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

OOC post. Ask questions here. The Ministry's testimony form is here

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"Saiyans don't tend to mourn. Ideally you die in battle, but since most of those are off planet the only way to know would be through their scouter communication, or when the didn't appear again." At least not from Vegeta's understanding of it all, however he was a child when his planet was destroyed, isolated in his training before that, and rarely actually interacted with anyone outside of immediate family and staff of the royal palace. It wasn't until his first mission he really got to be around others of his kind, and even then he was so focused on his goals he didn't care as their numbers dropped.

So it may be more a Vegeta thing than Saiyan. Most likely a mix of the two.

"Also, there's an afterlife in my world, I've seen it. Those who do good have a chance of keeping their body and continuing on in a suitable location. Or keep them as part of their punishment in Hell." Which Vegeta knew was his destination after his final death. He's done too much for it not to be. "Most stay shapeless spirits to roam about it."

His voice pulls her out of her thoughts, and she gives him a small smile as she looks up at him. "Ah, yeah," she says with a small shrug. "I was just thinking...about my grandfather."

Kitty knows she's been fortunate in many ways, and despite some of the hardships she's been through she hadn't experienced much loss in her life. But she does still know what it's like to lose a loved one.

She laughs a little. "I'm sure you're not that bad," she challenges. "C'mon, it'll be fun!"

The representative seemed a bit intimidating, but Kitty takes a breath before continuing. "You, uh...said in your message that we could ask to receive a visual of our world? World - " She pauses to check what she'd written down in the message "World #31920256282545."

"It's the way that you light up the room like a ray of sunshine when you come waltzin' in." He teases all friendly like. But then more seriously adds. "I weren't raised on my homeworld. Most of what I know I picked up from other Centaurians in less than favorable circumstances alongside me. But I know we got tribes.

"Well, I ain't got no Ravager clan anymore. I ain't got a tribe. I gotta make my own. So whenever I find someone I'd like to consider a part of my tribe or clan, I either give 'em a Ravager badge or a piece of yaka metal."

Two different kinds of kinship in thought there.

"Honestly? Not even close." He sighs. "I found out some things about what's been happening in my world while I've been here. Its not great."

For a very small moment, Tobirama almost looked mortified. Even though the tone was a tease it simply wasn't a thing people typically said to him. Moments later, his arms crossed and head tilted down for a second.

"Hn," came with an exhaled breath. "You tease like my idiot brother would." His tone is far more dry but given their previous conversations its a good guess that this is a fond remark even if it sounds less so. Untensing with a sigh, pale fingers grasp the gift with care. He takes his time to examine it, the weight, the texture. Appreciate it.

He is... curious if there are differences between who gets what, and he's sure there is (if this was him there would be) but he wont speak it. Instead, Tobirama places it around his neck and lets it fall. "Thank you," a moment. "The gesture is well appreciated."

"I don't know that we got an afterlife. Some of 'em might have gone to places like this? But for us, it's all bein' remembered and accounted for. If there ain't one, some people are gonna remember the bullshit they went through. But if there is one, it's better knowin' I settled their spirits even universes away. If my former first mate don't bother to take care of 'em, I can try to all the way over here.

"I reckon it'd make a hell of a difference if you'd already been there. And knew people who'd gotten tickets out of it. Y'all just be 'I ain't gonna be dead no more' and kick down the door like a prison break."

Still baffles him.

"Yeah. Its kind of hard to keep an exact count, but I've been on board for at least a year."

"The big ones woulda blown your mind then. A real full funeral? For a captain? All 100 Ravager clans'd show up and do this. Between their ships and the Colors they'd light up the sky like they was makin' their own arm of the galaxy."

And god, he's sad knowing that he didn't get one. Sadly unaware that, despite Stakar's anger, Rocket had actually managed to earn him the necessary forgiveness to have one.

The worst thing is when you're a little cute when you're annoyed but Yondu knows better to push his luck. It's more just a general feel that makes the difference. Something about the emotional depth to their interactions. A desire for peace versus an encouragement to fight. He snorts a small laugh and looks down.

"I dunno. I been nothin' but sentimental all night, I guess it got me feelin' feisty." Sentiment is a drug that occasionally needs washing down with wry humor.

Her heart drops a little. While she'd had an idea that their worlds were continuing on without them, now there was actual proof of it, and she couldn't help wondering about her own home even as she worries about Danny and his. "Oh no. What's been going on?"

"I don't know a lot. The ministry representative here just showed me a picture of my world from space. But there were ghost shields everywhere. Those only go up when there are active ghost threats."

Maybe it wasn't his fault that he'd been taken here and separated from his world. But he couldn't help but feel that it was his responsibility. If he hadn't disappeared, could he have stopped this?

"Anan!" Zagreus grins widely at her, his flaming hot feet hissing against the alien snow as he approaches. Thankfully he's at least decided to wear a cloak of some sort to counteract the weather, but his cheeks are already rosy-red despite his sickly pallor, bitten by the cold wind as they are. Zagreus doesn't seem to mind it, though, almost as if he's used to it. He does stop just short of the blanket, though, not wanting to have his eternally burning toes cause a scene.

"I was wondering where you'd gone off to, it seems like we kept missing each other during the festival proper. Thank you for inviting us. It's... good to see you." And it genuinely is good to see her, though the last time they spoke Zagreus and a couple others had almost missed their voidcraft, entrapped by Chaos' powers as they were. "Would it be too weird to offer you a hug, or...?"

There is a familiar beep that alerts him to Chiff's presence, and he smiles at the companion bot as well. "And hello to you too, Chiff! I hope you've been well since we last saw you? Hopefully you didn't get any sors stuck in your gears or anything."

"Hopefully." He's not sure what the afterlife is like, but probably not like this. And he finds it doubtful that many of them found their way into similar situations, but he doesn't want to say that. It seems very rude.

"... All you can do is try to live for them, and yourself. It's... difficult, losing people. But you can try to leave the places you go better than you found them, in their memory."

"Yeah... same here."

He moves a little closer and nods, slowing down a bit. "Yeah. ... And that's what we're doing, isn't it? We're all just persevering as best we can."

"Um... sure." He held up the bag in his hand and opened it up so Romeo could get his hand in there. "We can share. ... We can always get more, right?"

It's not like they're charging for it, after all.

"Madoka - I... uh. No, it's..." His face pinks a little bit more, already slightly red from the cold.

"I... I hope so. And the... I guess you heard me with... with Aragaki's - with Shinjiro's candle, too. He's... he's the one who saved me."

He looks down at her candle, a little bit confused. "You've... lost people? Or - oh, do you mean train people?"

It takes Ryo the better part of two days to make his way here, partially because he's actually relaxing for once and partially because he can't quite figure out what he wants to say. Everyone's account of the ministry is different, but Anan trusts them, and this at least seems to be neutral ground, so...

He's quiet, uncertain of whether they'd even be willing to talk now - it's outside of meeting hours, isn't it? - when he's called out on his hesitance. "Oh! Um- I wanted to say thank you. For being willing to meet with us."

Instead of capturing the train again is definitely left unsaid.

Who the hell is so cheerful in the mornin - oh. Of course. He forces a weak little smile and nods at Madoka.

"A bit reluctantly. I had too much to drink last night... I'd forgotten my limits." He'd always get cut off in Yomi if he was heading towards 'too drunk', and time meaning nothing in Liminal Space meant that he could sleep off most things at his own leisure.

No such luck with this place, where he'd looked at the clock and dragged himself out of bed.

"But it's good to see you're looking well, at least."

"Romeo!" Nell was always happy to see her young friend. "I am having fun, but it looks like you'un is having even more fun."

She offered him her hand and let herself be tugged to the dance floor. "I'd love to dance with you, but fair warning, before tonight I'd never danced at all, so I'm not very good."

"Madoka, hi!" Nell was happy to see her as well. "Yes, I was. Would you'un like to join me? It would be nicer than eating alone. I want to try some of this all spicy stuff."

Nell closed her eyes and clasped her hands to her chest, just imagining it. "Oh Yondu, now that musta been a sight to see! Hundreds of 'em? Oh my!"

She shook her head as she opened her eyes. "I can't even rightly imagine what a lot of spaceships look like. I mean I've seen pictures of the space shuttle back on Earth, but that's not like a ship anyone can live on. They must be amaxing."

"If nothing else, the train does take us to some lovely places." That's about the kindest thing she has to say about it at any given moment, but at least he isn't wrong--the place is beautiful, if somewhat foreign.

If only it could take them home.

It's not as if Selenay has never seen a celebration before, but she's always struck by how vastly different these places are, even when they are desperately similar. People are people regardless of where they are and what they look like, she knows that already, but she'd never before imagined the sheer number of different people there were. Not before the train, at least.

She can't resist responding to the woman's soft comment, though, after a soft chuckle to herself. She's certainly been down that road more than enough times to know the answer.

"The drink is usually a mistake, even if it seems like the best choice in the moment. Are you going to be alright?"

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The Waking of Neran

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Night Three

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Outside meeting hours, one on one

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Re: Unity

Re: exploring

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Arrival

Night Two!