melodiesoflife | Prelude || The Festival Of Light

Prelude || The Festival Of Light

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.

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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."

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."

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."

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?

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.

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."

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."

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?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose with a soft groan. He knew that something was off and he was starting to develop a headache. That hasn't happened for him in years but he was simply overwhelmed. He shook his head not out of disbelief but because it was simply too much to take in.

With a heavy sigh, he lowered his hand and looked at Genesis. Her voice was different than her appearance betrayed. The mannerisms, the way she moved and the way she was talking about their past didn't seem to click entirely other than common names and a few minute events that they shared.

The fireworks reported with a loud boom and Angeal ducked out of reflex. He was taken by surprise but the sight was beautiful and bright as it sparkled down in their cascading splendor. He straightened and turned his attention back to Genesis.

"I'd like to know myself. Project S never came up when I saw him."

Genesis reached out to Angeal when he ducked. It was just fireworks, although she didn't expect the particularly loud firework either. But, he moved on fairly quick and she looked over at the bright colors for the moment. She sighed softly, she missed fireworks. When was the last time she watched them?

"You never told him, I did," Genesis replied. "I found him at Nibelheim and asked him for help, but he was done with me at that point. I told you about this when I met back up with you, don't you remember?"

Because she certainly did. And her shameful actions after, how she continued to cling and try to keep Angeal away from his own friends. She was still made at herself for it, at the end of the day. But now she had the time to think about it and she wanted to hit herself for it.

Angeal shook his head to clear away the fog with his eyes closed. He didn't want to think about it anymore. The entire ordeal was harsh enough and without a means to know if he was able to return things the way they used to be, he had to make a choice.

Female or not, she stood to know more than just someone that just had his friend's face. He hadn't experienced anything beyond what happened in Shinra. "No, I don't recall anything you're saying, but I can't discount that it's the truth you know." Angeal said calmly, his gaze averted from the fireworks.

The symbolism they represented back home didn't seem to apply here. "If there was one thing you wanted to change, what would it be?" He asked. At the very least, his question wasn't focused on a terrible course of events.

Genesis' brows furrowed and she tilted her head again. "The truth that I know, what do you mean?"

She didn't understand what he was talking about now. What could he mean by that? And why didn't Angeal remember what she was talking about? But her thoughts were interrupted by his next words and she looked even more confused.

"I... what? Where is that coming from?"

Angeal shrugged. Even he wasn't too sure where the idea had stemmed from. All he knew was that this world was different yet similar but something was off. He couldn't pinpoint it which started this line of thinking to begin with.

"I can't really say for certain without my words sounding off as that of a madman." His gaze cast up back to the fireworks and this time, he decided to sit on the hilltop. Perhaps leaving wouldn't get him any closer to that discovery. He needed more to learn than just what he remembered.

"Maybe, I'm not really here." Angeal mused in thought.

Genesis leaned forward and punched his arm.

"No, you seem real to me," Genesis said, almost nonchalantly. He did sound like a madman, almost. But not so much that she worried for him. This was a whole new situation that she didn't believe when she first arrived. But she had the time to realize that, no, she really did somehow end up on an entirely different world.

Angeal was a little surprised how hard that punch was. It was strange and his hand moved up to rub the spot where she punched along with an expression of disbelief. Did he feel pain?

"Ouch." He spoke before he had the chance to think on it.

He was still of the mind to believe that this was a dream concocted by madness but even then dreams weren't this vivid. So, he decided to keep his gaze to the fireworks. He leaned back with his arms as support. "Maybe. I'm still left to figure it out."

Genesis scoffed lightly with a snerk. "Oh, that couldn't have hurt. Your arms are still like bricks."

She leaned forward to hug the Moomba tighter to her as she sat next to him, still not entirely sure what to do right now. Angeal was acting strange and not remember events correctly, but he also thought it was all a dream. Or maybe now, he didn't. "What's the last thing you remember?"

He glanced over with his eyes without turning his head to see how she hugged her moomba tight against her. The question made him think with a heavy sigh. "I was fighting...you." Only he knew it wasn't her but the Genesis he knew. "You called a summon I had to leave Zack to face it alone."

He wasn't entirely happy that he had to leave Zack to fight alone but there were some things that couldn't be avoided. "I thought I could reason with you to change your mind in defecting but..." Angeal's thoughts trailed off. He didn't know what else to say and his brow creased in thought.

"I... what?" Genesis looked over at Angeal, utterly confused and brows furrowed. She didn't summon anything, let alone be anywhere near Zack. The only thing that was familiar was her defection. "Zack was nowhere near us when you came to talk to me and that was roughly four years ago."

What in the world was Angeal talking about?

"You asked me what I remembered and I told you." Not that he had any other reason to bring it up, he was trying to sort out what had happened that made her believe that he wasn't the same. He felt uneasy, and now he thought that his own memories weren't true.

"Then, you must have experienced something that I hadn't." Angeal mused.

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Prelude || The Festival Of Light

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