| Without warning, the silvery light that appeared to bring new people from other worlds and old items from home appears once more, and this time it lingers, forming portals as tall as an average human near each of the three Ingress shrines. The location does not appear to be a coincidence; this time, the portals are translucent, revealing the destination on the other side. Instead of taking Avagi's residents to the future, it will take them to another world.
If they step through the portal, travelers will find something far different from where they've been living this last month: Kaittos, a peaceful world containing one large land mass and a scattering of lived-on islands across a clear blue ocean. On the mainland, a large city-state occupies the central region and southern coast and resembles what some travelers from some versions of Earth might know of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Bustling and lively, the city is clean and well provided-for due to the temperate climate and the bountiful natural resources found on its northern side; orchards, farms and forests extend into the distance, butting up against a small mountain range. The technology level is low compared to Avagi, with carriages and candles in place rather than cars and electric lights, but the craftsmen of the world have managed some very impressive mechanical feats.
Kaittans, the local residents of the world appear somewhat humanoid, but the bipedal race has hooves rather than feet, silvery skin and three eyes with vertical pupils. Although there is no sign of any other sentient species in the world, the locals are nonetheless excited to meet their guests, rather than suspicious or afraid; for some reason, they are not surprised that aliens exist, merely that they are here.
In the weeks to come, the stabilized portals will provide a respite from the more confined lifestyle aboard Avagi. Travelers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to explore the land. Some things they'll find include...
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With all their material needs taken care of, the civilization on Kaittos has come to highly value cultivation of the mind. The city itself is full of what can only be generalized as culture. Theaters, art galleries and sizable libraries can be found on every tier, but what they offer is not contained by their walls. Street musicians appear on every other corner, artists are easily found sketching at beautiful viewpoints or interested passersby, and people are as likely to find themselves pulled in to participate in a scene or improvisational performance as they are to witness one. Public debate and rhetoric are also valued, with credit given for style and clarity as much as substance. At the center of the city, a large conservatory teaches lessons in many fields to anyone who cares to study.
This love of culture is so encompassing that visitors who wish to acquire items or resources will find that culture is also the main form of currency. To get something, they will have to give something. Those with skills that fall into traditional arts and culture could offer a piece of art, a music lesson or participation in a debate with other philosophical scholars, perhaps. But visitors will also find that the locals have a deep hunger for information and wish to learn about other worlds; if they can offer nothing else, sitting down with a scholar to record a tale of folklore or an adventure from their own. Lessons in whatever skills they possess are likely to be eagerly sought after, although the aptitude to learn them may not be there.
For those who wish to gain resources or make purchases, a bartering economy does exist to a degree, but it is difficult to break into, as there is little that the locals would truly need from their visitors. The exchange of knowledge is much more prized. Keep in mind, though, that while the Kaittans are not ungenerous, they have an eye for value—the more precious something is, the more travelers will have to offer to earn it, and individuals have their preferences. What might be just the thing desired by one could be pooh-poohed by another.
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While many on Kaittos see food as the fuel that keeps their bodies going so they may better cultivate their minds, others see cooking itself as an art. This is especially prevalent in this section of the city, located deep in the heart of the city, where chefs toil over new recipes and experiment with new ingredients, serving meals free of charge—unless you consider sitting through a lengthy survey afterwards to be a payment, of course.
Although some meals are unpalatable or even dangerous to human bodies, most can be enjoyably consumed. However, around one in five chefs make extensive use of a particular herb that is incredibly delicious—and somewhat addicting. Those who begin to develop a dependency will visit again and again, and the more they consume, the more they may not want to leave at all...
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Spoken of in hushed voices, this section of woods is regarded with great caution. A space of around ten acres is home to many natural springs that form natural pools between copses of trees, many of which hang dropping branches with deep blue leaves over the surface of the water. If asked, the locals will say that this place is where some very old Kaittans—which are an extremely long-lived species—who have decided they've studied everything available in the world and mastered every skill they can, go to "renew" themselves. They prefer to speak of it in vague terms, as specific discussion of this choice is seen as something of a faux pas. If greatly pressed, it is possible to learn the details ahead of time—but difficult.
The truth is that the water of the springs, when mixed with a chemical secreted by the fallen blue leaves, represses memories of those who drink it. Not to the point of complete amnesia; a sip might do away with the recollection of a particular book that was enjoyed, while multiple glasses might hide the memory of a longer period of time. However, there is no control over what is forgotten, or how much is too much. The Kaittans who grow too frustrated with what they view as stagnancy drink to forget so they may have the joy of learning all over again, but the lack of control makes it a risky choice—and some continue to return to drink after they otherwise would have, as they have forgotten what they wanted to forget.
(Of note to those of the psychic persuasion: memories affected by the spring water are not utterly obliterated, but merely deeply sublimated. It is possible to retrieve them, but it would be a challenge, especially if the placement of the memory gaps are not obvious.) |
| While Kaittos’ architecture and culture includes plenty to admire, a few points of interest stand both literally and figuratively above the rest. Three large pyramids tower over the landscape, shining the brilliant metallic blue of a local ore. Over the coming weeks, these structures will be adorned with temporary murals and hangings—apparently, a yearly celebration is approaching.
What kind of celebration? The kind, fortunately (?), that visitors are welcome to join in! November 23 marks the anniversary of what they call the Great Awakening: a visit by a powerful spirit that opened their people's awareness to worlds and cultures outside their own. For the next few weeks, the temples offer welcome to anyone who wishes to participate in their trials. On the day of the Awakening, all who succeed will experience a remnant of the spirit's gift. While descriptions of the process vary, all center around heightened awareness: of each other, and of worlds and places far beyond their shores. Those who decide to make this attempt may choose which temple—and which trial—they would face.
Trial of Life
A test for warriors and scouts, this trial is not recommended to the casual. On entering the temple, participants will find themselves in a maze of obstacles and passages, struggling for survival against dangers both mobile and environmental. To succeed, they must pass inside with no more resources or weapons than can be carried in two hands, and survive for a period of five days. The attackers and hazards within the space are phantasms generated by the temple: solid enough to harm or kill, but prone to re-appearing even once a region should be cleared.
Needless to say, extensive warnings will be given to those expressing interest in the trial. Most who attempt do so in groups, and teamwork among participants is readily encouraged. Those who need to leave early are welcome to do so, but fleeing does count as a failure.
Trial of Communion
The inside of this temple is divided up into a series of open booths. Participants are assigned a station, and will be approached by members of the local population with various disputes that require arbitration. The purpose of the trial is twofold: to assist others with their problems, and to test those making the attempt—in patience, debate, and their skill at resolving conflict through the use of words.
No authority is granted to those taking this test. None of those who come before them are obliged to listen. The participants will be presented with conflicts that have been saved up through the year, and required to work out a solution. This can include anything from property disputes to marriage arguments to literal children's squabbles. Breaks are allowed for food and basic rest, but otherwise, those taking the trial will need to spend five days in continual discourse for the sake of others. Those who give up on any problems brought before them or resort to violence in solving them are considered to have failed the trial.
Trial of Healing
The third temple presents no dangers, whether to one's life or to one's sanity. Instead, it serves as a medical center. Those stepping inside will experience a strange peacefulness and sense of comfort—one the full-time staff confirm has helped many patients to recover. While this temple is open throughout the year, the weeks preceding the Awakening are nonetheless a time of gathering: when healers of all disciplines will come together to assist those in need.
While doctors or healers are welcome to share information with their peers, no special skill or training is required to attempt this trial. Instead, participants are asked to spend a period of ten days doing whatever work is required to assist the sick. While most of the ailments brought to the temple are longer-term in nature, it also functions as a triage center for those harmed in the Temple of Life. |
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thisavrou_log2017-11-09 08:50 pm
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[FROWNING INTENSIFIES.]
You passed out, man! We figured you just pulled another Shiro.
[He rolls his eyes upwards, spreading his hands out to the sky] Oh look at me, I'm Shiro! I never have to sleep or rest or trust my team with stuff because I can handle everything on my own! So what if I end up in the hospital so often I practically have my own bed reserved?
8(
[At least he has the grace to look legitimately baffled by this news. He shakes his head, pushing himself into a sitting position.]
No, no I left... I thought. They sent me --
[Back, he was trying to say. But then Hunk just keeps on going and. Well. Shiro shuts the hell up and stares at him.]
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How many times is it gonna be before you trust us? Until you let us take some of this on? Until you stop thinking that you gotta nearly get yourself killed at least once a month to... I don't know, what, prove how much you care about us? Whatever it is, it's gotta stop, dude. We already lost Keith and Lance.
[His voice has risen steadily as his rant gains steam, and now it breaks slightly.]
We didn't know if you were gonna wake up, man.
8( ...
[He'd been fine. Literally fine. Honestly. He'd meant it to just be a fakeout, just a joke, but this -- he'd been out for a week? Had he just dreamed all of that?]
[He looks down, hand touching the side of his chest. Over the ribs. It hadn't felt like a dream.] I didn't... I was back.
[If he weren't getting a literal lecture from Hunk, of all people, he'd have better words for this. A better explanation. Anything. He doesn't. Because there's nothing untrue about what Hunk is saying. If the whole new few months of information were anything to go by.]
[We already lost Keith and Lance.]
[He shuts his eyes, looks away.]
I'm...
This was out of my hands. But that's ... that's no excuse. [Because it's not going to sound believable at this point, is it? He let them down too hard this time.]
I'm sorry.
OH MY GOD SHIRO
I know. [He's quieter now, though no less serious.] I know this isn't your fault. But, Shiro... we really worry about you. We want you to take care of yourself. We don't want you to risk yourself all the time. You aren't gonna let us down by taking a break and taking care of yourself.
[And that's when Hunk bends down to wrap Shiro in his arms, pulling his friend in for a tight, warm hug.]
You're not just our leader, you're our friend. A teammate. Family, yeah? You're just as important as we are.
whoops
[Hard not to revert to your old habits, when things hit the fan. And even in -- whatever not-a-dream that had been, it happened again.]
I know you do. I... I want to say I was trying. And then all this... Then we lost Lance and Keith.
[And he lost sight of what he was trying to do. He almost promises he'll try again, but then there's arms around him. He blows out a breath, and does the same, nodding. It's time to get back into a new habit. Isn't it? For everyone's sake.]
I'm okay now. Promise you. Not hurt or anything.
[He's quiet for a few more moments, before he adds:] ... so. Space taco, huh?
WEEP
Okay, good. Just ... try to stay that way, huh?
[ And he actually blows out a breath on a half-laugh when Shiro mentions the tacos. ] Yeah, space tacos, man. Pretty genius, huh?
[ And that's when Hunk blinks, pulling back a little so he can look Shiro in the eye. ] Wait. How ... far in the future are you now, exactly?
wellp
Yeah, yeah, buddy. I'll try.
[Hunk laughing, even halfway, is also better.] Couldn't have said it better myself.
... And. Not farther than you, I don't think. There... was a ferret...
OPE
Yeah, uh, sorry for not warning you about him. Hey, in some realities I bet he's not all bad?
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No.
Just. Absolutely no. If I ever have to see him again, it'll be too soon.
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Aw, but he was pretty fuzzy and cute. When he wasn't, you know. Talking.
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[Sorry, Hunk. After the lecture, after all the pent up irritation never really got a chance to dump out, now is apparently the time.]
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I give it five seconds. I really do.
... sorry. I don't mean to unload like that.
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So. [Hunk rubs at the back of his neck.]
What... do you remember last? [Is he still the team member that's the furthest ahead of everyone? Please say no.]
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... What I just told you. Yelling at the ferret.
[So. Yeah, Hunk, you're the one who's furthest ahead. Because he doesn't remember anything like an all-out assault on Zarkon. Except --]
But, in weirder news? Pretty sure the Black Lion put me in a mental cage match against its ex-Paladin.
[If you know what he means.]
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Wait, you--
[He'd always wondered about that, what had happened exactly when Shiro went poof.]
You brain fought Zarkon?
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It was when you guys went to the swap moon with Coran. I was trying to get closer to the Lion... and...
It just ... started showing me things. Where it was made. Planets I'd never seen. And then Zarkon was there. Just showed up.
So we fought.
[His expression brightens, briefly. As he suddenly looks a great deal younger than before.]
I punched Zarkon. Hunk, I got him right in the face.
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You punched Zarkon in the face?
[Then his mouth drops and he lets out a half-laugh.]
That is so awesome!
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[He can't help it. He literally can't help it. He starts laughing too. Gripping Hunk's shoulders.]
[It sounds so ludicrous, but... yeah. Yeah, pretty awesome.]