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

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As Madoka enters in her flurry of panic, Ten-Nank is standing halfway inside the room, already facing the doorway - and so, Madoka too. They have their hand-stitched Osigian cloak over their body, arms possibly crossed underneath, as if they were waiting for the young woman.

Their head tilts, to better direct their gaze onto her.

"Good." A single word, so heavy, but with a sound between relief and exasperation. A sound that changes more into something lazy as they go on. "I'm assuming from conversations with other passengers, other testimonies, that others around you would be interested. In using it as a fix, a way to repair - apologies for the potential state of your planet," they interrupt themselves. Oh yes, that.

"I will scan you, show your SCA. Please explain the situation of your planet, and if this involved a threat outside your planet, as much as you know about them. So our scouts can be prepared."

At least that relief makes the run over here feel all worth it. It means that she did something right here by trying to reassure them as soon as possible, because it just confirms that they really were worried about some sort of rogue-voidcraft-time-travel situation going on out there in the void.

And this may be the first time Madoka is meeting Ten-Nank, and perhaps - for all she knows - the last time, but she can't help it. The girl just cares so naturally about other people's feelings, even odd robot-y looking Ministry people.

So she just cooperates without whining or hesitating. Madoka is already holding out the arm with her SCA on it, rolling up her sleeve a little so they can get.. well, a look at it? Whatever they need to do with it, really. She isn't too sure.

The 'scouts' part of what they tell her definitely surprise her. In a visible way, even, with the girl's eyes growing wider.. but she decides that it's not polite to ask about that before she fulfills their request.

"The situation in my world is.. a little complicated," she slowly starts.

And while this isn't her doubting Ten-Nank's intelligence in any way - since they're part of the Ministry, they've got to be smarter than her! - it's more just that she's trying to think of what information they would find useful in this case.

"But the most important part is that there is a huge.. um, I guess you could best describe it as a 'monster'.. Though it's called a Witch where I come from. A lot of those exist back home, but most aren't bad enough to be a world-ending problem. But this particular one.. It's so powerful that it was already starting to destroy my hometown before I was pulled away by the train. If it would continue like that, it would end up destroying the entire world, since no one is powerful enough to stop it.."

With the arm out, posed ready, Ten-Nank brings out an arm of their own, cloak pulled back as they outstretch it and their hand. A green light shimmers around the tips of their fingers, from there coming down Madoka's form, but an especially deeper green over her SCA.

She may pause in her explanation for it, but Ten-Nank simply waits for Madoka to go on. To finish, their arm already back down by their side, pinching back and keeping revealed a slip of their metal body.

"A monster. And, you've been away for a year. Time is difficult with the void, but that does sound too late." As one would remark on being late for a promotion, on arranging plans. "I'll put in a request to locate your world all the same, to see if anything remains. The system ID in your SCA is connected to where your tether was made. If it's as bad as you say, then we'll do what we can for you under the circumstances."

Under the circumstances.

Under other circumstances that part about it sounding too late would have been upsetting. But Madoka has been walking around with this thought about her world for so long now that it doesn't make her feel worse than the thought already has for months now. It's just a confirmation of the same thing she's been thinking all this time: the chance that her world is still there is infinitely smaller than the chance that it's all gone.

So she tries to not think too hard about it. It's so difficult, but she's trying, if not just because this conversation is not the moment to linger on those feelings. Not when there are other things to be discussed.

Like the thing that finally makes Madoka's crestfallen look return to Ten-Nank's face.

".. You would?"

There's surprise in her tone.

"I.. um.." She starts, looking particularly shy, but Madoka is trying. It shows in the frown on her face, the thoughtfulness surrounding her words. "I hope this isn't a rude thing to ask.. or anything.. But why would you go so far for my sake?" It's not a 'my' in particular, since Madoka figures that Ten-Nank probably offered this to anyone in similar circumstances. But it's just surprising to see that the Ministry is actually willing to put effort into this, despite Madoka's world absolutely not being void active, as far as she knows. They could easily just have ignored it.

"Rude. This question is rude? Oh." There seems to be thought occurring for the lack of hints from facial cues. "You are a lower class, a slave, maid, an individual without rights on your planet? Whatever your standing," they go on without waiting for answer, "it is what the Ministry does. The law, rules, goals of the Ministry is to ensure the aid of displaced people in the Void. You are displaced, you have been displaced outside of consent. Consent matters in being tethered. The state of your existence in your system will be important to your continued existence in the void."

How come all these otherworldly people just keep mistaking overly polite courtesy for enslavement?!

That's definitely a thought that's going through Madoka's head right now as she listens to Ten-Nank. She is way too polite to actually say it out loud (see: the initial problem here), but gosh, is it ever weird to her. Why is it so bad to be polite? Is it so rare that people immediately assume this upon meeting her? At least with Ten-Nank she can assume his Ministry world is much different than her own, but Jiu has zero excuse..!

"N-No, that's exactly why it's so surprising.. The train has never really seemed to ask us for consent before."

And the Ministry is really the first other big void-group they're meeting outside of the train. Though that's leaving out Anan, who has also always seemed pretty nice.. but she also doesn't seem to be someone who holds a particular amount of power over other people.

"It was kind of starting to feel like.. um. Like maybe that was how everything worked out here. That no one cared about what our feelings about any of this were.."

"I'm not sure I understand why," they admit. "Have you tried to speak to individuals about this before? Or, oh - is this a complaint about the false mission, as some call it. Involving the inspection arm of the Ministry."

It's a question, though their voice doesn't bother to change its pitch properly.

No; instead it sounds like someone retreading on a particular subject that's been patted down well.

Oh gosh.

That question on the other's part sure makes Madoka wonder if a whole lot of people came to Ten-Nank to complain about the fake mission.. She wouldn't be too surprised. People didn't exactly seem too pleased with it before, and even Madoka can agree that it was perhaps a little scarier than entirely necessary..

(Okay, there's no 'perhaps' there, it was definitely scarier than entirely necessary.)

"No.." She slowly shakes her head. "It's.."

Madoka's voice slows, like she's thinking of how to explain this to them.

"My own world isn't void active, so.. I had no idea of how things worked out here." Even though she knew the Ministry did exist, it was hard to conceptualize it as anything but a big organisation out there somewhere that she had no idea about. "So the train is most of the experience I've had with any sort of void travel.. and apart from miss Anan, we mostly just met the people we helped out during missions."

Not exactly people to talk about void travel with, especially while you're in the middle of actively trying to save them.

"And since the train is.. um, well it's kind of odd, and it treats us kind of strangely.. It almost felt as if everything out here was going to be that way, since I have no other experience with it."

She understands that idea must be weird to them, considering how tangled up they are in the Ministry and deal with void travel every day, but-- it's the best way Madoka can try to explain it from the perspective of a fifteen year old who's been involuntarily dragged into something way beyond her own understanding.

"I see, as individuals say."

It comes after a pause, once Madoka has done explaining and there comes in the silence after such a lengthy(-ish) explanation. Another moment of quiet following Ten-Nank's remark, before:

"You have an inability to imagine outside your own existence, the existence of the voidcraft, beyond the locations that it takes you to. The voidcraft is distant, unreliable in its communication, and so everything looked this way, from your perspective."

Another pause.

"Have you engaged personally with AX837BB21H? Or did your perspective built from being on the voidcraft you refer to as 'the train' stop you?"

The first part sounds a little.. awkward. Almost as if there's something wrong with her, even though Madoka figures Ten-Nank probably doesn't mean it that way. But the second half of what they are saying does seem like they're starting to grasp what Madoka is trying to convey here.

But before she can think more about that, there's suddenly.. all these letters and numbers, leaving the girl staring for a moment in confusion. (Is that Anan? Oh gosh, she has such a hard time keeping up with all the numbers and code that's been thrown at them lately..)

"Ah.. well, maybe a little.."

Though it's more nuanced than that, and Madoka isn't entirely sure how to convey that. Especially when she isn't even sure if Ten-Nank is human. Could they understand?

"I'd rather leave that sort of stuff up to the people among us who are a little more.. um, reliable. I'm still young, and I know there's a lot I still don't understand, or don't know how to properly say.." Even now, she feels like she's stumbling over her words a little, making the girl's cheeks colour.

At least it's not big enough of an issue that stops her from coming to talk to people when she's asked to - since she's here! With Ten-Nank! Right now! - but it's still a bit of a thing when it comes to Madoka in general.

".. I guess it's a bit of shyness..?" Even admitting that sounds awkward. "Um, if that's a concept you understand.."

She doesn't mean to be rude, she just.. genuinely doesn't know!!

"I understand the concept, the word," Ten-Nank replies easily, without missing a beat. "Shyness: related to apprehension, to being easily intimidated. Means the individual is unlikely to speak, to approach; to engage with their surroundings at the same levels considered average to those a part of their society. That, and your age, as you pointed it out, can mean that you would prefer not to be pro-active, to seek out answers for yourself. It is difficult. There are also, from your perspective, others to do this. Others who should be more responsible than yourself."

For as dry as the words themselves are, Ten-Nank never loses their weary tone, like they're reading through a dictionary definition, tiresome, than a more robotic delivery.

...but, their motionless state does fill in for the latter perspective.

"I can understand, with the help of programs, even if I don't experience emotions myself. Personally. Well. It's complicated. Complex, boring. This isn't about myself. But asking about yourself helps to provide perspective. We - the Ministry 'we' - want to understand the passengers."

"Well, I'm pretty sure all the passengers do experience emotions.."

'Pretty' sure since it's not like Madoka knows absolutely everyone personally, but she can't say that she's ever ran into someone who didn't seem to experience them - or even just experience them in some complex way, the way Ten-Nank apparently does. Even Orisa, who was a robot, seemed to grasp and feel emotions from what it seemed like to Madoka..

And maybe that'll be useful information about the passengers to Ten-Nank? Madoka isn't sure if everyone at the Ministry is like them. The inspectors from a long time ago did seem to be like that though.

"I guess it's part of what makes this situation a whole lot more complicated.. Since it might make people feel one way or another about the train more quickly, and people seem to feel about it in a lot of different ways." Again, from what she's noticed. "Some people seem.. fond of the train? Like they're.. um, almost like they're friends, I guess.."

Madoka sounds like she finds that idea hard to understand though, much like she finds the idea of Ten-Nank only knowing shyness as a concept rather than an experienced reality hard to understand.

"Typical, among some beings." There is a sigh here, the weariness stronger for a moment.

"I don't know - I can't say anything with confidence, too many unknown variables. But from talking to individuals, to seeing testimonies, reports, it's possible that those are on the craft are more likely to have strong preferences for bonding. They are easily influenced. They know the voidcraft takes them to places in need - therefore, it is good. It has trauma in its history. It gives some amenities. It shows an interest in providing comfort. Individuals do not understand the void, but they understand themselves, through their own experiences. They accept the risks, unable to analyse or find possible sources of aid. Therefore, they feel powerless. They put stake in what the craft says of others."

They move out a hand, seemingly gesturing to something - a point, by the fact they continue to speak, but do nothing else with the limb.

"We have found little data that passengers were attempting to reach out for help. You have been to resorts, void active, and only one, two of passengers apparently reached out to anyone."

A pause.

"From speaking with individuals tethered to the voidcraft, I am unsurprised that they have issues with asking for help. It is a conflict: those who would help with others on the missions presented to them, but that won't help those around them, even if they lack self-worth."

Madoka takes their words in silently. Something about her facial expression does instantly twist into guilt the moment they mention that only a few people reached out. Should she have been among the people to do that? But it's not as if they ever knew who to turn to with those things.. should she just have spoken up to any old random attendant at the resort? Just imagine, someone coming up to you, claiming they and their entire group has been kidnapped by some train gone rogue..

It feels so ridiculous and unbelievable that the sheer thought of going up to a stranger and mentioning that to them gives Madoka social anxiety shyness down to her very stomach. Heck, she's just imagining it here, and it's still somehow managing to make her feel nervous with secondhand embarrassment for her potential self.

"I don't.. want to speak for everyone." Because people have a myriad of reasons! Madoka knows that her girlfriend wouldn't have wanted to speak up out of fear of her one shot at having a normal life being taken away from her. There's probably reasons out there she doesn't even know of, because she simply hasn't talked with everyone about it. But.. "This situation is.. um, it's really new to all of us, I think. And even after a long time, it can still be hard to know how to deal with.."

Madoka pauses, then shakes her head. Ugh, that does feel like she's speaking for everyone else, and that's the last thing a girl like Madoka wants to do!!

"O-Or maybe it's just like that for me, because I'm still so young.. It's overwhelming, and it's hard to know what to do.."

(And, yes.

Okay.

Madoka does suck at asking for help.)

"Beings are complicated. Complex." They speak, seemingly unaware of the emotional turmoil that Madoka is going through, their own tone the same as it's always been. "Everyone is different, with some similarities. But I assume, many felt powerless. That, or saw a new chance at life - I am aware there are those among you who had perished before they arrived."

And why would you want to find a life away from that? So is the behaviour of many individuals.

"These are all only theories from what I've seen, read, analysed, both from meetings and files and analysis of how beings can work. A few, there's too many for me to care to scan. --Unless," they interrupt themselves, "you're expressing that your age makes this discussion difficult for you to analyse, comprehend. I can use fewer words."

".. um."

Ah, yes. Just that reaction by itself coming from Madoka already says enough about whether this is difficult for her or not, doesn't it. Especially when she's staring at them with those big puppy eyes of hers.

"It is a little bit difficult.." If she sounds hesitant at all, it's because she doesn't want to make Ten-Nank feel bad - though they seem incapable of feeling bad, if the emotions they have displayed up to this point are anything to go by.

And yet Madoka, as ever, is way too cautious all the same.

"But I think that's also just because a lot of these concepts are really difficult." Please, Madoka has been out on the train for well over a year now, and just about anything about the void still feels baffling to her. This is so much worse than any science class at school!

"Understood. I believe."

The affirmation is followed by a pause, a few seconds or so, before a short sigh.

"I will attempt to simplify. To be less confusing. It's in my programs to adapt me to groups, but this is for those from the same society. I also have a natural inability to think "small" - small scale. Planet size. But I'm attempting to understand the passengers. Yourself. Existence is...uncertain, when you are confined to singular spaces. When you are surrounded by the unknown."

Another pause, shorter than before. "Would you like me to adjust myself to better suit you? I have been avoiding doing it too much, to not come off as 'manipulative'."

Their programs? In that case Ten-Nank really must be some sort of robot, Madoka thinks.. Although a much more futuristic one than anything she has ever encountered back home. A little like Orisa, then, since she could also interact with people as if it was nothing..

And while the idea of having someone who can speak to her on a slightly more even level with her does seem appealing to Madoka, she seems to hesitate a little at their choice of words.

"Would it.. be a bother for you to adjust yourself? You don't have to if you don't want to.."

Sorry, Ten-Nank. Madoka is too polite to not mention that. But at least she does continue with something more helpful, adding: "Though.. it might be a little bit easier to talk that way, yes.."

"It's all the same to me," they said with a sigh, per usual. "No, I think I know a useful one. Please wait."

There is nothing, a sort of emptiness that fills in easy around them every time they go silent; with the few motions, movements they make. Still as a statue, a piece of furniture, with only the soft glow coming from the slits shaped as eyes.

--And then, they glow stronger. A flash, and then Ten-Nank turns their head to Madoka again.

"There." Gentle. In one word, the tiredness that slept in each word has been lifted off; with that one word, Ten-Nank considers the room more than they have, searching, and their eyes find one of the seating pillows, the chairs.

They gesture out a slim arm and hand to them, a certain grace present that wasn't before.

"Would you like to sit? The room's temperature may not be good for you - I apologise. I've had my programming off to tell what's suitable for my guests, but we can sit near what remains of the fire. We can talk. You've been unable to - to anyone from the void, until now. I'd like to offer you what I can before our time ends. Some comfort. It may be small," they admit, "with the worries you have to carry. But I can listen. Let me."

Madoka initially looks a little awkward as everything goes silent for a moment, but then when Ten-Nank speaks up again, their tone so different, Madoka's eyes widen in surprise. It's not like regular people can't change attitude so suddenly, sure, but it's.. still odd to see it happen to Ten-Nank like this.

But she does realise they did it for her sake, considering what they said a moment ago, so Madoka quickly nods, not wanting to be rude. "T-Thank you."

A moment later she's already moving over to go sit down where it's a little more comfortable. (Although, close to the fire, it is getting a little more uncomfortable with the coat she had still been wearing all this time, considering how cold the room had been while standing closer to the doorway.)

"I'm really sorry if I've come across as.. maybe a little dumb so far.." Look, Madoka can imagine she has. Especially to someone who knows everything about the void, compared to the basically nothing she knows.. "Everything I-- and everyone else too.. Everything we know about the void and void travel just comes from the train. And it doesn't give us a whole lot of information very often.. So even though I've been out here for a year now, there still must be so much I don't know."

They sit themselves, taking a place to face Madoka to an opposite. Cushion or recliner chair, they'll mirror a similar manner of sitting as the young girl.

"A year can be a very long time. You've had to endure that, confined to a vehicle that travels in a space you don't understand, far away from home. And losing people - even if you are not fond of the voidcraft, I imagine you must have individuals you care for."

On a surface level, it repeats some of what Madoka says. But it's said with sympathy, an attempt to understand. An assumption on the end, but Ten-Nank continues first, than wait for an answer on if it was right or wrong.

"Don't discredit yourself. You are who you are, and it is the job of the Ministry to understand who everyone it comes in contact is. You have been to many places to help them, met individuals from different - and similar - areas of existence, too. But the void - it is vast, and the systems it can connect to are many, even more. Individuals are different. Societies are different. The rules and beliefs followed, different. For the same reason you would worry about coming across as dumb, I could give the same apology: for not being able to adjust myself to better empathise with the perspective of each passenger. I am limited. I have knowledge of the ways people can be, the ways they can think, but I have to meet individuals, gain information, to better understand. To find out what they understand. But this is the same with many people over different existences - to learn, we must experience. We are who we are."

".. yes. I have a family back home.. My parents, and my little brother.."

Even though Madoka isn't sure whether or not Ten-Nank has a family, she is sure they can imagine the concept of one, at the very least. If they have knowledge of the ways people can be, surely they know about that as well - and how important family can be to people.

It feels a little easier to speak up about that now, at least. Something about the other's attitude is just.. comforting, even if it's still a tad odd that they are able to just switch like this. But at least the end result is nice..

"I've been really worried about them all this time. And the way people walk away from the train on the platforms was also always.. um, very worrying. I always did my best on the missions, because I really wanted to make sure to help out people who were in trouble, but I couldn't stop worrying about any of that at the same time either.." It feels a little selfish. Like she's just venting. But Madoka tries to think about it. Maybe Ten-Nank can learn a little bit more about the way the people on the train think from this - and then that would be beneficial towards them as well, right..?

"People will always be in need. Just because you have the ability to help others, doesn't erase your own needs. You have been abducted. Your nature makes it more difficult not to help. Some will say you have choice, but the consequences of staying back - the guilt - would be too heavy."

They let the point sit on its own, to make sure that Madoka hears it, takes it in. A reassurance, never a criticism.

"We can attempt to search for specific people, if it's possible," possible for Madoka, "but it takes longer. Less prioritised. I know, understand, it would help the health of the passengers onboard too - their mental health, as it's called. But we will try what actions we can. We understand you're in danger."

She shakes her head. "No.. It's okay."

After all, who would Madoka even pick, if she'd ask them to look for specific people? She has lost so many people important to her at this point, all having walked off the platform. Picking one over the other might just make her feel bad at the end. Besides..

"You must already be so busy with all of this." And it's just one of their tasks! If they have to look after the whole void, that's just.. a lot, Madoka thinks. And the whole thing surrounding the train has got to be so messy and complicated for them too.. probably. "As long as there are things you can do to try to help us out in general.. then I'm already really grateful. Thank you for trying to understand all of it.."

They nod their head with Madoka's thanks, close to a bow.

"If you have any questions, you can bring them to me for as long as we're both present on Osiga. In the Irue Grotto." To be specific, unnecessarily. "The Ministry will continue to attempt communications with the voidcraft - the train, as you call it. You can continue to put together your questions, any thoughts you have - anything you learn about the train itself, any way you think the passengers need help."

They pause.

"Are you good with numbers?"

The Waking of Neran

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)