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

[no1]

[ If he could have only looked at them from a different perspective, he would have surely noticed the contradictions that his dreams were. The thing is, he could no longer tell the difference between the truth and false within the strange dimension he found himself in; sometimes, his consciousness would drag him towards a vast sea stained red, only to be replaced by images of a brightly illuminated hall a few seconds later. The light was comforting, so he clung onto its rays as it revealed familiar faces that seemed to all say the same thing.

It was finally over. That is, until another descent into the void exchanged that light into a.... crystal? ]

Wake up!

[ Temple of Water ]

[ Moogles are generally trustworthy creatures, so Ace sees no reason to doubt his new, supposedly permanent companion as she proudly recites the story of Crystallis, though his mind wanders and eyes scan the area thoroughly. Perhaps, he ponders, he could feel more at ease should this world not mirror his own so much, as the similarities grow and then unexpectedly diverge in the most curious ways at each point of the moogle's tale. And then there's the matter of his new role, the Hero of Light, which has so far manifested itself most vividly in the strange set of clothes that he's been made to wear, but obviously involved much more than that. He takes some comfort in retaining his weapon of choice, however, and that Chocobo Knight class doesn't sound half bad, really. ]

If you feel confused, or lost, kupo, I might know the solution! Apparently, the Crystal of Fire holds the answers for every hero that seeks it, kupo! Something about making you feel at "home", kupo....

[ Her obvious attempts at sounding comforting do not go unattended, making the boy crack a small smile. ]

Right. Thanks, Hanafuda. I'll start my search from there and see where it goes. [ The boy places hands on his hips. ] Aqures Ixen, was that the name of the city?

[ He doesn't have to reach too far into memory to catch a name the moogle so happily recalled every five sentences or so, yet she beams with pride at the right answer. ]

The city of Heroes, ten points for attention, kupo! [ a swirl. ] By the kupo, you can call me Hana, kupo!

[ County of Flence / Airships ]

[ A sense of urgency drags him beyond the borders of Flence, which, to his relief, turns out to have a fully functional port connecting the county to Aqures Ixen, the mysterious city that has been on everyone's tongues since he arrived. As kind as the townsfolk appears to be, their brief answers display the unwillingness to discuss the war that is to come, a detachment of sort that hardly satisfies his curiosity. Not used to observing the action from the sidelines, Ace decides to board the next airship possible, ending up with half an hour to spare and one, slightly impatient moogle.

What if she accidentally bumps into one of the Heroes? Also, for a journey that long, it would be good to meet your co-passengers, so should one of Crystal wielders come his way on board of the airship, Ace will greet them and ask about their name. ]

[ Aqures Ixen / Temple of Fire ]

[ The emptiness hits him immediately, even more so in a city so full of potential; in a way this makes him curious about the empire's true face. In the end, it wouldn't be the first time he has to watch a conflict unfold. This is where makes up his mind, refusing to leave without discovering the fate that lies ahead, and in order to prove it, he turns his steps in the direction of the Crystal of Fire. ]

[ District 11, C-01 ]

[ Later that day, he finally arrives at the address given by the moogle, unsure as to what to expect from whatever company he would find behind the closed doors.... ]

[ Aqures Ixen / Temple of Fire ]

[greenmagick]

[Terra is on her way to her shop when she spots the stranger standing in front of the crystal of fire. Most in the city were now evacuating so she could only surmise that the new man was someone that the citizen's titled a hero of light.

Her foot steps were soft as she walks up to the boy curiously. Her eyes flick between him and the crystal and for a moment she is silent.]

It's dying. [Her tone is soft and gentle as she takes a small step forward.] When I first arrived the crystal was warmer somehow.

[Terra shifts her gaze towards Ace, bright blue eyes glancing at him curiously. Unlike him she isn't wearing clothes that denote a job or skill. She's wearing a simple red dress with a few small adornments and belts around her waist. There is a small basket under one arm filled with stem flowers that were happily blooming despite being cut from their root.]

[no1]

[ Although Ace has taken the other route in order to clear up the doubts, the sight in front of him only adds next ones to the pile. The moogle behind him paces around nervously while he kneels down by the Crystal, studying the flame glowing within. Having been to the Temple of Water, he expected a more vibrant display of its strength, but in a way, it seems to mirror the image of the city, fearful and desolate. Just looking at the Crystal fills him with sadness, and the connection he tries to establish is too brief to be of much comfort.

Upon hearing the footsteps, the boy stands up and greets the stranger with a small nod. Figuring she must be one of the merchants fleeing with their wares, he begins to wonder whether the Crystals extend their welcome to all who seek them rather than the select few, and he remembers the pilgrimages that he was a witness to back in Flence. It seemed like nothing Orience's laws would allow for, having an easy access to an entity this important and powerful was too much of a risk. ]

The Crystals possess a power way beyond our comprehension. Death... doesn't belong in their realm. It's possible that its influence is being challenged by an external force, like a jammer. Used properly, it would be enough to lower the crystal's defenses for a while.

[ There he is, applying logic that no longer shares the same ground with the new laws he is still mostly unfamiliar with. That is not to say that he disregards the girl's input, as her apparent experience clearly puts her ahead of him, and so he invites her to join him by stepping to the side. ]

At least that's what I've learnt. [ he too, falls silent for a moment. Arrival, the girl said. ] Can I ask how long have you been here?

[greenmagick]

[Terra looks over at the crystal curious taking his words and trying to makes sense of them. She hasn’t thought of it that way but it makes sense from what she’s heard in the past. The crystals were always a source of power in this world and while she isn’t the sort to research it she can feel it. She’s always been attuned to magic and though she’s cut off from her magic she can still recognize the feeling.

This crystal, like the others was connected to the planet.]

January [Her voice is soft answering his question without any excess words. She can remember the day because that was when her life had truly begun. She doesn’t mind silence and so she stands next to him looking up at the familiar red crystal.

Terra doesn’t announce that she’s a hero of light. She doesn’t think it’s all that important. However, it becomes painfully obvious as Tempest comes fluttering over towards Terra in a hurried streak.]

I’ve been looking for you Kupo! Where have you been…

[Her voice trails off looking at Ace and then turning a bright rosy red.]

[no1]

[ Unfortunately for Ace, the term does not ring a bell, as much basic of a knowledge it might seem to others. Although it shares the number of twelve months with the general calendar that most people seem to be familiar with, the calendar of Orience has established its own, unique naming. He's gathered that much out of his short talk with Hanafuda earlier in the morning, at least, and is now feeling slightly regretful about not pursuing the topic further.

The moogle seems to somehow sense his confusion, however, happily fluttering her wings as she jumps in the air from behind Ace's back, squeezing herself between the two talking. ]

That's half a year ago, kupo! [ at Terra: ] Sorry, kupo, he's still got a thing or two to learn about how the things roll around here. By the way, that's a kupo lot of time!

[ In the end, the boy can't help but feel slightly awkward about the sudden interruption, but since it seemingly made Hana happier than ever to help, he's not gonna take the satisfaction away from her. Instead, as she once again moves out of the way, he has to agree with the sentiment. ]

That's true, a lot can happen during six months.

[ He himself finds it hard to believe how much has changed for him and other cadets in a little less than a year. Before he gets an opportunity to wander off in his thoughts again, another figure enters the scene, a moogle that seems rather panicked, to say at least, over the thought of losing his owner. What's with that blush?

Ace looks at Terra.]

Wait... so, you're a Hero, too?

[ Temple of Water ]

[goddessofthesky]

Hanafuda is it?

[Zelda has come to greet the new heroes as well. Her smile is wide as she turns from the moogle to Ace.]

I don't mean to interrupt. My name's Zelda. I'm a hero of light also, I was in the first wave to awaken here. I don't know if I can tell you more than your new companion here but I'd like to offer my help in anyway.

[Her smile is bright and the moogle behind her gave the pair a thumbs up before scribbling in a worn journal. The moogle is clad in green with a long pointed hat that hung down to his shoulder. Zelda on the other hand is wearing a light blue sundress that compliments the heat outside of the temple. The water keeps inside cooler though it's obvious that summer is in full swing.]

[no1]

[ The moogle in question takes a sweeping turn upon hearing her name being spoken, her face immediately turning red. Needless to say, her short-term memory makes her an easy one to impress. ]

How... how did you know, kupo?! When I've just only told him, kupo -- Ace? Aceee?

[ When the boy steps in, she hastily bows and moves aside to let the heroes talk, though Zelda's companion visibly piques her interest. Out of her newfound sense of responsibility, however, she refuses to leave Ace's side for now, opting for squinting at the mysterious journal's pages from afar. ]

Thank you. To be honest, I am unsure where to begin. In the end, it's not all that different. I... would simply wish to know why it happened and what has become of my home. [ For a moment, his expression betrays that of a man who's not nearly as collected as he makes it seem. Letting out a small sigh, he realizes that some manners are in order, so he corrects himself by following with a formal introduction. ] My name is Ace, though my moogle must have already made it clear by now.

[goddessofthesky]

[Her smile brightens.]

It's nice to meet you. As to why, it's as your moogle explained. Heroes are selected by random it seems to be brought here to then fight the calamity. [They don't have more explanation than that.] Your current world...

[She pauses.]

I'm not sure but I am almost certain no harm has come to it. My own world would be encased in darkness if me and my companion weren't there. I know that isn't the case and it appears that people can show up here from any time period within their world.

[She hopes that she's making sense.

Kopula on the other hand feel's Hana's stare and glances up from his scribblings. He smiles at her before writing down a few notes and closing the journal. It isn't a secret though she might notice Zelda's name written in a fine script across the cover.]

[no1]

[ As the conversation continues, her openness leaves him slightly bewildered, yet he doesn't want to sound ungrateful. While his intention would be to believe in the girl's selflessness, it goes against his principles to drop his somewhat unreasonable doubts regarding her real motives.

Then again, judging by the way she is now circling around the pair with curiosity, Hanafuda turns out to have already ruled a positive verdict in the matter, and for all Ace knows, moogles are observant creatures. ]

The darkness has already left its mark. All I can do is wish that our mission has been succesful.

[ The uncertainty hurts him deeply, but deprived of options, he decides not give in to his thoughts. The way she refers to her home world also catches his attention, leading him to believe that everyone must have had their own roles to fulfill back in their times, and perhaps, understanding that link would be the key to the supposed randomness. ]

Even if we meet one of our own, it is still not guaranteed that our memories will match theirs... is that what your words mean?

Country of Flence/Airships

[soaringleg]

[She does indeed bump into one of the Heroes, one of the rather unwilling sort. Not that Jaeha felt like he had much of an actual choice here, which made the whole thing even more iffy to him than it already was.

Anyways, Jaeha feels the bump literally into his back and his instincts are on alert immediately - well, until he sees it's just one of those moogles.]

Hey, hey, hey, I have already one of you stalker-guys. Sure you didn't get lost, little one?

[And as if she was called, his own Moogle feels the need to comment.]

Stop calling us that, kupo!

[no1]

Moogles are proud creatures, didn't you know?

[ One could say that he takes such things too personally, while he's just eager to point out that mistreating your companion is a really bad idea; in fact, underestimating a creature of any kind doesn't get you any points in Ace's book. On the other hand, the fault clearly belonged to his companion, and the boy would prefer to continue his journey without unnecessary clashes.

He steps away from the notice board he's been studying, his gaze meeting Hanafuda, who appears slightly shaken by the encounter. ]

Kupo...

Be careful next time, all right? [ Only then, he truly acknowledges the presence of the stranger, shooting him a questioning look, though more out of curiosity rather than ill will or anything of the sort. ] Waiting for an airship?

[soaringleg]

Not really, I've never seen any before. [He shrugs. Was it really alright to generalize all of them like that? Well, he had no knowledge of them and perhaps this person had, who knows how long this guy was already stuck in here.

Though he had been mostly joking in the first place. It doesn't go unnoticed that his comment had apparently hit harder than he had intended to, so he winks at the Moogle before he turns his attention to the boy said Moogle was attached to.]

Yeah, it's not like we were given much of a choice, right?

[no1]

[ Such knowledge comes to Ace so naturally, that he fails to realize how different others' worlds are. That, or perhaps the stranger comes from a region with a low affinity for magic, as the creatures tend to prioritize spells over technology. There are many questions, but if there's one thing he's able to figure out, is that the Hero must have arrived here at the same time he did.

A choice. This makes him think for a moment. ]

They are expecting an assault in the north, but if the stories are to be believed, it's possible to stay here and avoid the combat completely.

[ But what kind of a choice is that if you're only going to be kept in the dark? In the background, Hanafuda seems to have calmed down, approaching the other Moogle and waving at her. ]

[ Aqures Ixen / Temple of Fire ]

[line_piece]

[Despite receiving word of the new Heroes' arrival in Flence, Chiaki elected to stay behind this time. She knew they would eventually be brought back to Aqures Ixen anyway, and with the Imperial attack due any day now, she wanted to make sure she was around to help prepare. As she walks by the area where the Crystal of Fire is being kept, she notices someone she's never seen before headed toward it.]

Hey.

[She's still not the best at starting conversations. All the same, she waves from slightly across the way at Ace, starting to close the distance between them.]

[no1]

[ The voice makes Ace turn in the direction of its origin, and his initial assumption is that he must have unknowingly disrespected one of the city's rules, possibly related to the vicinity of the Crystal. Will he not be allowed to proceed further? And yet, the only barrier between him turns out to be a girl around his age, or younger, that bears no resemblance of a city guard or anything of the sort.

The boy glances up to seek his moogle's advice, which comes out as more of a giggle. ]

What are you staring at me like that for, kupo? Other Heroes want to meet one of their own, kupo!

[ Settling his gaze on the stranger once more, he responds with a handwave of his own, but the already botched timing of the gesture ultimately makes it more of an awkward attempt at a greeting. ]

...Yes?

[line_piece]

[Chiaki seems confused as Ace halts in place and stares back at her, tilting her head as she blinks back at him. But finally, he addresses her in return, and she nods.]

Sorry. I was just saying hi. I haven't seen you around the city before. Are you one of the new Heroes?

airships.

[cantante]

[Tear had heard someone approaching, but didn't turn around to face them until she heard a familiar oomph! behind her. Brows furrowing together, she half-turns tp see what had happened only to have Sein fall into her arms, dazed from having 'protected' her from being bumped into by the eager Hana.]

Sein, are you all right?

Kupo...? Mystearica, I think he was going to ask something...

[Her attention now drawn to the other Hero, Tear gave him an expectant look as Sein slowly floated out of her arms, both still glancing at Hanafuda on occasion.]

[no1]

[ Hanafuda evidently feels guilty about what has just occured, and although she keeps a safe distance from the pair in order not to startle the other moogle, she calls out to Sein in a quiet voice. ]

I'm so sorry, kupo, are you hurt? Kupo....

[ As much as he appreciates the little helper's advices, he feels it is going to be a headache having to watch out for her antics at this point. And yet, Ace can tell that Hana is as much of a newcomer to this entire duo dynamic as he is, so it doesn't feel right for him to be the one that puts her in her place, especially as she's already acknowledged her fault. A little warning can't hurt, though. He gently places a hand on the moogle's shoulder. ]

Stay focused and it won't happen again.

[ With the ship being practically empty save for a few heroes on its board, Ace planned to speak to the fellow passenger at some point, but this isn't exactly how he imagined the encounter. His focus now placed entirely on the girl in front of him, he responds with a small shake of his head. ]

I did not mean to disturb you.

[cantante]

Kupo? I'm okay... [Sein nods in what he hopes is a reassuring manner, back to floating idly at Tear's side.] It really didn't hurt or anything, we were just surprised.

[In the meantime Tear smiles weakly, feeling just a little sorry for the poor moogle. Making her feel guilty had been far from their intention, but what's one is done.] It's honestly no trouble, but in the future if you want my attention then bumping into Sein won't be necessary.

[A weak attempt at a joke? Perhaps.] I take it you are still getting to know each other?

C-01; aka welcome to your worst nightmare...I mean what

[soldierofloveandbeauty]

[Minako had gone out that day, but found herself home much sooner than anyone else. So she managed to grab something to do and laid down on the sofa and just chilled out. At the sound of the door, she figured that Guy was finally home and she wanted to welcome him in her own way, knowing full well at this point he didn't like her near him.

So she jumped up from the sofa and bounded her way towards the door, a bright smile on her face and a cheerful sound in her voice she was happy to greet them. Although by the time she got closer, she realized that it was a new housemate and not Guy at all.]

Hello. I thought you were someone else.

naaah, WHAT COULD GO WRONG

[no1]

[This has been a really long day, and though he has a naturally good stamina, the flow of events that has lead to him becoming a resident in this new world ultimately leaves its mark. It's not so much about physical exhaustion as the conflicting emotions he's been experiencing that takes its toll, so arriving at the steps of the new house, he finds himself seeking a moment of tranquility. ]

I apologize for the confusion.

[ He then gestures at the moogle by his side who's happily waving at Minako. ]

My name is Ace and I've been informed about the assignment. C-01, is this correct?

[soldierofloveandbeauty]

[Minako couldn't help but still be very happy that she was still the only woman in the house. Now that was two men, both blond and her. She felt like she could have died and gone to heaven again.]

That is correct, this is C-01. Would you like a tour of the place?

Aqures Ixen

[neverfirstclass]

[While Ace was in a rush to get to Aqures Ixen, Cloud was delayed in his own passage to Flence. He wanted to help welcome the new heroes but he was slightly waylaid by an old friend emerging from her crystal slumber in the Aqures Ixen hospital.

And so, as he is entering the airport he nearly runs into the new hero on his arrival.]

Oh, uh...sorry...

[His eyes drift to Hanafuda and recognition comes to his eyes.]

Oh! You're one of the new Heroes?

[Cloud is likewise accompanied by his own moogle, a bespectacled one wearing a very serious expression on his face.]

[no1]

[ Now that he's arrived at his destination, Ace's eyes dart around as he takes in the sights and slowly maps the layout of the city in his head, and though he reacts in time when the stranger comes up, quickly taking a step to the side, he doesn't immediately respond. This way, the moogle takes the initiative before he has the opportunity to speak up, her voice resembling a chirp. ]

He sure is, kupo! We're on our way back from Flence!

[ This meets with a glance from the boy, who's starting to realise that his companion might be enjoying her role a little bit too much. Looking at a fellow warrior of the Crystal, Ace nods his head in confirmation. ]

I believe there were also many others.

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud can't help but smile at the moogle's enthusiasm. Mako is a little less impressed and doesn't do much to hide it. His mind is elsewhere and on more serious matters as it is, as usual. Still, he gives Hanafuda polite nod.]

Well, welcome to Aqures Ixen. I'm Cloud. Mako and I were just heading to help the rest of the welcome party. How are you finding this world? Is it different from yours? Is there anything you need explained?

[Just because a few heroes came from worlds similar to Crystalis, it didn't mean they have the majority. Cloud has had to explain what a chocobo is to a fair number of folk.]