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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It's a good thing to make him promise, because the temptation to just collapse in on himself for good would be terribly strong. To retreat back into muichimotsu with a vengeance.

He's promised Devero he'd find him, but maybe with Yondu and Buttercup around he wouldn't detour too far into empty despair for a while, first.

So Koumyou takes it quite seriously, reaching up to wipe at his eyes with the edge of a sleeve.

"Alright."

Yondu, who'd taken to carrying around tissues because god this train rips the emotions out of people, gives him one.

"We're supposed to be brave tonight, I guess that's as brave as I'm gonna get."

Well... no. Maybe not. He'll pull some shit later that'll fuck him up.

"Well, I'm glad to receive it, then."

Don't worry, Yondu. Koumyou has no idea what's in store for him later tonight either. All he knows is Devero wants to meet up at a certain point, in some odd location...

"Are you at least enjoying the stop, otherwise?"

"Oh yeah. Felt real productive." At least he's been trying hard to find some help for them. He wants to think they can manage something, and he'll do whatever it takes. Even at his own expense.

"The memorial went fine." Other than that he's just lingered around and not did too much.

"Good," Koumyou had been there, and had helped, but he hadn't talked to Yondu at the actual event. There had been enough people already doing so, and he hadn't wanted to pile on.

He's not sure what to say about it now, either, other than it was good it had gone fine.

"But when I say enjoying the stop, I don't mean being productive. Have you had any fun?"

"Not really. I enjoyed rememberin' my men. After that?"

He shrugs. It's not been a great trip after that. Not a terrible one ~~yet~~, but not a great one.

"Not done all that much other'n eat. I guess I blew my whole load already in the energy department." He sneers up at the black sky tiredly.

"Ah, I suppose things are just like that, sometimes," Koumyou concedes, sneaking another of the treats out of the bag to chomp on, "Only so much energy, right? And I'd say you spent it well."

"They didn't keep me up last night, so I figure it did some good. They let me sleep easy."

They didn't haunt his dreams as before. He thinks it's not so much the memorial that did it, but publicly calling out their murderers. Because it wasn't him that failed... okay, in a way he had, but they would still be alive if it weren't for the traitors and everyone knew that.

"That's good," Koumyou agrees quietly, "and a good sign."

Even if that old crew aren't actually haunting Yondu spiritually -- and they could be! -- putting his own mind at ease has to be a relief. He did right by them. That has to help, in either scenario.

"Still bothers me that all I got left to my name is bein' a Ravager. But, y'know... I still believe in what it represented so maybe I can carry that bit on. An' I guess..." He rolls his eyes. In this sense it's a lot harder than those one on one admissions, like what he just made. Putting it into trite and twee words seems disingenuous compared to what it truly is. "I guess I've made new friends an' have a new team to fight by an' got a new family."

Edited 2021-12-28 23:50 (UTC)

Koumyou sees that awkwardness, and does with it what he does best.

"You've made friends?!"

Be a fake dumbass about it.

He cracks the meanest little grin then, unable to avoid the opening. "Yeah, but all of 'em are assholes so I gotta live with that."

That gets Koumyou to laugh, delighted. "Well, at least you know your people!"

"Well, Vegeta and Tobirama call me an idiot so I figure I'm one on a good day an' one on a bad day, an' on the best days I'm an equal mix of the two."

And he sounds absolutely delighted as to have gotten on his friends' nerves like that.

The laugh just turns into a total giggle.

"Well, I like you anyway."

"That's bullshit. You're lyin'. You like me because of it."

He probably actually likes him more for his compassion, but these two men can enjoy their pretenses.

"--Ah," Koumyou says cheerfully, "I've been found out."

Despite the light teasing, the seriousness sinks back into his expression. "Y'know... You're probably the only friend I'd still have if I'd come in before I lost everything. Just because nothin' woulda changed how I treated younger you. Everyone else? ...I probably wouldn't have nobody."

And that means a lot to him. Everyone else would have been lining up to kick his ass. The only difference between him being a likable person and him being a nightmare was losing everything.

"Well, that's a bit depressing," Koumyou notes, because he's not exactly a great catch himself, is he? Certainly not in his own mind.

"I guess it's also lucky we met during that train weirdness, because otherwise I tend to be pretty aloof with everyone. Friendly, you know? But distant."

It wouldn't have been because Yondu was some kind of nightmare, if the situation had been different, and so the outcome from it had been different... it would have been because Koumyou is broken.

And somehow, people tend not to realize that. Or they just don't care, which Koumyou doesn't fault them for. He also probably wouldn't, after all, in their place.

(Which can't possibly be because of the trauma as well, can it, Koumyou?)

"So, what were you like before that would have made you so unpopular?"

"I threatened people at least twice daily for misbehavin' or thinkin' they could come up against me... But about a third of the time I'd actually follow through. When I made my mistakes, I caused a solid hunk of my crew to become corrupted by greed. They were my responsibility to mind and I did whatever I needed to."

But he is glad he got to know this Koumyou. It's not performatively friendly. Sometimes he's sad, or serious, but he's never known him to be anything else than genuine. Even when they're having childish fun? That's genuine too, or has always seemed it. Like they're reclaiming their youth.

"I could still do it too. My only regret would be if someone caught me doin' it and was a li'l' more fucked up for it. The only reason I'm decent is because I failed. I couldn't hold it together. I lost everythin'. I'm sure there's some kinda religious notion in the whole 'losin' everythin' shit but honestly you take me from one single day earlier? And I'da needed shut down the moment I stepped onto that platform."

And that's been haunting him so much. Moreso recently. That people don't realize what he is, and he knows exactly what he is. It's easier to say to Koumyou, though, because he's seen that remarkable absence in him when he's spoken of having to kill people and that lack of judgment/presence of understanding is invaluable.

"Hn," Koumyou actually smiles a little at that, "sounds pretty normal on my world. I think some of us are just from... that."

That whole environment, that whole existence being like that.

He pauses for a good long while, appreciating the fact that, yeah. They are from that kind of world, they're that kind of broken.

And Yondu damn well knows he can become that again if he needs to. He doesn't necessarily want to, but he needs to.

So Koumyou just leans over and shoulder-bumps him, and steals another snack.

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The Waking of Neran

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