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

[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!"

Re: Welcoming/Wake Up

[bloodypast]

Ophelia was showing him around the small temple, quieting then turning as Vincent heard the call of his name. Easy enough to see over most others given his height, then weaving a path over to her. "Tifa." He greeted, tone sounding surprised but welcoming of her presence.

Ophelia fluttered over behind him, red scarf trailing.

Re: Welcoming/Wake Up

[woman_of_strife]

She rests a hand on her hip, shifting where she stands to give him a wry smile as he approaches.

"Fancy seeing you here. You're the last person I thought would get dragged into this mess."

A single finger comes to her chin, looking him over as she thinks to herself before speaking.

"The last thing you remember before waking up here, do you remember what it was?"

Re: Welcoming/Wake Up

[bloodypast]

That was a curious question, although if others from Avalanche had arrived, then it only made sense to verify they were all on the same page. "We had all separated to find our own reasons for fighting Sephiroth, and were to return and re-meet up before descending in to the Northern Cavern once more. For the second, and hopefully final, time."

It was as succinct and clear as he could think to make it, to describe the complicated events he had been through with their group.

Welcoming

[goddessofthesky]

"Hello."

Her tone was soft and light though filled with the confidence she had gathered since waking up in Crystallis. Zelda smiled at the moogle before looking over at the man. He had been one of the older heroes to awake and admittedly Zelda wanted to know if he possibly knew more about his coming here.

Her blue gaze remained steady as she waited for him to fully awake. "I'm Zelda. I'm also a hero of light which is what the locals call us." She smiled at that as if it was an inside joke. "Are you alright?"

Her tone held a soft worry though he looked like he would be okay given a moment to gather himself.

Re: Welcoming

[bloodypast]

Ophelia trilled in surprise, as she hadn't heard Zelda coming up although Vincent had clearly seen movement from the corner of his eye. Quiet, taking stock of himself carefully as he thought over her question. He felt very slightly different--but not enough to fuss over. Certainly not enough to confess to a stranger, when he would do better to puzzle it out himself.

He hadn't been 'normal' in a long time after all.

"Fine." Letting one brow raise up, Vincent regarded Zelda without hostility, but with subtle wariness. "Hero of light?" Ophelia piped up from beside him, wringing her hands in her scarf. "I was just about to get to that kupo!"

Welcoming

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda smiled at the moogle with a wide grin. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I'd be happy to help explain if you wish." She didn't want to step on the moogles toes knowing that they were being paid to give the heroes the information when they first wake up.

She absently tucked a loose strain of golden hair behind her ear, her bright blue gaze shifting up to Vincent. He was much taller than she was.

"I am a hero of light as well. I've been here for awhile. I came to assist in anyway if I can. I apologize if I startled you at all." Zelda's fingers laced in front of her as her head tilted to the side.

Re: Welcoming

[bloodypast]

If a moogle could be said to pout, Ophelia was slightly pouting. "No, it's alright. It's probably better he get everything from another Hero kupo." There really was an awful lot, and she was still kind of new to this assignment in particular. She was hoping she wouldn't mess it up.

"You hadn't. No more than any of this." Clearly Vincent wasn't one for much small talk or reassurance. Ophelia smoothed her paws down her scarf and rearranged it, then looked up at Zelda. "Do you know why the heroes are appearing here kupo?" As in, instead of the Crystal of Fire.

Welcoming

[2hell_weride]

From nearby someone else interrupts Ophelia's spiel.

"You know, seems like the dude's not all that interested. Give him some space." he says, interjecting and scolding his Moogle with no real authority to do so. Who's this kid think he is.

"Nice piece though. Does it work?"

Re: Welcoming

[bloodypast]

Ophelia turned and glared at him, eyes narrowed. "How would you know if he's interested or not Kupo!" Grumping, and turning back to the taller gunslinger, as Vincent had been listening intently. Mostly just quiet, but he was sure to make eye-contact, and he had acted as if he was listening.

Ophelia was quickly pegging him for what was known as the 'silent' type--which was ok with her. Those kinds usually hid great depths, and also weren't easy to get to know. Once you did know them, it was usually worth it.

A frustrated "Kupo." came from her as the other interrupted once more. Throwing her paws up in the air slightly, and sighing. Vincent reached out, careful of her pompom but resting his palm briefly on her head. She had been doing a good job so far.

"It does." Assuming it hadn't been damaged in transport, any more than he himself had been. Which to his own assessment, Vincent was fine except for some very slight differences. But he hadn't yet been able to determine what, only that he was not quite his new 'normal' that he had been.

[OOC: He's wielding the Death Penalty, if it helps.]

Re: Welcoming

[2hell_weride]

"You're sure it does? I'm actually surprised to see someone show up with something that fancy really. Lucky you." he says, narrowing his eyes, ignoring the berating of the other Moogle and trying to take a closer look at the gun without grabbing out for it. That'd be rude...

But what isn't factored in is this thing called 'personal space', which MarKus gladly ignores to take a closer look. "It doesn't look too complicated."

((Regular FF7 or DoC's design?))

Re: Welcoming

[bloodypast]

Vincent, was not very impressed. Turning slightly to block MarKus's reaching for it. Especially as his hand hovered over it protectively and his eyes narrowed.

"I could test it out, to be certain." The warning in his tone and faint sarcasm should be obvious. Now whether the other chose to listen or not, would be the question. His moogle was keeping back, her eyes wide, and wondering if this guy was always this rude. And where was HIS moogle? Should she call for help?

[OOC: Regular FF7, sorry. ^_^ Death Penalty]

Trano Golsaucia

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud, like some of the other Heroes, had gone to the realm of the Crystal of Wind once word got out about the new arrivals. Unfortunately the motion sickness he suffered from on the flight over had debilitated him long enough to miss the proper welcoming, so he was doing what he could around the city to help out any obvious newcomers.

Cloud almost stayed out of Vincent's way when he saw the imposing man, but it took the sight of the moogle to help some other recent memories click into place. Frowning at the odd sensation of remembering a memory from a dream he pushed aside his concerns and walked up to the newcomer.

"You're...Vincent...right?"

Re: Trano Golsaucia

[bloodypast]

Even among the crowd, it would've been hard to miss the distinctive yellow hair of Cloud Strife. Vincent waited patiently, and assessed the other as he approached. Different, as if he wasn't carrying so much weight on his shoulders. The confusion on the other's face for a brief moment made Vincent wonder.

"I am, Cloud Strife." Confirming, tone even and almost warm. A hint of wariness only for the confusion the other showed, but otherwise recognizing that yes. This was his ally.

Re: Trano Golsaucia

[neverfirstclass]

This Cloud was also clearly younger than the one Vincent knew, and by a good few years no less. "Um...the truth is...I'm not the Cloud you know. I kinda remember you from a dream I had recently."

He grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry about this. But...good to see you here...Vincent."

Re: Trano Golsaucia

[bloodypast]

His normal impassive manner was likely not helping any awkwardness Cloud felt. But the explanation was appreciated, as it explained the confusion. "Tifa already explained much of the problems with regard to time and our presences."

Pausing, ignoring Ophelia as she fluttered closer to examine Cloud from a polite-out-of-personal-space way. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Nor should you feel forced to interact if you do not want to." Vincent was willing to let Cloud come to him or not on his own terms, and would not assume the other was the ally he had come to know.

For all intents and purposes, he would treat Cloud as a different person. If it was wanted.

Welcoming/Waking Up

[wickedone]

Of all the other "heroes" in the temple, Albel gravitated toward Vincent. What could he say, he was drawn to another man with a metal gauntlet. It looked pretty permanent too, like his own, and that seemed like a good minority.

Of course, even Albel's levels of "friendly" weren't the normal society's defined level of "friendly."

"You." Albel pointed outright at Vincent. "What is your name?"

Re: Welcoming/Waking Up

[bloodypast]

Vincent didn't look impressed, or intimidated. Red eyes were impassive almost as they took in the stranger who walked up imperiously and asked questions. Ophelia blinked at the rudeness, and moved slightly behind her charge.

"Why?" Especially since the other wasn't giving his name in response.

[wickedone]

Good. Albel wasn't looking for impressed, or intimidated. He was looking for the casual, the objective. Vincent's impassive face was exactly what the warrior was hoping for.

Albel smirked. His instincts had been right -- so far, at least.

"You look like a seasoned warrior," he replied. "Am I wrong?"

[bloodypast]

"Does it matter?" Vincent responded, still impassive and as casual as he ever was. He was not feeling any hostility yet, although things could well change. A shift in posture, very slight, to let Ophelia hide more against his off-side leg behind him.

[charming_jerk]

One of the things that seems to stick out around here is one peculiar-looking street musician. After the newbies disperse, Johnny takes the time to set up his acoustic guitar and case to collect some tips while playing on the street. He always did way better here than in Aqures Ixen; maybe the crowds of vacationers, revelers and drunks were just in a more festive and more generous mood. He should really consider moving here.

As he finishes up his currently song, he catches Vincent and his moogle standing nearby. If a moogle was hanging out with this guy, Johnny figured he was probably one of the new Heroes.

"If yer gonna sit around and listen, least ya can do is tip a guy," he says to them both in a joking tone, with a smirk.

[bloodypast]

They hadn't actually actively been listening, but once their attention was brought, the pair looked up. Ophelia's paws went up to her mouth, slightly startled. Vincent looked as impassive as always, although he took in the other at a glance.

[charming_jerk]

After the two of them opt to say nothing, Johnny's expression goes flat.

"...It was a joke. Relax."

Well, about half a joke, anyway.

[bloodypast]

"You just startled us Kupo!" Ophelia exclaimed, still seeming slightly ruffled. Vincent simply walked closer, expression remaining impassive.

It hadn't seemed a very funny joke to him, but who was he to judge humor? Ophelia fluttered to catch up behind him. Vincent hazarded a glance at the other's tips, trying to gauge how good or not the day was being to him. Ophelia looked at him, then at Johnny, then back to him. Tilting her head, and trilling to herself, then returning her attention to Johnny.

"Now that we're paying attention, would you mind playing for us, kupo?" Polite, and she did offer a smile. He really had taken them by surprise, but she didn't mind tipping if he really was talented.