Letter to all Heroes--HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

[deadlyvu]

[The letter would go to all Heroes of Light, and even some of the non-Heroes like Biggs, and Cid, and Wedge. Once opened it's clearly a light-hearted letter, despite all the skulls and spiraling borders with spider-webs and bats on the page.]

Hello everyone!

My name is Lydia Deetz; I'm originally from Earth, in America, 1990ish if anyone recognizes the place and time. I missed out last year, due to being stuck in Crystal Stasis, and only arrived the February prior to that. I know things have been rough for the Heroes, because of whom we are, the past two Octobers.

But it's my favorite month--because back home, it's the month when Halloween comes! A time to enjoy the spooky and macabre and find the joy in the unusual. We've all had more than enough hardship lately, and I am excited to celebrate my favorite holiday for once! Some of the customs here on Crystallis are similar, but not all of them.

So... Please feel free to write me back, or meet me, if you're curious about Halloween where I'm from. Tell me stories about a similar holiday from where you're from! Also if you meet any ghosts, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me. Or better-yet, come and get me. Back home my best friend is a ghost, so I have some familiarity!

Thank you, and Happy Hauntings!
Spookily yours,
Lydia Deetz.

Comments

[sullenstallion]

[Huh.

Isn't the name of that one girl? Dylas dictates a letter to Koporo, but his Moogle is awful and decides to rewrite the letter in orange and black crayon before delivering it.

If asked, he'll insist it was Dylas' idea.]

Hey.

Ghosts aren't really a big deal where I'm from. I've punched a few ghosts in the face before. Most people just overreact for some reason.

-Dylas

[...At least he's reaching out?]

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia is delighted to have a letter back, as she does remember Dylas. He'd seemed kind of quiet and shy, and that was alright with her, so it was nice to see him reaching out. Betel-Po was amused, and carried the letter dutifully back. It's written on the same spooky stationary as before, albeit the designs are slightly different. Clearly Lydia is making her 'own' stationary from blank pages.]

Hi Mr. Dylas,

I remember you from when we were all waiting to see what happened with the Ultima Weapon. I hope you're doing alright? Most people aren't comfortable with the strange and unusual, so I'm hardly surprised they overreact to ghosts. Back home where I'm from, there are actually very few--if any--ghosts in the world of the living.

I just travel to the Neitherworld, the land of the dead, to visit my friend (if he doesn't come visit me) and hang out there. I've found most ghosts, at least the ones living there and not trapped somewhere they don't belong, are really just like most people. You have good ones, bad ones, and all of them in between.

Spookily yours,
Lydia Deetz

[sullenstallion]

[Dylas is wondering if talking to a child is a good idea. But then again, the world is going to end eventually, so he should probably try.]

There's a mansion full of them where I came from originally.

[Before he was a wendigo? Were there ghosts in Ryslig? He can't say he remembers for sure.]

I'd have to head in there sometimes and punch them to the next world. They're not any different from monsters, I think. Maybe yours are different.

-Dylas

[deadlyvu]

[Whereas Lydia is tired of everything thinking of her as a 'child'. She's 15, and while that's still young--it's not a child. So don't let her know you think that Dylas, or you'll get some arguing.]

There are places rumored to be haunted back home, but not many that really are. So far I've only met one person who knows about the Neitherworld. Zack is currently in crystal stasis though, so...

-Spookily yours,
Lydia

[Reply comes sometime between 7th and 10th]

[shinrasfinest]

Lydia,

I'd almost lost track of what month we were in, again. You'll have to forgive my lack of enthusiasm for October. In general, as you said, neither of those spent here on Crystallis have left any cause for celebration with me personally.

[And remembering giving out treats to children and moogles last year with Terra is, well...sore.].

That said, I shouldn't let my sour mood ruin it for anyone who wants to enjoy it and I know already Halloween has a special place in your heart.

I'm headed off to the Crystal tree in Mysidia, soon, so perhaps I could try to celebrate with you once we get back?

~Sephiroth

Re: [Reply comes sometime between 7th and 10th]

[deadlyvu]

[Betel-Po is chuckling to himself as he delivers this letter. "You have no idea how happy Lyds is to know you'll indulge her, kupo. She's been worried for you, Mr. Sephiroth." The letter itself definitely has spiralling borders, and a jack-o-lantern in the upper corner.]

Sephiroth,

I know things were really rough on you for the last few months. I hope you're doing better. I wish this month had better memories for you, and I'd be delighted to share some of what makes Halloween special to me with you when you return. Even if you don't, I'll understand as well--but I'd love it if you could. (I know how busy you can be though.) Will you at least be wearing a costume?

Please be safe in Mysidia, as much as you can. If I can help, please also let me know? My Vampire job is still maxed out, and I recently applied to get Dragoon.

~~Lydia

P.S: If Spencer's not busy, would he like to come help me with decoration? He and Betel-Po can tell me more about the night of 13 moogles.

[Reply comes sometime between 7th and 10th]

[shinrasfinest]

[Despite himself, Sephiroth can't help but to smile a little at Betel-Po when he says that. It's hardly a cure-all for everything that's come once again for him like a freight train at full force, but that Lydia is still there despite what she might have heard (or not) is really something-]

Lydia,

I've learned that I can't just put things to one side and hope they'll go away if I don't think about them or find a way to distract myself. It's not easy to unpick old habits, and it might already be too late, but I'm trying. Best I can...considering.

I'm hardly one for costumes, but I will make time for this when I get back. That's a promise.

Spencer probably would enjoy that, I'll let him know the offer is there. It beats him getting lonely or bored waiting at the barracks for me to get back.

~Sephiroth

Re: [Reply comes sometime between 7th and 10th]

[deadlyvu]

[Takes a lot worse to shake Lydia's friendship. Seriously, Sephiroth's track record--while different--is about on par with Beetlejuice's, when it comes to trouble.]

Sephiroth,

You know if I can help, I will. Whether it be just keeping you company and helping distract you, or drawing, or whatever works.

On pleasanter notes--do you have any ideas for costumes or do I get to pick? I promise I won't make it anything bad, but I can think of a few costumes you'd look amazing in. I'm holding you to this promise, you know.

Spencer is always welcome, not just to visit BP but to visit me, if he wants. He reminds me of my friend Prudence sometimes. She's shy and a bookworm herself, but has a nice adventurous side when she's with her friends.

Always sending you my best wishes!
Lydia

[damn_juicebox]

Greetings Lydia,

What an intriguing letter! The living usually don't care much for the dead, but you seem very enthusiastic. I've been patrolling the city as a precaution, just in case we have another spirit outbreak, but so far it's been peaceful. Still, I'll inform you should I find anything that my spark your interest.

How do you feel about soul reapers?

Sincerely,
Rukia Kuchiki

[deadlyvu]

Dear Miss Rukia? (or is it Miss Kuchiki?)

Usually the living ignore the 'strange and unusual'. I am strange and unusual; I don't really fit in so much easily in my home world. I mean, my parents love me, but they don't always get me. School is....a different matter.

Anyways, my best friend back home is a ghost. The Ghost with the Most, Beetlejuice. I visit him in the Neitherworld all the time, and have friends there. One of them, Jacques Lalean, actually was a former hero of Light in this world. (It's complicated, but I 'witnessed his memories' while I was asleep once.)

I'm familiar with the idea of the Grim Reaper, but not a soul reaper.

Spookily,
Lydia Deetz

[damn_juicebox]

To My Spooky Friend,

There's no need for formality. Just 'Rukia' will suffice. Would that the humans in my world were more apathetic to the supernatural circumstances around them like the ones you described! We've had to adapt much of our technology to implanting false memories within those who witness events that might otherwise disturb them.

I'm impressed that you've made regular visits to, what I assume, is the world of the dead. The living usually don't fare well in such places. Are you required to transform the particles of your body into spiritual elements?

I may be assuming incorrectly, but I believe there are enough similarities to say that our jobs are rather similar. A soul reaper's responsibility is to ensure that the souls of the dead are safely conveyed to the Soul Society -- heaven, as some people may call it. The truly wicked are taken by Hell, naturally, but there are few who earn such a fate.

Given that soul reapers are essentially souls with a greater capacity for spiritual power than others, I suppose that might technically qualify me as a ghost? I am not certain if this would satisfy your requirements, but I would be pleased to visit if that is your wish.

~Rukia

[deadlyvu]

Dear Rukia,

I think most humans in my world are apathetic to the supernatural. It helps that there are few genuine, actual, real hauntings--and most people are really good at rationalizing things away. I'm the kind who doesn't just keep my eyes open for it though, I go actively in search of it.

It depends on where--certainly some people there fear the 'living', and being 'alive' is definitely not the norm. I haven't usually had trouble though as long as I'm with my friends. My best friend (and some of my other friends there) are really good at keeping a watch out for me, and I actually fit in pretty well. As far as I know, I've never had to change into anything other than what I am.

I use a chant (although I can cheat by just saying my best friend's name 3 times if I want), to summon the magic that helps me move dimensions. Mostly it seems to change or transform my room, and a door appears up some stairs. I haven't looked into the mechanics of it much, as it's really easier just to call BJ a few times.

That sounds similar to the Grim Reaper yes, although that's only one person--not a group of them. Whether you're a ghost or not though, I'm happy to meet you and talk. Sounds like the land of the dead where you're from is different than the one I know, and I'm happy to compare notes and chat. I'm always happy to have more friends too.

Spookily,
Lydia

[line_piece]

Lydia,

I don't really know anything about what Halloween is like in my world. I'd like to hear about what yours is like, though.

-Chiaki

[deadlyvu]

Hi Chiaki!

Does Halloween not exist where you're from? That's sad, but I'm happy to share mine. So, originally Halloween was a holiday for the religious. They stayed indoors, as it was thought of as the night when the borders between the spirit world and the living world were the weakest! In some religions, it's also when whatever big-bad they believe in would gather their followers and party!

So people would huddle indoors and hide; but that only works for so long... So they decided they'd start dressing up as monsters and scary things, to blend in with all the other scary things and monsters out there. From there, if you went to a house--the home-owner had no idea if you were a real monster, or just someone dressed up. So they'd give you treats, as a bribe--just in case. Some people use it a bit meanly, where if they don't get a good treat, they'll play a trick or prank on the person.

All sorts of customs have sprung up around the night. A lot of people also engage in fortune telling on Halloween, and parties are common to be themed around dressing up, and staying together for company. For protection from the evil that supposedly roams.

In the living world, nowadays, it's mostly used by younger people to dress up, and go house-to-house trick-or-treating. Older people will have parties, which includes the dressing up. Most people use it as a night to indulge in being something they're not, that they've always wanted to be or think would be fun.

In the Neitherworld, I know it's the yearly Witch's Ball. My cat Percy escaped once, and got scooped up by a witch by mistake. BJ and I had to sneak into the Ball, to get him back--and we were able to persuade the witches and warlocks it'd be more fun if they invited outsiders.

That's kind of the general over-view. I can try and answer specific questions if you want too.

Spookily yours,

Lydia Deetz

[line_piece]

Lydia,

Wow. That's a lot. I didn't know there was so much history behind it.

-Chiaki

[deadlyvu]

Chiaki,

That's just for Halloween in America. The holiday as I know it grew out of traditions brought from Europe from various cultures. Some people think it's an older tradition. Certainly there are religious rituals relating to 'All Hallows Eve' in some parts of the world too.

I like the modern holiday though. It's the one time of the year I'm not seen as unusual, and everyone else tries to find the beauty in the strange the way I do. Any specific questions I can answer?

Lydia

[unyieldingspirit]

Lydia,

A time of mischief and devilry- it certainly bears some resemblance to our own celebrations. There are a few stories about All Saint's Wake… have I told you many of them before?

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you!

- K'pandolu

[deadlyvu]

Miss K'pandolu,

All Saint's Wake huh? Interesting, as the day after Halloween--at least in some countries--is called All Saint's Day. (The original name of Halloween in those areas, being traditionally, "All Hallows' Eve" as it has religious connotations.)

You haven't, as it's never come up. Now I wanna know more! Do you have a costume planned yet?

~~Lydia

[unyieldingspirit]

Lydia,

Really? Does that mean the Saints' influence is particularly significant on that day, or are there other reasons? For us, All Saint's Wake has traditionally been the day the saints are away from their usual duties, you see.

Oh? What were those connotations, then?

I'd be happy to tell you more! All Saint's Wake marks the day the saints are invited to feast in the heavens, for their service all the rest of the year- but the people feared the monsters and beasts that stalked the night while their protectors were away, donning disguises to blend in for those who had to go out during the night. But with the advent of adventuring, those fears have largely faded, and All Saint's Wake has become more of a festival properly. Though various creatures have still made their appearance, in recent times…

I haven't planned a costume for this year yet, I'm afraid. I wore a harlequin's outfit last year- but I think I'd like to choose something else this year. May I presume that you do?

- K'pandolu

[deadlyvu]

Miss K'pandolu,

You'd have to ask someone more religious than I am. I can tell you the basics, and some of that means I'd have to tell you about the dominant religion of the countries (and America) that Halloween was celebrated in. I'd rather have that conversation in person, really.

For myself on costumes, I have an idea or two. I'm trying to help think of some (and make them) for some friends whom I know will NOT do so otherwise. (But they can't refuse if it's a gift, right?) Did you have any ideas for what you wanted to be? I can help if you want.

~~Lydia

[umslay]

Lydia:

Sorry for the late reply. I was on the Lost Continent for most of the month busy with work, and I didn't have time to read your letter until now.

We don't have Halloween in my world, though seeing that we do have access to the underworld, it's not like we have our own traditions in respecting the dead. Spooky things are real and everywhere. That's not the case on Earth?

Your friend,

Ales

[deadlyvu]

[Lydia is excited to get this letter too, much like she was Sephiroth's. She worries for her friends, and knows Ales is a work-a-holic too.]

Ales,

I worry about you sometimes with all your work, but I also know I can't stop you. Just be sure you're not worrying Mimi too much okay? Eating and resting too--I'll come drag you out if I have to.

On my world, most people ignore the spooky things. There are plenty of mundane and 'real' scary things (like kidnapping, and murder, and such) to deal with. But ghosts and magic as we think of them are ignored or not present to most people. I just seek them out, because I'm interested. I'd love to hear more about your traditions, and hear about what the underworld you're familiar with is like? I'm more than happy to share mine in turn.

Your friend,
Lydia

[There's a folded package too, rather hefty. A folded up lab coat and goggles, sized for Ales. ~~Happy Halloween, says the card attached.]

[umslay]

[Great Protoon! This lab coat makes him look so cool! Ales sends Lydia one of his metal loop puzzles as thanks, only with one of the pieces reshaped to resemble a ghost.]

Lydia,

Don't worry about me, work is what I'm used to. Lazing about makes me uncomfortable, but I'm not going to deprive myself of sleep.

We too have regular scary things like pirates and Dark Lums (think of those evil Moogles that caused so much chaos the past two years), but ghosts are just another form of danger. Some are benevolent, some are not. It really depends on the situation. Magic is so intertwined in my world that dedicating a whole day to its celebration would be redundant.

I believe I told you before that we have an underworld that the living can access: The Land of the Livid Dead. I only explored the shallowest regions, but the dead prefer to keep to themselves. We remember their passing, they continue their unlives in peace, and the guardian to the underworld makes sure we don't intermix.

And it's not like we can meet our friends that passed away whenever we want. The land of the dead is large.

Your friend,
Ales

[reply comes around the 7th, player is just (un)fashionably late]

[acceptedoblivion]

Ah, Halloween...

Where I'm from, there's an entire world based on the holiday. Never been myself, though.

Personally I never had a taste for the holiday. Only time I got to celebrate it, well. Last year's puppeteered Hero and marshmallow moogle were tame in comparison.

What is it like? In America?

[It isn't signed, but as it's delivered personally by Lin it's likely obvious who it was.]

[deadlyvu]

[Another one of those responses that makes Lydia grin a lot and brightens her up. The reply comes on stationary with personalized swirls and bats and skeletons dancing on the edges.]

Ira,

An entire world? Deadly vu! I wish I could see it!

I'm sorry you've had such bad experiences with Halloween, as it's a wonderful holiday! At least, to me it is. In America, it's become a celebration of all things strange and unusual. A time when people can pretend to be other beings and things. When we remember that life isn't always bright and shiny, and sometimes bad things happen--but we try to face those bad things. Take some of the fear out of them, so it doesn't hurt us or scare us.

To me, it's always been a time when everyone starts looking for the beauty in the darkness and strange and unusual that they usually shun. It's when everyone starts to appreciate the quirks of looking on the spooky side of things, and that it's not so bad or scary after all. It's the time I feel the most 'normal' and like I'm not so different.

Anyways, celebrations. SO people will have halloween parties where they dress up and dance, and play games. Bobbing for Apples is a popular one, as is pumpkin carving. Kids will go door-to-door, and when someone answers, they ask "Trick or Treat". Usually this means people give them candy; in older times if the kids didn't get candy, they would play tricks on people. Sometimes it was 'you do a trick, you get a treat' but usually it was more like a bribe. Kids go in costume, and this has roots in old-world superstitions where ghosts and monsters would wander freely at this time of year and people couldn't tell who was who.

It's changed and evolved over time, but I still think it's amazing.

Spookily yours,
Lydia