A New Platform [Intro Post March]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

Once again passengers are awoken by the morning announcement.

"Good morning passengers, it is day One of the month of Kazoo. 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 is thick, the air is warm and humid and there are rumbles of thunder, the air heavy with the promise of rain.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers: Alfredo Martini, Daia, Enna Alchiba, Lord El-Melloi II, Natsuno Yuuki, Nita Callahan, Saku Gyousou, Sakura, V and Wen Qing

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, and seems smaller with twenty-seven 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.

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'). Those not new to the train will note the addition of an eighth sleeper carriage. The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, it seems the month of Kazoo is defined by the tomato and there are plenty of them.

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 as thunder rumbles further and the storm threatens to break. 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!

Comments

Nozomi Yumehara | Yes! Pretty Cure 5 (Way Too Many Worlds CRAU) | OTA

[cureofmanyworlds]

New Passengers

Nozomi blinked as every thing came back into view. She was certain that this wasn't where she was last. Once the steam had fully cleared, she blinked once more. A train? A train station? And what was with the outfit she was wearing?

It took her a moment to realize what may be going on.

"I think I'm needed again. Oh, well." she said, chuckling to herself. She looked around at who was there with her. So many different people of various races. "Wow, so cool..."

The Train

Nozomi grimaced as she looked at the information given to her. Mostly because she's being told she needs to clean bathrooms and kitchens. "Uuuuugh, really?" She whined, annoyed by that fact. With a sigh, she gathered her belongings, trying to find pockets in her hoodie for her recovered CureMo as she headed for her room.

As she poked her head into the room, she called out "Is there a top bunk free? Dibs!"

Wildcard

(OoC: Hit me up with anything! I'm game!)

[chocobosnap]

This whole experience was something of a surprise for Prompto and he blinked at this girl's wonder and words and he fiddled with the sleeves of his hoodie.

"Um." He spoke up, a bit softly, but if she glanced at him, he'd offere a sheepish little smile, a silent apology for interrupting. "A-Again?"

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi would blink, turning her head at Prompto's interruption, only to grin sheepishly herself at his question.

"Yeahhh... I... have been to other worlds. It's been a crazy time for me..." she admitted.

[chocobosnap]

"Oh!" He exclaimed softly and then blushed at his reaction. "Is this...d'you think this is a-another world?" Prompto couldn't help but ask, a bit surprised and puzzled by that. His assessment of the situation for the moment was just one big question mark.

[cureofmanyworlds]

"It might be, but I'm not entirely sure." Nozomi admitted. "Don't worry, though, it'll be alright - we're all in this together and we'll make it through!"

She isn't sure if Prompto's nervous around her or nervous of the situation, but she had to make him feel reassured.

[chocobosnap]

Prompto was incredibly lucky in that it was definitely both, although other people tended to be his biggest catalyst for his nerves to act up.

"R-Right, I mean, I'm a little worried because I was kind of busy doing things in my...my world I guess?" Prompto said with a bit of a shift of his weight from foot to foot. Despite the stuttering, his tone was relatively optimistic.

platform

[blitzcheer]

A purple hoodie tied around his own waist by the arms, Tidus is a guy looking out for any newcomers unfortunate to be brought along, particularly in the same colour. Gotta do his job of being a good-helper-outer, as they (don't) say.

So, he does happen to spot the young woman out on the platform after the train has opened up, a positive expression on his face as he approaches her, raising a hand in greeting as he calls over to her.

"Hey! Sorry 'bout you showing up here outta the blue. How're you doing? Feeling okay?"

Re: platform

[cureofmanyworlds]

"Ah, a little disoriented still, but I'm fine." Nozomi admitted, letting out a soft sigh in relief. "I guess you've dealt with this, too?"

[blitzcheer]

Tidus notices how calm she seems to be, which hey, was a good thing. He takes a look around at her question, admitting, "I showed up on a platform too about...five, six months ago? Why?" He looks back to her, a curious look on his face - if not entirely surprised.

"Something like this happen to you already?"

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi laughed a bit, blushing. "Y-Yeah, plenty of times, actually." she admitted. "It's not really a... what's it called... a badge of honor? I mean... I really don't have a home to come home to, so..."

She shrugged at that. Yeah...

The Train

[dragoonrouge]

Two pairs of feline eyes, one pair amber and one pair like miniature moons, peer at Nozomi from one of the bottom bunks.

"I believe that the one above me is free if you would like it," Q'uila smiles and puts her unpacking to the side for a moment, "I am unsure about the other bunk, I have yet to see anyone else come in here so 'tis good to meet at least one of my cabin mates."

Re: The Train

[cureofmanyworlds]

“Ah, roomies! Awesome! I’m Nozomi!” She replied, smiling widely. “Ah, I think I’ll play it safe and stick with you if that’s okay!”

Re: The Train

[dragoonrouge]

"'Tis nice to meet you Nozomi, my name is Q'uila." She offers Nozomi a small wave and Lu'lim meows, the nebula cat sounding more like the ringing of bells than an actual cat as a smooth, feminine voice floats through Nozomi's head.

I'm Lu'lim, good to meet you.

Q'uila gives Lu'lim a scritch behind her ear, "Is this your first time venturing into a multiverse melting pot like this?"

Re: The Train

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi gasped as Lu’lim spoke to her in her mind. So cool...

“Something like this, yes. I’ve been to other worlds but nothing as grand as what we’re doing. You?”

train wildcar

[magicurls]

It's a bustling afternoon! Mami is passing through with her little cup of tea, trying to find her way to a quiet spot. There's so much to think about today...losses, and a few new friends too.

She nearly bumps into the other girl, but whirls into the wall in time.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't spill anything on you, did I?"

Re: train wildcar

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi’s hands shoot up and catch Mami to steady her, eyes wide in surprise.

“N-no, no! You’re okay! Really!” She said. “I should have watched myself - too busy staring into space!”

[magicurls]

"It's all right, it happens," Mami answers with a grateful smile. She adjusts her feet under her and gracefully steps back, glancing over the unfamiliar girl.

"Especially on a first day. Did everyone help you settle in?"

[cureofmanyworlds]

"Uh-huh! Can't believe how helpful everyone was, really!" Nozomi said, nodding.

"I guess you've been here for awhile?"

the train

[happyends]

".. really?"

Madoka repeats the word, a bit more quietly than the other girl originally said it. It's coupled with a curious glance over in Nozomi's direction - like Madoka is really trying to figure out what's got this girl all exasperated. She seems new, right? Maybe she's just not happy about being forced into this situation?

That wouldn't be too odd, Madoka thinks. It's always a difficult realisation to know you're here.

She shyly presses her fingers together, but does continue to speak up to the other.

"Is everything alright?"

Re: the train

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi blinked, then looked over at Madoka, surprised. She spoke too loud, didn’t she? Oops!

“I-I’m sorry! I was looking at this schedule and it was saying my group had to clean the bathrooms.” Nozomi said, grinning sheepishly.

She loosened up, noticing Madoka’s bashfulness. “It’s okay, really!”

[happyends]

Well, that'd do it. And thankfully it's not something much worse that the other girl was upset about - being upset about having an unfun chore is pretty normal!

"Ah, don't worry too much about that.." Madoka at least tries to smile in return at the sight of Nozomi's sheepish grin, even though it's still a little shy. But the smile doesn't seem fake, at least - it's genuine. "The chores rotate each month. And.. um, there's a lot of purple team members around."

Madoka thinks the other is part of the purple team, anyway, considering the hoodie. A stark contrast to Madoka's own blue one she's wearing right now.

"So you won't have to do very much yourself at all, I think."

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi let out a small sigh, glad to hear that at least. "Well, at least there's that. I'm glad it won't be working alone."

She did notice the smile and how shy it seemed. She held out her hand to Madoka, want her to take it. "No need to be worried around me..."

New Passengers

[mynameisallen]

"Been to worlds before this one, huh?" The way she had worded it kinda was his way of thinking because he had been to more than one place before. When he had heard it he just couldn't help but want to at least say something.

"You'd also be right. Does make you feel like if you keep getting picked your always needed and it's true here to. What with worlds that need help and all."

[cureofmanyworlds]

Nozomi sighed and chuckled a bit. "It really does. One day I might get to rest, buuut..."

[mynameisallen]

"One day just, not today it seems." Allen himself was honestly fine with that as it meant he could get away from certain things for a time. But he knows that he should really go back at some point.

"But what places have you been to yourself?"