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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It's a relief to hear that, that is normal to not know how she is feeling. Because she really doesn't. Her sister deserves to be remembered but does she deserve to remember her? But if she doesn't would anyone else?

His offer shocks her, she might not understand exactly what the symbolism would be, how important it would be. But she knows what he is, how important he is. It's important on his world. Far too important for this surely.

But he had offered and they were family. And neither of them really knew how that even worked yet, his quieter words made her look up with sad eyes. It's true. He is not a servant of her god. That was the other big problem. How could she pray to a god that her sister betrayed in order to remember her sister?

His god is different. She stared up at him for a long while and then nodded. "Yes please."

'Pretty fella with the deep voice an' the perma-serious expression' once would have been a perfect descriptor for Devero-- but not so much since boarding the train. He can't help but be thinking about that even as he follows Yondu's pointing figure to this Tobirama.

He makes a mental note to introduce himself at some point.

"He may have given you the idea, but you made it happen," he says, turning his attention back to his friend. He looks up at the light show again, almost basking in the display. "It's a good send-off for your crew."

He nodded at that very good advice! Best not do something that might mean he missed the festival, no breaking his neck!

He's not sure if he has a phobia. He's never found anything he's really really scared of before.

And definitely not rats. Or Orloni. "Can they fly?"

It is really pretty even if it sounds sad and is very cold!

"Really? The sun never goes there? Do people live there? Can they see in the dark? Can plants grow there because you need sun for plants to grow!"

He's not sure if there was anywhere on the Near shore like that.

"Yes, I found some storytellers." They had been kids really, but glad that anyone had paused to listen. He's no idea if he has the accurate story, but it had been a good one.

"It must do, to grow up knowing that there's... so much more."

So the tiger could understand, but not speak. That was... something. He tilts his head again, flicking his mane back as he studies the tiger.

"Are you going to try and eat me if I come closer?"

He doesn't sound too worried, his voice is soft and kindly. He wants to get closer, this creature is fascinating.

"Yes. It's cold just like this." He nodded. "The winters in Tai are very very harsh. The people are very strong to be able to live in all the snow and ice."

There's a hint of pride there. Though truthfully he has little imput on the people of Tai's hardiness. But they are his people, he can be proud of them.

"It's beautiful, but also so dangerous."

Hotel
[For Aziraphale; may leak into other prompts.]

Missions are hit or miss for Crowley. Despite being a fan of action and adventure heroes, he isn't one for war and fighting. Stealth and espionage is more Crowley’s game, but thankfully he's had better luck as of late with his involvement. This time, for example, feels like more of a vacation than a mission... and for that, he is thankful.

The hotel is warm and homey, and he takes his time in the lobby, admiring the decor and the varied clientele that passes through, then makes his way up to his hotel room, which doesn't disappoint him. Crowley had often dreamed about taking a holiday with his angel, and he was being given another opportunity to do it properly. Sometimes this void business wasn't all bad.

Irue Grotto
[For this prompt please feel free to bump into Crowley at any of the mentioned locations. If later in the day, the threads can lead into any evening's activities!]

A true patron of the arts, Crowley is intrigued by the museums and art galleries available to peruse. He spends the day doing just that, remarking on how interesting differences in art styles vary from those he's used to, and which aspects stay the same even between worlds.

As the days drag on, he eventually finds himself in the drinking spaces, pre-gaming for the evening festivities. He finds he's rather fond of the whisky and cream beverages they serve, reminding him mildly of nog or coquito, but with more heat from the whisky than the rum usually found in such drinks.

"This round's on me!" he shouts to his neighbor at the bar, not even certain if he's being charged at this point, and a touch too intoxicated to care.

Sors Park

Crowley shivers at the entrance to the park, noticing that there seems to be a wave of warmth whenever other passengers pass. He waits for the next passers-by before trekking inside, sighing in the relief he feels as his SCA cranks up the heat a notch in others' company.

"The mention of projectiles was too good to pass up." he mutters idly.

Night 3

It isn't commonly known, but demons love to dance. They aren't particularly good at it, depending on your definition of good... it is fairly chaotic and a touch aggressive, but Crowley has at the very least had practice among the humans of Earth, so he blends in a bit more than the average fiend. Still, our boy brings the party...

"Come on!" he shouts, grabbing a stander-by's arm, "This is meant to be fun." Another word that really depends on your definition of it, clearly, as Crowley is dragging them into the pit(?!) whether they like it or not.

[Masumi thinks on it, realizing that she really doesn't want to lose anyone else to that unknown fate. Maybe it would be worth trusting the Ministry on this, despite her uncertainty.]

...Alright, I think giving us accomodations would be a good thing, but the train wanted to find her original crew. Would it be possible to get any updates on what might have happened to them, if anyone finds anything new?

[She still wants to help with that, even now.]

Its nice to see people so brought together. The beautiful lights exploding overhead, the people of this place coming together to celebrate. He's not quite sure whether the happenings around him were inspired by the alcohol, a general custom of the people to wait until this day to do such things, or both. Nevertheless, Tobirama is comfortable on the sidelines observing.

For a moment, just a few moments, it felt like home. Nothing about this world was visually akin to Konohagakure, but the togetherness was something they all strived for. A feeling of extended family and unity with all. The customs of last night also familiar. He was content here, watching, until a familiar chakra was picked up nearby.

"Enjoying the night?" He asks, eyes looking her over in the bright wash of color from the sky.

Judging from their tone, the conversation is moving away from what Ryo was curious about, but...that's okay. He can follow it for now and see where it goes.

And it's going into work talk, evidently. He shrugs. "Some people like to use simple solutions on complicated problems, even if they don't fit, because it's easier. You could've made this another trap, but you didn't - instead, you set up times to meet with us, and you're listening to us and taking what we want into account." From what he's heard, anyway. "So, thank you."

The train's most recent run-in with the Ministry had involved kidnappings, interrogations, and tests, and about the only reason Ryo's not directly holding a grudge for that is the fact that the train saved him from going through it himself. Scheduled meetings and being listened to is about as far from kidnappings as they could get, and if no one else has let them know that it's appreciated, then at least he can.

There are two different types of pretty happening there. Devero is rugged with a deeply soft heart. Emotional wear showing on him all the time hiding a cushioned core. But Tobirama is like marble carved to emulate something soft and delicate so convincingly you're surprised to find it heavy and solid should you get near enough to touch it.

Either way, he's does nod. "I'm honestly shocked as shit so many people helped me out." He honestly didn't expect it in regards to men that no one ever met, and the only character trait they know is 'loyal'.

Ten-Nank did have words to say to Leia, but with the flowing current of them that come from Elidibus, Ten-Nank simply stands there, silent and motionless, waiting until the end finally comes.

"You sound like someone important where you're from. Well-learned." The remark is dry, tired; someone who's been through this before, and isn't bothering to mask their weariness for it. "Can you try fewer words, fewer assumptions? You ask for a lot at once. Or do you? Are you informing me of your current opinion because this is what your people do? Or is this a signal for disapproval? If you want to submit a complaint, I can direct you to where you can place it. We're by a void hub, it has a department for that."

For the note of weariness, there isn't anger to their delivery, no real rise to their reply. No mocking in the offer or everything that comes before it. ...except, perhaps, at the start, if more of a dry observation, like fitting someone into a certain category.

(Of this individual being high on his own opinions.)

"I will communicate with you first." They turn their head to Leia. "The voidcraft and its passengers have been to void active worlds. To be clear, I mentioned this only as an observation; just as your crew have a limited view, the Ministry is no different to that of the crew. Many operate by their understandings. Today I learned people have a high enough regard to the void craft's opinion on the Ministry that it's made them wary of us before the inspectors' operation you spoke many as viewing unfavourably."

They pause for a few seconds, and then point their face to Elidibus. "Oh, but my communication isn't limited to this one, just so we're clear. If we're clear. Are we? Communication between different beings is very difficult."

An aside, that was, before they return to Leia. "If you have more questions, do ask. But first I will speak more to this one."

--Sike; they're looking at Elidibus again.

"Let me know if you want directions to the complaint department of the nearby void hub. And then, if you would like clarity on the false mission. Do you? I won't disagree that your option was an option. I won't debate if it should have been chosen, when I find no benefit in it. My program is telling me that you are possibly aggrieved. More likely, anyway. --Ah, this is helping. Please allow me one Osiga second."

. . . .

She dips her head into a nod. When she's asking the other girl if she's alright, and she's giving an honest answer - or what seems like an honest answer to Alice, anyway - the least she can do is show that she appreciates it by being honest in turn.

"It is better than nothing."

Which might be kind of weak reasoning when it comes to this sort of thing, but.. it wouldn't feel right to not honour her family, when given the opportunity.

"I never was able to do this back home. So I suppose this is trying to make up for that, even though it is very late."

The beauty in these places for Alice is always in the exploration. Seeing an entirely different world, and all it's got to offer. Sure, this place certainly is no Wonderland, but for what it's worth.. She's quite enjoying looking around this world so far.

And though Alice usually prefers to look at nature, with the lack of any real forest to explore she too ends up wandering the halls of the museums, gazing at all the art.

She wasn't necessarily expecting to see a familiar face - but there is one all the same, as she overhears Crowley seemingly talking to himself about the art.

Of course the demon's presence always instantly attracts Alice. She's following the sound of his voice, until she can see him standing there in front of one particularly big piece of art.

".. Crowley?" She speaks up, her voice echoing a little against the walls of the museum hall, currently devoid of people other than the two of them. "I was not aware you enjoyed art."

This is too much. There's no way Inigo can stop thinking when dancing is involved - or rather, when both dancing and other people are involved. He can easily get caught up in the dancing when he's by himself, or maybe just with one or two of his closest friends there, but here?

It's impossible. There's so many people, and he's only more aware of that when he suddenly feels his other hand being grabbed as well by a total stranger - oh no, sweet Naga, stranger danger, Inigo doesn't even dare to look and see if it's a woman, considering that would just totally give him a heart attack right on the spot.

His heart is racing. Inigo is being dragged along by the movement of the people dancing in the circle, everything only registering as a blur, and he can feel panic rising in his chest, in that uncomfortable sort of way that marks the rise of a panic attack.

Fortunately, it doesn't come that far.

Unfortunately, the reason that it doesn't come that far is that Inigo just outright trips over his own feet when the panic makes everything start to grow hazy in front of his eyes. His contact with the hands is broken as gravity takes its hold on him, making him drop straight to the ground.

Thankfully the people around him do seem to notice, immediately making way so they don't accidentally step right on top of him while they are still being pulled around by the dance.

Never fear, Tidus! This is clearly why Inigo came here with you to sample some food. Exactly for this sort of scenario.

.. okay, maybe not exactly for this sort of scenario. Inigo is mostly here because he's curious about this world's food as well, especially since there seems to be so much meat.. It's basically paradise to Inigo, who had to struggle to scrape together every piece of meat he could get back home, if he ever wanted to eat any.

But Tidus's sheer sounds don't go unnoticed.

Inigo is still part of the crowd, having been about to reach out and grab a sample for himself.. But he decides to momentarily give up on the sample to elbow his way out to the crowd where he can spot the expected source of these odd, odd sounds - Tidus standing there, waving his arms around like a maniac.

"Tidus! What's wrong?"

(Apparently Inigo hasn't grasped the full context here yet, despite Tidus's best attempts at charading what the problem is.)

"Heh! Call it my sixth sense!"

Inigo looks rather proud as he says that, even though there was no instinct involved whatsoever.. It's just that he was getting hungry, hence why he was starting to look for someone else. It's a total coincidence that he happened to sync right up with Kitty like this.

But hey, it works out for the better! So Inigo is already starting to walk to find them some place to eat, glancing back at her over his shoulder to see if Kitty is following.

"What did you feel like eating? Though I don't have a clue yet about what sort of food the people eat here.."

"Oh, yeah. I had some with Tidus earlier."

Though.. you can figure what kind of circus that must have been, when those two idiots and spicy food are involved..

But Inigo seems to be all smiles for now. This is not the time for Taiki to worry about him and whether or not he's cold! That is not Inigo's purpose for approaching the other! Instead he shakes his head, and seems to release his grip on Taiki just a bit - just enough so he can bounce on his feet in excitement.

"But this is about us now! You know, I saw a place, and I knew I just had to take you there!"

"Yeah..! I think I do."

Sure, it's maybe not the same kind of bravery as they usually have to show during missions. Where they have to jump into fights and other dangerous situations, simply because it's their task at that time.

Maybe this is a lesser form of bravery, and a less productive one at that, but it still feels like a good idea to Madoka.

"But we have to go all the way up to the highest level here for it." Madoka points upwards. "Are you okay with that, Romeo?"

She shakes her head, shyly looking down at her candle.

"No.. back home," she says. Her voice is a tad softer, perhaps just due to seeing the specific colours she put on the candle. Yellow, red and blue..

Not wanting to linger on it for too long though, Madoka shakes her head, as if to shake off the thought, and instead looks back at Ken. Thinking about what he mentioned.

"But.. you know, I think most of us have probably lost at least one person." Even if it's multiple people for both of them. "That's why it's kind of nice that all of us can participate here too.."

It's such a good thing that Madoka is used to her mother's drinking habits, or she would have been much more stunned by someone admitting so honestly and easily to the fact that they've been drinking too much.. As-is, she does blink a little in faint surprise, but there's nothing worse than that. No reaction bigger than that.

The faint surprise instead easily melts into acknowledgement, and Madoka slightly dips her head.

"In that case.. shouldn't you sleep more?"

Or at least rest in bed. Then again, Naoya does seem like a strong adult.. maybe he can just handle it?

"Or couldn't you sleep anymore?"

She nods. "Of course..!"

She's more than delighter to actually be invited to come along with the other, considering it seems like so much more fun to eat together in this place, than to sit somewhere and eat all by yourself.

"Did you find a place that looks like it might have good food yet..?" Madoka hasn't really looked at the places you can eat here, so she doesn't know yet! But she figures that Nell probably has a better eye for it in the first place - if not just because Madoka usually tends to defer to the judgement of people older than her.

"You mean.. about everything with the train?"

At least Madoka seems to easily believe that - but then again, has Madoka ever not been gullible? Even moreso when it comes to her girlfriend of all people. Madoka never had any reason to disbelieve anything that comes out of Ple Two's mouth.

And even less so when she's holding the other girl's hand, starting to intertwine their fingers.

"Ah, that's right.. Miss Anan is here, right..? And someone from the ministry.." Madoka hums, before glancing over at the other girl. "Did you talk to either of them yet..?"

Ryo has already taken part in the celebration, lighting a candle for his mother and allowing himself the time to be still and look inwards and remember - not her, exactly, but the stories he's been told about her - and that's been enough.

...but something is bothering him.

He steps away from the shrines, away from the people as his Sense collapses, and heads for Thanatos. Even with his Sense folded in on itself, he can still pick up on what had been bothering him - he'd sensed it on Thanatos, weeks ago, before he know what it was, what it meant. "Do you...feel that?" he asks, quiet and hesitant. "There's something here."

Edited (Turns out HTML is bothering *me*) 2021-12-14 23:05 (UTC)

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Page 16 of 130

The Waking of Neran

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Crowley | OTA

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Night Two

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[1/3] don't @ me about the length

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grotto

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1c

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Remembrance/That One Thing We Talked About