middleofsomewhere | The Waking of Neran

The Waking of Neran

"Good morning Voidtreckers and passengers. Today is day twenty one of the month of Orchestra. We will be arriving in System #78961112094711 later today and the dressing carriage is open for your use."

It is indeed, with thick winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves in all sizes. There are also some bags suitable for carrying food, for anyone who wants to add to the festival food with more food!

They have the morning to prepare before another announcement.

"Shortly arriving in System #78961112094711. The weather is extremely cold, voidtreckers and passengers should wrap up warm and wear their SCA's at all times. Arriving in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
The train shakes as they leave the void and they will see dark skies with glowing flecks of light falling down around them. It's only a glimpse before there is rock to both sides as they enter the landing area.

The Waking of Neran

... ARRIVAL TO OSIGA

THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS PULLS INTO AN OPEN HIGH-STACKED PARKING STATION, FILLED ALREADY BY A VARIETY OF VEHICLES. Darkness and the cold spills into where they pull in, lights and signs around to guide the Voidtreckers who exit the craft where they need to go, elevator and teleporting systems available to choose from.

For those turn their gaze to where the cold comes, they will see a view of the world: a landscape of mountains lit in burning bright blue. Like Christmas and city lights, they can be seen in the far distance, and the sky too glows with a shimmering, falling blue. It looks like a slow rain, while farther up, the twinkling of actual stars can be glimpsed.

This will be their view of the world for three Osiga days - 210 hours, give or take.

The lower floor widens into a train-like station, shuttles ready to take them into Osiga proper in short five minute rides. They just need to figure out they need to scan their SCAs at the turnstiles, which will beep with approval, and send a map to their SCA of the grotto.

With a handy dot to their hotel.

... THE IRUE GROTTO

HOTEL. THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOTEL IS STONY, A WALL OF UNEVEN ROCK WITH SLITS FOR WINDOWS CLIMBING UPWARD. It gives off a sparse, cold impression, but the interior is anything but. Inside the floors are smoother, a carpet in the middle of a lobby, and the walls are decorated with colourful paints and endless rugs and furs. There's seating, a roaring fire in one corner, and lighting set to a cosy mood.

There's stairs that can be taken, but also elevators. The bedrooms are much the same as the lobby, with paints and furs all around - the furs especially covering the beds, along with hand stitched quilts. In the centre is a fire pit, set with heatstones than wood or coal, and extras in a container by a wall with safety instructions of how to move them (with tongs and gloves).

Outside the rest of the grotto can be seen, a mish-mash of layers closer to a labyrinth. There's curtains for privacy, and also a screen to help blot out the sound.

FOOD & SIGHTS.

NOW, THE IRUE GROTTO CAN BE EXPLORED. The grotto is easy to get lost in, with stone stairs and archways doubling as bridges to lead to different levels, but always with something to see. Museums and art galleries fill most of the lower layers down, a few shops between of traditional trinkets and garments for those who come out interested in taking a piece of Osiga back with them. There are also day classes, with candle-making a big one on the first night.

Water runs through constructed streams, small but always in travel. They fall off into small waterfalls, eventually gathering into pools that always ensure drink is around. But there's also drinking spaces around, wall coves where servers mind the drinks, and people gather around on crouched seating. Privacy isn't a big deal in Osiga; visitors welcomed into conversation freely. The drinks favour the strong, spicy and sweet. Their traditional drinks are a fiery whisky and a sweet creamy milk drink flavoured by spices that taste very much like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is strongly alcoholic though there is a non alcoholic version as well. There are other drinks available of course from other planets but visitors are encouraged in a good natured way to try the good stuff.

And let's not forget the food. Most traditional Osigian dishes are spicy yet sweet, fatty, and largely meat. There are also food baskets all over, filled with wrapped snacks free for taking, or to add your own. Never let your neighbour go hungry. What will you find, dipping your hand in: a treat, or a mistake?

SORS PARKS, OPEN SKIES. THE FARTHER FROM THE HOTELS AND STATION VISITORS GO, THE MORE THE SKY BECOMES VISIBLE, AND WITH IT THE FALLING SNOW. Except this isn't snow, and those who venture out will figure this soon enough. There are sors parks up ahead, hard to miss for how they glow a brilliant blue, tall erratic sculptures shaped like an abstract mess. They're cold, even colder than the rest of the grotto, and near every entrance are wooden racks with coats and scarfs hanging from pegs, a bucket of heatstones to stick in pockets.

Keeping company is better than not. Anyone who goes in alone will find the chill uncomfortable to those who have someone else nearby, SCAs working stronger together. Paths somehow stay free from being covered in the icy mess, and every few yards are grit bins with small bags to put the contents in, instructions as to what to do.

And that's to throw them at the sculptures, into the air, and watch as the hardened ice disperses into a fizzle of lights. The sight is considered beautiful, and especially fun for kids and couples.

... ANAN & THE MINISTRY

It's maybe an hour or so after their arrival when a message comes through the comms on their SCA's.

boop beep boop beep / boop boop boop/ boop boop/ beep//
beep beep / boop beep//
beep beep beep boop/ boop boop boop/ beep beep/ boop beep beep / boop / beep boop beep/ beep/ boop beep boop beep/ boop beep boop/ beep/ beep boop beep/ beep beep beep//

"It didn't close the hack. I think your Voidtrecker Express likes me." Anan sounds almost triumphant. "Glad you all came. I'm at the drinking space next to the Irue Museam of Osigan Art."

For those that wish to go and meet her, they can.

... THE WAKING OF NERAN

NIGHT ONE: REMEMBERING. It's hard to tell when 'night' begins when the world is in darkness and there are more hours in the day then they are perhaps used to. But things begin to wind down a little, the art houses and museums close and the day activities are wrapped up.

People begin making their way to the main streets where the parade will go. Some people may have made candles throughout the day but there are also long candles for sale and 'fire' bearers carrying large torches to light the candles. The main lights are all turned off, plunging the streets into darkness lit only by the candles and the faint distant glow of sors.

The parade itself has large lit floats, literally floating above the ground, the lights are in intricate shapes. There are light dancers- people dressed completely in black to blend in to the night, with ribbons of light doing feats of acrobatics to music- instruments and volcaless voices weaving melodies.

After the parade passes by people move to the streams, where their floating candles that can be lit and sent on their way. There are designated areas for the tall candles to be placed- almost shrine like with areas to pray or think or sing- the helpful guides will assist anyone and are very open to the different ways people from various worlds and cultures may wish to remember their dead.

Afterwards people are encouraged to drink, eat, spend time with the living and swap stories of the dead. Dance and sing. It is upbeat, joyous and the tears are meant to be cathartic.

NIGHT TWO: PERSEVERING. After another day of activities- or resting and recovering from the excess of the night before the grotto again is ready in anticipation. The side of the grotto open to the sky is packed with people, ledges and railings packed with people. Even the buildings on this side of the grotto have opened their doors to allow people up on their roofs to watch the firework display.

Sparklers are sold, as are snacks and drinks and a voice comes through speakers throughout the space.

"NERAN! On this night you fight!" The crowd cheers. "Hear our dedication, return to us! For tonight is a night of COURAGE!"

The crowd cheers again and the fireworks begin. Loud and colourful, beautiful shapes, almost like dances in the sky. It's loud and it's busy but the atmosphere is great, throughout the night within the crowd there are marriage proposals, declarations of new jobs, decisions to travel the void. Bravery and courage abound- helped probably by the strong whisky that is flowing freely.

NIGHT THREE: UNITY. The festival continues, though it's a slightly later start on day three for many who are nursing hangovers, having a well earned sleep in preparation for the final night or just frantically trying to remember what declarations they had made the night before.

But the activities are still happening throughout the grotto- though the guides might advise any obvious voidtravellers that they may wish to nap before 'night' time, especially if they are not used to day/night cycles this long. The final night doesn't stop til sunrise after all and no one wants to miss the sun rising!

As the time comes for the party to start every square and every street is packed, music blares through speakers. Traditional Osigan music mixed with styles and music from other planets in the galexy. The traditional Osigan music has many layers, deep bass instruments that seem to make the ground itself rumble.

There is dancing, led by guides and locals. They are big circle dances, loud energetic and done in unity. There are callers who keep everyone in time and remind them of the steps but it is mostly an exercise in organised chaos.

But very fun organised chaos. There's extra chairs and benches set around for people who would rather watch or need a break from the endless swirl of dancers. There's plenty of water in large barrels for people to help themselves and other drinks are available to buy.

The party goes on for hours but eventually the music stops and there is an announcement that they have an hour left until sunrise. People begin moving out to find the best spots to watch. Up high on the cliffs people spread out rugs and blankets and settle, waiting.

The atmosphere is one of anticipation, people passing around drinks and snacks. Then there is a hush, a cry as for the first time in a month the first ray of light streaks across the sky.

Neran has awoken. The sun has returned once more.

OOC NOTES

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Well that sounds completely fine, doesn't it?

"Too bad Goku isn't around." ...For more than just challenges, but. "Hopefully, he's back home safe! He must have a family too, or people worrying about him."

Not that he got to know his short-time cabin mate that well, but he was a decent enough guy. ...really into food!

"Oh, is it the way you use it? Elemental and healing's way tougher than if you can put your skills into real fighting - y'know, getting up close, or stunning an enemy with an attack!"

Not that magic isn't real fighting, but also, getting up close and personal is totally the standard image of a fighter!!

"If it's attacking like that, I can do it all day!"

"Okay so with going as far as we can I have to ask. Do we do that together or is this going to be a case of going our separate ways and seeing from different areas how far we go, then meet up again?"

At least with the latter she knows they would at least explore a lot more area perhaps.

"I figured I would ask."

"Alright." A chirpy answer, glad. "I'll see what he says! I can't buy it, but maybe there's other stuff too... having a magic wand's pretty handy."

So if Roland can use it himself whatever turns out with this broom, it's not a bad purchase, is it. But they've been walking to a point where the dipping path levels, and there's a crowd of open booths, and Tidus notices with a- "Oh hey, look, let's check these out!"

He moves into the busy street, trying to eye what's being made, the sizzling as noisy as the chatter of people. Meats on sticks, large pans of stew-mixes. What can they get close to...!

Well, that is a visceral response. He frowns, upset by how poorly her environment was described to be. Their village had its issues but the people were at the core of it good. Most, at least, and frankly it were the shinobi families who were the problem. The average person living among them were just fine. And the village itself was far from dirty.

"Unfortunate," he lets out a sigh. "Your governing bodies did no such thing to help aid?"

"We can split! I don't mind." Hey, maybe it'll be fun. And if she wants to go and have some time by herself, Tidus wasn't going to hold her back just to hang out with him.

"How about we meet when we'll meet? Means you've gotta find plenty to do 'til then!" he adds with a fun grin.

His opinion can be changed easily enough with the proof that the food will provide. He looks around at the different options. "Have any recommendations?"

"Ah..I suppose by normal standards it probably was. I was a crown prince..I ascended to the heavenly city when I was young...and the last 800 years have been quite busy."

He says all of this as if it is the most normal conversation in the world. Pausing as he says the last piece to think about some of those years. His early years were by far the most difficult. The fall of Xianle, the death of his parents, the fact that he became a god...then was kicked out...only to ascend again...only to leave by choice...and then to ascend a unprecedented third time.

His story would be far too long to tell just in their time on this world.

"I did be trying some soup." She pointed it out. "It do be having some meat in it but also vegetables. It might be burning your mouth though."

Then again if he liked spicy things he might be okay with it.

"It's a long story." Bulma smiles, laughing lightly to herself at the thought. Yes, she understands that it's interesting to hear and all, but there's only so many times she can relive Piccolo, Vegeta, 18, Buu, and she's sure the list will continue to grow, going from aggressors in her world to someone they trusted as an ally. Who knew that she'd end up marrying one of those options, but then again.. perhaps it wasn't as far off as it was believed to have been to start.

"Thank you. But I'm going to be pissed if it's without Vegeta." And she's sure that he would be less than thrilled as well, judging by how he'd treated her month's absence not all that long ago. "And I say that selfishly and out of care for everyone still here."

"Vegeta can handle things here by himself, I think." Bulma is quick to correct that, at the very least. She's not so dense as to think that there may not be a time where having Goku there would of course be helpful, but... she's also not going to sit and linger on it, either. It just didn't seem the most productive thing to do, at the end of the day, to sit and worry about it now that Goku is no longer on the train.

"Oh I'm sure ChiChi was there to ask him where the hell he's been.. don't worry about that.." Bulma laughs at the thought, in fact, shoulders shrugging as if asking what there even was to say about that otherwise.

"Goten and Gohan will be happy too, I'm sure ChiChi's been miserable to deal with."

"I know," Alice replies.

And.. well, she knows she hasn't. Or much less so than she used to, anyway. It was hard to avoid thinking about those people around London, considering they were basically constantly harassing her in some way or another. People talking behind her back as she passed by, or just insulting her to her face..

But it's been so long since she's had to deal with that.

"I do not like the train." That much is clear to Alice. It does things in such dumb ways! It's annoying! But.. "Though I do not dislike being there with people who treat me kindly. Like you."

Look, some people might struggle to necessarily call the girl kind, especially from a first impression. But Alice thinks that the girl is kind enough to the people she deems worthy of it. Being picky about who you want to associate with isn't a crime.

It takes a few moments.

A few moments that, thankfully, don't end up very awkward. Maybe it'd be really awkward if there was some sort of crowd around her, if Alice felt like all eyes were on her, just like they were back home.. But there isn't. For some mysterious reason - read: Thanatos looking like he's ready to THROW DOWN with everyone who bothers her at a moment like this - it doesn't seem like anyone is coming near her right now, and it gives Alice the space and mental peace to just freely cry for a moment.

It's still all silent, with absolutely no sobs, but the tears do keep coming for a few moments until she feels like she has run dry for the moment, reaching up to wipe away the tearstains on her face with the back of her hand.

".. Sorry," Alice finally says as she turns back to Thanatos. "I let myself go just a tad too much just now."

Because even if she was silently letting out her emotions, letting out her emotions in public is still always embarrassing to some degree.

Thankfully it doesn't seem like they're too far away from the place - Inigo came running over to find Taiki as soon as he spotted the art museum, after all. So it only takes a little while of walking for them to reach it, some posters on display about the kind of art that's on view inside.

"Here it is, here it is!" Inigo sure sounds excited (for now). "Does it look good?"

"Coming back.. Like revival?"

It sounds like something out of a story. After all, even Madoka's constant deaths and 'revivals' in her own world were only born out of someone resetting the timeline every single time, following the journey of a new Madoka, rather than the same one being reborn.

But she can't remember any of that, exactly because it's a new Madoka each time. Whereas Naoya.. he must remember it. All of it. For a really long time too, if he's already been going for so long..

"Or is it more like.. um, something like reincarnation?"

Madoka figures that he's probably okay with answering that question, if he was okay with voluntarily giving away that bit of information. (Everything she says is always calculated for politeness and consideration first - or as much as she can manage it, anyway.)

The idea is so amazing though - not necessarily in a good way, but amazing all the same, and it keeps her large, surprised eyes on the man's face.

She definitely needs the help at times. Madoka isn't that nimble, even though she's gotten partially better due to all the missions they have been on so far. But some things remain a little hard for a girl who was never prepared to do any of this.

.. though she is managing. Tonight is a night to be brave, after all! So thankfully they make it all the way to the top spot after all.

And while they're there, Madoka is quiet for a moment. She just stares in awe, her jaw hanging down and mouth hanging open.

"Wow.. It's kind of pretty.. You can see so much from here!"

"Lucky me, I get lots of opportunities to practice at home." A pause. "Plus I'm a ghost with ice powers. The puns practically write themselves."

"Well, I mean, maybe? There's only two permanent portals, so closing those off would probably help? But natural portals open up randomly. Like all the time. And there's no way to predict those."

The Ghost Zone was the Bermuda Triangle of dimensions.

Danny makes a face.

"Or when you're facing them alone. Is he a major creep too?"

"Get rid of all those unused brain cells too?" Bulma Briefs being a classic version of herself - giving those disses said with a smile and that somewhat sweet voice that suggests she's saying something kind even as she is obviously not.

Though of course, the mention of Gods gets her thinking. She's met quite a few cosmic beings in the course of her life. Far more than she ever really planned to, if she's honest, but it hadn't been of her design at all (for once). This is mainly a Goku and Vegeta-induced problem if she's honest, and she very much would like to speak about how silly every single God figure has been, or just straight-up rude.

"Well, if they're anything like Beerus and Whis, it's probably a joke for their own amusement while they plug away at destroying everything."

Jin Ling hasn't talked to Xue Yang in months. It's not exactly like he'd been avoiding him but he hadn't really had a reason to seek him out either. But now he finds himself sitting down near him with some food and drink.

After a few seconds, he greets him with a slight incline of his head.

"More like reincarnation, yes. Whenever I die I'm reborn in a new body with the memories of all the previous lives." There's no point in hiding it. It doesn't matter in a place like this - aside from the whole 'void-active planet', he's hardly the oldest person on the train.

(He's amused at how the train is counting biological rather than actual age, but he's not complaining.)

"I've been doing it for over fifty five hundred years. I've seen more things than a lot of people can imagine. Unimaginable cruelty and incomparable kindness both. I've seen what humans are capable of - but I'd still rather have them make their own destinies than have them dictated by someone else."

Taiki smiled at him, looking up at the building. "Yes. It looks great." He squeezed his hand and continued, towards the front door.

He's not sure if there will be a charge, if whatever the train had given them to buy food would work with museums but they are merely waved in by a friendly person on the front desk so perhaps museums here held no charge.

"Um... I've never been to an art museum before. But there should be a map or a guide somewhere..."

She looks very surprised to be called kind. She doesn't think anyone has ever called her kind in her whole life. She isn't someone who is kind, she's not someone who tries to be kind.

If Alice thinks she is kind then she truly has only met very cruel people in her life.

"Lots of people on this train do be being stupid, or babies." Or stupid babies, looking at you Emporio. But...

"But they do no usually be being mean or cruel. Which do be being good. It would be being worse being stuck on the train and having to be hiding all the time."

Madoka is doing well and Romeo makes sure not to get too far from her and help her when she needs it. And grin encouragingly at her when she doesn't need the help.

And finally they are at their goal. He grins, loving being so high above it all, looking down at the people and across at the fireworks.

"It's so cool! I bet once the sun comes back it looks even prettier!"

They would be able to see so far!

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The Waking of Neran

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