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

[blue_macarons]

i. wake up | other heroes

Garry took a deep, composing breath as the little ... creature-thing told him the entire tale.

It was certainly more pleasant company than a blue doll with red eyes. Just the memory of it sent frigid chills down his spine. He was out of one terrifying place, and now he was somewhere else. Releasing a sigh, he idly fingered the handkerchief wrapped around his hand. "Ib" it said in neat embroidery. Oddly enough, the wound on his hand had been healed, his blue rose in full bloom, and this crystal was--!

A Hero of Light? Him?

All this, and all he could think was, "Is she still in there?" What if he'd accidentally left her there, just before she took his hand to follow him into their real home? She would be all alone--brave, but still a little girl who missed her parents. His shoulders slumped and he had to rest his hands on his knees. Keep it together, Garry. Keep it together. Right. What had he said to her before? They just had to keep going. He just had to keep going. Maybe they would be able to find one another somehow, or maybe she made it back home! Yes, that's right.

He lifted his head, attempting to give the bouncing, flying thing a gentle smile. "Ah, so, you said your name was Lemondrop?"

She giggled, fluttering before him. "That's me, kupo! Are ya ready to get goin', kupo?"

His smile widened and he tried to swallow down the anxiety and uncertainty. "This seems like quite a bit to take in, though! Ahah ..." Maybe he really shouldn't have gone to the gallery at all today. Maybe this would've all been avoided if he simply stayed home. "It's rather tough to wrap my mind around."

"C'mon, kupo! There's a world to save, and you're definitely here for a reason, kupo!" Lemondrop took his pale hand, urging him to take another step.

Yes, perhaps he really should've just stayed home today. But ...

He thought of Mary with the palette knife, scrambling desperately and screeching in frantic madness after them as Garry took Ib's hand and bolted for the painting, his lighter in hand, hearts pounding in their chests as the darkness closed in around them ...

There might've been a reason he was down there with Ib. There might've been a reason he was here, now, with this Moogle and these new clothes. And if the only way to make it back home was to go forward, then that was what he had to do. It was the same in the gallery, anyway.

After all, he thought as he pocketed the blood-stained handkerchief, I have to give this back to her someday!

"I'm ready as I'll ever be, I suppose! Ah, I'll be grateful for your help; you seem to have a better grasp of everything than I do!" Garry declared, straightening up. "Lead the way, Lemon!"


ii. county of flence

"What's the matter, kupo?"

Lemondrop fluttered around the frozen man, standing before the entrance to the County of Flence's museum. The usual gentle expression that Garry wore was taut and tense, his jaw clenching. His hands were balled up into fists and he took full, deep breaths.

His moogle reached for one of his clenched hands. "Garry, kupo?"

With one more deep breath, he attempted to compose himself, his forced smile quivering and uncertain. And he had a passing thought--if the Gallery brought him to that strange world, and now this one, would this museum bring him back somehow?

And did he have the courage to go inside and find out? "Ah. I'm sorry, Lemon. Never mind. We should continue on."

[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.... ]

i. wake up | other heroes

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda had been expecting the new heroes and so once word was sent out that they had awoken in Flence she was quickly headed out. She was on the first airship leaving Aqures Ixen heading towards the temple of water. This time with her journal in hand should she need it.

As she stepped in she was first met with Garry and then the moogle floating beside him. She took a quick step back as to not collide with him. Her own moogle was clad in green, with a long pointed green hat. The little moogle bowed and then quickly fluttered off to take notes for the young goddess.

The sun was hot and bright and Zelda was dressed accordingly. She was wearing a light blue sun dress with sturdy brown boots. Her long golden hair was tied back into a braid which stretched down past her waist. Two loose strains framed her angular features as bright blue eyes looked up at Garry.

"Excuse me." Her gaze caught Lemondrop and she smiled fondly at the little moogle. "You must be one of the new heroes. I'm Zelda." She wasn't a welcoming committee per-say but she made sure to come meet the new heroes and answer any questions they might have. "I'm also a hero of light."

[ 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.]

ii- county of Flence

[her_rose_is_red]

"G- Garry...?"

Her voice is small, almost a hushed whisper. It's been nearly a year. A year since the gallery. A year living in this world, wondering if she would ever get home again. She'd all but given up on seeing him ever again. So of all the things she was expecting when she traveled to Flence to greet the new heroes, Garry was not on the list. Briefly, she wonders if maybe she's dreaming.

And yet, there he is. And from the clothes and the moogle... this isn't one of those.... doppel.... doppelgang... copies. It's really him. She takes a very tentative step forward, almost afraid that if she makes any sudden movements, he'll disappear. Turn out to be a dream or a vision or just her imagination. Ib doesn't think she could handle that.

[needsteaplz]

[Aqures Ixen hospital]

[Saori gasped for breath as if she was submerged for a long time when she got out of crystal stasis. She sat up sharply and looked around. It wasn't unfamiliar territory to her. The Aqures Ixen hospital? Why was she here? Seeing the crystalized figures around her answered the question for her. Quietly she got up and through the door way. She looked down the hallway before opening her mouth to no one in particular.]

Uhh...hello? How long was I out?

[Aqures Ixen - around and about]

[After being discharged from the hospital, she managed to reunite with her moogle, Brigid. Once the joyful tears of their reunion dried up, Saori took to the streets. Did a month really go by? She walked through the more residential districts in the hope of seeing a familiar face.

Not to mention she should stop by the police station, assuming they would let her back in of course. If she did have to go through the entire application process again, it wouldn't be too much of a problem though.

Of course there was the fact there was a new housing assignment. Perhaps she should stop to buy ingredients before heading over.]

[blue_macarons]

"Gah--!"

Garry almost jumped when the young woman stumbled upon him. His eyebrows shot up and he had to right himself, trying to appear as dignified as he could. Lemondrop giggled from behind him and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

With her golden hair and her blue eyes, Garry almost thought she was--!

But no, the lovely woman before him was smiling with a beautiful softness that was absent in Mary (and she was quite obviously sane). Honestly, jumping from reality, to a nightmare, to a new world entirely had him all out of sorts. Would he ever get used to this?

He tried to force a shaky smile. That was right--Lemon had told him that other heroes would likewise have creatures--moogles--as assistants. "You'll have to excuse Garry, kupo!" Lemon said from behind his tall leg, "He's a tad jumpy, kupo!"

Garry pouted down at the moogle, before turning his bashful gaze back to the woman before him. "Ah, y-yes, sorry!" He cleared his throat, reaching up to scratch the back of his head. "Zelda, hello. My name is Garry. I didn't mean to be in your way."

[blue_macarons]

Garry took pause in his step as he made to leave the museum behind him. Lemondrop smiled up at him, tugging at his hand. "Garry, someone's calling you, kupo!"

His eyes widened marginally and he turned on his heel. Then he had heard correctly; someone had said his name in a familiar, soft tone. Garry fully faced her, his lips parting in relief and surprise.

If there was anything different about her (aside from the obvious change in clothes), he didn't notice. For Garry, it had been less than a day since he last saw her. Still, a strange bittersweet feeling settled in his chest. Sure, he knew she was safe and out of that gallery, but now he knew she wasn't at home with her parents, either. Protectiveness and relief swelled up within him as he and Lemondrop immediately made a beeline for the young lady. "Ib! You're here--you got out, too! I thought I left you there when I came here--I was worried!"

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda hadn't meant to surprise him. She smiled at Lemondrop and shook her head as she spoke. "It's alright. I'm sorry that I surprised you." She wanted the new heroes to feel at ease. At least as relaxed as possible considering their new situation.

"I actually came to see you Garry. I was hoping to welcome to the hero of lights and answer any questions that I could. I know your moogle has probably told you some already though." She kep her confident smile looking between the pair as she spoke. Zelda was the type to make eye contact through a conversation and she did so now.

She held a journal in her hand though she didn't draw any attention to it. She was more focused on the two in front of her, primarily Garry. He didn't seem to shaken up since finding himself in a new world but she could be wrong.

[soaringleg]

I. Wake Up/Other heroes

[Jaeha was listening to the story his Moogle had to say with an expression that became less and less interested in what it - or rather, she, had to say. It was almost the same kind of nonsense he had heard when he was growing up. And now it doubled? Not only the fate of bearing the dragon's leg, but also be some kind of Warrior of Light? Just what was up with that? Not that he had kinda succumbed already to his other destiny, but why did this have to be doubled?

When the moogle is finished, Jaeha starts to take off into the other direction, stretching himself, tapping against the ground with his right leg - not feeling the usual power there was quite unsettling before he turns to speak.]

Hye, was it? So what is it you expect me to do? Just risking my life for a bunch of people I have never ever met before? Sorry, that's not how I intend to spend my time.

[The moogle, which started following him, is at a loss of words at first, before she continues.]

We need the Heroes of Light, kupo! You are the only ones who can wield those jobs, kupo!

[Jaeha shrugs. It's not really convincing him enough to do as he was told (just yet). Instead, he looks at the people who seems to have a crystal and a moogle following them around.]

Do you just intend to follow what they are saying?



II. Airship

[While Jaeha is still not happy to be stuck here or having lost his original power, the airship is something he can make friends with. Its height had something similar to jumping with his dragon leg, and he had never thought he would end up really literally flying at some point in his life.

He looks out of the window, enjoying the view he was greeted with. He wasn't really all that bothered by the lack of passengers. Instead, he just talks to nobody in particular.]

I guess this is not half bad.

II. Airship

[greenmagick]

[Tempest is the one who persuaded the green haired mage to come and meet the new heroes. She is still getting used to talking to people and strangers usually made her feel unsure. She'd met a few heroes and now she is relieved to be heading back to Aquares. There is still so much to do and she wants to make sure her shop is set for the oncoming conflict.

Her hair is pulled back in a loosely tied ponytail with wisps of hair falling free and framing her delicate features. A hand gently tucks a loose strain of hair behind her hear as she looks over towards the new hero of light. Terra hears Jaeha's comment and is instantly confused. She glances around looking for someone else near by that he might be addressing.]

This?

[Her voice is soft and curious as her gaze meets his.]

ii. county of flence

[greenmagick]

"Are you okay?" Her tone was soft as her gaze fixed on the man standing in front of the museum. Terra wasn't familiar with museums and so her gaze flicked between Garry and the tall building a few times before finally settling on the new hero.

She has a small basket under her arm that is filled with stem flowers that were happily in bloom despite being cut from their roots. She gently tucks a loose strand of mint green hair is tied back as crystal blue eyes watch him curiously.

Terra didn't make the connection that this was a new hero of light even with his moogle floating nearby. Her companion, Tempest, had run off to grab something from a store leaving the shy hero alone.

She looked down at her flowers and then back up at Garry with a shy smile. "Would you like a flower?"

[Aqures Ixen - around and about - later]

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda isn't expecting one of the heroes from the hospital to spring to live once more and it's clear from her expression that she's more than a little surprised to see Saori.

At first Zelda feels relief but then there is the crushing realization of what her friend would have to face as well. She runs up to the woman with a smile letting her long golden hair fan behind her as she moved.

Kopula is saying something but the words are lost.]

Saori!

[ 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.]

I. Wake Up/Other heroes

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda is talking to her moogle, Kopula, when Jaeha addresses her. She turns towards him, her blue eyes bright as she looks up at the new hero. Her smile is confident and her tone gentle as she spoke.]

Yes.

[She laughs softly expecting him to be surprised at her blunt answer.]

Despite what anyone says you don't have to. You are free to stay here until the conflict is over. You just arrived. You are in a new place and now have new skills. It's a lot to take in all at once. So take your time and if you have any questions I would be happy to help the best I can.

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]

[ 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?

[soaringleg]

[He turns to look at the young woman who has spoken up to him. He hadn't really intended to start a conversation, but he surely didn't mind talking to a woman right now. So he nods and points at the window.]

I've never been flying in the sky this easily. I guess it's not that new for you?

[And then he gestures her to come over to him.]

Would it be alright for you to watch it with me? I'm sure this ride will be a lot more delightful in your company.

[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.]

[greenmagick]

Alright.

[Terra glances around for a quick moment looking for Tempest before she takes his invitation. She picks up a small basket that is hiding to her left as she moves. The basket is filled with different flowers that have been cut at the stem and positioned as if to go into a vase. She places the basket down first and then takes a seat next to him. She looks out the window curiously, her bright blue eyes taking in the scene of clouds and lands slowly drifting below.]

I’ve been here for a while. I don’t remember if my world has airships. [Her voice is soft and gentle as her delicate fingers begin to lightly fiddle with a leave that had fallen from her basket.

Terra pulls her attention away from the window to gaze up at her company.]

You’ve flown before but not this easily. May I ask how?

[soaringleg]

I guess that means you are a gentle girl.

[If they jumped at the call of help. Or destiny. He knows, by now, there were many reasons to just accept "destiny" which had nothing to do with being a puppet, though of course he can't tell what hers is.

Suggest to just sit around and wait... was really not much better to his ears. He really wasn't the type to do that.]

Any questions, huh? Is there a way to get your own power back?

[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.

[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?

[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?

[blue_macarons]

"Ah, no need to apologize!" Garry smiled and bowed his head, his shaggy bangs obscuring his eyes for a moment.

Zelda's gaze was piercing, but amiable, he thought. Someone far more believable as a "Hero of Light" than he was. He glanced down at Lemondrop thoughtfully. "Then ... you must be used to this sort of thing. I've just arrived; it's quite a lot to handle all at once, but I suppose there are stranger things that happen."

He was still tense, but this place was altogether more pleasant than that gallery.

"I've gotten the gist of it," he said, bringing his hand to his chin in thought, "but there's just so much. I thought that painting would bring us back home. I ended up here instead. So I suppose we aren't the first here?" Ever observant, though (the gallery forced him to be), his eyes landed on the journal cradled in her grasp. "What've you got there?"