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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"Let's hope that doesn't happen. It would take very tactical punching." As sastisfying as just plain punching him would be.

But why borrow problems that might never happen? So far no one had shown up from anywhere close to her own time.

He's from a school where everyone was out for themselves, even those who may be considered 'friends' were ready to turn on you the chance they could to get ahead. You had to put yourself first to keep from being trampled over. Not that Idia interacts with most at school. Hell, the train has been the most interaction he's had in years... and he hates it.

Fireworks? What was the issue wit- oh, ah ok, Idia can take a guess or two there. But he's not the type to pry. It wasn't any of his business, better to stay out of others and hopefully they will stay out of his. He however can appreciate others like for music. "I don't know if I can get the parts, but decent headphones should always have noise cancelling to fully enjoy music." His own he had back home were top of the line, designed by him for the best sound to work to his choice of music. And of course so no one could hear what he was listening to. It was a simple joy that Idia misses.

"I-it, just, well," How does Idia even start on this? "It just seems... strange that snow can even maintain this kind of form considering how snow is created and what shapes it comes in back home. It may seem snow normally sticks together, but it's really just melting and changing, not forming together like it does here into those... strands." Though... he supposes it could be melting at a level that's not noticeable to the eye. He would really have to study it more...

But in the end Idia doesn't care. Sure, the scientist in him is curious, but it's not going to help in in the long run. It's not like they were staying on this planet, so why should he bother to study it's environment? "It seems closer to icing than snow as it accumulates... maybe it's just so cold here it's changing it's structural state before it lands, considering it's in darkness for such a long time." That last part is mostly for himself, trying to puzzle it out.

Ah.

Yes.

The whole 800 years sure explains a lot to Inigo about the other guy's faint excentricity. After all, living that long is bound to make anyone act very different than the people around them - it's something Inigo has witnessed in person before, so it's like a final puzzle piece that's completing his mental puzzle of the other here, making it all make sense.

It's why Inigo doesn't look surprised about this reveal at all. Instead he just calmly nods.

"So that's why." Great, that's one mystery solved. Though Xie Lian did just present a different one entirely. "What is this 'heavenly city' though? Is it some sort of afterlife in your world?"

Hey, it does involve the word heaven. And while heaven isn't as much of a concept in Inigo's world, he's learned it's an afterlife sort of thing in other ones.

"SCA's are good like that." She smiled, "It's what they are for. To allow us to exist in worlds where we are not built to survive."

She smiled at him. "Then I look forward to watching the sunrise with you." She smiled. "I was born in space so really, I only ever saw the sun rise and set when we docked on planets. My dad loved watching sun rises. If we had time he would always make sure to go somewhere quiet, he used to take me along with him."

She tilted her head. "Though your mother had a garden? Did she not live in the underworld with you?"

"Of course. I'll keep you updated and let you know if there's anything we can do."

She hopes to find something they can do. Anything. Rather than chasing whispers across the void.

Madoka is quiet.

Rather than looking over at Naoya, she's looking down - at her hands. Her fingers are moving too, and it really looks like the girl is trying to count something here. She's probably trying to wrap her mind around just how long fifty five hunderd years are.. Isn't that more than twice as long as the year they were living in back home? It's such an unimaginable long time to a girl like Madoka.

How long must that even have felt for him..

"That's so long.." Apparently that's the conclusion she reaches, after trying really hard and failing to fully imagine it. "I don't even know what that would be like.. I think I would have been really tired in your shoes, Naoya-san."

"I'm a shinki!" He told her, they weren't like angels. At least not like the angels he had read about in stories.

He held out his hand, where there was a red kanji- 小僧 almost like a tattoo. "It means I'm a weapon for a god. I died and went to heaven and couldn't remember anything but my name. I met my god who was called Elfnein and she was really really nice! Everyone was nice and friendly in the heavens and then I came here to this train and Elfnein was here too but then she left. So now I belong to mister Zetta. He's a really good god as well too so I'm really lucky!"

It was strange and different but Romeo thought that might just be because the air was different here or something. He doesn't really understand lots of things.

"Icing like cake icing?" He at least knows baking but he never thought of icing as snow before. Even if they did look sort of similar!

It was very cold as well so he was sure Idia was probably right...

"Probably. I can ask for ideas for other candy too- we can combine the list and go from there!"

A pause, as he looks at the food they're eating now.

"...I wonder if we can bring any of this back..."

"Never?!"

That's pretty surprising to Inigo. He imagined that between the two different worlds Taiki has been part of, there must have been at least one with art museums.. If not just because it seems like Earth has a lot of the stuff other worlds, like this one, seem to have. But maybe it's since Taiki didn't discover his art hobby until a later time..?

Regardless of the reason, Inigo seems surprised. His eyes grow wider, he stares.. but then he shakes his head. He doesn't want to ask for the reason in case it might be a bad one!

Still, he can at least say: "I didn't know that this was our first art museum trip for both of us!" See, time to turn it into something positive instead!

The funny part? Even though the girl isn't saying the stupid babies part out loud, Alice is definitely continuing it inside of her own, like she can hear the other think it - or like she just knows the girl enough to be fully aware that she thinks the two elements can be combined within certain people.

She does agree though. As a whole, the population of the train is better than pretty much anything else Alice has experienced in her life. But even so..

"Don't worry. Even if the entire train was like that, I would still protect you." So even if all the nice people would suddenly mysteriously disappear and they'd get an influx of entirely terrible people - a scenario Alice doesn't imagine is totally impossible - she would not make the girl spend the rest of her journey hiding.

"Yeah..!" Madoka can already imagine it now as she's looking at it. Imagining all the dark corners being filled up with light, the light reflecting off various things.. It would be really pretty. Like something you might find in a travel magazine.

But as Madoka is looking at all of it and thinking about that, another thought sneaks into her mind.

A thought she, apparently, hadn't considered yet. Even though she's the one who came up with this plan.

"Um, Romeo.. What should we yell..?"

You'd think this would have been a vital part of her planning. You'd think.

.. has it been one of the first worlds? As Madoka thinks about it, she may be suddenly realising that Persephone is right - though it's something the girl herself has never considered before. Gods never played too important of a role in Madoka's own life, after all, so she never noticed..

But even as she's thinking about that, it's the last thing Persephone says that keeps hanging in her mind the most. Something about it feels a little wrong, and Madoka shakes her head.

"No.. It's not because I'm worried about you being grumpy." That sounds too much like she's worried Persephone might get mad at her. And sure, while Madoka doesn't like it when people are mad at her, it's more.. "I just.. don't want you to feel bad. You're a nice person, and.. um, sometimes you already seem to be having a hard time! But I guess we all have that from time to time on the train.."

The circumstances aren't always ideal, after all.

"But still.. I don't want to add to that."

Still didn't get why she didn't like meat; still wasn't judging. Given her situation, it was probably something he couldn't understand, what with being a demon and not a goddess of spring and all.

"That sucks. We'll have to find something! I don't care how hard we have to scour the place!"

"Did you not already think of something?"

This was her plan! He would have thought she had something she wanted to yell.

"Um... We could yell for the sun to come back! That's what the fireworks are for right! So Neran knows she can come back because everyone is waiting for her!"

That would be a good thing to yell!

"No." He shook his head. "I always wanted to go to one." So now he could. With a friend. Could there be a greater thing than that.

He spotted a map on a stand and pointed it out. "There. I am sure that will show us where to go first."

This way they won't miss anything.

She tilted her head and then smiled. "I would be protecting you too."

This means they are friends right? This was how friends were. It's still new but Alice is one of her favourite people on the train so she is confident in thinking they are friends.

Who protect each other from stupid and cruel people. "And if any of those people from your world did be coming here I would be stabbing them, so you would no even be getting into trouble."

"I bet we could be being..." She grinned. "If we did be buying a bunch. We might be needing boxes.."

But they could take things to the train, that way they would be able to have this food even when they were long gone.

"I.. do."

After all, Alice certainly appreciates comfort. Her standards for it might be rather low, considering what she had to make do with for most of her life, but that just makes displays like this even more grand to her.

It's like something she's never seen before. Something out of a fairytale, almost. Like the room of a princess, with all the comfort she would want.

Though something does catch her attention in Guri's wording as she turns around to look back at the other.

"Did you really make this with me in mind..?" After all, Guri is saying it's worth it if she likes it. Alice here was assuming Guri did this for herself - and maybe for some friends she could take along to show this to.

"I doubt it is too spicy. I've had senior Wei's cooking and that tends to have some kick." Although he only has had it a couple times he is well aware of what his senior likes to eat and the kind of kick that it has. This world can't possibly be any worse then that.

He quirks his eyebrow as the other sits near him. That is a brave choice. He knows the juniors in particular don't have much trust in him. He doesn't blame them considering what he put them through in Yi City.

"I'm surprised you want to acknowledge the fact I am sitting here. YOu could just have easily simply sat down and pretended I wasn't."

"Yes he does be making the most spicy food." She had also eaten it and though she would never tell him, it burned her mouth a lot!

But she liked it. Mostly.

"Maybe I should start making suggestions to that effect," he says with a chuckle and a tip of his cup. He's... probably not serious!

"What-- or I guess, who-- is a nymph, exactly?" he asks with a curious tilt of his head. "The word I'm hearing means bug larva, and I'm going to take a wild guess that's not correct."

What she's telling him sounds pretty isolated, but he's not really surprised given what he knows about his past so far. He keeps that opinion to himself, though, at least for the moment.

Jin Ling has exactly zero trust in Xue Yang ... sub zero trust but what's he going to do at this moment?

"Are you going to make me regret it so quickly?"

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The Waking of Neran

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