VoidTrecker Express Mods (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am
voidtreckermods) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am
Entry tags:
- alice liddell (am) [ou],
- allen walker [crau],
- clu [au-crau],
- devero [ou],
- elidibus [ou],
- esteban drake [ou],
- fai d flourite [ou],
- inigo [ou],
- jin ling (mdzs) [crau],
- kairi [ou],
- koumyou sanzo [ou],
- little one [ou],
- madoka kaname [ou],
- nell ingram [ou],
- romeo [crau],
- sonya blade [ou],
- taiki [ou],
- thanatos [ou],
- tidus [ou],
- yondu udonta [ou],
- yugi mutou [ou],
- ~x~aziraphale [crau],
- ~x~bucky barnes [crau],
- ~x~connor [ou],
- ~x~eli vanto [ou],
- ~x~thrawn [ou]
A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]
On the Train
Despite whatever Voidtreckers may have learned or how they feel about those revelations - or reminders - of the precariousness of their situation, the train flies ever onward.
"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Poi. 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. The weather is dry but there is a chill to the air and a strong breeze." 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. Dairine, Okada Izō, Rapunzel, Satoru and Siebren; 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 thirteen new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours and 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 long with a grassy mound behind them. It is blustery and the air is cold, they will be glad of those hoodies.
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, windy platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.
Thirteen figures, 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, with cans of corned beef lining the shelves.
For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. Those from purple who go to find their prize will find a large box containing a gingerbread train for them to share. Plenty enough to go around, even for the largest team.
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.
Snow Time: Rock Garden
Winter seems to have followed from Osiga and nested in the rock garden. There's a chill that nips in the air and a light snow (real snow) fills the air. A thin cloudy haze at the top of the carriage seems the source. Yet the kaleidoscope of the void will assure that this is no timely world stop.
People might have seen it occurring the night before. Snow falling heavy before tapering off with an odd precision, leaving a heavy blanket over the carriage 'ground'. By morning of Platform Day, a miniature winter has descended, ripe for snowforts, snowballs, angels and snowmen.
It's not just the climate that's changed. Many statues and rock features are missing or moved. Digging below the snow reveals soil now frozen but providing a barrier between the bare floor of the carriage. Keen eyes will see changes are made with safety and available space in mind. The fountain has been emptied but the pond and streams are frozen solid, allowing intrepid spirits to try slide-skating over the surfaces without the risk of breaking through. The mosaics are still around, and enchantments are in place to protect paintings and paper decorations from damp. Any plants have been sent to sleep or taken to safety.
The benches are still around. Paths and bridges are covered with fresh snow, but, as the day goes on, it's trampled down and or scattered. Najaran's woodfolk may be glimpsed near Jingyi's shrine or hiding in the shadows of rocks and statues still present, perhaps even buried in the snow and peeking out. Shy around humans, though those with pointed ears or Hylian lineage may find an easier time interacting.
There are signs on both doors of the carriage warning of the change and mentioning the dressing carriage will have winter gear, and it does: with hats, scarves, gloves and ice skates in a variety of sizes. Dispensers with warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are available in the Games Carriage.
Early the next day, the snow will be gone and the gardens returned to how they once were.
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!
Despite whatever Voidtreckers may have learned or how they feel about those revelations - or reminders - of the precariousness of their situation, the train flies ever onward.
"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Poi. 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. The weather is dry but there is a chill to the air and a strong breeze." 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. Dairine, Okada Izō, Rapunzel, Satoru and Siebren; 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 thirteen new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours and 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 long with a grassy mound behind them. It is blustery and the air is cold, they will be glad of those hoodies.
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, windy platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.
Thirteen figures, 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, with cans of corned beef lining the shelves.
For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. Those from purple who go to find their prize will find a large box containing a gingerbread train for them to share. Plenty enough to go around, even for the largest team.
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.
Snow Time: Rock Garden
Winter seems to have followed from Osiga and nested in the rock garden. There's a chill that nips in the air and a light snow (real snow) fills the air. A thin cloudy haze at the top of the carriage seems the source. Yet the kaleidoscope of the void will assure that this is no timely world stop.
People might have seen it occurring the night before. Snow falling heavy before tapering off with an odd precision, leaving a heavy blanket over the carriage 'ground'. By morning of Platform Day, a miniature winter has descended, ripe for snowforts, snowballs, angels and snowmen.
It's not just the climate that's changed. Many statues and rock features are missing or moved. Digging below the snow reveals soil now frozen but providing a barrier between the bare floor of the carriage. Keen eyes will see changes are made with safety and available space in mind. The fountain has been emptied but the pond and streams are frozen solid, allowing intrepid spirits to try slide-skating over the surfaces without the risk of breaking through. The mosaics are still around, and enchantments are in place to protect paintings and paper decorations from damp. Any plants have been sent to sleep or taken to safety.
The benches are still around. Paths and bridges are covered with fresh snow, but, as the day goes on, it's trampled down and or scattered. Najaran's woodfolk may be glimpsed near Jingyi's shrine or hiding in the shadows of rocks and statues still present, perhaps even buried in the snow and peeking out. Shy around humans, though those with pointed ears or Hylian lineage may find an easier time interacting.
There are signs on both doors of the carriage warning of the change and mentioning the dressing carriage will have winter gear, and it does: with hats, scarves, gloves and ice skates in a variety of sizes. Dispensers with warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are available in the Games Carriage.
Early the next day, the snow will be gone and the gardens returned to how they once were.
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!
Kitchen Stores
So when the doors hiss open and boarding happens again and she gets her package, Willow follows behind at a distance, keeping herself silent. She watches him lose his temper on the wall, saying all the things she's kept to herself that she's wanted to scream at that very wall about but doesn't. She flinches at him throwing himself at the wall and punching it, keeping distance until he's done.
"Kaiba..."
Her voice is soft as she kneels down, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Let me heal that hand. Even if this damned train takes those we love from us, you shouldn't hurt yourself like this. You are no idiot, this cursed thing likes to torment us."
Willow herself gives the wall a glare, fire seeming like it would jump forth from her eyes at the anger she has behind a kind smile.
no subject
...and now, but this wound isn't so easy to patch. Even now he knows better than to argue, so he lets her take his hand.
"A while ago, on the illusory Diagad...I ran into a version of myself from another timeline. Did I tell you about him?"
Kaiba doesn't really wait for an answer. "We got into an argument about the merits of having family and friends. I never trusted people back home, and he was still in that mindset...he told me I was fooling myself, that everyone I claimed to care for then would leave and then I'd be not only alone, but damaged by my own foolishness."
He sucks in a sharp breath. "It hasn't quite reached that point yet, but I get closer every platform stop."
no subject
She shakes her head, unsure if they'd talked about it, but lets Seto speak regardless; frowning at the things said. She'd fallen into her own illusions, both on Diagad and the world before.
"That version of yourself is not who you are now, neither the illusion or your past self. You trust others now, yes? And care for others? That is never foolish. Painful, but not foolish. Many of us, myself included, will not hesitate to remind you of that."
Keeping a hold of his hand, determined not to let him have another outburst against the wall, she stands up with an idea in mind. Having talked with him before in private, Willow has the idea to take him to a space he can vent frustrations out.
"Perhaps this should be a discussion in private. Quiet car?"
no subject
How could he have forgotten? He reluctantly stands with her, fully aware that he should not lash out against the healer. But he struggles to find the words as he follows her to the quiet car.
"He would argue that willfully creating a weakness is the most foolish thing a person can do. When you know there are others who would love nothing more than to see you fall..."
no subject
"He is wrong that it's a weakness, creating bonds with others is a strength. However, if you were to have this discussion with me when I was much younger and angrier about my failings, I would have agreed with him. Others may wish to see you fall, but there are also others that will catch you if and when you do fall."
She offers him a softened smile, shaking her head and letting him enter first.
"But, the point is, do not give up on who you are now. Many of us are here for you to fall on."
no subject
Seto sits with an awkward upright posture. He's not quite sure how to handle himself here, or how much to say.
"Sorry. It's been hard for me to trust anyone since...since forever," he finally admits. "My parents had both died by the time I was six, and I was left to guard my little brother. Our extended family stole everything our parents had willed to us and dumped us off at an orphanage, and...I know it's different in other places, but where I'm from people don't really adopt orphaned kids out of love. You have to be useful to them. So I sold my skills to a CEO who needed an heir, and he trained me to survive in a cutthroat world."
The 'no love in that relationship' is implied.
"I excelled. I shunned people, because schemers in the company were constantly trying to attack me through my brother. I know I don't have wealth or power for others to envy here, but it was a tough mindset shift. And being that unruffled again is tempting."
no subject
The words are firm, confident, and certain; zero doubts in what she's saying.
Though her eyes narrow at what she's told, some of her dislike of humans bubbling back up, not understanding why they did such cruel things but doesn't voice it. Seto's unspoken meaning is understood, disgust only growing towards his 'family'.
"You may not have wealth, but I do not think it matters. But Kaiba? Is going back to the person you were something you'd really like being after you've come so far and let yourself form bonds with others?"
no subject
He reaches up for the locket he always wears around his neck, opening it...there's a picture of a small boy with messy black hair, and then one of Seto and Yugi together.
"I've always loved my brother. I would've given anything for him...but until I arrived here, he was the only person who'd loved me since our parents died. Then I fell for Yugi, and it was like an entire new dimension opened to me...but it wasn't just his love. More of you saw how difficult I am and stayed anyway."
He leaned back against the wall, eyes closed. "I'd do almost anything to not feel this terrible right now...but I'm going to spend the rest of my life chasing it now that I know what I missed, aren't I."
He sounds tired, frustrated...resigned to it.
no subject
"It may be a stretch, forgive me, but you said your brother was there for you before everything, think about how proud of you he would be coming this far. I haven't been around as long as others, but I can assure you that they are proud of you as well."
Willow knows Sage would be extremely proud of her if he knew how far she'd come since becoming a Voidtrecker, so she can only assume Seto's brother would too.
"And yes, if you cast who you've become now aside, there would only be regret."
no subject
"...I miss him so much. I want to be the person he needed. Maybe I finally could be."
Which meant the same should be true of the others, right? He sighed deeply.
"But every time I lose someone, it gets harder to will myself to meet people. How do you do this without burning out?"
no subject
"I am sure you are already that person, compared to your past. Use that to keep you going forward."
And then Willow smiles a sad smile, shaking her head as her hand leaves his shoulder. How do you do this without burning out? A question she herself has asked many a time.
"That... I am unsure of, if I'm to be honest. I think... I think it's necessary to remember who is here still and to hold on even tighter. Even if it hurts to."
Even if it meant being heartbroken when people like Nita had left. Yet there were others who are still there, like Curufin and even Seto himself. It was something.
"Ah... Speaking of those who are still here, I have a gift for you."
no subject
"A gift?"
no subject
"Yes. It's an... It's a special thing my people do when we've found others not like us that we've come to trust. I don't know if you remember, but that world with those demons? Erda I think it was called. If you saw the large bird cloaked in flame fighting them, that was me."
A deep breath before stopping herself from rambling and getting to the point. She'd not gotten the chance to do this before back home, and now there were three individuals she was thinking of doing this for.
"Well. Birds like us are called Phoenixes. And when we find people we know are trustworthy enough, and have been around long enough, sometimes we give them a feather of ours for them to wear."
no subject
He smiles gently at her. "I'd be honored to wear it. And I promise I'll do everything in my power to support you."
slides this in stupid late cuz notif got eaten..
"Thank you, and likewise. The feather, it also possesses healing properties. It's not as strong as if you were to have a healer tend to you, but it'll speed up your natural ability to heal by just a little."
She looks to the necklace Seto has again, and then to the pouch in her hands that has the wire and cord.
"If you are okay with it, may I borrow your necklace? If not, I can attach the feather to another cord. I have the wire and cord necessary if you'd rather I not attach it to yours."
it's ok <3
"Easier to have one chain, and I never go out without this. Thank you for this honor."
It really is. He smiles at her.