voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-02-01 06:00 am

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!
longforgottenpromise: (Default)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-08 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
Taiki didn't peruse his hand but nor did he move from his place in between them, as much protecting Vexen from Xion as Xion from Vexen.

He looked at Xion, sorrowfully, he understands her protectiveness. He knows the urge to want to protect another. Still his face turned stern as he looked at them both.

"No one shall harm anyone."
thawed_pride: (Nort-Do not test my patience.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-08 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
"What happened between me and Axel...I would hardly call it a fight." That cruel, taunting smile still haunted him, from time to time. The way Axel had caught him while he was already wounded, gloated before finishing him off. The abject terror he'd felt would have stuck with him even if it wasn't glaring in its supposed impossibility. "But while it would be untruthful of me to claim I harbor no resentment toward him, I do understand the complications of the situation. I am willing to work things out civilly with him, if he is willing to offer me the apology I am due."
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded And Ready)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-08 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
"And if he isn't? I still won't let you hurt him. Him or anyone else here," she said firmly, her voice sounding angrier than she was because the highest part of the terror was gone and she was, oddly enough, afraid of losing the fear. Because what if she needed to protect them, if he did attack Axel and she wasn't ready?

Yet at the same time... If he didn't actually attack anyone. If he was like Demyx, just there... could she go back to what she had gotten used to herE? Being less afraid all the time? Or would she have to constantly be ready, like she had been back at the Castle, always sure than anyone other than Axel or Roxas could be under orders to turn her into a dusk? She would know what to expect with some members of the Organization. It was hard to be scared of Demyx here, even for her, because he wouldn't do anything unless he was ordered to, and sometimes not even then. But where was this one's standing in the Organization? Could he order Demyx to go after her or Axel? She wasn't sure, but... this fear was different than the fear when she first saw him. This was the longer fear, the fear that stayed with her, that she hadn't even realized wasn't with her constantly anymore until now, until it was back.
longforgottenpromise: (thoughtful)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-09 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
He turned, reaching out to Xion, a hand on her arm, very aware of the weapon so close to him.

But he can ignore that fear, ignore how the weapon makes him feel.

"No one will hurt anyone. Please Xion, let's go inside."

If anything the warmth and a seat might de-escalate the situation.
thawed_pride: (Nort-Why am I still here?)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-09 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
"Unless someone like Marluxia or Xemnas is present, I can't think of any reason why I would wish to harm anyone else. My goal is to help people, not to inflict yet more suffering upon innocent victims."

Though, he couldn't deny the possibility that some more manipulative sorts might play at being innocent victims. If he cold play the part of a monster so well that even Luxord hadn't called his bluff, surely actual monsters could do the reverse.

"As for Axel, if he refuses to acknowledge wrongdoing, I will do what is necessary so that I feel safe. Seeing as he has a distinct advantage over me..." One of his hands unconsciously drifted to his other arm, rubbing a spot just above the wrist. "Picking a fight hardly seems like the smartest course of action."
nobodys_puppet: (Together in the 'hood)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-09 05:36 am (UTC)(link)
She almost said that if Xemnas were here she'd be the first to attack. She didn't, but Taiki would feel a massive spike of anger and fear at his name. Confusion at Marluxia's name, but then, Xion hardly remembered him... if she remembered him at all outside of what Axel had told her.

"I won't let you or anyone else hurt him," she said, firmly, though she finally acceded to Taiki's request and nodded at him, vanishing the Keyblade. She was willing to go inside, but she was keeping her eyes on Vexen. Just in case.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-09 07:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"Right... No one is hurting anyone..."

He hoped. The blade was gone, Vexen was agreeing a fight would not be a wise course of action.

He wished Lord Gyousou was here, he's on the platform somewhere but the fog and sleet is too thick for him to see him and even if he could... he didn't want to drag his king into this.

He was supposed to be good at this after all. He reached out for Xion's hand as they moved towards the train.
thawed_pride: (Nort-This is far too close for comfort.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-10 02:57 am (UTC)(link)
What in Light's name had Axel been teaching this girl? A mixture of terror and anger flooded his shadow of a heart, as he envisioned Lea coming at him with Keyblade in hand, and Xion lunging at him from behind as soon as he dared to try to defend himself. His face went pale at the thought, and it took him a moment to realize the other two were moving.

He followed hesitantly, eyes darting between Xion and their surroundings. If she would back Lea in an attempt to murder him...he could only imagine how much she must have hated him. Axel's sadistic smile, the satisfied 'goodbye' that had been the last thing he heard before overwhelming pain had obscured everything, hovered at the back of his mind, fueling his imagination as to the kinds of things the assassin might have said about him. Even worse that they were almost all true. And now they were leading him into an enclosed space, where Axel was evidently waiting somewhere. A whisper of doubt in the back of his mind wondered what if this was a trap. Axel had been manipulative and conniving, attacking him while he was still weak from fighting Sora. What if he had told Xion to lead perceived enemies to him, so they could ambush potential threats in tandem?

It took almost a minute for him to find his voice amidst the tangle of emotions and worries, and he stopped just shy of stepping onto the train.

"Before I enter...first, promise me this: that you are not leading me to Axel. I shall not allow anyone to lead me to a second execution, not even you."
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded Self)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-10 05:52 am (UTC)(link)
She had been tense as she walked behind Taiki, not wanting a dangerous element at her back, but she needed to be between Taiki and harm, between the train and the danger. She was as aware of him walking behind her as she could be, so when he stopped, she stopped right after. She listened to what he said. Two things hitting her at once.

She could not and would not make that promise. She owed it to Axel to be the one to let him know he was here, and wanted to be there protect him if it went wrong.

But the other thing...

She turned to face him. "Why do you keep saying that?" she challenged. Even her? What was that supposed to mean? Was this more about her being a failure? Being broken? Was this because she had the Keyblade and e wanted to use it like Xemnas wanted to use it? Was it something else?
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-12 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
"Lea wouldn't..." His voice is soft, but determined. Lea wouldn't execute someone. He wasn't that sort of person, he wouldn't kill someone who stood among them unarmed.

But Xion doesn't promise that and Taiki is aware that his own words mean nothing when next to hers. He glances at them both sadly.
thawed_pride: (Nort-I had become a monster.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-12 04:59 am (UTC)(link)
He glanced at Taiki and shook his head. "You do not know my history with Axel. He already killed me once."

Then he turned back to Xion, and hesitated for a moment. A crawling feeling in the pit of his stomach told him she wouldn't like the explanation, but...he owed it to her regardless, didn't he?

"I speak of you as if you are special to me because...I am the one responsible for your existence. I failed you horribly, both in not being there when you so desperately needed my expertise, and in leaving you with the Organization in the first place, knowing how they would regard any deviation from your original concept. For that, I owe you an immeasurable debt...but not one that is to be paid in more violence!"
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded Pain)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-12 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
Special. Because she could use the Keylade. That was what they kept telling her, back then. Se and Roxas were special because they were the only ones who could finish Kingdom Hearts. Her ands clenched at the word. Anger swirling in her. And disgust. And self hatred for all she had done back then, for having helped Xemnas.

But when he said he was responsible for her existence... she stared at him. "You... were the reason they created me?" she asked, horrified. Things would have been better for Roxas and Axel if she had never been created, right? She had no clue what he meant by failing her or debt, though. "You told them to rip apart Sora to make a puppet that would steal from Roxas too?" she whispered. Her head was spinning, and starting to hurt. She staggered a bit. "I... don't understand," she mumbled. "Any of this..." She was shaking terribly now, confused and in pain. Her head felt like it was splitting.
longforgottenpromise: (listening)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-13 10:04 am (UTC)(link)
"Sorry..." The apology comes automatically, before the words that Vexen say even hit him. But then they do. Lea had killed him?

And Vexen was the one responsible for Xion's existence?

She glanced at her, reaching out to catch her as she stumbled, drawing her towards him as he reached up to stroke her hair, or her hood at least.

"Maybe..." He looked between them. This had all gone wrong. He was supposed to be able to help people and yet...

He had failed. Once again.

"Maybe we should let you get settled, I think... Xion needs time to..."

Deal with what she had just been told.
Edited 2021-02-13 10:56 (UTC)
thawed_pride: (Nort-I had become a monster.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-14 07:37 am (UTC)(link)
He reached out toward Xion on impulse, only to pull his hand back before it reached her. Was she struggling with her faded memories? Maybe there was something he could do-but no, she hardly seemed like she wanted his help.

At least he could answer her questions.

"I made you myself, but it was Marluxia who tore Sora's memory apart. Things went...horribly out of control."

He pulled his arms in close to his body and looked to Taiki with a nod.

"I should leave her be...before I do any more harm."
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded Startlement)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-14 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
"You... made me? But... you weren't the one who tied me to Roxas?" she asked confused. Taiki's being sure he was a failure washed into her and she wasn't sure what she had done this time that made her a failure, just that she had messed something up somehow.

"....Why?" She was so very very confused. And not sure what she did wrong this time.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-14 08:29 am (UTC)(link)
"I think..." He looked up at the man and nodded, "I think that will be for the best. But I hope that we meet again soon."

He kept his arms around Xion. He needed... He should get her to Lea. This was too far out of his understanding and he knew from experience that Xion would not be able to explain things in a way that was understandable to him.
thawed_pride: (Nort-I had become a monster.)

[personal profile] thawed_pride 2021-02-14 08:44 am (UTC)(link)
It hurt. His heart was barely there, but it still hurt. He'd already known it would be best to not try to get close to Xion, but the idea that even being in her presence hurt her...he didn't want to imagine what this would feel like, if he was still human.

"I am...very sorry, Xion. It seems I've only made things worse, so...please, put this discussion behind you."

With that, coils of darkness reached up from the ground and quickly began to cover him. For now, the corridor went nowhere in particular. He would return to the station to learn more later, but at the immediate moment, the solitude of the shadows themselves held great appeal.
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded and Grounded)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-14 09:13 am (UTC)(link)
"What?" she asked, confused and surprised. But then he was just leaving and... And she still didn't understand. If she got free of Taiki could she follow before the corridor closed? There were only so many places it could take him but...

Should she?

Her shoulders slumped. She was a real person now, wasn't she? So why didn't she know what she was supposed to do? Was she as broken as a person as she was as a puppet?

Should she have tried to follow him? Or run away? Or.... She didn't know what or. What did he mean made things worse? Was she more broken now?

Axel. She had to get to Axel. He'd know. He'd understand. Wouldn't he?

Besides, she didn't know where the Dark Corridor had taken him... Axel had to be warned. He needed to be protected. "Axel..." she whispered.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-14 11:42 am (UTC)(link)
He's seen dark corridor's before. So he knows that he has moved somewhere else. He doubts he will go to Lea, but Xion... Probably needed Lea.

"Yes. We can find him." He answered her. "Can you walk?"
nobodys_puppet: (New kid in the Hood sad)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-14 11:46 am (UTC)(link)
She gave a small nod, so confused and unsure and just... She needed to warn Axel. After that... She needed to sleep for a month to sort this all out. If she even could.
longforgottenpromise: (confused)

[personal profile] longforgottenpromise 2021-02-14 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
"Okay..." He took a step, still supporting her as they moved towards the train. They could find Lea and then... Find the next step.
nobodys_puppet: (New kid in the Hood)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2021-02-14 12:24 pm (UTC)(link)
She was able to walk on her own, but didn't know if she was supposed to or how to do it. So she just went with him.