Intro Log || The City That Never Sleeps

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Trano Golsaucia, Aqures Ixen, Airships.
When: The 5th of May. The new Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken in the Temple of Wind next to Trano Golsaucia, and they 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 be welcomed by the former batches of Heroes of Light.
Warning: N/A

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within a split second, 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 know 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 before long it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you...

And at this very 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 a gentle breeze. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call once more, but is soon replaced by a much less graceful "Wake up, Kupo!" Hand clutched on your Crystal, the call of the Moogle may finally bring you back to your senses. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Wind, in the Temple located right outside of a city called Trano Golsaucia. At this point, you may realize the breeze originates from the massive green Crystal floating nearby. 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. They look pretty tired, but they will be more than happy to tell you everything you want to know. They shall tell you about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light and about what awaits you. Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

There are quite a few people around you as well. For the most part, they are people like you-- All clothed in their Job garbs and most likely wondering what is happening. There are also some other Humans, Tarutaru and Hypello in the room, but unlike you they don't have a Crystal, nor do they have a Moogle following them. If addressed, they will say they are the Guardians of the Crystal of Wind and will confirm everything the Moogle said. They will reveal they found you unconscious around the Crystal a couples hours ago, and immediately contacted the Moogles and the government of Aqures Ixen.

If asked about it, both the Moogles and Guardians will explain that Heroes of Light have already appeared in this world within the past year, and they all are in a city called Aqures Ixen. It's the first time Heroes have appeared in this temple. In fact, you probably should go to Aqures Ixen as well. The Moogle will tell you this is where your house is and where the other Heroes will be able to help you. Thankfully, should you decide to take your sweet time to get there, the other Heroes may just come to you.


The Other Heroes
— Anytime —
And indeed, thanks to the efficiency of Mognet and Shoopuf Airline it does not take long for the other Heroes to come around. You may meet them in Trano Golsaucia or in Aqures Ixen, or maybe even in one of the Airships going back and forth between the two cities. They are those who arrived in this world months ago and they have gone through quite a lot. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you there were other Heroes of Light in this world. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers when they told you how they recklessly attacked the Heran Empire to free their friends a few months ago. And most importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a complete and utter disappointment. Still, for the most part they know more than you on the situation and may be more than happy to fill you in, especially if your Moogle didn't tell you much.


Trano Golsaucia
— Anytime —
Should you leave the Temple of Wind and head south, you will reach Trano Golsaucia. It's a gigantic city covered with snow-- To make it simple, this city is a gigantic amusement park. It is the most popular place in this world and of course, there are plenty of people all around. Thankfully, other Heroes of Light are easy to spot: they are the only ones who are followed by a Moogle and holding a Crystal.

And there is quite a lot to be done in this city. Maybe you could stop by the Triple Triad Center to begin a successful career in card games, or maybe you could buy a ticket at the Blitzball Stadium to support your favorite team. If you're the kind of person who relies on luck, you may have more fun gambling in the Casino or betting on your favorite Chocobo in the Chocobo Races. If you're more of a person who enjoys simpler games, maybe you could try one of the numerous carnival-style mini-games found in the city, such as the shooting stand or the treasure chest game.

If you'd like more details regarding all the attractions and games available in Trano Golsaucia, you can find everything here! Of course, all of this requires money and odds are that you may not have a single Gil yet. If your Moogle is nice though, maybe you could ask him or her to loan you some Gil...


Airships
— Every Four Hours —
Upon reaching Trano Golsaucia, you will also have the right to board an Airship. Exceptionally, there is an Airship available every four hours, all because of your arrival so that Heroes of Light can meet each other and go to Aqures Ixen with ease.

The flight itself should take between four to six hours as it will travel from one city to the other on route. This is nothing special for the denizens of this world, but for you it may be quite the experience if you never boarded a plane or any flying contraptions before. The service is nothing special, but there are some light refreshments offered free of charge. Note that most of the employees on Airships are Hypello.


Aqures Ixen
— After an Airship Trip —
Upon arriving in Aqures Ixen, the first thing you will see is the Airship Port in the 12th District. Following that, no doubt your eyes will find the Castle of Aqures Ixen, a classic yet refined structure standing in the city. From there on, characters are free to visit the city-- There are no attractions in this city, but there are scientific buildings, another Blitzball Stadium and even an Observatory serving as base for the Heroes of Light. If you'd like more details regarding all that is available in Aqures Ixen, you can find everything here!

Or maybe -and perhaps inevitably!- you could visit your new house in the 11th or 14th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate. It's been a long day, so you could use some sleep. Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with...

Comments

[forcegalactic]

A. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

"That's very nice and all, but I have places to be right now, and none of those include here. I'm sure these other Heroes you got here will do the job just fine." The middle-aged man stood back up after kneeling and listening to the young Moogle.

"Kupo. You don't really have a choice." Annie crossed her arms and continued staring at the man. "You're stuck here until whatever brought you takes you back." She's heard from the other Moogles about some very reluctant heroes. She was prepared for this.

Mordecai gave a knowing chuckle. "No problem there, Miss. I got my own methods. Step back, please." He turned around and stood still for a second.

Nothing happened.

"Huh. Shoulda worked. Maybe..." he mumbled to himself as he stretched his arms out. "This should-wait a minute." Angry, he spun around in place. "Why isn't-?!"

"...Mister. What are you doing?"

"Tryin' to get home, that's what!" This time, he walked to the most open area in the temple, stood with his feet wide apart, and stretched his arms as far as he could, facing the sky. He remained in that position for another minute.

B. Around Trano Golsaucia

It was an uneventful, though cold, walk through the snow, which Barkeep was thankful for, seeing that he had no weapons nor powers with him. To add to that, Annie explained that the "Jobs" he was given were practically useless for combat. One focused on healing, and the other didn't work without a Crystal of Illusion. Trouble was just waiting to happen.

Trano Golsaucia was certainly larger than the town back home, and a lot more energetic. Aqures Ixen could wait. Barkeep wandered between the Triper Triad Center, the Casino, and the Mini-Game area, admiring the events but taking no part in them. He was not a gambling man, he assured his Moogle repeatedly.

Later, Annie mentioned the theater district, to which he replied, "Now that's a place I'd want to be."

"They don't have a show today, but there's probably a rehearsal going on, kupo."

"Not a problem. As long as we're not causin' folks trouble, they won't kick us out." With that, he headed straight towards the building.

"Wait, I don't think they let in anyone-" it was too late. Barkeep was dead set on listening in.

[elephanthead]

Continued from here.

He grabbed hold of his spoon and lightly hit it against the table until the barkeep placed the mashed potatoes in front of him. Greg began to hum a song that sounded like he was saying mashed potatoes and molasses before shoveling spoon fulls into his mouth.

He looked up at Barkeep with a smile. "Nope! There was nothing else. I went to sleep and when I woke up I was here!"

Greg really didn't remember anything strange but then his whole journey had been a little off.

B. Around Trano Golsaucia

[goddessofthesky]

"I don't think your suppose to go in there." Zelda's voice was gentle but firm. She didn't really want to see the new heroes causing trouble so quickly. She had seen Barkeep from a few paces away and quickly moved to intercept him.

"You are a hero of light." It was a statement more than a question. "I'm Zelda." She smiled again. "And I don't think they are open. There might be a show in a few days if you want to see."

A

[red_planet_blues]

"Oh. My. God."

While the Barkeep stood there like that, someone happened to stumble upon him. Sparks could hardly believe his eyes. Actually, for a moment, he refused to, as Crystallis had a way of messing with your senses.

The Barkeep was here. The Barkeep was here. And if the Barkeep wasn't able to leave in a hurry, that meant one thing: no more Force Galactic. No more easy ticket off this rock. No way at all.

Though the marshal and his horse standing there was probably fairly surprising to the Barkeep as well.

"What. What are you doing here?!"

Around Trano Golsaucia

[theredplainsrider]

"Ifin you ain't lookin' fer no trouble in yer place, you sure came to tha wrong one, Barkeep," Red said as she spotted a very familiar figure wandering through the snow. She nudged her Chocobo closer to him and dismounted, petting the bird on the neck. It really was becoming something that she cared for. One of the few things in this place that she did.

"I guess it's that time again, welcome ta tha strangest place ever," Red said as she started walking along side the Barkeep. Her own Moogle was no where to be seen, but she nodded to the Barkeep's with a soft howdy. "Nevada's also here."

A. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

[bloodynine]

"If you're trying to get home by walking, looks like you may be walking for a long time."

Logen says, his voice booming out in front of him as he walks towards the barkeep, all ragged clothes and scarred menace.

A.

[notgun]

[After getting her own speech about her newly acquired title and position within this new world, Elena had decided before heading out to take a look at the other 'Heroes' that she arrived with. Individuals who didn't entirely appear to be SOLDIERs or anything resembling a hero from the trashy novels that she her friends had told her about.

Especially the man standing by himself. With his arms and legs wide. Looking like a statue. Elena watched him a bit before slowly approaching the man.]

...What in Odin's name are you trying to do?

A

[soldierofloveandbeauty]

Minako couldn't really understand what happened before she found herself here and in new clothes never the less. Clothes she would have never thought to wear ever. She had spent a good few minutes checking over herself to see if anything she was sure she had on her was in fact there.

There wasn't. This was enough to cause the young blonde to panic. She knew her companion would be ferocious to know that she had lots her only method to become Sailor Venus. As she had started to wonder around, a worried look upon her face she wondered where it could have gone.

Gaining a little speed from walking into a slightly faster walk, she looked around, wondering if there was anyway she could get help. Sure, the little guy that was following her was find and dandy, but he said something about her not having what she would have arriving here and she was pretty sure she didn't believe that.

As she turned a corner she stopped, seeing someone do... something that she wasn't sure what. "Um... Is that a new dance move or something?" She piped up, giving a small grin. She didn't know what to say or do, but she knew they were doing that for a reason, even if it did look a little silly.

[elephanthead]

I. Waking up/Other Heroes

Greg yawned and shifted, his small hand clasping to the little crystal frog in his palm. He was still tired from the night before and he wasn't ready to get up just yet. He was used to strange things and so the dream came as no surprise to the young boy. When his eyes fluttered open he was looking at a very upset moogle.

"Who are you?" The boy asked as his mouth opened in a wide yawn. He rubbed his eyes as he looked around at his new surroundings. A frog croaked and jumped in his lap making Greg giggle with glee. "Acorn! You came back!"

"I'm Kite, Kupo. You're in Crystallis." The moogle sounded very professional. When it came to the young hero his words appeared to drift in one ear and out the other.

"Kupa? That's a weird name. Do you know where Wirt is?" He looked around expecting to find his brother sleeping nearby but he wasn't there. "No. Kupo. He might not be here."

Gregory smiled. "Let's go find him then! Come on Acorn!" He grabbed the frog with a smile stopping when he realizes his pot was gone. "Kupa. Do you know where my teapot went?" His mom would ground him if he lost it.

The moogle just stares at the boy shaking his head and then rummaging through his bag to see if he had anything like that on hand. A moment later he pulled out a silver teapot and handed it to Greg who placed it upside down on his head. "It's Kite. Kupo. What's your name?"

"Oh! I'm Greg!" With that he was off with his moogle flying behind him and a teapot on his head. His frog is safely held in his arms as he leaves the crystal temple.

II. Trano Golsaucia

Kite was quickly realizing that this was the worst place for Gregory to have shown up. The little boy was almost impossible to keep track of and Kite wasn't good with kids as it was. He kept his eyes out for the boy or the frog hoping to keep the young hero in his sights as he wandered through the town.

Before he realized it Greg was standing next to him looking up at the moogle with a smile. "Let's small talk."

Kite raised an eyebrow at that. "Alright Kupo."

Greg smiled. "Good! So did you know that if you put a raisin in grape juice it becomes a grape!"

The moogle just looked at him. "I don't think that's true kupo."

"Nope! It's a rock fact!" Kite was unamused and for a moment he reminded Greg of Wirt. He missed his brother and as quickly as the conversation started it was over. Greg was wandering off after spotting a candy store off in the distance.

III. Airship

If someone looks down they will see a candy trail leading towards the airships. Greg was slowly taking pieces from his pockets and setting them on the ground as he followed his moogle. Kite had told him that he would take the boy to someone who could help and Greg figured that would be best.

"What are you doing Greg?" The moogle looked back at him and sighed.

"I'm leaving a candy trail so Wirt can find me!" Gregory spoke with a happy smile at the thought. As if knowing it would work.

IV. Aqures Ixen/House B-12

Greg was getting sleepy when he finally made it close to his destination. He had spent the whole day wandering around and eating snacks that his moogle had bought him. His frog was hiding under the teapot on Gregory's head, most likely asleep. Kite mused to himself as he looked down at the young hero.

He was far to young to be here.

He kept his eyes on the young boy lightly pulling him along if he stopped to nap. He was very tired and each step brought a new yawn from his lips. "Are we there yet?"

Kite looked worried now. He wasn't good with kids nor did he know what to do with them. "Just a little more Kupo. Come on.. your house is right there." Kite pointed at the still frame of the building that was designated Gregory's new home.

Greg yawned rubbing his eyes with a fist. "That's not home." His voice trailed off into a sleepy mumble.

Kite was getting frantic and he didn't have the strength to carry the young boy without possibly dropping him. He fluttered around looking for a hero to help get the young boy to at least the front of his home if not inside.

Airship!

[lucentpalisade]

Managing to get Sophie to the airship wasn't too difficult, in the end, but he found he had to keep a close eye on the girl lest she get distracted by something she oughn't. Like candy on the ground. "Ku..Kupo!! Hey Kid! Don't eat that!" He zipped over to her side, snatching the candy out of her hand and dropping it where it was.

"How come?" Sophie wanted to know!

"Because you don't know where it's been." Taiga explained, wearily as they walked to the airship.

"It's been on the ground." So that made it okay, right? Taiga heaved a sigh. He was going to be so happy when they got back to the city.

"Just.. don't eat things that are on the ground, kupo..." He pushed her up onto the airship, never realizing his statement would bring up a whole new problem when they come across garden vegetables, but..!~

[bag_has_snapped]

I. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

"WHAAAAAAT?!" Tsubomi yelped, panicking. The redhead teen's eyes went wide as she was told what was going on. "Why me? Why me by myself? Why in this armor? I got other means to help out! Where are my friends?!" She wasn't ready for this by a longshot. She'd rather have the rest of her team with her doing this. This was mostly because she was worried about her family, especially her newborn sister. In front of her, a Moogle was trying to calm down.

"I know it's frightening, but things will be alright-kupo!" the Moogle said, softly.

"A lot has changed for her, but things are always still the same-desu!" the rabbit-like fairy on Tsubomi's shoulder said, not bothering with the idea of playing plushie this time around. "I'm Chypre and this panicky girl is Tsubomi."

"...I'm Chypre, too." the Moogle replied. "...Chypre the Second, then-kupo?"

"That works-desu!" Chypre said. "So... she's a 'Hero of Light'?" with a sigh, she added. "...looks like she's now History's Weakest Hero of Light."

III. Airship

Once Tsubomi had finally settled down and realized that home, her usual help and her powers were not going to be useful at all here, it was decided that the best thing to was get to Aqures Ixen and get settled in. At the very least, a place to relax would help out in some way.

On the deck, Tsubomi couldn't help but to gaze out and see what the world held before her.

"Wow, this is amazing!" she said. "It's so pretty...!"

"Isn't it-kupo?" her Moogle replied. "Maybe once you're calmed down, we can see more-kupo?"

"I'd like that, really..." she replied, smiling a bit.

waking!

[makingfriends]

With that kind of commotion going on, it was difficult for Ventus not to notice. Pausing mid-conversation with his moogle, he looked over and couldn't help staring, briefly, at the girl and her two companions. That kind of reaction was probably to be expected, now that he thought about it; not everyone brought here would deal with it as calmly as he was.

So without a second thought, he made his way over with a disarming smile, Mograe close behind. "Hi! You're new, too?" From the way he said it, one might think this was the most casual situation in the world.

[makingfriends]

[01 - Awakening + 'sup newbie bros]

Ventus had awoken with a start, his body tensed with that unpleasant sensation of already knowing that something was amiss before he did. He felt stiff, sore, with the kind of groggy pang in his head that suggested he had overslept by a few unnecessary hours. Even then, he had taken a few minutes to finally get himself together and move -- only to realize that he had no idea where he was.

Neither could he say why he was loosely gripping his Keyblade in one hand, since he didn't remember summoning it, or why he was dressed in clothes he didn't recognize. For a heavy-headed few minutes he couldn't say anything, period, because all of his most recent memories were a broken and scattered blur. Faces, names, and sensations were all he could process for an unnerving moment, and even those were unclear.

But then the moogle arrived. She talked to him, patiently coaxed him out of his dazed spell, and that helped. Within half an hour Ven was on his feet and alert -- more or less.

"Take it easy, kupo!" The moogle grabbed lightly at Ven's sleeve, as if she stood a chance at actually keeping him still. "If you can barely walk, you can't make it to the city yet, kupo! What kind of entrance would it be if you just rolled down the hill the whole way?"

Despite himself, Ven gave a soft laugh. "I guess that'd be the easy way." Mograe huffed indignantly, looking so fed up that Ven quickly apologized. "I'm just kidding," he assured her with a smile. "But I'm fine, really. You don't have to worry." Never mind that he was still avoiding any quick or sudden movements, and would stare absently and solemnly across the temple now and again, deep in thought. There was a lot on his mind, not even including what Mograe had told him about this world and the Heroes and everything else, and it showed.

[02 - Trano Golsaucia]

After speaking to some of the others and getting some more answers (none much more satisfactory than what his moogle supplied), it didn't take Ven long to make his way to the city that had been mentioned. The cold air might have helped his senses, because he was looking and feeling much more clearheaded and energetic by the time he stepped into the city limits, his Keyblade now strapped to his back for the time being.

Despite the enormous question mark that still hovered over everything he'd been told, he couldn't keep a smile off his face as he observed the town and its inhabitants. It was big, it was bustling, it was full of life -- things he couldn't help feeling as though he'd missed out on for far too long. So for now, at least, Ven allowed the present scene to take his attention as he wandered along the street, only half-listening to his moogle as she chatted at his shoulder. He didn't stay long in any one place, or even enter any of the buildings despite his curiosity; he was content to hurry along and simply observe, listen, feel, and be a part of the crowd around him. He felt like he had more energy than he knew what to do with.

[03 - Aqures Ixen, around town a day or two later or whenever I'll roll with it]

If reaching Trano Golsaucia had been a good pick-me-up for Ven's mood, then arriving in Aqures Ixen could be considered a full cure. For all the lingering questions and concerns he still had, he felt much more like himself by the time he stepped into the port -- more smiles, more easy jokes, more chatting with whoever would humor him -- even if a part of him still felt a little vulnerable. He didn't like openly carrying his Keyblade on him like this, but he still hadn't figured out its sudden inability to be dismissed and summoned. It was disconcerting, much like the discovery of his sudden lack of magical prowess, but it was nothing that the cheery sight of another busy city couldn't distract him from for the moment.

Mograe, however, seemed put out when Ven only spared the Castle a passing glance.

"Aren't you curious about it, kupo?" she asked, hurrying to keep up with him when he headed in another direction entirely. She had, after all, prepared a rather well-organized tour speech for when her Hero arrived in the city -- she hadn't expected this much disinterest, even from a kid.

"Hm? Oh -- uh -- sure." He shrugged a shoulder, but his smile was still bright. "You can tell me on the way, right?" His gaze shifted past her, lighting up in curiosity. "Oh, hey, what's that?"

"A Blitzball stadium, kupo."

"Another one? It must be pretty popular here, huh? What's it about?"

Mograe sighed. She should have expected as much from a teenage boy. As she followed him along the street, she could be heard explaining the basics of Blitzball -- and as uninteresting as she personally found the sport, she was still thorough and professional in her explanation. Let it never be said that she didn't take her role seriously.

[02 - Trano Golsaucia]

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda came to the city to visit a friend. She hadn't expected to see the new group of heroes waking up at the temple. Her crystal blue eyes scanned the street looking for moogles that appeared to accompany a tourist. It wasn't so hard to pick them out of a crowd though Zelda couldn't help but think of their welcoming plans that weren't going to be useful now.

Her eyes landed on Ventus who was walking towards along the street. She moved from the side of the path and began stepping towards the new hero. Her long golden hair was loose flowing in the gentle breeze.

"Hello." Zelda smiled and she was glad to see that he was smiling as well. "You must be a new hero."

Kopula, her moogle, floated beside her in his usual green tunic and hat. He was silent musing about the information that Zelda had related to him earlier that day.

[scriptrix]

Waking Up

[Levy is understandably confused when she wakes up in a strange place full of people she's never met before. She slowly stands up, glancing around at her surroundings. But before she's even able to ask what's going on, her eyes alight on the Wind Crystal and all the color immediately drains from her face.]

No...

[Her knees begin to wobble, and soon enough her legs collapse out from under her and she's left sitting on the ground staring up at the crystal in fear.]

No! This can't be happening again!

[Levy's moogle is desperately attempting to calm her down, but his words are just not reaching her right now. Maybe one of her fellow Heroes will have better luck with that.]

Other Heroes

[Once she's calmed down a little and gotten a bit of a primer from her moogle, Levy is on a mission. A mission for more information. Although she's short and not very imposing, the look on her face is very serious as she walks up to each visiting Hero of Light in turn and asks the same questions.]

What do you know about this crystal? Is it different from the ones spreading across the southern island? And have you seen anyone matching this description in the area?

[She provides a rough physical description of the three people in the picture linked above.]

If I'm right, they may be our only hope of reversing the process.

Trano Golsaucia

[Turning up depressingly little at the Wind Crystal, Levy eventually makes her way south to the city. She's going to have to get to Aqures Ixen eventually, and she doesn't want to waste too much time.]

Wow... this place is just like the Akane Resort!

[Levy shivers, sneezing into the long sleeve of her Black Mage robes.]

W-well... maybe a little colder.

Levy! Are you cold? I'll warm you up!

[It seems her moogle has a bit of a crush. One which Levy is all too happy to cheerfully ignore as she smiles back at him.]

I'm fine, Mogjeel. Let's just get to the airship dock.

Aqures Ixen - Around the City

[Once she's finally made it to Aqures Ixen, the first place Levy naturally gravitates toward is the library in the Third District, followed quickly by the University in the Eighth District. She can be found hanging out around either of these places before she finally makes her way to the Housing District to find out where she's been assigned to live. She's exhausted after such a long trip, and immediately flops onto the couch to rest a bit, but new roommate Ales is free to find her out there.]

Other Heroes

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda is surprised when the new hero comes up and quickly asks her all these questions. She waits for the young girl to finish with a smile pulling at her lips. Kopula has flown off immediately intimidated by the girls quick questions.]

We know some about the crystals that we wake up with. That's going to be a long explanation. As for the one that is spreading, yes, its different though we don't know how yet. I know someone went to carefully check it out though. [She pauses hoping she is answering all of her questions.]

I'm afraid to say there is no one here matching those descriptions. Not saying they won't arrive like you did. I have a list of those who are here back in Aqures. As well as notes on this world and what we know about the crystals.

[Zelda wonders who those people might be and why they'd be able to reverse it.]

We are having a meeting with all of the heroes in about a week that should give us more information on the growing crystal and then we'll have to think about what to do about it. [Before it swallows everything.]

[notgun]

A. Waking Up / The Other Heroes

...Eh?

[This wasn’t the Wall Street Market. Hell, it didn’t even look like Midgar. Pushing herself into a seated position, Elena blinks a few times, hand lifting to rub at the corner of her eye. For a second she’s convinced she’s at a beach town, considering the wind. Except the air lacked that sent of saltiness that would come from the sea.]

Where? [And then she sees that she’s not alone. There are others with her and, interestingly enough, moogles. On in particular is floating beside her, waiting patiently. Wake up, Kupo!] Did you just talk to me?

I did. Are you fully awake? [Elena can only nod her head, trying hard not to look like she’s in shock.] Good. I wouldn’t want to have to tell you everything twice. Now, let’s get started...

[Several minutes later.]

So, let me get this straight. I’m supposedly a ‘Hero of Light’ that was brought here to more or less save your world because of some profound destiny. [There’s no hiding the teenage snark that’s just barely keeping her temper in check.] But if you’ve already got Heroes to help, why bring more?

It’s not like have a quota to meet, kupo. It was your destiny to be brought here.

And if I refuse?

You’ll still be here and you’re still considered a Hero of Light.

[Beneath the cowl of her hood – yet another irritation of Elena’s, being in a new outfit that she neither chose nor dressed herself in – Elena frowned. But frowning didn’t provide her with more intel than what the moogle could provide.]

All right, then… [Pushing herself up off the ground, Elena brushed herself off quickly, eyes scanning the area as she did so. So far people looked harmless. But looks were deceiving.] Let’s get going...ah...what was your name again?

Shenra. You can call me Shen.

Okay, Shen. Time to investigate.


B. Trano Golsaucia

[Was she in Golden Saucer? Because she could swear she was in some alternate version of that very location considering the amount of activities and entertainment that was available. At least, what she’d heard about it. Elena actually hadn’t gone to the famous entertainment venue, but she’d heard stories. And as much as she wanted to head over to the Chocobo races – which she was nearly entirely sure were the same giant, adorable fluffy birds of Gaia – she found herself staring in awe at the grand stadium.]

What’s this blitzball, Shen?

It’s a really interesting sport involving a ball and several players swimming in a ball of water that -

Wait, wait. A ball of water? How do they not drown.

They have equipment so they can breathe underwater.

...We need to see a match.


C. Airship to Aquires Ixen

[There was no denying it, the airship was a piece of art. She had heard talk of one being built by ShinRa on the television as a new form of transportation – a faster, easier way than by ship – but had only given in a wayward glance. ShinRa was always dabbling in something new. Space travel. Materia. SOLDIERs. It would be a full-time job to watch everything they did.

After conducting a thorough walk around the areas of the airship that she was allowed access to, mentally noting key exits and areas of interest, Elena picked a quiet corner below the main deck to sit with a window to watch the passing world below. Arms folded lightly across her middle.]

Is this the fastest this thing can go? [Her attention shifted over to the moogle sitting next to her. ] Four to six hours is a long time.

It’s better than walking, kupo. Besides, you get a better view of our world this way.

Yes, but how safe is this? Can we trust those...blue guys?

Don’t be so skeptical. It’s a perfectly safe method of travel with a minimal accident rate, kupo.

...M-Minimal? [Despite the moogle’s affirmative nodding, Elena doesn’t look relieved. ]


D. Aquires Ixen | House B-04

[Standing outside the house that she was assigned, Elena stared up at the building with an expression of insecurity questionable doubt. The very idea that she’s be rooming with complete strangers did not sit well with the girl who coveted her privacy. Nevertheless, it wasn’t like she had much of an option at this point and time.

With a deep breath, she gave the front door a trio of knocks before pushing it open, blonde pigtails leading the charge into the main room as she peeked in.]

Hello? Anybody here?

C)

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud groaned in a nearby chair, slumped against the bulkhead and looking out the window. Having the outside view was helping a little but to say his stomach was still uneasy would be putting it lightly. It was better still than being up on deck where he always felt like he would be swept away by the wind. When he had his magitek knight armor it helped him feel better, but now he was using lighter gear and felt even less secure in the sky.

A glasses wearing moogle fluttered near him and shook its head as it dabbed a wet cloth on his forehead.]

Kupo, I know I told you to be more involved in things, but this is silly. You know you get airsick, kupo. Why did you insist on going on this trip.

OTA

[lucentpalisade]

A. Waking Up

Sophie felt a distinct sense of deja vu when she woke up, finding herself in an unfamiliar area, and all alone. She wasn't sure why that was - but the reason for her waking this time was the presence of something fluffy and white fluttering anxiously at her side, his paws clutching a crystal.

"Kupo! Finally you're awake."

Sophie tilted her head. "Kupo? Who are you?"

"I'm a moogle, kupo. My name is Taiga -- it's nice to meet you." (Another kid, kupo - I don't know how to take care of kids~! ) "What's your name?"

"...Taiga..." Sophie echoed absently. Why did that sound familiar? Taiga.... Taiga something...

"No no, that's my name, kupo. What's yours?"

"... Kupo." Surely that's why he was calling her that.

"I... I seriously doubt that kupo... do you not know your own name?"

Sophie stared blankly at the moogle for a few seconds. "...No?"

"KUPOopo... that's just -great-..." Taiga sighed. "Well, here, take this crystal - you'll be needing it. Before we go forward, let me explain things to you, kupo . . ." At least Sophie was a very good listener. Even if she did interrupt him every five minutes it seemed.

B. Other Heroes

Taiga had managed to explain as much to Sophie as he could, even though there were some things he had to skim over if only because she kept asking him things that ...he couldn't really answer well enough. For the most part she stayed at the moogle's side, though every now and again something caught her attention and Taiga had to herd her back to the proper route. Strangely she'd begun calling him Tiger Festival, rather than 'Taiga' and couldn't be swayed from the name no matter how many times he corrected her. Eventually, he gave up correcting her entirely.

"Come on Kid, kupo, first things first we should make for the airship to head to your new home. Then you can rest and meet your roommates, if you have any."

"What's an airship?" Sophie inquired, tilting her head curiously.

"An airship kupo? It's ...er, a ship, that flies in the air. If you want to get from here to other places, you'll need to take one to get there."

"A ship..." Had she been on something like that before? Hrm. She couldn't remember. In any case, it was pretty busy around here, and she glanced around at the other heroes that were passing through, though none of the faces looked familiar to her.

C. Train of Gold Sauce Trano Golsaucia - Anytime

If anyone asked Sophie where she was, she would have confidently referred to the city as Train of Gold Sauce. ... don't ever ask her where she is. But somehow, she wound up getting separated from her moogle, more than likely because she caught sight of the ~everything~ that was happening in the city, even going so far as to scoop up the snow in her hands, staring at it like she'd never seen something like it in her life. Which, she hadn't.

She wasn't particularly interested in playing any of the games, so much as watching everything around her, really, but she was likely to approach anyone who looked like they were doing something interesting. Eventually, her moogle realized Sophie wasn't following him and he frantically managed to hunt her down. "Kid! Hey kid! THERE you are Kupo! *pant pant* Don't wander off like that, kid...!" Poor Taiga, he was so in over his head already.

D. Aqures Ixen/House B-6

Sophie had spent the entire trip on the airship staring over the railing so much that Taiga fretted that she was going to fall over. The kid seemed to have no conscious awareness of her own safety, weirdly enough. He was relieved she wasn't afraid of heights, since he'd had no idea how to deal with a scared, crying child, but he was even more relieved when the ship touched down and she followed him through the crowd into the city.

"Okay kid, this is Aqures Ixen. You can look around a bit later, first I want to show you to your new place - but don't worry, I'll be with you all the time, kupo! I bet your roommates are really nice too, so you don't have to be afraid, kupo." Taiga said as he led the girl through the districts. Maybe he could ask one of the other heroes what they could do for a newly arrived hero who had no memories. Or get a transfer. He wasn't sure he got paid enough for this!

After wandering around the city a bit, Taiga led Sophie to the apartments, where he let them in. "Hello~! Anyone home, kupo?"

"Anyone home, kupo." Sophie parroted after Taiga.

He just sighed.

B. Other Heroes

[gomu_ningen]

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!"

The voice comes barreling out of a nearby establishment, the projection of the shout almost making the ground quake beneath the feet of the unfortunate pedestrians that are privy to the outburst. The source of the scream becomes known only after the door to the restaurant is kicked off of its hinges, landing upon the ground as a young man comes flying out as if he were running in mid-air. Behind him is a portly looking Moogle, his garb looking like that of an amateur sailor, complete with bandana wrapped around his bushy scalp.

"COME BACK HERE WITH THAT FOOD!"

The shout vibrates again as a tall, muscular Chef tries to give chase to the deft pair of hooligans that make for the open street which lead down towards the Airship. The Chef, although bulked past the point of reason, is unable to keep up with the lank and athleticism of the would-be pirate and his Moogle. Unfortunately, concerned with keeping both his head and the meat he'd purloined between his teeth, the pirate runs head first into the new arrivals as a plume of smoke envelops around them.

Dusting himself off and giving the large swell atop his head a gentle pat, the uncouth lad grits his teeth and growls softly under his breath.

"C-Captain~! Are you hurt?"
"Don't worry about me! What did we hit?"
"We seem to have-?! Ah! We've bumped into another Moogle and a young girl!"

The pair of Luffy and his Moogle, Pakku, look to the sight before them, apologetic eyes glazed over as they proceed to bow at the other two with great vigor.

[bloodypast]

Welcoming/Waking Up

Vincent listened to it all, clutching the red crystal close, but very carefully, in his gauntlet-covered hand. He didn't seem to be in any danger. If anything, he was surprised by the other life forms--and moogles. Moogles were real? Huh.

Taking stock of himself, noting the familiar presence of his firearm at his side, then standing. Ignoring his hair and cloak whipping in the wind, and moving inside. A smaller moogle wrapped in a red scarf fluttered behind him, murmuring quiet questions to herself. "It seems you didn't have a Job on arriving, Kupo. You're probably what we know as a Freelancer then."

Vincent made a non-committal noise in response.

"I can answer any questions you have though. My name is Ophelia, kupo!"


Trano Golsaucia

Any good strategist knew that intelligence and information were the keys to success. There honestly wasn't that much to find out, in the Temple of Wind, when he was still trying simply to adapt to this new world. Which meant Vincent, trailed by his moogle, had made his way to the largest nearby city.

LARGE might have been an understatement.

Trano Golsaucia, almost overwhelmed him with how familiar and not-familiar it was at the same time. Like the Gold Saucer, back on Gaia, it was an amusement center. Just a much more spread out and larger one.

It was easier to lose himself in the crowds, and observe. Listening to the chatter around him, learning about the people in this world. Ophelia would interject the occasional comment, but mostly seemed dazzled herself by the spectacles and attractions around him.

Welcoming/Wake Up

[woman_of_strife]

The young woman had traveled afar on the off chance that her stay in the Trano area might prove fruitful. It was usually around the turn of the month that the Crystal of Fire had summoned forth a new batch of Heroes. Unfortunately, with that Crystal currently out of commission, the only other viable option was the Crystal she now stands before.

She hadn't expected to see any one she knows, though the core of her hopes had been wishing that another face from Gaia might make an appearance, especially when friends were what she needed most right now.

The familiar appearance of the man in red came into her vision, a catch at the corner of her eye, causing her head to turn quickly as she catches sight of Vincent walking away from the Crystal. An arm reaches over her head, waving without making too much of a scene, casually attempting to catch the attention of the mysterious gunslinger.

"Vincent? Over here!"

[forgottenchosen]

i. waking up

The wind smelled different. There was something missing, something significant enough that it compels Seles to slowly open her eyes and look to the ceiling above. That couldn’t be right, she had been outside…

"Tokunaga?"

"Right here, Miss!"

That was not Tokunaga's voice.

In an instant Seles is sitting up, looking around to and fro in search of her butler and clutching a small object in her hand tightly. They couldn't have been caught already, all those plans they had put in place were too precise for it to happen this quickly—!

...

Just what was she wearing, this was not her hat.


ii. trano golsaucia

Now that she's had some time to adjust to her new role and thoroughly interrogate this 'new' Tokunaga, Seles has taken it upon herself to make the trip to the nearby city. When she arrives, she’s not... disappointed. If anything, it reminded her of what little she remembered of Meltokio.

All the games and lights were fun to look at, but that was all she could really do: just look. There wasn't a Gald to her name here, and if Tokunaga had been thorough in his explanation then she knew it was worthless. But that doesn’t stop her from being mesmerized by the sights and sounds, occasionally watching on with a growing smile.


iii. aqures ixen

Of course she had to depart the city eventually, and she had been reluctant about it—but not because she had enjoyed her short time there so much.

No, it’s because she hadn't been entirely fond of boarding a flying contraption that would carry her across the ocean. Was it convenient? Yes, it certainly was. Does she still feel ill now that she's walking off? You bet, and she has to take a moment to run over to the nearest railing and lean against it, trying to breath in the fresh air and wait for her feet to steady.

Here she thought she would handle it better than this, how was she to make her way to her supposed housing if she can’t keep it together?

III!

[lucentpalisade]

Sophie must have been on an earlier flight, to have missed seeing Seles, but after reaching her housing room and looking around, she decided to go back outside, with Taiga perched on her head. That way he would be able to keep a closer eye on her, right?

Although seeing someone leaning on the railing like that, was a curious sight. "Are you okay?"

[playing_hearts]

Trano Golsaucia~

[This is hardly the first time Alice has been dragged into a strange new world. This isn't even the first time the trip involved a cute fuzzy animal wearing a waistcoat. Usually she at least gets to keep her clothes. The sparkling, form fitting armor is definitely not her style. The little moogle seems to like it though. If the way he's been gushing about how 'heroic' she looks is any indication. That said, her past experiences have her handling this pretty well. After thoroughly grilling Spade on every aspect of her new situation, she heads out to explore her surroundings.

Trano Golsaucia is a cacophony of colors and lights and crowds. It reminds her of the amusement park in the Country of Hearts. That place was flashy and noisy too. But it was also fun. Well, most of it. The parts that didn't involve testing dangerous new rides or listening to Gowland play the violin. Or gunfights. Alice pauses to look at one of the shooting games, reminiscing about the friends she left behind. Were they worried about her? She can't help but feel a little guilty. She left her sister behind to stay in Heart country. And now she's left them to come here. It wasn't realy her fault in either case, but she still feels a little guilty. Her moogle mistakes her reverie as interest though and leaps upon a chance to impress her.]

'Alice, did you want to play a game, kupo? I'm pretty good at games. I'll win you a prize! The biggest one, kupo!'

[Alice shrugs and shakes her head, barely noticing the moogle's disappointment. ]

That's okay. I don't really want to carry one of those huge things around all day anyway.

House B-4 in Aqures Ixen~

[After a long day wandering around and a lengthy airship flight, Alice is exhausted. Spade said she'd been assigned home, and that she would have roommates. He fell asleep shortly after that, so she had to find the place on her own. She feels a little bad just being handed a place to live. She'll have to find a job soon so she can earn her keep. For now though, she just wants to go to bed. But first impressions are important, so she puts a smile on her face as she knocks on the door. Spade is snoring gently in her arms.]

Hi, I'm Alice. I've been assigned to live here....

[Yep. It sounds just as awkward out loud as it did in her head.]

Trano Golsaucia

[makingfriends]

[Ven has also been wandering among the sights, at times admiring the lights and displays and at others just watching the passing crowd, always with his moogle in tow. Now he's doing a blend of both as he goes along, and that's when he spots a girl, maybe a little older than he is, staring at one of the booths.

Following her gaze, Ven watches as the players take up the fake guns, some of them nailing their targets while others miss entirely. At her reply to her moogle, Ven smiles and speaks up.]

They've got a lot of rides, too. And a theater, if that's your thing.

[tacticallyminded]

A. Waking Up + The Other Heroes

'Wake up.'

Robin's eyes fluttered and it took a moment to get herself sorted out. It didn't help that this was a familiar situation. It wasn't so long ago that she woke up on a field of grass, to be greeted by Chrom and Lissa. That didn't happen, today; first, she noticed the Temple of Wind. Towering, really, and quite impressive, but also unfamiliar. With a start, though, she found that she had her memories. She wasn't operating like before, without a clue as to who or where she was. She remembered, too, the world slipping away.

Had it shattered? Or had she imagined it? She sucked in a sharp gasp, and bolted upright, which sent the Moogle over her scurrying back. "Hey, watch it, kupo!"

"Ah, sorry!" Robin said, instinctively. Then she furrowed her brow. "You're... gods, what are you?"

"Your new friend," the moogle sighed.

Robin stood up, and dusted herself off. It was then that her hand brushed the green of her new Scholar's coat instead of the usual dark colored fabric that she wore as a tactician. Her eyes widened, before she looked looked up. "Wait! Where did my coat go? And my clothes? And--"

Her tome was gone.

The last was louder than the rest: "And my book!"

B. Airship

She hadn't flown before, but Robin quite liked the feeling. The wind in her hair and the incredible, awe-inspiring sight of the land rushing underneath felt exhilarating. She grinned into the wind, leaning over the rail for a better look. Part of her loved it for the view alone -- to see nature from on high, to catch sight of so many amazing things. Another part of her, though, loved it as a tactician. If she could see battlefields from this height...!

"Something else, huh, kupo?" Marc asked. She looked down at the Moogle and smiled, before she nodded.

"Yeah!" she declared. "I've never flown like this before. Look at all of that. You can see for miles here. It doesn't look like home, but..."

Her expression flickered only a moment. Had any of the Shepherds come, too?

She shrugged -- and then she started, when she got a glance of Aqures Ixen in the distance. She had seen large cities before; Ylisstol was impressive. But the architecture and sights, here, were something else. Robin gasped softly: "Whoa..."

[flowers_suck]

Olivier remembers her first time on an airship, and seeing the city as they drew closer to it had impressed her, too. She joins Robin next to the rails.

"These flying ships are quite a feat of engineering here."

Olivier is wearing a dark blue uniform that doesn't quite look like it belongs in this world, and her longsword hangs at her side. She looks from the scenery rushing below them to the young woman.

"I'm Olivier Armstrong. Welcome to this strange world."

[fontechnician]

A: Waking/Other Heroes

Guy's first experience with the new world was a high-pitched voice telling him to wake up and a sharp pain at the top of his head.

"Ow...I'll be up in a second, you don't have to pull my hair..."

"I thought you didn't hear me, kupo. You'll get all dusty if you keep lying on the floor, too."

Okay, what? He finally opened his eyes and discovered yes, he was lying on the floor with a small white fluffy...thing hovering above his head. It moved when he sat up, moving to one side as he examined the crystal in his hand and his change of clothes. When had that happened? He certainly couldn't remember, and hoped that he didn't choose the outfit voluntarily, because compared to his usual clothes, it was not very comfortable. He still had his sword, at least, but he was missing his bow.

That was an odd train of thought, he'd never touched a bow, only watched training archery students in Baticul and Natalia in battle. But there he was, feeling oddly unarmed with just a sword. Fortunately, nothing seemed hostile yet, so he could relax.

"Good point." So up he goes, his fluffy companion floating higher to compensate for his new head height. "So...what exactly is going on? And what are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Mirielle, kupo! I'm a moogle, and I've been assigned to help you in your journey as a Hero of Light. Or at least try to help, kupo."

"Hero of Light?"

Airship

While Trano Golsaucia was interesting enough and decent for gathering information (and sketchy-looking people), Guy hadn't arrived with any Gald on his person. Or Gil, as the local currency seemed to be. Either way, his pockets were empty.

And besides, there were airships. Plural. They were literal ships, but they floated in the air instead of the water, and he had to wonder exactly what kept them afloat, since he'd left Auldrant and its fontech behind. What was this world's equivalent of fontech? Only one way to find out.

...Only not. He's a stranger in the world, and while they let him on the airship itself, he isn't allowed near any of the equipment used to operate the ship. Security reasons, he was told, and he completely understood that, but he's no less disappointed.

At least he's allowed on the deck, and up to the railing, so that's where he goes, watching the world go by underneath.

"Sir, be careful not to fall off..."

Housing - C-01, 11th District

The mailbox says his name and the Moogle confirms that the house he's standing in front of is indeed his. Or at least part his, since there are three other names listed with his, none of which he recognizes. It's no mansion, but it's two-story at least, and is probably the first house he's ever been able to claim as his in years.

He's apprehensive about just walking in, still, and even after unlocking the door for the first time, he knocks a couple times before actually entering the house.

"Hello? I'm Guy, I've been assigned this house to live in...is there anyone else here?"

Housing

[soldierofloveandbeauty]

Minako was already home and laying on the couch. She didn't want to move from this spot as she assume this huge house was going to be for all of her, even if it was just for the moment.

Upon hearing the door she was quick to sit up to see who it was. It was a cute blond. This was enough to make her brighten up a bit. Maybe being here wasn't going to be all bad.

"Welcome roomie~!" She said jumping up of the couch finally before making her way closer. "I'm Minako Aino, it's nice to meet you."

[wickedone]

A. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

When he'd seen the void, Albel had begun to believe they'd failed. Everything they'd done, the lengths they'd all gone to, for nothing. The Eternal Sphere was gone.

Apparently, he was half right. For whatever reason, the Eternal Sphere was gone -- or, rather, he was gone from it. Transported to whatever this world was, told he was some "Hero of Light." Was this some other universe, like 4D space? Was he supposed to save this place now, too? It was all so much to take in. He sat on his cot, massaging his temples as his "moogle" yammered on, trying not to snap at her.

"So -- I'm a hero?" He scoffed slightly to himself. "That I believe. But some of these other fools?" He glanced around doubtfully.

B. Trano Golsaucia

Apparently, the only way out of this place wasn't to Elicoor but to some other city with some other weird name. And the only way there was by "airship." Albel assumed it was some kind of vehicle akin to Maria's, which was... not ideal, but tolerable. At least it wouldn't be as strange as his first time. (Or so he thought). In any case, he decided to walk down to the city proper to explore a bit while he waited for one of the ships to pull in. Another four hours...

It didn't seem like it would be so bad, would give him time to look around, talk to people. He could fill up four hours if he really had to. That was, of course, before he stepped out into the snow.

Snow. Albel hated snow. He shivered and hugged himself roughly, his new clothes feeling weird and foreign, before walking down toward the bright lights and calliope music, muttering to himself all the way.

B

[etherealblast]

Fayt had come along with Nel to check out the new arrivals at the Water Crystal, but that didn't mean he wasn't exploring the city for a bit as well. He'd been stopping to talk to new arrivals while he did, explaining what he could and asking a few questions in the process.

Really, it's the two toned hair that caught his eyes first-- without his usual attire, Albel doesn't stand out nearly as much as he would otherwise. Once it does however, it's easy enough to spot the man, and Fayt makes his way over, picking up his pace down the street with Mogrika fluttering after him.

"Albel! Hey!"

[monerdo]

A. Waking Up/Other Heroes

The world around him shifted, reality warped and changed. That was the last thing Shulk remembered before waking up to a voice nothing like the last one he heard. Shulk forced himself to open his heavy eyes, only to see what very loosely resembled a Nopon with a giant nose floating right in front of his face upon awakening.

"Hello, my name is Klaus, kupo. We have a lot to discuss, new Hero of Light. I'm sure you have many questions." Was what he was told by the "Nopon". Shulk came to realize shortly after that wherever he was looked nothing like anywhere he knew. A towering green crystal before him, an outfit he never remembered wearing or owning, a sword that wasn't The Monado... But unlike previous helpers of his, the creature was willing to answer his questions without being completely vague about it. A prophecy... heroes... crystals... Shulk absorbed the knowledge well, but it ended up bringing up even more questions that he wasn't currently able to get answers to.

"Could you go into any more detail?" Shulk asked Klaus.

"I've told you everything I know, kupo. You'd be better off asking the other heroes." he responded. Shulk nodded, "That is a good idea. Maybe I can find the others too..." He certainly hoped they were safe and sound...

B. Airship

Now when Shulk heard "airship", he expected something more like the pods that the High Entia or even the colonies on rare occasions would use. What he got was a much bigger craft than anything comparable to what he'd seen on Bionis. In between trying to piece together the information he gathered at the Temple and Trano Golsaucia, he stood on the deck of the ship to Aqures Ixen in awe of not only the sights, but the technology and machinery used to power these things! He'd definitely have to look into how it worked later.

Until then he's going to gawk at how incredible the ship is until he gets to the city where apparently living arrangements have been made for him.

C. Nerd House Rock, I mean, C-01 11th District.

Thanks to his Moogle's direction, he was able to find what was apparently his house. And three other's houses. Not that he minded sharing a home with others, in fact having others to come home to made him feel a little bit better since back home he didn't have that. Most of the people he came across seemed decent enough, at least.

Entering a house that wasn't entirely his own did make him a bit reluctant, however. Even if he did have a key and everything. Shulk slowly opened the door, knocking lightly on it before entering.

"Hello there? Is anyone 'round? I'm Shulk. I've been assigned to stay here." He announced, hoping this was indeed the right house. He had no reason to doubt Klaus and the key worked, but you can never be too careful.

Airship!

[tacticallyminded]

Robin made the rounds on the airship. She found it fascinating to see the world from on high, of course, but she also wanted a closer look at the airship while it flew. She also wanted to meet her fellow Heroes of Light. She suspected that they were in it for the long haul, after all. The woman had walked away from the railing (perhaps seeing an airsick passenger made her think twice), which led her to investigating some of the equipment she could find.

She spotted Shulk when she looked up from it. Someone she hadn't spoken with yet! She waved with a hand as she approached, her free hand idly smoothing out her Scholar's robe for simplicity's sake.

"Good afternoon!" she called out. She wasn't actually certain about the time of day; she settled for picking the one it would have been, had she not been pulled into another world. She smiled, though it was more of a conscious effort than a heartfelt gesture, given the current circumstances. "Are you another newcomer?"

[cantante]

A. waking up / other heroes.

"Wake up, kupo...!" The voice that spoke was so soft that Tear thought she was still dreaming, opening her eyes slowly as the gentle breeze danced around her. Something warm and soft was resting against her upper arm, and turning her head she finds a fuzzy red pom-pom bopping against her nose.

"Ah!"

"Ah?! I'm sorry, Mystearica...!" A second later the pom-pom is out of her face, instead revealing one of the most adorable creatures she has ever seen, bowing apologetically. "You were taking so long to wake up, I was worried, kupo..."

"Wake up?" Tear sits up and immediately notes the clothes she was wearing, a vivid red compared to the warm brown of her uniform. Soon enough she's on her feet, looking over to the creature with eyes full of questions and resisting the urge to pull him into her arms. "Just how long have you been watching over me?"

"A few hours, when you appeared...! My name is Sein... I'm going to be helping you from now on, kupo...!" The moogle twirls slowly, gesturing to all the other awakening heroes and missing the look of utter surprise on Tear's face. "And these are your fellow Heroes of Light, if there's any questions you have I can help you, and maybe they can use your help, too kupo..."

"Then I suppose we should get started with those questions, shouldn't we?" And she looks toward the nearest Hero, her expression thoughtful.

B. Airships.

It wasn't the Albiore, but Tear still felt a sense of peace as she watched the sunlight glint off of the ocean below, hands resting peacefully against the railing and her hair miraculously staying out of her face. Sein floated right beside her, refusing to move more than two feet away from her ever since she woke up, but she didn't particularly mind. Right now, company was practically welcome.

However, if someone were to come close enough they might catch the last several notes of a song, so quiet that one might have to strain their ears to hear it. Every so often her expression becomes wistful, punctuated by a soft sigh as her thoughts drifted to somewhere that wasn't the airship she was riding.

C. Aqures Ixen.

And here they were, arriving in the city where they should have started to begin with. But Tear seems content with observing the shops and locales along the way to where Sein said her residence would be, listening pausing and listening whenever Sein's soft voice would pipe up and tell her a bit of trivia about a place they had just passed, occasionally pausing to look a little closer.

"And here, here is where you can come for new clothes if you need them, kupo..."

"I don't think it would hurt to take a moment and go in them, will it?"

"Whatever you'd like Mystearica, but remember, kupo—just a few more blocks and we'll be at B-14. We can still look afterward as well, kupo...!"

B

[nosferatanking]

Morgan doesn't really hear more than a few quiet notes as he's walking by, but the melody calms him pretty instantly. He can't place it entirely, but there's something about those few notes that reminds him of Inigo and Olivia's dancing.

Regardless, he can't help but approach the other person with a smile, as his moogle disdainfully floats behind him.

"Hey, were you singing just now? It sounded really good!"

[forlornlyorn]

A. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

There was a lot to take in. The duke had already spent some time questioning the moogle that had declared itself his partner, and there'd been some time devoted to simply reacquainting himself with movement. Now, perhaps, it was time for more pressing matters: the curiosity that was the crystal that had materialized for him.

He bounced it lightly in his hand. It was no Imperial Orb, that much he was comfortable assuming. It was almost a shame, a method of reproducing the Orb would have been a great discovery. Still...

"On the positive side," he murmured, "This crystal is unlikely to be so indiscreet as to put my emotions on display."

B - House B-01

Housing may have been assigned, but when time allowed for Aerich and his moogle to arrive, the duke still gestured for his companion to refrain from entering straightaway. Who would want a stranger to simply barge in? It would always be better to attempt to properly introduce oneself first.

With that in mind, Aerich brought his hands together for a sharp clap at the door. He knew some traditions would be different, but clapping to announce oneself was deeply ingrained: knocking didn't even occur. Then, he would wait.

B: This is long, sorry....

[fearlessherosheart]

Tazendra was studying in her room, so couldn't hear the door. Mogmi, on the other hand, was in the living room. Tazendra hadn't had much of a chance to go visiting: Mogmi had not seen this particular Dragaeran custom. Thus, rather than answer the door, after a check to see who was making that noise, she went to get Tazendra.

"There's a tall man clapping at the door, kupo. Probably a new Hero of Light." At least, judging by the Moogle accompanying him.

"And you have not let him in?" Tazendra asked, scowling. She was already on her feet, though, since naturally that meant the house had a guest.

"Was I supposed to?"

"Why, of course! He is informing us of his presence and wishes entry," Tazendra said, annoyed, than paused. "That is, in the... my home Empire, such is the custom." She was used to being in a foreign land. Less used to people thinking she meant the Heran Empire when she talked of home. "But, say, he was my height?" It wasn't a universal sign, but only Valvalis and Daisy approached human height of the Heroes Tazendra knew. And neither were male, nor human.

Mogmi nodded. "Around your height, kupo." To a Moogle, humans were generally tall, but Tazendra was notably oversized when one compared her to her surroundings.

"And I could not ask you if he is a gentleman," Tazendra noted. "But, he is a Hero, so that indicates some courtesy is due. Especially if he bears news from home. Go, answer the door."

Tazendra had just arrived at the entrance from the living room to the hall, when Mogmi was pulling the door open and apologizing for the wait. "Well!" she said, her face breaking into a grin.

[mugugu]

I. Waking Up/The Other Heroes

Edea’s eyes shot open from the moment the words ‘wake up’ were uttered. How she hated these dreams of crystals. Why did that one feel so warm?! Suddenly, her eyes fixated on the creature that had awoken her.

After hearing what the creature, Ririsa, had to say, the blonde found herself examining the crystal quite thoroughly. “I.. Don’t know if I really trust you. After what happened last time…” Edea said quite plainly, her voice was void of any emotion. Just like her voice, this information had left her feeling like a shell of herself.

Taking a cue on the situation at hand, Ririsa did her moogly best to comfort her. “I know it may not be the same, Kupo…” She scratched a tiny hand against her face nervously. She was quite new to this hero of light business. “But there are many like you here, too, But you have a duty to fulfill. What exactly, I don’t know, Kupo.”

Edea looked at the crystal and grasped it tighter. “Well, I guess staying here won’t really help. Where to?” She looked at the moogle, a little more of her life reflecting in her eyes.


II. Trano Golsaucia
The moment they arrived in this festive and snowy city, Edea felt a slight… warmth, despite the land’s cold climate. A bright smile wormed its way onto her face. “This is like home. Eternia.” She smirked, “Although a lot more lively!”

Ririsa smiled patting Edea on her head, “Welcome to Trano Golsaucia! This place is practically a theme park!” She then noticed Edea had gone wandering.

It was a wonder what some lights and noises could do to a person! It was like nothing had even happened to her. Just then a light slapping noise was heard as she slapped her hands to her face.

“Ok, Edea, it’s time to cheer up! Despite not being home like usual, we gotta make the most of it, right?!” She was giving herself a pep talk! Ririsa only stared in confusion to the armored girl.

“What?” She glanced over at Ririsa, placing displeased hands on her hips. “Why are you staring at me like that?” Edea’s lips pursed slightly.

“I gotta have SOME fun, right?” She smirked slyly as she thought of all the wonderful things she could see, do, and… eaaaatt~

“You got over your inhibitions pretty fast, kupo.” Edea shot a glare, “Just because we have to save the world, does NOT mean i can’t stop and enjoy the roses on way.” she pointed an angry finger at the fluff ball. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see a crepe restaurant~ It’s calllling to me.”

Then with that being said, Edea made her way to the establishment. Ririsa nervously following her in tow calling out, “But you don’t have money, Kupo!”

III. Airship

After their short side trips to the many wonderful restaurants and the Pg to Gil debacle, Ririsa finally helped Edea find her way to the Airships to make her venture towards her new home. The airship vaguely reminded her of Grandship. It was quite a bittersweet thought for her.

Edea looked to Ririsa, “So you’re saying that despite me not having money.. I have a home to stay in.”

The fluffy white creature nodded, “Yes, kupo.”

“For free,” Edea added skeptically.

The fluttering creature nodded her head. “Yes, Kupo.”

“I find that pretty hard to believe…” She glared slightly towards the winged being. Her eyes narrowing, “If we get there, and there’s no house to be seen..”

Ririsa’s hands frantically waved about as she tried to calm the blonde down. “It’s fine! Really! Kupo!”


IV. Aqures Ixen - House B-07
Upon arrival, Edea glanced at the door to this home. It was quite intimidating now knowing she was rooming with other people as well. Although, she’d been through much worse, She’d be fine!

Edea took that moment to knock on the door and wait for someone to answer.

“I really hope this isn’t some trap…” She said as she realized what this could really have been. Her heart sank into her stomach as she braced for attack, sword readied at her side.

airship;

[charming_jerk]

Sitting nearby is a strange-looking young man tuning up an old acoustic guitar, who can't help but overhear Edea's conversation with the moogle.

"Yo, I know it sounds like bullshit, but it's true. They give ya a roof over your head for totally free. I mean, ya probably get a roommate or two, but still. Free house."

Considering the living conditions Johnny had for the last few years before coming here, he could hardly believe it himself sometimes.

[ledbythewind]

[A - Waking up/the other heroes]

It was the wind that first lured Richard back to wakefulness-- cool, gentle, and most of all, familiar. So familiar, in fact, that for a moment he was certain he must have fallen asleep on his desk with the window open again, the terrifying sinking sensation and the mysterious crystal nothing more than images conjured up by yet another unpleasant dream...

... no. No, that couldn't be right. Because if that had been a dream, then everything that had happened on Fodra must have been a dream as well, and the pain he'd felt from the injuries he sustained in the battle against Little Queen had been no figment of his imagination.

"Wake up, kupo!"

A voice? But one he'd never heard before...

Slowly he opened his eyes, squinting against the pale green-tinged light of the room. Where...?

"It's about time you woke up, sleepyhead. This isn't the place to be taking a long nap, kupo."

"... who are you? And... where am I?"

Whatever was going on, Richard could already tell that he didn't like it.

[B - Trano Golsaucia]

Cold. Richard had never been particularly good with the cold, and the cold in the areas outside this city rivaled the temperatures of Fendel, though at least the wind was less biting and the magitek kept the city itself relatively temperate. But that was where the similarities between the two cities ended. The atmosphere here was nothing like Fendel's, for one thing; there was far too much joy and exuberance here, too much life in the city. The people here were happy, and their happiness was contagious, enough so to bring a slight smile to Richard's face and make him forget the chill of the air. As uneasy as he still felt about the entire situation, it was hard to brood too much in the face of so many new and fascinating things.

The only question was... what to try first?

[C - Aqures Ixen]

Richard had always thought Barona to be a large city-- and it was, by Ephinean standards. Compared to this, however, it almost seemed like some backwater hamlet. To say Aqures Ixen was huge would be an understatement. Never before had Richard seen a city so impressive; he couldn't help the tiny pang of what he was certain must be jealousy as he wandered its streets, intent on simply exploring.

But there was far too much to see in a single day, and it wasn't long before he found himself getting tired and hungry and in need of a chance to just sit down and rest for a while. So, with Frieda's assistance, he turned at last in the direction of where she told him he would find his new house, hoping that the strangers who were going to be his housemates were people he would be able to get along with (or at least tolerate)...

C

[elevatoravatar]

Elizabeth spied the newcomer as she was headed out for something to eat, he had an odd look in his eyes, much the same as her own when she was exposed to things like the trap in the train station, or the playground jail. So she approached and tilted her head.

"Do you require assistance with anything here? It can be an odd and overwhelming place, but for the most part it is safe."