Under the Sea: Conclusion and aftermath

[voidtreckermods]

Ritual

The jellyfish is no more and as red team take stock of their injuries, or collapse from exhaustion the lights zip around them, singing their song of joy. They gather around the light that had been inside the jellyfish and now that it has been released it is obvious this light is different. Stronger. They surround it and the song gets even louder as they begin to move towards the plinth.

In the caverns where the purple and orange team are there is a stillness. For those in orange team still in the cavern they can only hope that the instructions they gave out had been followed. Luckily for them they have been, Purple team have done a remarkable job of defeating the crabs and cleaning the temple. The priests gather around the shell on the alter, arms linked together in prayer as they seek to re-sanctify their temple. As their prayer begins they will invite the voidtreckers to join them, though no one is forced into taking part in the ritual. They suggest that they use their strange wrist jewellery to open communication with their friends in Bui.

The monster on the beach is defeated and though the fight is still raging against the crabs, a beacon has been built and lit. The islanders who are not fighting gather around it, linking arms, drawing any voidtreckers who don't object to joining them into the circle.

The song begins hesitantly, almost as if everyone has forgotten the words and only half remembers the tune. The SCA translates, the prayer is simple, a blessing on the land and its people, deliverance from the darkness and hope for the future.

The light from the jellyfish reaches the plinth and is set upon it. The song heightens and the light shoots upwards, blinding in its brilliance.

Through the dark storm clouds a light streams towards the island, most of it towards the beacon on the island though there is a break away light that goes towards the train, where some of orange team have set up a second beacon. It swirls around those on the train roof, singing a song of happiness and bounces back towards the island.

The light reaches the main beacon and hits it with a strength that lights up the whole sky. The light splits more solidly into two and speeds off over the ocean. Light pours into the underground caverns, not caring about the ocean and rock in the way, the light pools into the shells, the caverns glow warmly.

Outside the storm calms, clouds roll back, the sun shines. The sea stills. The wind stops. The sun is rising, a beautiful dawn. Any monsters left scuttle away, vanishing into the ocean, away from Bui.

Those with any powers that they couldn't reach before find them returned in a rush. Those who can sense life find this world teeming with it. A song that dances between every plant and creature.

Some of red may have evacuated to the train but those who stayed to see the ritual through, the world around them seems to melt away and they find themselves back next to the rock pools. Among their number there are some confused looking islanders who intrinsically draw closer to those who helped free the lights.

Orange and Purple

Down underwater there's noise and a babble of voices as the citizens of Bui wake up. There's a shimmering around the city now, like a shield though they can pass through easily. Parents scramble to locate their children and all check on loved ones and friends.

The familiar voice of train announcements is heard through Orange team's SCAs. Orange return to the VoidTrecker Express. Once everyone is on board it flies low over the ocean, skimming the waves.

In the underwater temple the priests finish sealing the ritual and then it is time to begin the return trek. There are no monsters this time and after a few hours, as they emerge onto the first of the sandbanks they will find the VoidTrecker Express is waiting for them.

Red and Blue

The monsters gone, those of the island gather everyone from the rock pools and for a few hours everyone sleeps.

At about noon the islanders begin to stir, begin putting things to rights. Wood is moved from the strategic points to more communal campfires on the beach. Any dead monsters that haven't been gathered for food have been washed out to sea, disappeared into the depths. They begin to prepare food and won't turn away any helpers. Though those who have been fighting are encouraged to rest.

The islanders bring blankets and start to gather. Everyone is exhausted but the children, in the way of children find the energy to play in the sea and the sand.

Beach Day

Early afternoon the train lands on the beach and everyone gets a holographic message to their SCA.

Mission successful. Well done Voidtreckers. Enjoy the rest of your day. You will find suitable clothing in the dressing room. A new recipe has been added to the kitchen information points.

The dressing room is indeed open once more, this time it holds swimsuits of every style, shorts, t shirts, wraps and beach skirts. Sun hats and sunglasses can also be found. It's a bit of a mush mash but they should be able to cobble together something other than their uniform wet suits.

Time to laze around on the beach or for those who still have energy swim or play. A few hours later a ripple across the water brings some of those from Bui and they swim or lounge on rocks to talk.

Food and stories

Food is cooked and shared, the islanders will happily try the voidtreckers' offerings and share their own. As the sun begins to set they gather around the fires. Stories and songs are shared and there's even some dancing for the brave.

Voidtreckers can choose whether to sleep in their own beds or spend one last night on the island before the train flies off into the sunrise and into the void.

Comments

[achickenformylove]

Ritual/Team Purple

The mission was over and they had been successful. It was a relief. If WangJi had been one to sigh in relief, he probably would have. But he was not. Still, that wouldn't stop him from checking on other members of the team, even if it was looking over to make sure there were no injuries or that injuries were being treated. Of course, his friends and family on the team would definitely have him coming over to them to check on them personally.

Beach!
And now they had a day to hang out at the beach. WangJi hadn't been expecting this, but he was glad for a bit of time before having to get on the train again and be cooped up. He didn't like that in all honesty.

So he went to change, heading up into the train. What he was wearing when he emerged was the underlayer of robes, a pale blue color. Don't worry; he did have swim trunks on underneath with a cloud pattern, but he had spent way too long showing his legs for his personal comfort so he was going to do this instead.

Throughout the remainder of the day, he meandered on the beach, taking in the salt air and the scenery. If it wasn't so crowded, it would have been nice for mediation.

He didn't play any of the games, but there was certainly a point in the afternoon when there was a game going on and WangJi stood on the sideline watching rather intently. Those who were observant would likely see that one of the players was WuXian... wearing swim trunks.

As the sun began to set, WangJi partook of the food and listened to the stories that others were telling. He was quiet during the stories. Perhaps someone would be able to get him to share one as well

Ritual/Team Purple

[laurefindil]

After the ritual it was time to head back, which was going to be a trek on its own. Glorfindel hoped that whatever had been summoning the monsters here had also lifted. But at least he could sense the life around him again, and hear the Song.

He looked over at Lan Wangji and smiled. "Only a short walk back now, right, Otorno?"

[achickenformylove]

"Yes, that is a relief." He didn't exactly want to spend another ten days walking through the tunnels to back to where they had been dropped off in the first place. Not that he was particularly tired, but exhaustion and far off anticipation could make people anxious.

"You are well after the fighting?"

[laurefindil]

"Yes," Glorfindel said. "The wetsuit kept anything from sticking, fortunately. Once the ritual was complete and the fog lifted, and the Song came back, I got my second wind." He smiled brightly. Literally, as he was still glowing, brighter than ever, trying to extend the healing aura to everyone in the party.

"I don't anticipate it will take as long to walk back, without having to fight for every inch of progress."

[achickenformylove]

That was kind of him, trying to heal everyone in the group with his abilities. It would also make it easier for their healers like Wen Qing when they got back to the train.

"Of course. That will make it easier."

A normal walk rather than a normal walk with monsters.

[laurefindil]

For Glorfindel, this was just another part of the battle - afterwards you help the survivors heal.

"It doesn't look like we'll have to carry anyone either, except maybe one or two who are exhausted," Glorfindel said, looking around. "Are you and yours all okay?"

[achickenformylove]

It was standard for him too, but it was not a part that he liked to see. Especially not when two of those could have been his son and his husband.

"Yes, they are fine. I am strong enough to carry others if needed."

He had gotten better about his personal rule of not touching people. Plus, Gusu Lan disciples were all very strong.

[laurefindil]

"I am glad to hear that, Otorno," Glorfindel said. "That they are fine, that is. I figured you were plenty strong, and it is kind of you to volunteer to carry others."

He looked around. "Looks like Reno got Joss. I'm not seeing anyone else who needs help immediately." He looked over at Lan Wanji. "Shall we take point and see if the crabs are still there?"

[achickenformylove]

"If I am capable, it is only right."

As a teen, he had been loath to even hold onto someone in dire need, let alone let them cling to him. He was not a teenager anymore and had a better sense of himself in the world with others.

WangJi glanced around as well, not spotting anyone who seemed to be unable to walk on their own. "Yes, let's check."

He might not eat them, but others likely would and if they had been killed or had passed, it was a waste to let them sit.

Beach

[marriedanidiot]

"Hello my friend." Nerdanel looks up and smiles as he comes to settle by the fire. "Here, try some of the crab!"

[achickenformylove]

He gave her a slight bow as he sat down nearby, remembering her from his wedding, having seen her there.

"Thank you. I appreciate the gesture. I... do not eat meat. I'm sure Wei Ying would enjoy it."

He really did appreciate the offer.

"How did your part of the mission fare?"

[marriedanidiot]

"Fair enough." She smiles at him. "I will offer him some later."

"As to that, no serious injuries this time, and I believe we were quite successful. What of yourself?"

[achickenformylove]

"He would appreciate that."

"That is good. Both that you were successful and there were no serious injuries. We were successful as well, getting those we were escorting where they needed to go and there were no serious injuries. It is good that all of the missions seem to have been successful."

Since he could see no major injuries among those who had gathered.

[marriedanidiot]

She makes a pleased noise.

"It is! That is well. We have had enough of grief, I think, at our last mission. And it is good to see the young ones playing."

There's a lot of excited shrieking at various times from the main beach, after all.

[achickenformylove]

"Yes. That was a very hard mission, especially the aftermath. Many were unhappy with that last mission. This... is better."

He glanced back over at the others who were playing on the beach, in the water... beach games. Even if he wasn't running up and down the beach, he was enjoying it as well.

"You are enjoying yourself?"

[marriedanidiot]

"Indeed so." She agrees, following his eyes with a fond smile at the antics.

"Oh yes! I haven't had a chance to eat crab by the beach... oh it must be several yeni by now. It really does taste better fresh."

[achickenformylove]

The beach games had his attention for a brief moment as he couldn't help looking at the fact that his husband was - by their standards - practically naked, playing volleyball. Of course, he did have to look away from that.

"I suppose it would. I would suspect transporting away from the beach would affect its quality."

Beach

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin had just spent the better part of the day cooking, dancing, singing, playing games, and talking to people. He didn't bother to change into swimming gear, not having much interest in swimming just now. He and Orange Team had been diving for days, and that was enough. So he changed into the outfit Tony Stark had given him as a gift: black jeans, black leather lace-up boots, and a black denim jacket. He added to that a very colorful t-shirt that he had picked out of the train's beach clothing collection. And then he went off to the aforementioned activities.

At sunset, as the sea was beginning to shine with the setting sun's light, he went to join a story circle. After most of the people had told their stories, he turned to Lan WangJi and said, "Why don't you tell a story now?" He'd be interested to hear whatever tale the man chose to tell, whether it was about the recent mission or some other topic.

[achickenformylove]

His work for the day was appreciated, cooking for others. It was good that Curufin got the chance to enjoy it as well. It would have been a shame if he hadn't since there were so few chances to not be cooped up inside the train.

WangJi had really just been listening to the stories when Curufin turned to him and spoke. He was not much of an orator, but others had been sharing as well. Surely he could tell a story to others as well and join in.

"Perhaps... the story of the Tortoise of Slaughter."

It had the best drama that he could think of. He could leave out some of the details that would make the story too complicated to tell.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin was most definitely enjoying himself today. The good thing about missions, besides the opportunity to use his skills, was getting off the train and getting a chance to be in natural environments. The best thing was the aftermath of a successful mission. He hoped WangJi was enjoying the celebration as much as he was.

"The Tortoise of Slaughter? That sounds like an interesting story. Please tell it!"

And the others in the circle nodded, wanting to hear it too.

[achickenformylove]

Well, it looked like he had picked a good topic to speak about. Of course, having a name like the "Tortoise of Slaughter" was of course going to get people's attention.

"In the creation of our world, there were four divine beasts. The one which guarded the North Sea, the Black Tortoise Xuanwu. About four hundred years ago, a giant black tortoise appeared. In appearance, it looked like Xuanwu, but this tortoise killed and consumed any it encountered. No cultivators who came across it were able to kill it. Finally, a band of cultivators teamed up to try and kill it, but it was nowhere to be found.

It was believed to be a myth when a sect leader's son tricked others into him helping try to find the mythical creature on Dusk Creek Mountain. Leading them down into a cave, there was only a pond with a stone rock in the middle. One of son's party suggested a sacrifice to draw the creature out. In the ensuing fight, the island moved, revealing itself to be the creature, which began to try and eat the assembled. The sect leader's son fled, trapping the others in the cave."

He paused for a moment to take a sip of the drink he had brought with him. Also... maybe it was for dramatic effect though he'd never admit it.

[ooc: Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent]

[so_dark_a_road]

The topic certainly did get Curufin's attention! And apparently the attention of the rest of the circle, too.

Curufin listened attentively to the given context of the tale, and the situation. The pause certainly did increase the drama of the story. It emphasized the plight of those who were first tricked into the cave and then abandoned.

"What happened to the trapped cultivators?" asked several voices at once, including Curufin's. "Did they get eaten?"

[ OOC: Disclaimer noted! XD ]

[achickenformylove]

"Several cultivators did not make it out. The rest hid away from the pond until the creature had gone back to sleep and they were able to approach the water. In a pond deep underground, there was a leaf floating on the surface. This told them there was a tunnel out underneath the water. Two young cultivators, brothers from a sect on the water, entered the pond, carefully searching so as not to disturb the beast.

The exit was found, but as the cultivators were beginning to leave, the beast awoke. To allow for the others to escape, one of the brothers used himself to distract the beast with a fire talisman. As the talisman wore off and the creature began to attack him, another cultivator in the cave came to his rescue. They both made it away from the creature with only a few injuries, nothing fatal and the other cultivators had gotten out, but the Tortoise now rested overtop of the underwater tunnel, trapping the remaining two inside the cave."

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin listens avidly.

"What happened to the last two cultivators? Did they get out alive?"

[achickenformylove]

"They waited for several days to see if help arrive. When it did not, the one brother went to look for anything to help them attack the monster. In the mud at the bottom of the pond, he found an ancient sword. As he attacked it, he was nearly swallowed by it, but the sword stuck in the monster's throat. The second used his sect's assassin chord technique to use the strings he would have used for his instrument to ensnare the monster. When its neck became caught in the strings, he used the chord to slowly cut through its neck. This killed the creature and freed the other cultivator, but the body of the creature no blocked their only path out and the one who had been trapped was now unwell.

When he was nearly on his last breath, his brother finally returned, having had to walk all the way to their sect to avoid being caught by the sect that had captured them. The two who had been trapped survived."