middleofsomewhere | Under the Sea: Conclusion and aftermath

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Under the Sea: Conclusion and aftermath

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.

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"Exactly." Gladio agreed with a nod of his head. "But we did help out on the train. We helped support the Orange Team when they came back from their dives and..."

He leaned in here and whispered into Madoka's ear. "We cooked. And I saved you some chocolate cupcakes..." He pulled back, a wide grin on his face. "If you'd be interested?" He and Noct had made a batch or two over the week for everyone as well as cooking meals. It had been enjoyable... when he hadn't been seasick.

The girl looks rather curious as he suddenly leans in to whisper, if not just because she has absolutely no idea what kind of secret he's about to tell her right after what he said.

But then she discovers it's the best possible secret.

"Really?"

Her eyes are wide. Mostly with surprise, but it's really, really hard to miss the excitement in them as well.

"O.. Of course I'm interested! Not that papa's cooking isn't great, but.. you know.. There's no chocolate on the beach! Or cupcakes!" It's been a lonely few days without sugary treats. How is a girl made of cotton candy like Madoka supposed to survive?

"No chocolate or cupcakes on the beach? That's awful!" Gladio widened his eyes in shock even as a smile played upon his lips. "How dare they!" There was barely contained laughter in his voice and, sadly, he lost the battle a few seconds later and started laughing.

"Well lucky for you there's a little selection left back on the train. I've been teaching Noct how to cook. I think they came out pretty good. Some even have chocolate chips in them. I thought it'd make them more muffin-like, but Noct promised they were still cupcakes." He smiled. "What do you think?"

"Let's go look at them!"

Well, at least Madoka seems to have made up her mind rather quickly. But it's not like it's a tough decision. For one, she has a hard time resisting anything vaguely sugary, and then there's the fact that it's not like this is going to take all day. She can still go out on the beach and have fun there later.

Not to mention this is a good opportunity to spend some time with Gladio too after not having been able to do so for a while now. Maybe she can even take a cupcake back for Maru...

Once she's snapped out of all of those thoughts, she only then seems to realise that Gladio is still carrying her.

"O-.. Oh! Um, I can walk by myself though if I have to, mister Gladio!"

Gladio raised a brow and looked at Madoka as if he had only just realised he was still holding her. He hadn't, of course, he knew very well and good she was there. So he just grinned. "What's the point in that? A beautiful princess shouldn't have to walk anywhere!"

He hefted her up and with a little spin he'd sat her on his shoulder, one hand holding gently onto her legs to make sure she was steady, and he started walking back toward the train. "A beautiful princess should get around in style."

The girl definitely lets out a surprise sound as she's suddenly being lifted up even further. By the time she realises what's going on, she's already on top of Gladio's shoulder, looking completely stunned by what just happened. And although she knows there's no way he'd just let her fall, it's still so scary at first! Gladio is already tall, and now she's all the way up on his shoulder and oh gosh, it's so high up! Her hands reach down to hold onto him as he walks, probably needing that for a few moments until she gets used to it.

At least - for better or worse - his words sure are a distraction. They completely light up Madoka's cheeks.

"M-- Mister Gladio, you're being too much!" At least she doesn't sound in actual distress or anything. It really just sounds like the way Madoka usually does when she gets all flustered.

"Never too much." Gladio laughed, a rich, deep laugh that showed his happiness. "But if you want me to let you down, just say the word." He didn't want her to be unhappy, after all. And he didn't want to scare her. He was just in a good mood and wanted to share a little of that.

"Nnn..."

She just lets out that small noise, still obviously flustered. But it's not as if Madoka really minds being up here, and honestly, she's really glad to see Gladio looking so happy. Even if said happy mood leads to her getting teased! But if that's the price to pay to keep Gladio happy, she'll pay it. She'll be strong!

"N-No. I'm okay with being up here." And despite her rosy cheeks and her saying that slightly more softly, it doesn't sound like she's lying. And Madoka is a really, really bad liar, so it means it must be the truth. "I trust you. I know you won't let me fall.."

"I'd never let you fall, kiddo." Gladio smiled warmly and tilted his head to look up at her, he winked. "You're safe with me." Eyes forward again, because he didn't want to make himself a liar and trip over something and send them both flying, he began to hum a happy little tune under his breath.

It was a good feeling to be out in the fresh air. He knew everyone he cared about was alive and well. The missions had all gone off without much of a hitch. Yes, Gladio was feeling better than he had in many weeks.

For a moment or two Madoka's cheeks are still pink. But thankfully the flustered feeling then slowly starts to fade as they (or, well, mostly Gladio) keep walking. If not just since she's distracted from her own embarrassment by that tune he's humming.

He does seem very happy...

".. Mister Gladio, you really must've had a fun time with uncle Noct." Considering it's apparently left him so happy, despite the rough start it sounded like they had at the beginning of the mission.

That surprised a laugh from him. Fun was... an interesting word to use, and not really the one he would have made. He tilted his head, tipping it back to try and get a look at Madoka. "For the first day or two it wasn't bad. After that we had a storm at sea that... Lets just say I didn't realise just how sea sick I can get until now." He said with a chuckle.

He lowered his head again so he could watch where they were going. "Could have been worse though. I'm just glad to be off the train for a while. And seeing you guys again." He'd missed everyone. Missed the sun. Missed solid ground.

"Aw.."

It's a happy 'aw' though, not a disappointed one. It's pretty touching to actually be part of the reason as to why Gladio could seem so happy - Madoka never counts herself among the reasons for anyone to be happy! But she's also just glad he's no longer feeling seasick. Maybe that's why he's so happy, he could just be relieved to be rid of it.

"I guess it's a little too late to give advice, but.. um, next time you feel seasick, you should try eating something light like crackers! Mama used to tell me that helps to deal with the feeling.." But, you know, hopefully they just won't end up in the middle of a storm on a sea anyway? That'd be nice.

Gladio chuckled and gave the side of Madoka's leg a gently pat. "Don't worry, princess. I had people looking after. Kaito kept making me ginger and honey tea." Which, despite it tasting awful, had actually helped a lot. He'd been able to sleep some afterwards without feeling like he was going to hurl.

"But you're right. Small, light things to line your stomach helps with that sick feeling. Half of it comes from your stomach being empty and the acids churning." Because the Six knew he hadn't wanted to eat at all when he was at his worst. He'd had to force himself to eat things like crackers and plain bread.

"Kaito-san did? I guess that makes sense, he is very kind.." And also apparently didn't go in the water! (It'd help if she knew about his aversion to fish, then she'd immediately knows the reason for it..) The more important point though is definitely that he's nice, because Madoka really thinks that.

"W.. Well, then next time you get seasick I'll help you out too, mister Gladio!"

"Thanks, Princess. I know you will." He had been tempted to use the 'miss' there, but the last thing he needed was for her to panic while she was sat on his shoulder like she was. Though now they were coming up to the train he knew he'd had to remove her and set her back to her feet.

"You ready to get down now?" He asked once he'd stopped by the steps leading up to the train. Gladio looked up then with a warm smile. "Thanks for indulging me, by the way. Used to do this with Iris when she was little. Can't any more, she's a sprout and got too big."

She nods.

"Uh-huh, I'm ready." Not that it wasn't nice to be carried by Gladio like that, but it's not as if she wants to trouble him by doing it for too long! Although any worries about potentially troubling him are quickly taken away by what he says next..

It's rather cute. The fact that he likes it, but especially his reason for liking it. If she can actually give him an experience he hasn't been able to have for a while, then Madoka is actually glad. She gives him a small smile, although with maybe the tiniest hint of a pout in it.

"But.. I'm not that small, am I?"

Well, Madoka, the fact that you're only 14 and especially that you're Japanese is not really helping you in that department...

Gladio was careful as he removed Madoka from his shoulder and, holding her by the waist, set her down on the steps of the train. It almost put her at eye level with him. He grinned and gave a small shake of his head.

"You're not that small. But Iris... she was about..." He held a hand a few inches above Madoka's head. "Just a bit taller. She has Amicitia genes after all." Iris had been so small when she was a little kid. Then hit a growth spurt and she'd grown like a weed. He dropped his hand onto Madoka's head and gently ruffled her hair. "Small and cute. That's what you are. And nothing wrong with that."

Of course Madoka believes he genuinely means it when he says there's nothing wrong with it. But for some reason - honestly, it's probably just little kid instinct - she can't help but stand a bit more on her toes to try and make herself seem the tiniest bit taller all the same. Even though she should probably realise it'll be so obvious she's doing that if he can feel his hand going a bit higher...

"I want to be a bit taller though. My friends back home were-- are all taller than me too. I have to grow taller too so I can be a more dependable person."

Yes, she knows dependability doesn't have much to do with height, but.. still! A few more inches couldn't hurt, right? It's harder to help others when you're a pocket girl!

"Mister Gladio, do chocolate cupcakes help you grow taller?" Apparently she hasn't forgotten her purpose for them coming back to the train. "I'll eat them all!"

Gladio just grinned when Madoka did that, standing on her tip-toes. He laughed. "You will, you've time to grow still." Secretly he hoped she didn't. She was adorable as she was. "It's not taller you want, kiddo. It's stronger. But we'll work on that. Cupcakes are the start!"

He moved up the steps and reached out for her hand. "These are tough cupcakes! You'll be stronger and taller in no time."

"Then I'll definitely eat them all!"

She sounds so determined about it too. Like it truly isn't just an excuse to eat as many cupcakes as she wants. (Although it's not like it's anywhere close to a punishment for Madoka to eat cupcakes to begin with, let's be real.) The girl even forms adorable little fists with her hands for a moment to show her determination before quickly reaching back to grab the hand he's holding out to her.

Someone might just end up in a food coma at this rate.

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Under the Sea: Conclusion and aftermath

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