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]

[ Her suggestion wakes up a spark in his eyes. Would that be the purpose of the book her moogle is taking care of? The girl in front of him has shown him a lot of kindness that he never expected. ]

Thank you, Zelda. [ he draws a small breath. ] There are -- [Twelve? No. ] fourteen of us. They are my siblings.

Deuce, Trey, Cater, Cinque. Sice and Seven. Eight, Nine, Jack. Queen and King. And lastly... Machina and Rem.

[ Noticing her confusion, he follows with an explanation, wondering whether it's the case of the citizens being oblivious to the Crystal's doing, or perhaps this is one thing that puts their worlds apart. ]

When a person dies, their existence is erased from our minds through the power of the Crystal. [ Matter-of-factly: ] It's to help us live, free from the pain of separation. Yet I remember all of them clearly, which means they're all right.

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda looks over towards Kopula who comes closer at the silent call. She takes the book and quickly flips through the pages. She doesn't recongize those names but that doesn't mean those people aren't here.]

I see, I'm not familiar with that. [It sounds so sad, forgetting someone just because they are gone. Zelda treasures all of her memories of all those she cares about. Even the ones who are gone.] It isn't like that in my world and it isn't like that here.

[She paused running a finger over her list of names.]

I'm afraid none of them are here.

[Zelda looks up at him curiously.]

Are you really okay with forgetting the dead? [People can live on forever through memories and its something that the young goddess can't seem to wrap her head around.]

[no1]

[ Ace acknowledges the information with a wordless nod, and although he couldn't deny feeling a sense of disappointment, he knows that they would have found each other by now, it's how the things work, in a way. ]

It's how I thought. Mother's not here, either.

[ But sadness wouldn't change anything, and he's been living by these words all his life. He returns Zelda's gaze, finding in them a hint of disbelief. ]

We were never given a choice, this is how it has always been.

[ The boy is aware that it's not the answer she probably wants, but it's something that he still needs to figure out to himself, in the end. Things have changed, and he has a feeling that his response would differ from the one he once stood by. ]

[goddessofthesky]

Well, if you need anything please let me know. I'd be happy to listen.

[She's trying her best to keep up except that it sounds like Ace's world is very different than her own. As it is she's had to get used to things on Crystallis, she's only lucky to have had a year to do so.]

Mother?

[Zelda watches Ace curiously. It's interesting that he hasn't shown so much emotion since he first arrived and even now he's able to speak with such elegance. It is impressive and shows that he's had his own experiences that have made him grow.]

[no1]

I appreciate it, you're very kind.

[ It's almost as if her thoughts purposely bring about a slight change in his expression. His lips are pursed and eyes wander to the ground at the unexpected question, though it only lasts for a brief moment. As his stare meets Zelda's once more, it's like nothing has ever happened. ]

Her name is Arecia Al-Rashia. She's been... looking over us since we were little.

[ Sorry, Zelda, but this is as far as it can go for now, with this particular topic. Although he's genuinely curious about her experiences in the world of Crystallis, her being the first person he gets to talk with, the boy's next question is also an attempt to slightly steer the conversation away from the feeling of discomfort. ]

This friend you mentioned, were you close before?

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda could understand at least a little bit when it comes to mothers. Her own mother died when she was very young and while she treasures every memory it is, at times, bitter sweet to think about. Though he already said that they forget the dead so she supposed it’s good that his mother was alive.

She can easily sense that he might be uncomfortable and artfully accepts the changing in topic with a warm gentle smile.]

My friend? Oh, Link and I were childhood friends. My home doesn’t have many people and everyone sort of knows each other.

[There were maybe 40 people living on Skyloft in total.]

[no1]

[ The relationship in question is a bit peculiar, as no other mother would be as willing to send their children into the war as Arecia seems to be, but Ace never knew any different. It's how he's lived his life up until now, and among the chaos she was one of the few constants that he could always return to. ]

And yet, your paths crossed here, as well. I'm glad for you.

[ It's a genuine remark, as the information certainly gives him hope. Also, it's not hard to imagine Zelda getting along great with other villagers if her welcome is anything to go by. He's spent years struggling to understand such bonds, so he finds her ways admirable, in a way. ]

Admittedly, this also makes me think -- what happens if one doesn't display the will to fight? Could they be sent back as easily as they came to be the chosen one?

[ Everything that the Crystals will upon seem to stay on the permanent side of things, but it's still a question worth asking. ]

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda’s expression falters slightly, her lips lowering into a slight frown.]

No, however we are looking for a way. There are fighters, children, and gentle souls among the heroes. I think these different points of views are very important. It stops us from thinking of things in white and black. As good or bad.

It isn’t that simple. It’s true we are fighting a war now but this isn’t just a fight against two sides. There are other things happening here and what makes it more complicated is that we don’t understand.

[She isn’t sure how to explain it properly.]

Then there is crystal stasis and we don’t know what that means either.

[From what they currently know, their souls will be trapped in the cycle of this planet unless they are able to truly stop the calamity this time around; which means they would never get home.]

[no1]

[ Ace doesn't dare to deny the truth of her words. Living this kind of life sometimes makes you lose the ability to look at the situation from a different perspective, but he's visited many towns on his missions before. He's seen the terror that comes with the feeling of helplessness, the fear of war and conflict. The boy's expression is solemn, and he hangs his head. ]

Of course.

[ A pause. The second part of her explanation comes with a familiar term that catches his attention, except it makes little sense in the light of everything he's been told so far. ]

In my world, crystal stasis is the mark of a fulfilled Focus, as following the will of the Crystal grants you eternity. [ Even if you are technically no longer among the alive. ] It's... one of two paths that a servant of the Crystal can choose, but it is not achieved by many.

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda shakes her head.]

The stasis is something different here. When we are killed, our crystal will form around us and put us in stasis. It heals us though sometimes heroes don't awaken. It's a sleep though we don't know what it means. Some people fall into it without warning. Most don't wake up.

A few people have woken up with new memories of there homes and changes to their body. As if they have aged.

[She takes a deep breath looking over at Ace curiously.]

It isn't a reward. Your soul will be trapped here and never return home should you fall into stasis. [Though if they can't stop the calamity, all the heroes will be trapped here.]

[no1]

[ For many who have spent centuries wandering around the world in search of their purpose, death might indeed be the only respite they could ever achieve, but it doesn't appear to be the case in this world. A part of him saw this answer coming, but it still makes a small, pained sigh leave his lips.

To fall in the battle means to have fought, which is a conscious decision in itself, but when that choice is given away.... ]

And our only clue is that this cycle will remain intact as long as the Calamity is being a threat. [ His eyes search for a confirmation in hers as he tries to put the pieces together.

That's right. Phantoma. ]

By welcoming new souls, they make sure that our collective energy grows stronger, strong enough to counter the foe. [ ... ] In other words, we might be their sacrifices.

[goddessofthesky]

It's possible.

[Zelda shakes her head slowly and then sighs.]

I'm sorry, I don't really know more and... I'm not very good at guessing what's going on. My world had creatures of power but nothing like the crystals here. I don't think we should assume anything about them because the smallest assumption can mislead us but that is also, perhaps, because I'm unfamiliar with the crystals and there power.

[She shakes her head again.]

I apologize. My doubts in this matter probably aren't clarifying anything for you. I just hope we can look at this as it is and not what we are used to or what we want it to be.

[no1]

[ Ace opens his mouth in a protest as he sees Zelda apologising, not really seeing the point of her apparent guilt. Her assistance was more than welcome, and she's taught him more than he could have ever asked for. ]

No, there's nothing to apologise for, Zelda. You've been a great help, and if there's anybody who should be answering questions, it's the forces responsible for putting us in here.

[ That, and he'll remember to be more careful with his assumptions, but by no means less inquisitive. ]

[goddessofthesky]

[She shakes her head with a smile.]

Well, I'm glad I can help.

[Sometimes she feels like there is very little she can really do. Doing this small amount makes her happy.]

If you need anything, you are always welcome to come see me or send me a letter.

[no1]

I'll deliver any letters in no time, kupo!

[ The voice is unmistakably Hanafuda's, who decides to remind about her presence after a longer period of idleness. ]

Likewise. [ Though there seems to be little reason for her to seek him out considering his... status of a newcomer. ] Good luck with your work.

[goddessofthesky]

You as well.

[She bows slightly and head heads out.]