middleofsomewhere | Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

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Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

The third night is as long and creepy as the others...

It might be that they found the engine room, solved the puzzles and found themselves in the hangar bay with no way out. It might be that they were still in the station hiding from the invisible monsters. Or it might be that they had been plucked from the mission and were waiting in their holding room.

Either way morning dawns on the fourth day...

ENEMY: UNKNOWN

DAY FOUR

the trapped. THOSE WHO SOLVED THE ENGINE ROOM SPENT THE NIGHT IN A LARGE HANGAR THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY DOORS. Their SCA's are working, so they can still communicate with those in the station, perhaps talk them through the engine room puzzles or tell them to stay clear. As morning comes all the lights in the hangar come on. Brighter than any lights so far in the station, harsh white light after the eerie red of the rest of the mission.

Everyone still in the station wakes where they fell asleep - if they slept at all. It's not long after most people are up and about that they will hear a high-pitched beep from their SCA, and then a blue light will envelop them and those around them. It might be they spot their friends vanishing before they too disappear.

They arrive in the hangar, reunited with those who spent the night there. All their gear is with them at least, but that doesn't solve the problem of being in a hangar with no obvious way out. Nor are any of those who vanished during the last three days here, their SCA's still go unanswered.

the vanished. FOR THOSE IN THE HOLDING ROOM, THEIR NIGHT HAS PROCEEDED MUCH LIKE THE NIGHTS BEFORE. One of the screens showed the hangar, and those that had succeeded in completing the engine room task. The lights had dimmed for sleeping and turned on again bright in the morning. For those watching the screens they will see those in the station vanish in blue light and turn up in the hangar.

Around half an hour later a voice sounds in the room. "Please gather your belongings and prepare for release."

It's another ten minutes, allowing them to make sure they have all their things before their SCA's beep. They are then surrounded by a blue light, taking them from the room they had spent the last few days in.

REUNITED

reunion. AN HOUR PASSES AFTER FIRST ARRIVALS PASS IN THE HANGAR. Suddenly, there is another flash of blue light, and the missing eighteen Voidtreckers appear with the rest of their crew. They will find they had all their gear as well, including their missing weapons.

They are left to their own devices for a small while, a time for reuniting with friends, but not long enough to exchange stories before a voice rings out in the hangar:

"THANK YOU CREW OF THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS FOR YOUR COMPLIANCE. YOU MAY RETURN TO YOUR CRAFT."
There is a loud mass of beeping as everyone's SCA's flashes at the same time, holographic messages popping up too fast to be able to read them in their entirety.

Voidtreckers come in.

All Voidtreckers return to the Voidtrecker Express
Voidtreckers evacuate now

Voidtreckers do you read?

Layers of holographic messages pile on top of each other but a moment later everyone's SCA's glow gold and everyone vanishes from the hangar...

LUGGAGE CARRIAGE

return. EVERYONE ARRIVES INSIDE THE LUGGAGE CARRIAGE, PACKED LIKE SARDINES BETWEEN SUITCASES AND TRUNKS. There is no announcement, no warning of returning to the void; just a lurch that is likely to throw anyone on the train unaware of what has just happened off their feet, no matter the carriage they're in.

They return to the void at what feels like breakneck speed. Colours fly past the windows, and it is a good few hours before they seem to slow to their normal travel speed.

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"They need to go through system rigmaroles first," Tidus admits, a touch of exasperation on his face to be reminded about. "They don't make the decisions - some other guys do. But they said they knew we weren't deciding to be hooked up to the void. And whatever's going on with the planets disappearing, that's a big deal to them too."

He shakes his head, not completely certain, but...

"But, I think they're gonna try. I didn't get a bad feeling about them..." For all the off-putting parts about their meeting. "But they're just one part of the Ministry. Bigger problem is, is if the train's going to let them help."

Tidus gestures out towards the room, to the train itself.

Inigo nods along with Tidus's explanation, the other's sentiment entirely matching with Inigo's own. While they obviously can't be sure if they were being told the truth, it didn't feel like they were being lied to either.

.. or maybe the two of them are just a little naive. Inigo isn't sure which it is.

"At least it's better than nothing, right, guys? We have something to look forward to now." If they're going to be able to contact them at all, like Tidus says. "Especially since it didn't seem like we were going to get answers from the train itself anytime soon."

He can understand system rigmarole, he knows what it is like to have to wait and make sure that paperwork is completed and systems followed. So he just nods at Tidus though frowns at the end.

Because that's the problem isn't it? If the train is running scared right now, will it even engage with any outside help.

But they both seem positive, as if the meeting had been good rather than the terrible things that had been running through Taiki's imagination since they vanished.

"I'm glad... It's a lot better than nothing."

"It could all turn upside down for us," Tidus admits, the very possibility making him frown, unsettled even with the hopeful possibility there. "But, I'd say they got a lot of info from us talking or not talking. They said that fake mission was some kind of skill test - for what? They shut off what most people could do."

Their powers, even if that didn't entirely cripple them. But what did they want to see? How'd they react? And what for?

"They weren't getting a full picture of what we could do."

That's for sure.

"Yeah, it's.. a little strange."

But there's a kind of hesitation in Inigo's voice as he speaks. He doesn't want to think of things that are too negative, not when there's a hopeful thought to cling onto for now. Taiki's already done enough worrying for now, right? Inigo knows the other is smart enough to reach the more negative possibility in his mind without having to talk about it now in length.

Hence why Inigo shakes his head.

"Hey, you two, isn't the much more important part that we're together again now? Tidus, we should invite Taiki over to our room for tonight!"

It was strange, that they had been watching, but since their powers and abilities had been turned off could they truly understand what they were capable of?

And if not then what was it they were observing them for?

But Inigo at least seems determined to change the subject and Taiki nods. "It is important, I'm glad neither of you are hurt."

Tidus's instinct is to be incredulous about the switch-over, why this reunion deserves a sleepover in Inigo's opinion (other than he just wants one) - but before his mouth can voice confusion, he realises why; how Taiki must've been worried about them, how this would be the best way to assuage the misery of the last few days.

So he sighs instead, hefty, a put on display. "Fine, fine. But before that, shouldn't we see that Gyōkō's okay?" He then looks at Taiki in particular. "Was there anyone you were worried about in the station you wanna check on?"

See how good they're being in front of Taiki for once. Inigo doesn't even joke about Tidus trying to delay the inevitable over here or anything - because he doesn't want Taiki to feel rushed into this. This moment is all about their friend, and what he wants.

And honestly, it's a smart question on Tidus's part - Inigo hadn't even thought at all yet about Taiki's little friend, but it makes sense. So rather than piping up, Inigo just smiles (maybe even a little because Tidus actually agreed..), waiting for the other's answer.

"Yes. I want to check on him."

It hasn't been as long as usual and he had set the small jerboa with enough food and water for a normal mission. But he still missed him and wanted to make sure he was alright.

"I was worried about everyone... But it seems everyone is back... You were with Shuǐlóng... I mean Lan Jingyi... Right?"

"Sh.."

Inigo tries repeating the word, but just.. seems to get majorly confused before he even gets out more than those two letters. He shoots a quick glance in Tidus's direction, as if to ask 'do you have any idea what's up with that, bro??' before he looks back at Taiki.

"Uh-- yes! He showed up there too, though that was once Tidus and I were already there."

??? Shuǐlóng???

"Shuǐlóng --" Tidus doesn't mind repeating it - attempting to get his mouth around a word he's never heard before - since Inigo's gotten to the actual question, which means he can indulge his curiosity. "That a nickname?"

also what does it mean, his translators is going ???? also.

"Yes... Sorry." He looked at them both. "Shuǐlóng." He repeated it slower, making sure each sound was clear.

"Um... It means water dragon."

"Shu.. Shui... Shuǐlóng," Inigo finally says, managing to get it right after a few slow attempts.

It's still hard though. Hard enough that apparently even the instant translator between them can't tackle it, and Inigo feels like he might have forgotten the word in like, ten minutes or so.. but he's truly trying.

At least the reason for the nickname makes sense, considering what Jingyi is.

".. Hey, is Taiki giving nicknames to people who aren't us?" Guess who's instantly pouting.

This boy here. Though it's mostly just him being overdramatic than really being hurt.

"Tidus, we're about to lose our top spots with Taiki..!" Bro!! What do they do!

Oh, well, if Inigo's going to repeat it, then so should Tidus, in the same slow voice, "Shuuuǐlóng," in a close enough way. Because Tidus isn't overthinking how to say it, unlike Inigo.

(But also, his probably sounds more correct for it.)

Still, he's happy enough. But that can't be said for everyone, as Inigo starts his pouting beside them, and he looks confused at the fuss. But, also...

"Well, what nickname would you give us, Taiki?" He swings his head to look at Taiki now, taking this more in stride than the other; and even having for a suggestion: "Oh, how about 'flower dragon' for Inigo? He's part dragon too!"

Part dragon in an eye.

"Yes, well done." He smiled at Inigo, praising his efforts. But it seemed even praise wasn't enough because Inigo was soon sad again. Taiki's eyes widened slightly and he shook his head.

"Um..." He hadn't meant anything by it, hadn't meant to leave them out or upset them. He looked between them, Tidus seemed less upset at least.

"Um Huā lóng. Flower dragon... But..." He looks at Inigo. "Would that be alright?"

His god is a dragon, he might feel strange about that.

Sorry for being such a demanding boy, Taiki. Inigo truly can't help it.

At least he's being indulged in this overly dramatic whim fairly quickly. By both of the boys, even. It's a small miracle.

A small miracle that makes him happy. Moreso for being indulged than necessarily because of the nickname itself - but he smiles all the same.

"I mean.. I'm not really a dragon." Even though he's technically part dragon. But after calling Jingyi a dragon, who is an actual dragon, it feels a little weird to get handed a similar title.

Not that he's full on complaining.

"But I'll accept it as long as Tidus gets named after an animal too!"

You're more dragon than I am, Tidus would protest, but then Inigo continues on with his compromise, and Tidus blinks with an 'Eh?', brain already trying to think up animals. But-!

"Like what? You're connected to a dragon! And Jingyi is too - what would I even be?"

What animal would he even want to be? Tidus isn't the kind of guy to sit around deciding on his spirit animal. Truly, he has never lived a full life...

"Oh um..." He tilted his head and looked at Tidus for a moment.

"I guess... Hǎishī?"

He looked at them. "Oh it means sea lion. Do you have those?"

Hopefully. Or it would be back to drawing animals again.

"Anything that's related to the sea is perfect for Tidus!"

.. yes, that is Inigo very, very subtly showing that he has no idea what a sea lion is either. He's a master of subterfuge, thank you very much. He even manages to look proud as he says it, like he is a great knowledgeable person who knows everything about sealife.

And what a sea lion could possibly be.

(To his credit, he's pretty sure Tidus also doesn't know, considering how weird every single animal is in that guy's world.)

Sea.....lion....

Tidus definitely has a working face going on trying to figure if he knows what that is. Though while Inigo is standing there looking all smug.

"I... think I've seen that?"

Maybe?

"I'll check Roland's book he got me." Technically his book, but it'll always be 'animals from Roland's world'. He's pretty sure he's seen 'lion' before...! "But, Hǎishī sounds cool. Hǎi - shī."

Oh. Neither of them know. "Um... Yes they are creatures in the sea. They don't really look like land lions at all... But if you think it's a good name..."

He's not used to giving people nicknames at all.

"Aw.. Taiki, come on! No need to be so shy about it!"

Guess who Taiki's getting a hug from. It's Inigo. He's hugging. It's happening.

At least Inigo seems in a way better mood now they have also been put on a similar nickname level, smiling as he's leaning into the hug. (He's mostly just happy to have Taiki by their side again, really.)

"Tidus just says he likes it, right? And I like mine too! You've got a real knack for nicknaming!"

.. maybe it's a little too much praise, but Inigo is of the opinion that there's never enough praise out there in the world for Taiki. He deserves more. Even if they're still a bit puzzled by what a sea lion is.

(Especially now Taiki is saying they look nothing like lions.. then why are they named the same! A mystery.)

Look at this Taiki hugging action going.

Tidus stands where he is, hands turning to fists when he rests them on his sides. A broad smile, easy and carefree. Inigo is laying on the praise thick, so Tidus goes for something less so - would have, anyway.

"A name like mine isn't easy to nickname. Let's give it a go! Sounds like fun."

He nods at Taiki, then, after a beat.

"But we should find shu-- shuǐlóng, right? Fluff tail himself."

He doesn't think he has a knack for it at all but he accepts the hug and smiles, glad to be back with the both of them.

He nodded at Tidus though. "Yes... I'd like to check he is alright..."

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Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

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