Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
at adventu, we believe that colorful story and plots far outweigh the need for a battle system. rp should be about the writing, the fun, and the creativity. you will see that the only system on our site is the encouragement to create amazing adventures with other members. welcome to adventu... how will you arrive?
year 5, quarter 3
Welcome one and all to our beautiful new skin! This marks the visual era of Adventu 4.0, our 4th and by far best design we've had. 3.0 suited our needs for a very long time, but as things are evolving around the site (and all for the better thanks to all of you), it was time for a new, sleek change. The Resource Site celebrity Pharaoh Leep was the amazing mastermind behind this with minor collaborations from your resident moogle. It's one-of-a-kind and suited specifically for Adventu. Click the image for a super easy new skin guide for a visual tour!
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❝ But no matter what happens, we need to keep our dreams alive.❞
❝ Let's run away... ... ... ... Ciao!❞
All she knew of for the long journey was sand, sand, and more undisturbed sand. A never ending sea of sand below her feet. Upon taking the task of walking through the sea of sand, she'd thought that the travel wouldn't be too long. In the far off distance, she swore there stood a single building out there, home of the desert. How mistaken she had been. With the sun beating down on her after traveling from one place to the next, a toll had finally been taken.
At this point in time, she figured this was the norm for many travelers who were inexperienced of this world. That many found where hard solid ground turned to sand and thought themselves sturdy enough to make their way through the desert. Likewise, she was confident that many found themselves victim of the unforgiving sun, lack of proper direction, and the ongoing drift of the sand below ones feet.
Vanille was not new to traveling, nor was she new to the risks she took when adventuring alone. At the beginning of said travels, she'd had plenty of water. However, she now was without water, no food, and lost to the myriad of sand. The horizon stretched out as far as the eye could see, and there was still nothing she could see that promised safety and security to her. Turning back may have been the best way to go, however, she wasn't entirely sure which way was actually backwards. Her only help was the cold night and the bright stars overhead. She could use the stars to help guide her direction, but during the day? She wasn't someone who could calculate the angle of the sun and figure the time of day, thus, during the day she found herself moving in no particular direction. For all she knew, she could have been climbing the tall hills of sand, venturing back down, and falling into a more circular path up until the stars returned and she could follow one particularly bright star in a chosen direction.
Vultures were high in the air, searching for any unforsaken soul that had found themself within the deadly confines of the desert. Why she thought she could be a survivor was beyond her, and she now thought herself a foolish girl for testing the fates themself. Yet her legs continued to carry her until she could no longer walk. Her small frame collapsed upon the ground, eyes struggling to stay open. Her hands turned to small fists, gripping onto the sand that would soon mark her grave in this very spot.
"What am I to do?"
A hushed, coarse voice from her lips, pressing her now flat palms against the sand, trying to lift herself upright to look in all directions around her. No smoke in the air. No buildings. No water. Nothing. She was as lost as one could be, and this would likely lead to her demise. She didn't fear death; she accepted it as something everyone would have to endure. In fact, she truly believed back home she had been captured by deaths grip before awakening in this world, before her dear friend Serah. Death was something not a single soul could properly comprehend, but they all knew Death was coming for them.
Should she pray?
No. Prayer would not save her. With a prolonged sigh, she admitted momentary defeat, collapsing back onto the sand, her mind drifting to a more peaceful place where she was surrounded by all those she loved, forgetting that she lay around buried bones under the sand of all those who couldn't survive the hardships that came from the desert.
Oren didn't like sand... It was coarse and rough and irritating and it got everywhere. He had been around the Corel area once upon a time during his days in SOLDIER and it wasn't pleasant to say the least. Of course, the climate wasn't exactly the only reason for that... And being constantly tempted by the presence of the Gold Saucer didn't help... He never actually got to go there now that he thought about it. Far as he was aware, there wasn't exactly a place like it in Zephon. Not like there'd be much fun to be had nowadays anyways... It might help him forget for a little while, but that was about it. Bah. Why was he even thinking about a damned amusement park of all things right now...? This always happens when he's stuck with his thoughts for too long... They just... Wander. No matter where they went, it just upset him more.[break][break]
Oren actually got hired for something in a place called Aljana. The people there were on edge and wanting a bit of extra security to make sure everything was in the clear after an incident happened somewhat recently. Oren didn't quite know the details beyond that apparently a certain big important merc leader showed up for a bit before leaving. Alas, the airships didn't exactly travel out this far so he had to make much of this trip the old fashioned way. Being stuck in Zephon certainly helped him get better at navigating since he couldn't rely on superior means of transportation as often. At least once he got there, he heard they had Chocobo that were bred to travel the desert and even domesticated Kujata so getting back to what was designated 'home' would be a lot easier... Of course those existed here too... Oren sighed as he ran an arm across his forehead. This heat was unbearable... He then brought out a map from his belongings and looked it over. Aljana was located along a fairly prominent oasis in the desert. He believed he should be getting close to it, but it was difficult to tell... The entire rest of the desert was uninhabited so there were few other notable landmarks to look for. At least the goodies he brought to keep himself going were still doing okay. Even if Oren ended up facing death itself again... He knew it didn't matter anymore.[break][break]
Oren rolled up the map and put it away. He started tapping his foot in the sand as he thought about the path he had been taking to get to Aljana. However, he finally noticed something that wasn't sand... Or rather someone. A cynical part of him would wonder if the person was faking it to try and ambush someone... But this was honestly the last place where something like that would be a good idea. Oren looked up at the vultures in the sky... Yep. That certainly confirmed that this was just some unfortunate shmuck. Oren sighed as he tapped one of the materia on his sword Lunaris.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Need some fire... Scram, you damn birds."
Oren would then fling his arm towards the sky as he cast a simple Fire spell through the materia's power, sending a modest sized fireball towards the sky to make the vultures go away and find an actual corpse to bother... At least he presumed whoever he found wasn't already one. Oren then approached and would get a view of whoever was laying in the sand... A woman. Some might call her pretty. Not particularly hardy looking. Why in the world she was all the way out here was a mystery unlike any other. She didn't seem to be dead, but probably was getting close. Oren leaned forward and would wave a hand in front of Vanille's face.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Hey, lady. Are you alive down there?"
Not exactly the friendliest way to phrase it, but it was some sort of vague concern for her well-being...?[break][break]
If Vanille's vision cleared up enough, she would be met by blue eyes that let off an eerie green glow looking at her beneath the slight shade of a hat. Oren would look through his belongings and pulled out a flask that still had some water in it.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Might want some of this if you're not dead yet."
His tone of voice remained almost indifferent sounding, but hey. Help has arrived!
❝ But no matter what happens, we need to keep our dreams alive.❞
❝ Let's run away... ... ... ... Ciao!❞
The sand rubbed against her skin, but even with how much she disliked it, she lacked the energy to stand up and wipe the sand off of her. At the beach, she loved playing in the sand; feeling the sand between her toes and watching the water soak the sand before the sand quickly dried once again. Making sand castled could have been considered a favored past time had she ever actually had the chance to make them. Instead, she was trapped here in this world, sand preparing her burial into the next life. Even her mind was incapable of pondering anything other than being somewhere safe and cool, a fan blowing damp bangs out of her face, and cooling her skin down.
When all hope was nearly lost, a voice called to her. She wasn't sure if it was just a figment of her imagination or if someone has been as unfortunate as she had been, traveling through the dunes of sand on foot. Weary eyes flicked before olive green colored orbs met with a man leaning over her, holding out a container of what she could only hope was water. A singular arm stretched out, accepting the container from the stranger, quickly dismissing the lid at the top and letting the now warm, but hydrating liquid slip through chapped lips and play through her mouth. She was nearly ecstatic to finally have more water.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you. I didn't expect I'd meet anyone out here."
Closing the canister, she held it back out to the other, sitting upright rather than continuing to lie in the sand. She didn't bother wiping the sand that stuck to her skin like glue. Rather, she took a moment to look over the unfamiliar face, offering up the most genuine smile she could muster with what little strength remained. "You know how to get to that famous oasis by chance? I couldn't find myself a chocobo to get through the desert but I was hoping.."
She began wringing her hands around themselves, letting her gaze fall away from him. A part of her felt ashamed. She likely wouldn't have survived much longer had he not come along. The other part of her was beyond grateful and she wasn't sure how to fully express her gratitude.
Quickly, she pressed her palms against her legs, standing up fully from where she'd once been lying, dusting the sand off finally, then claping her hands together in a much far too up-beat of an attitude for someone who was ready to give in to death. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going before we lose anymore daylight, yeah?"
Okay... So, she was still alive. Oren supposed that wasn't too surprising. Oren would take a step or two back after the woman drank from the flask and gave it back to him. Oren would then put it away.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Consider yourself lucky I suppose... Travelers through these parts are not always the most common... Should've came more prepared."
Oren observed her for a second as she sat up before he would look away to the distance. He squinted his eyes trying to make out even the most faint remnant of civilization or the oasis... He then glanced back at her when she spoke up again. His expression remained mostly blank.[break][break]
Well. That certainly answered Oren's musing over her motives... He knew Aljana built their entire civilization around this oasis, but was it truly worth braving such a journey to go to it? Even for a resort... At least once someone DID get there even a single time, going back and forth would become easier.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"I presume you refer to Aljana...? It is more than just an oasis, though..."
Oren wasn't even sure if there were Chocobo that could travel through the desert outside of Aljana... If there were, he hadn't been able to find any before he began to make the trek after he rode an airship as far as it'd take him. There was silence in the air as he tried to think. Oren rubbed the back of his neck.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"I was heading f... Uh?"
Oren was about to explain his very convenient presence in the desert, but she suddenly sprung back onto her feet, dusted herself off, and seemed ready to move again.[break][break]
Oren paused and slumped over, a truly befuddled look stretching across that blank face.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Huh? We?"
Oren didn't even get a chance to make it apparent that he had some idea of where he was going... How was she suddenly so energized after merely drinking a bit of water...? Damn. Had he actually been tricked after all? Merely in a different way... Mmm. No... It still wouldn't make sense even using that theory instead... Oren covered his face with his hand.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Ugh... Okay, fine. As I was saying, I was actually on my way to Aljana... If I am correct, we should actually be close to it here..."
Oren's hand flopped down to his side as he straightened his posture. Oren then started moving again, walking past Vanille.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Just follow my lead..."
There was still way too much sand... That oasis truly is the only source of water in this desert it seems... Oren looked around some more. In the distance ahead, he swore he could see some vague shadow of... Buildings? He hoped the heat wasn't playing tricks on him... Oren silently pointed ahead and continued walking.
❝ But no matter what happens, we need to keep our dreams alive.❞
❝ Let's run away... ... ... ... Ciao!❞
She followed behind Oren with a gentle hum of a tune under her breath, watching his movements. They weren't stiff in the least bit. He had been much more prepared for the trek across the desert than she had been.It nearly brought a chuckle out of her but she managed to hold that back and instead swear that she would make it up to him at a later time when she had the material or money to do so. Did they even have money in the realm? There had to be some sort of way to do trade. Surely she'd figure it out sooner rather than later. For now, she would stick close to the other so not to get lost in the sea of sand.
"Have you taken this walk before?"
She mulled over the question, anticipating his answer. With how he seemed to navigate, knowing what direction he needed to go in, he at least knew something about traveling. Something better than she knew. Back home, she had an idea where everything was at, which made it easier to move about. But here? She was as ignorant as a new born baby, perhaps having a small gist of an idea but even that wasn't reliable until she successfully got to wherever she was going.
Seeing the other's steps falter for just a brief moment before continuing, she raised a hand to hide the sun from her eyes, peering far into the distance, catching sight of said shadows from the buildings. "Oh!" She had been so close, yet she still didn't know exactly how far off they were. With the sun exhausting and dehydrating her, it was a real possibility that it was still plenty of miles out in the distance. Or it could be just an hour walk. Her steps now contained hops, grabbing onto the other's arm and tugging it, "Come onnn. Let's go!"
Oren certainly had to learn the hard way regarding the money situation... They had a currency called 'gil', but it was different from the currency in his world, which is also called 'gil'... And the currencies pretty much everywhere else the 'outlanders' come from from what he learned. Apparently there are some places that will accept the money of other realms, but it wasn't exactly a guarantee. Once one got past that hurdle, it was about what one would expect, though the technology was overall less advanced than what he was used to. He admittedly had to be a little greedy during his time in Zephon so far because he needed to build up his savings and continue just... Surviving. It was one of the many reasons why he did jobs alone and him accomplishing difficult tasks in spite of that would prove lucrative when word inevitably spread about him... Even if some were a little unnerved with his methods. He didn't really need any favors from anyone, but the idea of one might be something he'd need to keep in mind just in case...[break][break]
When asked about if he had been here before, there was a short pause before Oren said just one measly word...
[attr="class","dialogue"]"No..."
Probably wasn't the most exciting answer, but it was the truth. He had never been this far away from Torensten before, but he had honed his skills enough to a point where navigating this trip had been mostly manageable. After saying that, Vanille would tragically just be met with the lovely sound of silence. Oren wasn't the most talkative usually... He already spoke more to her than he did to a lot of other people, but it was a bit of a necessity given the situation. It wouldn't take long before he heard her exclaim something. Oren glanced back at her before he looked back the same way she had been looking... Indeed, the curious buildings of Aljana were coming more into view. It seemed his guess was correct after all. It was still a little hard to tell how far they were still, but it was only a matter of time at this point.[break][break]
Oren sighed.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Well, there it i-Wuh?!"
Oren was not at all prepared for his unlikely companion to grab his arm and start dragging him along in clear excitement. He really wasn't all that used to this sort of thing anymore.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Alright, alright. I get the excitement. You can let go of me now..."
Oren pulled his arm away and lightly rubbed it with his other hand sheepishly, a bead of sweat trailing down the side of his head. All this over some water in a desert... Oren got the memo, though. He continued walking on ahead, but he did notably increase his pace to keep up with such... Positivity. It didn't really matter either way. They can go about their respective business once they arrived... Even if his business sort of just amounted to 'loiter and keep an eye out for any trouble during your stay'. It'd just be business as usual from there and once he was given leave to return to Torensten.
❝ But no matter what happens, we need to keep our dreams alive.❞
❝ Let's run away... ... ... ... Ciao!❞
Each step was its own difficulty. Regardless of how she may be presenting herself, she could still feel the heat exhaustion looming over her like a dark cloud. However, with another person in her peripheal vision, she didn't dare to show how weary her body was from the walk and heat. The only relief she'd found up until now was the cool night under the stars. Had she crossed any cacti, she would have easily taken the pricks in her hand to collect any sort of hydrating fluid. Alas, her savior came before her, and it was her job to make sure the rest of the trip went smoothly.
A soft huff left her lips at his request (or demand) to release him, but she did so, although reluctantly. What may have come off as something in excitement to get somewhere, she'd used that moment to also help ease some of the weight off of her legs. Letting go of the arm she held as prisoner, she staggered forward, trying to keep the upbeat step as they proceeded forward. He was a quiet guy; he seemed like the grumpy or moody type. Did he even know what it was like to cast a genuine smile?
"How long have you been here? In this world, I mean. I just recently got here myself. Fortunately, though, I ran into an old friend. I woke up on this beautiful beach! The sand isn't like the sand here. This sand is more... coarse, if that makes sense. The sand back at the beach was white and much softer. Probably because of the waves, huh?"
Since he arrived, the vultures had been long gone. As they eased their way towards the oasis, there were birds chirping high in the sky, beckoning the duo onward. They weren't too far off from the civilization that existed. Just a bit of a stretch further, and they'd be home free.
"Oh! I should probably also give you a proper thanks for helping me out, too. I don't know much about this world, but maybe I can make you something to eat that's like my home's food?"
Oren wasn't entirely sure what it was, but something was off with her movements. Was there some ulterior motive to yanking on his arm the way she did? If she was still feeling weak, she could've said something. He really wouldn't care... With this in mind, he subtlely slowed down his pace a bit. Rather in spite of what he believed he was noticing, she still wanted to speak and ask him questions... He had a feeling about her and it just got confirmed.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"So you're another one then... I appeared here a few months ago so I've had time to get my bearings in order... It becomes easier when you constantly pick up on the eerie similarities..."
The city-states and certain other landmarks were reminiscent of other places in other worlds. The monsters were all the same. The money was different, yet the same. So on and so forth... It really makes one's very existence feel rather unoriginal. Of course, Oren did keep the actual details about how he ended up in Zephon vague, but the time frame was accurate... The sordid details might make it apparent why he was the way he was now, but he was not exactly interested in disclosing it to most people.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"Think that beach is on what they call the Pale Coast...? Haven't been there yet... Probably would explain the different sand..."
Didn't seem like there was an entire resort town over there like Costa del Sol, but he knew it was kept safe by mercenaries and had... Well. Pale sand. Probably was an ideal vacation spot...[break][break]
They were both up and at em so the vultures probably would leave them be. Oren slowly pulled the flask of water back out as she spoke up again with a rather... Unusual method to thank him. Oren remained silent for a few moments.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"... Heh."
The faintest remnant of a chuckle echoed out as he held the water flask out towards Vanille. Didn't even know his name and was now asking to make food for him... It was admittedly kind of amusing. He hadn't really expected any sort of reward from her.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"You don't need to do that... You should drink some more water now."
Her movements still looked unsteady... May as well ensure she didn't collapse again.[break][break]
Oren honestly had been fully prepared to never see her again after this was over. Or at least very infrequently. It wasn't exactly an unusual occurrence for him regarding most people he ran into here. He wasn't sure how to take such a request. Regardless, they were getting closer. Whatever happened from there would happen.
❝ But no matter what happens, we need to keep our dreams alive.❞
❝ Let's run away... ... ... ... Ciao!❞
Another one.
His words echoed in her head as she let it sink in. She was aware that Serah had made her way here, along with Lightn--Claire. Still, the way he said the phrase left her bemused, her feet coming to a hault in the sand, before beginning to walk again. It was the briefest of pauses, almost not even noticeable unless a discerning eye was watching.
"Yeah, I guess I am another one."
Her heart sank, her eyes stone hard and set on the oasis in the distance, pressing her lips tightly together. What factor was it that decided who came here and who didn't. Vanille was no better of a person than Fang, so why would she be accepted in this new world while those she loved and cared for remained back in her own world, disregarding the two friends that were here. Had it not been for all those she had been with since being branded as l'Cie, she wouldn't have made it this far. They wouldn't have saved Cocoon. This wasn't some form of punishment either; had it been one, the other two females wouldn't be here.
Tuning back into the conversation, she noted him discussing the Pale Coast. She gave a brief nod in confirmation, adding, "You should definitely visit it sometime. It's nice. Peaceful, you know?"
She accepted the water, taking it slow, and savoring the water before placing the lid back on it and handing it over to him. She was thankful. He didn't have to help her, yet he chose to do so anyways/ That made him a good individual. She let her thoughts run wild, occassionally kicking at the sand, contemplating what she could do to return the favor. "Oh! I know what I'll do. Just means we'll have to meet again sometime. Trust me, this idea is a winner. You won't be disapointed."
With that, she returned to her silence, keeping her stride with him and walking eerily close to him on the off chance to lost her balance or collapsed from exhaustion once again. He'd be a shoulder to lean on if absolutely need be. With him having already helped her, though, she didn't want to further her development as a burden to him. "By the way, my name is Vanille. You?"
Oren just walked along, his own expression slowly going dull and staring off into nothing. It seemed his remark might've made something really hit regarding the situation they were stuck in. Unlike her, he had awakened in Zephon completely alone somewhere outside of Torensten. No familiar faces to be seen. There were some who had ended up in Zephon before him and some who have appeared more recently... Like Cloud... Despite this, Oren honestly felt it was probably better for those who knew him in his home world to not bother with him here... Even if he was kind of failing at that now, he felt it might spare him from greater pain in the event the epiphany he had actually proved itself true... Or if he just ended up dying again. Would his morbid theory be proven right or would that truly be his final end? He had no way of knowing one way or the other and he didn't exactly want to test his luck...[break][break]
Oren wasn't sure exactly why he was in Zephon still or what exactly makes someone 'worthy' of it or if it was just some sick definiton of being lucky. Did some thing here take pity on him regarding his unfortunate demise? Why hasn't he been shown any sort of purpose then? Why was he brought back only to then be thrown into some unfamiliar world? His home was awful, but it was still his home... A home he had wanted to help save from Shinra's wretched grasp... His unintended meeting with Cloud did prove a little enlightening, but he was still greatly bothered by... EVERYTHING. It all felt so damned pointless now and he wasn't even sure why he didn't just give up... Yet here he was doing what he did best...[break][break]
[attr="class","dialogue"]"... Maybe if I get hired for a job there..."
Oren lightly shrugged. Far as Oren was aware, it wasn't always the exact same mercenaries who kept watch over the Pale Coast so he probably could get some work over there. Might be a fun exercise for his sword arm... Oren would let her drink more water before taking the flask back when it was handed to him. He should be able to get it refilled when they arrive there... He might've once tried to be a 'good individual', but it was all just business to him now. At least that's what he told himself...[break][break]
Oren already told her that he didn't need anything in return, yet she seemed really insistent on thanking him in some regard. Oren lightly shook his head.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"I already told you that I don't need anything in return... I'll be fine..."
Oren really could not fathom what her grand idea was and why it'd need to wait for another time. She didn't need to concoct some big plan to thank him... Once this business was done, he'd fade back into his mercenary work, she would go back to her friend, and that'd be that. He did notice that she started walking closer to him, but considering what he had been noticing, he was able to figure out why she was doing it this time... Thus, he didn't say anything even though he'd prefer his space.[break][break]
The one thing that somewhat amused him would find itself no more as she finally introduced herself to him... What a sweet sounding name. Well, if someone else introduced themself first, he always felt he had to comply.
[attr="class","dialogue"]"... It's Oren. That's... My name."
