A New Platform [Intro Post October]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

this is fine!! <3

[fennu]

You're always loud.

[ It's not said necessarily said to scold, which likely makes a change, considering who his uncle is. Instead, Jiang Cheng lets himself look at the boy - young man - properly. He's definitely different, and the fact that he notices the ears and tail now almost makes him sigh. There's no doubting where this version of his nephew is from, then.

He's met the fox version of his brother; they must be the same.

Thankfully, Jiang Cheng is well used to the strength of his nephew's hugs, so he doesn't fall over - instead he reaches to wrap his arms around him, holding him gently. It's been a while since a-Ling was in a position to ask for affection from his uncle, so he's going to drink it in when he can.

It's nice. Not that he'll say it. ]

Stupid. I should punish you.

<3

[to_rise_above]

[ Jin Ling mutters into the fabric of his uncle's clothes. Clearly, loud enough for the man to hear him. Someone feels a little daring today. Maybe it's because he's genuinely happy to see Jiang Cheng again after so long. ]

So are you...

[ Eve if the words don't come off as a scold. Jin Ling can't help but be a bit snarky with the answer. Whether it will prompt him to be threatened with broken knees again or not, who knows. He hugs a little tighter when he feels the gentle arms around him. This feeling of security and familiarity really makes him sentimental.

He doesn't try to rationalize his behavior this time. He truly just wants some kind of comfort. Even if he gets teased for it later, he'll still do it. He's grateful that his actions aren't rejected. ]

Who's stupid? [ Following ] You always say that jiujiu! I haven't seen you go through with it!

[ He'll gladly take any punishments at this point! All the while these words are said in muffles. He knows he needs to let goa at some point. There are probably a lot to catch up on-- maybe. He doesn't know. Even the wolf was eerily quiet. Somehow, he's grateful for that too. ]

[fennu]

[ He isn't really going to punish his a-Ling, of course; there's no reason to, not when he's happy to see how missed he was. There's no denying the fact that him being someone else's nephew doesn't stop him from also being his nephew, and Jiang Cheng has already determined in himself that he is going to take care of him.

For himself, for some other version of Yanli who had likely died searching for a Wei Wuxian beyond him. But he doesn't want to think about that.

One hand rests on the boy's back and he huffs a little, trying to act as though he isn't touched in his own way. ]

Do you want me to start, huh? I might be a different uncle to the one you know, how do you know I won't?

[ But he's still not letting go himself, letting his hand stroke over his nephew's back, holding him gently - because the boy needs it and so does he, the relief of knowing someone he cares about is safe becoming almost overwhelming. ]

[to_rise_above]

[ Jiang Cheng is Jiang Cheng, no matter how different he seems. Jin Ling isn't going to dwell on the details. He's comforting and letting Jin Ling cling to him. That in itself speaks volumes. How can he not take advantage of that? After being in such a place for so long, it's just easier to accept the differences. It makes it easier to cope with everything.

There's a ghost of a smile on Jin Ling's face at the huff. Not that Jiang Cheng can see it or anything. He doesn't want to admit that he's very happy either. His actions are enough. His uncle seems the same as ever. ]

Go ahead! It doesn't matter if you're different. I know you won't-- I-I just do!

[ Okay, maybe he's a bit too confident in that response, but whatever. He's not scared. He'll take all the punishments or whatever head on. (If Jiang Cheng ever attempts to anyway.) Jin Ling is 100% confident he won't get any sort of punishment and the gestures are enough to prove that. ]

[fennu]

Whatever you say, a-Ling.

[ But he doesn't raise a hand at all, of course, because why would he? He has no reason to ever hurt his nephew, the boy he helped raise as his own child, and there's a softness in him that only a-Ling and a handful of others have ever really been able to see. He lets his hand rest gently, but he breathes out a soft noise as he leans back.

He won't put his feelings to words, but empathy might give him away if he isn't careful.

Lifting his hand, he rubs a-Ling's head gently, feeling oddly at peace. ]

You should be careful. There's another Fairy here.

[to_rise_above]

I will!

[ He retorts once more, feeling quite confident with himself. Of course, he knows that his uncle won't do it. No matter the differences, he feels safe and at ease. He looks up when Jiang Cheng leans back and rubs his head, still feeling a mix of emotions. He wants to say more, but what his uncle mentions next stops him from continuing.

He gives him a quizzical for the statement. ]

There's another Fairy...? What do you mean I should be careful?

[fennu]

[ This is a difficult conversation, but it has to happen, doesn't it?

Jiang Cheng wrinkles his nose, leaning back so that he can cross his arms over his chest. He feels like a fool for being the one to put this into words, but a-Ling has to find it out somehow, doesn't he?

Breathing out, he shakes his head. ]

The Jin Ling from my world is here as well.

[to_rise_above]

[ Difficult conversations-- they seem to be something that Jin Ling has to deal with quite frequently.

Though, the answer he gets, isn't exactly what he's expecting. He doesn't seem too shocked by it. A little taken back, but at this point he's seen enough to just kind of roll with it. A Jin Ling that comes from the same world as this Jiang Cheng. It's the same with his father-- the same yet not. It's like another plane of existence. Given, the whole ordeal with Hakagemachi, this isn't too outrageous.

It takes him a moment to process slowly but he does end up replying to Jiang Cheng after a moment of silence. The tone is a little confused, but nothing too off putting. ]

Jiujiu, you're saying there's another version of me that exists on this...train?

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng is likely lucky that he has never come across another version of himself here; he would find it off-putting to say the least, confusing beyond anything else, and it would likely only result in nothing more than a fight or argument. The fact that Jin Ling is taking is so calmly probably speaks to whatever place he was in before this one - which is a relief.

Nodding his head, he lets his eyes slip over his nephew - of sorts - before he breathes out. There's no point getting too complicated with it, is there? It's an easy enough situation to explain. ]

The train brings people from different worlds. There is another Jin Ling here. There are two Wei Wuxian, three Lan Wangji and two Zewu-jun. [ Fuck being polite about Wangji. ] It is something you will have to get used to, and quickly.

[to_rise_above]

[ Jin Ling will attest for all of those reactions. He can't imagine his uncle reacting well to another version of himself of any kind. The truth is that if Jin Ling hasn't already seen strange things, he'd be much the same. He'll probably start a fight. However, because of those experiences, it's less likely.

He's not exactly happy to hear that there's another him here, but it's not like he can do anything about it either. He's more curious on what the version of him is like. After all, they may be different versions of each other, but Jin Ling's experience are probably different from the other version of him.

He at least listens to the words that come out of Jiang Cheng's mouth. The train brings people from different words. There is one of him and two Wei Wuxian...? As if one of him isn't already a handful. Jin Ling has to be worried about two of him. His expression is dissatisfied but what can he do? That's already a headache waiting to happen. The mention of three Lan Wangji makes Jin Ling's eyes are a bit wide. While, he has some more interaction with Hanguang-jun in the city, he still hasn't gotten comfortable with the man. What's worse that there are three of him. More headaches waiting to happen.

Two of Zewu-jun. He can probably live with this of all things. He's making a face as all of this still. He just stands there for a moment, changing between expressions before nodding his head to Jiang Cheng. At the end of the day, no matter what happens, he has to accept that there are many and those many are just what is the norm here. It doesn't mean he has to accept it right away though. He knows it's going to be some time. ]

Does this train do whatever it wants? Grabbing people however they please? Ugh, and one of Wei Wuxian is enough-- why are there two of him?! And three... three Hanguang-juns?

[fennu]

You don't have to tell me! I've been living with them!

[ To be fair, he has been avoiding one over the other, getting closer to forgiving the one he knows as his brother and dodging the one he doesn't, but it's not going to last forever. He'll have to confront the spirit possessed version of his brother sooner or later, but he's content with not forcing himself through that level of emotional hurt at this point.

It doesn't help that the sheer number of Lan Wangji there are also leaves him at odds, not sure what he ought to do, which of them he can respect and trust and which of them are going to irritate him to no end. Jiang Cheng has never found it easy to get along with any version of Hanguang-jun, and his lips purse a little as he recognises that it might be just as difficult for his nephew.

A-Ling is too like him for comfort at times.

The next thing makes him hesitate for a moment but - he realises he cannot keep it too quiet, not around a-Ling, and he ought to find the other one to confirm it with him, too. ]

Another thing. I've gained a new power here.

[to_rise_above]

[ Jin Ling wants to shout and say he knows that, given how his uncle sounds right now, but even he knows where to draw the line. He keeps his mouth sealed shut at that statement.

Eventually, he too will have to face all of this. Especially with the two Wei Wuxian. One, of which he recognizes and has already gone through an argument with and the other. he doesn't know what to expect of the second one. He already gets frustrated as is. He just doesn't know how much of his sanity is going to remain in tact after he settles.

He doesn't know how to deal with that many Lan Wangji. He, also struggles with one, much like his uncle. Thus, having multiple is asking him for the impossible. He knows he can't avoid them forever, either.

Jin Ling picks up the best and worst traits of his uncles, and it's just something he can't control. He wishes that he can handle things a bit better, but it requires a lot of work in progress. Jin Ling's eyes and ears are focused on Jiang Cheng when he said he has a new power. He doesn't look surprised but, curious if anything. Also, he might as well come clean on his end to. Even though, his uncle isn't asking anything about his strange appearance, he's pretty sure there will be some kind of questions. ]

A new-- power? What kind of power, jiujiu?

[fennu]

[ There's one thing that settles Jiang Cheng and it's the notion that at least with two Wei Wuxian around there are two additional people to keep an eye on his nephew. A-Ling is their nephew too, or at least one of theirs, and that means they're going to be as careful about keeping him safe as Jiang Cheng himself is.

The rest are just things that a-Ling is going to have to figure out himself; it's an adjustment that Jiang Cheng has done too. He's growing used to seeing the Lan Wangji around, to seeing two Lan Xichen, to recognising who is who and which are from his own world or not. It's adaptation at its finest and not something that is necessarily his strong suit.

Lifting a hand, he rubs at his forehead for a moment before he breathes out. ]

Feelings. Sometimes I can feel what other people are feeling and they can feel mine.

[ He's trying his best to control it, alright. ]

[to_rise_above]

[ It really does sound reassuring, given how the Wei Wuxian he knows is pretty much protective of him most of the time. It's not that bad to have another one looking after him. Though, Jin Ling doesn't know how long his sanity will last with both of them. Regardless, it's probably better than having multiples of one's sworn enemy. Jin Ling doesn't have much to say on that other than sighing and probably just getting used to it. ]

...Feelings? [ There's a bit of confusion on Jin Ling's face. It's probably not what he's thinking but who can blame him? He blinks before speaking slowly. ]

Jiujiu, you can feel my feelings...then...right now?

[ He's trying his best. Jin Ling hasn't actually felt much off of his uncle yet. That may be that he is trying to control it. He also knows at some point, he needs to talk too. It's going to be rough all around. ]

[fennu]

If I try. It's not something I'm good at just yet.

[ It's also something that he is trying to supress, at least when it comes to his own emotions and what he lets other people feel. It's difficult to smother them, though, or to squash what he feels, especially when the emotions are overwhelming him completely.

Lifting his hand, he hesitates before he pats Jin Ling on the shoulder, trying not to let anything become too overwhelming. ]

I won't do it unless I have to. You can feel mine, too, if I don't control it.

[to_rise_above]

[ 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?

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng can understand how it might work well for other people - people like a-Ling, Wei Wuxian, even Madoka and his other friends. He's reticent to show himself, still unsure about being honest, falling into the familiar trap of harsh words rather than brutal honesty.

His hand falls away and he rubs his chin, frowning a little. ]

It has been, but I am going to make sure it doesn't continue.

[ Because there is no way that Jiang Cheng is going to allow himself to continue to be vulnerable. ]

[to_rise_above]

[ Even Jin Ling thinks it's a bit complex. He's not sure he will feel happy about having that kind of ability. He's curious to where his uncle got the ability from, but doesn't ask for the time being. He knows it's not a simple topic to discuss. Best to not overwhelm his uncle. He has time to ask the more technical things later.

That and he has his own secrets he needs to tell his uncle. Lest, Jiang Cheng ends up feeling not just his emotions but the mischievous one of the demon inside of him. ]

How... are you going to do that? [ He seems quite serious. He waits a minute to let the question linger before adding. ]

There's-- there's something I have to tell you too, jiujiu. Especially, if you can feel people's emotions.

[fennu]

The same way I've done everything else. By making it happen.

[ Attempt the impossible, right? He is from Lotus Pier, a child of Yunmeng, and he will try until he's accomplished everything he wants. At least in this Wei Wuxian cannot be better than him, cannot overcome him - unless he finds some way of hiding his emotions before Jiang Cheng does, in which case the universe will truly, absolutely hate him.

Shaking his head, he breathes out before he focusses back on his nephew, intent and careful. ]

Is there? Go on then, before I get annoyed.

[ As if he wouldn't wait forever for a-Ling to tell him something important. ]

cw: demon possession

[to_rise_above]

[ Well, Jin Ling can't disagree to that. If Jiang Cheng wants to make something happen, he's sure to. Jin Ling isn't very much different. That stubbornness and persistence doesn't just come from nowhere. ]

That's true. You do.

[ The question isn't out of him doubting that his uncle can make it happen. It is more towards his concern about the difficulties that Jiang Cheng faces having those abilities. Regardless, Jin Ling has to be honest about it and also not have the wolf speak too. That will be saved for another day. At least, he hopes he can save it. Jin Ling takes a deep breath before he speaks. ]

You're probably already wondering why I have these-- parts.

[ Parts, appendages? Ears and a tail? All of the above. He's trying to word it as carefully as he can. ]

Jiujiu, that place I was in before-- people have to deal with demons inhabiting their bodies. There's no way for the demon to survive without a host. Most people are not willing but there isn't much of a choice. I have one of those-- demons inside of me. That's why I have these parts. It has a mind of its own and can talk when he wants to. It feels differently from me and sometimes-- sometimes I don't remember what happens.

[ Because the wolf kind of likes to take his body on harmless joy rides, but details. That's already a mouthful and Jin Ling waits another minute before continuing. ]

I've tried to expel it and I've tried to find ways to get rid of it but it-- there's no way. I'm stuck with it. The demon, it also has its own powers. They're mixed with my cultivation. So-so if you ever accidentally feel strange things that don't seem like they belong to me, it's because it's not mine.

[ He looks deeply concerned as he knits his brows together. He certainly wants to have it leave but there's not much he can do when it doesn't have a body to go back to. There's the thing about the masks too, but it's something that he can simply explain later. Something he knows he can't lose. ]

[fennu]

Am I meant to be surprised?

[ Jiang Cheng lifts his head. He is a little bit surprised at the nature of it, getting more detail here than he had from Wei Wuxian, but he recognises the similarities and the context of it. He might not know everything that had happened, but he knows well enough that things had happened, that his nephew had been through a great deal.

Reaching out, he knocks Jin Ling's head gently.]

I've been here with the other Wei Wuxian, haven't I? I know a little bit about it. I'm not surprised at all - I guessed about what was going on.

[ He sighs. ]

If you want it removed then we can try and figure something out here. Otherwise don't worry about it right now. I don't care.

[ It's not as if he doesn't have his own set of awkward problems when it comes to feelings and powers, is it? ]

[to_rise_above]

...I don't know.

[ Honestly, Jin Ling doesn't know what to expect from Jiang Cheng when it comes to his explanations. Whether it's surprise or not, it doesn't matter. To Jin Ling, it's good enough that he can say it aloud and Jiang Cheng isn't thinking he's lost his mind. For that, Jin Ling is appreciative.

He makes a face when his uncle knocks his head gently. His face almost puffs at the gesture. ]

Well! Of course, jiujiu is always well informed! I just wanted to tell you! I don't want you to find out some other weird way, or something...

[ He huffs as he crosses his arms and now looking away from him. He takes a moment to think about before nodding his head. He's sure he wants to expel it but at the same time, there's this strange attachment he has to it. Something, he can't particularly explain but he's not voicing that aloud for now. He at least nods his head. ]

I--If we can find a way to. I've tried a lot of things and nothing's-- worked.

[ He makes a face clearly hearing something from the wolf. Thankfully. Jiang Cheng doesn't have to hear it now. Jin Ling is relieved to hear that his uncle doesn't care. ] Okay-- let's worry about it later then...