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!
blue_ice: (headached)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 05:42 am (UTC)(link)
Seto's still facing the wall. He's waiting for the warning bell to sound, letting this cold settle in the pit of his stomach.

The familiar touch is warm, though. Seto's head tips down, a small exhale leaving him in his surprise, and he soon recognizes Ken. His brother, of course. And given the circumstances he returns the hold, squeezing around Ken's shoulders a little tighter than normal.

"I never thought I'd miss another person's presence in my head. But she made our lives better."
miseris_socios: (Default)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 05:45 am (UTC)(link)
He gives Seto a squeeze and nods. "I... wasn't close to her. ... Maybe I should have been. I don't... do good with mom types."

He's not sure if he'll ever stop mourning his own, even if he knows it was an accident. "But she was special to you. And... and that's important."
blue_ice: (rainy day)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 05:58 am (UTC)(link)
Seto answers that with another gentle squeeze. He knows why mothers would be a sore spot.

"It scares me. That anyone I care about can be ripped away at any time." And this one really hurts. She won't invent with him again. She won't be at his wedding. No more late night cocoa either.

"So...I don't want to waste the time I have left with any of you. Or let you leave without knowing where we stand."

He turns to face Ken fully with a thin smile. "You're my brother, and you deserve my attention as such."
miseris_socios: (wh-what?!)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
"I know." The train is unpredictable, and he can't blame Seto for hurting. He looks up at Seto and -

A brother. Has he...he's been here about as long as he was with Strega. A little longer, even. If they could be his siblings...

... He's scared of losing Seto. Of driving him away. He doesn't want to hurt him, but... doesn't that mean he really does care about him? He closes his eyes and leans into Seto, voice thick with emotion.

"I... I think of you as my brother, too." Family... he really does have a growing family here on the train, doesn't he? It hurts and it's complex and it's messy...

... But aren't families like that, anyway?
blue_ice: (sacrifice)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 02:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Seto answers with a tight squeeze.

"I've told you about Mokuba, right? My brother. He's a total brat, and he drags me into messes everywhere. But he was always my drive to keep going. His happiness meant everything to me, no matter what I had to do."

He sighs. "I feel the same way about you, and I don't want to waste any time."
miseris_socios: (blankly)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 03:28 pm (UTC)(link)
He clings a little to Seto, trying to ignore how dumb he feels doing so. Seto needs him right now, and that's what family does for each other.

"... You know you don't have to sacrifice things for my happiness. You... you need to take care of yourself..." Tears prickle at the corners of his eyes, threatening to spill over. He doesn't deserve that kind of kindness.

"I just want you to be happy. You're... it's more important to me that you... take care of yourself. If you really want to make me happy, you'll look after yourself."
blue_ice: (blinded)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Seto listens to the words with a pang of guilt. He'd never been good at that. Working himself to the bone is what he does. But that keeps from enjoying life with his crew, doesn't it?

He holds Ken tightly and nods.

"I'm trying. I promise. It's just been rough lately."

He pulls back, though one hand remains on Ken's shoulder. "Easier when I'm around you."
miseris_socios: (standing proud)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"I know. That's why I'm reminding you." He smiles slightly and puts his hand on Seto's. "I can drag you out to make sure you eat dinner, too. You wouldn't be the first person."

Looking at you, Vexen. "... I know it's hard losing people. It just means you have to look at how you spend what time you've got, right?"
blue_ice: (defective water bottle)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yugi will murder me if I don't eat, and he won't be the only one," Seto mutters, the hint of a smile appearing on his face. No matter how terrible this loss feels, he's not alone.

"Actually, speaking of him...there's a favor I need to ask you. Are you free for a few hours on the 19th?"
miseris_socios: (huh?)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"Good, because I can only pull so much." Seto's skinny, but Ken's not sure if he could physically drag his brother.

... Huh. It's strange how easily the title slips in to his thoughts.

"Um, I should be. Why?"
blue_ice: (hands)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 08:58 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well..."

Seto's hand reaches for the chain of his locket, where the ring hangs. He wraps his fingers around it for a moment. Expanding his family, even now with the void left behind. Especially now.

"Yugi and I are getting married. We're not planning anything elaborate, but we'd love if you would join us."
miseris_socios: (haha!)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-01 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
He looks at it and then looks back up at Seto.

Married, huh... "I... of course I'll be there. You should have let me know sooner, I would have gotten you a present." He smiles a little sheepishly at the other. It seems... so strange, but...

... But this is family.
blue_ice: (richer than god)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-01 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm sorry. Yugi proposed before the mission, and between the fight and..."

He glances back at the barrier. Della is long gone, but the gaping hole in his mind still remains. It always will.

"It slipped my mind. I've just been reminded that I actually need to plan."

He manages a small chuckle at the slip, and pulls Ken in for one last quick hug. "Having you there is all I need."
miseris_socios: (yay!)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-02 02:53 am (UTC)(link)
"It's okay. It just means that I'll have to get you something next time." He's got points to spare, but hm... he'll have to think of something.

He hugs Seto back and lets out a long breath. "I'm just glad you're happy."
blue_ice: (defective water bottle)

[personal profile] blue_ice 2021-10-02 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
"...on the way there, but that's enough for me."

Seto smiles at him as he straightens up. "Do you want to drop by the cinema this week? I might need a distraction before the day."
miseris_socios: (Default)

[personal profile] miseris_socios 2021-10-02 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's better than nothing. I'll take it." He lets go and nods. "... Yeah. I've got the data stick in my bag with the episodes. Just let me know whenever you're ready, since I know you're busy."