melodiesofeternity | The Heroes of Light

Oh... Six. Regis blinks a little at those answers, but they do cover a lot of the salient points - they're not the only ones informed of the issue, but one of a number of sets of people. He would still go for some kind of public announcement, but there's a lot he still doesn't know about this world, and this country in it in particular, so he is not going to offer advice. Yet.

What they will be dealing with, on the other hand...

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm sure we will all avail ourselves of the opportunities to learn more that you have outlined, since there's a lot more to learn. Including other places in this world which may hold information that is relevant to the problem." He has ... questions about the assumption that the summon was with malicious intent, but those can wait when they know more. He has... more than enough first-hand knowledge of how curiosity can get you into much more trouble than one would expect. Still, it is probably far safer to assume and prepare for the worst. In particular considering what Queen Ashe most recently talked of. "I have one question further, and you need not answer it immediately if you do not have a ready answer, but I think it would be helpful. You mention several times about legends. Are there collections of such legends already compiled, or could you or your staff direct some of us to areas where such legends may be still narrated? Within the borders of your country, of course."

As factual information has been lost, compiling and comparing different versions of legends might give nuggets of information. He'll be looking into such in other areas, as possible. And even natives of the Empire might not know such information - while the Empress, clearly, has been collecting narratives.

"Oh, and... earlier you said that Bahamut was being summoned, and now it sounded as though it is a process that has been successfully accomplished. Which one are we probably dealing with?"

He waits until the one who spoke up before him is finished. All of this has serious implications. Nothing that can be ignored. He’d said it before to various people they have to follow every lead. Every lead has to have some form of a check. He resolved to discuss with his fellow displaced about the Hero business, later. Shiro mills over what to say and speaks up, voice carefully neutral.

No matter what they need to know what these people know. “In the event the summoning happens, the worst case scenario, can Bahamut be separated from the Goddess of Death’s powers? We have to be prepared for every possibility. No matter how dire it is. As I’m sure you’ll do the same.” If they could pull that energy aside. It could be a last resort. But one they may have to take.

“Thank you, your majesty for informing us of these problems and giving us this opportunity to gather information. And if you do not have an answer for me now, that is alright. It’s an option to look into while we seek a better future.”

"Then it's time to start consolidating power. There is no enemy so powerful that it can't be overcome. Especially if there's a ragtag bunch of heroes gallivanting about."
There's an almost-dismissive wave of his hand. "I for one am willing to offer any assistance I can, if some maniac is off trying to blow up a planet."

I'd like to see some proof of any of this, personally. -Baiken leaned back in her seat again, reloading her pipe without much care as to whether or not smoking at this table was couth or not. She'd played nice up to this point and was sick of it.-

If an Empire intends to use us as its tools against an unknown enemy, I'd like to see with my own eye that this enemy even exists.

I don't appreciate being used. -A pointed look back at the Empress. Others may have been able to buy into a story about a world-ending power well enough and have pulling needs to save others or prove themselves in some way, but Baiken literally only wanted to go home. Anything else was a distraction from that goal, and she wasn't happy with the idea of being someone else's soldier.-

"...If it was successfully completed already, we'd know by now," he says quietly, breathing in deeply to keep his mask of indifference up. Unlike the others, he knows they aren't just legends. His mother managed to survive the very Eidolon mentioned. Or at least, a version of him. More and more the tiny hope he had that this planet and Crystallis weren't connected in some way faded. Though if he were honest with himself, it was already gone long before they sat down at this table.

His jaw sets. "I too would like to see proof of the summoning."

Finn stays quiet through the explanation and constant questions. He has nothing to add, really, but he does fix Meghamaal with a stare, reminding himself to trust his first impressions.

There was a planet-destroying weapon they expected could be used. They decided to announce this information over a dinner party with no evidence and a small fraction of the population. Perhaps it's true, perhaps not, but Finn's seen this song and dance before.

The urge to get up and walk out is clawing at him.

"If you want us to work with you, Empress, the cloak and dagger nonsense has to end. If you have proof, show us, or I'll be on my way." He did not like the notion of being used, either. At least he and Baiken were on the same wavelength. He had learned the hard way with Leviathan how gungho many of the people here were, and he wasn't about to be part of that again.

Your Majesty, first of all, thank you for giving a clear reason for your country's isolation, and transparency with regards to its transition back to an open nation. I commend your efforts and I wish you the best of luck in your process. [ She thought, See? Easy! If the Empress were truly malicious, it was doubtful she would so graciously give them such an info dump... ]

Now on to the topic at hand-- [ Ena, not dressed as much to the nines as she would like, more about the sevens, leans forward, her brows furrowed. Sure the question of whether or not this thing was actually real, and she would acknowledge that, but she had another question that was bugging her... ] This Bahamut is clearly bad news. Even if we don't encounter it quite yet, it would be best to nip this whole plot in the bud while we can. And it's very likely that our summoning through the Dream Width has something to do with this thing's summoning as well. My question is... Why us?

Edited 2018-08-22 19:19 (UTC)

The soft clink of china on the dishware was heard in the ensuring silence of the question "Why us?" as Nanamo took another bite. It was a hard act to follow, and she savored her bite of food, before setting her fork and knife down. Not to be rude, but this was a situation where rapid fire questions were being asked, words were being thrown around, theories and experiences being shared. Castor was having a meltdown across the table, and she pushed a goblet towards the woman for her to have a steadying drink.

The little sultana was the embodiment of poise as a waiter refilled her wine. Picking her glass up, she swished it about for a moment before saying, "The common man... picks up a sword, and becomes a hero. So it is written in many a chronicle, and the warrior of light arises once, twice, fourteen times to save our star. It is especially true of this star, and thus with the Calamity Bringer such an open wound to many amidst the table, one would think naught the effort and lengths to stop it."

She sipped her drink, before adding, "Like many, the emotions of the heart are raw, as they demand proof as well. Forgive their impetuous my Empress. The Sultana begs their requests."

[This is all so much to soak in. Heroes? Could they really be so important to the overall equation? Well, in that case, he's certainly not opposed to helping, though the others raise good points.]

WELL, WHILE I'M ALSO CURIOUS WHY WE CAME TO THIS WORLD LONG WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED PROOF, I SECOND THIS NOTION! WHAT MATTERS IS THAT WE ARE HERE. AND SINCE WE'RE HERE, SHOULDN'T WE DO OUR PART IN ENSURING THIS WORLD HAS A HAPPY FUTURE?

[He sets down his utensils, hands balled into excited fists before he places one over his chest.]

I JUST WONDER WHAT MOTIVES THIS SUMMONER HAS. WHY GO SO FAR TO TRY AND DESTROY A WORLD? THERE MUST BE SOME REASON THEY FEEL SO STRONGLY, IF THEIR ACTIONS REALLY DO THREATEN EVERYONE...

[ Well, he has an answer now for what is taking place at the Crystal Temple. Or does he? Can he trust this, especially in sensing that there are more expectations to come? Perhaps starting with a confirmation is best.

Orcelito has listened quietly while the others speak. Now the boy asks a short, simple question. ]

According to your researchers' findings, how far has this summoning progressed? Do they have a time estimate for the completion?

Vax'ildan has kept quiet most of the dinner. He hasn't eaten much, either. Ever since he was rescued from another trip into the Dream Width -- and with new memories -- he has been reserved. Detached, even.

He looks up, then. His eyes narrow.

Something to focus on -- even if he spots the way that Castor tenses. His jaw clenches; he looks sideways at her, the concern plain on his face, and then he looks back at the Empress.

"If this Bahamut was summoned... then where did he go?"

Bonnie wriggled a bit in her seat as her question went unanswered. She hoped the Empress had noticed her but considering their last meeting she doubted that the woman would neglect to notice her. Still, the suggestion made to her earlier by Yotsuyu was still bouncing around in her mind.

But questions she did answer did, in a way, give a partial answer to Bonnie's own. Whether she knew it or not, she was describing a moment from the Heroes' battle against Kalki, at least as was told to the moogle. It matched, close enough anyway. Whether her world's name for the Calamity was known here was still a mystery, but all else was there. Bonnie wasn't keeping near as fine a poker face as Takeshi but she was keeping quiet beyond a few murmured 'kupo's here and there.

But a neutral enough question does eventually bubble to mind, "Um, I hope nobody asked this already, or maybe I might have missed something, but are we allowed to visit the temple ourselves, kupo?"

Sparks pushed aside any food and drink that was near him. He's suddenly lost his appetite with this revelation.

"Aaaand there is it. Been waitin' months for that little bit of information to come to light. Knew it was gonna happen eventually. Heroes of Light, round two. Just what we wanted."

On second thought, Sparks pulls his wine back towards him and take a drink. He's going to need more to get through this conversation.

[Heroes of Light? What Gladio's getting from this is that they've been brought to this strange world because someone is summoning - or has already summoned - this world's Bahamut. And all of them are supposedly successors to the previous Heroes of Light.

All of this sounds irritatingly similar to the prophecy from home and it takes a few bites of food, some sips of wine, and a deep breath to make sure he's calm enough to speak.]

I would like to apologize for how I spoke to you earlier, Your Imperial Majesty. I was out of line and it will not happen again.

[He doesn't try to explain that he'd let his temper run away with his tongue because that's just an excuse and in a setting such as this foolish mistakes like that need to be rectified quickly and simply.

Despite his discomfort, Gladio's apology is sincere - no matter his feelings he knows better than to address Royalty like that. It had been rude, unbecoming, and unacceptable.]

If I may, what can you tell us of the previous Heroes of Light? And if we are their successors, would Your Imperial Majesty grant us any aid we may require if we must, in fact, handle the unexpected Summoning of Bahamut?

[See, he can be polite.]

[Reno had -- perhaps surprisingly -- been quiet for most of the dinner. For multiple reasons. He hadn't been too sure about trusting the food and a good amount of time had been spent glancing to others, looking for any sign of illness. Now that the truth of their invitation had come out... ]

[Reno cleared his throat.]

Well. If yer gonna summon Heroes of Light, gotta summon the Heroes of Light, am I right Sparks?

[Yeah, he said it. But at least he could be confident in those who had come with him from Crystallis. He had to believe they had an advantage here. He drained his wine glass and nodded.]

Alright. Given the proof that others have asked for, I think we could work something out.

[Kenichi had kept quiet, taking everything in between a few bites and sips of wine. With the connection between the Crystallis' Heroes of Light now confirmed, he finally spoke up.]

Even so, we're nowhere near the strength you guys were at that final battle. We're going to need as much time as possible to achieve that and yet I suspect that isn't a luxury we can afford. Given Bahamut's really got this much power and hasn't razed the planet already can mean either it's biding its time with a plan or just plain toying with us.

Your Imperial Majesty, I don't suppose there's been a way to track Bahamut's activity and location?

For proof, we will have our researchers's reports and findings made readily available to you. [A pause.] Of course, I do not expect this to be enough. The guildmaster of the Summoner guild along with Master Summoners from Arito were invited to the Festival of Light. They are currently investigating the situation at the Crystal Temple. I hope hearing confirmation from a non-imperial source will be enough for you.

And if their words do not convince you, the skies of Vaikuntha should turn red in the days preceding the summoning. If anything, I hope this shall convince. However, should you wait until then to take action, it will be too late.

[ She takes her glass of water and drink. That's a lot of questions. ]

You can find those legends in various libraries and museums. You are free to visit our third district and inform yourself there— However, accounts of the legends change from region to region. What is in Sen Devadatta may differ from what you'll find elsewhere.

As for why you, it is a question even I cannot answer. There has never been any pattern as to who was pulled from the Dream Width. Perhaps the researchers at the Curti Center have isolated something in common amongst all of you? If not, I am afraid there is no answer to that question.

[ A pause before the next batch of answer. ]

Regarding what can be done... Separating Bahamut from its powers is a possibility worth exploring. However... We know not who the Summoner or Summoners are. Doing so could be what they intend so as to collect the Goddess of Death's powers. Ultimately, it is best to explore as many options as possible.

We will forward our ideas and plans to you, as will the leaders of other nations I trust. However, should the legends be true, the solution shall not come from us. I know not how, but if there is a secret to stopping Bahamut, you are key to finding it.

[ And finally regarding the summoning: ]

The summoning has not been completed yet. My apologies if my wording led to confusion. Be assured the temple is under our control and not being used to conduct the summoning. Even as we speak, our researchers are desperately working on the issue. We estimate the summoning may have begun in March at the earliest, May at the latest. I believe the first amongst you arrived in April? Again, this is too much to be a coincidence.

We currently estimate the summoning will take a full year to complete. So, between March and May of the next year. As soon as we have more specific data, it will be made available to you as well as to the other nations.

[ A timer will be added to the iMog Slates in the coming months. For plotting convenience, players can already access the timer here. ]

"Outstanding," Kuja sighs. "Another expiration date. Well, the simplest option, I suppose, is to find the summoner before the summoning is completed, and render him, her, or it to its constituent atoms."

Or 'them.'

[Dylas boldly corrects Kuja as he finally speaks up from where he's taking up three tables with his massive snake tail. His baby chocobo, Yakitori, is strapped to a baby carrier and rests on his chest. Someone has seen fit to affix a bowtie to the bird, and someone has also wrapped part of his tail in ribbons.

That's not the point, though.]

What if some of us don't want to help? This sounds serious, but it also sounds like a real pain in the a... [Whoops.] It sounds like a lot of hard work. And we didn't pick to be here. Are you gonna force us into helping?

I don't think we have much of a choice. [Sasami turns to look at Dylas.] I mean, sure, you can just ignore it and let everyone else take care of it, but if it's threatening this world, it could threaten all of ours.

You can't really want to sit back and expect everyone else to do the work. I'm more than certain everyone else here is going to stop me, but... I want to help stop this!

[The younger Lucis Caelum is silent for a moment as he tries to run through his head all the lessons he had in diplomacy growing up. Mostly to push back the building panic, but when the young girl speaks up... he finds he has to.]

She's right. [Noctis finally speaks, clasping his hands before him on the table before addressing the entire room. He keeps his voice steady, remembering to breathe when he has to.]

Whether we like it or not, this affects all of us. Native and displaced Outworlder, common and noble. [He sighs, looking down along the room from the end of the table to all the faces gathered here.] Whether or not you decide to take action or not, it's your choice. But until and after we have the information on the other's plans, we should focus on finding any leads we can on this world's Bahamut and the other four Legendary Eidolons. Once we have what we can find, I suggest we reconvene on neutral ground to discuss what we have. [He turns his gaze to the Curti Center workers among them. While he'd had plans to create something similar in Yun'Ashia, there might not be enough time to get it off the ground at this point.] I don't suppose you can talk to your superiors at the Center to see if we can reserve a room for a meeting in the next month..?

[Better to sit everyone down in person than use the mognet. His gaze falls on Empress Ramaa and the two gentlemen sitting beside her at the head of the table.] Thank you for the warning, and for opening your borders for us. While I'm curious why it's taken this long to inform us and the rest of the world, I hope this can be a sign of a future where we all might work together.

[If only to assure mutual survival, which part of him really wonders if there's another catch... Yet he does his best to mask any sort of poor sentiment with concern. A concern that is currently far stronger.]

Edited 2018-08-23 16:41 (UTC)

...Y'know what, the guy can admit he ain't down for it. We didn't choose to be here, and it looks like we're saddled with stoppin' a big-ass Calamity.

But I think about the other side of it: Nobody had to gimme a place to stay free of charge, gimme food. Y'know how much money n' resources that eats up, especially when there's so many of us? I owe my hosts.

[He raised a fist, pounding it into a palm.]

What better way to pay 'em back than by kickin' the crap outta some summoner punks or even ol' Baha Blast himself?

Even if they can be rude sometimes

[ It's a quiet mutter mostly to herself, probably only audible to people in her very immediate vacinity. But she's been content to listen so far. And at Kanji's words she... well, she giggles a bit at 'Baha Blast,' but she also feels emboldened a bit. Futaba leans forward. ]

If we're not going to help, we're just going to die with everyone else once this Bahamut is summoned. And unless someone's been holding out, we're not any closer to finding a way home. Might as well add this to the list of things we're searching for.

If it's true that we were brought here because of Bahamut, it's likely we may find one answer while looking for the other.

... 'Baha Blast'?

[The first moment he spoke up and that's what he says? Well... wouldn't be Kanji if he didn't.]

Anyway, I doubt they would've had enough information in the beginning. As they said, the method in which to summon a Legendary Eidolon of Bahamut's nature was lost. It's better to not immediately jump to the idea, announce it, and cause a panic.

[Though, she was still concerned about ulterior motives...]

That aside, I suggest all of our summoners speak to each of the other Eidolons we can contact.

[ That is a quick proud smile in Noct's direction. ]

Regular information meetings would probably help greatly with making sure we all don't miss anything important. And, whether we choose to act or not - and it has to be a choice, for each of us, or things can go very wrong at the worst possible time - knowing as much of what is happening as possible is of vital importance.

If I may, Your Majesty, I would ask you to consider very carefully what you would have done had we not begun arriving, yet the summoning had started anyway. Call up the best of this world, too: a solution that worked once may not work again and, as you said, there are points at which any preparations will be too late to begin. Besides, we already know that the Dream Width can take away any of our number without warning.

Do not leave this world unprotected merely because we are, at this point in time, here.

[ Does he believe her unconditionally? No. He rarely believes that way anyone he hasn't known for years. Still, the scale of the danger is enough to warrant significant preparations, and at least trying to find out, a lot and fast.

Does he think that they're brought here because of one single thing?

No.

But it's a good place to focus their efforts for now. ]

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