Introduction Log || It's Happening Again (Again!)

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals, Previous Arrivals, and Native OCs) When: June 5th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: It is happening again. 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 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. Cid gives a short and to the point 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 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. Cid also introduces the other ones: his assistant Jessie, a young woman fascinated by the new arrivals, 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. After Cid finishes (and Claire grumbles at her work never being done), 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 Cid mentioned in his 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. ] 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. 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

[regalblaze]

[Ignis had invited Ravus inside. If anyone had a problem with that, they will have to get out on the line with him. He still feels indebted to Ravus for helping him reach Noct.

He's silent until coffee finishes brewing and pours two big mugs. Then sets one in front of Ravus, taking a seat across of him.]

Altissia. The last thing I remember is Ardyn knocking me out. [Just after he finished his fight with Ravus. He takes a sip of coffee and sighs.] When I opened my eyes, I was on a spaceship.

May I ask what happened to you? Your last memory.

[sonoftenebrae]

[Yes, that. That was...not his finest moment.]

...you have my gratitude, for preventing...what I might have done in grief.

[He offers no apology or excuse, but he is glad that Ignis intervened.

He recalls what happened beyond the point Ignis remembers.

A knife drawn to the Prince's throat, and the blade he had hurled in defense of Noctis' life. If Ignis did not remember, Ravus would not enlighten him of that moment.

Receiving a blast of Ardyn's perverse magic, and being thrown back. Much of what was said in those next moments had been lost to the shock and pain of that blow.

The ring, taken up finally by someone the Lucii judged worthy to harness it for at least a few minutes.

Ignis, collapsing, still concerned only for his prince even as his strength waned. That had been the first inkling that perhaps Noctis had grown from the sickly boy Ravus had known into someone who merited such devotion.

Acknowledging the roles they all had left to fulfil, walking away as Gladiolus and Prompto rushed to their friends' sides.

You were reckless. Ardyn could not be defeated by normal means, so you took up the Ring of the Lucii and drove him away from your wounded prince. When we parted, you and your prince were unconscious and your loud friends were running to your aid. I made it out of the city, but awoke here the next day.

[regalblaze]

[Ignis gently shakes his head-]

No need for explanations. [At least not to him.] You lost your sister, it was understandable.

[From the moment Ravus decided to join him and lend him a hand to reach Noct, he knew that there was more than it meets the eye when it came to the older man. Despite their differences, he too cared for his closest family in the only way he could. Ignis can't fault him for that.

--]

...What?

[Ignis' face goes visibly pale and shocked at the information Ravus just provided. He knew of his future injuries, he knew that Prompto and Gladio found them but-

He used the Ring of Lucii?! This probably shouldn't be as surprising as it is. And yet- Ignis can feel the chill going through his veins at the thought of this. He sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose as he leans his elbow on the counter.]

...I see. That explains a lot of things.

[He... fought Ardyn. With the Ring. And only managed to drive him away. But, if that kept Noctis safe then he's fine with it.]

[sonoftenebrae]

You were fortunate. Most foolish enough to attempt what you did pay the price, but never receive the power.

[The hand of his borrowed magitek arm forms a fist.]

The kings judged you worthy.

[There is, perhaps, the slightest emphasis on the 'you'. Ravus turns his focus on the coffee Ignis has brewed, ceasing this talk of rings and royals to take a long sip. The conversation needed to be had, but he hopes they can move on and never speak of it again.]

[regalblaze]

[For a person that was bitter about the whole ordeal with the Ring, Ravus still holds their opinion in high regards.

Ignis, while he respects the Kings of Old and their sacrifices to keep them all safe, can't help but think that they lent Ignis their power as a last resort. Because Noctis is the last chance for all of them to get rid of the darkness.

Even though he will never be alright with the price King himself has to pay for it.

Ignis takes a good gulp of coffee.]

The only thing that matters is that Noctis is safe.

[...for now...]

[sonoftenebrae]

You should be more careful of your own life.

[Although really, Ravus does not have much room to talk on that topic, given his own recklessness in trying to reach Lunafreya.]

You do not want your king left under the care of those other two you travel with.

[In spite of his flat delivery, he means it as a jest, to lift the dark mood in the kitchen. Because it is pretty laughable, imagining the giant Shield and the chipper photographer trying to fill Ignis' shoes.]

[regalblaze]

You shouldn't be the one to tell me that.

[You bet Ignis is going to call him out on it. But, Ignis also thinks that, in the grand scheme of things, his life holds minimal value. Especially after that prophecy.]

Hmm, perhaps. [Ignis smiles, a bit amused.] If I leave them, they might burn the world down trying to sustain themselves. [Well, that's a bit over-exaggeration since Gladio knows to cook simple things but prefers not to. But- they are joking, right? So it's all fair.]

[sonoftenebrae]

No, I probably should not. [Ravus will concede the point to Ignis, since there is no denying it.]

If I were to stay here [Ravus is not prepared to commit himself beyond 'if', even though the coffee Ignis makes is divine], your continued presence is required. I'll not risk the destruction they'd reap in your kitchen.

[regalblaze]

[Ignis just chuckles and takes another sip of the coffee. There's no point if it gets cold.]

Ah, rest assured that I do not intend to leave the kitchen to pack of hungry coeurls. [The guys probably know how to cook simple stuff, but in their hurry to show off just how 'good they can actually do it', Ignis is afraid the kitchen will implode.]

They lend me a hand from time to time, but I am the one that's responsible for food.

[sonoftenebrae]

I think they do not deserve you.

[It is said as lightly as Ravus is capable of, though not for the first time, he wonders how Noctis won such a man's loyalty. How different would Ravus' life had been, if he'd had a companion like that at his side growing up?]

You are all...close to one another. [Ravus does not have a word to describe the strange entanglement of the Prince and his men.] My intrusion would be unwanted.

[He does not phrase it as a question, although it probably is. Maybe, if he puts aside the complicated history of Tenebrae and Lucis, he is jealous of what these housemates have.]

[regalblaze]

[That gets a small huff of a chuckle from Ignis and light shake of his head. Ravus makes it sound like Ignis just can't fail at anything he does and that can't be farther from the truth.

Ravus' life would've probably been different but- it's never late for changes. It only needs that Ravus wants it, that's all.]

We've all grown up together. I dare say I've known Noct the longest, then Gladio and then he met Prompto in high school. So yes, it is true that we are close. But it's far from the fact that you're -intruding-. [Ignis takes a sip of his coffee, side-eyeing Ebony who's trying to bring over a tower of macaroons Ignis made last night.]

You and I already know each other, and Noct and Prompto know you from the future. The only hitch would be with Gladio but I am sure you two can settle the tension like civil people. Neither of you are bad people.

What I want to say is- [Ignis catches the plate with one hand that Ebony almost dropped, without blinking, and places it on the counter-] that you are welcome to stay. If you so desire. If you truly wish to leave, no one will stop you.

[sonoftenebrae]

[If Ignis is trying to dispel the illusion that he is supernaturally good with everything, the trick the the macaroon plate does not help. Ravus raises an eyebrow, impressed.

The topic of conversation, however...]

We were enemies, the first time we met. Is that really so easily forgiven?

[Ravus has never let go of a grudge so quickly. He cannot expect the Lucians to do any differently. He...has no other place to go, but he will not stay in a place where he is unwanted, or worse, pitied.]

[regalblaze]

[...he just knows what's going to happen, okay? Ebony dropped three plates like this already. The moogle is as clumsy as he's eager. Ask Noct about the utensils incident.]

Yes, we were. The circumstances we were in didn't allow us to be anything but that. [Ignis can't deny- the scuffle, Ravus' obvious antagonism for all of them- it was hard to avoid.]

But, we know why you were that way. People do everything- good and bad- to protect those they matter to them the most. [Ignis is more than ready to fight Bahamut himself if it meant it would change the prophecy...

Ebony nudges the plate towards Ravus-]

Take one! You'll feel better! Last night- we gave some to Mister Marshal and he immediately stopped frowning! Like magic!

[...Ignis just clears his throat and hides his face behind the mug because that's embarrassing.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ravus...has no words. He had thought the chasm between himself and the Lucians too vast to be spanned with anything other than temporary alliances, arisen only in the hours of greatest need.

Ignis has, over a casual coffee meeting, offered what Ravus thought impossible to attain: Understanding. Forgiveness.

'Why?' he almost demands.

Ebony pushes the macaroons his way, and Ravus just stares at them as the moogle chatters. His face feels...strange. It takes a moment to register, and when it does, he forces the smile back into a neutral expression. He nods at Ebony and takes a macaroon.]

Magic...maybe they are.

[Perhaps the housing assignment can remain. Estoc is going to be insufferably smug when she finds out.]

[regalblaze]

[Ravus helped him reach Noct in time and then later helped him- or at least that's what Noctis told him. That's more than enough for Ignis. If the roles were reversed, Ignis could easily see himself acting like Ravus. He... sees himself in Ravus- cornered and grasping at straws.

It's... not something he can put into words even if Ravus were to ask him about it.

Ebony twirls happily and grabs several macaroons-]

I'll take some to Estoc! The Magical Macaroons, kupo!

[Before Ignis can even open his mouth to argue the new 'name' for food, Ebony is gone. So he just ends up sighing.]

Apologies. He's... excitable one. I assure you, there's no magic involved in preparing food.

[Although, with the way it lured out that smile from Ravus, maybe they are indeed. Don't worry Ravus, Ignis won't tell people you have a very nice smile.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ebony rushes out, and a few moments later, Ravus hears the sound of Estoc's high pitched cackling. Damn it.

Ignoring the moogle, Ravus tries the 'magical macaroon'. It is good. Not the type of sweet Ravus prefers, but expertly made.]

Is there a moogle that isn't excitable?

[If there is, Ravus hasn't met them yet.]

...When we finish, you can show me which room is to be mine.

[regalblaze]

[It is the only thing he can offer at the moment, Ravus. He also doesn't know what kind of desserts you like. Well... he doesn't know a lot about Ravus when it comes down to it but, if Ravus decides to stay, maybe he'll learn.]

Actually, Lord Clarus' Moogle very grounded. [He wonders if the two managed to finally get along.]

Of course. There is an empty room upstairs you can use.

[sonoftenebrae]

[That gives Ravus pause. Clarus' presence is...complicated, to put it mildly. The man had witnessed Ravus' mother's death, and Ravus had felt no remorse, being nearby when the same sword ended Clarus' life. The younger generation, Ravus can make his peace with. He does not know if he has it in him to do the same with the older.]

...I will judge the space and see if it will serve my purpose. [He amends. This fledgling alliance with the Lucians is a step forward, then a step back, so much shifting that he is no longer sure where he stands.]

[regalblaze]

[They will all have to try and get along. This place, however seemingly peaceful, is not letting them go back. And if there is danger lurking behind the corner, it would be better to get along and work together for the sake of everyone.]

Come. I'm sure you probably want to take a moment and rest.

[He nods at the exit of the kitchen and leads the way out then upstairs. Ebony is already upstairs, singing his ever favorite "itsy bitsy spider" as he dusts the corners of the hallway.

Ignis opens the door to the right, revealing a rather empty, but clean and tidy room. The bed, night table, work table, small shelf, and dresser are inside- nothing too personal.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[Ravus follows, and studies the room Ignis leads him to. It nowhere matches the finery of his quarters in Fenestala Manor, but he has served as a soldier as well, and he can appreciate any room that is private after a stay in the Imperial cadets' barracks.

There are signs throughout this borrowed house that the others are trying to make it a home: Ignis' orderly kitchen, the well-tended chocobo stables around back, the moogle's enthusiastic cleaning. Nothing will ever replace Tenebrae...but he has to build something new for himself eventually.]

Yes, a short rest would be welcome.

[Maybe he can figure out his next move when he's not so exhausted.]

((Do we want to wrap this up for now?))

[regalblaze]

[They tried making the house look less cold and more approachable when they arrived but there is only so much they can do to bare white walls. Although, truth to be told, when they were told they will eventually have to move they stopped trying to decorate it.

In any case, it was a roof over their heads for the time being and Ignis had no complaints about it.

He gives Ravus a nod-]

If you need anything I will be downstairs.

[Ignis heads out of the room, closing the door behind him and calls Ebony over- the Moogle can dust cobwebs later when there are no people resting. Together, they head back downstairs.]

((ooc: sounds good to me too ^^))