Intro Log || The Return of the Heroes

[melodiesmods]

Characters: All the "Heroes of Light" (only new characters can start threads).
Where: Aqures Ixen.
When: The 5th of September. The new Heroes of Light will awaken early in the morning.
Summary: The new Heroes of Light awaken in Aqures Ixen and are informed by their assigned Moogles of what the situation and what 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. It marks the first time since January that Heroes of Light have appeared in Aqures Ixen.
Warning: N/A

Where you were or what you were doing— It does not really matter. Not any more. Within an instant, 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 knew 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 it feels as though life itself is slipping out of you.

At this 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 distant noises of engines. Had it all been nothing more than a dream? The soothing voice repeats its call one more time, but is soon replaced with a much less graceful "Wake up Kupo." Hand clutched on your Crystal, the call of the Moogle may finally wake you up. But you are no longer in your world, nor in the void. You are before the Crystal of Fire, in the third district of a city called Aqures Ixen. At this point, you may realize the engine noise actually originates from an Airship flying low over the city and headed to dock beneath the castle. 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 who are more than happy to tell you about everything you want to know, about your 'destiny' as a Hero of Light, about what awaits you.

Or at least, they will tell you everything they do know, which isn't much in the end.

The only people around you are like you-- There are quite a few of them, all clothed in their Job garbs and most likely wondering what is happening. If somehow you do not realize it, the Moogle who woke you up will be more than happy to inform you there are others like you around. In fact, there are other Heroes who have arrived in the course of the past year and they will come soon! Like you, they have Jobs and a Crystal.

If asked, the Moogles will mention that the city was recently attacked by the Heran Empire and nearly destroyed by Ultima Weapon. What's the Heran Empire? What's Ultima Weapon? Better to ask to the heroes who saw it all.


The Other Heroes
— Shortly Thereafter —
Thanks to the efficiency of Mognet, it does not take long for the other Heroes to come around: those who arrived in this world within the past year. You may have imagined heroic and charismatic figures when your Moogle told you that there were other Heroes of Light in this city. You may have imagined persons with fearsome powers when they told you about how they fiercely battled each other past month. And more importantly, you may have imagined them as people who would have all the answers to your, doubtlessly, numerous questions.

If so, you may be up for a tragic 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.


The City of Aqures Ixen
— Anytime —
With the recent attack, Aqures Ixen is under reconstruction. The city was saved for the most part, but there are ruined buildings, the Sixth District is nothing but wasteland now and the Thirteenth District has become a graveyard. Even so, there are a lot of things left to do in the city for newcomers. A few groups of Triple Triad players are playing before Mognet Office in the ninth district, mostly Moogles as many of them are not working after what happened. And of course, they are more than happy to teach the rule to anyone passing by. Characters are free to enter and play games of Triple Triad, and if they do so they will be given very basic cards and explained the rules. This may be the start of a promising career!

Characters are also free to visit the city-- Mognet Office just behind the Triple Triad games is filled with Moogles, most of them panicked, tired, busy or slacking now that their director has disappeared. They can also visit Airship Port in the twelfth district from where characters can board for free Airships from Shoopuf Airline-- Though they have to make a request 48 hours in before to do so.

Or maybe you could visit your new house in the 11th District, and get to know your new neighbors and housemate. Hopefully your neighbors are people you will get along with.


Close Encounters of the Third Kind
— 19:00 —
Characters venturing by the city's outskirts at this specific time will be able to see a most peculiar sight: a flying saucer seemingly abducting a cow before flying away and disappearing into the sky without leaving any traces of its presence. If your character do see it, hopefully there will be someone with them. Otherwise, nobody will believe their story.

Was it an UFO or just a hallucination? Only the future will tell...

Comments

[unalive_them]

1) The Other Heroes

[The last thing Deadpool clearly remembered was... things that happened before all of that was fixed. Worlds colliding, cursing Reed Richards and the Illuminati for not fixing it, holding his daughter close. Not only was that fixed, well... he's still alive. And still Deadpool. So much for "Deadpool is dead".

But, now, he has a furry fuzzy thing flying near by trying to explain everything.]

So, what you're trying to say is... I'm in a video game.

This isn't a video game, you moron-kupo! This is a real life, life or death situation!

No, really, you don't have to sugar coat it! I just wish someone told me that Marvel vs. Squeenix was a thing! [A beat] Am I on the cover?

THERE IS NO COVER! [At that, the Moogle spots another hero and waves them down] Please, you have to help me-kupo! My hero is a complete and utter moron!

Hey, you take that back!

2) The City of Aqures Ixen

[Once that was taken care of, it was time for Deadpool to settle down into his new world. Find a home, maybe find a job, wait for heroics to start up--]

Forget that! This Triple Triad is awesome!

[...stop at a local store showing off Triple Triad and looking like a complete dweeb...]

And I shall put this card face down!

[...and getting the rules mixed up at the same time.]

3) Close Encounters of the Third Kind)

[This is Deadpool. This is Deadpool watching a cow being abducted by a flying saucer. Any questions?]

I got one. Did anyone bring a camera with them?

1) The other heroes

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia was trying to be more active; starting with taking notes during the meeting. It had been clear, even when she'd arrived, this wouldn't be like her normal adventures--but she hadn't fully grasped just how different until the attack on Aquares Ixen and its aftermath.

It meant she'd had Betel-Po keep an eye out for new arrivals, and as soon as word had arrived, Lydia was off on her bicycle to go meet them. She wasn't sure how much help she'd be, but she could try. At least give them a friendly face...

It wasn't hard to spot the exasperated moogle and their Hero clad in red and black. At least she liked the style and colors?]

Tough time? At least you're able to be here for him when he woke up, even if he seems like a handful.

[Addressing the Moogle first. Somehow this already seemed better than arriving as a captive in the Empire, to Lydia's way of thinking. Turning her attention to the other man, smiling.]

Hi. Welcome to Aquares Ixen. Did your moogle give you a briefing already or do you need to be caught up?

Graham Specter | Open

[bright_and_blue]

[Awakening/Other Heroes]

[One of the new Heroes is causing quite a ruckus. As his moogle attempts to explain what was going on, the young blonde fellow he's talking with seems pretty distressed about the whole thing. Despite being dressed in what seems like Ninja and Thief attire, he's carrying a giant monkey wrench as a weapon instead of just knives or shuriken. He's making a scene while the moogle wrings his little hat in his hands nervously, looking helpless.]

No one has the right to kidnap me against my will! A hero? Me? What sort of terrible joke is that?! Who, in this universe, would look at me and proclaim me as heroic? Have I always been the butt of the jokes of this universe? What does this mean for my future? Am I doomed to such a pathetic existence?!

[Usually when he talks, Graham juggles his wrench about, like it weighed nothing. When he tries to toss is back and forth in his hands, it goes much slower than he expects, and he almost drops it. He looks even more distressed now, and laughs nervously.]

Ha...hahaha! This really is a bad joke! The worst! Just let me find out who's responsible for this--!!


[12th District]
[Graham is standing on the perimeter of the Shoopuff Airlines property, transfixed by the airship that is slowly ascending into the sky on its latest voyage. He's grinning ear to ear, excited as a little kid.]

A-Amazing! Really amazing! Maybe this place isn't so bad after all!


[Around the city]
[As Graham sightsees as he casually meanders to his new home, he's a bit quiet as he takes in all the destruction and rebuilding. He stops at one point and surveys what used to be some residential houses.]

What a sad story this places has been through. What have the people here done to deserve this?

[Around the city]

[goddessofthesky]

[Zelda has her long blond hair tied back in tight braids on top of her head, small wisps of gold have fallen free framing her soft cheeks. Her dress is black and plan, wrapped tightly around her small frame. There is a basket at her side with a menagerie of flowers that she's been giving to those in mourning.

She spots Garham flashing him a small smile.]

It is. [Her voice is soft, but gentle as she approaches the stranger. Zelda is open and friendly and it's easy for her to see that he's a new hero of light; she's certainly been here long enough. Kopula isn't by her side today though her pointed ears is a clue that she isn't from Crystallis.] Though I always try and tell myself if could have been worse.

[Not that her sentiments made it better. Zelda looks up at him with bright blue eyes.] I'm Sorry. My name is Zelda, you are a hero of light as well?

[derplander]

1. The Other Heroes

Considering everything, The Adventurer was in a fairly decent spot until this happened. Flashes of his friends and the dragons and everything moved through his memory. He rubbed his head to the sound of a distinctive chanting as a Moogle was floating there, spinning a hand cranked music box.

"Good King Moggle Mog, Good King Moggle Mog" The Music box chimed.

"Ah you're awake," said the Moogle pompously as he continued to play the music. "Steady on there, you are disoriented. Yes?"

The Adventurer nodded. He looked around, shifting the massive weapon over his shoulder. "Wait... where's my lance?" he asked curiously.


2. The City

It hadn't taken the Adventurer long to locate the Triple Triad game, and he was playing, and winning quite well. He continued to play for most of the time there, relaxing. He had just beaten up Alexander's first wing, give him a break.

Later on he is traveling through the 14th District, looking for his house. "A-12, A-12," he said to himself, outloud. "I wonder where it is...?"

3. 19:00 hours

The Adventurer folded his arms at the weird sight. "That is very odd. And I thought the UFO in the Sea of Clouds was odd..."

19:00 hours

[acceptedoblivion]

He'd doing his best to avoid going to the 14th district, and as he reached the outskirts of the city he couldn't help but spying something in the sky.

He blinked. First once, then again, before rubbing his eyes and looking again. Of all the things he had seen back in that tower... none of them prepared him for this.

"...What was that?"

[au] Riku Replica (Ira) | Open!

[acceptedoblivion]

Awakening; Other Heroes

His shoulders felt heavier. If he were being truthful, everything felt heavier as he forced himself off the ground, crystal held still within his hand. He supposes this gave some credit to whatever the floating ball of fur was saying, but he can't say it was the first time he'd felt the same void - nor awakened in a strange place.]

Yeah, right. [The dark knight muttered, rolling his eyes.] I think anyone with eyes can tell I'm no 'hero' that you claim I am.

[To his credit, he is dressed in a rather dark-colored suit of armour, a greatsword more resembling a bat's wing than anything else. Becoming increasingly agitated by the moogle's insistence, he made an annoyed sound with his tongue and began walking away in an attempt to find out what was really going on. Was it Riki just pulling a fast one on them again during his month in charge, or was there some truth to what this moogle was saying. Though considering the faces of others just waking up, he doubts there will be any clues to what's going on from them.

For some reason, he just seemed even more angry, but maybe if he said it aloud...]

This has to be some game of theirs.

A game, kupo...?

Yeah, you know: sudden aging, murder mazes, life-zapping ghosts... that kind of thing.

[He says it so casually, and yet it makes his moogle flip his metaphorical lid.]

No no, nothing like that! There is war and a calamity, but nothing like that, kupo! ...Well, except maybe the ghosts after what happened...

[A small laugh.] Perfect. Then I guess I'll feel right at home.

[Such sarcasm, much disbelief. Wow.]

Ninth District;

[After whoever would stop him and try to convince him that this was a new reality he'd have to face or whatever, he decided to at least explore what all this war-torn city had to offer. Of course, when he saw a bunch of moogles playing Triple Triad he had to stop and ask just how it was played. He'd used cards to battle before, might as well for fun, yeah? Though it was starting to get dark out by the time he made it there.]

It's getting late, kupo... Shouldn't we head to where you'll be staying-?

Yeah, yeah. In a moment.

[He had his priorities. Card games were totes more important than knowing where to crash, right?]

Awakening; Other Heroes

[whereishe]

[Yuna doesn't know what she's expecting when she hears that the other heroes have woken up next to the crystal of fire. She's always nervous about going to see them, worried she might see someone she knows who doesn't remember her.

Over hearing the mention of tricks and games made her head turn. The city she was in before here had been like that, every day might bring some sort of ruin on them. Her curiosity peeks so she steps forward. Celes, her moogle, floats at her side with his arms crossed. A green and orange bandanna around his neck with a blitzball sticker on his mail bag.]

Excuse me. [She might as well be nice since she's interrupting.] You mentioned that this might be some sort of game? I assume that's from where you were before? [She pauses, chewing on the inside of her cheek.] I don't know if it's for better or worse but you really are in a different world. I thought something similar when I awoke here.

[unetoned]

[1: Waking up:]

An airship was nothing to get excited about, although the white stuffed toy was new. Billy had thought that only Fei got stalked by strange creatures like that. At least it wasn’t pink. And it had not proclaimed its maidenly love for him, so that was something.

Billy stood, half-listening to the chattering of the ‘moogle’ as he assessed his surroundings. The ship was too open to double as a submarine. Probably not Shevat-built.

“Where are we going, if I may ask?”

“To Aqures Ixen, kupo! The invasion is over, so it’s safe now, kupo.” The moogles delivered that piece of news with much more cheer than Billy thought was appropriate.

“Invasion?” he repeated back. He rifled through his white mage robes to locate his guns, not wanting to arrive at a recently invaded territory without them. He produced, with only a minor amount of entanglement inside of his new robes, a matching pair of handguns, two strangely-customized guns, and a long shotgun.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING, KUPO!” His moogles screeched as he laid out his inventory. “WHITE MAGES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PEACEFUL!”

[2: The Other Heroes:]

After a strong and high-pitched lecture from Primoogle about keeping his weapons stashed on public transportation in the wake of a traumatic battle, Billy had his guns concealed when they touched down in the city. Of course, a Hero who knew what to look for would probably catch the tell-tale outline of gun holsters, or the tight leather pants of the Gunner attire visible from beneath the white mage robes.

Billy eyed the damaged buildings. “And you only have person-sized armor to defend yourselves?” he asked Primoogle, who sighed as if it was not the first time he’d asked. “No Gears? Wouldn’t it be easier to protect your town if you had something bigger?”

Primoogle just huffed, and Billy moved on. “And what’s being done in terms of relief for the victims here?”

[ooc- Feel free to interrupt at any point if you want to get into guns, gears, orphanages, or anything else?]

[3: Around the City]

Billy could be found hanging around a few different places during his first week in the city.

In the mornings, he made a circuit around the Thirteeth District, helping salvage the burnt temples and cast healing magic on the injured whenever he could. It was not his church, but he still felt a kinship to those who flocked to the temples in times of distress. They were brothers and sisters in faith, and Billy would do what he could to help them.

Most afternoons, Billy checked in at the Observatory. He had heard rumors that some of the Heroes might be building an orphanage for those who had lost their families in the war. That was something Billy wanted to be a part of. He definitely wanted to assess the Heroes and make sure they were trustworthy.

One day, Billy marched into a shop, exchanging his G for gil and buying a belt-pouch for ammo. The damn pants gunners wore in this world had no room in their pockets for ammunition, and Billy was sick of it. While he was accessorizing, he traded in the weird, flat shoes for a good pair of sturdy cowboy boots. He resolved to save the rest of his money for the orphan relief fund…which was hard, when he finally walked past a flier for O’aka’s Shop, with the prominent advertisement for the Thanatos Bullet. He studied the ad longingly before he moved on.

[ooc-Once again, feel free to run into Billy at any time during these comings and goings.]

[4. Holy Snap, ALIENS]

Well, that was happening. A little saucer lifted a cow through the air, and Billy was honestly too stunned to respond right away. If it was a large floating city like Shevat, he would’ve figured they were stocking their larders, but that tiny thing?

Billy drew a gun, lined up his shot, but then lowered the weapon. He didn’t want to hit the cow, who looked peeved, but not so tortured as to need mercy-killing.

“Ummm, any idea what that is?” he asked.

2

[her_rose_is_red]

Um, we're all working together to fix all the houses and buildings and stuff.

[Ib just happens to overhear that last question and is eager to reassure him that they really are doing their very best.]

[nc] umiko (nami)

[navigatortotheking]

Other Heroes

[Umiko arrives in the city days before the new heroes of light. She takes the time to settle in, only searching for the legendary heroes once she's heard word that more have suddenly appeared by the crystal of fire.

Her arms are crossed over her chest as she arrives to assess these heroes of light. She is skeptical about the legend but she isn't so blind to think that Crystallis isn't in trouble. She's caught word of some information but it isn't enough to satisfy her curiosity. She hopes to find answers with substance however she knows it won't come from those who've only recently woken up in her world.]

What did we sign up for?

[She glances over at Rudder who seems to be having the same thoughts.]

The City of Aqures Ixen

[Umiko tries not to let things get to her but she can't help but feel discouraged when it comes to the state of the city. She is able to find a room because of her new position and yet there are so many people who have no where to stay.

She feels bad about it but not bad enough to give up her apartment.

Rudder is floating by her side looking at the broken bits of the city with a similar expression.]

This is a mess.

[Umiko looks over at Rudder as if the little moogle had just stated the most obvious fact in the world.]

Close Encounters

You can't be serious.

[She looks up at the round disk in dismay.]

Rudder- Please tell me I'm not seeing this.

[The little moogle shakes his head.]

I'm seeing it too.

Great.

[This isn't what she needs. She is going to have to keep reminding herself why she replied to that letter. Happy thoughts Umiko. Her fingers idly play with the coin that is strung around her neck as if to pull comfort from the odd little piece.]

Re: [nc] umiko (nami)

[aero_dienamic]

The towering blonde woman gets right in the redhead's face.

"Mmmm, are you new here? You know, you have a very, veeeeeery familiar face." she says, leaning over, looking a bit intimidating with that heavy cloak over her shoulders. She hates wearing the thing but it's more... open and cooperative than the robes of a time mage...

And those conical hats... how tacky.

"I don't suppose your name is something like "Nami" is it?" she asks, smiling. You see, she knew a Nami from the last place she was from, and, as she said, they look terribly similar~

The City of Aqures Ixen (Hospital)

[heavenlyhonour]

Cold. It was the first thing that he noticed before blue mako eyes opened up. It was cold and now it felt like..he couldn't move. Angeal looked around and noticed his body encased in some sort of crystal which reminded him of the Lifestream.

Ever so slowly he felt like he could move again and the First Class Soldier looked around. No, this definitely wasn't the Lifestream. He'd just been with his mother and had been about to go get Zack who had fallen in battle against the army.

The blue eyes swept the room and revealed nothing except to remind him of Hollander's lab and that made him move just a little faster than he probably ordinarily would have. Turning, his eyes caught sight of a little white creature trying to tiptoe around on the cabinets. It promptly caught sight of the SOLDIER and fell off the counter onto the floor. A sigh escaped him at the antics, and it was one that he would've most certainly have given Zack.

Walking over to the thing, Angeal went to pick it up and to his surprise it started levitating with its little purple wings. If it could be said to smile, it was doing just that right about now at him face to face. "Oh you're a real hero of light trying to save me like that kupo!" it said. And then it did something like a bow while levitating. "My name is Ursa kupo and you're my hero!"

Angeal shook his head and sighed again. He'd seen many things in his life, but a talking moogle..was definitely going to be different.

The City of Aqures Ixen (Hospital)

[greenmagick]

Terra was at the hospital delivering flowers. Her shop has been doing well, more so after the recent destruction of the city however it would do better if she stopped giving away her flowers. She was walking past the rooms where the crystal figures sat when she heard a noise from inside.

Her curiosity pulled her forward, a green bob of hair peeking into the room while a bight set of blue eyes glanced at the strange faces of those sleeping in their crystal shell. She didn't recognize anyone except for those she had met in Crystallis; even those from her own world were foreign to her.

She almost dropped the daisies in her arms when she spotted the moogle and his companion. She hadn't actually expected to see anyone here and so she fumbled over what to say. "Excuse me. I didn't mean to interrupt."

She glanced between the two of them, a worried expression creasing her brow. She should probably go.

Minato Arisato | Persona 3 | I'll follow your format if you'd like prose!

[silencesfate]

1. A New World

[ Wake up?

"No thanks" is, what the boy really wanted to reply. It didn't matter how soothing she sounded--he felt this dream was special somehow. This dream... felt like nothing. Not like that there was no remarkable aspect, but that it felt like a cleansing emptiness. But it was a nothing that he wanted to lie in a while longer. He was very tired. He couldn't remember what it was that caused this, what he was doing before this. It was something very strange too, though. --That seemed to be the extent of what he could remember. His body feels heavy. Ahh, how troublesome, he thought. He just wanted to rest some more.

> ... !!

But what is that, a butterfly? It shone red, bright in the void. He hesitates, but raises a finger to give its edge a tap.

The voice beckoning him to awaken changed. Did it belong to someone else? He felt himself slowly regaining consciousness. There was some whirring noise, too. But he didn't really want to get up. No, he groaned internally, and kept his eyes shut.

"Let me sleep..." ]

H-hey... are you okay, kupo?

[ The Moogle sweats, hovering a bit over him. He hasn't stirred at all; there's no indicator he hears him. He frowns, worried. ]

Wh-what do I do kupo... He's not waking up.

[ From hereon, you can for example...
(a) Choose to look over the boy who is persistently sleeping even as everyone else is getting up,
(b) Have Kharon (the Moogle) get panicky enough to try ask for your help like "P-please! He's not getting up!"
(c) Suggest a method to jolt him up (sorry Minato)
(d) Do something else entirely! ]

2. Actually Awake

[ A lot of trouble later still closeby to where he and the other new Heroes woke up, the teenager is looking at his new garb with a blank expression. Despite this, his words are clearly of discontentment about this new ordeal that he's been dragged into. It's not intentionally scornful, but factual. He didn't know anything, and they--whoever they were, were asking a lot. ]

Even if they're asking us to save the world... that's so troublesome. Who is this Queen, and what are these prophecies... to deal with monsters, wars... I can't agree with this.

[ He sighs. So much for having a normal school life. He briefly wonders if this had anything to do with that piece of paper he signed a few nights back. Should've read the fine print. ]

3. Around the City

[ His apprehension from earlier takes a more somber tone, when he wanders around, and sees the destruction that happened upon the city. Mind, he still didn't think there was much he could really do. But if it looked like this, then they must have been truly desperate. ]

...

[ He doesn't wander much as a whole, and seems to pass by with disinterest as compared to more excitable newcomers. But his gazes are held, to the scenes of ruins and reconstruction. He takes out the red crystal he had acquired in the start of this, looking at it and seemingly contemplating his next move. But he doesn't approach anyone, or say anything. It's not like he'll spurn conversation though, if someone else initiates it.
--And on a much sillier note, on other days, you might just find him dozing off somewhere. Really, why did he get summoned as a Hero...? ]

4. ???

Ah...

[ Minato blinks, looking at the sky. Even with all the things that have been happening to him in the past few days, that was truly something else. Briefly he thinks about the well-being of the cow. And then, it somehow reminded him of his stomach. He absently murmurs out loud: ]

... I wonder if they do food delivery.

1. Either A or B (or a combination of Both...)

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia's made it her job to circle around the crystal at least a few times a day now, in the middle of her rounds as courier. Better to help intercept and maybe get the new arrivals not feeling so lost. She remembered easily what it was like waking up; at least these guys weren't captives.

Noticing a moogle start to get slightly panicky, she headed in that direction. Lydia was utterly silent, thanks to her Job, and observed for a bit before speaking up.]

He might just be a heavy sleeper. May I try?

The City of Aqures Ixen

[areasontohope]

He had absolutely no idea where he was. And someone basically handed him a piece of paper that said that he had to find his room in B-07 in the 14th District. And so here he stood, amethyst eyes blinking in confusion at the paper. Yuki was at the right place, but still he stood outside.

He frowned and sighed, as his moogle kept getting underfoot (he wasn't quite sure what to make of them in general) "Shiori!" he protested as the moogle flapped its wings to look up at him over the piece of paper.

"I just want to read the paper kupo! I like to read too you know!'

Sighing, Yuki looked at the creature. It was weird being assigned something to care for because the only things he'd ever looked after really was his garden and now this..creature called a moogle. And he had to stop her somehow from referring to him as a 'hero.'

But suddenly she snatched his paper and as soon as the moogle let go, the paper flipped this way and that, and Yuki went after it, with Shiori right behind him. He finally managed to get the paper back and Yuki dusted off his long coat that was uncomfortable in.

The City of Aqures Ixen

[goddessofthesky]

The girl caught the paper by accident, looking at it curiously when Yuki comes running into view. Her long blond hair is tied up and her dress black as she looked at the new hero.

"Are you alright?"

Zelda had been planning to stop by home before running off again. With the city slowly being repaired she was always busy. She hadn't seen Yuki with the other heroes waking up but she knew most of the heroes and seeing the moogle by his side was a significant clue. Her expression softened as she carefully held up the paper that had blow towards her.

"Here. This you yours."

Fon Master Ion

[whowasfon]

[The City of Aqures Ixen:]

[There are a lot of confused new heroes wandering the city today and Ion is no exception. Well, except for the lack of a moogle companion. Not that he wasn't assigned one. No, Mogjamin Kupel just had better things to do than babysit.

Let's backtrack. Mogsey, as he prefers to be called, gave only the briefest of explanations to his 'hero' when the boy awoke. Mostly because he was more focused on asking Ion questions about himself to get a better idea of his general capabilities. This little moogle has some big plans. He's seen all the perks the heroes get, perks a clever moogle could easily exploit. Clearly, bustin' his back for mognet is a fool's game. That's why he signed himself up to get one of these 'heroes.' And now he's on his way to the big time!

True, Time Mage/ Summoner was not a combination he would've picked, but they can work with that for now. Plus the kid seems to be the naive trusting sort, which should make him easier to manipula- er, work with. Yeah, that's the ticket. But this is why Ion got the cliff's notes version of the situation he's in, along with his new address and a promise that 'Anyone in this city'd be tickled pink to answer all yer questions kid. I watch 'em do it every couplea months, kupo.'

So that's how Ion was left to explore the city on his own. Admittedly, it's something of a novelty for him to be able to walk around a big city like this completely unescorted. The black robes that came with the Time Mage job are little strange too. He's never worn anything except the white and green robes of the Fon Master before. For now, he's just wandering through the city and trying to get his bearings. He lingers near the library.]

Maybe they would lend me a map...

[That would at least help him find his assigned house.]


[Close Encounters of the Third Kind:]

[That sure is a cow that just got pulled up into the sky. Ion's first instinct is to try to stop it, but he hesitates. Maybe... maybe that's normal around here? Could that be just the way livestock is transported? But maybe the cow was being stolen... At any rate, it's gone now.

Hm... He turns to the nearest person.]

Um, does that... happen often?

Close Encounters

[bag_has_snapped]

[And there's Tsubomi standing there, blinking as the UFO took the cow away and disappeared, her Moogle and Fairy companion both staring at it in disbelief.]

...no, th-that's the first time I've seen something like that.

[oldspyce]

[ Waking Up / The Other Heroes]

Raven couldn't exactly agree with this Hero of Light statement. Their standards were a little low if they recruited someone like him. His fingers pressed against his chin as he evaluated his situation. Not that his world was in any real peril anymore, he still wasn't sure if that constituted this world taking him to solve its problems.

"Hero of Light ya say?"

"That's correct, kupo!"

"Sorry. Not interested. I'm gettin too old fer this stuff." With that Raven would casually move on, seeking an "out". If there was one. How did world traveling work anyway? He's been through a lot of things, but none quite like this.

"Y-you can't just leave! Kupo."

Will anyone stop him? Not that he can go anywhere. Still, he wasn't very convinced with the moogle's display and information. Or lack thereof.

[ The City of Aqures Ixen ]

Now that he was situated, for the most part, he may as well start making a living until he could leave. A simple glance at the city told him that Heran Empires attack actually happened. If this country was dealing with political conflict, that would complicate the world's problem overall. It was difficult just getting one alliance to fight for a cause. Getting everyone in on it took time and establishing. How were they supposed to fight this proclaimed Calamity when they were still battling other countries?

Raven took a gander around the city. Witnessing the Triple Triad, and the Mognet Office and the airship port. The airship port being the most interesting attraction thus far. Probably because the only form of air travel was provided by Ba'ul of all things, and this world already achieved such transit on technology alone.

To the closest person next to him, he asked: "Say, how long do ya think they've had Airships for?"

[ Close Encounters of the Third Kind ]

He did happen to make his way to the outskirts. If Raven was going to be spending a prolong amount of time here, he wanted to become acquainted with the city. It didn't do him any good if he didn't know where he was or where to go if he ever got in a bind. And by the sounds of it, people came and went all the time. For all he knew, he could be here alone with no one to turn to, and he couldn't exactly go off dying when he was indebted to Brave Vesperia.

As he was making his rounds, he did in fact watch a cow get abducted. Just when he was adjusting to his new setting too.

"I didn't sign up fer this."

[3]

[dammit_flynn]

"Yeah, well none of us signed up for any of this stuff, but here we are."

Yo, What's up Raven, your favourite sarcastic prick just found you talking to yourself while he was going on his merry way. Of course, Yuri didn't even sound like he was surprised to see Raven. Hell, he was probably glad to have the old fart hanging around again. It had been kind of lonely without Flynn to harass, and well seeing in the damn Crystal all the time didn't help his mood.

Not that he particularly thought that his best friend wouldn't wake up. It was just the thought of him and other people he knew in that crystal that set him on edge. At least, he found someone he could harass talk to again.

Yuichiro Hyakuya | Seraph of the End | will match action if that's your preference!

[destroy_all_vamps]

-Aqures Ixen-

Growing up in a post-apocalyptic world, destroyed buildings are something he's kind of used to seeing. So that isn't the part that has him storming through this place, demanding answers of anyone who looks remotely capable of giving them. A frustrated-looking, green moogle is doing her very best to get him to stop long enough to hear her out.

His voice is raised as he finally shouts at her, "Look, I don't have time to talk to you! I've got people to find, damn it!"

Tiny arms wave as she finally starts matching his tone, "I'm trying to explain the reason you might not find anyone from home, kupo!"

"If I'm here, then why the hell wouldn't any of them be?! We were together, last I checked! Besides, Mika and Guren are hurt, so I'm not risking it! Just shut up and get out of my way, already!"

"I...don't know who they are, but I do hope they're all right. But. if you would just stop running off, I could explain some things that might help reassure you! Kupoooo! I need to explain your Job Classes and all that! For the love of kupo, just listen!"

No such luck. Yuichiro's a stubborn idiot too busy ignoring her, in favor of continuing in those rapid steps. If he seems angry, it's because he is. Not necessarily at his moogle or any of the people he aggressively questions, but at the situation itself. Last he'd checked... Mika had been...! It's with clenched teeth, he will finally stop at one point and glare down at the ground. Is this an opportunity for his moogle to finally be able to talk to him...?

...Sadly not.

-Wait, what...??-

He's seen quite a few things, but... a cow being sucked into a flying... whatever-it-was?

By this point, he's no longer frantically searching the streets. Instead, he's taking a moment to just sit and huff think about his situation. He asked Akane to leave him alone for a little while, which is something she all-too-gladly agreed to.

So, he's...been chosen to help this world, or something? He's yet to fully listen to anything about this world's condition, so in his mind... his own world's situation is far worse. Besides, his family is there. Not here. They're more important to him than this damn place could ever be!

It doesn't help he's stuck as a...blood sucker, of all things. For anyone who knows him, they probably wouldn't be surprised to learn that he's going to be doing everything to find a way to change to another Job. There's no way in hell he could ever feel comfortable in his own skin this way. Eventually, a very frustrated growl will be cutting into the evening air as he punches a poor, innocent tree during this...tantrum, of sorts.

"This is stupid! I need to be back home, not...here. Don't any of us get a say in helping this place... They can pick someone else!"

-Roommate Saga-

He'll be arriving to his home that night, pretty drained...yet not sleepy.

It's late, but not super late. He hadn't been thinking about his level of noise upon entering, either. When he sees that someone else seems to already be here, he blinks. So...he's going to be living with someone else. Naturally, he wants to know who they are, before he just makes his way to where ever he'll be sleeping.

He doesn't have the energy to do much beyond...simply walk further into the place, looking for the other person.

[ugly_vampire]

A normal person probably would have been surprised by these exotic, wondrous sights. The city isn’t fully intact, but the buildings are different from what he usually sees. Not to mention, the little furballs that are all too eager to share news with their heroes. Mikaela is less than impressed, and shows it by the way he looks at everything with complete indifference. He only tolerates the Moogle flying around him, because she isn’t a human or a vampire. Plus, she can give him information without having to talk directly to a human. He doesn’t plan on sending anyone letters, however. Who the hell is he supposed to write to?

Why should he even care about what happens to this world?

He doesn’t. It can crumble around him, and his only regret would be not seeing Yu again. He had been so close… if not for Ferid and those humans… he could have reclaimed Yu. His only remaining family. His sole reason for continuing to fight and live on, just so they can reunite again, one day. Like hell that would happen in this world, where he can’t do anything to save Yu from those filthy creatures using him… The only good thing about being here, is somehow losing his vampire nature. He hasn’t been human in four years… and for once, the bloodthirst is gone.

After sending Shinoa out to do something useful, Mikaela continues on his way. When he suddenly hears a familiar voice, he blinks, feeling both his pulse and breath slow. He misses Yu more than anyone else still alive, so his mind could be tricking him, like a defensive mechanism. Reminding him of his failure in Shinjuku, which just serves as motivation to get even stronger. Almost on automation, Mikaela keeps walking forward, until he sees…

“Yu…?”

Stumbling in "victoriously."

[shinra_dog]

Arrival:

Reno sat up with a start, violently enough that he could have taken out any unfortunate soul leaning over him. He clutched at his chest, coughing and gasping for air.

Air.

There was air and light, and voices... It wasn't the sea. He looked around uncertainly, not sure if this was another part of Thanatos' realm or if he was truly alive. And if he was alive... then where the hell was he?

Other Heroes:

What "information" his moogle gave him went, for the most part, in one ear and out the other. It wasn't that he didn't care, exactly, but it was a lot to process -- and that was on a good day. After dying? Nearly impossible.

What was on his mind was the singular goal he'd had when he'd stolen that little boat to begin with: find Kyo. Reno wandered among the other heroes, slowly absorbing more of the information rather than listening all at once, and occasionally he'd ask a question or two. Otherwise, he'll be found meandering about the temple, examining the crystal and his immediate surroundings.

Aqures Ixen:

Reno passed up the games of Triple Triad, still feeling exhausted and uneasy. There was a lot to focus on, and he simply didn't have the brainpower to funnel any of it into cards. What would a proper Turk do? Get to know the city. Explore the streets, learn the landmarks, the important places. Admittedly, the city being half destroyed didn't help, but Reno couldn't help feeling relieved that whatever had caused the damage seemed to be gone.

Roommates, B-04:

"O-Oh," Reno managed, seeing who'd opened the door. "Uh, hi."

Arrival/Other Heroes (this will go well)

[ninjainviolet]

And that unfortunate soul--make that souls--was Sheena and her Moogle Corrine. Sheena was able to react in time and get out of the way, but Corrine... Poor thing got knocked back several feet, making the ninja call out his name in concern.

He was a tough little guy and was soon flying back to land on her shoulder a Sheena turned back to the red-head, her brows knitting together when she saw his distress. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she said, "Calm down and take a deep breath. It's okay. You're okay."

The first half being relative, of course. And hey, at least he hadn't woken up in a stream of water, right?

[cawesome]

One, Man About Town

[Hey look, it's yet another fresh-faced youngster heading away from the Fire Crystal. He seems to be cheerful enough, judging by the smile on his face, in spite of the dark robes and gigantic hat marking him as a Black Mage. Then, if you wander close enough, you can hear the conversation he's having with a black-furred moogle floating near his shoulder.]

Sooooo, to sum it up: I've been kidnapped to another universe and I have to earn my way back atop a mountain of dead monsters?

[If this were that kind of setting, the moogle would spontaneously generate a large sweatdrop. As it were, he just favored his assigned human with a blank look. This was going to be one of those days months years?.] I don't know if I'd put it in that many words, kupo.

Oh, pssh. No need to be coy about it, I know the score.

[Ladies and gentlebeings, Crystallis' newest hero.]

Two, Residents and Visitors of House B-12

[So somebody thought to subject other people to Henry. That was downright thoughtful of them! One of his prospective roommates even had a familiar name. So Henry introduced himself by banging open the door (it wasn't that hard since he had a key) and shouting:]

HEY ROBIN! YOUR CRAZY PLAN WORKED!

[Of course, this raised several questions. Questions like 'what if this was somebody else named Robin?' and 'what crazy plan?' and 'who gave this grinning lunatic a key?'. All very good questions which Henry completely ignored as he continued in a more normal tone of voice.]

It's kind of too bad I didn't get to make anybody walk the plank though...

Three, Close Encounters of the Third Kind

...huh. [Welp, that alien abduction certainly was a thing. Henry tapped his chin thoughtfully.] Well, I guess that makes sense. I guess even space aliens like steak. Do you think they like it extra-rare too?

[Because of course he liked his meat still bleeding.]

Four, The Hospital

[Somehow, somebody has told Henry that there's another version of him lying in the hospital. That had to be seen to be believed. And so there was a young man in Black Mage garb standing by one of the hospital beds, poking the cheeks of a crystal statue that looked like...well...him.]

This is soooo weird. [He must not have been too perturbed, though, as he was still smiling and his voice had the tone of a young boy playing with mud.] Isn't this violating causality or something? Am I causing a time paradox? Because if I am, that would be pretty neat.

[His moogle, who's floating nearby, lets out a long-suffering sigh.]

One, Man About Town

[goddessofthesky]

[Her long blond hair is wound up on top of her head so that the mass of gold is out of her way. Her dress is a simple black meant to mourn those lost.]

Henry?

[Zelda is sure that she had just seen the hero in the hospital when she stopped by. Her tone was soft and a little worried as she approached the young boy. He's rather hard to forget and she hadn't much carried for cleaning his blood out of her carpet. This boy might not have any memory of that but she isn't about to let it happen again.]

I'm sorry. You might not know me. I'm Zelda. I'm also a hero of light.

[Though her moogle is no where to be found.]

[dolente]

      WAKING + OTHER HEROES.
"Eh? Already?" she could have sworn she'd only just fallen asleep. Yesterday had been draining, and the restless night she'd had didn't help anything. But in her half-dozing state when she reached over to smack the snooze button -- she found herself pressing down on something furry and warm instead. "Maaa, Kyuubey, just five more minutes," she groaned, turning over to her other side, realizing quickly that the hard surface of the ground certainly wasn't the bed she remembered going to sleep in.

"Not Kyuubey," a voice corrected, "Kyuupo. I'll be your partner here in Crystallis."

Both of those things were enough to jolt her upright, looking around at the unfamiliar area -- then down at her new clothes. "Wh... what the -- ! Did you say Crystallis?!"

      CITY OF AQURES IXEN.
All right, so it wasn't some kind of tricky barrier. At least, that's not what it seemed like. But Sayaka's guard was still up as she made her way through the city, pausing every once in awhile to look over some of the reconstruction more closely, as though she was still trying to decide whether it was all real or not. So far, it was checking out, at least according to the pinch she'd given herself earlier.

"This place looks like it's been through a lot..."
"There was a battle here recently. The Empire tried to invade, kupo. There were lots of casualties on both sides."

Sayaka swallowed the lump in her throat, seeing what was probably the remains of someone's house -- hoping the occupants had somehow made it out alive. "And now they're looking for a bunch of heroes, huh?" Talk about pressure...

      HOUSE C1.
"Jeez, I don't know, Kyuupo, just sharing with strangers right off the bat? That seems a little awkward, doesn't it?" A short ways away from the house, Sayaka was wrestling with hereself over the idea of going in. It wasn't as though she had anywhere else to go, and most of the others didn't seem so bad, but still... "Not that there's much choice I guess," she added with a sigh, while her moogle floated about, ears flicking.

"It would be better than wandering around at night, especially since your jobs are still such low levels."

She didn't like that, but he had a point. Frowning, she reluctantly set forth again with a quiet, "Yeah..." knowing that it was true. She needed to get stronger, any find out why she couldn't use her real powers here... and on top of that, a way to get back.

She stepped up to the door, hesitated, then finally knocked before trying the knob, and pushing the door open. "Hello? Is anyone home?"

CITY OF AQURES IXEN.

[goddessofthesky]

"They've actually then looking for awhile."

Zelda's voice was soft and a small smile played across her lips as she spoke. Her long blond hair was tightly wound upon her head and she wore a simple black dress in mourning of those who lost their lives to the battle. Her bright blue eyes were somehow accented by the dark colors making them shine like crystals as they stepped next to the young girl. "It's been awhile since the first group of heroes were called."

Her voice was serious but her tone remained light. Things were grim but Zelda was the sort to look at the happy side and remain a bright light for those who needed it.

"I'm sorry, I'm Zelda. I'm a hero as well though Kopula has flown a head of me." He's an easily excitable moogle.

Darkness Enters the Hunter

[sacredancestor]

1. THE OTHER HEROES

[The horse shifted underneath D as he chased the carriage, metallic hooves echoing hollow against crumbling cobblestone. Then blackness swallowed up the moon, the road, everything. Thrown forward, D twisted his body in midair to catch himself before he fell face first into the nothingness. Colours, images and reels of memory swirled around him too fast to identify completely, yet he knew them all. Lived through every one of them. D watched, making no headway, until the last changed, solidifying into a woman not quite as tall but with that familiar, painful reflection and those haunting eyes. She reached out to him as he felt compelled to do likewise, her mouth forming one silent word: D]

Wake up. [A flying cat wearing a wide-brimmed traveler's hat flitted about, its crimson ball bobbed inches from the vampire hunter's face, attached to an antenna.] Wake up, kupo.

Left Hand? [D straightened to his full six foot three height, feeling the comfort of his thick, black cloak fall over his shoulders.]

Left Hand, kupo? [The creature laughed as if amused by an unspoken, private joke, but didn't offer another name to correct his taciturn Hero. Maybe he felt the given name suited him better than whatever name he received at birth. Regardless, Left Hand proceeded to inform the frowning hunter where he was and what he was meant to become.

D listened intently, occasionally checking his body for cuts, bruises, anything that could make heads or tails as to how he came to such a bizarre place and state of being. Everything was gone - well not his hat or cloak - and there was the familiar weight of his sword pressing against his back; but his computer, blood capsules, armour and other weapons were no longer on his person, replaced with lace ruffles and rich velvet clothing. Clothing that the Nobility frequently wore. Thinking about that caused D to shift in his leather boots in slight discomfort.]

So you are telling me that I am a Hero of Light destined to save this world whenever it needs help. That I am now a full blooded Noble... And a dragoon... Whatever that is...

Yes, kupo.

[Crossing his arms, D looked out at the land before him. Judging by the thick stone walls and nearby altar, he stood in a temple. Other people, many wearing different garments but also had strange, flying cats explaining things crowded around him. He could feel their aura beginning to suffocate him or maybe it was the intense heat coming off the large red crystal glowing bright as a star get from him. A twitch brought him to glance down at a replica of that damned crystal, only smaller, raising in his left hand. His eyes narrowed searching the now plain palm. An emptiness far deeper than shallow recognition beat at his heart. Emptiness he never knew before. No one was reading his thoughts or teasing him of being ignorant. Strangely, here felt a part of him missing the companionship.

Scowling, D pulled his hat down, further masking his eyes and striking his features so neither tics nor drooping eyelids would betray his slight discomfort. Now, Left Hand hovered inches from D's face, curious and quiet. D shifted, pretending to shake invisible dirt from his pants and pushed forward. Going into the city would provide more answers, D suspected, to his present situation than this... Moogle... Would]

Come.

2. CITY of AQURES IXEN

[Taking in the entirety of the city, D noticed the dilapidated buildings and reconstruction. Nearby, more Moogles for aimlessly around while some followed more people like him. Possibly more Heroes of Light. A larger crowd flicked around people playing am intricate card game. None held D's fascination for long especially with the press of the crowd. He saw a station where an airship docked with passengers milling hither and thither, possibly boarding to another destination. The vampire hunter made note of possibly boarding one when there were fewer people around. Briefly, he wondered if they traveled at night, but cast that question away just add quick. Nothing seemed to beg for his spercific expertise, certainly nothing crying out for help.]

Doesn't look like this city needs my help.

[Turning toward the 11th District where his Moogle informed his new quarters resided, D went to see if he could find someplace welcome, out of the sunlight.]

3. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS of the THIRD KIND

[Night felt calmer and inviting D to venture from his room after a nice nap. The gnawing hunger that seemed to come with what the Moogle called 'his job' was pricing infuriating Not new, but just more intense than when he was a dhampir. Maybe a nightly stroll under the moon would alleviate the symptoms when a little. Outside, he gazed at the foreign stars in a sky different from his own, but no less welcoming. That's when the ship flew overhead carrying the cow. D watched it until it disappeared with one eyebrow raised, making another mental note. Perhaps this world suffered from night clouds too.]

3. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS of the THIRD KIND

[greenmagick]

[Terra isn't often out this late at night. There are times when hr nightmares force her from her sleep but in this case she was searching for something particular. A rare flower that is said to only bloom when the moon is hanging high in the sky. Slowly, that orb made it's way up the dark sky as Terra walks through the grassy plans.

She misses the ship and the cow only looking up to see an unfamiliar shadow. She isn't sure what to do except that shadow appears to be human shaped so she doesn't want to just blindly attack it.]

Hello?

[Her voice is soft, her thin fingers gently pulling at the end of her dress.]

[nobugs]

1) Close Encounters of the Third Kind

[Kija doesn't believe what he has just witnessed. It was one of the most surreal things he has ever seen, and that was coming from someone who has inherited divine dragon blood.

Which is why he will probably shout at the next passing person.]

I saw a flying cow! Is this normal for this world?!


2) In front of House C-01

[Kija has been assigned House C-01. After probably wandering around a bit too much, he is very much exhausted and hopes he got it right this time. He's still a bit hesitant, feeling as if it's rude to just walk in, so he takes some time to look at it, sit in front of it in hopes someone passes by but this only ends in him making a unpleasant encounter with a bug.]

No, no! Get away from me!

[And he jumps around as if something is hunting him.

If he encounters nobody, he will finally knock.]

Excuse me?

1

[charming_jerk]

[The closest person nearby happens to be a strange-looking fellow, who seems just as confused as Kija.]

N....o. Nope. That's a new one on me. That was, like, somethin' straight out of a movie. Or an X-Files episode.

[ohhwell]

A. The Other Heroes

[ Yaaawn. ] I never seen such a big airship like that before. I didn't even know they existed.

[ Mostly talking to himself out loud here! Although, maybe this is directed towards anyone that hears it? Who knows! ] Hm... Hm... Hero, huh. [ Chara rubs the back of his head, awkwardddd. ] I wonder if I have a choice. Do we?

[ A careless shrug. ]

Ehh... Are they sure they picked the right guy for this? It's kinda funny.

B. The City of Aqures Ixen

Ahh, I miss my old clothes. What is with this anyway? I'm sure I can do my job just fine in my old ones. [ Damn! He'll definitely be missing his old leather. What if he gets cut in his new clothes? It'll rip right through the fabric by the looks of it. How can he sneakily get away if he's bleeding? The real questions, honestly... ]

Your name... By the way. [ To his moogle- this creature looks weird, but Chara didn't particularly question why he's with such an odd creature. Eh, it's cute? ] Goethe, huh. You have good taste. I still feel like this hero thing doesn't fit me. [ A pause. ]

"We will burn that bridge when we come to it." Is what Goethe would say... You know. I'm not fit for it. [ Ugh... Whatever, really. Maybe he can just go to the apartment he's been given, apparently? Maybe he can actually ask someone for directions: ]

Yoo there! I'm looking for B-11, I sort of live there now. I guess. Mind lending a hand?

C. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

[ Uhmmm. That's weird. ] Hehe, uwoah! Really? Did you see that?

Ehh... I wonder where it went. Do you think we can follow it?

[ He squints into the distance. Maybe not. ]

other heroes;

[fusedshadows]

If there's one thing you should know -- it's that they don't care who is or isn't suited for this job.

( midna floated into view, her palms upturned as she shook her head. she, too, didn't really think she was cut out for this sort of thing. after a moment, she crossed her small arms over her chest, tilting her head )

So you just arrived, hm? Tell me, why do you think it's funny they picked you?

[foodchaining]

Other Heroes
CRUNCH

The new arrival snaps away a significant hunk of the apple clenched in her hand, gulping it down before sinking her teeth in once again. A significantly pronounced canine punctures the skin first. The young dragoon stands, leaning some of her weight casually onto her spear. Although she surely must have many questions, the girl's moogle is nowhere to be seen. Resting on the ground beside her is a bag filled to the brim with apples.

She has removed herself from the main group, eyeing everyone over as they listened to explanations from the flying familiars. They seemed confused, disoriented sure - but, all together buying it.

You don't just trust something off the bat like that. Alright granted, maybe they were cute looking like plushies, kind of like Kyuubey and there was nothing to be afraid of there. Much the same, he'd asked her to fight. That was different though, she had been given a choice. These things stole people from their homes, what kind of choice was that? Everyone was just trusting them? Were they really just going to fight for this world? What was in it for them? Did people have no survival instincts, or were they just all together stupid?

Couldn't they tell they were being tricked?

The next bite is ferocious, sinking nearly to the core, the back of the red head's hand moves to wipe up a trail of juice that escaped. Instead of it simply falling away from her face however, she moves the back of her wrist up to her lips, licking the liquid off before returning to her ritualized eating.

"Idiots."


The City
Walking lazily through a divided city - split between ruins and "under construction", Kyoko cradles a half empty bag of apples under one arm. At one point she pauses suddenly to gawk openly, staring at a giant yellow bird. Her looks unsettle the handler when he notices, even though the ranger must be used to such things from new arrivals - making him hurry the Chocobo along as she follows after it with her eyes.

"G...giant chicken."

"There you are...k..kupo."

Features growing hard, Kyoko turns to look at her moogle, red ponytail trails after her with the motion.

"What do you want?"

She's bobbing low to the ground in distress, head hanging. The small Crystallis native is clearly holding back tears. Their initial meeting had gone far from well.

"I'm supposed to make sure you're safe...you're a new hero and..."

"I'll figure it out Kupomi, like I warned you before, leave me alone."

"But...you don't even know where your place is and all the things you need to know or..."

Red eyes bore into the creature, the weight of the girl's stare forcing the antennaed creature to sink fully to the ground. Kyoko simply saunters right past, completely ignoring her. Leaving Kupomi looking defeated and now, truly in tears.

"You...your house is C-001." With that, paws to her eyes, the hero's small companion...well, her assigned one at least, shoots away into the sky.

The City

[silencesfate]

"... I know you don't have to agree with them about certain things and settling in, but... that Moogle."

This was really none of his business, and yet, the blue-haired stranger not too far off found himself still saying something. It wasn't like he was eavesdropping purposely, but in the general silence of the street, it was hard not to hear the breaking of the Moogle's voice, in response to her charge's blunt words.

He had regretted the words as soon as they came out of his mouth, even before getting a proper reaction from the girl. What was he doing, being confrontational? That was troublesome and it's not like he knew either of them.

It was too late now though, what's said is said.

His face remains looking skyward, wondering if he should go after the Moogle and console her somewhat. They were dang fast though, he probably won't be able to find her.

[meega_nala_kweesta]

[The Other Heroes]

[In his short existence, this has to be the worst headache Stitch had ever suffered. Even counting the tractor-trailer that one time.]

Welcome to Aquares Ixen, kupo! I'm so happy to see that you arrived safely. You-kupo are one of the Warriors of Light, and...

[There's some kind of small flying alien jabbering on about something, but Stitch is too preoccupied with the gonging in his head to pay much attention. With a groan, the six-limbed, furry blue creature stirs, rubbing his head with one paw and steadying himself with the other five - blinking blearily, antennae twitching, he looks about, ignoring the Moogle jabbering cheerfully at him for the moment while he looks for Lilo.]

Where...am I? Where is Lilo?

[The Moogle adjusts a tiny pair of spectacles and pauses, peering down at Stitch over them.]

Please pay attention-kupo! You are in Aquares Ixen, and you are one of the new Heroes of Light. I'm not sure what 'Lilo' is-kupo; I have not heard of any places by that name. Now, returning to the suject...

[And there he goes on the spiel again; Stitch has no patience or attention to spare for it, as he looks about for his friend with increasing panic. Lilo could be lost, or hurt, and he's standing about listening to some kind of flying stuffed animal jabber on. There's no time for this!]

Meega-o-itume. Iko patoota!

[As the Moogle pauses at the unintelligible interruption, Stitch looks around and spots a convenient fountain - he'll be better able to find Lilo from higher up! Leaving the Moogle behind - though he squeaks in alarm and flaps his tiny wings to catch up - Stitch scampers through the square to climb up the fountain, surprised at how weak and slow he feels compared to normal - and noticing belatedly that he's clad in heavy, dark-colored armor, dragging him down more - until, halfway up the fountain's edifice, a claw slips and Stitch finds himself falling toward the flagstones below!]


[The City of Aquares Ixen]

[No Lilo. No friends. No food. At least he got rid of the Moogle, though it'll probably find him later.

Stitch is a small and very grumpy little alien as he scampers through the streets, but the smell of baking wafts through the air and makes him pause dead in his tracks - his black armor clanking faintly - before heading inexorably in that direction. A whole tray of fresh-baked buns sit on a windowsill, cooling, seemingly unattended.

Stitch is no longer the unthinking force of destruction that he once was, but his stomach growls, demanding attention...and old habits die hard.]

Thief! Thief! Stop, thief!

[The smash of breaking furniture and a rumble that could well be part of a building collapsing floats through the air, and with a triple-armful of buns, Stitch runs down the street away from a very angry shop owner - but he's so much slower here than he was back home, and they're catching up!]

Stitch Chase!

[theendiswherewestartfrom]

Ordinarily, when they get word that there is a new batch of Heroes in town, Jack saunters over, in hopes of seeing someone familiar. The sight that greets him on the way through the city, though? Oh, it's familiar, but not in a way that he would have ever expected.

Eyebrows are up in the air in sheer shock, as what is clearly a blue-furred alien is running away, odd number of arms carrying- sticky buns? Ooh, those smell good. But he's also wearing a style of armor that is familiar to Jack. Pretty anthrocentric if everybody thought all the heroes were going to be human. Telling a new alien species hello? Yup, this is what you need Jack for.

"Scuse me, pardon me," chasing alongside Stitch, rather than trying to run him down. "You do know you have to pay for those, right?"

Scrooge McDuck || Disney Comics

[mcduck]

1/ The Other Heroes
"And I repeat you won't have a penny!"

The Moogle looked down as he had difficulties explaining to Scrooge that this wasn't a kidnapping attempt to get money out of him, but legitimately a world-travelling experience. He desperately looked around him before settling on the other Heroes of Light.

"K-Kupo...! They'll tell you I'm not lying, Kupo!"

Asking the other ones around? Of course they'd corroborate his story, the Moogle most likely had paid them in exchange for a generous percentage on the ransom. He shook his head and then approached the closer hero.

"How much did this plushie pay you to keep up with its lies?"


2/ The City of Aqures Ixen
Past the initial shock and disbelief, this was an incredible opportunity! A new world filled with undiscovered treasures and more knowledge for him to take in. Yes of course there was this 'Calamity' to take into account, but the other 'Heroes' were there to deal with it. Besides, if these people had taken him to this world, surely they had to know what he would do once there. And that is when, after walking through the city for a moment, he noticed something. Or rather, the lack of something. Thus, he turned to the Moogle.

"Where is the bank?"

"The bank...? Oh, we have a small one in the Ninth District."

One bank, for such a big city? That was strange, and wasn't the ninth district dedicated to Moogles. he frowned and was about to be on his way, when suddenly it all made sense. Disbelief then a hunger for money crossed his eyes as he turned back to the Moogle.

"... You don't have a proper banking system?"

He spoke the words with disbelief, but soon he rubbed his hands together. Indeed, this world was filled with countless opportunities for adventure! None of the heroes of Light before him had established a proper banking system, or so it seemed... He would have to be fast and create the McDuck bank to establish his monopoly over the banking system of this world before anyone he could. He had been here barely for hours, but already become the richest person in this world seemed to be a very attainable objective.

The Moogle though seemed very worried to see Scrooge like that on his end.

"M-Mister McDuck...? Are you alright, Kupo?"

1

[helpsheroes]

"Plushie?" With Ravio was both his moogle and Sheerow. Ravio had no idea what this animal was talking about, but he was more than happy to chime in. Especially since this is probably a new Hero of Light to arrive.

"Ah! You mean the moogle! He didn't pay me anything! You must be a new Hero of Light! The name's Ravio and I'm a Hero of Light too!" Loosely. He still let the others do all the dangerous, exhausting work, but he helped out where he could.

[damn_juicebox]

Still apart from the others, Rukia Kuchiki was examining her new body, completely perplexed. Her thin brows were drawn inward, a small frown on her face as she stared at her palm and flexed her fingers. She was human now, according to the Moogle that stood patiently beside her, arms folded behinds its back. Rukia had never known what it was to be "human" given that in the living world, she had died as an infant. Growing up in the Soul Society was all she'd known.

It didn't feel the same as it did wearing a gigai, or false body that a shinigami inhabited to traverse the living world without drawing undue attention. Her responses were more in tune with her thoughts. But she felt...heavy. And her ability to feel the presence of others was gone.

Rukia lifted her elbow, then glanced back over her shoulder. As far as she could tell, her appearance hadn't changed. Even her clothing wasn't all that different from what she normally wore as a soul reaper. But this sword certainly wasn't her zanpakuto, she she felt vulnerable without it.

"If you wished for a hero, I would have been far more capable to assist in my original form," she stated, turning her attention back to the small creature standing before her.

It shrugged. "It is what it is, kupo. I don't have any control over things like that!"

[silencesfate]

Minato had made something of a small commotion with his lack of movement earlier; making people think they had brought in a comatose (or dead) Hero, but now he was up and looking around for a bit, decidedly... well, kind of... alive? In the end, even while awake sometimes he seems to be in a zombie state that just goes about directionless. His Moogle followed behind him, awkwardly. Maybe their combined lack of presence even let them wander closeby while being mostly unnoticed.

The Moogle approached after a small distance of flapping, while his charge stared off into the scenery.

"If you're willing to help, then... that's already one thing kupo!"

Kharon tried to be reassuring, with a tiny smile. It was a lot more than could be said for his own boy, who he turned to with a dejected expression. But he looks back at Rukia and continues.

"It's true, we don't really understand much about how it works. But you have new powers too that can become very great powers, kupo."

[bloominggenius]

1.) The Other Heroes

It would not be the first time that she had awoken to a strange and unfamiliar world after being asleep for what seemed like ages. Eyes do their best to adjust and take in the almost blinding light as she awakes, rubbing the exhaustion from her lids as the inventor begins to focus on close by objects.

There was a lot to take in, information banging around her usually receptive head. Much of it had been like juicing a non-compliant grapefruit, arduous and full of questions concerning "why?" and "how?". So had been her conversation with the nervous and neurotic creature that called itself 'Serori'; a series of "why?" and "how?"s clogging up the air between them as the young woman had been sure that she'd been meant to return home to her planet known as Earth.

"M-Miss Briefs, err- Miss Bulma, I-I'm t-t-t-t-t-terribly sorry but you've been brought here f-f-f-for a v-v-very sp-sp-special reason!!"

"Yes. You keep telling me that. Just because you repeat it, doesn't meant that I like it any more than I did the FIRST ten times you said it!"

"F-F-F-F-F-F-F-Forgive me, M-M-Miss Bulma! I.. I-I'm just a f-f-faithful m-.. m-.. moo-.. Ugh! Companion."

"Some sense of humor the Namekian Dragon has. I was supposed to be sent back home you know! Not some.. Whatever this place is called! You've got to be kidding if you think I'm going to spend another second here! Get me back to Earth, now! Pronto!"

The emerald haired female crosses her arms over her chest, sticking her lips out and pouting at the rather flustered looking critter. Anxiously, the Moogle flies back and forth, as if pacing in the air to relieve himself of the consternation that Bulma was causing.

"Oooh.. Oh d-dear. I-I'm afraid t-t-that just isn't p-p-p-possible, M-Miss Bulma."

Fumes quite literally begins to plume from the ears of the increasingly irate female, resembling more of a smoke stack than a young lady.

"Is there ANYONE here who can give me the answers I'm looking for?! Huh?! Answer me!!"

- - - - - - - -
2.) The City of Aquares Ixen - House B-01

Serori had done his best to try and settle the worries of his new ally, and through a fit of fists and harsh words, the moogle had managed to walk away with but a few lumps. Given that the moogle had been expecting far worse, Serori did his best to count what blessings he had that nothing had been broken in the process.

Having had the chance to vent and calm down from the bad news, Bulma had taken it upon herself to see where she would be living for the.. well, indeterminate amount of time here in the city.

The door to house B-01 is slowly opened, her head sticking between the frame and the door as she peaks in to investigate the dwelling.

".. Hello? Is there any one here?"

The somewhat furnished housing had a welcoming air about it, the sort of comfort she had been expecting just from the outside appearance of the modest looking shelter. It was surprising to see the house in such good shape, especially considering that she'd been told the city itself had suffered from a recent attack.

"Hello? I.. I'm new to the city here. This Moogle here told me that I'd be living in B-01. This IS B-01, yeah?"

She steps in a bit more, the door creaking as she presses in with Serori practically clinging to her shoulder for protection.

"Anyone home?"

Bulma looks side to side before stepping in completely, hands on her hips as she stands in silence, waiting for any sign of a reply to her call.

[headfons]

Hearing the yelling wasn't a surprise.

In all honesty, he kind of expected it from someone so very clearly new to that world. There wasn't an ounce of wariness as he approached the stranger, a sympathetic expression on his face. His tone was calm for the most part as he offered her an almost exasperated smile.

"It depends on the questions... but I have been here for over a year now. What do you wanna know?"

[cursedchosen]

1 - Waking Up/The Other Heroes

Zelos had been through the world-hopping thing before (albeit only to Sylvarant), and he found himself thoroughly underwhelmed. Even though there was some part of him that probably should have been concerned, it seemed like the furball he was paired with was taking care of that or him.

"It's not a joke, kupo! It's your job to be a Hero of Light and save Crystallis!" Zelos was pretty sure that Sebastian (as he had ironically been named) somehow thought that flying and frittering around him would convince him to take the job. It did not.

Zelos could only sigh in response. This had to be a joke, right? Clearly, the universe was playing some kind of prank on him.

"Listen, I'll be honest with you. I've done this whole "chosen hero" shindig before, and it's not my thing. But," he paused, glancing dramatically around the room, "these people all look pretty hero-y, so why don't you go and ask them instead." With any luck, that would get the moogle out of Zelos' hair.

After all, Zelos knew he was a lot of things, but "hero" wasn't one of them.

2 - The City of Aqures Ixen

"Whoa, what happened here? This place looks like a wreck."

Sebastian could only shake his head as the two entered the city. His hero wasn't helping. His hero wasn't even offering to help. The only thing his hero was doing was making an ass out of himself.

Not only was he blatantly offending anyone within earshot, but every time he saw a female hero or resident he had to go out of his way to flirt with them. At this rate, they would never make it to the house.

3 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Zelos watched in awe as he saw the cow lifted into the sky. He'd always thought that cows being abducted by flying saucers was something that only happened in children's stories, but apparently not.

Man, Crystallis was weird.

After the UFO vanishes from sight, Zelos will glance around to see if there are any other heroes nearby. He couldn't have been the only one who saw that, right?

2!

[makingfriends]

"It's... kind of a long story?"

Having heard that remark, Ven took it upon himself to answer -- noting the unfamiliar face and the moogle, as well, and assuming this was yet another one of the new drop-offs. He also had his moogle at his shoulder, and was smiling politely at the older Hero.

"Just arrived, huh?"