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

is this because there are cute animals everywhere...

[deferences]

[learning jin ling had the opportunity to meet his father would be great! he's always wondered if there would ever come a time where that might happen aboard the train; so far, it seems it's favored lans, but that doesn't mean there still isn't a chance, given how many other people from their worlds (or variations) have appeared by now. with how gleefully jin ling had called an alternate universe jin zixuan ‘father,’ it should come as no surprise that sizhui'd had no problem easily doing the same with his other world family too.

there is also most definitely the fact there are far more significant things they should concern themselves with.

sizhui arches an eyebrow, tilts his head, hums contemplatively despite already mostly understanding what jin ling's explaining; wherever he was before here (the same place sizhui's imagining he got his cute wolf ears and tail), jin ling encountered his father-not-father in that other place and accepted him, regardless of their differences. so, there's no saying they can't do the same either, huh?] I cannot speak for other people outrightly, just admit from what I've witnessed, some of them aren't as accepting of the idea that there are other... versions of ourselves.

[a shrug. he can't explain it any other way and, even though he's hoped they could one day come to terms with it, he's always seen otherwise or heard people talk about how they wish they could leave. (he does too, he's just accepted they don't have a choice.)]

Haah, nine? Has she grown a few extra...?! [don't mind him, rolling with whatever's available to gently tease jin ling. sizhui knows because he's taken each fluffy tail and carefully brushed them out during groom-time, so it's not jin ling's fault if he's having trouble figuring out how many xixue's got.] And yes, for a little while, A-Qing was aboard the train. [long enough to get herself adopted – even properly! – by a whole lot of people.] Her similarities are why I simply call her a ‘fox,’ but you are correct, there are differences that I've no explanation for. [maybe he'll ask once a-qing comes back since she ought to know her own spirit beast better.]

That's right, [he affirms, redirecting his attention to fairy after jin ling looks away.] Quite fitting, given her abilities.

gdsgshks there's a possible chance that there is yeah maybe.

[to_rise_above]

[ Jin Ling is eternally grateful to spend time with his father. Any of version of his father is enough for him. After all, while he seemed lost and confused, this said father of his called him by name. That in of itself is enough to break him down. Jin Ling still fondly looks into those memories. Those were truly times that he wouldn't give up for anything. Hakagemachi may be a terrible place, but it gave him his father. Something, he'll never be able to experience again.

He frowns, but nods to Sizhui's words. He's aware that not many will be accepting of knowing that there are other versions of themselves. If he were anything like his past self, he might be fighting a version of himself for a place and for proof that he is the better of the two, or three-- or however many there will be of him. It's not an easy thing to adjust to. He gets that but he honestly still thinks there are far more important things to worry about. He doesn't voice much of his thoughts aloud, since he doesn't want to really argue with the one person he's gotten to have a decent conversation with. ]

Since you put it that way, yeah I guess not. If it were someone coming from where they came from, and not experiencing weird things, they will definitely not be happy with seeing another version of themselves. It's not like I don't think it's still weird or anything. It's just -- not such a big deal.

[ He shrugs, playing with Xixue still. The little creature has honestly won his heart faster than he originally thought. She's cute and very soft. She's also really calm. It's strangely relaxing, much like when he's hugging or petting Fairy. Jin Ling's a little distracted to realize he said something incorrectly. Something that may not be easily let go at this point. His face immediately flares up in embarrassment when he realizes the tails he count at this point are wrong and Sizhui is now teasing him. ]

I t-thought I saw nine! It's not my fault her tails all blend in--t-together and everything!

[ Ah there it is, his sputtering response to that statement. He really hasn't changed much. He looks at her again and realizes yes, she does indeed have less tails than he counted. This is embarrassing but what can he do at this point?! He just huffs for the rest of the statement and tries to redirect the conversation away from his little slip up. ]

What are her abilities?

it's completely, 100% fair, they're super adorable animals after all

[deferences]

[good, just as it always should be when one gets to connect with a parent they never even met. (or, in lan sizhui's case, reconnecting with one he'd lost for a real long time.) and jin ling shouldn't jump to conclusions so quickly here; there's still no doubt a chance the man shows up and imagine if it were the one from where they'd been before jin ling's arrival aboard the voidtrecker express. if jin zixuan doesn't show up, then at least jin ling can say he had those moments with him before leaving hakagemachi.

so far, from what he's seen, there haven't been more than three at a time, but who's to say the train wasn't simply taking a break? while sizhui's not able to say for sure, that doesn't mean he's doubting the train's abilities to collect whomever it wants from wherever they might be. as it stands right now, this jin ling is the only one he's interested in, given the awkwardness he'd experienced with the other before him (and the lost friendship of another before that). regardless, jin ling needn't worry about fighting to find his place after he'll undoubtedly make it.]

Mmhmm, [he nods.] It doesn't need to be a big deal either, given where we are, and yet. [sometimes it's a big thing, other times it's not. he isn't too fussed by it whenever it meant meeting and befriending himself, deciding without hesitation they were brothers despite their differences.

sizhui's adjusting his position, gingerly kneading fairy's ears a final time before moving so he's upright, left hand staying nearby enough where the dog can bump against his fingers. give it time, xixue will show her spunky side, she's just far more comfortable being cradled and buried against jin ling's shoulder, likely napping with how still she is. following jin ling's flustered reaction, he half-grins, raises his free hand to cup around his mouth and smothers his already soft laughter; it's hard to not be pleased by his successfully poking fun at his fellow junior.] No, no, you're right though. Sometimes it's difficult to tell how many tails she has... I'm just used to them, that's all. [a beat, his hand lowering and the smallest smile settling into place.] And you will eventually get used to them too.

[like jin ling's got no say in it: it'll happen since the lan disciple's decided. for the moment, at least he's got jin ling's question to focus on.]

Her abilities? Ah, hmmm. I suppose the one thing I know for certain is that she can control ice.

the cutest animals. i hope fairy and xixue will be come friends XD

[to_rise_above]

[ Sizhui has a good point there. True, he can't really put that past the train. After all, he recalls the encounter with Wei Wuxian-- the one he knows, and it in of itself is already a roller coaster ride. There's so much he's going to have to tell the other too. So, if his father ends up here as well and he happens to be the one he is familiar with, Jin Ling might really lose his bearing.

To Jin Ling, it's much better to make a place for himself, definitely. He doesn't find any joy in fighting other versions of himself. It's going to be a pointless fight and in the end, no one will win. He will certainly make his own impact somehow. He'll make sure of it. Sizhui doesn't have to worry too much. After all, sometimes Jin Ling is brimming with arrogance. ]

Exactly. Just imagine if everyone just started freaking out! It's completely counterproductive.

[ He agrees. Fairy is definitely enjoying the time of its life. There's nothing that can stop Fairy from getting the attention and the pets. After all, Fairy's master is preoccupied with a petite creature. After that statement, Jin Ling only huffs in embarrassment for the point out. His face is still a little red from the initial reaction. He just ignores the teasing to the best of his abilities and pays more attention to Xixue instead. At least, she seems comfortable and not judging him. He can't even imagine her being spunky. She seems extremely peaceful at the moment, if not for the amount of attention she wants from him. ]

E-Exactly! I just met her! How am I supposed to know what all her tails look like!!

[ He's not really defending himself well, but he's trying. ]

I-Ice?! She won't-- like suddenly freeze me or something right?

[ You know-- fire wolf demon possessed teen here... ]

ME TOO..... even if sizhui will be giving her back to a-qing after she returns

[deferences]

[ah, yes, the wei wuxian with fox ears (which are also super adorable, by the way!), things that sizhui remembers fondly— but the tails he enjoys even more, considering how often he's slept while buried in those furry appendages. what can he say? they're nice and warm, a perfectly cozy spot to curl up and nap his worries away. something he's often done when he shouldn't most times, although things usually ended up getting figured out quicker after taking some time to rest, to consider... definitely something jin ling should do if his father shows up here.

toward jin ling's declaration, he nods and,] Also correct, [then his unoccupied hand gestures vaguely.] I'm much happier appreciating that people work together rather than not, because everyone doing the opposite would be too chaotic.

[fairy, as always, is such a sweet pup accepting all the attention sizhui's giving so freely. he'd offer more if he possessed extra hands, but much to his dismay, he doesn't, so fairy will simply have to live with ear-rubbing right now while he chats with jin ling. though it's difficult to ignore, sizhui keeps his gaze focused on jin ling's face, still smiling, like he's oblivious to the other male's flustered demeanor regardless of how blatant that huff was.] You aren't. [it's plain-spoken, yet softened by sizhui's following comment:] That fault is on me, so I apologize. [but he's sticking with his earlier ‘you'll get used to them’ statement.]

And no, she won't attack you unless provoked.

[neither of them knows, xixue's got a weakness to fire, meaning she should worry about jin ling rather than the other way around; lan sizhui can make the assumption himself, even if he also thinks she could harm jin ling too.

she won't, however, taking her currently relaxed position into account, and it's not like jin ling's threatening whatsoever.] The worst thing you might get at the moment is snowflakes in your hair and those melt pretty quickly.

That is fine, he can maybe... be friends with A-Qing >_>; hahahaah lololol but yis

[to_rise_above]

[ Jin Ling finds Wei Wuxian with his nine tails obnoxious as hell. Especially, when he gets hugged to hell and back. Of course, he doesn't say that. He also doesn't fully mean it either, given, he's quite happy to see a Wei Wuxian that he knows and close with. He can't say he dislikes Wei Wuxian and at the moment, he's more than acknowledged their familial relationship. Though, he gets a bit flustered about it on occasion.

He'll just have have to wing it to the best of his abilities and move forward with it. He will be happy to have his father in his life regardless. ]

It would be pointless if there's just nothing but chaos.

[ Given a lot of things are still fresh on his mind, he can definitely appreciate Sizhui's agreement to his statement prior. Fairy is Fairy! The spiritual companion is always happy to see its master getting along with people and not have to deal with hostilities. While, this Sizhui has a slightly different scent and such, Fairy can still tell he's not a bad person. Of course, this spoilage might push Fairy to find the other more often than not for pets and such. There's nothing but happy barks and yelps from Fairy, not even minding their conversation at the moment. ]

Tch'-- I didn't ask for an apology.

[ He huffs a response. He's not even mad, honestly, just covering up his embarrassment by complaining about meaningless things. ]

Good to know. I'd rather not be turned to an icicle or something.

[ He also still very much likes her, so it's great if he can carry and pet her without freezing into a block of ice. He's grateful for that reassurance. ] Snowflakes aren't a big deal...Anyway.

[ Jin Ling pets Xixue quietly before continuing. ]

What else should I be aware of that-- isn't just the basics?

he can do it, we believe in him!!

[deferences]

[of course jin ling would find his uncle wei wuxian obnoxious. (isn't that what uncles are for? especially one as incredible as the former yiling patriarch.) whatever hugs jin ling didn't want from wei wuxian, sizhui would accept without hesitation, but let's be real here: jin ling's gonna need as many of those as he can get now that he's been reunited with him. gosh though, if that's the actual case, sizhui's able to safely say he'd be delighted to hear jin ling's accepted and forgiven wei wuxian after all that time. ending up flustered about it is understandable sometimes and in jin ling's case, it's completely, one-hundred-percent like him to react in such a manner.

nothing would come from everyone losing their wits, this is mutually agreed upon, which is why another quick head-bob toward jin ling's concurrence should suffice.

it's also exactly why lan sizhui lets himself be distracted by fairy once again, his attention downcasted, a light smile upturning his lips at the edges when the spirit beast yips and yelps excitedly about all this attention it's receiving. given how long it has been since he's actually seen fairy, he has no qualms whatsoever petting until the creature's content, even if it means reaching his other hand over and rubbing his fingers through the thick fur along fairy's back. he does spare an upward glance just long enough that his eyebrows lift with inquisitiveness at jin ling's remark, but he's looking away again afterward, unable to keep from smirking slightly wider.] I know, I'm giving you one anyhow.

[if jin ling doesn't like it, well... that's too bad! he feels somewhat ashamed, flustering jin ling like that, so he's apologizing regardless. the favor he'll do for his fellow junior is not lingering on it longer than necessary and embarrassing him further.

sizhui offers a mm of approval, scritches fairy's ears again, tilts his head sideways to spare jin ling's hair the briefest look before straightening. no snowflakes and xixue even nuzzles into the petting after jin ling gives it, trilling softly, sleepily.] Well, if you don't mind walking around for a while, I could fill you in on whatever you have questions about. [although he's not waiting for an answer, already turning about-face and averting his gaze down the corridor opposite of where they are.]

I'm willing to bet both of our spirit beasts could use the exercise too.

yes yes he can do it.. maybe! We can totally end the thread in the next tag if you want or rn!

[to_rise_above]

[ There's a lot of things that he finds obnoxious about Wei Wuxian, but it's not that he hates him or anything. He appreciates him to some degree. It's not as bad as it can be anyway. (Also, sure he's kind of cool, he guess. kind of.)

Yes. It took a lot of effort, but Jin Ling seems pleased with the results at the moment. He doesn't feel like it's necessary to stay mad at someone when there were so many conspiracies surrounding his family.

Fairy seems to be enjoying herself very much and yes she's happy for all the attention and love. All the happy barks for Sizhui! Jin Ling is also trying to not roll his eyes at her excitement and at Sizhui for saying he's apologizing anyway. ]

--And I'm saying you don't need to.

[ A small huff and puff of his face for that statement. He definitely doesn't like it. He just continues to pet Xixue to relieve his agitation but careful that he's not hurting her at the same time. ]

That's-- fine. If it's easier that way, then let's do it...

[ He pauses looking at his spiritual companion and then back to Xixiue. He then gives Sizhui a look. The two animals seem like they can use some work out. He nods his head. ]

I should-- find something for Fairy to eat.

[ Since, he hasn't found her anything as of recent. ]

*maybe* haha but yeah i think we can call this one finished now

[deferences]

[nothing wrong with finding something(s) obnoxious about wei wuxian; the man probably does have a few qualities that are objectionable, but sizhui's certainly not one to judge for a couple of bad choices here and there. also, that's one-hundred-percent correct, there doesn't need to be any hateful feelings just because jin ling is annoyed by some of the things his uncle does. (kind of ‘cool?’ careful, lan jingyi might have select words if that's the best descriptor jin ling can muster.)

thank goodness fairy's here or else this argument would go on and on! for now, lan sizhui relinquishes, shaking his head then leaning down to peck the spot between fairy's ears, murmuring.] Okay, Fairy, time to get up. [though he doesn't wait for her, sizhui simply moves his hands underneath her big ol' head instead, lifts and moves upright, shifting as necessary to keep holding her chin.

xixue wiggles a little at the sound of her owner's voice, turning to briefly look over, but other than that, she seems undisturbed by the more vigorous petting.]

Then the kitchen is our first stop, clearly. We can't tour this whole train with empty stomachs!

[he does cast xixue a look but will ultimately leave it up to jin ling if he wants to continue carrying her around; it's not like she weighs too much and, given those huge puppy-dog eyes, she's almost impossible to deny.] Follow me, [comes after his left hand gestures.] We have lots of food to choose from.

[and he'll lead down the corridor, guiding them in the direction they will have to go in order to collect food for fairy, which will actually leave them near the front, so hey, that worked out rather well!]