A Christmas Reunion

[melodiesmods]

When Melodies of Life ended, the Heroes of Light were given a choice. They could opt to stay behind on Crystallis, to go back to their homeworlds or to go live on one of their friends's homeworld. Regardless of what choice their made, they were separated forever, their paths never to cross again.

But for the 25th of December, the PuPu returned Crystallis and made a final gift to the Heroes of Light! For the entirety of the day, they can board their spaceships and travel to other worlds… And thus, they can visit their friends! Due to how time works across dimensions, characters can stay a maximum of seven days in another world, before the PuPu are forced to take them back to Crystallis. They can visit as many world as they want, so long as it is the world of another Hero of Light!

A downside to the Melodies of Life’s ending was that the Heroes of Light couldn’t bring to Crystallis people from their homeworld. Friends, family... But thanks to the PuPu’s spaceship, it is no longer an issue. You want to stay on Crystallis but bring with you your brother and pet hamster? Now you can do it!

It is the only occasion you’ll ever have to visit your friends. Indeed, the PuPu are stopping interdimensional travel due to the Dream Width having grown exponentially more dangerous since the disappearance of the Calamity. More and more of their kind have disappeared because of it, and none of their scientists have any clue as to what it is or why it grew more dangerous following the Calamity’s disappearance*. But they still wanted to do this favor for their friends on Crystallis.

1. Post a top comment! Mention whether your character is on their homeworld (Homeworld) or if they’re using the PuPu spaceship to visit their friends (Traveler)!

2. Reply to other comments! Characters who decided to stay on their homeworld can also board the PuPu spaceship once they’ve been visited once, so there is no excuse for you not to visit everyone!

3. Profit!

* Please app to the upcoming sequel to Melodies of Life to discover all the truth! 2018, release date TBA.

Comments

Barkeep | Homeworld

[forcegalactic]

[The Barkeep had spent the past six months catching up all that he missed with his wife. That is, he had spent years living on another planet in another universe and going on all sorts of adventures while Harriet had a normal five minutes at home. He was in a bit of trouble considering that she didn't like the idea of putting his life in danger, but all was forgiven since he was alive and with her.

It was a shame that Ramza, that sweet boy, wanted to stay behind.

The holiday season on Mars is not any colder than the rest of the year, but the residents believe that the weather is prime for snow in their hearts and dress for it. They have heard of their mayor's escapades on a planet of crystals and monsters, and for those asking for a man with his description, they point them to the Space Saloon.

The Barkeep is busy pouring out eggnog and peppermint cocktails from his counter, while a woman his age rests in the kitchen area behind him.]

The saloon doors are open.

[A robotic voice says as the twin doors at the entrance slide open and close, letting the newcomer(s) in.]

[zodiac_brave]

[The red Martian landscape has not changed much since last Ramza laid eyes on it. The sword at his side and his Crystallian garb mark him for an outsider, but he walks toward his destination with a surety none of the locals question.

The saloon doors slide open automatically as he approaches, a bit of magic that still gives him pause no matter how many times he sees it. Ramza stands in the doorway, looking around the room. It takes only a moment to spot Barkeep.]

Merry Christmas. I shall take a milk, if you have it.

[forcegalactic]

How many times do I gotta say, I don't celebrate--

[He looks up at the voice he swore was only familiar through an audio illusion. The kinds where the crowd blurs out the tone of voice and Mordecai replaces it with one familiar to him. He was old, but his brain was good enough not to imagine things out of nowhere.

Like Ramza.]

Now what sorta person orders milk at a saloon? Wouldn't you rather get a virgin cocktail? [Still eyeing him suspiciously.]

[needsteaplz]

Hah. I never thought I'd actually take a step on Mars.

[Saori commented to herself as she walked past the threshold. She was dressed in a green turtleneck sweater dress and boots, but she also had a tall rectangular wrapped box. It really did remind her of the Saloon back on Crystallis. She walks over to the counter and pulls up an empty seat. ]

Merry Christmas, Barkeep. It's been a while.

[forcegalactic]

Happy Holidays--

[He blinks.]

Saori? You too? Well, howdy and welcome! [He tosses his wipecloth behind the counter and pulls up a chair. He stands on it to gain some height and lean on the counter.] You look ready for a night of bar-crawlin'.

Duster | Homeworld

[mindofathief]

[New Tazmily is a small, growing town by the sea. The residents recall a time when humanity nearly destroyed their world and work to avoid but always remember their mistakes. Farmers, craftsmen, musicians, and people dragged from other times live inside the town borders or just outside but always within traveling distance.

Duster lives near the edge in a small cottage with Santa (the punk, not the jolly old man) and several friends of his. He has a concert today, presenting at the stage at the center of town.

Perhaps you'll run into him on the streets or visit him after his band plays a couple of jazz/rock fusion pieces.]

[21stcenturyguy]

[It's been a weird half-year, trying to find a place for himself in a world with no modern technology or puzzle rooms. But this world does have its appeal. After months in Tazmily, Aoi's sure of one thing- he made the right decision, coming here with Duster.

He's in a suit, because that's what people wear when they rock out. It's fine. He always watches Duster's shows, not just because he's still angling become the manager for Duster's band. He enjoys the music. He wanders up to 'Lucky'.]

Love your work. Can I get an autograph?

[mindofathief]

[Duster finishes polishing his double bass and smiles.]

Do you have a pen and something to write on? [There. all clean. Duster smacks the rag against the side of the instrument and tosses it onto the chair.]

[unyieldingspirit]

[There's another face in the crowd today- listening intently, her head tilted to one side. It's been a little while since she's heard anything like this…

She approaches Duster a little while after the concert, offering a smile when she gets closer.]

That sounded good! Is it traditional, or something fresh you decided to perform?

[mindofathief]

[Duster looks up from the table, where his wig and music notes are laid out after the performance.]

The band came up with it a few months ago. We thought we'd play a fan favorite tonight. [He smooths his messy hair and approaches K'pandolu.] It's been forever! What have you been doing?

Santa Cloud | Crystallis | Open to all

[neverfirstclass]

[For all who decide to take a pass through Crystallis in their journeys, or perhaps were invited there directly, the Starlight Season is in full swing, and while there are good many places celebrating the cheer and joy with decorations and festivities, there's one in particular that has attracted a large crowd.

Children of all ages wait, bundled up at the chocobo ranch, and when the jingling of bells sounds all look up to see the bird drawn sleigh coming in for a landing. The Gold Chocobo at the front trills happily as it touches down. A red clad and bearded figure waves as he stands in his seat, a heft sack slung over his shoulder.]

HO HO HO! MERRY STARLIGHT!

[atouchofstrife]

[ Say hello to the strange little creatures, they said. Maybe they would have something new to give him, they said. Cloud wasn't sure why he gave in to the others (yes actually he did he just didn't want to admit it out loud) but now here he was, on a different world, staring at a - well - a echo of himself. No. Not an echo.

This planet tasted different, the people were a little different, everything was different but he knew that the person dressed up so festive wasn't an echo. It was like knowing that Aerith and Zack were still living inside the Planet, and like he knew that the threads making up Sephiroth were still there waiting. Maybe it would make sense that he was the echo and this other Cloud was what he could have been, maybe, if the world had been saner.

Or maybe he was just thinking too much. ]

A little early, isn't it?

[ Look. He doesn't even know the date yet. It was still summer back on the Planet even if he dressed like he was half in mourning with his modified SOLDIER uniform. ]

[neverfirstclass]

[Cloud paused in surprise as he saw the other version of himself in the crowd. The last time he saw this one it had been...over 5 years ago from his perspective. And yet now they were the same age. He must have been drawn from the same point in time from Gaia as they visited the one time.

Much like the other Cloud, Santa Cloud had spent five years in slumber, but his was a sleep of protection rather than experimentation. Even in the ways their lives converged there were differences.

But none of that mattered now. What mattered was keeping in character in front of the children. Having himself in the crowd like this actually helped judging by the stunned looks on a few faces.]

HO HO HO! Now now, I'm sure you're just a bit lagged from your travel. Off visiting friends with the other Heroes, aren't you? But don't you worry Hero of Light, Santa has a gift for you too for this Starlight Season. Why don't you help me get the kids all lined up so we can give these toys out?

[Congrats Other Cloud. Some of these people now think you're him. A few look skeptical until the antler wearing Gold Chocobo wanders over, gives him a sniff, and then starts nibbling on the visitor's spiky hair.]

[unyieldingspirit]

[This is just as fantastic as she remembers it being, and K'pandolu claps as the sleigh lands, beaming at birds and man.]

And a happy Starlight to you as well! I hope the year's been treating you well.

Mary Read | Homeworld | The Caribbean, 1722

[not_most_days]

[This wasn't precisely where Mary had left this world, for both definitions of the word left. However as she worked with the PuPu in finding their way back to this world they found this was the landing point of least resistance. She couldn't know for sure, but her gut told her that there was a reason for it. To avoid confusion in her passing perhaps.

On the open sea one particular scallywag was sailing his way east, a life of crime in the light being set aside for a future in the dark. But first and foremost for the precious cargo he had on board. The wind was fair and the sun bright, with nary a cloud in the sky. It was a fine day for this leg of the crossing.

So perhaps it would be the sudden shadow that overtook his ship that Kenway would first notice, followed by the whipping wind and the roar of the engine and propellers overhead. A ship was there, flying and held aloft by balloons and wind and heaven knows what magic. And on the deck stood a seeming young man, boot up on the railing as she looked down to the ship they were flying alongside. A flag as black as could be flapped in the wind above her, an emblem matching her tattoo stitched in blood red on it.]

FANCY SEEING YOU HERE, KENWAY! STILL LOOKING SLEEK AND MEAN!

(ooc: all welcome here but all members of the Assassin's Brotherhood of Crystallis particularly invited)

ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL HIM???

[fameorfolly]

[The sudden and very large shadow is concerning, a cloud wouldn't move that quickly and he's not sure what would cast such a shape on his deck until he turns his eyes skyward. It's a good thing he's so steady at the wheel, or that they're out in open ocean, because the sight of some kind of flying barge just idling up along-side his ship is enough to make most damn near shit themselves. It's a good thing his crew seems to have it well enough together not to make a mess of the deck as well, but there are plenty shouts and cries of surprise at the sight. At least now Kenway knows he's not seeing things, because for a moment there he was really wondering if he'd lost it completely.

He stares up at the thing like a daft child, and he should really get to being Captain and start making orders to deal with this strange ship. Instead he stands, mouth agape before the familiar figure finally steps up to where Edward can get an eyeful. It still takes him quite a few more moments to put his completely shattered brain back together. Because honestly, this is impossible. Mary, aboard a flying ship? He couldn't have dreamed up such a ridiculous thing.]

SINK ME! KIDD, IS THAT YOU??

[He almost slips and calls her Mary in front of his crew, but he manages to catch his tongue before it just wags away. See? He can be taught! He can use discretion, sometimes.]

What in the seven hells is that thing?? [There are definitely more important questions, but this seems like the one his mind decides to latch onto as the "safe" option. In the mean time he's waving a man over, calling out orders to slow their pace. He switches places, letting his current Quartermaster take the helm as he prepares to scale the mast to the crows nest so they can talk.

He's crossing the deck when a small figure comes out of his quarters, a young girl in a beautiful, ruffled blue dress, with her hair pulled back and braided just so. She looks up at the ship with amazement and curiosity, unafraid. Edward goes to her and gently pleads with the child to go back inside. There's no harm in it, no danger now, but the waters weren't the safest passing. She goes, but stops just before the doorways to watch from a better hiding spot.

Edward scales the mast easily and stands at a better height to speak with a flying vessel, and his long, lost friend.]

You have quite a lot of explaining to do, lass.

[His tone is warm and fond now that they are at a more personal distance.]

Saori Nakagawa | Homeworld

[needsteaplz]

[It had been six months since Saori had left Crystallis, but Saori's hands were already full the moment she came back. Unlike some of her other godly colleagues, she and her husband worked did actual work. Answering prayers, taking down rogue supernatural beings, and of course being parents to their twins.

Snow was falling in the First District of Kuukan, the parallel realm where gods, souls, and the supernatural called home. The streets leading up to the district of the gods are full of holiday cheer and charity. Food vendors greeted passerbys with their goods to help stave off the cold.

Anyone who arrived eventually wound up in front of a rather imposing Japanese gateway with a pair of white foxes the size of a horse flanking the door.]

Welcome, travelers. You are a bit early, but please come in to warm up. Master Inari's holiday blessings is about to begin.

[Before the newcomer(s) can say anything to the fox that addressed them, the heavy wooden doors open and the foxes nudge them inside. Beyond the white plaster outer walls, stood a large traditional Japanese manor. Several regular sized foxes and some humans with fox ears in kimonos could be seen carrying lacquered trays of various foods as they rush to the main garden area.

The fresh snow crunching under tiny feet grew louder as a boy and a girl no older than five years old, turn the corner and ran straight into the guests, before falling on their behinds. An all too familiar voice could be heard after them.]

Yae, Toshi! C'mon now, you're supposed to get dressed before the guests. come. in...I don't believe it.

[Saori was now in view, dressed in a dark blue kimono with embroidered camellias and a white fur shawl around her shoulders.]

Surprise I'm tagging this first.

[acceptedlife]

[He was so close to simply correcting the fox as he entered, having remembered the way from when he had visited this world with Saori all those years ago. Yet now, as he knelt there just inside the gates to greet the two small children with a quiet and tired laugh escaping behind his scarf... He just didn't have it in himself, anymore.]

It's been a while, Yae, Toshi.

[It was lucky that he had some time to practice using his voice again. Otherwise he wouldn't know what to do with himself when their parents would join them.

For all that his body had regressed in age - again - he seemed far more older than he had been when he at last stood on his own two feet again, journal held in the same arm that yet sported the hidden blade he'd been given all those years ago. And yet, the relief was likely evident in is eyes the moment Saori came into view. Yes, even despite how rough his voice still was.]

Sorry I took so long, Mom.

Ira Nakagawa | Homeworld ⇢ Literally Anywhere Else

[acceptedlife]

((Warning for almost no holiday cheer because someone was an idiot and went back to hell the Tower. Death, isolation, sudden realization of a Christmas Spirit™ and other related content warnings will abound.))

i. lost are the heroes and the thieves are left to drown

[acceptedlife]

It would not take long for anyone to realize that something had gone horribly wrong.

For anyone who followed the PuPus on their ship, one of the many worlds they'd visit was more a wasteland than anything the World of Ruin had ever been. Of course, that implied there was something more horrible, disparaging, and deadly than anything they had witnessed there. The truth was far more horrifying than that. There was nothing. Ruins upon ruins. An eerie quiet only broken up by the sound of one's footsteps.

There was no sun. No light of any kind. Grass that had once grown upon the soil on either side of the road was long since dead, the dust kicked up in the air with every step. And at the end of the path that barely seemed to support itself, was a castle. And by the door, a single cloaked figure sat alone with his back against the massive frames, a thick journal held in gloved hands.

... Anyone would recognize the cloak immediately for an Illusionist on Crystallis, yet the hidden blade that remained strapped on their left arm would likely give away who the cloaked figure was before his voice, cracking as he spoke, ever said a word.

"I wondered, how long it would take for someone to come," the man's voice, hoarse from lack of use, would have been quiet had it not been for the distinct lack of any other sound to be had. After all, not even Heartless or Nobody had been spared from this calamity all those years ago. And yet, it was almost as if one could hear the joy and relief in his quiet voice.

ii. fall beneath the earth and watch the shell come unraveled

[acceptedlife]

It took no convincing for any visitors to get the last survivor to leave the waking nightmare he had been trapped in ever since he had left Crystallis in vain hope that he could save his worlds and the countless souls lost. But, it was not to be. Much like his empty life in the Tower that had stripped him of everything so long ago, he had nothing left to him there by staying. He had everything to gain by leaving. A family, a girlfriend who would never let him hear the end of it if he never kept his promise to her.

Besides, there were other timelines; other versions of his World that had survived. He knew his brother and sister would never fail to save them, nor the others who had been trapped there. In a way, his being lost to the Tower had saved him. Watching the stars pass them by, his eyes began to sting. As if everything had begun to sink in all at once as he quietly ssat there, not entirely sure how his vocal chords worked anymore.

He had hoped, for so long, that he would be able to save his world as they had Crystallis and countless others. Had been so sure that he was willing to sacrifice everything he had gained, just so that wise guy and his friends could pick up the slack after he was gone. He knew better than that, now. Knew better than to dream of a day he would not be haunted by the ghosts that followed him wherever he went. None of what he'd wanted for his World meant anything, now. And yet, that wasn't why it felt as though something caught in the back of his throat.

'I'm going home. I'm finally going home.'

With that single dawning realization, he could feel his breath begin to shake. Resting his head back in the seat he'd taken in the back to avoid as many prying eyes as he could, his fingertips lightly brushed the two chains within his coat pocket. Nor could he help but quietly utter in barely-restrained broken amusement, "What do you know... Christmas miracles do happen."

This might be the first happy winter season he actually had that didn't have some calamity or another hovering over their heads.

K'pandolu Tohka | Homeworld

[unyieldingspirit]

[K'pandolu'd been busy enough once she'd arrived back in Eorzea. She'd said she intended to protect the others, and meant it- and it wasn't as though there were a host of other incidents on their way, even without trying to talk about Crystallis. It's… well, a mess. But they're doing what they can.

Starlight, at least, is something of a breather. It's more for the children- but young and old alike can enjoy the snow that's been brought to town! For the moment, K'pandolu's not paying it too much attention, though- she's got a parcel under her left arm, and is frowning at a list.]

This is… weren't they going to sort it by wards…? [OH WELL this just means more fussing about. Maybe she can grab some silver passing by the market boards, too, if it's on the way… She tucks the list away and turns- ears twitching up when she realises someone's there.] Oh- hah! Here for deliveries, too?

[forcegalactic]

[Mordecai raises his hands in a peace offering.]

Just checkin' on how you're doin', seein' if there's not too much trouble happenin' 'round these here parts. And as you know, I thrive on gossip and I cannot get trough these next few days not knowin' what y'all been up to while I was gone. Which may not have been as long as the time I was turned into a crystal statue but we've all moved onto different universes, thus exponentially increasin' the number of unique experiences the learn about.

[And with that long-winded speech, he points at the packages:] What's that for?

midna + dylas (sorry you have to suffer through both) | twilight realm ( homeworld )

[twilighted]

( this time of year had never really meant anything to midna, but now when the winds began to grow colder she couldn't help but be reminded of the time she had spent in crystallis. the starlight celebration, hadn't they called it? Where people indulged in merriment, carolling and... gift giving.

some time had passed since their journey in that strange land, and after all that, dylas had still chosen to come along on the quest to defeat the great king of evil... and restore the throne to the rightful princess.

in her hands, and behind her back, she seemed to be concealing something as she peered around the corner, clearing her throat first, as she looked for— ) Dylas?

this is long I'm so sorry

[sullenstallion]

[It's been a long time. Ganondorf and Zant hadn't been the only evils he, Midna, and some guy named Link had to overcome. Separate from his own world, he reverted back to his old body...and his old diet. But even that seems like forever ago. The burns on his back that once spelled out the word 'liar' have healed completely with Twilight magic, and runic symbols now ran along his back and down his arm in its place, helping to fix his appetite and cravings.

Maybe someday they'll be able to fix other parts of him, too, but that's not a concern to him. His only concern is Midna. He never thought he'd find love. Supporting her peers to prove he's more than just a consort, dealing with court, having to attend school like he's a kid to learn all their history...there's so much he's never done before but has to learn.

But she's worth it. And he's written her a poem or two to express that.

Winter holidays are much more important where he's from. It's hard to tell when Christmas is occurring, or when he might suggest they go fishing for squid together, but just knowing it's almost the winter solstice is enough to have him finding a gift for Midna. He's in the middle of wrapping it, actually, when he hears Midna approaching. Crap. How did he let her get so close? He abruptly leaves the small room he has for his own personal use. He doesn't need a bigger one. They share most things now, including a bed, even if Dylas is unfortunately cold...and even colder this time of year.]

What is it? What's wrong? What's—hey.

[His tail swishes behind him a little excitedly, but it could just be that he's surprised. Does she want a kiss? He'll kiss her on the cheek if that's their norm now.]

I thought you were seeing to that restoration...thing.