voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post February]

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A New Platform [Intro Post February]

On the Train

Three days after the Voidtreckers return to the void after their adventures on the biosphere world, they are awoken by a familiar announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day Sixteen of the month of Jelly. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed, and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train for a while will also be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform. The fog seems thicker than usual and as they step out onto the platform they will find it is cold, very cold. Icy fog sticks to their clothing, makes it hard to see very far; the atmosphere is dark and gloomy.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Alexis Rhodes, Elfnein, Itsuki Myoudouin, Ken Ichijouji, MT, Neku Sakuraba, Nike Lemercier, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Rainbow Dash, Rei Saotome, Taichi Yagami, Tsubomi Hanasaki, Yuri Tsukikage and Zechs Merquise all pass through the platform, not looking back before they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours, in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam, billowing around them as they come to their senses. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, glass and dark stone rising in sturdy arches around them. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single track extending both ways into thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze; then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large with sixteen figures scattered around, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. To both the left and right, tracks disappear into the mist. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out step a strange assortment of people. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple, though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

The Train

After a short time, the doors hiss open again. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there's anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would lead to something terrible. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, including several crates of avocados, the ingredient of the month of Jelly, as well as all sundries.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches full of spare blankets and pillows.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers braving the freezing fog, and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady itself. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

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[ Thanatos looks down at their hands. Even this feels familiar, and it's as much of a pain as it is a comfort. Talk, try to make him understand, just like with Hypnos. ]

You said that we were having one of our contests, that you died and expected to arise from the Pool of Styx.... I'm telling you that's impossible with me trapped here. Not unless there's another Tha--Death Incarnate in your world. You should have been stuck wherever you were in the Underworld when I was taken.

[ Thanatos looks around them uneasily. This is not the place to discuss such a delicate matter. Not when it puts himself and others (more importantly others) at a potential risk. Wait. Does Zagreus even know what happens when Death Incarnate is trapped? Has he spent all that time with that knave-king and never heard him gloat about how he captured Death? The chaos and pain he caused the world for an entire month? Blood and darkness. What lies has Sisyphus been telling Zagreus?

Thanatos's voice drops to a whisper, hoping only Zagreus would be able to hear. He's close, close enough to pet Mort. (Who has stops squeaking but still seems very agitated over wanting to protect Thanatos but not knowing how.) This is the second time in a few days he's had to speak of that humiliating time. Traumatic might be the better word, but he's a god. He can't admit to being traumatized by a mortal, even as a godling. ]

You may be strong enough to not need my help anymore, especially after finally defeating your father. But nothing should have died in over two weeks. You wouldn't even make it out of Tartarus because the wretches won't die. And neither would you. No matter how badly you--

[ His voice falters then because he pictures Zagreus in such a condition, and it threatens break him if he continues. ]

Oh. So you're not upset at me?

[HELL YES. It's a big, Bouldy-sized weight off Zagreus' shoulders, that's for sure.]

Look, I know it sounds impossible, but... we've made the impossible possible these last few days, haven't we? Or nights? [He squeezes Than's hand, briefly.] What I mean to say is... perhaps something else is going on. This place has got to be connected to the Styx somehow, right? Because I haven't started fading at all. Or maybe it's something else we haven't thought of yet. What matters is that I'm here now, so we can work together to figure this out. I may not need your help to get out of the Underworld - but I want your help here.

[He sees the way Thanatos' golden eyes dart around nervously, hears his voice break. It takes no time at all for Zagreus to get why he's so nervous.]

There's got to be a private place around here to talk, yeah? If you've been here for two weeks, then you'll know best. Lead the way, Than.

Did you think I'd just leave you to fend for yourself? You'll always have my help, Zag.

[ He says quietly. However, trying to piece everything together will have to wait. This is too public of an area. Thanatos nods. With his free hand, he grabs Zagreus's bag. With his other, he holds on tightly. Then he focuses.

Zagreus's soul is easy for him to hold onto. He's had a part in helping him to defy death so often, knotting the cut ends of his thread back together so Zagreus could keep going a little longer. It's feels exactly how it should. If not for the issue of death being absent, Thanatos could fully believe this is the Zagreus he knows. The same one he went against his nature and risked everything for.

Holding onto Zagreus like this, body and soul, Thanatos shifts them both the short distance to the upper floor of the quiet carriage. He let's go and hands the bag to Zagreus. ]

Here. We can talk in here. It blocks out sounds, and this particular one also blocks out light.

[ Thanatos pulls out a little paper sign saying "Do not disturb. Death and Darkness inside" and wedges it between the window pane and the door. Then he opens the door to the booth. It's blissfully dark with greater periwinkle covering the window and lights. Thanatos takes a seat on the bench, and his whole body sags. He's tired. 16 days of high internal stress and emotions he's never had to process before are doing a number on him. He feels very broken on the inside. ]

Zagreus... I'm not saying you're wrong about what you remember before coming here. It's probably like that for you. But, trust me too, all right? There's no reason for me to lie, about any of this.

[Zag. That simple word releases a tension in him that he'd unknowingly held onto. It was the first time since he'd arrived that Thanatos had called him by his familiar nickname. A relieved sigh escapes his lips as he feels the familiar sensation of being teleported away, his hand still firmly grasping Thanatos', things being as they should between them.

He takes his bag, struggling one-handed to pull off the remains of his polo shirt while Thanatos sets up the quiet room. Upon entering, the serene darkness gets vaguely lit up by the glow coming from Zagreus' feet and laurels. The purple blooms in the firelight cause Zagreus to gaze upon them, still unused to seeing anything growing in the eternal winter of the surface world.]

Than, these are beautiful. What are they?

[He sets his burnt polo shirt and bag on the opposite bench seat, his fingers brushing over green leaves with fascination. Of course, when Thanatos begins speaking, his attention is drawn away, to the conversation they were meant to be having.]

And I believe you. But this talk of another Zagreus, it's... clearly we recognize each other, right? So you've got to be the Than I know, and I've got to be the Zagreus you know and bail out of death every so often.

[Okay, a lot more often lately. But that's for another time.]

Why did we get brought here? More importantly, why did we not get brought at the same time?

Greater periwinkle--That's not important right now.

[ Thanatos knows he needs to talk to Zagreus about Persephone. He needs to tell him about so many things, but if he jumps around from topic to topic, he fears nothing will be said overall. He's having a hard enough time sorting out his thoughts and feelings over everything.

He takes a moment to take a deep breath, head in his hands like he's seen some mortals do to steady themselves. Death Incarnate is clearly overwhelmed, and he once more thinks bitterly that he's not as independent as his mother would say. He doesn't know what to do, how to act. Persephone and Ryo think he should be something other than Death, but he's still working on that. ]

I don't know why. The train brings people from all kinds of worlds and times, even ones that have a lot of overlap. Like us, I fear....

[ A report. Act like this is giving a report. Push down emotions. Thanatos straightens up and looks in Zagreus's direction. He's free to say what he hinted at on the platform. No one can use this information against him. ]

You said you're good at escaping places. I seem to be the opposite. I find myself good at being captured, and when Death is captured, death stops. No one dies, but they still get hurt. They still get sick. They still suffer, but there's no final rest. No end.

It's... it's happened before when I was trapped, still present in my world. Nothing died for a month. The world was thrown into turmoil. It took longer to fix thing and catch up. Being here has to be the same. Imagine trying to escape the Underworld when your father's forces don't die. There is no way to proceed, and there's not even a way for you to return to the House because you can't die either. You're stuck.

[ Maybe he shouldn't have phrased things that way because the houseservant featured so many times on the lounge board finds his composure crumbling again. ]

Here's what I know, what you can compare with. Two weeks have passed where no one can die. You've only escaped, beaten your father, once. But you came back because you still died, more peacefully but still died. Your father knows I've been helping you and confronted me about it in front of everyone. I just found Mort here when I found him in my bag. The court musician has been reunited with his muse... You've dumped a lot of nectar on me, like you've done with everyone else... What more is...? You've also talked to me about Hypnos, and I've been trying for whatever good that's doing...

[ He's not sure what else he could say to give Zagreus a sense of where, when, he's coming from. ]

Do you understand? Why I, I don't want it to be like this, but what other explanation is there? If what we know and what should happen don't match up?

[ Thanatos's eyes look a little too desperate, far too pained and worried. He's not looking to convince Zagreus of anything.

He's hoping to be proven wrong. Please, tell him he's wrong, Zag. ]

Greater periwinkle...

[He repeats the name to himself a few times, committing it to memory, committing another of his Mother's domain to memory. It may not seem important to Thanatos now, but it is important to him, in its own way.

Seeing Thanatos actually act like he's overwhelmed is a new one for Zagreus. He's used to Thanatos insisting that he needn't be fussed over, that he doesn't have time to take a break with so many mortal souls to collect. It worries him so much that he finds himself shifting to sit beside his friend, multi-hued eyes glimmering with concern in the dim light. It must be hard for Thanatos to talk about all this, even if he'd already heard all of this from a different source.]

... I know what happened, Than. Or at least the basics of it. Sisyphus had mentioned it before, though I'd never really brought it up to you because... well... I thought it might be unpleasant for you to relive that. He seems to regret it, for what it's worth. Heard Lord Cousin Ares was quite upset about the whole thing, that Hermes managed to smooth it over... I'm sure it must have been tough for you.

[His hand rests comfortingly on Thanatos' knee. The prince can't possibly know how hard it was, but he can sympathize.]

If it's true that we're from different worlds, which I still find hard to believe, because you're clearly my Than... I'm sure you must also know that the Household wouldn't let me stay trapped forever, not in Tartarus, not in Asphodel, and certainly not in Elysium. Nyx would send Achilles, or Meg, to bring me back, since they have authority over the wretches and shades.

[As much as it pains him to admit, he's not sure his father wouldn't leave him to metaphorically rot. But he dismisses that thought for now, focusing his attention on Thanatos.]

That's exactly what happened, the first time I escaped. Father accosted you about me, and I felt really, really bad about that... I changed the terms of Orpheus' pact so he could visit Eurydice... and you and Hypnos have been talking more, which is nice. I think it's good for him. And of course I'm going to give you nectar, Than, you're my friend. That's what friends do for each other, isn't it?

But there's more. I managed to reduce the terms of Sisyphus' sentence so that the Fury Sisters don't bother him as often. They're usually too busy trying to handle me, anyway. I also got Achilles' contract amended so he can visit Elysium whenever he wants, and see Patroclus. They clearly missed each other, so I'm hoping this will make them both happy. As for how many times I've gotten past my father, it's been... well, more than once. [The exact number would probably freak Thanatos out more, so for now, he'll let it slide.]

Could it just be that I'm from later on? In your sisters' tapestry, I mean. That time has moved on for me, but hasn't for you, at least not yet?

... I've been reliving it ever since I got here.

[ Ever since he discovered he couldn't shift back to the Underworld, that the train was a bigger chest he was trapped in. Thanatos doesn't even realize that he's hugging his arms close to his body. He was chased earlier, though it was all a misunderstanding. Raven wanted to help, but he thought he was in danger, that he risked being trapped further. There isn't much that scares Death Incarnate, but the train has managed to tap into his greatest fears with hardly any effort.

Thanatos breaks out of those thoughts when he feels Zagreus put his hand on his knee. When had he moved? He looks over him when he speaks again, and his eyes widen just a bit. "My Than?" He feels a thump and warmth in his chest that he can't explain when Zagreus said that. ]

They... [ A breath. ] They wouldn't. Mother Nyx, would send someone after you, search for you... when they realized you weren't dying but also not moving forward.

[ He's been such a wreck that he completely forgot that there are others in the House whose roles are not impacted by his disappearance. Death is just the most common way for Zagreus to reach the House. It's not the only one.

Thanatos listens, finding his emotions calming as Zagreus goes on... At least until Zagreus mentions that he's changed Sisyphus's sentence--No, no. Thanatos can't think of that right now. He shoves that knowledge and mess of feelings away to be dealt with later. (Or never. Thanatos would be okay with that.) He can't fully hide the hurt that flashes across his face, so he turns away to stare at some point on the wall. There is just too much to process without adding that titanic revelation.

He grasps onto the mention of his sisters instead. ]

It's possible... No one fully knows how the Three Fates weave their stories. I only help cut the threads they use. But... nngh, I don't know.

I know. Or more like, I can see why this place would bother you. And I wish you hadn't had to go through it alone all this time.

[His hand squeezes Than's knee to remind him that he's here now, that he won't be alone in his pain. But when Thanatos pales at the mention of Sisyphus, Zagreus winces, realizing quickly that he probably shouldn't have brought that up so soon after, especially when Thanatos glances away from him.

And it's the worst feeling in the world.]

I just wanted to make sure you knew, I... didn't want you to feel lied to at all.

[Instead of trying to explain himself just now, he instead takes a move he doesn't often and holds his tongue about it for the time being. Thanatos will ask about it later, when he's ready. Zagreus will happily explain how Sisyphus is a changed man then. For now, though... he leans over to rest his head on Than's shoulder, in an attempt to comfort his oldest and dearest friend without smothering him. And to comfort himself a little too, if he's being honest.]

And we won't know until their prophecy is fulfilled, right? So we just have to wait and see what happens. And I'm willing to wait it out and see with you, if you're all right with that, Than.

[ Thanatos tried so hard to hide how badly his capture had shaken him, but he can't escape the reminders here. There is no escape. He should have realized that horrible time would come back to haunt him. But he won't think on it now. He can't.

When he feels Zagreus rest his head on his shoulder, Thanatos tenses for a moment. But, he soon relaxes, no longer hugging himself. He lets himself listen to and feel Zagreus's presence, warmth soothing his nerves. Hesitantly, Thanatos tilts his head to rest it atop Zagreus's. How long has it been since they were close like this? Head against head, side against side... all that's missing is being a pair of godlings holding hands with things not as complicated as they are now. ]

I... haven't been fully alone. Ryo and Persephone--not your mother or even the Queen of the Underworld--she's from another world. She made this quiet booth dark for when I feel too ill from all the overwhelming sensations. The dark and quiet help.

[ And so does being next to Zagreus like this if Thanatos is honest. It's like a thread tethering him, something to hold onto. ]

But, if I must to wait and see whatever the Fates have in store. Doing so alongside you isn't so bad.

I'm glad you've found people who care about you here, Than. Having friends is important, especially in situations like these. [Instinctively, his hand leaves Thanatos' knee and reaches for his hand instead, the slender fingers that are cool to the touch easily fitting into his own like gears in the Temple, smooth and seamless.] And I'm glad I already have a friend - it will definitely make things easier with you here.

[Feeling Thanatos not only resist the impulse to push away, but to actually rest his head on him, fills Zagreus' chest with warmth in a way he certainly wasn't expecting. The sensation of Lady Aphrodite's boons filling him with power comes quickly to mind. It's definitely not unpleasant, but Blood and Darkness, now is not the time to be swept up in it. Not when he almost scared Thanatos away with his damned blabbermouth. Not when he's just now got Thanatos comfortable enough with him to cuddle in the dark. Not when his need for Than to stay by him in this unfamiliar place is so great.

Any anyway, isn't he supposed to lay lavish gifts at Thanatos' feet to show his affections? Really should see if this place can source any Ambrosia for him.]

Heh. Well it's certainly not bad for me, at any rate. I'm glad you stopped to find me, Than. Though I am sorry about the, er, heated entrance. [And he holds out his fiery toes and wiggles them a little, the dark shadows cast by his dim light dancing on the walls with each little movement.]

... speaking of which, is there a place I can get different clothes? I doubt half-burnt ones will be acceptable by any mortal customs. [He glances back down at his own bare chest, briefly, but he dares not move his head much. Not when he is serving an all-important function of being Thanatos' pillow.]

[ Thanatos's fingers curl around Zagreus's so easily without any conscious thought. He notices his heart (usually so still) thump once, twice. It's times like this that Thanatos feels like they are two sides of the same weaving, somehow one and the same. Like how they should have been before everything started falling apart, fraying. Although, feeling that makes the distance between them--time and understanding--all the more painful and confusing. ]

You're not alone. And there's nothing to stop me from helping you here. No work on the surface calling me away.

[ But the sentiments are ruined by Zagreus talking about his singed clothing. Thanatos gives a light scoff that sounds like "You're ridiculous." But the spell has been accidentally broken. Break's over, back to business. Thanatos is thinking more about helping Zagreus settle than the mystery between the two of them. He straightens up, no longer resting his head on Zagreus's. His hand remains linked with his for the time being. ]

There should be more in your bag, but I ordered my clothing from home. It should be in one of the packages delivered. I can give you some of the ones I was issued until you get replacements. There's also a spider who will make some clothing for you in exchange for a snack.

Not like that stopped you before, but... thank you, Than. It means a lot to me.

[Zag really should learn to shut his damn mouth sometimes. And just when they were getting comfortably snuggly, too! Damn it, maybe next time.]

Oh, there is? [And he moves to dig into his bag, finding another blue polo and hoodie.] Ah, these ones are in blue too. Damn it. [Huffing, he finally pulls on a fresh shirt, covering himself up again.] I'll have to see about talking with this spider sometime, then. Are your clothes blue, too? No, wait, your band's red.

[And he points to the SCA around his wrist.]

[ Thanatos moves over and shows Zagreus his sleeve in his glow. Red fabric, just like how his band is red. With all the chaos of his arrival, and Thanatos's reaction, Thanatos isn't surprised he didn't notice. ]

So is what I'm wearing.

[ It feels strange wearing red. It's the color of the royal family. It's what Hypnos wears... which is decidedly not of the royal family but still red. The color isn't Thanatos, and he hasn't felt like he fit the team he was assigned to. Pointless is what it is. ]

Along with the other clothes I was given upon arrival. I could trade you some of what I have. You'll have to deal with my name written on it though.

[ Thanatos doesn't fully understand why the labels are necessary, but he also hasn't had laundry duty yet. He moves to get up. Snuggle time is over. ]

Come. I'll show you where our rooms are.

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A New Platform [Intro Post February]

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Shirtless Zag just for you

If only Than was in a better mind to enjoy the sight

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End thread at them heading to Than's cabin for clothes swap?