melodiesoflife | Intro Log || The City That Never Sleeps

Intro Log || The City That Never Sleeps

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...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Been defeated by air?" She asked tilting her head curiously. She still didn't get what exactly he was trying to do.

"I can't say I get what you were doing, but whatever floats your boat really."

"Hm? No, I was tryin' to use the Force Galactic to get back home. It's not workin' for some reason."

He turned to better face Minako. There were a lot of teenagers here. Was he supposed to be their chaperone or something?

"You also just woke up here, right?"

"That's right, I did." She said with a small smile. She didn't know what the heck he was on about but she had to assume it was an ability or something that didn't exist where she was from.

Putting her hands lightly on her hips she pondered what to say next.

"Though I assume it doesn't work for the same reason we got new jobs. Maybe they get rid of any abilities one might have. So...sucks a bit, I guess. I wouldn't know. But don't you think having abilities like in video games is kind of cool?"

"No, it's not cool." He puts his hands on his hips. "It's been years since I last played a video game, but those powers are for fantasy only. I quit adventurin' long ago."

Nevermind that he did have awesome powers back home.

"And if they did want us to help, why take away the force Galactic and replace it with somethin' useless?"

She moved her arms giving off a small shrug.

"I know about as much as you do right now. Little to nothing." Her moogle did try and explain it but felt like it had fallen of deaf ears to say the least.

"Though honesty, I would have never have guessed you once played video games before. That was unexpected."

Annie could understand the other Moogle's frustration. Barkeep had completely ignored her introduction in favor of...doing whatever he was trying to do. He was adamant in not being a full-time hero.

"Why not? They've existed for hundreds of years, and most everyone from Earth played them as a kid." Why? He gave Minako a suspicious look. "I ain't from that backwards a planet, if that's what you're assumin'."

"Hundred of years? They aren't that old, unless you are from the future or something? Or really old and existed for hundreds of years? You aren't like really old, right?" She asked curiously, tilting her head slightly.

"I guess I am assuming things though. So I can't say I'm not." Considering what she just asked and all.

"Heck no, I ain't that old! I haven't even lived long enough to see if the Force Galactic extended my lifespan!" And weren't they invented in the mid-20th century? That was over a thousand years ago, right?

"Wait. What year is it now?"

"Over a thousand years ago?!" She said suddenly surprised. Did she end up in the future again or something? She already knew what was going to happen around that time, but there were some things that she hadn't heard before.

"Where I was from it was the 1990's" She said managing to calm down a bit after the surprise that he was from the future in which she already knew of in her world. She has yet to figure out they are from different worlds however.

"Though..I doubt abilities extend ones life. Not sure how though, but honestly, you want it extended at...what age are you anyway?"

"1990's?!" He reeled back in surprise. "That's ancient! How are we even communicatin' in the same language, even?"

He clutched his head in his hands. What kind of place was this, taking people from different points in time and putting them in ridiculous costumes?

"Forty-two. Only had the Force Galactic for a few years, though. Besides, if I wanted to extend my life, I'd have to extend that of everyone else I know. And that'd be a bit too much." He'd had to expand the effect to practically everyone on Mars if he wanted himself and his wife not to remain friendless. You know what? Immortality was a bad idea. It was a good idea Barkeep pondered on it right now.

"Wow, so you really are from the future." Since he was so surprised at what year she came from. However she just couldn't help but give a small shrug. "I don't know, I don't think I will ask either."

"Wow that's kind of old. Old enough to be my dad or something and yet you'd want to live longer than that." It was strange, but she knew one could live longer anyway. After all she knew in her future her future self had been alive for nearly a 1000 years.

"But it doesn't matter, we're here now and we should probably get along. So it's nice to meet you, I'm Minako."

"I'm from the future? Strange, never thought of 3014 bein' anythin' other than the present." He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "So it must come as a bit of surprise to you that I've been livin' on Mars most of my life. It's true."

"Now listen, missy," he admonished. "Don't go callin' me 'old' or 'pops'. I ain't that old and I don't got no kids. Never planned on havin' em." Technically, Minako would be older than him by over 1000 years, but he didn't want her to think he'd be a willing father figure.

"Goin' where?" He ignored her question. "Only place I'd wanna go is home."

"To Trano Golsaucia, kupo," Annie answered. "That's the closest city."

"Well, guess we have no choice." He turned to Minako. "Name's Mordecai, but most folks call me Barkeep."

"...You live on Mars?" Okay now that was a surprise more than anything. She knew that there was a castle that travelled around it, but she didn't think people could actually live on it. Now she knew at least.

She had wanted to start calling him pops hen he said not to call him it, but she knew she should respect what he wants. Giving a small wink she looked rather happy about the mention of where they were going.

"I had gone there quickly already. It's a fun place to be, so you can just chill and have fun for now. Though Barkeep...Does that mean you work in a bar or something?"

He gave her a smug smile. It's a nice feeling to impress people from backwards places. Or time periods.

"That fast? Shouldn't be a long walk, then." His spirits were already lifted. "And I hope it's the good kind of fun. Don't want to run into any trouble in there."

Minako looked too young to enjoy visiting a bar, but it was only polite to answer her question. Plus, he was proud of what he does. "That I do! I own the Space Saloon on Mars, attendin' to my customers and keepin' watch over what's goin' on inside. Not too bad of a livin'"

"Oh, you won't. Just fun and games." She said happily. She kind of wanted to go back and see what else was there right about now.

"Oh, so that explains why you prefer the name Barkeep. That makes total sense." She turned around, ready to make her way back to having fun and games. However her moogle wasn't overly happy about her playing around when odds are there were things they needed to do.

"So are you going to the place that's close by? You might as well see if they have a bar or something for you."

"Guess so. Got no other choice at the moment." He sighed, but at least he had some sort of plan. "I'm hoping they're looking for a barkeep, or else I'll have nowhere to stay until I go back home."

"You have a house in Aqures Ixen prepared for you," Annie replied from her spot on the floor."

"Well, yeah, but I'm not gonna be one of those Heroes. If this is where I appeared, the exit might be around here, too."

Annie didn't say anything. A few more days, and he'll see that he needs to go to the other city.

"Yep, right now there is no choice." But she did agree that if there was a way in, there must be a way out as well. But so far nothing seemed obvious to say the least. Maybe it was something that wasn't as obvious, something small, maybe.

As she started to walk, she wondered these things over and over in her head. "Maybe there is, but for all we know the way back might not be as easy as brining us here, might be for all we know dangerous."

"Maybe not as easy, considerin' we don't even know what method they used, but it does exist. And transportin' from one planet to another practically works the same both ways. Shouldn't be that different, goin' home." It was obvious: he'd teleported himself multiple times. And spaceships were still a thing.

"You just appeared, kupo. We don't know how you got here."

"Well, you might not, but someone else might. Hey!" He waved at a nearby temple attendant. "Any of you saw how we got here?"

Teleporting from one planet to another. Now that seemed awfully familiar to her. Although getting to the moon did require all of them, so for a single person to do it alone was not something she had heard of, but it felt the same.

Minako however simply crossed her arm over her chest, listening to what the attendant had to say, although they didn't say much beyond them just appearing. That wasn't that much help, but it did get her thinking.

"Question, I want to know if you experienced the same thing I did but... before you came here what happened? I literally mean the sheer seconds between where you were and being here?"

"Well," he drew out the word, "I was sleepin', dreamin' about some crystal or other. I don't recall where I was and didn't really care, on account of how dream logic works and all that. Then I woke up, and I wasn't in my house no more."

He initially assumed he was still dreaming, but as the minutes passed, he realized he was on a completely different planet--possibly different universe--and he had no access to the Force Galactic.

"I'm guessin' I was already here by the time I was thinkin' of that crystal." He raises his hand clutching the bottle-shaped crystal he was given and looks down on it.

She keeps herself quiet for a moment or two. So it wasn't just her that had something like that happen. So that must be how they get here. At least that was something she would have to think about. Though if that would help any was another matter altogether

"I guess that might be something we all had in common at least." She started to walk on ahead, she knew they were close to where they had been heading at least.

"So what will you do when we reach the city? Play games or gather information? The world is ones oyster after all."

He paused before following Minako, still absorbing her words. "All in common? Meanin' that everyone had the same dream? Hey! What are you gettin' at, exactly?" Half out of wanting answers and half wishing to travel with a companion, he trotted after her.

"I ain't the kinda fella that gambles, miss. All a waste of money, if you ask me. Sure, I'll do a bit of explorin' the more legitimate businesses, but in the meantime, I'm lookin' for a place to work and stay."

"Possibly, it's something to think about though." She didn't have answers that she could be certain of just yet, but it seemed odd that a girl who seemed so bubbly and chipper a moment ago could turn serious in a matter of minutes, but that was just her.

"Games are nothing like gambling, I'll have you know." Suddenly she seemed to be back to being a normal teenager again as she spun around suddenly so she could face him, hands on hips. "Totally different."

"So unless we're all havin' the same dream, someone's out there takin' us to some void and handin' out crystals." None of these was comforting.

"Really? So are we talkin' kiddie arcades or what?" In a city as large as Trano Golcausia, there had to at least be one casino for the thrill seekers.

"Pretty much. Though I'm sure that if we do what we have to, then we should get that over and done with and get sent home, hopefully."

She walked quietly for a little bit before turning her head. "Seriously, arcades are not for kids, they are for teenagers and adult to. But as for here, there are games, but not those kind sadly."

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