middleofsomewhere | Event: 12 of Beetroot

Event: 12 of Beetroot

It's been a couple of weeks since they had evacuated Osiga. In that time, many of voidtreckers were busy with a project to try and solve some of the many mysteries that surround the train they travel on. By the eight day of Rabbit they've exhausted all avenues, and whilst they have learned quite a bit, there are still some clear gaps.

Just as that investigation comes to a natural end, passengers are woken up by an announcement.

"Attention voidtreckers and passengers of the voidtrecker express. We are travelling to system #2554098133741. I have sent word to the ministry who have arranged recuperation packs for you. You have had a difficult mission and you deserve a rest.

But it is not just for rest. Last time we visited the system voidtreckers shared memories. Though it is understood that many of you did not enjoy the experience it is notable that certain voidtreckers saw memories of this voidcraft. They were memories that this craft had not accessed. It led to more pathways opening up in the operation of this craft.

I have done some research on the system and I believe we can trigger the caves of memory. This voidcraft understands this might be difficult for the voidtreckers and passengers of the voidtrecker express and it is hoped that only those of you who consent to this experiment will take part.

Regardless this should be a time for relaxation also and the dressing room is open for your convenience. We will arrive in the morning.

The dressing carriage is indeed opened for those who go and look. It's filled with swimming costumes, beach ware, summery clothes and sun hats. There's even a cupboard of buckets, spades, rock pooling gear and picnic blankets.

There are also team coloured tents for those who want to go and sleep under the stars for a night or two, though the train is remaining on the island for those for who camping is their idea of hell.

12 OF BEETROOT

RABBIT 9-12 ~ MEMORY CAVES: BONDING ~ MEMORY MAZE: SEARCH FOR THE TRAIN'S MEMORIES
ASK QUESTIONS ~ LOCATION INFORMATION ~ MEMORY CAVES ~ MEMORY MASTER POST

JEMA'GRETHY ISLAND: RELAXATION

The next day the train announces their arrival and they burst out of the void. For those near a window their first view of the island will be of crystal blue sea and white sand. It really does look like a paradise. The train circles down before landing on a grassy ridge, overlooking a beautiful beach of white sand and the ocean beyond. It is warm, but not too hot, a cool ocean breeze cutting through the heat making it pleasant. Behind them is a grassy plain, changing to forest in the distance. There is the sound of birdsong in the purple sky. To the west the land is more craggy, the silhouette of a fortress in the distance.

In a word, it is idyllic. A sense of peace permeates the island.

The place has no people, but it is clearly maintained. The eastern beaches have racks of shallow boats, both canoes and one- or two-person sailing dinghies. There is also a small building in which scuba gear is stored, along with several waterproofed manuals and instructional literature.

There are no living quarters, but there are sheltered sections with basic toilet facilities marked as camping grounds in five different sections of the island - by the hot springs, within the ruined fortress, beside the harbour, on the eastern beaches, and on the northern face of the mountain.

The recuperation packs are found at the closest toilet facilities to where the train lands. They are simple things, small gift baskets with a couple of fragrant soaps, fancier hair products and skin cream infused with herbs to encourage rest and sleep.

There are some sweet fruit biscuits and a cheesy bread. The packs aren't named but there are some suitable for the younger passengers with tiny plush and colouring books. Quite a few designed for teens with a more engaging activity book and components for making a fancy mocktail with a cute stirrer. Adult packs have a small bottle of alcohol- there's a mixture between the packs and what looks like a stone. When placed next to the skin it will either warm up or cool down depending on what is needed.

Exploring, the passengers will find beautiful beaches, ragged cliffs to walk and caves to explore. Where it is more craggy the beaches are made of pebbles, perfect for rock pooling.

A little more worrying is the volcano-like structure in the north. But even a quick glance will show it is not a typical volcano. There is no smoke and the liquid slowly running down it in rivulets is pink and blue.

Ruins of ancient houses are scattered across the island, but the main settlement is built into a rocky section in the north-west that has been secured with ropes and stairways cut into the cliffs, perfect for scrambles and hikes.

To the west are the hot springs. They have both outdoor and indoor areas; the indoor areas being wooden loghouse saunas, changing rooms and storage sheds, whilst the outdoor areas are a tiered series of pools spilling down the side of the mountain and shaded by brightly flowering trees. The waters are hot, mineral-rich and soothing.

MEMORY CAVES: BONDING

Shortly before arriving they will receive some information on their SCA. It will explain how those who once lived on this island went about making life bonds. Both people would bathe in the hot springs and then dress simply, barefoot and walk to one of seven rocks on the island. Their maps will pin point these, which is good because there's no real indication of what makes these rocks different to any other on the island.

Here they must offer their wish to know the other deeper and share food and drink. They can then go about their day. Sometime in the hours after they will receive their first memory, seen through their partners eyes.

However it seems that in envoking the ritual they have woken something on the island. Even those who did not take part or chose to bond to someone find themselves seeing a glimpse of another life.

On the second day they see another memory, through the eyes of their pair. When they come out of it they find themselves in a cave with their partner, chosen or not. The same happens on the third day, except for this final memory both pairs see both memories, watching from the sidelines as it plays out. They find themselves in the cave once more and this time, for many there is only one exit, to leave through together.

Please go here to play out the bonding process!

MEMORY MAZE: TRAIN'S MEMORIES

On the third day the train sends another message to their SCA.

"Activating the caves that share memories has been successful. I know this is a lot to ask of the voidtreckers, but any who wish to assist in discovering what it is that I have forgotten, the path is open now.

Those who wish to may go to the sacred rocks. Please be warned, I do not know how voidtreckers will fare. Please only go of your own free will."

Their SCA's once again show the rocks on their maps and when they get there, this time they are faintly glowing. It doesn't take much. One touch and their minds are drawn away from their bodies, into a labyrinth of caves. For anyone who comes across these people on the island, they look like they are in a deep trance, breathing, safe but far away in their mind.

The labyrinth is made of cool, dark rock. The walls have a glow coming from crystals in-bedded in them, allowing everyone to see as they move through.

At first there's no more to this labyrinth, or so it seems. But then they turn a corner, and they are no longer in cavern as it just was. They may be in their childhood bedroom, or in the middle of a battle they once fought. Perhaps they are not in their own memory, but someone else's. Scenes move rapidly and often merge, one persons into another, mixing to make strange scenes.

These visions don't attempt to ensnare them like some illusions, and those with protection from illusions and such techniques, will be able to find their way forward through the cave, and away from this triggered scenario.

Time barely has meaning. Indeed, when they finally emerge from the caves only a few minutes will have passed. But in that time they will have seen much, and eventually they may stumble across a fragment of memory that belongs not to a voidtrecker, but to the Voidtrecker Express itself.

OOC NOTES

OOC Post ~ Questions
~ You can either write memories in your tags or if they are longer/require a lot of content warnings you might want to write them in this post and link to them. Just start a top level with your character name to keep things organised!

~ For those taking part in the memory share bonding the cave post is here. Characters arrive in the cave after the second and third memory but it is obviously up to you if you play out the conversations after each or both! For those who do decide that their characters will bond- the cave after the third memory will only have one exit for them to leave together.

~ For those who signed up for train memories you will receive the snippet that your character sees- use these in tags as you will. There will be a conclusion post on the 24th which will put all of those memories together!

Art Credits: Header: Tropical Jewel by Steven Power, Thumbnail image 3.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course not! It's clearly illegal to move a sleeping cat, even if it's at the disadvantage to the person who's been gifted the presence of said cat.

However right now Idia is not sure how to feel about this little set up, especially since it came from Jingyi, who was seeing all his memories. But... Idia's guessing that's the reason this was happening, Jingyi's got a glimpse into Idia's life and... even his happy memories had sadness to them. Idia did his best to ignore it, or just accepted it as part of life, but it seems others don't get that. There's a good reason Idia tries to stay to himself and keep his mouth shut.

Idia holds back the need to answer back with that being bullshit... mostly because he wants time in future with Hui again. Better not to risk that. So instead he answers, "I guess...?" It's not really implied one way or the other if he agrees with that. Though, if that was the case... should he thank Sizhui for bringing over Hui? Idia doesn't know! He doesn't do social interaction! Well... he's done it more on the train than he normally would... but it's all been forced upon him! He wouldn't had chosen this for himself!

"Um... well..." What does he do now...? "I'll... take you up on seeing Hui in future." Did that work? Yes? No? He has no clue.

Perfect, then the easiest way to get Idia to relax is simple: bring Hui over, put her in his lap and let the cat magic do its work. Two birds, one stone; Idia chills out and get to see Hui again, so there's really no losing here, right?

Of course, Jingyi being who he is, didn't tell Sizhui anything about Idia's memories or mention a tragic backstory when it's not exactly his place to do so. If Idia would rather tell Sizhui himself, that's different, but Jingyi can be trusted with secrets, especially given the circumstances, and it's not like Sizhui's going to pry into someone else's life. However, should he ever be told, Sizhui will be making absolute certain that Idia has some happy memories to put in, at least while on-board the Voidtrecker Express. Nobody needs more bad ones, not when they've already suffered so much heartache and such... No, for as long as he's here, he'll help others feel more comfortable with the train, with themselves, with whatever they need, so long as it's not too outrageous or out of the question.

Whether Idia believes him or not, that's his own choice, but he hasn't ever done anything to prove he means otherwise. (To be fair, he and Idia are just now meeting, which is somewhat different—) But he's still never made his intentions unclear about trying to get to know Idia better, he's just forgone saying it outright. “You guess?” he laughs, tone clearly teasing, though he's quick to follow up with, “You can't tell me you don't already love this little furball.” For emphasis, his hand gently moves the kitten, enough to make her head lift and turn toward Idia. Seriously, look at that face! Who could resist such cuteness? No one, obviously, unless the person is just heartless or something.

How lucky for Idia, Sizhui can do more than enough talking for the both of them, and he's not expecting any thanks, even if he wouldn't turn it down if offered, either. “That sounds good to me. Again, whenever you would like, since we aren't doing much of anything most days.” Sorry, Idia, they come as a package deal, but he can rest easy knowing Sizhui's fine keeping to himself while Hui entertains her new friend (or at least until Sizhui can make his move).

What?! How could you, Sizhui! To be so cruel as to test Idia's already adoration towards Hui! Idia's hands shooting up in front of his chest in fists as the confrontation, "I-I-I mean, if it's for Hui!" That's a dirty move, Sizhui!

...well... "Maybe... maybe when I'm gaming... I'll be sitting still then and... and I won't move much if Hui wants to sleep." Though would he be able to concentrate with Hui with him? Honestly... it would be a wonderful thing to be distracted with if he couldn't. Though that 'we' finally breaks through and... oh, yeah... he guesses that makes sense the owner would also be there. "Oh um... so, you like... games?" Ugh, Idia, plz. "Um, I donno, like... board games? Or cards? Chess?" Sizhui doesn't strike him as a video gamer, more traditional. Or maybe he would surprise Idia and be one of the better on the video games!

Hey, sometimes you gotta test someone's loyalty to a cat right away, okay? It's instinctive to outstretch his free hand and rest it on Idia's in an attempt at soothing him, but Sizhui resists, curling his fingers into his palm and tucking the wrist behind himself, fist rested at the small of his back. Can't make it awkward again so quickly, after all! “Of course it is. Don't worry, she'll show her appreciation quite willingly.” And, dirty in this moment or not, Sizhui's already made his decision that Idia passes the test with flying colors.

“I'm almost certain, even if you did move a little here or there to readjust, Hui wouldn't be disturbed in the slightest.” The kitten's a heavy sleeper, so Idia would have to jostle her pretty hard to cause any actual disturbance. At the mention of games though, Sizhui perks up slightly, his mouth curving again. “I've played board games; chess, checkers, some of the others in the game room, but the only card game I know is ‘Slap Jack’.” Which Dennis taught him a while back when he was still around, except watch him go right on ahead and surprise Idia by adding, “I have played the videogames in there too, so if any of those interest you, we could give them a go.”

Good move, Sizhui, Idia really doesn't do well with physical contact. Or anyone within his rather large personal bubble. It would just make him even more nervous than he already is.

However Sizhui may have also unleashed something he hadn't been prepared for; he's admitted he enjoys games, including video games, and has a cat. That's a winning combination. That is if... Idia has the ability to invite him to join him in some games. That was the real struggle. "Y-yeah! They're an interest to me!" And that was a giant understatement. Idia adored all forms of gaming, but especially video games. "I-I-I mean, if you, ah, want to watch over Hui, and, um, play a game or two at the same time, ah, then, ah, we can try that?" He wouldn't be too disappointing if Sizhui don't agree, in fact Idia's kind of expecting that to happen, since, you know, it's him...

Thankfully, he's observant and learned from the first time, so he wouldn't go out of his way to make someone uncomfortable on purpose! Idia already seems the type to shake until his soul leaves his body and Sizhui would hate contributing to his nervousness any more than he has.

Unexpected as it is, it's not an unwelcome reaction, to be fair. He had been wondering if there was something they'd have in common they could connect better over and if it's videogames, then hey, even better! Sizhui's not half-bad at those in his opinion, though he'll be pleasantly surprised to find someone who can give him a run for his money. “Wonderful, then we have an idea!” An affirming nod, followed by his other hand gently shifting Hui again, this way she's balanced better on his forearm with her back legs draping down around his arm and her head propped in his head, still purring contentedly despite the strange position. Also: prepare to be astonished then, Idia, since Sizhui thinks it's a great plan. “I'd love to, really. It's been a while since I've played any of them and I'm overdue for shaking off the rust.”

Oh Sizhui... you have no idea what you're getting into if you want to compete against Idia when it comes to video games. It's ok, maybe he'll go easy on you and hold his controller backwards to give you a chance...

"Y-yeah?" Really? "Great!" Seriously, great! "T-then, ah, then, we can do that, um, some time." And that seems to be the extent of Idia's ability to keep organizing this, for now. He's a bit overwhelmed by both the idea of getting a gaming buddy and getting to be around a cat. He'll be able to sort something out later, he just needs some time alone to be happy about this without feeling embarrassed at someone seeing him happy about this all.

Backwards? Oh dear, he really will be in trouble if there's supposed to be any form of competition, then. Idia sounds like a professional whereas Sizhui only dabbles here and there for casual fun; it won't bother him any, however, if Idia can kick his ass at videogames. He'll be absolutely enthralled, maybe even ask for some tips on how to better play whatever games they choose.

For all his nervousness, Idia did wonderful! “Fantastic, then it's settled.” Sizhui, being observant as he is, thinks that it's perhaps time to make a swift getaway and leave on a high note. He briefly inclines his head, casts a sideways glance toward the water to indicate his intentions then redirects and explains, “Well, I think I'm going to leave you to whatever it was you were doing before and go wander the beach for a while.” There are seashells that need searching for, after all, and he's just the guy! “Once we're on-board again, I'll contact you through the ICP about meeting up, if that's alright with you?”

He had the skills to be one... but for Idia it really wasn't about winning, as much as he did enjoy a good contest against someone who could challenge him. Gaming was about fun, and trying to make it fair to play against those who weren't at his level. Even if that meant handicapping himself to do so. A game was about the fun of playing it, not winning it.

"Aah, o-okay, s-sure!" Huh, that went... really well. "Ah... bye Hui, and, ah, Sizhui." Sorry Sizhui, but the cat does come first.

Aw, gosh, that's a super great way to handle playing videogames, to be honest. It's how Sizhui aims to always play them and, although he's not the best, he still finds joy in playing even if someone's better than himself. Can't be good at everything, right? Also, given how rather technologically advanced they'd been when he was first learning, he would say he's improved quite a lot compared to how he struggled before.

And Idia shouldn't feel bad for putting the kitten first, it's only proper when Hui's absolutely a priority. He reaches his other hand up, gently takes Hui's paw and ‘waves’ toward Idia, which makes her head lift so she can give a happy little trill. Sizhui chuckles, lets her rearrange herself again then he inclines his head in polite dismissal, “We'll see you later, Idia,” and does a neat heel-turn to excitedly go start collecting those shells he'd been wondering about earlier.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Event: 12 of Beetroot

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject