Event || The Festival of Light

[eternitymods]

Who: Everyone!
When: August 18th - 25th
Where: The Empire
What: The Festival of Light is here! Feel free to use any of these prompts. NPCs tag will come sometimes this week. Please mention it in your top-level if you'd rather not be tagged by a random NPC.
Warnings/Notes: N/A

EXPOSITION OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
— Third District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00 to 23:00 —
The museums in the 03rd District are open to visitors and are home to many relics predating written history. A lot of those old relics are items of archaeological interest or look like they could be really advanced technologies if they weren't broken beyond repair. Prototypes for Magitek Armor of a new age are exposed, alongside fragments of what are believed to belong to the legendary WEAPONs, machines that belong to the same category than Ultima WEAPON.

The section for Eidolons has all the Eidolons the characters have met so far as well as others yet undiscovered displaying on a gigantic wall-covering painting. The largest Eidolon on the painting appears to be a dragon some characters may recognize as Bahamut, he is so big he dwarves the other Eidolons and should one pay attention, his wings are actually the background of the painting.

Interestingly, someone has doodled something that looks like Ultros over Leviathan on the painting...


SUNNY STARLIGHT
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
Do you really believe because it’s summer, you can escape the beauty and magnificence of Christmas? Think again. There is one thing all the nations on Vaikuntha are of one mind on: the wait from the December 26th of a year to the December 24th of the next is too long. This is why a band of Moogles, Lalafells, Bangaas and Zoras from all across the Empire have occupied half of the Ninth District. Decorated trees, Christmas music, people dressed as Santa Claus (and probably dying because of the heat), fake gift boxes as well as a very large and pretty box for donations all await you!

Kids below the age of 15 will all receive a gift if they come: plushies made in the likeness of the main villains of numbered Final Fantasy games! And when you press the button hidden on their stomach, they speak a random line. Who doesn't want a Sephiroth plushie saying "You are a puppet" or a Jecht one repeating "Cry, cry, cry" all day long?

It's like a dream come true!


MIDNIGHT AIRSHIP
— Twelfth District || August 20th – August 24th || 23:00 to 06:00 —
For the late sleepers, it is possible to board a special airship prepared by Hypellos to party up in the sky. The Airship flies all around the Imperial Territories and should characters so desire, they can ask to stop by one of the two other cities. Whether they want to dance, to eat or to enjoy the view, it might be a very fun and relaxing activity. It is also a very good place from where to watch the fireworks… Or to scout for an incoming Tarutaru and her weapon toy.

Note that all the personnel onboard are Hypellos. They are very serviceable and nice, but can try the patience of those not used to their accent. Of note, one Hypello is green and appears to be angrily stalking anyone heading for the "Sunny Starlight" event. He is quite sneaky though and will always manage to get away before being approached.


MOGNET EXPOSITION
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
The half of the Ninth District not occupied by Christmas fanatics is occupied by the Moogles working for the Imperial section of Mognet. Split for the regular Mognet for a decade, Imperial Mognet has managed to thrive. Imperial iMog Slates have all sorts of functions other iMog Slates could only dream of, such as games, grammar check and that kind of stuff. All of those things can be visited at the exposition! Not only that, but the Moogles are also putting on display things that have nothing to do with Mognet but more to do with Moogles themselves.

Come and visit the exposition to discover the rich and amazing culture of the Moogles! Kupo Nuts, Fur Dye, Fake Kupo Nuts, Pom Shiner, Carved Kupo Nuts, booklets titled "How to Use Your Cuteness to Exploit People," Mognet Bags, Deluxe Kupo Nuts, Sheets to Prepare Future Strikes, Mog Beds, Explosive Kupo Nuts, Kupo Champagne—

There is no end to what might be learned from Moogles!


CHOCOBO RACES
— Sen Riqeaux || August 23rd || 15:00 to 20:00 —
A Chocobo Race will be held all around the city! Will you compete? Shall you win? There are no prizes as all the money earned through the race is given to the Safety of Sparks Golsaucia movement. Those participating can bring their own Chocobo or get a temporary one from the people organizing the race. It will be a very bad Chocobo though, so they shouldn’t expect to win… Beware the Hamsters and Marlboro during the race though. It’d be a real shame to end up getting eaten while racing.


SHOPPING
— City's Outskirts || August 18th – August 25th || 07:00 - 20:00 —
On the city's outskirts are all manners of stalls by shoppers eager to make some money. You can find everything there: plushies, food, clothes, souvenirs, books and even cosmetics. Why, one of the merchant is even selling contact lenses covering nearly all of the rainbow's spectrum aside from green while another sells all kind of swords, even the supposed legendary Excalibur! This might be the perfect place to take on O'aka's Quest if you so wish!


MINI SPARKS GOLSAUCIA
— Eleventh District || August 19th – August 24th || Anytime —
Specially for the festival, stallholders from Sparks Golsaucia were invited and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, there is a shooting stand—Once again, a treasure chest game where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushies. The novelty this year is something called the "Kupo Boxes," Boxes you punch open and you get something: perhaps something wonderful like a 1 million gil ticket, more often than not though absolutely nothing. Will you try your chance? Be careful, your wallet might not survive it.


TOURNAMENTS
— Tenth District || August 19th – August 23rd || 10:00/15:00/20:00 —
There is a Blitzball Competition taking place during the Festival of Light! Characters are free to go and watch the matches, so long as they can pay for the tickets. At the same time, a Triple Triad competition is taking place. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament if they so wish. Characters who know Triple Triads have decent chances to win. And even if your characters lose, what matters is trying, right? There are no prizes to be won, as all money goes to the Triple Triad For Everyone associations.


CULINARY ATTRACTIONS
— Second District || August 18th – August 25th || 12:00 to 13:30 / 19:00 to 21:00 —
What would a festival be without free food and banquets? Not really a festival. In the fourteenth district, there is a banquet and many stands held by people from all over the Empire. All kind of food can be found here-- Refined food, pastries, cakes, cooked meals, etc. It's virtually impossible not to find something to like in all of this, and it's all free! There are, however, guards standing around on the lookout for Gourmands who would be tempted to ruin the fun for everyone. After what happened two years ago, better be careful.


THE OPERA
— Ninth District || August 18th - August 24th || 22:00 —
There is an opera every day for all to see for free, titled "A Goddess's Tears." It is a retelling of the creation myth, but shown from the (presumed) perspective of the Goddess of Death. The play depicts the Goddess as someone who started out as a rather sweet person, but whose life took such terrible turns she wished to die and resented life. Yet, death was too scary of a prospect for her and she couldn't choose what was better, Life or Death. As the play progresses, she decides both are equally terrible and resolves to create a world where those very notions shall no longer exist.

As the play unfolds, toward the ends the story becomes what people are more familiar with. However, rather than letting her die wordlessly, the four heroes appease the Goddess's soul by singing. As the four heroes sing, the Goddess smiles and sheds a single tear before passing away. It is said the play is very emotional, sensible people might want to pass on it.


HOUSING
— Fourteenth District || August 17th - August 27th || Anytime —
Before, after and during the Festival of Light, the characters will all need a place where they can rest. Thankfully for them, people coming with the Curti Center delegation are all given the keys to stay in one of the abandoned houses in the 14th District. Truth to be told however, those house look anything but abandoned. Why, it's as if people had been living in them up until very recently, given how either clean and ordered they are for some, or chaotic and neglected they are for others (Characters who were present in Melodies of Life will be able to notice the houses are nearly identical to what they were just before the time skip during endgame, though there are a few eerie differences).

At least, it's a good place to sleep!


ARDYNIAN DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Ardynia! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Wizard and Jester Jobs. It is a thriving city with people from all over the Empire, and it appears to be something of a shopping center for the imperial region.

And most importantly, discover the official headwear of Ardynia: the Fedora! It is said Archaeologists have imported this fashion trend to Ardynia when they pass by, but none know whether this is true or not. While most citizens have enough senses not to actually wear this dreaded hat, those who do wear it really look dumb doing so. And those who don't look dumb look like they'd make jokes about your pet's untimely demise while you're still crying about it.

Perhaps is is best to stay away.


PARASRAYA DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Parasraya! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Archaeologist and Catmancer Jobs, as well as the Weapon Master Association. It is a technologically advanced yet small and cozy city...

... If it wasn't for a tragedy plaguing the city: cats, cats everywhere. If the meowing doesn't kill you, the constant flow of cats asking to be pet, fed and to sit on your lap might. You may even encounter a few tired citizens paying you money to take care of the cat infestation around their house. Others however are really defensive of the cats and will hunt anyone trying to bring harm to them. Of course, the source of all these cat-related troubles can be traced back to the origins of the Catmancer guild.

But, perhaps it is a story best left for another day.


FIREWORKS
— First District || August 18th – August 24th || Midnight —
Fireworks will be launched from the Castle starting 00:00 and will end at 01:00, everyday of the Festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them with ease if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise. On the 25th, characters will be with dining with the Empress as the fireworks happen.

Comments

[chocobosnap]

Yeah, I guess they would be.

[Prompto smiles shyly and scratches that kitten's ears for a moment.]

Wait here kittens, I'll be right back. Y-You can look after them for a few minutes?

[spaceforged]

I promise we’ll feed you in return should you need to visit as a healer. Should you visit as a friend we will feed you anyway.

[Not by his cooking. Not if he wants to live. But Hunk’s is fine and he has a sneaky feeling Keith and Lance both learned the art he lacks. Maybe he could ask for help and learn from them.

At least how not to mess up something simple.]

And yes, I haven’t needed meds. ...more of my team is here. Their voices called me back whenI probably would have lost that fight. Now it’s just getting used to being alive again after what I think was an entire year being a disembodied spirit contained in a magical realm.

[tsukinohiganbana]

[Yotsuyu shrugs her shoulders as her smile drops. Who is this stranger to preach at her?]

Of course. Such is the way of the world. Those who rise will fall, at the mercy of those they once crushed.

[tsukinohiganbana]

[Yotsuyu is about to respond to this when she's caught off-guard. The moogles are not only interacting with the audience, but they're inviting the audience to participate!]

[And one of the chosen is Yotsuyu, who is currently trying to fend off one of the moogles with her pipe. It's going poorly.]

Get away from me, you miserable creature!

[arosetowar]

She says nothing for a moment, giving him a considering look as she shifts from being somewhat casual to taking on a more authoritative stance. "Before you depart, there is one more matter I'd like to address. Has anybody spoken to you about what happened to Euphy?"

Who still hasn't said anything to Cornelia about it and who, at this point, Cornelia can only assume never will.

"I don't intend to discuss it now." Because depite her feelings about Lelouch, she isn't going to say anything without his knowledge or without giving him the opportunity to speak up himself. "But neither do I intend to leave things open to interpretation."

[arosetowar]

Very well. [She's in no rush, and the decision to wait until they've left Sen Devadatta is sound.] Your name...?

[spaceforged]

[He takes a moment to seriously think about it. His head is a jumbled mess of memories that put him out of sorts. It takes a minute before he finally replies.]

Before I vanished all of my team arrived save for two people If I’d had a choice I wouldn’t have left at all. But if allowed to choose to come back or not, I’d have come back. I’ve vanished on my best friend before. Twice before. This was the third time and I won’t let there be another.

If I can help it. [He has put his team through enough sorrow. He stares at his hand and looks up at Prompto with a thoughtful look on his face.] Even if they hadn’t come I’d have returned. I have duties and obligations back home. ...but this is outside of that and needs help too. All of you that I’ve come to know. I couldn’t leave you to face whatever is going on alone.

I’d stand by you even if I didn’t know you.

[regalblaze]

If there is any way I can assist you with, do not hesitate to ask.

[He spent days in the libraries, studying everything he could, every plan and tactic that could come to one's mind. If he cannot help him in person, he will gladly help him with the knowledge he has.]

That is true. The security here is extremely high. We better not test their patience and have them close down again. We need answers and I am sure that something lies here.

[acceptedlife]

Alright, deal. [Good gods, someone who's a more lethal chef than Ventus? Pinch him; he's dreaming. Yet he stops himself from saying anything more when Shiro continues. A look of realization dawning on his face. 'Would have lost'-?

Remember me...]

No wonder you look so tired. [A lighthearted tease. He remembered how heavy he felt, how exhausted he was when he first arrived in Crystallis yet he pushed through it. Not wanting to believe that it was real because if it was... what that would mean for so many others. Least of all himself. Yet none of it echoes in his expression, which remains somehow... warm.]

I'm glad to hear that. I know how much someone worries about those from home in situations like this. [Him more than most, but he doesn't say why.] Three others arrived from my worlds along with Riku and the other me. One is his best friend, and the others... I'm not sure what to make of. They're both from way before I was made.

[If he had his powers, this would be an easy question to solve. But his gut instinct tells him do not trust, so he's already planning on not telling a soul in that house where he moves to when they get back.]

[balancingedge]

Just a handful. ["Just" he says with a shrug, kneeling down beside his friend to wrap an arm around that long, furry neck.] I met him while caught in a very weird pocket of space. He'd been hurt, and my mom and I took him in.

[He couldn't just leave a defenseless, teleporting puppy on his own.]

Oh, he'll eat just about anything... but I'd stick to meat of some kind. He can't have things like chocolate or it makes him sick. And I figure when he's ready, he'd tell me his name.

[Translated: He doesn't trust himself to name things and after seeing the memory of what his mom almost named him, that's the one thing he doesn't trust her with, either. ...Don't ask how. Space is weird.]

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio followed them out, Noodle now perched on his shoulder, fully intending to figure out what this kid was up to.

"An abandoned house with bags in it means people are stayin' in the house." He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. Noodle kept up her glaring though, not happy that these strangers upset her companion.

"Look ... you don't just start goin' through stuff that you know isn't yours. It's rude and invasive and that's what pissed me off the most. If you'd called out, I could've shown you around or met you properly, y'know?"

[regalblaze]

"Unfortunately, we don't have a say in that," Ignis sighs, feeling a bit of irritation rise in him. "The Empire is limiting us as it is already, with their security set up high. I have some doubts that we will have all the questions answered, but we might as well try to find as much as we can in the allotted time."

[keymemory]

Sora set Nunumu down then stood up to watch the man and his moogle companion as the elder spoke. He could definitely understand how upsetting it was to find someone going through their things! Sora felt bad about that, it really didn’t occur to him whatsoever!

“I’m sorry, Nunumu and I wouldn’t have done that if we knew you were there… which is our fault as well.” He agreed and he looked down to his moogle then to the other moogle. “Nunumu is sorry too.”

“Sorry, kupo.” Though there was some room after the moogle’s apology as if he was wanting to say more but kept himself from doing so; which was likely for the better. (He really did like those underwear!)

Honestly, Sora wasn’t really used to knocking before going into homes, hotels, tents, anything, he just let himself in. Additionally, he has helped himself to food, chests, items, money, and other things in his journey before coming here. He was operating on auto-pilot and he better watch himself from now on!

[keymemory]

[ Oh. That made sense to Sora and he smiled at the sight of Keith and his friend. Course, with Sora’s expert opinion and amount of time he’s spent with Keith thus far, he was sure Keith would make great friends with many others yet to come as well!

Sora rest his arms over his knees and looks between the two again. ]

You really are very kind, Keith! I’m sure he and all your other friends really appreciate your friendship. I know I do!

Sunny Starlight

[keymemory]

Sora was not even worried about it. Nor was his moogle, Nunumu, as they both were now completely immersed in the festivities of this non-December fun of Christmas! In fact, he too wore the Christmas attire, with a merry grin to his face and cheerful tone as he zoomed around to look at all the vendors and others who have also taken to dressing up.

It was when he’d come to spy the great tall tree, however, that about blew his mind. He happened to be standing next to someone as he exclaimed. “It’s the most wonderful tree ever!”

[eternitynpcs]

E-exactly it, kupo! N-not to mention security reasons, kupo. We may strike a lot due to unfair kupo nut rationings, but we take the physical mail and server security very seriously, kupo.

[Also the... well.] And their spokewoman t-t-terrifies me, kupo. T-those red eyes are filled with malice, I tell you...!

[eternitynpcs]

[And that is exactly the reason why he's so afraid of such heights. Them surprise gusts got him as a tiny moogle once.]

Oh, no. I'm from Arito, kupo! Though my grandfather moved to Ardynia a couple years before they closed their borders. [His pom droops a little sadly.] I hoped I'd see him here for the festival, but I've seen not a whisker of him kupo...

[eternitynpcs]

He's very glad he found that allergy potion, now. Poor strange outworlder. He feels a teensy bit bad for them. He also holds out a kerchief. "Keep it. You need it more than I do, kupo."

Allergies are The Worst and no moogle understands better than Kupoto. Though his hits during pollen season.

[eternitynpc]

Unfortunately, most of what we know of this place is over a decade old. Though from what I can tell, the festivities have remained largely the same since our last visit prior to the borders closing.

If nothing else, they do know how to maintain appearances.... though I'm surprised you have not wished to check out the chocobo races, Witata.

["Witata" looks to the other lalafell and huffs.] If I wished to see monsters devouring helpless racers I would do so on my own time, Renalulo. Besides, who else will translate for Ilas when she refuses to speak in common tongue?

Puu!

...Are you trying to prove her point, kupo?

[Witata sighs, shoulders slumping. She doesn't get paid enough for this.]

Regardless, it is odd to see so few police and security patrolling the city streets. Either it is some sort of trap, or a testament to how high they hold you all in esteem, Outworlder.

[...She doesn't know your name; she'd apologize.]

[twomeals]

Try...holding your breath! [Still yelling, in his quiet really-bad-at-yelling voice.] You should try not sneezing, too.

[Is a cat climbing the tree he's in? It probably is, yes.]

Sorry for the wait had to think how to word this

[spaceforged]

He looks up at Ignis but doesn’t say anything. He knows what is ahead for him. The future has jaws open and ready to bring them down just as viciously as it sank its teeth in him. He had chased down every scrap of the way ahead in a desperate attempt to shield all he loves. He can imagine a man who had the strength he’d seen in Noct’s memory would do the same.

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t talk about it if I wasn’t prepared for questions. I want to spread what happened as far as I can. Everyone needs to know what might happen to them.” He hears himself say in a level tone. He turns his gaze back to the painting where the Eidolons loom. They look like he could reach out his hand and touch them. The stars glimmer in his mind’s eye timeless and wheeling about him and through him while glowing yellow watched him and waited.

They waited so long.

“...I remember being frustrated. The Dream Width has brought back something that reminded me of the past. I went outside for some air.” He speaks slowly and feels out his memories. They hold steady. “Next I woke up in a memory.” It isn’t his. He knows that very well.

It belongs to the man who thought he was him. Yet it feels like his own. He brings his hand up to his forehead and hisses through his teeth. His head is such a mess that even thinking about one thing causes ripples of too many little instances. He breathes through it but it lasts seconds. “Sorry, I woke up in the Dream Width to everyone who came to rescue me. I stayed awake until I got in the ship and passed out.”

[littlemhigan]

"Nanamo?" she hazards, allowing her hand to be taken. There are, after all, only so many people of such a height that would know her name personally. "Aye, we've been so for some time. We come from the same place, ye see - same realm an' knew eachother well before comin' here."

[righthandstand]

[He offers her a shrug.]

I think it's neat. I like the food. I like that Job where you can predict the future. I know it's just for a week, but the Empire sure as hell knows how to throw a party.

[promiselisting]

[ oh my god Shiro no you don't just 'yes' and move on like you didn't commit crimes. Terrible pun crimes. ]

You're as bad as Inari.

[ She sighs, flicking her iMog off of camera mode and over towards her notes. ]

All right, lay 'em on me. Guessing there's a lot of new names?

[twomeals]

Aww...you almost had it.

[He's genuine in his disappointment, watching the target continue swinging back and forth, perfectly safe. The harpy glances down at that gun when it's offered to him though, considering for a moment--]

Mm, I guess I could try? I'm not sure how good I'll be at it though.

[He might have bird fingers, but it's not like he'll lose anything from trying, right?]