Intro Log || The Calm Before The Storm

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Flence, Aqures Ixen, Airships.
When: The 5th of July. The new Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken in the Temple of Water next to the County of Flence, and they are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and 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 the peaceful sound of waves. 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 Water, in the Temple located next to a city called Flence. At this point, you may realize you have been laying on a thin layer of water originating from the massive blue Crystal floating nearby. Sorry about the wetness. 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 Water 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 governments of both Aqures Ixen and Trano Golsaucia.

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 may want to 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. However, they will also inform you that Aqures Ixen is about to be attacked by the Heran Empire. What is it? Quite simply, the Moogles will say that the Heran Empire seems to know a lot about you and this is why they plan on attacking the city.

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 Flence 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.


County of Flence
— Anytime —
Should you leave the Temple of Water and head North, you will reach the County of Flence. It's a peaceful city inhabited by peace-loving and refined people. A lot of the people living there are either aged or specialized in non-battle focused Jobs, and they are very friendly, though if they're asked about the upcoming battle, they'll urge the Heroes of Light to stay and avoid fighting.

Other Heroes of Light are easy to spot in the city: they are the only ones who are followed by a Moogle and holding a Crystal. And there are quite a few things that can be done in this city. Maybe you'd like to stop by the fishing pond and try your chance-- Of course the world is in danger, but fishing is never a waste of time. If you have refined tastes, you may try to visit one of the many restaurants in the city, or the Museum covering this world's naval history. There are also Inns, and you can stay there for free: indeed, the government of Flence offers asylum to all residents of Aqures Ixen, and Heroes of Light are considered to be residents of Aqures Ixen.

If you'd like more details regarding all that is available in the County of Flence, you can find everything here!


Airships
— Every Four Hours —
Upon reaching the County of Flence, 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. Something may be evident though: the flight in destination of Aqures Ixen are nearly empty, whereas the Airships leaving the city are filled, as if everyone was fleeing from it.


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!

Noticeably however, there are very few people left in the streets and most of those remaining are either heading to the Airport, or they are preparing to leave in the coming day. If asked, the Moogle will explain that the city is being evacuated in reason of the upcoming attack. Maybe once you've done what you have to do, you should leave as well, unless you want to find more about why you are here-- In that case, confronting the Empire may be the better solution.

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

[greenmagick]

She watched his demonstration curiously. She hadn’t heard of anything like this before however she knew the weight that a promise can carry.

Terra met his pinky with hers, gently curling the delicate finger around his. “Pinky promise then.” She smiled, a little wider than she had before. It was a simple gesture but for some reason it made her happy. She looked at their joined pinkies curiously for a moment longer. She wasn’t in a rush to move her hand.

“I wonder why you hook your pinky and not another finger.”

[goddessofthesky]

There was a way for Garry to get cigarettes though it would most likely have to wait until after the fight.

Zelda smiled at his kindness. “I don’t have anywhere to be. How about I show you around some instead? or if you rather explore. I know this town fairly well because I’ve been here a few times before.” Though those were usually short trips it wasn’t the largest town there is.

“I know!” Zelda’s smile brightened. “How about I get us both something to eat?” Food was the best comfort after all.

[iscursednomore]

[he couldn't help but nod slightly. He still had that little hope even after a good few months right now.]

I'm sure we'll find a way someday to be able to bring them out willingly. At least I would like to think such a thing would be able to happen. But I shouldn't go on about that, I'm at least glad that people do come out. i'm glad you have.

[neverfirstclass]

"Well there's the hypello here and they're blue and they talk a bit weird, and then there's the moogles, but..." He supposed that wasn't what Sonic meant, "But no. Actually I'm wondering if you're similar to a friend back home...well he will be a friend. He's a talking red...well I'm not sure if he's more like a lion or a wolf. He is what he is."

[soldierofloveandbeauty]

[She felt a little giddy at being able to show a guy around without him being awkward like Guy usually was. She still didn't get that guys deal. Why did she make him nervous? Could it have been because she was so beautiful? This is what she was lead to believe anyway.]

My name is Minako Aino, the only woman in this house and the Goddess of this building.

[believesinhumanity]

Rock turns to look at the girl walking up to him and blinks at how she looks like a vampire, but he smiles back at her all the same.

"Ah, thanks. I wouldn't want to trouble anyone, though." He replied, "My name is Rock."

((Apologies for taking so long to tag.))

[deadlyvu]

At least some of the look is due to her Job; even if she's normally that pale anyways. "I don't mind. It can be tricky settling in." Her smile is sincere. "What did you want? Or do you want me to show you some of what might be good? It's a bit tricky, figuring out food in new worlds."

((No worries. ^_^))

[her_rose_is_red]

Ib shakes her head firmly, but she's still smiling.

“No, there's no way I could. I've only been learning magic so far, so I'm still not that strong...”

It is true that Warrior is the first physical job she asked for, and only because it combined well with Red Mage. But honestly, she's less concerned about that, than she is that he might think she could manage something like that gallery on her own. That she didn't need him. Of course she needs him. Ib knows they only got through that because they were together.

Her smile turns ever so slightly amused when he asks what she's there for. Because while she certainly didn't expect to be reunited with Garry, she was here to find people just like him.

“I came to see the new heroes. There's a lot of stuff happening soon, so I wanted to help out.”

[they_call_me_sonic]

Sonic blinked, then shook his head. "I know a talking red echidna, but he's something of a Knucklehead." he said. "So, I doubt I'm from where you are."

[Aqures Ixen]

[lelisjaune]

[ From behind, Aerith had not expected her to be so young, and that took her slightly aback. Age didn't restrict anyone from being a Hero by any stretch, especially if someone like Yuffie was any measure, but even still it was unexpected. Still, the brunette wore her surprise well; she offers Nanami a simple smile. ]

What's going on here? I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone here.

[ Her moogle bobbed at her side, somewhat disinterested with the conversation. ]

[Aqures Ixen]

[lelisjaune]

[ "My dear," huh? That immediately shifts her demeanor. She smiles up at him sweetly, placing her hands behind her back and leaning forward just slightly. ]

This might sound a bit weird, but I just woke up. The last time I was in the city was a lot less hectic. I feel like I might have missed something.

[no1]

[ Surely, in the end that was more of an illusion of a choice, and Ace hopes that enough people share their way of thinking. He has yet to see Aqures Ixen, but for an enemy to approach the capital city, there has to be a solid preparation standing behind it, and if the stories he's heard are in fact true, the Empire does not play the safest of games. ]

I agree. Battles are won only through collective effort, after all. [ Folding his arms. ] Have you fought before?

[ Because there's something about the stranger that makes Ace assume so. ]

[ninjainviolet]

A: Awakening | Other Heroes

Sheena had traveled from one planet to another via a dimensional gate--both machine and magical--but she had always been awake and knew exactly where she was when it happened. Never had the world shattered around her, the void becoming as dark as Shadow himself, leaving her unable to see where she was or what direction she was going. And not once had she woken up in strange clothes that looked like Orochi's traditional uniform, with the hood loosely hanging down her back.

Nor had she ever woken up sleeping in a small stream of water.

Before she could even loudly voice her concerns and objections, she was accosted by a small flying creature who told her his story, leaving the ninja shaking her head in disbelief.

"I think you have the wrong person," she told the little Moogle rather emphatically, but without her usual volume. She didn't want to scare the poor guy, after all. "I'm not a Hero." That was Lloyd; not her.

But the Moogle wasn't having any of it. "No, Kupo! You're a Hero of Light! The world's in trouble, and you have to save it!"

Of all the things she could have been told to convince her to help, that was definitely it. "Fine," she said, getting to her feet. "Just point me in the right direction." The Moogle's words seemed too well-chosen to the ninja--almost as if he knew exactly what to say to her, putting her on her guard. Well, if that was the way they were going to play it, then she was just going to play along.

"So, what's your name, little guy?" she asked him as they walked together.

"Corrine, Kupo! My name is Corrine!"

At that, Sheena had to stop and look at him, her expression unreadable. "Is that so?" she asked in a hollow voice. Now that was going a little too far, but she didn't hold it against the Moogle. Not his fault that his name helped raise her suspicions. And not wanting to raise his, she once more began walking, keeping her eyes open for anyone with some information.

----------

B: Aquares Ixen--Library (Outside)

"What's wrong, Kupo?" Corrine asked, hovering around Sheena, who was sprawled in frustrated fatigue on the steps.

"Just how many books about crystals does one place need?" she groaned in answer, rubbing at her eyes. "We didn't even have that many back home." Sighing, she rubbed her eyes and sat up.

"Okay, Corrine, we need to talk. Are you absolutely sure you've told me everything?" she asked in her strident tones, hopefully loud enough to catch the ears of those passing by.

Re: [Aqures Ixen]

[forlornlyorn]

[This earns a shrug, as if to say thing rarely wait until one had finished sleeping.]

Likely there have been one or two things. I have only been in the city a short time, myself, so it is hard to say how it compares with your own experience.

[blue_macarons]

"Nine months ..." He took a deep breath. How long would he be here, then? After a moment, he shoved his hands in his pockets, really itching for a cigarette.

... Maybe Guertena had a bit of magic in him, and that was why he was able to infuse so much spirit into his terrifying works. Then again, this place made Garry think that there must've been stranger things in the world than that gallery.

Probably not nearly as terrifying.

"I like that. Seizing the day. I suppose I'm putting it off too much. And what harm could it do, really?" He laughed nervously. That was what he'd said to himself before.

[blue_macarons]

Garry returned her smile with a bright one of his own. "Yes, pinky promise!" He likewise didn't remove his hand right away, feeling rather proud that he could get her to smile a little wider than before.

... But she did make him question things he never really hadn't before. "... I ... I have no idea! It's just a thing everyone does where I come from. Though, I suppose in some places, different gestures mean very different things ..."

Finally, he pulled his hand away, but gently.

[blue_macarons]

"Ah--?" He took pause at her words, a light blush staining his pale cheeks. "Well, I--I don't quite have the money for that just yet." And he couldn't very well let her pay, could he?

... Food did sound rather enticing, however. "I'd ... let me repay you later then! I insist!"

[blue_macarons]

Garry's smile widened. Magic. She was learning magic! But he knew Ib always had special magic of her own, so that wasn't surprising that she would have magic here.

He stood up, feeling more optimistic about all of this now more than ever. At least he had a focus. A goal. Helping Ib in the gallery had given him more purpose to stay alive. They could work together, even here. He wouldn't fail her again. "Everyone's been incredibly kind here. You must fit in very well!" Garry winked. "I'm rather grateful you came; otherwise, who knows how long it would've taken me to figure out you were here!"

[greenmagick]

She didn't mean to make him question things. Though questions always arose when Terra was around. She slowly shook her head as he pulled his pinky finger away.

"I'm sorry. It might be common where I'm from. I don't know, I lost my memory and I've been regaining it very slowly." Though so far nothing in her memory was as happy as learning what a pinky promise was. "I'm glad to have learned."

She bowed slightly. "Thank you."

[goddessofthesky]

"If you'd like but you don't have too." Money wasn't a very important object in Aqures since the heroes where provided food and housing. She smiled brightly and then took Gary by the hand so that he'd fall in step beside her.

"There is a cafe near here I wanted to try." She saw it on her way to the temple and it was always more fun to eat with someone else.

She let go of his hand when they got closer not wanting to pull his arm off. She pointed over towards the small building nestled perfectly between an Inn and another shop. "This okay?"

B: Aquares Ixen--Library (Outside)

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda smiled at the new hero. She had missed the woman in Flence and she wanted to try and greet as many heroes as she could. She stopped next to her with a book under her arms.

"Can I help you?" She had spent a lot of time at the library and knew it well. Though she hasn't had the chance to read every book there was. There were far to many but she had been sifting through books for a little under a year.

She looked down at Sheena curiously. "I'm Zelda. I've been here for awhile. Maybe I can tell you a little more?"

B!

[nosferatanking]

Morgan had chosen to spend the day at his favorite place in town, the library. He'd been heading home, a stack of books under his arm, when he found another hero sprawled across the library steps. He wasn't able to catch the conversation she was having with her moogle, but given that a new batch of heroes had just arrived, it wasn't too hard to guess.

After approaching, he peers over. It didn't look like she was injured, at least, just in severe distress. Pretty normal, as things here went.

"Hey, are you okay?"

He extends his free hand, in case she needs help up.

[dragonflame]

"Better not than never."She could hear the laugh and she could tell right away he was nervous about something, but she couldn't quite figure out what he could be so nervous about anyway? Logically, it didn't make that much sense.

"Don't worry though, I will be with you every step of the way." Maybe that would help him feel better, maybe, she couldn't figure it out.

[soaringleg]

That actually probably can just divide us into enemies and friends, right?

[Unless there was an underlying animosity towards the whole deal. He wouldn't be all that surprised, if he was entirely honest. It was the same with the dragons.]

But a journal, huh? How long have you been here?

[soaringleg]

[He realizes that she is watching his face and gives her a smile in turn, though his look becomes darker again when he hears about her story.

Well, he didn't really have a face - or faces of the ones who did that to her, but he knows he already hates them.]

Do you know why that kind of thing was done to you? [Though if she was stripped from everything, figuring that out might be even harder.] I mean, did you remember already some of the things from your world?