voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2021-10-01 04:51 am

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

On the Train

The train continues its journey

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day sixteen of the month of Nebula. 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 doors open. As usual, those who leave first notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Asch, Ayumi Uoshida, Cleopatra Selene, Della Duck, Ghost, Hanuel Min, Jaisyn Solo, Jonathan Sims, Martin Blackwood, Nie Huaisang, Vermouth; all pass across the platform, not looking back. And then they're gone, disappeared through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are four new faces. Wearing hoodies, three in purple one orange, 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. The platform is relatively small, a brick wall behind them and cracked flagstones on the floor. It is cold, icy cold but the wall at least shelters them a little.

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 on the foggy, freezing platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform isn't large, but it is enough to hold the four 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, perhaps ten minutes or so, 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 yadon tail, 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. In most rooms, the occupied beds are obvious, leaving the spotless, empty spaces for the newcomers. 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 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!
fivemilesdeep: (A good idea)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-11-10 07:43 am (UTC)(link)
He smiles a bit more himself. "I like being with you too." Otoha makes him feel safe - another way Otoha reminds him of Orion.
controlsthedie: game art of Thanatos default conversation picture (But the other saying I like so much more)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-11-11 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
It's almost as if Jingyi is trying to suggest that they aren't gods, but if they are not gods, what else could they be? (What else could Thanatos be?) He doesn't comment on the importance of family. Family has become a complicated issue, even more so since Thanatos has spent time on the train.

"A god's arguments have lasting and far-reaching consequences on those uninvolved." Thanatos can't be as lighthearted as Jingyi about this. He often sees the aftermath. Mort gives a sympathetic squeak.
to_rise_above: <user name="kagaminokakera"> (3682058 (11))

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-11 06:57 am (UTC)(link)
[ Sometimes, he can't help but be a bit blunt with his words. Jin Ling isn't the kind of person that knows how to be gentle about his words. Especially, when he hasn't spent a lot of time around anyone of the opposite gender, outside of his aunt. Of course, she's much older than him so there's also a difference there.

Jin Ling doesn't have any companions he knows at the moment that are the opposite gender. Still, it probably will be the same outcome whether anyone he meets is a girl or a boy. He knits his brows together when she said those words. 'A Year. That's really discomforting to hear. ]


A...Year? They had a different crew of passengers before us?

[ What does that even mean! He probably won't bring this up ever, but at least, he's not getting yelled at for being rude. ]
to_rise_above: <user name="cupcake_graphics"> (179)

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-11 07:04 am (UTC)(link)
How could he explain what he wore?

He thought for a moment before speaking to Romeo.

"They're a lot looser, and the fabrics are a lot less-- cheap? They're moveable and not as tight. I guess, the term you would use is ... 'robes?'"

He mused knitting his brows. The wolf was helping him kind of figure out what words to use. This was the best he could say about his robes.

"The point is, it's not not restricted like this and not tight."
controlsthedie: game art of Chthonic Companion Mort (Could ya let go of your soul for me)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-11-11 07:08 am (UTC)(link)
"Mort took offense at the implication that he wasn't doing all he could to protect me. He's sensitive about that." Thanatos hadn't been fully... present during this conflict between Lagos and Mort. He was still deep in the numbed, disassociating state after Jinnjar's mission. He had stayed like that for a while longer after.

"Lagos seems to be a special case, however. Mort gets along just fine with the other two I made." Although, Cerbie acts so childish and innocent that he is given extra leeway. Prosera hasn't had much of a chance to argue with Mort.
to_rise_above: <user name="cupcake_graphics"> (179)

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-11 07:09 am (UTC)(link)
There's a wide eyed stare from Jin Ling for that statement. Well, that explained it obviously!!

At least, he knew the other was mostly human... to some degree.

"..."

He knitted his brows for a moment before speaking, "Do you have control over that-- going between human and...ghost?"
to_rise_above: <user name="kagaminokakera"> (jl91)

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-11 07:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ There are things he feels are necessary to discuss, while others, he keeps to himself. Something that is obvious about him world bouncing, isn't much of a secret, given he sports a tail and ears most of the time.

He gives the other version of 'him,' a look before replying. ]


Food for Fairy would be nice. Not sure how long ago Fairy ate.

[ He seems fine right now. He's not really hungry since he doesn't have much of an appetite. ]
controlsthedie: game art of Thanatos default conversation picture (But the other saying I like so much more)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-11-11 07:15 am (UTC)(link)
"You've heard of me." Thanatos is mildly surprised that this person knows the difference between him and Lord Hades. Usually, he's mistaken for him by mortals. They misunderstand the nuanced differences between the God of the Dead and God of Death. The two of them could never exchange roles to any successful degree.

"I serve Lord Hades, collecting and guiding shades from the surface to the Underworld or to my brother's ferry."
myblueskies: (of course!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2021-11-11 12:37 pm (UTC)(link)
So looser and more expensive. Money isn't something Romeo knows a lot about, there's points on the train and he never had money in the heavens before so everything he knows about it is from when he was alive, before he could remember. But he knows you have to be rich to wear expensive clothes.

"Do you find it really uncomfortable? Maybe we could see if anyone has any robes you could borrow. Some people wear robes here too!"

He's seen them.
irrationally: (Default)

[personal profile] irrationally 2021-11-11 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
For a moment she looks surprised, but then Alice is quick to turn towards Mort, giving the tiny thing a few more pats on the head.

"I have never seen Mort do anything but his best for you." In his.. own limited capacity, anyway. There's only so much a little bean can do for Thanatos, but Alice has seen him squeak around Thanatos enough to figure he's probably encouraging the other all the time.

"Perhaps he felt like his efforts were being ignored because of that accusation."
happyends: (better than the rest)

[personal profile] happyends 2021-11-11 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She nods. ]

Uh-huh. When the first people of our current group showed up, the train was empty.. But from logs the train has given us, it seems that there was an entirely different group of people on the train before. [ A group none of them ever met.

At least she seems concerned about this entire idea as well, judging by her own expression. ]


But no one knows what happened to them.. It seems even the train itself doesn't know.

[ That's very comforting to hear, isn't it.

People randomly disappearing and no one knowing why. Like a ghost story. ]
deferences: (♪ perceptive)

[personal profile] deferences 2021-11-12 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
Sizhui grins, lifts both arms and turns, hugging Jingyi's nose, forehead resting against him despite the twitch. It's not difficult to figure out his friend's separation of the two Zewu-juns, which is honestly brilliant, although he's closer in age to one of them so perhaps he's more allowed that casualness.

(Lan Sizhui has the honor of calling him ‘Uncle,’ so that's a fair enough exchange, he thinks.)

There comes a gentle nod, “The three of us ought to be able to handle it just fine on-board. And if there's ever a time when we're stopped somewhere or want to attempt during a platform day, I have a feeling we might also do okay together if you're normal-sized.” Surely he and both Lan Xichens could help Jingyi without much trouble.
jingyeets: (resign | and if we hit troubled water)

[personal profile] jingyeets 2021-11-12 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Spanning centuries, and not just mortal decades." He presumes, at least, though there is no similar impact on his world. "The arguments of those in power are similar wherever you are. It's not as often they have to suffer under the consequences compared to those beneath them, related or not."

In that, at least, he thinks it's similar. Death reigns over those casualties, the horror that is not just war, but injustice, death that could be prevented, callousness and blindness that allowed life to slip so swiftly away.
flameinthedarkness: (Calm 06)

[personal profile] flameinthedarkness 2021-11-12 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"I see." He mumbled, then frowned a little. "It's strange how similar some stuff is from home, when so much isn't." And why was it the Greats that were carrying over? Would they also be Greats in other worlds too? Would Thanatos know of the Queen of Hearts as well?

Also... Thanatos said he worked for him, right? So... "What's... what's Hades like? Your Hades, I mean." What Idia knew was from tales and legends from long ago, not the actual god himself.
controlsthedie: concept sketch of Thanatos (You'll be killed by what'cha don't know)

[personal profile] controlsthedie 2021-11-13 07:37 am (UTC)(link)
Mort gives a number of strong squeaks in confirmation to Alice's words and headpats. He's doing his best! And he doesn't like when Thanatos is hurting. And--! Thanatos picks up Mort and brings him to his cheek.

"I know, Mort. I know." Thanatos wishes he could do more for his friend. All he can do at the moment is try to pour more of his power into the mouse in hopes of granting him more freedom. It's not Mort's fault that he's connected to someone who is such a mess.
jinlingers: (JL21)

good to end this one?

[personal profile] jinlingers 2021-11-13 01:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Jin Ling nods and then waves in the direction of the kitchen. ]

We can get them both something this way.
irrationally: (now i can't sing; i can't feel)

[personal profile] irrationally 2021-11-13 08:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Alice may have no idea what Mort was just trying to say with that series of squeaks - especially when Thanatos' own reply gives her very few clues to work with - but she can guess at it just a little. After all, considering what Mort is like, she's pretty sure he agreed with her.

"Come on, you two.. Don't be so fussy."

With other people those words may have taken on a more scolding edge, but Alice's tone sounds warmer now as she looks at the two of them.

"You make a great pair. I always see you trying hard for each other in your own ways."
to_rise_above: <user name="kagaminokakera"> (jl88)

i am .... really sure. so sure.

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-14 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's a good enough conversation that Jin Ling isn't going to bring up anymore than necessary, unless Sizhui asks him anything else. For the time being, he's pretty okay with what they are doing and appreciative he's not being forced to talk about things straight away.

Though, he really has nothing to hide and all the silliness aside. Xixue is basically winning him over with her cute exterior and large eyes. He's completely smitten by her appearance. It doesn't help that he has a soft spot for any types of animals in general. The cats that he helped back in Hakagemachi bullied him because he can't get rid of them and now Xixue, pawing cutely at him until she's succeeded.

She seems pleased with herself and Jin Ling is fine with that. He lets the flames fan out in a minute, shrugging as he does. The wolf only chuckles at his dilemma. Yes, he's aware he's kind of a push over with small creatures like Xixue and dogs like Fairy. Fairy is having the time of its life too, soft happy yelps from Fairy along with a lot of pressing for those pets. It's quite a sizable dog, so it makes more room to pet from Sizhui. Of course, it doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon either. Eventually, Fairy knows it will need to stop. For now, it's going to enjoy the attention, since it's master is now focused on the nine tailed creature.

Jin Ling can't blame Sizhui for being distracted by his ears and tail. Because, these things express how he truly feels and it's hard to stop them. He chooses to just ignore them and any stares (if there are any in the future. He's focusing on the conversation more than anything. ]


That's right. They both are.

[ He nods his head and raises a brow, but not really when Sizhui mentions that he is used to it. That makes sense. Though, he honestly isn't expecting Sizhui to lose his mind over these things either. As far as he knows, Sizhui has always been relatively calm about a lot of things. It's very rare that Jin Ling sees Sizhui upset. At least, not the way he and Jingyi are. ]

I heard there are different versions of people I know here-- and I guess I kind of get it.

[ That explains a lot too. It's the same for Jin Ling. He's taking a lot of this very-- well for the lack of better words. ]

N-No! It's better that you aren't overreacting.....

[ He trails off, looking away, ears flattening a bit. ]

Any--way... do you know what she is? She reminds me of... a fox? Does she have a name?

[ He slowly points to Xixue with his free hand, while letting her comfortably sit in his arm. ]
to_rise_above: <user name="kagaminokakera"> (jl186)

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-14 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ Jin Ling is a bit surprised, but not as much as if he isn't used to all these different things happening. He at least, shows some form of understanding when Jiang Cheng said those words.

It's not always easy to understand how his uncle feels all the time. With this situation, though, he suppose he can understand why it can be complicated. If his uncle doesn't control his abilities, then it will affect him and those around him. He sort of lets that sink in slowly as Jiang Cheng continues.

The pat on the shoulder snaps him out of his thoughts. ]


Doesn't that get-- complicated, especially when you don't control it?
to_rise_above: <user name="kagaminokakera"> (jl133)

[personal profile] to_rise_above 2021-11-14 02:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Jin Ling furrows his brows at her words. There were people here before that no one has met and that these people have never been seen by those who are on the train.

It sounds really concerning above all else. ]


How does the train not know this when there were probably so many people? I get that things can get complicated but are you serious?!
fivemilesdeep: (Default)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-11-14 07:41 am (UTC)(link)
With his face buried in Inigo's shoulder, Ryo doesn't see the creature enter; he does, however, note something new in his Sense that hadn't been there a moment ago. It's when something squeaks that he lifts his head and looks around, gaze settling on the creature.

...he can't say he was expecting this when Inigo mentioned a friend, but it's not exactly a bad thing. Honestly, he's not exactly processing it right now. "Oh." He extends a hand to the little creature, palm up. "Hello, Jumblie."
essek: (Contemplation)

[personal profile] essek 2021-11-14 08:13 am (UTC)(link)
There is a nod to both, he has notice that yes, it seems to be the way on the train: to help and be helped. And having another healer would of course be useful, immeasurably so.

"I regret so brusquely dismissing my friend when she offered to share her magical talents with me, she's gifted in healing, as you are."
fivemilesdeep: (Default)

[personal profile] fivemilesdeep 2021-11-14 08:19 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, maybe the next time you see her, you can show her what you've learned." Because Ryo firmly believes they'll all make it back home at one point or another.
essek: (Thinking)

[personal profile] essek 2021-11-14 08:24 am (UTC)(link)
"I will be sure to do so," he gives another nod. Caleb believes they go home when they leave here, so Essek is not one to dispute such thoughts. Not without more evidence. "I should retire for the night.. Be sure to get rest, Ryo."

With that, Essek rises and moves to leave.
dragoonrouge: (Q'uila Shrug)

[personal profile] dragoonrouge 2021-11-14 09:46 am (UTC)(link)
Q'uila shrugs and it almost looks disappointed, "I will be honest, I very much miss it. I enjoy the work and even though 'tis a serious task there is always a thrill to be found in the challenge of facing new opponents. I also miss just being able to go out adventuring and exploring."