melodiesoflife | Intro Log || The Return of the Heroes

Entry tags:

Intro Log || The Return of the Heroes

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...

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[ There were people among the cadets with similar fears, but he's never seen anybody react so strongly to something which ultimately is a pretty harmless animal. There's a part of him that still expects it to be some kind of trap, so he doesn't circle around the stranger but gestures for him to turn around instead, immediately locating the little critters. ]

There. [ The blond picks them up with ease, letting the grand total of three (!) freely roam around his hand for a moment before gently shaking them off. ] Don't worry, these don't bite. Actually, I think they're set on bothering other animals rather than humans, if the way Chocobos react to them is anything to go by.

[It really stems from the fact that he's been growing up pretty pampered. He just really can't deal with them because of that.]

Thank you.

[It's good Kija doesn't know there were even three of them, and his breath comes short now, as if he had held it as long as they had been upon him.]

It is not about them being harmful, I just really dislike these creepy and crawly creatures!

[Anyways, what a way to present himself in this new world. It's not like he really feels he wants to be a Hero of Light, he has his own destiny he had been waiting for like the last 20 years and now that finally his Master had arrived they were bringing him here? It was really strange.

But still, if this was part of his destiny, too, he will learn to accept it. His ancestors relied on him.

Which meant he will have to be on good terms with the other Heroes. He really shouldn't paint such a pathetic picture of himself. He pats his cheeks to get himself together.]

Um, am I correct in the assumption that you are one of the inhabitants of this house? It seems I have been given a room here.

[He's trying to win his dignity back. As long as this person wasn't like a certain someone there was hope. Hopefully.]

Edited 2015-09-12 06:34 (UTC)

[ The way Kija's dramatic internal monologue paints itself on his face does not go unnoticed, but Ace makes no note of it. Often, the blond will unconsciously wear an expression so sharp it makes him seem more judgemental than he actually is, but moments like this cause him to reflect upon it, and when he speaks to Kija, it's with a slightly softer tone. ]

I am, it's true. To be honest, I did not expect to see any more new faces after the influx we've just had.

[ It's in that moment he connects the facts. No more room had vacancies... except his own. Well, this could prove to be interesting.

Somewhat timidly, he extends his hand in a greeting. ] I'm Ace.

[Ah, it seemed he really was lucky. Hak would have probably laughed or teased him by this point, but this man seemed nice enough not to do this. In fact, he introduces himself rather politely.

Still, the thing he pointed out doesn't go unnoticed and Kija looks at him sheepishly.]

Ah, yes, this world confused me a little.

[But he tries to smile and takes the hand offered to him. What a strange gesture.]

My name is Kija. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ace. I hope we will get along well.

[ Ace responds with a small nod. ]

I'd... like to believe in that, too.

[ Stepping backwards, he gestures towards the open door invitingly. ]

Please, come in. I'll show you around.

[Was this a moment of hesitation? Then again, Kija was more used to this response more often than not outside from his village. At least there seemed to be the spirit in wanting to try and get along as well.]

Thank you.

[He bows and enters. The thought of staying in a house again... was unusual and in a strange way satisfying. It had been so long.]

Are other people living here as well?

[ Ace then closes the door to rather misleading silence ruling within the house. The spacious living room seems almost peaceful without no one else currently around, if not for the stacks of dirty plates on the counters and disheveled pillows left on the ground by some occupants. ]

Yeah, and it shouldn't be long before they're back. Now that you're here, we're in six all together.

[ While this would be the moment to proceed with a proper presentation of the house, Ace cuts right to the chase by beginning to climb the stairs where most of the rooms are located. ]

This way. There's... only one spot left.

[Excuse him shortly, Ace, as he will take one of the pillows and hug it tightly. Pillows... a real bedding, he isn't sure how long it had been, but oh, how he appreciated the thought already!]

Six people, you say? I assume the rest are men as well?

[He puts the pillow back on the ground to follow Ace.]

One spot left... I do not think that will be a problem.

[ As he looks over his shoulder and witnesses the scene, the corners of his mouth curl upwards. Surely, the newcomer will be glad to know that Crystallis is kind enough to respect his appreciation for the small things, and all the rooms come fully furnished, pillows included. ]

Two new girls arrived today, and then, there's also Minako who has been a resident longer than I have.

[ Once they're upstairs, he stops at the first door to their right. ] It leaves us two and Billy. To be honest, I haven't had a chance to get to know most of these people better yet.

[ Ace then pulls on the handle, revealing a fairly spacious room with two beds placed alongside opposite walls, except one of the sides, true to what has been said, seems to already be occupied. It's still somewhat modest, but there's a few books and a neatly organized stack of papers on the desk accompanied by some brightly-coloured quills... plenty of them, actually. Somebody is incredibly fond of feathers. ]

[He is going to appreciate that very much. He's been already blessed that one of his friends had thought of buying tents so that he could sleep peacefully again without having to worry about bugs, but that still didn't defeat a real bed.]

Ah, three girls and three men then. [As long as they didn't share rooms, this should work.]

It appears there is no need for haste. I am sure we will get to know them and each other in time.

[The books seemed to tell that his roommate would be more of the studious type. It's nothing he can't live with - though the amount of feathers was interesting.]

Um, then my roommate would be you or the person called Billy?

[ Since Kija is being so straightforward, the answer will be just as simple. ]

That would be me, yes.

[ He catches that curious glance but tries not to make anything of it, already used to having his... interests looked down upon, or receiving strange stares. Thankfully, people of Crystallis somehow seem to more tolerant in general. ]

...What else do you want to know?

[It appears he was lucky. Ace didn't seem to be too unpleasant. He smiles.]

In that case I hope we will get along well. Would you mind if we go and drink something together some time?

[Talking here seemed to be kind of stiff, though, and he would like to take Ace on his offer. Of course there were still many things he could ask, less personal things then.]

Your daily routine, how does it look like?

Uh...- [ It's not necessarily an odd thing to ask for, but social inexperience doesn't let him react differently - yeah, while they had their café at the academy, he wasn't its most frequent visitor. ] - sure, if you want.

[ Needless to say, Kija might need to stick to his initiative if he wants the plan to succeed, for Ace can't even do as much as suggest a place. ~~Loser~~. ]

Yesterday I submitted a request to become a part of the Law Enforcement, so my schedule is yet to be determined - and that's all assuming they take me in. [ here, the boy sounds rather confident, though. He smiles once more. ] I would say I'm an early riser, if that's what you meant. There's always something to do around here.

Thank you, I think it will help us in learning about each other. [And pshhh, no worries, Kija will start working as a waiter at some point.]

Part of the Law Enforcement? [That actually worked out nicely in a really strange way! Kija couldn't imagine to become part of the Law Enforcement himself, considering how often their group went against the officials and how they were working as bandits, but in this case, it was rather lucky.] If you get accepted, could you look into flying objects that abduct cows? [He's asking that, yes.]

Things such as? [He's honestly relieved to hear they weren't as restricted as in the Hakuryuu village.]

[ Believe him or not, he treats the other's request with utmost respect, even if there is really not much for him to do in this matter. ]

I am not even sure which section of Agures Ixen's security that falls under, but I assure you that I've seen it as well, and I'm just as curious. [ Or puzzled, but curious sounds more confident. ] Unless it happens again, we might be better off discussing with the researchers.

Everyone has been having their hands full with the repairs, as of late, but you might choose to help out in other ways as well. Most job offers do not require any qualifications as long as you display enough will to work.

[That was really unexpected, with all the promises he got about being judged as potentially crazy with the other witness of the scene. Despite their different backgrounds now, this was working out nicely.]

You believe me? [No, more than that, he has seen it.] Thank you. It might become a danger if it is ignored, so I am happy you are taking me seriously.

Ah, that is good to know. I have been only trained my whole life to fulfill my destiny so I do not possess many qualifications.

Doubting you would mean doubting my own eyes, I'm just not sure if there is anything I could help with.

[ The familiarity of the sentiment strikes him, and he slightly tilts his head to the side, intrigued. ]

Destiny?

At least it will be good that there is some awareness about it with the authorities. It might get things to move.

[Just like the second son of the Fire Tribe actively started to change things after watching his people.]

Ah, yes, destiny. I have inherited the blood of the White Dragon - one person in my village gets chosen for this and it serves to protect the potential reincarnation of the Red Dragon King.

[ Ace's eyes widen in clear surprise. His roommate undoubtedly belonged to a different world, but he could easily find a match for it on the very map of Orience, at least.]

... The way you speak of it makes me think of the power of the Azure Dragon Crystal.

In my world, it bestowed upon its citizens, the people of the Kingdom of Concordia, the ability to command dragons, while the select few could indeed communicate with them. To inherit one's blood, however--

[ Only the l'Cie, the mightiest of the mighty, could be worthy of performing an actual transformation. Leaving his thought unfinished, Ace stares at the other questioningly. ]

[Kija hadn't expected to meet someone from a world where dragons played such an important role as well. Even if in his own world, their existence was merely acknowledged in legends anymore.]

Is it rare? In my world, only four at a time are chosen. I have yet to see anyone trying to command the dragons aside the human our Red Dragon King has chosen to become, but I think one of my brothers had been able to communicate with them.

You could certainly say so.

We had been led to believe that the wyverns in their army responded to the orders of the warriors through the Crystal, but the Queen Dragon would obey only the Queen herself. Whether it was caused by the matter of inheritance, I can't really tell, but there is a possibility.

[ He's unable to come up with the specifics, for reasons he is painfully aware of, or at least it's logical to suspect this kind of scenario. Many of his memories have been taken away, leaving not even a glimpse of what has once been. ]

A native would be more suited to answer your questions, but I still think it is worth discussing the similarities between the worlds we're from. I am convinced there is a link to be found there, somewhere, one that could help us explain why we have been summoned here in the first place.

[ a small pause. ]

So, you and your siblings have all been given a mission.

[That was certainly interesting, to say the very least. Not even his village, which had tried to preserve the legend of the King as carefully as possible, knew everything about the truth about the story.

No, there were definitely gaps, and if Ace's knowledge had some, then that would be really no surprise.]

That indeed sounds like something I should try to pursue.

[He nods at the statement.]

Yes, you could say this is the very reason why we exist. How is it for you? Was it similar for you?

We...

[ The word dies on his lips as he realizes that the conversation has entered a zone he is not yet comfortable exploring with somebody he has only just met, even if a response is still in order. ]

Yes. I have always been meant to serve my country and it will stay that way, regardless of what happens while I'm here.

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Intro Log || The Return of the Heroes

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