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ximilialog2023-12-07 02:19 pm
STATION LOG.04
● ● ● S T A T I O N 4 . 0
Throughout the month of December, the Orbers will find that the door to the North Wing is sometimes left open — perhaps, at this point in their stay, the two permanent residents of the wing trust the other inhabitants of the station to tread with care.
Should anyone slip through the doorway, they will find that the large sphere, crackling sharply with magical energy front and centre and surrounded by open circulation, is still there, and so are the orbs it houses, many more now than a year ago at this time, swirling inside it. The voices are still there, too, whispering, sometimes louder, sometimes barely heard; sometimes threatening, sometimes offering everything you could imagine, if you just take a step closer — and one more, one more...
However, if you do, the barrier will not hesitate to throw you across the room, a safety measure both for you as much as it is for the orbs. That very barrier is what takes up most of Degar’s time, and he can be often seen striding into the barrier like it doesn’t exist, spending hours upon hours inside the barrier, fortifying it, making sure there isn’t even the smallest crack that could spread when the orbs are finally all together.
The rest of the North Wing remains as it has been: in the AI maintenance room, 0-L1V-14 still remains in Viveca’s old body, walled off from the systems of the station, but still online, with Viveca trying to spare a few moments each day to fix her coding, revert her back to the uncorrupted version she used to be.
The former team’s living quarters are still unchanged, too — or perhaps “carefully preserved” would be the better term, every single bed and item where it had been last left by their owners. The room may mean more to those, now, who had witnessed the old memories during June’s mission: the small elephant toy bringing to mind Yudae, clutching her daughter’s toy in one of the memories; the leather jacket Emerton always wore left bundled on one of the beds; a large, well-carved bow resting against the wall; a pile of neatly-arranged books underneath a bedside table.
In the power and life support room, most of the pods lining the room are still decorated with a glowing, blue stripe; all but one, which has a red one. The large room connected to it on the side, with one chair in the middle, is often occupied by Viveca — though just as often, she sits in the chair with a vacant expression, pupils moving infinitesimally, as if scanning something no one else can see.
With Viveca working hard to locate the last two orbs and Degar dedicating most of his time to containing the restless energies of those that have already been acquired, there’s really not much else to do but play the waiting game. Fortunately, the season the station has timed itself to is steadily approaching what many know as winter, making for a number of seasonably-themed options with which to distract oneself.
1.0 Though most of the Ximilia remains relatively the same, hanging from the ceiling at different parts of the station will be an unassuming sprig of mistletoe — a holdover from a previous celebration of festivities. The mistletoe (brought over from the lush forests of the planet Yeviunus) come pre-charmed with a small spell that invokes a feeling of peace and affection, meant to encourage camaraderie among the crew. Of course the festive foliage is easy enough to avoid, and the spell’s potency depends on the Orber’s susceptibility to influence.
2.0 Any members of the crew wish for a little more wintery ambiance are welcome to take a stroll in the sunlight room. (Don’t worry, this room’s projected sun is a very regular sun of the Earth variety. No watching pupils here!) Every day a fresh blanket of snow covers the ground, thick enough for one’s feet to sink into and leave impressions, and the air is crisp and full of the scents of various conifers.
The pond has frozen over, making a perfect canvas for ice fishing and ice skating. Fishing poles, hockey sticks, and ice skates of every possible size and shape can be found around the pond’s shoreline, ready for use.
Every evening, right as the sun dips into the horizon and the temperatures drop drastically, large bonfire crackles away in the room’s largest clearing. Scattered around are conveniently-placed fallen logs to offer any interested party view of the calming scene, with plenty of knitted blankets for everyone who might want one. (Or not! Perhaps there is a blanket-thief among you, and poor Orbers may be forced to share a blanket between them. Woe!)
Located not too far from the bonfire is an out-of-season tiki bar that is nevertheless doing its best. It is always fully stocked, with plenty of options for even the most discerning of drinkers.
Elsewhere within the sunlight room, Orbers may come across the memorial erected by members of the current crew. The memorial itself is a large stone pillar, its colouring hovering between gray and black; carved into it are names of everyone who has ever been a part of the crew — not just the current crew, but the past crew, too. On the stone slab the pillar stands on is a small plate, for wishes and letters; should one be placed on it, it will rise into the air as if someone were pulling it, stop once it reaches the name of the person it was meant for, and burst into flames, burning away — as if by disappearing, the words could cross between worlds and reach the one who should hear them.
3.0 Sometime in the middle of the month, the common living area will feature a simple wooden table holding a box and a sign. On the sign is a note hand-written by Degar that reads:
Next to the sign, in the box, are a neat stack of various quilt blocks for the taking, along with a number of art supplies. Perhaps now is the time to finally show off your handcrafting skills… Or maybe ask around to see who's willing to teach it.
4.0 So, about that Yulevibes Dinner. Inquiring more about it from either of the permanent residents of the station will reveal that it is a dinner meant for celebration and companionship. Every Orber is invited (and highly encouraged to attend, but of course that’s their prerogative), with the simple request that — if they so choose — they bring along a dish from their world. It’s not entirely a potluck, as there will be more than enough food to feed them all should none choose to participate, but the hope is to encourage Orbers to share a little more of their home with one another… perhaps with the intent to remind them that home is not so far away now.
The dinner is held on the third week after their return. The entire common living area has been transformed into a cozy winter retreat with low chairs, plenty of pillows and cushions, knitted blankets, stringed lights and flickering lanterns. Projected onto the walls are scenes of a calm winter evening, not unlike what one might find in the sunlight room. The main event, of course, is the dinner itself — there must be twenty, maybe even thirty-something dishes occupying a long table flanked by dozens of mismatched chairs. Have a seat, get cozy, fill up your plate and enjoy the vibes and company.
Afterwards, it’s time to lounge around and relax. Board games of various kinds from various worlds appear on low tables, popcorn is inexplicably encouraged to get strung up and worn (what else are you meant to do with it?), and hot cider is passed around by the mugful. Degar plays a few songs on his lute, but as the food coma starts to hit he switches instead to DJing a few songs he’d handpicked especially for the evening.
Barring any food fiascos (or drunken mishaps, you do you, Orbers), the evening is one of relative peace and comfort. Though brief, it provides a much-need reprieve from all that might plague one’s mind… Which is good, because the next morning comes with some rather concerning news.
The morning after the Yulevibes Dinner, Viveca’s voice rings sharply in everyone’s earpieces.
Her voice, having started out as calm and serious, turns even more grave.
It sounds as if she’s grimacing, thinking of what a single, free orb was able to do in Amaryllis Grove, all on its own.
She trails off, but what she leaves unsaid hangs in the air: no matter how much magic — no matter how powerful — that they pour into the barrier keeping the orbs from influencing everyone around them… it might not be enough. Whatever the team’s eventual decision is going to be, it might not be as clear-cut as they might have thought.
F Y I
• Throughout the month, remember that all the locations in the two wings and the center of the station are available to use, even if they’re not detailed in the prompts in this log. So feel free to make your own wildcard prompts using the training room, the armory, the living quarters, the kitchen, etc.
• If characters want to speak with Viveca or Degar (or both of them) regarding anything mentioned in this log, they are encouraged to do so through the reach the residents page.
• Please note that the voting post regarding what to do with the orbs will go live on December 20 in preparation for endgame.
• And finally, if you have questions about anything in this log, please direct them here.
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for a fleeting moment, the thought that death is a possibility does cross his mind, which he tamps down without hesitance, lips pinched at the corners and his brow furrowed. no, it just cannot come to that, regardless of the circumstances, not again—
but is that included in the promise? he's not supposed to lie, he isn't, and yet it almost feels like he is.] Whatever it takes, I... [a beat, his features softening as he finally turns back.] I promise.
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My promise to you is to do everything in my power not to let it come to that, alright? That isn't a burden you should carry, but it's one that the orbs make me worry over. [And he is perhaps understandably concerned about his ability to resist outside forces given his failures with the Yin Tiger Tally.]
And I'm very grateful my child is strong enough that he can knock me out as easily as swatting away a fly. [He chuckles under his breath.]
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or that's what he hopes, at least. who knows what the future may hold for them?
sizhui can't resist laughing at that remark, either. he did really put some oomph into making certain wei wuxian would be unconscious for a bit while he figured out what would come next.] I am a lot stronger compared to the little radish that I used to be, it's true.
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How are you feeling about our time ending here, Sizhui?
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I have mixed feelings on the situation, [he admits.] I'd like to go home, but I also want to stay here, to keep helping.
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I should tell you little radish that the future has been revealed to me. [He turns to Sizhui then, smile soft.]
I'd asked Nie-xiong a long time ago to keep it from me. When I arrived it was right after my death and I wasn't prepared to hear of it, but so close to the end here, I found myself wanting to know about everything I'd been too afraid to hear of before. [He raises a hand and affectionately passes it through Sizhui's hair.]
Do you remember when I spoke to you about the multiverse?
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yes, he remembers being told to keep the future to himself too, for fear of its revelation causing something unfortunate, and a part of him had felt angry, thinking wei wuxian deserved to know the truth, but with it being revealed now, that's... a relief. it's also worrisome in a different way, although sizhui's not focusing on that. rather than letting his feelings get the better of him, he nods at the question, careful to not dislodge the hand that's moving through his hair.]
I do. [but what does that have to do with the future back home? actually, he might have an idea, and while he does, it's another thing he doesn't want to think about too much.]
no subject
I'm not sure if you know already then, but the way the orbs work isn't to change the world we came from. Instead, if our regrets are changed, a new alternate timeline will emerge in which events will play out a different way.
Which is to say that...that no matter what you or I decide here, the world you return to will have some Wei Wuxian, even if he isn't exactly me. [Which sounds extremely strange to say out loud, but is necessary to convey to Sizhui in order to share the rest of what he wants to say.]
The thing is, I...[He pauses, second guessing himself, and huffs a soft laugh under his breath.]
If you think this is too selfish of me then say please, Sizhui. Maybe I'm being silly. [It's an old habit to fall back into, but faced with Sizhui, how can he be so selfish to say what he wants and expect him to simply accept it? Isn't it cowardly? Isn't it cruel? Isn't it too much?]
I was thinking I would stay here. [He doesn't look at Sizhui as he says it, afraid of what he'll see. Wei Wuxian has never been very good at admitting what he wants, let alone pursuing it. How could he be when it might bring harm to someone he loved?]
no subject
of course, he wants to say “it doesn't matter, you are you, regardless,” but that's so expected and level-headed, he reconsiders the idea. his arms tighten around his legs, brow furrowing, the brief sensation of petulance flaring up the longer he tries to decide how he wants to answer. eventually, riled emotions (mostly) tamped down, he sniffs, rubs his face across his knees then straightens, right hand raising to toy with the end of the ribbon draped over his shoulder.]
I... had a feeling that's what you were going to say.
[why wouldn't he want to stay here? he's made a whole other life aboard the ximilia, it makes sense that he would want to keep it, and who is he to judge?
he sighs, a watery-sounding thing, his upper-half straightens further and he tries to ignore how shamefaced he feels for letting himself feel sulky, even if only for a moment.] Of course I think it's selfish, [comes first, his breath exhaling in a rougher noise, then something almost akin to laugh.] But why shouldn't you be, after everything you've been through?
Don't you think it's time you were able to make some decisions that benefit you? I'll be fine, either way, so you should do what is going to make you the happiest, especially if the orbs will allow you to.
no subject
Rotten selfish boy.
Only caring about yourself.
Never stopping to do anything for anyone else after everything we've given you.
With nauseating effort, Wei Wuxian closes his eyes and banishes the familiar voice from his head, inhaling deeply and trying to focus back on his son. Madam Yu isn't here. And this is...it's different. He thinks it's different. It has to be different.
After a long pause, he finally allows himself to process the rest of what Sizhui's said.]
I don't know if they will allow it. It might not matter at all. [And it's a thought that makes him ache, but it's true. It might all be for naught.]
Still, I...ah, what am I saying? It really is too selfish of me, isn't it? [His voice quivers, unsure and pained.] I know you're trying to be kind, but it's irresponsible. How can I just...[He trails off, at a loss for words and trying to hide the despair settling over him.
He shouldn't stay. He shouldn't. Maybe Sizhui will have Wei Wuxian, but what if some other Sizhui doesn't because of his choice? What if going back is part of his penance for all he's done wrong?]
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he shakes his head, trying to both physically eject the voice and convey that what he said wasn't right. after turning, his arms reach out, his hands clasp wei wuxian's shoulders and he holds them firmly, making certain that they're looking at one another when he finally speaks again.]
Wei-qianbei. Xian-gege. It's not, don't listen to me. If they allow it, take your chance and do something for yourself. It's the least you deserve, do you understand?
[a slow, steadying breath, he squeezes his father's shoulders then withdraws, planting his hands in the snow between them for support, his head dropping so he can halfway hide the tears that have started streaming down his face.] I will be okay, [he reassures.] I'm— I'm strong, remember? [yes, so strong. you're crying again.] You've told me that so many times now, I have to believe it's true.
[it'd be foolish to not believe it, given the circumstances. his physical capability alone is more than enough to strengthen him and, if wei wuxian wants to take a chance on this, he should, regardless of what anyone else says.]
You can do it because you deserve to. I know it would make you happy and I want that for you.
no subject
Just because you're strong doesn't mean separation isn't hard, does it? [He smiles then, sad but not without affection or hope.]
You're too sweet to me, Sizhui. [But unlike before, the words don't sound like resignation, and the despair at least has fled.]
I wish I could have it both ways. I wish I could gather all of the people who are dear to me here and at home and keep them with me always. [His lips twitch, understanding how silly and unrealistic that is.]
The truth is that when I came here Sizhui, I had just died. I didn't intend to do anything but reach my goal and then sink quietly into death again. But then I fell in love with the Ximilia. I made friends. I made a home and it's the only one so far that hasn't been taken from me. [His parents. The Jiang sect. The Dafan Wen, all gone.]
I want to keep helping. And ah, I want to stay at Itachi's side. [He rubs at his nose at the words, a little shy. It's an admittance if not in as many words.]
But I love you a-Yuan, and I will be with you no matter where we go. And I know I'll return to you eventually, one way or another. [Maybe when his time is finished here he'll wake up from death as he was meant to, or maybe in another life. It doesn't matter when, he knows their souls will meet again.]
no subject
It's only the truth, [is the only thing he slips in at first. it's true, wei wuxian deserves better, and what if he can't find it back home?
he also isn't the only one who wishes he could take everyone from ximilia back home, but that is so, so selfish in its own way, he cannot linger on that too long. no, it would make more sense to stay here rather than try and take everyone along.
it's also completely unsurprising that wei wuxian wants to stay at itachi's side and sizhui would never fault him for that, not when he cares so deeply for the other man (and vice-versa). as hard as it is to say, there's no hesitation when he answers,] I love you, too. [there is, however, a momentary pause, his expression brightens faintly then he adds,] A-Die.
[again, he goes quiet, pondering, an idea popping into his head and his hands moving before he even really thinks. the ribbon around his forehead gets removed, he neatly takes the time to fold it together then he holds it out to wei wuxian, his head bowed, eyes shut.] Please, take this. So you'll always have a small piece of me.
no subject
One hand closes over the ribbon while the other rises to rub at his eyes, tears now flowing in earnest.]
Ah, look what you've done, silly child? You've made me cry. [As if he weren't already crying, as if he hasn't cried in front of him a dozen times now. He swipes at his eyes once more and then cradles the ribbon in both hands, holding it as if it were something fragile and precious. It is, at least, the latter. He closes his eyes for a moment, and then begins to tie the ribbon around one wrist, securing it there snugly so that it can't fall off.
Family, he remembers. Only spouses and parents.
Wei Wuxian reaches forward then and sweeps Sizhui into his arms, holding him tight.]
You are the best thing I ever got right. [Even if he didn't get to keep him, even if he'd failed the rest of the Dafan Wen, at least he saved this one little boy.]
no subject
‘sorry,’ is what he wants to say, but he's not really sorry— or, well, he does feel bad for making him cry, though assuming that they're happy tears makes him feel less bad about it. one hand rests on wei wuxian's knee, the opposite lifting so he can rub his own face that's starting to redden, his eyes welling up. he sniffs, pinches the bridge of his nose then lowers the hand, watching his father hold the ribbon so gently before he takes it and begins securing it around his arm.
sizhui's heart soars; he is warm, warmer than he's ever felt, regardless of the fact it's cold where they currently sit. the heat breaks through that and whenever wei wuxian pulls him into a hug, he wastes no time returning the gesture, throwing both arms around him and squeezing, letting the tears flow freely now.]
I've never been happier to call you my guardian.
no subject
Alright, alright! Enough of this or my heart will burst! We still have time before we have to go so why don't we share a meal, hmm? I even keep some Emperor's Smile here that I can sneak you if you promise never to tell your father on me! [It's half joking but not entirely. Look Sizhui, he doesn't want to be responsible for ruining you but surely having a drink just this one time can't be bad, right?
And it'll be nice to share a meal with him. Not the first and probably not the last, but any meal with his son is time well spent.]
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Yes, I think that would be a wonderful idea, and I promise that I will not tell. [let's just ignore the fact he's had a drink or two before with his friends, too. gods forbid it comes out and wei wuxian has to be appalled by his rule-breaking. it wasn't technically in cloud recesses, so does it really count? (loopholes and all that.) and besides, a little drink isn't going to be the thing that ruins him, after all.
it definitely won't be the last, not if sizhui has anything to say about it, and it definitely wasn't the first meal they've shared.]
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Why don't you go get your shoes and I'll follow? [He smiles and pats Sizhui's shoulder, and rather daringly follows him onto the ice without any skates. It's slippery, but as long as he's careful, he can manage.]
no subject
Okay. [and when wei wuxian steps out onto the ice too, sizhui stays close by, moving at a slow enough pace that if his father ends up slipping, he'll be right there to help catch him.]