mogmelodies | Help? [To All Heroes's residences, not through Mognet]

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Help? [To All Heroes's residences, not through Mognet]

[At sometime between 1st and 7th December, a copy of this letter is thrust through the letterbox, under the door, or in the postbox of every house that a Hero is resident in - except B-09. It might be in blue, red or green depending on which color is for that particular day, and has silver lettering though it's not been sent through Mognet. Also open to anyone who might want to catch Spencer in the act.]

Dear Hero(es) of Light,

I hope that you'll excuse the manner in which this letter is sent but I need to keep it strictly hush-hush.

First off, it's quite amazing how many of you have taken it upon yourselves to help spread the festive cheer of the Starlight Celebration around Crystallis. We are truly blessed to have such enthusiastic Heroes wanting to make this time of year special for just about everyone.

Stuff the threat of the Calamity and quite rightly so.

However, I wonder if you might be able to help me. My own Hero has not experienced much in the way of all the delightful things that this season can bring to just about anyone should they open their heart to it and after this last year I think it's more important than ever that someone needs to change that. He seems fully committed to simply carrying on with his responsibilities as if it could just be ignored.

I overheard as well, that he didn't even pause to acknowledge his own birthday last month. I didn't even know the date.

Anyone who would be willing to help me in figuring out this frustrating set of circumstances would be most welcome. I'm not even sure that I'd know what to get for him for Starlight this year.

If you could please send any replies directly to me, Spencer, delivered to House B-09 itself (not through mognet please as I'd likely be strung up for even distributing a letter this way)

Apologies again, thank you kupo.
Spencer [There is a tiny moogle paw-print after his name.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[This would come directly to Spencer, from Ophelia--sans her usual red-scarf. She is trying to be discreet and not obvious. The note itself is from Vincent, but Ophelia'll make it clear she wants to talk to Spencer too.]

Spencer,

Your companion-hero has had an interesting life, and a difficult one. I am from the same world as he is, and aware of what future awaits him there (as it is where I am most recently from). I also have the misfortune, for both of us, of having been witness to what was likely the start of his life. I will not break his silence--it is not my place.

What frustrates you, in particular?

--Valentine.

[Ophelia offers a conspiratorial smile. "I'll keep your secret Spencer, kupo. My hero is also...hard to read and difficult at times. He's a lot like your hero in some ways, but different too. From what I've seen and heard, kupo, he does genuinely want your hero to have happiness and a 'normal' life. So do I, as I made sure to protect him from the wolves at the auction kupo."]

Mr. Valentine,

I know that he knows all of that as well, kupo, but he won't talk about it to me. How can I perform my duty as his companion if he won't let me in?

What frustrates me most of all, is that he refuses to see all of those that are here for him. If only he'd let them in. He'd be happier, I know he would.

~Spencer

["I've tried everything, Ophelia! I feel that over the last few months, I'm becoming less and less of any use to him. We make such a good team, kupo." Cue one long-sigh from our small nerd-moogle.

"I thought the auction would have exactly the opposite effect that it did. Maybe I'm losing my touch."]

[Ophelia will rest a paw on Spencer's shoulder, nodding and letting him vent. "Maybe it's just that we got stuck with complicated heroes, kupo. I've only learned some things about Vincent by listening to Yuffie, or by connecting dots and making guesses. I'm sure I'm missing a lot about him kupo." Commiserating, wishing she could do more to cheer him up and help.]

Spencer,

Letting people in also requires trust; and opens oneself up to betrayal and pain. Some people feel it's better to avoid the possibility of that pain, even if it means one also doesn't feel joy. Are you familiar with the thought-process of the Hedgehog's dilemma?

IF you would like a piece of practical advice, I would suggest perhaps that you both outline and set out what you and he view your duties as a companion to be. From observing Ophelia, I'm pondering doing so myself.

[Sigh. "You're probably right, Ophe. But still I don't think it's right that he should be able to ignore all of this."]

Mr. Valentine,

I am familiar with that. But unlike a Hedgehog, there isn't any real danger that compares to pain he's causing himself. It's almost unbearable to deal with when he just wants to be left all alone. There's no stopping him and I get the impression he's not ever been told; no.

I know that this probably goes beyond what Sephiroth will think I should be responsible for, but I refuse to accept that he doesn't deserve to feel good enough to at least smile now and then. He's hardly been without a frown since he returned to duty.

Ophelia is an amazing moogle, kupo.

~Spencer

[Ok, Spencer is getting a hug from Ophelia. "I don't think it's right either kupo, but we can only do so much." There might be a small grin. "I don't think you can force your hero to confront this, the way Mooshoo and I got Yuffie and Vincent talking again kupo." If Spencer doesn't know this story, Ophelia will happily tell him. She's kind of proud of it.]

Spencer,

I...am not accustomed to being open to others myself. If you feel yourself overwhelmed, you are welcome to come to me. I'm rather boring, compared to what most people think, but Ophelia says that I am good for de-stressing around, whatever that means.

At the risk of overstepping my own bounds, I wonder how much you do know about your hero's background and life prior to Crystallis. It is...complicated, and I missed much of his formative years due to my own tragedy--but I am cursed also in that I know what brought him in to the world.

Ophelia is far too clever for her own good, and I wonder at why she is merely a companion rather than a Hero in her own right at times. The courage and tenacity some of you all display makes me glad to have your aid.

--V. Valentine

Edited 2015-12-19 18:16 (UTC)

[Spencer would be very glad to hear it. If Vincent and Sephiroth are so similar maybe there may yet be a way within Ophelia's story. Yuffie is another one who can be much too stubborn.]

Mr. Valentine,

Your offer is most welcome, sir. I might well take you up on that offer sometime rather than lurking around the barracks at Esdham without very much to do other than to check the local Mognet office now and again. Sometimes I'll try to accompany him while he's on duty but it really depends.

I do have to ask, and hope it doesn't also overstep my bounds but...what exactly do you know? I heard rumors which went around when all the files became open recently; something about him being a God? I know he read them but the topic might as well be banned from discussion.

It's a great honor to serve a Hero of Light, any moogle would do their best in anyway possible. Thank you for the compliment, though, it makes it all worthwhile.

~Spencer

[Vincent is stubborn and private, and Ophelia will happily relate how when all the Heroes returned, he and Yuffie were not speaking. They'd clearly had an argument, as they were at least friends and friendly before. So she and Mooshoo hatched a plan. Confiscate Vincent's gun from home and put it somewhere safe, and not in the house. Then Mooshoo tied up Yuffie--because she STILL doesn't know how to escape ropes properly--and lay in wait. When Vincent got home, Ophelia dive-bombed him and managed to grab his gun he has from Crystallis, and she took off. They ransomed the safety of the firearms, and made him and Yuffie talk.

Ophelia's very proud of it, and grateful for Mooshoo's help, and it worked. At least enough that the pair were speaking and not avoiding each other, and somewhat acting like friends--if odd friends--again.]

Spencer,

It is not my story to tell, but if you are hearing rumors, I will fill you in on what 'facts' I can confirm. Not through the mail though. Should you take it on yourself to stop by, perhaps it might come up.

I still wonder at the fact that moogles are not, themselves, enabled to be Heroes of Light. Certainly a few of you are more than qualified.

--V. Valentine

[At the very least, Ophelia's story helps to lift Spencer's spirits a little as -while it's a rather odd tale- it is rather humorous and completely fits within what Spencer knows of Yuffie, if not Vincent. Clearly these were two that really wanted to be friends still, despite any argument, and that was...comforting in a way. It might conjure hope, if Sephiroth's own two-only friends hadn't returned to stasis as they had.

Ophelia will be told of Genesis and Angeal then, and despite the little that Spencer knows of the three SOLDIER and their respective pasts; it's fairly obvious that Spencer himself had seen the friendship there.]

Mr. Valentine,

Thank you so much for your time, sir.

~Spencer

[Spencer may well come to visit Vincent and Ophelia on a few occasions when he's in the area; if only to confirm -or rather, hope to verify- some of the 'God' whispers he'd heard floating around. He's not so bold as to pressure Vincent (or even attempt to) into revealing anything unless he's comfortable to discuss it.

If the conversation turns towards Terra though...well to Spencer it's obvious how happy they are when they are together.]

[Ophelia, once the adrenaline wore off of having actually succeeded, found it funny. She wasn't sure she'd be quick enough before Vincent could get a shot off. They're talking again, if awkward still. She thinks neither Vincent nor Yuffie are used to having that many friends.

Spencer is given her full attention though, and she'll take the reply, and give him another hug before heading home.

Whenever Spencer does come to visit, he's welcome. If clear he's staying, then tea is made. For questions and answers, it'd be up in Vincent's room with the door shut and the windows closed. Ophelia'd do her best to make her fellow moogle comfy, while keeping an eye on her Hero's mood. As for discussions, it depends on what Spencer asks.

Vincent seems very pleased to hear about the progress with Terra and Sephiroth though.]

Spencer,

Sephiroth always kept to himself even back home. He had a big fan club and...honestly I was on the mailing list, but after talking to Zack I'm not sure he ever actually read any of it. The moderator of the board seemed to know a lot about him though, whoever she was.

Anyway, anything I can do to help him feel some Christmas cheer I'll be happy to help out. I'm using the Santa Job right now so maybe that can be helpful too.

Ho Ho Ho,
Cloud

Cloud,

I remember Angeal telling me about that but my attempts to generate the same within Aqures Ixen hasn't been very fruitful. I mean, every moogle puts his own Hero forwards as the best, I'm sure, but the way he explained it to me...Sephiroth is special, kupo.

But I think you know what I mean. I'll never understand how he came to be so popular back on Gaia. Being anti-social like that...do you think he misses his friends? It's so hard to tell.

Anything you can think of would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

~Spencer

Spencer,

Yeah, Sephiroth was special back home. A lot of people didn't really get to know him back home either. There were posters and news reports, but I only met him in person because of dumb luck.

And then there's that mission we both end up on in my future.

I think, maybe, Sephiroth is so used to how things were back home he doesn't know what to do here. Back home he was super strong and the most famous of the First Classes. When we wound up in this world he and I were on the same level.

I don't think he's used to having to be on the same level as everyone else. To not be special.

There's also the stuff that happens to him...to both of us. I think he feels the expectation weighing on him. I know it has been on me.

Cloud

Cloud,

Come to think of it, on the occasions when he's come away on leave he does seem rather hyper-aware that he has to -do- something. In the very beginning I used to think it was because he'd never had to look after himself before, and got lost in the daily routines that one has to do, but -now that you mention it- it really could be more than that.

I know he feels like he's somehow less than he should be, that's why he's always still pushing to go further. Especially physically; we've all seen how stringent he is with his own upkeep - sometimes I worry that he pushes himself too far. Life isn't all about the grind, after all.

I'd agree with that, the circumstances here frustrate him very much.

What do you think we should do to help? It can't be healthy.

~Spencer

Spencer,

I don't really know much about what his daily routine was like back home. Zack didn't know much either when I asked him. He's always been pretty private. He probably didn't need to work out as much as you're saying he is but I wouldn't be surprised if he did anyway.

But a First Class could do a lot more than a normal person could. He may not know what his own limits are? I don't know.

But maybe he needs something else to live for. Something to take his mind off of what's been left behind in Gaia.

[Like his own future maybe.]

Um, what do you know about Sephiroth and Terra?

Cloud

Cloud,

I suppose that's...normal for a person who doesn't know what to do with themselves? Do you think? It seems that his workout is, much like his job, like he's trying to produce what he had back home...here? Or something like it, at least?

I will say that often he does get frustrated with his own limitations.

[Spencer doesn't know -really- how much sense he's making with this. It would be so much easier just to be able to make his Hero talk about it. Sephiroth and Terra though...that takes a bit of time for Sephiroth's moogle to be able to get his small thoughts in order about. Much like this letter at all, if he were caught circulating rumors Sephiroth wouldn't be very happy with that.]

In my opinion, Terra is special to him. I think that's the only way I can really put it. It's very difficult to watch them together, though, sometimes.

~Spencer

Spencer,

I see. I'd ask what you mean by difficult but I think I can guess. She's maybe the shyest Hero I've met here, and Sephiroth isn't that social either.

But if she's special to him then maybe she can reach him in a way we can't. I just don't know how to ask her for help.

Or maybe it's not our place to get involved in that.

Cloud

Cloud,

Kind of. I'm not sure that shy is the right word, but she's unsure about things she's never experienced before. Terra is really confident when it comes to her flowers or the kittens she keeps, for example. In that respect they're not so terribly different, each with their own particular thing, but then neither is anyone.

Sometimes they'll just sit and not say a word to each other, but it feels like they're talking, and it's incredibly private kupo. If that makes any sense at all.

You're probably right, best to leave them to it. It'll have to come out eventually.
I imagine it might well be what they both need.

~Spencer

[Kopula delivers this directly to Spencer and instead of his usual green tunic he's wearing a red one.]

Dear Spencer,

I'll be happy to help but I don't think it should be forced. Why not ask the others in your house to decorate the place or bake cookies? While he might not eat them it's still nice to have the atmosphere around you and maybe seeing others enjoy the holiday might help him relax some too. I suggest a Christmas tree with lights and some colorful packages underneath.

I also imagine that Sephiroth is more comfortable around one or two people than a crowd where he feels like he has to watch out for everyone. Which is why I suggest it. You could also get him to visit me in Christmas town! I'd love to see him.

Let me know if I can do anything to help! I can at least make some decorations and send them to you or if you just need a friendly ear to chat. I'll be in Christmas Town most of this month but I can teleport back if I'm needed.

~Zelda

[Spencer will make tea for Kopula and ask that maybe he can stay for a while. It's quiet in the house during the day and he knows he should scoot off back to Esdham soon but he's not feeling too up about it.]

Dear Zelda,

That's an amazing set of ideas, kupo! I'm not sure about the others in our House but I know that Terra would probably like that too. We now just need an excuse to get him away from his work so he can actually see the decorations, you know what he gets like...

It is...warmer in Esdham, I suppose.

I'll try my best anyway, thank you.
~Spencer

[Kopula is always happy to stay for tea and he'll catch Spencer up with everything happening in the city; including the gossip.]

Spencer,

It's no problem.

Perhaps if someone requests his presence through the holidays. I don't pretend to know what is happening with those close to Sephiroth and in truth we talk sparingly but I'm sure there are people here who he's grown close to. Sometimes you just need to find the right person to ask.

I don't know if that's much help but I'll help where I can.

~Zelda

[Spencer might try to deny that he's not really interested all that much in gossip but...well, he is a moogle. They should always keep their ears open to anything and everything going on.]

Zelda,

Thank you, as always. Maybe he just needs a little push.

~Spencer

Spencer,

Oh ho. Is this how it is? I always thought Sephiroth was a bit stiff but he's not even telling you anything about himself? I knew he was too good to be true. Mary tells me a lot about herself.

Of course I know it's not your fault he's not telling you things. You're a hardworking moogle and I think everyone knows he's a very stuffy sort. He's clearly a hard nut to crack but I'm just a little shocked it's taken you this long ask for help. You didn't have to push yourself like this.

I know we don't see eye to eye on what we moogles should be doing, but since you want to help your Hero I suppose I should come and lend a paw. They depend on us after all, and this world depends on them.

Kupo,
Bonnie

Bonnie,

Just because he's quiet doesn't make him any less of a Hero, kupo.

I just wish I knew the way to understand him. Sometimes he does things that I don't get. I think that he knows he has friends, deep down, but his logic in wanting to keep his distance from them doesn't make sense. It's like he gets so far and then runs away again. It doesn't make sense from a man who is otherwise so brave and courageous.

I'm not sure if you'd really understand him either.

~Spencer

Spencer,

I know. That's not what I meant. Why do you always ~~illegible scribbles and scratchouts~~

What I want to ~~More scribbles~~

I don't know if I would. But maybe I can try to help. What's his reason for keeping away from people?

Bonnie

Bonnie,

You're not making any sense, kupo.

I think it has something to do with what happened in his past. When I've asked him before, though, he goes on about how important his other duties are in keeping people safe.

~Spencer

[Spencer you dummy.]

Spencer,

Have you talked to any of the other people from his world? Maybe they know more about him. I'm sure they'll do whatever they can to help him and you out.

Bonnie.

Spencer,

How better can we fight fear than with hope and cheer?

I'd like to offer what help I can. Perhaps we should start with encouraging him to partake in the celebratory spirit of the season. Has he shown any inclination to any part of it?

- K'pandolu

K'pandolu,

I'm not sure if I agree with that, kupo. Sometimes the happiest people might really be the most sad.

Sadly, no interest that I've seen but he's been busy with his work. He's always been a workaholic but it seems because he has had a break from it he seems to think he has to go in harder or something.

He must remember last year though, he must have felt a little special then. I certainly felt it for him.

~Spencer

[that… does strike her. Put like that- it could mean the kind of situation where someone's putting up a mask, couldn't it? So that others don't worry. But in that case… something might be ~~had been~~ missed.]

Spencer,

Perhaps so. In which case, perhaps we should be giving them a little more attention.

I see… I think I may understand, a little. It almost seems as though there's always something else to be thrown at us. Do you think it would help at all if he had an aide? [though then there's the question of trust.]

Indeed? What happened last year? Perhaps we could use that.

- K'pandolu

Edited 2015-12-07 14:59 (UTC)

K'pandolu,

He's one of those types that would rather shoulder everything he can, personally, in case the person he might delegate to would get it wrong. There is no shortage of personnel he could hand down jobs to though, I'm sure. I think he'll have to eventually, there is only so much that one person can do, kupo!

Besides, you've helped a lot by keeping an eye on Terra while he's been away. He must trust you at least a little with that.

Not much different, though I do remember him getting a gift from Zelda. It was very well thought out and I know it meant a lot to him. Things have changed since then though...I'm not sure how to recreate that..

Hope it makes sense.

~Spencer

Spencer,

That's certainly true. If he- if anyone- took too much on themselves- I'd rather they didn't.

Would it be worthwhile considering people who might be trustworthy enough for such a position?

[she- ducks her head for a little at that, pleased even if he won't be able to tell.]

I'm honoured that you would say that.

I see. I fear I don't know him well enough to put together something at the same level, but I'll see what I can think of.

It does. It's unfortunate it doesn't really answer the question, but that can't be helped. We have a little time to think, though.

- K'pandolu

Spencer,

Who is this hero? There is nothing wrong with focusing on responsibility. If anything I must commend him for carrying on as he is. Considering the warnings we received, the threat of the Calamity is greater than ever and absolutely should not be forgotten.

Signed,
Ellie

Ellie,

My Hero's name is Sephiroth. He's tall, has really long silver hair and works as part of the military at Esdham. You might have seen him around, he's hard to miss.

I agree that responsibility isn't a bad thing to focus on, and I also agree that there is a lot coming that must always be prepared for. That's life, though.

Starlight is an opportunity to put that to one side, to be grateful for what you do have rather than what you don't, to enjoy the company of those around that also enjoy yours.

Why, or even how, anyone could want to pass up that chance...I don't really understand it. Doesn't everyone want to be happy?

~Spencer

Spencer,

Yes, I have met him. He is a rather striking fellow indeed.

To be happy, one must be alive. It is difficult to find joy when one is drowning in crystal, isn't it? Perhaps if he is to find enjoyment in the holiday, the necessary plans must be covered first. In that regard, I would be glad to assist. Only when we have done all we can do should those of us, who were summoned as Heroes with a mission to save this world as well as our own, indulge in parties and costumes.

This is not to say you are not allowed to do so; you are of this world, and are entitled to your happiness. But Heroes cannot afford to be lax in their duties. I hope you understand this.

~Ellie

[She has a little seedling of respect for Sephiroth after this. It's good to see at least one person who understands the severity of the threat at hand.]

[Drowning in crystal? Spencer doesn't think it's that bad. At least not yet anyway.]

Ellie,

Necessary plans, kupo? Given that there are no such clear objectives which should be achieved; like ticking off a list, with regards to this mission then by that token it's an impossible circumstance. Everyone needs to take a break once in a while.

I'm not sure you understand the spirit of the Holiday, kupo. It's as much about spending time with those you care about as it is about presents and parties.

~Spencer

[Give it time, Spencer. Give it time. She has to think carefully about her response, since she doesn't want to give the mistaken impression that she's bitter or lonely; but not everyone in this world has someone they care about and want to spend time with. Like herself. But she also doesn't really mind, since that would be a waste of time at a fairly crucial moment.]

If he chooses to take a break, let the decision be his. I am certain that I am not one of the people he would wish to spend time with regardless, as we scarcely know one another. Perhaps if these people who claim to care for him were to pitch in and help him complete his duties, he might feel more able to take this relaxation break?

~Ellie

That's just the problem, though I know there are those other Heroes that do care about him enough to offer, the possibility of Sephiroth allowing them to do just that is rather...non-existent, I find.

He's got something of a over-perfectionist streak...even if some things can only be achieved so far.

But thank you for the suggestion, anyway, Kupo!

~Spencer

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Help? [To All Heroes's residences, not through Mognet]

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