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 was for a marriage license." She didn't have to worry about things like money, in the end. Her parents enjoyed and approved of Vegeta (against all odds), and with the kids considered, none of them would go hungry or anything like that if something were to happen to her in an untimely manner. However.. she hadn't wanted to just let things go on principal and say they were married. Some parts of Bulma liked traditional things, though it really only came around marriage.

Not that she'd ever had reason to worry about Vegeta straying if they weren't married, but she did like buying herself a massive ring to flex on people with when they attended events.

"Because being a Briefs also has status! At least on Earth!" Hello, Vegeta? How many times had she name-dropped to get them into places to eat where they hadn't been able to get a reservation? How many others times has she flexed the name to get things that they wanted but may not have otherwise had access to? Anyway, she's distracted from proving the 'royalty' of her own name at the mention of a 'formal thing' for a wedding.

... The way her eyes light up probably means Vegeta is going to begin feeling even more dread, especially alongside the drunken flush of her face that won't fade for a fair few more sips of water...

"Well, I'd love to if it means we can turn around your luck with officiating!"

...if looks could kill, Yondu. He's lucky Vegeta never focused on the whole eye beam thing, otherwise there's a good chance he would had used them right then. Why would you even suggest that?!

"Why do we need another wedding?! We're already married!" Luckily for Yondu Vegeta's attention turned to Bulma's excitement over it all. Don't you make it a whole thing about Yondu's crew or whatever! Don't act like it's not something you want to show off some how to the rest of the train! He knows you, woman! He knows what you're like! He knows this will just get made a big fuss about it, far bigger than he would want!

Yondu is aware that he's very close to joining his crew in the afterlife because the force of them eyebeam lasers would have also likely ripped his tether clean out his butthole, but come on, Bulma's drunk-ass enthusiasm is worth it. Look at how happy she is!

"From what I gathered Terrans really like weddin's. Makes their day."

Look how often people get married on the train! Obviously they love this shit.

"Because - " Bulma begins it very intently, already turning to prod at Vegeta's muscled chest, pressing closer in that near-threatening manner that she always manages to. Her husband, a past destroyer of planets and worlds, it appears does not inspire one bit of hesitation in his wife. "- You want to keep your wonderful, beautiful wife happy, don't you Vegeta?"

Yes, this small, tiny human woman very obviously imposing on her strong, alien husband to drunkenly demand another wedding is so normal.

Absolutely normal.

That prodding and poking goes ignored, but it's only due to knowing Bulma wasn't really angry at him over this. Maybe annoyed or having a need to win this, but not really angry. He knew what she was like when she was actually angry... "Don't you start with that! That's not what this is about and you know it!" Sorry Yondu, you're going ignored for now. Maybe for the best actually. "You just want an excuse to show off and get people's attention on you!" Vegeta doesn't say this as if it's a bad thing, just that it was a matter of fact. His wife loved having attention and praise showered on her, Vegeta knew this too well. He's happy enough for her to be like this, just without dragging him into the limelight as well.

"Why am I even discussing this with you," Yes, this is still considered 'discussing', not yelling or fighting. "You're drunk." Would she even remember this tomorrow?

Yondu's been sort of figuring, considering she got into the strong stuff, that she'd forget real easy. And he was thinking of attempting an interception of, "How about you think more on it when you're sober, it'd probably take quite a few points to get what ya want." But then Vegeta goes and says that and Yondu, mid-drink, sputters and mutters a soft, "uh oh."

Because he don't know what kinda interception you go on that.

"Hey hey hey, take it easy ever'body. My men ain't here to place bets so have some respect for the dead." He needs a drink refill, give him a moment.

"And?" That's it - that's Bulma's entire argument for Vegeta about wanting there to be attention on her. Yes, weddings were great, and she's looking forward to even being a bystander just by virtue of being on the train too, but if they could have a second wedding.... Why not? It wasn't like it changed anything from what she intended by having the first wedding. In the end, they'd been married in their own way long before Vegeta was legally an Earthling and they were legally recognized as such.

After all, she knew Vegeta had no intentions whatsoever to share.

It's the comment about her being drunk that sets her over the edge, apparently, cheeks puffing as she well and truly leans in to let Vegeta have it - And then Yondu tells them to take it easy, and she's whirling to point a finger and, very decisively, without an inch of slur or chance in cadence, say :

"Shut up Yondu!"

Yes, that was a complete argument from her about this, wasn't it? Vegeta's not surprised at all by this. "Then why drag me into it?!" Look! Maybe he could be convinced... MAYBE, to do a small thing... but Bulma Briefs did not do small or unassuming when it came to celebrations. Everything had to be grand and over the top. To make sure all knew just how amazing they were. Part of him can appreciate it... just the most of Vegeta would rather stay private.

"Shut up, Yondu!" Vegeta echoed with the same timing as Bulma, maybe with less volume, but still in a 'keep out of this' tone. Maybe afterwards he will realize this was hardly a fitting place or time to be snapping at the person holding a memorial for his crew... but he did start this all with that stupid suggestion.

Then maybe a moment of that clarity coming through as he registers Bulma also saying that, he reaching out to grab her out-pointing hand to stop her having a go at Yondu next. "Stop it."

The great thing about having a friend like Yondu is that you can tell him to shut up without wounded looks. Whether or not he'll listen is hit or miss and dependent entirely on his whim, but he can take it. He knows the type of friends he chooses.

He's in the middle of a drink when the chorus of 'shut up' rings and he makes a couple of sounds into his drink, and whatever they were meant to say is completely lost because his mouth is busy. If it was important, it doesn't matter anyway.

"Because you'd be the groom, idiot!" Now Bulma's getting that grind in her voice, the kind that shows true irritation at what she's yelling about. This is a pretty normal marital spat for them, but she's already aware of the people around them (that aren't Yondu) beginning to shrink away the louder she gets and the more she crushes closer to Vegeta's face in doing so. Now whether that's because they aren't fond of her tone, or they know Vegeta and maybe aren't sure how he will react... Bulma doesn't care enough to really check.

Thankfully Vegeta doesn't give her time to ask Yondu what the hell he means, reaching for her hand and telling her to stop, as she's already shaking him off to stab at the chest plate of his armor with said finger.

(She's easy to distract, at least.)

"Stop telling me what to do! That's my job!"

In another situation Vegeta would be a pain and question just what was her job; telling herself to stop, telling him to stop, she wasn't being very clear. However that was not right for how she currently was. He's also certainly aware just how loud she was getting, not that that was unusual with her...

"We are not having this discussion here or now while you're drunk." There was no point to this, she would either keep going until she got her way, or just cause some other problem if someone else stepped in to try and quiet her down or calm her. Aka, someone else will get slapped.

He sputters at what she yells next, and that's the worst thing that could happen. If they wanted karmic retribution to fall on Yondu, they should be satisfied, 'cause he hisses a -"Went up my nose!" like god abandoned him in that very moment, and he grabs some napkins to salvage his sinuses.

The answer is : both. Bossing people around is not Bulma's formal job title, but it is what she specializes in, especially when it comes to Vegeta and their children. If nothing else there's another thing to laugh at as he tells her that they aren't having this discussion while she's drunk, to which Bulma blinks for a moment before her prodding of her husband becomes an (ineffective) shove.

"I am fine." And she will maintain that, even as she turns to see what the fuss is about with Yondu -

Just in time to laugh at him as he says that his drink went up his nose. Okay, Yondu, she's forgotten that she was about to tear into you a second ago, already offering the napkins she's been carrying with her from getting her drink. "Here. Blow your nose. You're a mess!"

She's really not... but Vegeta's not going to argue, at least not after she's found a new target to distract herself with. If she continues to make a scene, or Yondu has enough of this all, then Vegeta will take her away. It will mean he has to tolerate her like this alone... but at least that's better than leaving her to cause trouble here.

He's happy to let her head over to 'take care' of Yondu, Vegeta staying where he is as he crosses his arms over his chest. This is what you get for starting this all, Yondu, better hope she doesn't have another turn of attitude while she's in slapping range.

He accepts with a grunted and pained "Thank ya," and then blows his nose unpleasantly before dumping the tissues into a discareded empty cup. He'll take care of this shit later. "Aw hell... I think I may never catch any kinda cold again what with this liquor. Hooo.... Cleaned out my whole head. Probably wiped a few memories here an' there." Thoroughly sanitized, thanks. But even if Bulma was making a scene, he doesn't seem too bothered. He was mostly trying to save Vegeta, as he's loosely assuming she might not remember this conversation tomorrow.

"Whatever cosmic gods think connectin' the drink hole with the breathe hole was a good idea in a bunch of species musta been drunk when they was doin' the plannin'."

"Get rid of all those unused brain cells too?" Bulma Briefs being a classic version of herself - giving those disses said with a smile and that somewhat sweet voice that suggests she's saying something kind even as she is obviously not.

Though of course, the mention of Gods gets her thinking. She's met quite a few cosmic beings in the course of her life. Far more than she ever really planned to, if she's honest, but it hadn't been of her design at all (for once). This is mainly a Goku and Vegeta-induced problem if she's honest, and she very much would like to speak about how silly every single God figure has been, or just straight-up rude.

"Well, if they're anything like Beerus and Whis, it's probably a joke for their own amusement while they plug away at destroying everything."

You know what, Vegeta's going to leave Yondu to deal with Bulma for now, knowing if he says anything it will just trigger her sights back on him and start everything again. Instead he decides it's time to look for that drink of water or similar to help her sober up, or at least not be as hangover as she would be right now for tomorrow. He throws a glance Yondu's way, in an almost 'keep an eye on her' way while he heads off to get her a drink.

"Hey hey hey. Don't go disparagin' my braincells like that. All three of them things are strong fighters that know how to hold their liquor."

He returns the glance to Vegeta, avoiding a nod so Bulma won't suddenly whirl her wrath on him again, offering an arm for a hug even if it puts him in slapping distance. 'Cause, you know... he'd put up with a slap for a good hug.

"Still glad to have ya here, even if my nose is sufferin' for it."

"Three? Is that why you're able to be so lively all the time?" And no, that comment isn't a dig, even if it may seem like it is. For the moment she's in a pleasant enough move, though a bit mercurial, and thankfully hasn't noticed that Vegeta has disappeared again. Surely that would inspire a bit of a tirade from his beautiful little wife, who is instead leaning in to offer Yondu that requested hug.

She even pats his chest a little, through a hiccup, as if it might help to soothe him and his newly washed-out sinuses.

"I'm just glad someone had a party with booze." She needs booze after all of these discoveries lately, very much unimpressed with all of the information that's come out as of late.

"We all need it, at this point. Even the younger ones."

Vegeta's away long enough to miss whatever she's been going on about with Yondu, so maybe he would have a bit more sympathy for her wanting to drink if he had heard her. A bit more. Not a lot. Not when he has to put up with her like this after this all.

He returns back to them not too long later, holding out a new cup for her, "Drink this." Handing it over without telling her it was water rather than anything else.

In an equally tragic twist, Yondu almost comments that he's lively all the time because he's gotten used to faking it when he needs to. But he's desperately trying to keep his brain from falling into that pit for one half hour. Give him that, at least! A half hour.

So nothing is said in response to that, he just gestures at Vegeta coming, squeezing her against his side briefly.

"First chance for one in a while, right? I know I needed it. Here comes your Heroic Prince, by the way. Come to rescue you from dehydration and a few levels of hangover later."

Bulma will gladly give him the time needed and more if she can keep her mood straight. She's been sipping the water Yondu's brought her at the very least, though if she'd drank it at the same rate as the alcohol, there may be a very different mood going on here. As it stands, she definitely hasn't noticed that Vegeta has disappeared to get her more water, or just about anything, thankfully distracted by Yondu's presence.

"So this is what your crew liked to do? Party?" She can appreciate that it seems, grinning for a moment. "Kind of reminds me of the party I threw after the whole thing with Majin Buu. Even had Piccolo's foot-tapping to the music!" Yes, she is proud of that, and yes, she will always be proud of that.

Vegeta's return brings a little grimace to her face as she looks at that nursed water, nose wrinkling slightly as she regards her husband. "Double fisting water isn't nearly as fun, though. I'm a mom now but I still get to have fun."

And she will say that until she's very, very old.

That party after Buu had... been a thing. A good thing. The world just seemed... a little brighter than it had been for a long time, even at the costs it had taken to get there. Almost a degree of peace.

Until Beerus showed up. And Freeza was brought back. And learning about all the other universes.

Everything suddenly got complicated again.

"You told me before that it helps with hangovers in humans." There, use that as an excuse if it helps, Bulma.

"Yeah, the rice stuff's easier on your head. So I reckon you should be alright. Or at least way more alright than you'd be with the grain stuff."

He looks around them. "Yeah, they were. A rowdy bunch. But since I never really joined in, this is how I'm finally joinin' 'em."

He's picking up his drinks far too long after the fact, his toasts never going to be met with the glasses they're meant to. "I ain't gonna pretend that we was all good all the time, but they were loyal and driven and had a good attitude towards livin', and that don't get enough credit."

Enviable, in his opinion.

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The Waking of Neran

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stealing leilah's comment for a tag

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