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...

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ One other person? That's not really a lot, considering how there were plenty of these fluffy creatures to be found in both worlds, for this to be unique seems to be too much a coincidence. Then again, on his way to the airship he's also caught glimpse of folk that he wasn't familiar with, apparently Tarutaru was their name. ]

To be honest, I didn't know that it's so unusual, but I suppose I can call myself fortunate. At each step, I find things that remind me of home, and yet I've never been here before, I'm certain of it.

[ Experience beats theory, however, and he'll gladly use any tips that other Heroes can provide. ]

So for you, it's different?

The moogles would be able to better explain that, and it helps in learning to work together more efficiently. [Sein was still as quiet as he had been two months ago, but Tear wasn't about to deny the wealth of information he had provided her since she had arrived two months prior. It made her all the more fond of him.]

To my understanding, we have all been drawn in from different worlds. Some of the architecture here has been similar to places I've seen in my world, but we haven't been able to achieve flight capability to this degree. [And she gestures to the area around them, meaning the airship.]

What was your world called, then?

Hanafuda has already been of great help to me when I needed it. [ This is all the incentive that the tiny creature behind him needs to activate its attentive mode, that is swaying her pom-pom happily back and forth. ] I'm sure that there is still plenty for me to understand, but I hope to learn more with time.

[ Her explanation more or less covers the extent of what he's been told by the others, and he himself shared her impression. While he considers an airship to be one of the standard methods of transportation, it is hardly the only one. ]

I prefer traveling on a chocobo, myself, but an airship seems to be more convenient for longer distances. Yet, it is not unheard of to use the magitek technology, or even dragon mounts.

Orience. [ He straightens up a bit, putting a hand on his hip, which comes as sort of a habit for him whenever introductions are in order. ] My home is Akademeia, the capital of the Dominion of Rubrum. [ a quick pause, might as well --] Ace.

[And for a moment Tear is entirely distracted by Hanafuda's state, because as much as she may be used to Sein at this point, she still hasn't gotten over how unbearably cute the moogles could be. Just look at how the pom-pom bounces...!

But now was not the time for that, she had to concentrate her focus on the new Hero of Light and what he had to share.] I haven't heard of any dragon mounts being available, but there are ways to obtain chocobos and magitek technology as well.

[Though his stance doesn't go unnoticed—it wasn't so long ago that she would have introduced herself in much the same way, and sometimes still did.] Ace... None of those names sound familiar, but it's a pleasure to meet you nevertheless. You seem quite disciplined and informed yourself.

[ Better don't mention that to him, or Ace might do just the same. ]

Besides, I know little of dragons, only the select few had the power to tame them, in my world. Well, whatever gets you to your destination works, I suppose.

[ However, if it happens to have feathers that's definitely a plus in his book.

Though she obviously means well, her remark causes him to relax his shoulders and drop the official tone that he's unknowingly picked up. With all of them sharing the same task, this no longer seems to be the right place for such formalities. ]

I'm sure you must have many stories of your own. [ A small bow. ] It's a pleasure to meet you too. You are...? [ While he's certain her name must have already been mentioned at one point by her moogle, he didn't quite catch it. ]

[Speaking of said moogle, Sein floats up to Ace's eye level and gestures toward his Hero, his voice as soft as ever but with a hint of pride in his voice.] Oh, Mystearica has many stories about her world to share, and wonderful songs too, kupo!

[Tear quickly snatches him before he can go any further with his praise, looking just the slightest bit exasperated and—though she tries to hide it—blushing faintly in embarrassment. Sometimes she forgot how carried away Sein could be, quiet as he usually was.]

Don't pay him any mind, just calling me Tear will do. [And with the hand that isn't holding onto Sein she offers him her hand, looking only the slightest bit sheepish.]

[ Ace doesn't even try to mask the small chuckle that leaves his mouth, but there is nothing malicious about it. Still, he's just as quick to correct himself, and as he holds out his hand to gently shake Tear's, the laughter is replaced by a warm smile. ]

I apologize, I didn't mean to. [ An acknowledging nod. Mystearica must have been the girl's full name, but she's the one that offers the shorter version. ] Tear, then.

[ A part of her somewhat awkward introduction piques his curiosity, though unwilling to put too much pressure on her shoulders, the boy decides to give her a moment to recover. Turning to the window on his side, he's quiet for a while, but the question has to strike, eventually. ]

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of songs?

[It was good to see him laugh, even if she did still feel a tiny bit awkward over the whole situation. But when he brings up that question...]

... It's all right to ask. [For a moment there's a smile touching her lips, though it was one of melancholy. It was a question she'd been used to for so long, but since arriving here there had been been a small infusion of emotions that came with it.]

What Sein was referring to are hymns from my home, seven altogether that each hold their own power.

[ In theory, this would still be classified as a magic incantation that merely follows a certain tune, but Ace knows better than to disregard the connotations that it brings. Every song is a separate story that speaks of its origins better than history pages do, and he would be more than eager to learn her version of it, were the circumstances slightly more convenient. ]

I've always believed that songs have a power of their own. [ The boy's gaze is elsewhere, but the tone of his voice brims with confidence. ] It's more like home away from home, like a piece of memory you don't want to give up. It's good... to have something to lean onto, sometimes.

[ But that's venturing into a more personal zone. ] What do they speak of?

[For a moment Tear looks surprised; whenever the hymns or song were brought up they weren't spoken of the way Ace had just done, with words that sounded almost like veneration.

It's enough that the surprise slowly becomes a smile, one filled with appreciation for that understanding. Others would always praise the beauty of the songs, and that in itself was welcome, but no one had yet put it in a way that resonated with how she felt about them.]

Yes, it's good to have them... These particular hymns had been passed down among my family for generations, and I didn't understand the full meaning of all seven together until recently. To put it simply, it's a promise.

[ ooc: I am very sorry for the late reply, I had my final exams this week and I still might be a bit slow;;; ]

[ This fondness has accompanied him ever since he was little, but up until now, Ace has never had the chance to truly put it into words, himself. He hardly knows much about music to discuss it on other levels, but its sentimental value remains an important aspect, regardless, and standing in front of Tear gives him that small push of encouragement. His response is preceded by a small pause. ]

... I'd like to hear them, one day. [ Ace's tone is curious, but without sounding too binding. ] When I was younger, Mother would always sing this song to me. Now, no matter how hard I try, nothing comes back to me but the very beginning, and yet -- I'm beginning to understand what she wanted to say by that, I think. Though the words are gone, I have the memories.

(( ooc; don't stress over it, take all the time you need! ))

[Ace's curiosity was in itself a compliment, given they had only just scratched the surface of the significance of the hymns and he already wanted to know more. And really, she couldn't think of any reason to deny him beyond her entirely personal hesitation. He wasn't demanding it either...]

When the time comes, I'd be glad to. It shouldn't be too much longer from now. [Once she becomes more familiar with relying on the songs of this world instead.]

Your mother must be very wise. Honestly, I have similar memories of my brother doing the same, yet it took some time before eventually remembered all of them and their meaning. Maybe you will someday, too, but even if you don't... It's just as you've said, you'll have those memories.

[ ooc: <3 ]

[ Wordlessly, he accepts the small promise of hers. With the conflict looming just around the corner, they surely could use a better timing as well; there is something peaceful about the act of singing that would only get lost in the turmoil. ]

If what the others have told me is true, I should have more than enough time to think about it. To be honest, it's been a while since I was able to... talk like this.

[ The awakening brought a surge of energy which cast away the pain, but it would take so much more to clear one's mind. There has been no room to slow down over the course of past days, and he can't help but feel that it's only now, in the skies of Crystallis, that he once more gets to freely breathe for a moment. ]

One would think, but you never know for sure. [At least, not here... And in her own world now, where they were only just learning to live without the prophecy of the Score. On top of that, there was the knowledge that resting within the hospital, another version of herself was dormant in crystal stasis.]

However... That means we have to make the most of what time we have been granted. [Ace's last few words make her pause, wanting to know more while at the same time recognising he might not want to divulge any of what he meant.]

If it's been so long... I would be willing to listen to anything you want to say. We still have some time before reaching our destination. [And if he wanted to just sit in silence, that was fine, too.]

[ And silence would soon follow as he contemplates her invitation, feeling the tiniest bit flustered at the sudden attention. The journey would indeed take at least another few hours, but the boy refuses to sit down just yet, as this would mean missing out on the views stretching below the airship. ]

I know you mean well. [ His expression is gentle, but the playful smiles are gone in favour of a more melancholic demeanor. ] But when you struggle with understanding your own thoughts, it makes the story harder to tell.

[ Going against his better judgement, he continues, although vaguely. ]

Before the Crystal spoke to me, I witnessed events that should no longer have a right to be. Like a dream, but it felt more real than that. With no threats at the horizon, everybody seemed so... free.

[ ... ]

Most would call it a false hope, but the image was comforting, in a way.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. Though some would argue that it's all the more reason to talk about it. [And she smiles apologetically.] But it is entirely your decision.

[Hearing what he had chosen to share, she couldn't fault him for being hesitant to speak about it. It almost felt as if she shouldn't hear it, when he was trying to understand such visions, but she had. Now she it was her responsibility to listen to those few words, and perhaps help. Just as she'd promised.]

Even false hope can have the capacity to become a real one, even if it's for only a moment. [At the same time, such a small hope could also be very cruel.]

Edited 2015-08-18 03:26 (UTC)

[ Ace senses her uncertainty, which in many ways seems to surpass his own. Years at the academy have taught him not to let doubt evolve into grief, or else you'll end up watching the task in front of you slip through your fingers.

Yes, there's a glimpse of loneliness that shines through when he occasionally averts his gaze, but in his spirit, he's eager not to let any hope perish. ]

It's all right, it was my decision to answer your question, after all. [ He flashes her a smile. ] Just as it was ours to follow that path. Of course, I want to know what's become of our efforts, but I will await the day I can see my siblings again, if that's what it takes.

[ And her listening is an aid in itself, just that is enough for him. He chooses his next question rather carefully. ]

You said you had a brother, too, correct?

I do. [Now it's her turn to look away, focusing on the ocean and land beneath them as she steels herself. Talking about him in her world was perhaps a little too easy, because everyone knew who he was there. To others who never met him... The topic had never really come up.

It didn't stop her from feeling any less apologetic and responsible on his behalf.]

My brother is the only family I have ever had. There was my grandfather who took us in, but in reality it's just the two of us.

Edited 2015-08-19 13:08 (UTC)

[ Establishing your presence anew is certainly a struggle, one that Crystallis spares no one from, it seems. Losing one's rank is such a trifle matter against having to formulate truths that always seemed too obvious to be uttered, consequently making you realise how far from home you really are.

Deep inside, Ace could empathize with that. ]

...Is he here with you?

[ It's the present tense Tear uses that causes him to make such an assumption, his intuition still somewhat lacking to go by it alone. ]

No, he's not. Nor has he ever been as far as I'm aware. [She had heard of the doppelgängers, but the thought that her brother could exist somewhere in this world, reborn anew and not bent on his mad ideals, was chilling... And perhaps somewhere within the depths of her heart, she still wanted that.]

My brother and I... aren't on the best terms. [She closes her eyes, thinking about just how lightly such words put it.] That isn't to say he isn't important to me, but perhaps that is why our relationship is like that now.

You mentioned having siblings of your own, I hope that what you have with them is better than what we do.

[ Although his conviction is clearer than the memory itself, Ace can swear that a similar exchange has already taken place in the past. That alone makes him slightly uneasy, and it's by no means an easy topic to begin with. ]

I'm sorry to hear that, Tear.

[ His voice almost becomes a whisper when he speaks, and whatever continuation has been dwelling in the back of his mind, he quickly lets go of it. It's as if any attempt at advice could break the trust he's been given, and it's not a risk the boy wants to take. ]

They accepted me before I could do the same for them, and that I can't forget. [ He shakes his head. ] But I think it would be unfair to devaluate the importance of the bonds like this, claiming one is better than the other. They're all different, and each gives us something else to hold onto.

[She turns away from the window to once again focus her gaze on Ace, brow furrowing at his softened tone. Her instinct is to tell him to stop, there was no reason for him to apologise for it, but she keeps her tongue in check for now. She wasn't going to be unnecessarily harsh with him for his kindness.] Thank you...

[And with what he says about those bonds, she almost smiles again.] Though you're right, it isn't fair to try and compare them. In truth, I'm still... upset, with him.

Has your brother... always been that way, or something has happened between the two of you?

[ Whether it's a reassurance that she needs, or a gentle push, his attempts at picking up social clues is more of awkward fumbling than anything. With that knowledge in mind, Ace decides that it's only appropriate he replies with honesty. ]

You could say he was always that way. The brother I knew growing up was kind, loving, wanting to protect me. He was like a father to me, but there were moments when he suddenly wasn't that brother. It scared me.

[And now he was always that brother, willing to fight even his sister for his goals. She shakes her head, trying to clear away some of the negativity.]

A lot of things happened, it'd take some time to explain, especially when you're likely to have more questions the more I say.

[ Ace watches Tear attentively, still thinking on her words even after she's finished her story. Suddenly, he finds himself filled with gratefulness for having been given the family he had never known he needed, even if it only causes the separation to affect him more. ]

So he's forged his own path, in the end, just as you're free to follow yours.

[ And the way she speaks of it -- with a certain kind of acceptance -- is a proof of her own strength. It's not like he needs any other, given he's merely a stranger that she's decided to confide in without knowing much, really.

Leaning forward to prop his elbows against the railing, he lets out an amused sigh. ]

Your story is safe with me, but I suppose this isn't what you expected when you bought your ticket today. There's no rush.

[ And he'd silently like to believe their first meeting isn't their last. ]

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