melodiesoflife | Intro Log || The Calm Before The Storm

Entry tags:

Intro Log || The Calm Before The Storm

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...

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[ Her behaviour does have a certain theme that slowly starts to dawn upon him, except with observation comes a certain risk of borrowing that curious shade of pink for himself. Indeed, this is by no means a reaction he's used to, and just like smiling, it catches on weirdly easy, he notes in his mind.

Ace might know how to keep up the appearances, though he opts to look away for safety, all that while not letting the moogle out of his grasp. ]

I think the same. Hana helped me make my first steps here, age should not be an indication of somebody's skills.

[ ...Unless you come from a world that blatantly favorises teenagers in the use of magic, for some reason. ]

We're very different, but I hope we're gonna make a good team. [ Another smile. ] Just like the two of you.

Kupo...? [The surprise overcoming Sein is clear, and he shrinks further into Tear's lap timidly.] Mystearica has been good to me, I want to help her and the other Heroes however I can...

You've done enough. [Tear lets out a soft sigh, looking down at her companion.] We've only been working together two months, but just like Hanafuda, Sein helped me immensely during those first hours.

Two months...

[ It doesn't seem like a lot, but he knows how his own life has changed in not much more than that. He could never forsake the bonds he's made, but would it be time to forge new ones, as well? The thought makes his confidence waver. ]

If you could, would you go back?

It's not a matter of if I could. If the possibility exists, then I have to. There is something that only I can do. [That, perhaps, had been the most grating thing about being in Crystallis, which had been otherwise worth enduring. Her goal had been just beyond those stairs she was ascending, side by side with him...

She shakes her head to clear those thoughts away. Simply put, there really was nothing she could do.]

For now, I'm here, and this is the time that matters first.

So you, too, wish to see it through the end. [ Ace expected no other reply, but the persistence with which she answers his question takes him aback slightly. It almost seemed as if she was at peace with the world surrounding her, and yet her will to forsake the present makes it very clear how important her mission is to her, whatever that could even be. Having arrived at the very end of his journey, he could call himself fortunate for at least not being taken away any choices.

How selfish is it of him, then, to wish to experience more, still? ]

I thought that perhaps not everyone would be ready to throw away what they've built over time.

[ Sensing the weight in his grasp shifting slightly, he looks down, and staring back at him is a pair of sleepy eyes belonging to his own moogle. ]

Excuse me, k-kupo... but who's throwing away who?

[Tear pauses to take a breath, releasing it slowly before answering Hanafuda's question.] No one is throwing away anything. At least, I don't intend to.

[Though it was true her investment for this world wasn't entirely settled on solid ground, she knew it would grow as time passed. The people she had met, Sein, her companions who were here...]

Putting it that way makes it seem as if the choice might not weigh on the conscience of the person, don't you think?

[ The moogle rubs her eyes, and lets out a small yawn as she pulls herself up nervously, as if trying to shy away from the fact she required her Hero's assistance. ]

That's good, kupo, because we've barely just started, you know? [ Sweet obliviousness doesn't let her be more tactful in the matter, if anything, it's her attempt at sounding motivational. Fluttering her wings, she rises into the air.

It sort of works as a quick distraction, painting a ghost of a smile on the boy's face even if he remains at a loss of words. ]

...I don't know.

[ Perhaps he will, when the time comes, but the way his own question has evolved only reassures him that she was right about simply letting it go. Why would he have these doubts at all? ]

[Ace isn't the only one at a loss for words. Silence fills the air as Tear looked at the two of them, eventually shifting her gaze to the ocean passing beneath them in her efforts to find how to best answer Hanafuda, and help the blond.

In the end it was just as the moogle said, and she nods just once without looking away from that ocean.]

Yes, we've only just started. Maybe in time you'll find the answer for yourself, and if you don't, then that's all right, too. It's your life.

The way you put it, --

[ Contrary to how it might seem, there is no recipient to his speech, perhaps except for his own thoughts. Even as he turns his head, briefly, to let her know that her words of consolation have been acknowledged, he doesn't look at the girl properly like he always does. ]

-- Mother said a similar thing to us before she left, that it was up to us to live our lives from now on. Of course, this can't have been what she had on mind, considering the circumstances.

[ He draws his hand closer to his face, calmly flexing fingers that are no longer able to produce a familiar spark of magic, or summon a card with a quick snap. ]

But this is my chance to see what it feels like. I'll... try.

Whether it was what she had in mind or not...maybe it still comes down to the same thing.

[Auldrant, Orience, Crystallis... What was the real difference when it came down to it? Their lives were what they made of them.

For that there is the barest hint of a smile on her lips even though she doesn't turn away from the view of that ocean. In it's own way, it was a frightening thing to imagine so much freedom.]

Wherever it is you go, I'm honoured to be here at its beginning.

[ Honoured.... Ace carefully considers her choice of words, not entirely sure what to make of his own contribution to the way she supposedly feels, or is it a figure of speech? Unable to find a fitting parallel in his memories, he decides to trust in the authenticity of her kindness and accept that as it is. The boy smiles to himself. ]

I'm glad we can stand as allies. [ The response is simple, but honest, and doesn't risk using terms she might perhaps not agree with.

Yes, that sounds okay. ]

I never asked, but I suppose you're planning to assist in the preparations upon the arrival?

I do. In a way, it ties in with my intentions for coming here, which were to assist any of the new Heroes who might still want help.

[A moment later she begins to shrug, looking mildly ashamed. But it was better to tell the whole truth.]

To be honest, I was also on the lookout for any of my companions who miight have arrived. Sometimes it's easier to hear these things frrom someone you already know. [And seeing as none of them had, she had been feeling somewhat saddened by it despite her simultaneous relief. It was the state Ace had found her in, battling between the desires of wanting someone here or not.]

No doubt about it. Being thrown into a situation like this raises many answers and makes it... difficult to place your trust.

[ It's all true, but Ace doesn't sound regretful, considering himself to be fairly fortunate for having received such welcome. He has the benefit of possessing knowledge on Crystals that is perhaps not extensive enough to explain the ways of Crystallis, but remains knowledge nevertheless; the time has come to separate feelings from facts and appreciate the little acts of kindness. ]

There weren't many of us back at the Crystal, perhaps whoever you're waiting for has yet to answer its call.

Exactly. It's unfortunate, but it's a likely reaction when someone finds themselves in a new world. [Or it was a logical reaction, in her mind. Despite the friendliness of those who weren't her comrades, there was still some disbelief on her part.]

Maybe someday they will appear, but I hope if they do that it's in a place we'll be able to reach them.

[A smile flickers over her expression.] I woke up near the Crystal of Wind, and it was quite some effort to reach Trano Golsaucia.

[ With that, she raises a valid point, and for a moment his mind is occupied with possible options. The vast land and ocean beneath their feet only contribute to the feeling of enormity that Crystallis possesses, who are they to know what lies beyond the boundaries of the kingdom and its allies? ]

They might as well already be here, and we have no knowledge of it because we can't. Then again.... [ angling his head to look at her. ] We're always connected by the same link, and that is the Crystal. Maybe that's our clue, something to let us know that those summoned will always find a way to meet each other.

[ It seems way too logical, from his point of view, one of a person who has accepted their existence as something fundamental, ever-present. They have simply always been at the very core of things, and would be.

He's only had a brief look at the map so far, and that makes it hard for him to visualize the place Tear speaks of, but what are the moogles for? ]

Trano Golsaucia is also on a different continent, kupo! A loooong way to the west from Aqures, or to the north of Flence, kupo, your pick. They've got fireworks, card games, races... all the kupo-est attractions in there! Isn't that right?

[ ...The question is whether Tear used her time to do a proper research. ]

That's a positive way to look at it. [It wasn't necessarily wrong, but it did ring of optimism.] That could also mean that my search is far from over.

[And with what she had heard regarding the doppelgangers, it could very well be true.

On the topic of the city, however, Tear's expression becomes a little sour. She knew she would have to visit again someday, considering her first experience there was hardly ideal.]

Trano Golsaucia also happens to be in a rather cold and somewhat harsh environment. [So travelling from the Crystal to the city? Was not a very pleasant trek, and while she had taken the time to look into the entertainment, a person could only go so far when she had no Gil.]

Hanafuda is right, but some of the vendors can be... somewhat aggressive in their eagerness.

[ As if struck with a direct punch to her face, the moogle starts wobbling instantly, her voice unable to hide her bitter disappointment. ]

Aww, don't say that, kupo! Now we're never gonna go there....

[ But Ace is too occupied pondering over that concept to make note of that. A city focused entirely on entertainment... Akademeia had its own facilities dedicated for spending your free hours away, but in the midst of war they had little use, really, other than to let the students meet up or discuss strategies.

Such an odd idea to consider. ]

What do you mean? [ He's learnt a thing or two about aggressiveness from their encounters with Carla, but.... ] We... didn't have anything like that.

[... Oh. Oh no, what unspeakable evil has she commited? Did she really sadden the moogle so much that she is now in despair?

How could she have done such a thing?]

It could still be worth the trip! [What else, what else—] You just need to be prepared! The terrain isn't too difficult around the city itself, but you should still dress warmly. And then you'll need to make sure you have enough Gil, but don't spend too much of it on games.

[This was a sound argument for going, right? Be irresponsible and frivolous!

But with Ace's question she falls into silence, furrowing her brow a little. While she had been unfamiliar with such activities herself and didn't indulge in them once she had the opportunity, it felt strange to meet someone else who had not.]

Trano Golsaucia offers plays, games, Chocobo races... Mindless entertainment, seemingly to relax.

[ Perhaps this bond is meant to be problematic, but at the very least, the moogle readily responds to her panicked efforts. While nothing can erase the pained child within, it's enough to dry the tears, and little by little, cease the overdramatic trembling.

Have a tiny sniff. ]

Mmm... yeah, I guess so, kupo. [ snifffff. That probably still means whole months of saving up with that poor Mognet salary. ] Thanks, I'll... think of something, kupo. Maybe. It was just an idea, a-anyway!

[ One that's probably best left unexplored in such unstable times, but... it sure is nice to lose yourself in brighter thoughts, isn't it? Anticipating a commentary from her Hero, Hanafuda's stare focuses on Ace, but he's in a totally different world now. ]

...Chocobo races, huh? [ He can't help but silently wonder whether all that good fun even takes into consideration the pride of those animals, but then again - necessity had turned the chocobos in his world into actual tools of war, so he's not exactly one to judge.

Does it, though?

...

Yeah, he's gone. ]

[If Tear were aware of just how much Hana wanted to go, she would gladly contribute her salary to her happiness. Such a cute and dedicated moogle shouldn't ever be as upset as she is right now, and if her lap weren't already occupied by Sein, she would have reached out to actually hold her. For now, the best she could offer was an apologetic smile.]

I'm sure you will, Hanafuda. Maybe Ace can help you once you have more resources.

[... Once he wasn't so lost in his thoughts. It seemed that the three were now united in staring at him, waiting for him to comment on what Hanafuda had said or whatever it was he was thinking.]

[ Clearly, Ace doesn't appreciate the companion he's been gifted with well enough, for Akademeia always had a fair share of moogles running around and helping out... the whole together forever thing might have yet to kick in for him to realize that.

Of course, that still doesn't mean that our spoiled kid is going to flat-out ignore the issue in front of him when it's presented in such a determined manner. This is by no means the first time his behaviour results in a staring contest, which might explain his somewhat casual reaction to it, a soft exhale and a small movement of his head meant to communicate he's understood. ]

We must not forget the situation we're in, as tempting as it might seem to explore the lands further away. [ It might seem like a disappointing reply, but he fights his own curiosity for this reason, too, and that can be sensed in his tone. ] ... Maybe later, we could discuss, if money indeed allows for it.

[ In the end, it might be the most trifle matter of them all, but Ace has never suffered from the lack of funds with his pay, it will surely be less convenient to start out without much of an idea of how it all works. ]

[Tear nods in agreement, finding the logic sound even though Hana, and now perhaps Sein, would be disappointed for it. With the threat of the Calamity and all it entailed, their focus was better directed elsewhere.

She could also sense that curiosity, though it seemed Sein had his own suggestion for a compromise.]

Maybe you should just have him buy you Kupo Nuts in the meantime, kupo... Moogles work hard every day, and the season is approaching soon, kupo...

They have to settle in and gain their own funds first. [Despite the fact the Heroes were well-compensated, Ace didn't seem like the type who could sit still for long.]

[ Perhaps it would be the still somewhat foreign, but very reasonable tone (belonging to another moogle, no less) that finally pokes at Ace's hidden vulnerability effectively enough to expose him to Hana's struggle, or the moogle struggle as it is. For a brief moment, he does indeed seem oddly touched by the sentiment.... ]

Well, at least that never seems to change about all of you. [ He lets out an amused sigh. ] What do you see in those things, anyway?

[ h-hesitantly. ]

... I'll give it some thought.

[Sein was ready to answer the question, accompanied with facts supported by various studies and surveys among the moogle population, but the way Tear preemptively squeezes him puts a premature halt to it. She knew perfectly well how carried away her companion could be, and felt it would be best if she distracted him from it as he released another squeak of surprise.]

Please do... Though for now, why not try resting? [She offers him a small smile, almost apologetic.] We'll be arriving soon, and I'm sure there will be things you'll want to do once we arrive in Aqures Ixen.

[ His perception of time has long become distorted as they talked, the realization of which leaving him slightly confused as Tear mentions their upcoming landing. At the same time, her offer appears to be perfectly valid; after all it was with that in mind that he'd entered the airship in the first place, if only to witness the antics of one vigorous moogle-- ]

... I might do that, you're right.

[ Though he remains very much awake, he's also a firm believer in the importance of strategic breaks... yeah, some people might just call them naps. Visiting the Crystal is merely his first step in his journey, and there is absolutely no telling what might happen afterwards.

While a pause does sound good, he's also oddly hesitant to cut the conversation short, and so is his moogle. ]

I-It's been a real pleasure talking with you two, kupo! We'll see each other around, right, kupo?

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