voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post May]

Entry tags:

A New Platform [Intro Post May]

On the Train

Like clockwork, the Voidtreckers are awoken by a familiar message this morning.

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Llama. Points have been updated on the system."

With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will 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 air is sticky and warm, the windows almost immediately dewing over with the humidity outside.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Azula, Prisoner, Amery Vallet, Dyme Graydon, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Yoite, Piccolo, Bulla Brief, Xie Lian, Kurosaki Ichigo, Hua Cheng, Renee Corbin, and Ran Mouri; 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 find themselves on a platform, rich wood and pale stone forming a natural, tree-like structure overhead. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single set of tracks extending both ways into thick fog. The air is rainforest-hot, and the sound of frogsong can be faintly heard over the drip of the artificial canopy.

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 fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, and seems smaller with twenty-eight figures scattered around, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. 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 pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. 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.

Behind them, the doors close, and the train is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform.

The Train

After a short time, the fog clears and 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 nori, the ingredient of the month of Llama, as well as all sundries.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. For each member of Purple Team, a small silver box with their name on it contains a glittery cupcake.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, but at least they won't be alone in their confusion - since the sleeper carriages are now double-decker, and experience isn't going to avail the passengers in finding their rooms.

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.

The new double carriage's transfer ICP is active, allowing people to move to a double room should they meet the requirements with another person, though they'll have to move their belongings themselves.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air, 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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Platform
Xue Yang doesn't see anyone he really knows or cares about leaving the train, and no familiar faces arriving so this is a fairly quiet platform for him. He finds a place away from the crowd so that he can simply enjoy the sun and people watch. He's not really the kind of person to be overly welcoming.

But he isn't going to pass up a chance to be out in the sun since it will be another week or so before he sees it again. He'll answer questions if he is approached.

New Sleeping Arrangement
Xue Yang isn't going to complain about his new dwelling. A private bedroom with Xingchen is far better then having to share with two other people. It also means they don't have to go to the quiet rooms any more. They can do whatever they want in the privacy of their own room. He likes this new convenience.

He doesn't own a lot of things so transferring them to the new dwelling is quick and easy. Just a little bit of clothing that he easily stuffs into the knapsack and can drop onto his new bed. Once deposited he walks out of the room and looks around, wondering just who else got lucky enough to claim the rooms around him.

Everytime the train stops at the platform, it's a good time to go out for fresh air and sun. Xingchen is out, wearing his white robes with long billowing sleeves, flowing with the wind. The air is humid and warm like a rainforest, and the sounds of frogs making their songs in the distance. He wonders if the train stopped into a jungle.

"Xue Yang? You're outside for once."

"Wanted some air. We don't get to see outside much." A few days here and there for missions. And he is tired of being inside the confines of the train. And at least it doesn't seem like the list of people who want him dead will be growing with this new set of arrivals so he isn't too concerned with who sees him outside.

"No, no we don't. Take the most of it." He hoped Xue Yang is feeling better now, after having learned his lesson of the silence spell treatment from Lan Wangji. Even though it's a deserving punishment, it doesn't make him love him any less and they have some peaceful days afterward.

"That's why I'm always out and about each time the train stops at the platform."

"I don't like how crowded it can be." Or the fact that more often then not someone is showing up that wants him dead. As fun as it is to mess with those kinds of people, he can't risk things now and so he has to be more careful.

"Besides, I don't really care to see who comes and goes."

With a nod, "Hm. Try to get some fresh air if you can." It doesn't seem long ago that when he was blind and he stepped out and counted the steps, and can't see the crowds for himself. So far, there hasn't been anyone who wanted his fiance dead as far as he knows other than A-Qing, but there's a past between them.

He isn't surprised at his answer, "Of course. I think the train keeps them temporary, so they don't stay for long." But that makes him worried too because he wasn't sure if the train will send either of them back...and there's no point of return for the both of them.

"When you have enough, let's go back and board. I need to show you our new room. Did your ticket change?" He's curious because he noticed his ticket changed room numbers.

He reaches into his robes and pulls out his ticket. He hadn't really thought about it since it isn't often that they change rooms. Though for him this is the third room he has been in. First the room he was given upon arrival, then the room with Xingchen. It's surprising to see yet another new room number on his ticket.

"Where did they move us now?" At least it seems he is still with Xingchen. that is all that matters.

Seeing Xue Yang is checking his ticket to be sure of his room change, he peers over to see they have the same room number.

"It seems to be a new room. Do you want to check it out later on?" That means boarding back when the train is ready to leave.

He pushes himself up to his feet. "Might as well see it now. Don't have anything better to do and the train will be bringing us inside soon anyway."

He doesn't know what to expect. New roommates, smaller room. Anything is possible with this train.

"Have some fresh air and a stretch first before we board." He's not in a hurry. Once the train hisses steam and it's a signal for everyone to board, everyone enters the doors inside and the door slammed shut.

Once the train took off, with his new train ticket. "I think a while back, the train asked everyone to take a vote for a new car. I voted double car, but I wonder if I could vote for a new garden or an art car instead. I figured it means more space."

Once he finds his way to the double car, "Looks like this it." It's on the upper deck and seeing their names together and nobody else, he finds that their rooms contain a double bed with a bench up above it that can be folded up.

"Well, look at that. It seems we have a double bed." He said while inspecting the bed and the table, experimenting with folding the bed. "And we're the only ones who have this room."

Xue Yang quirks his eyebrow up and the corner of his mouth curls up into a smirk. He folds his arms in front of his chest as he leans against the door frame. This is definitely a nice turn of fate. He never would have expected that the train would suddenly decide to let people have some privacy beyond the quiet cars. They still probably have a designated sleep time but at least they don't have to deal with staying with other people.

"Guess this means our evenings at the quiet cars are over."

Because clearly that is the most important part in all of this.

Xingchen inspects the room, studying the function of the cabin from how it folds up and down. First with the table, then with the bed to study the storage space.

With a small blush, "It certainly is. I didn't think the voting on the ICP for double carriage would have won, but I think this is nice, and certainly gives more space." Not to mention privacy, which he appreciates and he's pretty sure everyone will sleep better too.

"I don't find our belongings here, so we have to work on moving out."

"I don't have much anyway." And usually he keeps it on his person with his bag. All he really owns are his swords and a couple articles of clothing. He doesn't request much from the train since there is very little he ever really needs or want.

"We should probably go and get it before the new people take their places in our room."

Xingchen fixes the table and bed back in their proper places. "Moving in already? Of course. Raven and Vexen aren't bad roommates, but I still see them when I work with them." He said with a nod.

"Also, I need to pick up Lixue and Shiro." Ah, he realized Xue Yang isn't familiar with another pet. "Shiro was Ichigo's cat. I'll foster Shiro before I'll ask anyone for a proper adoption."

He didn't really pay attention to roommates much. The room was for sleeping in and that was all he cared about. He was usually out as soon as he could be which meant very little time bonding with those that also lived in that space.

He quirks his eyebrow. "Now we have another animal?" Why was Xingchen taking in all these things that Xue Yang has zero knowledge about dealing with. He never had pets before unless someone could count the dead he managed to control. But those were more weapon then pet.

"Shiro? Yes, he's a cat for the staff in the medcar. He needs a place to stay." He tilts his head. "If there's little space, then I'll foster him for a while until I'll find a suitable owner. He was wandering around looking for Ichigo."

At that, he rose to head out the door. "Well, let's go. I have to move my things from our old cabin to this one."

"He can't live in the medcar?" It's not that he is complaining about keeping the animal, it just seems like there is the place that he is most familiar with. He doesn't know how well a cat and a rabbit might get along.

He follows Xingchen down through the train. "How much stuff do you have, daozhang?"

It's the same mystery as to how the both of them get along. "Shiro can live anywhere he wants. I just happen to find him first when I found out that Ichigo returns home."

Once they reached their cabin room and opens the door to collect his things, "Not a lot. Just momentos I collected from previous worlds and books I borrowed from the library. I can do it myself."

It might take him a few trips back and forth to collect everything leaving Xue Yang to organize on his own and claim his space in their new shared room.

He collects the few things he has left in the room, most of which he probably woulnd't have even noticed if he left them behind. He carries them back to their room and easily finds spots for them. I won't take long for him to claim his space in the room. He doesn't take up much.

He flops down on the bed and rolls on his side to watch the other.

Nothing exciting to watch here. He takes a few moments to say good-bye to the roommates. Xingchen walks back and forth through the halls, doing chores and tidies up their room, and puts his things away in the storage space of their new room. "We have more space," he marveled to himself. He talks to himself too, knowing Xue Yang is listening or not, but he learns to talk to him even if Xue Yang doesn't feel like speaking back or listen. If only Xingchen is only grateful to be alive, so he chatters away, mostly topics he reads from the books.

He is used to Xue Yang wanting to either rest or sleep (and never do chores), it's fine by him. He keeps himself busy afterward, reading or studying by the table. The good thing about this room is that Xue Yang has all the space (as it's a bed for two) and his future husband to himself without sharing with other people.

By the bedtime, when it's time for sleeping and testing out how roomy the new bed feels, Xingchen settles in under the blanket and moves his legs. "This new bed is really roomy, Xue Yang."

He can't pass up, gently teasing him that he's taller in height.

Xue Yang doesn't stick around the room the entire day. He figures he will be spending enough time there now that he doesn't have to deal with other people. So he goes off and comes back during the time that Xingchen is organizing. Sometimes laying on the bed, sometimes just off doing whatever he feels like to stretch his legs.

But bedtime has arrived and so he has settled under the covers, curled up on his side. "It's better then the other bed or the benches in the quiet room. You'll have plenty of space to spread out now."

He doesn't take up much space and he knows that he is being teased about it so he just teases back in his own way.

It's much quieter and roomier in this room, sharing a bed with him. At first, it felt odd, remembering their first life together, they shared a house in Yi City and living in separate rooms, but never knowing who he was and his true identity. Then for the last months, sharing a cabin with two other people.

"Tonight is going to be our first time alone together. It felt nice." He said quietly. It must be Xue Yang's first time to sleep alone too, with only his beloved. Nice as in, they don't have to deal with other people regarding space and share. "Also you too, plenty of space." He said. "It will take time to get used to."

He discovered an advantage for he longs to do so. Without saying a word, he slowly wraps his arms around his waist to pull him close for a hug to keep him warm beneath the blanket and holds him, and this time he knows when they wake up, they'll wake up like this the next day.

"A-Yang, you're going to sleep?"

He lets himself get pulled into the embrace and wraps his arm around the other man. "I'm going to sleep unless you have something else in mind, daozhang?"

He smirks and tangles his legs with Xingchen's. "What is in your head? What do you desire? Do you desire sleep?"

Having much space with their legs tangled and their bodies close, it's much warmer he noticed. He holds him in his arms because he always wanted to cuddle, but in their old cabin, it's a single bed.

"What's on my mind?" He thought about it. "It's nice to finally share a bed and sleep with you. I always thought sleeping alone in that cramp cabin is inconvient and it's good that nobody is going to walk in anymore." Which is nice, and nobody is going to walk in case they're in the middle of doing something...or doing each other.

His breath is steady and even, inhaling his scent, but not moving or initiating yet. "If only you desire also. The door is locked."

"We have all the time in the world do to whatever we want now that we are alone. You said you wanted to be together every day and now you get that wish."

Xue Yang is content with just being like this and seeing what happens with their first night alone in this new cabin. He wants to know if they will get to stay together wrapped in each others embrace when they sleep and when they wake up.

(no subject)

stardustofdawn - 2021-05-22 19:18 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only