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voidtreckerexpress2021-02-01 06:00 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2021-02-01 06:00 am
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- ~x~adam parrish [ou],
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- ~x~kurosaki ichigo [ou],
- ~x~lan xichen [ou],
- ~x~meng yao [ou],
- ~x~merwen [ou],
- ~x~nita callahan [crau],
- ~x~olivia [ou],
- ~x~paddra nsu-yeul [ou],
- ~x~ran mouri [ou],
- ~x~raven [ou],
- ~x~renee corbin [ou],
- ~x~rich goranski [ou],
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- ~x~v [ou],
- ~x~v the scrapper [ou],
- ~x~wen qing [ou],
- ~x~xander woods [ou],
- ~x~yoite [ou],
- ~x~yosuke otoha [ou],
- ~x~yurine [ou]
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!
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!
no subject
But in the sense that he was prepared to hug her. He sure didn't expect her to be one step ahead of him, wrapping him up in her arms before he even realises what's going on, before she's even given a verbal answer. And it's not like Inigo minds hugs ever, especially not from her, but..
It's just.. different when she first hugs him. It's surprising, and it's so, so reminiscent of a time that has long passed. It renders him silent, especially with the way she speaks up, so much like the mother he knew, the one much older than Olivia's current age. ]
You don't.. You don't have to be sorry.
[ The way he speaks is suddenly more shakey, as if all the uncertainty that haunted her has jumped ship and instead boarded the S.S. Inigo here.
But he still means it. Why should she have to say she's sorry? It's not her fault. No one should have to follow him here, let alone Olivia. Let alone this Olivia, who will most likely have a different him in the future, a baby that will grow up much better than he could ever be.
But he did miss her.
He missed her so much, all this time. Even with everything Inigo has lived through, there's one thing he can't shake off, just like most children - the innate desire to see his mother, to have her comfort him when things got so very tough.
Inigo can feel his eyes growing watery, and in an attempt to hide them from the woman, he quickly bends his head to bury it against her shoulder, his arms moving to tightly cling to her. ]
I-I've been fine. [ What else is he supposed to say when, more than anything, he doesn't want her to have to worry about him? ] I've been doing my best..
no subject
But that isn't true. Olivia is not convinced or reassured at all hearing that. Of course she has reason to be sorry. Even though she knows she couldn't have done anything to otherwise change things for him, she still feels like it's her responsibility. Is that because it's genuinely how she feels, or is it because she understands that there are certain obligations that come with motherhood?
Is it not her duty even as the present version of herself to be the best mother she can be? To at least try?
His head dips and it doesn't take much for her to tighten her hold about him, cradling her future son against her seemingly demure and fragile frame, as if all of Olivia's strengths lies beneath a pretty surface.]
You aren't alone anymore. [She doubts she's very reassuring either. They're mother and son, after all. Of all things, Olivia's never wanted him to mirror her insecurities, her fears, her terrible lack of self-confidence [when she isn't on a stage]. But it's as if she can hear his uncertainties. If only she could wrap those up too in proverbial embrace.]
You have me here. So let's work through things t-together, okay?
[Olivia dips her head to bury the tip of her nose in his soft hair. She isn't the same as the Olivia that he's accustomed to and she knows it. But at least she's here. At the end, isn't that what matters?]
no subject
[ The word slips over Inigo's lips before he even knows it. If he thought a little harder right now, he may not have said it, may not have wanted to burden the Olivia right in front of him right now like that. But this just feels too much like his mother in this moment to not say it. No matter how much younger this Olivia is, the one he met in the past.. Her hug feels the same. The way her face feels against his hair. The words she's saying.
It brings Inigo back to such a different time, so very long ago. A time much more comfortable, a time before the lot of them were burdened with the fate of a dying world. Before he was whisked off to a train journey through nowhere, facing loss through sudden disappearances of people jsut a few too many times.
And so.. he does the only thing that's instinctive right now. He actually starts crying, his body trembling like a leaf in the woman's embrace.
It's certainly not how Inigo imagined he'd greet Olivia again, the next time he'd see her. No matter whether it was here on the train or back home, as soon as he'd return. He imagined himself smiling, reassuring her that he's fine, not wanting her to worry about a kid that isn't even fully hers yet.
But the heart is stronger than the head. Isn't that, too, something he inherited from his mother of all people? ]
S-sheesh, I'm sorry.. [ For crying on her like this, right during their reunion. ] I just..
[ Just what? How does he explain these tears, other than an instinctive reaction any child would have to their mother telling them that, no matter how much growing up they've already had to do? ]
It.. It's been so long. [ Since he saw her back home? Since he lost her in the future? Who knows. ] P-Please don't mind the tears.. I.. I am okay, really. More than fine!
[ At least that's a little true. He's mostly just overemotional right now - making his voice shake a little even as he's trying to say something more reassuring. ]
no subject
In short, her concerns of motherhood may be a result of her overthinking the situation and what it means for her present. There is a sense of predestination when it comes to Inigo's presence. Had it not been for him, had she not met him already in Ylisse, she might never have considered much having children.
Or being married. Or anything related to the sort. Romance certainly hasn't been much an idea in her head save the love stories that come through in the occasional dance. And books...
He draws her easily out of her thoughts when she feels the way he falters, a momentary breaking in that posturing that he tries to hold together. Inigo, from what little she knew of him, has seemed prideful. Certainly more prideful than she is, anyway. To see a moment in which he is a bit softer and tender, she knows that it's special. He would not show this side of himself to just anyone.]
No, no. What are you saying?
[Olivia shakes her head. An apology? For what, being an actual person with feelings? She isn't sure what feels worse, hearing him say so or the idea that he's felt he needed to. What has she does in the future to make him think this way? Or what hasn't she done?]
You shouldn't have to be sorry about that. It's okay to cry. [She gives him a reassuring squeeze and after a moment's consideration, she realises she's holding herself together for his sake. Because honestly, the thought of him crying makes her want to cry, too.]
Besides... sometimes crying isn't just for sad things. It's for happy things, too. And you're h-happy to see me. [Just like she's happy to see him, too. He's a piece of home in a place where she otherwise would feel very alone.]
no subject
Just like right now. It's okay to cry. It's so simple, but the words coming from her makes their effect about thrice as strong as it would normally be.
Strong enough that he pulls back his head, actually daring to show his face to her - with tears streaming down his cheeks, making him look much younger.
Or maybe more just his actual age. Still a teenager, no matter how many battles he's been forced to go through at this point. ]
I-- I am happy! [ She said as much already, but Inigo still feels the need to confirm it. He wouldn't want her to ever think anything else. ]
Maybe that's why the tears won't stop.. I'm so happy.. I really wanted to see you all this time.
[ If it's okay to cry, it's okay to admit to as much too then, right? ]
no subject
For several long moments, she simply takes in the sight of him. Perhaps it is that no matter how much one may grow due to circumstance or time, at the core of the self, some things don't change. He may have been apart from her for some time, but just standing here with him right now like this, it feels like almost no time has passed at all.
The difference being that she feels like she knows him more now than she did in Ylisse. Conversations are amazing, when she can actually have one without constantly stumbling over herself.]
W-well, here I am. [Gently, she ruffles his hair and after a moment's consideration, Olivia leans in and she presses a kiss to his temple. It seems like the right thing to do. The right moment to do so. Any later and it might not mean as much.]
So uhm... when you have time, you'll have to show me your favourite places t-to go. And I've met some people who know you, but I'm sure there are others I haven't. If you want your friends to meet me, I mean.
[Because belatedly it occurs to her that he might not want his friends knowing about her. It could be a little awkward, after all. Standing next to one another, they look like they could be around the same age. To anyone else, that's likely bizarre.]
no subject
Even though they're happy tears, he doesn't want to cry in front of her right now. He just wants to smile as the warmth of having his mother - no matter in which form - nearby overtakes him. ]
I do want you to meet them. Of course I do! [ Who cares that he'll have to explain why they look more like they'd be siblings, age-wise, then mother and son. Inigo doesn't care. He'll explain it eighty times over if he has to, because Olivia is amazing, and everyone should meet her. ] And I have so many places to show you here, and so many things to tell you, and..
[ Well. They'll have enough time to spend together from now on to catch up with all of that, surely.
But Inigo figures now is as good of a time as any to start. ]
.. How about I introduce you to a friend right now? Um, this may look a little odd for a second, but.. bear with me. [ He's just making sure to add that disclaimer so Olivia won't freak out..
Because a moment later Inigo is already proceeding without waiting for the woman's answer. His chest briefly glows, and a moment later it's as if something pops out of there, right into existence - a small creature, about the size of a small dog. It giggles the moment it sees Olivia, letting out a high-pitched 'Higgle hig!' ]
Um. This.. This is my little friend, Jumblie. She's connected to my heart, that's why she.. um, she came out of there.. [ HE LOOKS SO NERVOUS. Like he's really hoping Olivia won't judge him or find this weird! He can't take maternal disappointment!! ] A friend brought her here for me as a gift. She likes spreading smiles, so.. um, I'm kind of trying to help her out. And she helps me out in turn.
no subject
[She reassures him kindly. To her, so much of the train is still very overwhelming. Was it the same for him when he arrived? She can't help but think he handles himself so much better than she does. Not just the Inigo who's spent eight months here, but what little she knew of him in Ylisse, he had seemed composed. But maybe that was all a facade. Sometimes she has had to act instead of expressing a true feelings.
After all, it's not always about her.
Her eyebrows raise when he continues. A friend. One he... carries around? But it's not really being carried. The truth is, she can't exactly figure out where he's got it from, but there enough is... Jumblie. Olivia's never seen one before. Her gaze moves between Inigo's heart and to the creature he's showing her.
No. She still doesn't get it.
She wiggles her fingers at Jumblie.]
H-hello. It's very nice to meet you. M-my name is Olivia. [Because one should always introduce themselves when meeting someone new. Maybe Olivia just doesn't know any better. She casts another glance to her son.]
...Is this magic?
no subject
[ But even with the awkward edge to it, there's a slight smile on Inigo's face as he watches the higgledy hop around. And since Jumblie is so connected to his heart, of course she immediately picks up on the very fond feelings he has in said heart for Olivia.
Which is why the creature immediately reaches out, putting her stubby little arm on top of Olivia's fingers before moving it up and down, as if trying to shake hands with her despite not really having anything resembling a hand. All the while just letting out more high-pitched chattering sounds and giggles. ]
I think she likes you already though, mother.
no subject
Olivia is tickled pink again, hiding it beneath an uncertain smile.
It grows when Jumblie moves her finger to the best of her ability.]
You think so?
[Her head tilts to the side, looking between Inigo and Jumblie again, still not really understanding their bond or how such things are possible in a world like this. But it means that at least Inigo hasn't been alone. She's not sure she could have asked for much more.]
I think you're j-just saying that. She might see how we are together. Maybe she picks up something from that. But I h-hope she'll come to like me for just being me some day.
no subject
It's a little painful to hear her say that. It's amazing how Olivia could think such things about herself - as if she isn't instantly likeable. As if she isn't a total ray of sunshine in anyone's life.
Inigo picks Jumblie up, slowly gathering the creature into his arms. ]
You know.. There's no such thing in any world as a person who wouldn't like you just for being you.
[ He knows it's technically not true. There are many cruel people out there, who may only like Olivia for what they could get from her, rather than for who she is. Inigo knows that's the truth, but-- he doesn't want to acknowledge that ugly side of any world.
He just wants to think of all the normal, kind people out there. Everyone who would instantly know just how amazing the woman standing in front of him is. ]
I really hope you'll be able to see that yourself too. [ Hypocritical much, Inigo? Isn't this exactly the kind of thing he should be telling himself? ] If only you could see yourself through my eyes.
no subject
Her head tilts and after a moment's thought she shakes her head.]
I don't think I'd like that very much. I don't think arrogance looks very good on me.
[Then she motions over to him with a smile, more than happy to turn things around on him.] Shouldn't you be saying the same thing to yourself? [Because it's one thing for her to have confidence issues. It's quite another for her son to have them. She'd do anything to ensure he has a better outlook on himself, but she can't force it either. Maybe they both need a little assistance in that department.]
no subject
[ NOPE. No way! He's going to resist this attempt at having this all flipped around on him as well as he can. Even if it means denying things he said or implied only a few moments ago. No one said Inigo was smart, okay.
Which is why he just laughs now. ]
Hey, I already tell myself that plenty! I know all about my good sides! [ There has never been a bolder lie in the history of humanity. ] There's no need for you to worry about me whatsoever.
[ Says the guy who cried on her literally just now. ]