Introduction Log || The Night of the Thirteen Moogles

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals, Previous Arrivals, and Native OCs) When: October 5th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: It is happening for the fourth time now. More outworlders have arrived in the Dream Width and must be rescued and brought back to their new homes on Vaikuntha Warnings/Notes: Only new players can put up a toplevel. Previous arrivals and established native characters can respond to new characters' toplevel posts. MEMORY [ You've been here before...? No, wait, why would you think that? You're here in the moment, everything is as it should be...(?) The memory you are trapped in has completely enthralled you. You stop questioning and accept, you relive and repeat. Luckily, you are not alone. Others have arrived to help you. The travelers in the airships will enter the nebula formed by your memories and attempt to wake you up and bring you back to the present. The dreamer's mind will shape how these newcomers are perceived and how the NPCs in the memory respond to them. For more details on the mechanics, please refer to this post] ARRIVAL [ You wake from your dreams, from your memories, on a narrow cot. There are fleeting impressions- recycled air, humming machinery, movement, strangers waking around you. The room you wake in is lined with cots, with barely enough space between them to walk to the door, though not all of them show signs of having been occupied. The makeshift infirmary seems like it was prepared to hold many more than are here. Stepping out, there is a lobby space that bears the signs of having once held some furniture, now cleared away to make space. Your footsteps echo in the emptiness. As the automatic door slides shut on the infirmary, a light flashes on the far side of the room. A flickering holographic projection of a man’s face and gloved hand appears projected in the space above the arrivals’ heads. He backs up so his upper body is in frame for the recording. An arm, covered in the same orange flightsuit sleeve, hands him a tablet. The man begins to read. A written version of the message scrolls along the bottom of the projection as he speaks. ] ’Welcome travelers’… That’s way too formal. Hey everyone. Hi! [ The second man leans into the frame to add his greeting. ] Don’t panic. You were floating out there, but we pulled you in and rescued you. Yeah, we’re heroic AND handsome. And also the only ones crazy enough to come out here to get you. [ A woman’s voice calls from out of frame. ] Can you two be serious for ONE moment and stick to your scripts? [ The two men give each other a conspiratorial eyeroll. This does not appear to be their first take. ] Anyways, no need to panic. Seriously, don’t do anything reckless. We got our fill of that with Skywalker. [A huff is heard offscreen, and the men finally spare the tablet another glance.] ‘Your pilots will be navigating treacherous environs as this message plays…’ Claire, seriously? Nobody talks like this! [ The tablet is tossed to the side and lands with a thunk offscreen. ] We’re gonna wing it. Look, everyone, we’re workin’ hard to get you planetside safely, and it’s gonna take some tricky flying to do it. So the door to the cockpit is locked so we can focus on not getting us all killed. Don’t try to open it, unless you want to be stardust. We promise you’ll get answers about what’s going on once we land. But for now, please trust us. Right now, we’re your only hope. [ The second man leans forward, close to the recording device, and presses a button. The projection freezes for a moment, and then the message starts on the next recorded message. ] CURTI CENTER [ Finally after hours of flight, you arrive at the Curti Center. The other NPCs await you having been notified of your retrieval in the Dream Width. Jessie gives a long and somewhat awkward welcome speech, explaining what the situation is: you were lost in a space called the Dream Width. You are now on a planet called Vaikuntha: for ages, the people of this world have used Airships to rescue people lost in the Dream Width, with one person being found roughly every ten years. No one knows why this happens, but this has been a mutually beneficial exchange, with the people from Vaikutha rescuing people lost in the Dream Width and the rescued ones sharing their wisdom with the people of Vaikuntha. Ten years ago, something unusual happened: two people were found at once, Biggs and Wedge. But that was nothing compared to what happened four months ago... And two months ago. And now, here you are. No one knows why such a large number of people has arriving lately, but the Curti Center is a place dedicated to piercing the Dream Width's secrets. Jessie also introduces the other ones: Claire, the woman sighing and writing in her schedule book upon being pointed out as the bookkeeper, Kupoto and Mogaruru, their Mognet representatives and finally the Native OCs: those brave and kind souls who have accepted to help you all on a daily basis. She also mentions Cid, the director who is busy preparing for certain dealings later this month. After Jessie finishes , the employees, including the Native OCs, provide a tour of the facility and help the newcomers navigate their future lives. Now is the time to ask questions and look over pamphlets regarding locations, Jobs, life in Vaikuntha... ] [ If you want to contact an NPC, you can do so on the NPC Contact Page. ] A BALL OF FLUFF NAMED MOOGLE [ It has been a long day, perhaps now you would like to find your way to a place to sleep? Or perhaps you'd like to get some answers, but you can't be bothered to go seek people out? And lo, just as despair begins settles in, a Moogle slams into you! Or stops by your side if their aim is decent... It's the Moogle Jessie mentioned in her speech earlier! And they'll be informing you that now, they will stick to you like your shadow and help you in anyway they can! They're also giving you your iMog Slate- Now you can get onto Mognet! Isn't it great? ] A QUICK CHECK-UP [ Whether it's your Moogle, Native OCs or NPCs, all will urge you to stop by the hospital wing for a basic check-up. You may disagree, but listen. You've just been thrown into a space between worlds, rescued, and brought to another world. For your own sake, that's a good idea. Should you give in and go (or should you be dragged by your Moogle or a Native OC), you will find yourself in the cold and white space very reminiscent of an hospital. For characters with specific medical conditions necessitating help, this is where they will receive it if asked. The doctors and nurses are all White Mages or Chemists, with various levels into their Job as well as medical knowledge. Don't mind the confused looks if you look like nothing they've ever seen before... It's hard for a doctor to be unable to give a proper diagnosis to a patient! For everyone else though, they'll be let go with smiles and be given a candy as they leave. No one likes medical check-ups, but it's a very quick and basic one: testing reflexes, taking your temperature and the likes. On the bright side, while you're grumpily sitting on a bed with a thermometer on your forehead or in your mouth, it might be a good time to socialize with your fellow new arrival who's having lights flashed into their eyes by a doctor. Misery loves company, after all. ] SCARY PRETTY SIGHTS [ There's plenty of rooms to wander about in, with several points of interest apart from the offices. The Airship Hangar is where the airships are kept and the first room you entered. Workers keep guard to prevent the outworlders from getting too close to the vehicles. Airships are expensive and they don't want you messing with them, after all. Venturing into the Research Section, you can walk through public exhibitions on astronomy, airship design, and asterisk studies. A good place to get used to the basic science of this world. The laboratories lie behind a thick locked door with a sign reading "EMPLOYEES ONLY". No going there, for now anyway. Not too far from there are the Employee Quarters - work stations, apartments, and lounge areas. The latter are available to the public, whereas the rest is locked to Native OCs. But if you get them to be friends with you, perhaps they'll let you visit? Also open to all is a Cafeteria - a standard food court with stalls serving all types of Vaikunthan cuisine. The Chef is a very jovial and absent-minded Hypello. Beware of long lines and crowded tables. This month however, there is an overwhelming scent of spice and pumpkins in the air. Pumpkin soups, pasta dishes, bread, pies, lattes.... There are even some carved pumpkins with moogle faces of different styles floating in the air just above the tables, candles flickering from within. Should you prefer open spaces, then the gardens are for you! There are different sections in the gardens around the center. One boasts a wide array of blooming flowers, another more practical with herbs commonly used in Vaikunthan cooking. One had been cultivated for butterflies and hummingbirds to visit. Paths have been laid through so that visitors can safely navigate, and moogles will swoop down and shout at anyone who strays into the flower beds. Or perhaps, you want to wait till the sunset. Dusk on a new world, but a beginning of a new life... The sea shines bright in the orange light. A good moment for quiet contemplation. ] HOUSING [The housing accommodations are the best the Curti staff could provide, given that they are still also sheltering most of the previous arrivals from the Dream Width. The keys have been entrusted to the moogles who will be guiding the new arrivals. The new arrivals can stop by the Curti Center storage room to collect some essential supplies that have been donated by charity organizations from around the world (there are boxes of toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste sent from the Zora, hair brushes from the Elezen, quick-drying towels from the Hypello, among the various donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets), before heading to their temporary homes. The people of Vaikuntha have done their best to provide for their new neighbors and help them get on their feet. Still, things will be a little cramped until the off-worlders can find employment and move into better housing. The staff hopes they can get along with one another until alternate arrangements can be made. You can survive living with roommates for a few months, right?] THE JOB FOR YOU [An important part of life on Vaikuntha is the Job (or Jobs) you choose to take. No, not the way you earn your living. Your Job Class. Most Natives only choose one or two, but you'll have an opportunity to take on more Job Asterisks after you master your first Jobs. The Curti Center's resident Job Master, Ganeshan, is more than happy to arrange transportation to the various Guilds so that you can claim your first Asterisks. ]

Comments

can't you though. *can't you*.

[warpstriking]

[It does indeed, but who'd have thought he'd find them in the air. He'll look forward to the teasing. It'll become another day that ends with the letter Y and he'll tease her right back. Right now, though? This is Fine.

He can't wait to tell her all about this world, what they've found here, but some things are important and need to be mentioned first. At least, he was going to answer until she answers his affirmation and their lips meet. In the back of his head, a little voice there acknowledges that there are a looot of people around who're seeing this PDA.

Screw it, they've been through so much trying to reach one another. He doesn't care what that little voice says and silences it as he kisses her back. Angles it slightly so it's easier on the both of them.

...Was that quiet clapping in the back? Eh, who cares. He still doesn't. Even as they pull away, he rests his forehead against hers. Just let them have this moment. Please.

It takes him a second to remember she asked a question. Sorry dear, you kind of distracted him a little bit.]

Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto are all here. So is my father, Cor, and Ravus. [There were more here, once. He's not ready to say that, though.] ...How much have the others told you about this place?

l i s t e n

[coincollection]

[This is actually fine. They'll get to be able to do everything they couldn't, and get everything they deserve.

Lunafreya is looking forward to it. She's more than looking forward to it, now that she knows she can actually have time with him.

She smiles into the kiss, which makes actually maintaining the kiss a little hard, but it makes it all the more perfect. (Or maybe she's just biased, because it's Noctis, and it's real.)

She hears the applause, but thinks nothing of it. As long as they're allowed this moment, people can think what they wish.]

I'll have to speak to all of them once I get the opportunity. [Especially to her brother - there's so much unsaid between them, so much that will be different between them now.] And I haven't heard much. The messages people left were...illuminating, but I get the feeling there's more that I need to know.

i'm listening

[warpstriking]

[It really is, and anyone who says otherwise can buzz off right now. No one can take this happiness from them again and if they try, he'll set them on fire. (Or freeze them, but that's reserved for a certain Someone.)

He feels that smile, and he can't help but smile as well. He looks her in the eye once they part; gaze warm.]

Yeah. All we had when I first arrived was the first message. Some of us tried, but we didn't want to give any information that would become outdated. [He rubs her cheek gently.] The people who work here at the Center full time will go into more detail, but I'll fill in anything else. Been here for about six of their months, now.

And you'll have plenty of time. We all live in the same neighborhood. Ravus- actually lives in the same house as us. [Letting that one sink in for a moment, because yeah, he's still shocked by that himself.]

good, i have a lot to say

[coincollection]

[Setting someone on fire might be a little extreme. (Unless, of course, it's that certain Someone.)]

You were one of the first people to arrive? [She managed to catch that much, how it seemed like a cycle with people arriving all the time, and it's been like this for months, now.

It's...One of the things that makes it hard to take in. Makes it harder to fathom; being displaced for so long while, what, your Star simply carries on?

They can't afford for Noctis to be missing for so long. Their world needs him.]

And you will be able to fill in everything they try to hide from us.

[(She needs him, and she can have him now, even if that makes her selfish.)]

Ravus lives with you? Time has certainly changed things. [She's glad to hear that. She would rather they work together than fall apart.] I'm glad he's come to some of his senses.

[She's counting on you, brother.]

/settles in to listen more

[warpstriking]

[He never specified how badly they'd be on fire. Maybe just their coat. Or a hat if they're wearing one. Something that would be easy to pat out, no big deal. He's not that mean; just a bit of a jokester. (Ice is more effective; thanks for the tip, Shiva.)]

Yeah. About fifty of us turned up that day. All the other messages left were from others who arrived at the same time. [He understands how hard that is to take in. For months he's worried about their Star; for those he left behind unwillingly. But then three if his friends disappeared and came back; telling of how time resumed.] But considering when my dad arrived he was around our age, I've tried not worrying too much about it.

[Try: key word. He hasn't succeeded in the slightest. He lightly squeezes her before begrudgingly letting go. Noticing one of the other crew members giving them a thumbs up. He rolls his eyes, but can't hide the slight amusement.]

Time, and me finding him. That was a fun conversation after. [It wasn't. They both agreed when sober not to talk about how they both teared up over their drinks.] Come on; let's go listen to the usual spiel.

[The welcoming committee is likely just outside in the hangar still, so it's not that far to walk. Yet he lets go briefly, shrugging out of his flight jacket. He holds it out to her.]

Here; should be a bit warmer than your dress. [And, you know... hide the blood stains and obvious undergarments (or lack thereof; he's tried not to look).]

:3c

[coincollection]

[Just a tiny bit of flame, no big deal. Nothing to write home about.]

Are all of them still here? [Is it possible to go back home? Is it possible that this is just a brief respite?

She's not sure if that would make things better or worse. She's also not sure what to say about a King Regis being around her age, and that's clear on her face as he lets her go.

That's just...He must have been so different, so young. She wonders how long he's been the man she's always known.]

I'll take your word on it. [Yeah, she gets that there's a story there, but Noctis and her brother are allowed their secrets. (Well, at least this one.)

She's just glad they're getting along.]

Thank you. [Lunafreya pulls the jacket on, and it is much warmer than her dress - not that it's much of a competition, considering she's still soaked through. Hopefully she doesn't get sick.

She considers asking how long these talks will take, but decides against it. She's waited through more unpleasant things than some sort of welcoming orientation.]

<3

[warpstriking]

[A candlelight's worth, even!]

Not all of them, no. Most still are, but some have disappeared without a trace.

[It is a point he wants to learn more about, and not just because people close to him are missing. And Luna, darling, that is such a godsdamned mood.

Might be changing in a bit though, considering the pranks Prompto started... Though I think he liked one of the rubber chocobos I left him. [His own personal stabbing toy. It's great.

He holds out his hand to her when she's placed the coat on.]

You're welcome. Thankfully it's not long, and they give out clothes along with the key to the place they assign to new arrivals.

<3!!

[coincollection]

[Nice and reasonable!]

I see.

[That...fills her with concern. She doesn't want to be one of those people who simply disappears some day, and she can't bear the thought of Noctis being one of those people, either.

Not after everything. Not after this already being so impossible.]

Rubber chocobos? [There's a glint in her eye as she laughs.] I can hardly imagine him with one.

[Her brother is so serious, so dour, that the image of him with something even close to cartoony and fun...

She regrets that she couldn't have seen his face, during all of these pranks.]

Clothes will be nice. [Clearly.] A place to rest, as well.

[She's running off adrenaline and excitement, right now, but that won't carry her forever.]

wow my html got borked ;a;

[warpstriking]

[That lingering fear of one of them disappearing again... He knows it far too well. He's seen several of those he's close to disappear, and now- he worries he himself could, or Luna will.

Which is why he now reaches for her hand, having pocketed his gloves for now. As if there needed to be more confirmation of when he is from, the Ring rests on his right hand still.

He dare not take it off; for obvious reasons.]

Yeah. Started collecting them not long after I became an apprentice and started studying for a piloting license. Surprised no one found them until I started leaving them out a couple days ago. [He smiles faintly; a glint of mischief sparking in his eyes.] Could always use a hand...

[He gently squeezes her hand, if she lets him hold hers.] I know the feeling.

[Regardless, he'll lead her down the ramp and into the crowd. Sooner the spiel's over, the sooner she can get warmed up. It would suck getting sick the first week here.]

it ok :3c

[coincollection]

[It's a fear she doesn't want to dwell on, even though she's experienced that kind of loss just yet. Losing Noctis has been something she's feared for so long, though, and it was almost something that came true.

But it's something she doesn't have to worry about for now. She can live life in the moment, and in this moment she has him. She has him, healthy and whole, even with the Ring on his finger.]

A hand in your schemes? [She laughs gently.] I think I could help with that.

[She'll let him hold her hand - and she'll squeeze back as well.] Let's get this over with, and then we can both rest. You must need it, after this flight.

[It's not a short one, after all, and there's an invitation there for him to take.]

<3

[warpstriking]

[It's one he doesn't want to dwell upon, either. Not again. There's been too much loss of late. So instead he smiles a little more widely at her agreeing to help with the prank war. Excellent.

He notices where her eyes go briefly and nods knowingly.]

It's magic is blocked, like all ours when we first arrive. [He explains quietly as they enter the crowd.] And yeah, probably.

[He'll take her up on that offer. But only once she's settled. Unfortunately, he's no healer, so he can't exactly make sure she isn't still hurt from their ordeal in Altissia. He has a couple calls to make when they get a moment.]