all the others, but, well, you've got to have fun with it somehow.]

[goddessofthesky]

I'm going with number 3. He's the one in the best shape but I don't know about his rider.

[Zelda knows a little bit about birds but she knows nothing about racing. She found the birds interesting on so many levels; with the way they ran and the way that their muscles move to support their movements.

Her moogle wiggles in her lap before shouting.] I'm voting on number 4!

hurray for the RNG

[red_planet_blues]

Alright. Numbers 1, 3, and 4, and this popcorn as the trophy.

[Sparks isn't the cheering type, so when the race kicks off, he does a lot of quiet encouragement to his chocobo to the tune of "Come on, come on ya big dumb chicken" under his breath, as he leans forward, keeping a close eye on the race. It's a tight call, but number one pulled out ahead just in time to claim the win. Sparks gives Zelda a grin and a shrug.]

What can I say. I got a good idea for chicken racin'. To the victor goes the spoils. [He hands over the bag for her, though.] But considerin' they're just giving this stuff away for free, I guess I can share.

WootWoot!

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda cheers without any shame and when she loses her smile falls a little.]

She looked up at him with a frown until he placed the popcorn out for her to reach some.

[She takes a handful with a happy smile.]

Thank you!

[Kupola doesn't hesitate to fly up and snag some as well.]

B

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud glances over at the strange man standing next to him. Whoever he is, he has an interesting sense of style. Then again, he's probably in the same boat as Cloud. The spiky haired blonde didn't choose the mage garb he was wearing either.]

You're on. My money's on number seven.

the coin flip is in your favor

[red_planet_blues]

Number one's brought me luck once, I think I can count on him again. Lookit him. The eyes of a killer. That is one competitive chicken.

[Seems like going with the same racer didn't work out for Sparks this time. It falls a few places behind as number seven pulls ahead. Sparks sighs, but slides the snacks over to Cloud with a bit of a grin.]

That'll teach me, to, uh. To pretend I know anything about giant racing chickens, I guess.

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud smirks and only takes a handful of the popcorn, leaving the rest of the bag to its owner.]

They're feisty animals. It's not just about speed but also their endurance and how much they listen to the jockey. The ones in the wild will attack you if they're provoked too.

[He sighs, looking back out over the field.]

I don't know what's going on here, but at least this place is similar to where I come from. What about you?

[red_planet_blues]

Not even close. Been on Mars so long, feels like I almost forgot what a big city was like. Not that any city on Earth looks like this one. And we ain't got any giant chickens to race, either.

[He's handling things pretty well, though, probably better than most other Earthlings would. He's more annoyed at the situation in general than anything else.

He sticks out a hand for a handshake and introduction, though.] Marshal Sparks Nevada.