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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Madoka truly is the bravest, it is her night! She's the sort of person who might sometimes find it tricky to be brave but really deep down was very very courageous indeed!

"I like exploring! And this place is so cool! So I had to look all around it and being up high was fun because there were less people so I could see more!"

Since the crowds were very thick, especially for someone as small as Romeo.

It's true.. Look at these tiny kids, they have absolutely no shot at seeing across the crowds, being the way they are. Madoka almost got lost during the remembrance..!

But maybe it's what makes this bravery plan even better. Because even with Madoka trying to be brave, it might be a little hard for her to do it around too many people.. But when most people who will hear them screaming won't even see them, it's a lot easier to do! It's.. It's mild bravery!

"Oh no.." For now though, as they walk, she mostly seems to be worried about her friend. "I'm so sorry, Romeo! Were you alright? You didn't get lost, did you?" In the crowd, she means!

"I didn't get too lost! And when I did it was fun to get back, an adventure!"

Life is an adventure when you let it be. He grinned at her. "If it got too crowded I could just jump really high and then see over everyones heads, but being up high is easier."

Less bouncing!

"People didn't look at you weird for jumping so high..?"

It's a little surprising. Maybe not very surprising, since this world probably follows entirely different standards than Madoka's own.. But she sure knows that people back in Mitakihara would be so confused to see a boy like Romeo jump so high!

"Maybe they just thought you're just a really talented boy..! Um, I mean, which you are!"

"Um... I don't know..."

No one had said anything. But he hadn't really looked down. "Um... Do you think I might have worried them..."

Maybe they would just think he was good at jumping...

He looks worried though.

Honestly, Madoka isn't so sure. She thinks they might have been worried.. Madoka sure knows she would have been worried if she saw some kid she didn't know doing something like that!

But the last thing she wants to do is make Romeo feel bad in the middle of their Bravery Journey over here, so she quickly shakes her head.

"N-No way! After all, no one said anything to you, right? I'm sure that if they were really, really worried, they would have spoken up..!"

"Probably!" He could agree with that, so he grinned at her and kept leading the way up to the high place he knew.

It got a little scrambly at times but he knows Madoka can climb and he pauses to lend her a hand if she needs it.

Up and up and up! Until.

"Here we are!" Above the crowds. A great place to be brave!

She definitely needs the help at times. Madoka isn't that nimble, even though she's gotten partially better due to all the missions they have been on so far. But some things remain a little hard for a girl who was never prepared to do any of this.

.. though she is managing. Tonight is a night to be brave, after all! So thankfully they make it all the way to the top spot after all.

And while they're there, Madoka is quiet for a moment. She just stares in awe, her jaw hanging down and mouth hanging open.

"Wow.. It's kind of pretty.. You can see so much from here!"

Madoka is doing well and Romeo makes sure not to get too far from her and help her when she needs it. And grin encouragingly at her when she doesn't need the help.

And finally they are at their goal. He grins, loving being so high above it all, looking down at the people and across at the fireworks.

"It's so cool! I bet once the sun comes back it looks even prettier!"

They would be able to see so far!

"Yeah..!" Madoka can already imagine it now as she's looking at it. Imagining all the dark corners being filled up with light, the light reflecting off various things.. It would be really pretty. Like something you might find in a travel magazine.

But as Madoka is looking at all of it and thinking about that, another thought sneaks into her mind.

A thought she, apparently, hadn't considered yet. Even though she's the one who came up with this plan.

"Um, Romeo.. What should we yell..?"

You'd think this would have been a vital part of her planning. You'd think.

"Did you not already think of something?"

This was her plan! He would have thought she had something she wanted to yell.

"Um... We could yell for the sun to come back! That's what the fireworks are for right! So Neran knows she can come back because everyone is waiting for her!"

That would be a good thing to yell!

R-Romeo, please! Pal! Bestie! Don't call her out like that..!

In fact, it seems that Madoka's expression is already halfway through dropping all the way and turning into sad teary eyes when he's saying that. She's about to fire off the apology machine.

The only thing that stops it is the fact that Romeo is bringing up a suggestion first.

"Ah.. That's a good idea.. A-Are you really sure you don't mind us using your idea..?" Look, she apparently did get halfway towards apologetic mode, considering that Madoka feels the need to ask that. Like it's a crime to not be the one to have come up with it.

"It was your idea too!" Since this whole excursion was Madoka's idea she really should take some of the credit too! It was a great idea. He can see Madoka's face and how she looks ready to apologise!

It looks like she needs cheering up so he reached out to take her hand in his and raised them both upwards, towards the nigh sky. Spirits up Madoka!

He grinned at her and then took a very deep breath, filling his lungs with air before yelling as loud as he could.

"COME BACK NERAN!"

Oh gosh, it's the typical Romeo move, isn't it. The holding hands and pulling them upwards to the sky! Madoka knows by now that's the cheer up move, Romeo has told her about it before..!

Not that she has long to think about it. Romeo is already yelling, so Madoka quickly does the same. Gathering breath, and then..

"COME BACK NERAN..!"

Considering the height they're at, it's like the words echo back to them even after they've yelled them. Some people look up in confusion - though most of them just laugh when they see that it's a bunch of (otherworldly) kids.

The echo was very cool! Like there were many other Madoka's and Romeo's out there, yelling back at them, all wanting Neran to come back soon.

He grinned at her, proud of her for yelling so loud! It was very brave for Madoka who was often very quiet indeed.

"EVERYONE MISSES YOU NERAN! WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!"

"GOOD LUCK FIGHTING OUT THERE, TOO..!"

Maybe it's since they're shouting such positive messages, but.. Madoka can't help but slowly feel weirdly elated about all of this. It's kind of nice..?

She isn't so sure if she will still feel the same way later on, but right now it feels nice. Her cheeks flush, but it's not an embarrassed blush. It's just an excited one as she stares at her friend.

".. Do you think she heard us, Romeo..?"

He grinned at her. "YES GOOD LUCK! WE KNOW YOU CAN WIN!"

How could she not? When she had so many people routing for her! He nodded and clasped her hand again. "I bet she did! I bet she knows just how much we all are waiting for her!"

So she was sure to return soon!

Honestly, Madoka isn't sure how true the story is. The tone she's getting from people around the city as she's spoken to them, or overheard their conversations, seems to be very mixed in that regard.

But on the other hand.. isn't it kind of nice to just assume it's true for once? To think that there's someone out there, doing their best, and that their cheers helped that person hang in there longer?

It makes her smile, and she moves to grab Romeo's hand.

"I bet so too."

She stares up for another moment or two, but then looks over at her friend.

".. Come on, let's go back down. Maybe we can get some nice food somewhere." And they already did their bravery act now!

It might be true or it might not be. Lots of people, especially grown ups, didn't believe in gods in his last world and yet there had been lots of them and lots of shinki, who people couldn't even see just wandering around and answering prayers.

So maybe there was a real Neran and maybe she could hear them! He hoped so.

He squeezed her hand and nodded.

"Okay! There's lots of yummy food here! Do you like spicy food?"

"Um.. Not if it's really spicy, but.. I can handle some of the food here."

Just not the most extreme cases. But the food with just a base level of spice - that much Madoka can handle. She hasn't been burning her mouth around here while getting food, she's a careful girl!

"How about you, Romeo? Do you want to get some of that? You followed my idea just now, so now you get to choose what we eat..!" That's only fair, isn't it?

"We can find the not really burney food!"

There was some of that! Though Romeo did like the food that made him feel like a dragon! But they could find milder food, so Madoka's mouth didn't set on fire!

"Let's go find the best food!"

He took one last look at the view of fireworks over the city and grinned, holding the image in his heart before turning away to clamber back down to the city streets.

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The Waking of Neran

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