voidtreckerexpress | A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sometimes, regularly, you see a guy in the same place doing (apparently) the exact same thing, and you mind your own business.

This has been Tidus usually, when it came to Clef on his rock in the library. But today is different. Today he stops, watching the small guy, a thoughtful pull to his brow...

"...Hey? Hey! What'cha doing today?"

Today, we're going to find what is up with the library guy-man.

Clef looked up from his book, bewildered. Her looked back at his three floating tomes then down at the person who asked.

"Studying..."

Was that not painfully obvious...? He was so confused. He wasn't being mean about his reply, he was just.., perplexed.

He folds his arms, eyeing the different books since Clef did.

"Studying what? Are you always studying?"

It sure seemed like it, but it wasn't like Tidus tracked the guy either.

"At the moment, I am reviewing the Pharle manual I ordered from the shop some time ago. I am working on making some armor and wanted to verify a technique, while I was at it, I see no reason not to leave the train with an additional copy. And I am often, as you surmised, studying. I do teach as well, was there a subject you seek instruction on?"

And yes, he looks like he's ten years old dressed in oversized costuming.

Pharle manual? Sure don't know what that is, but hey, that sure is a list of things. He nods once, but at the question, he shakes his head.

"Not right now, but hey, that armour - that a new armour? I remember you talking about making some before, when we had that meeting. You ever get what you needed? I did get a few stones, but - no clue if they're useful to you. Magic stones?"

Was Clef the one who brought up about stones? Or was that Lea, or someone else...

"No one gave me any materials after that meeting whatsoever, and the only person who has asked me for armor since was not, unless I am mistaken, present then. Shadow called my attention to her need."

"...Yeah, people coming to people isn't a thing that anyone does easy."

But, well, this is a kidnapping train bringing all sorts and sending them off... not good for keeping info present and passed around. Maybe Clef needs a sign.

"What did you need? It's been a while - what's armour to you? Can you make something that's easy to move around in?"

Clef sighed and stood. The books and his pen all vanished into the gem on his forehead. He picked up his staff and looked at him. "I am wearing an example of the armor I can make now. You may feel free to strike me as you wish to prove its effectiveness. As for materials, that depends on the sort of armor requested. Gems are a minimum requirement."

His seemingly cloth clothing rippled as he moved, as if in a breeze.

Tidus belatedly realises he's distracting the guy who was doing, you know, studying, but it is too late, realising as he puts on his show of wears.

It's too late to get sheepish about it, and he wonders if he does want to strike at the guy. But, if he wants to know, right?

He brings out from hammerspace a sword, materialising in his right hand. Steadies his grip on it, looking at the little...floating guy.

"I'm expecting to get knocked back on my butt trying to hit you. 'Kay?"

Tidus won't do anything if Clef makes any remark about that not working. But if there's approval, or some semblance of it, then Tidus will take a light jump back, and then jump at Clef with faster speed - his blade not aimed to strike with a slice, but the wider part of the sword brought more for a thwack.

"This is not physics, there is no equal and opposite reaction. You will not be knocked back," he assured him, "Unless that is a part of your attack method."

As he aimed with the flat of the blade, and as Clef is tiny, there were two points of contact. Or would have been. The sword does hit his cloak. The cloak stiffened at the moment of impact and just... absorbed the inertia. The edge would have hit his face, but likewise the impact was just... absorbed. no bounce back, No Wakandan Shuri tech throwing him back. It was as if he had just stopped short mid swing.

Clef didn't so much as flinch, standing there on his spit of rock, smiling slightly.

...well!

One: he isn't knocked back! It is weird though, suddenly stopping against the cloak, but Tidus is decent enough on his feet and arms - even his feet without anything under them - to push himself back while the cloak seems capable of not reacting to him. Lets him find the floor proper, an impressed look on his face.

"Okay - that was cool!" Tidus isn't going to deny that was cool. "Sooo- how hard would it be to make more of those? Like, a shirt, or cloak? If we wanted a bunch that anyone could pull out from supplies and wear?"

"It depends on what each person wants. The complexity, design, coverage. Also there are multiple types. Basic armor is much easier to make, for example, than evolving armor. Also how much storage each person wants. There are a number of factors."

"Hmm..."

This is where he wishes there were any chairs nearby, but instead - disappearing his weapon away - he crosses a foot over one, does the same with his arms over his chest.

"Say if we had a few different sizes - try to cover what we can, make it a simple design - just something to help people who don't have much. Something that can block a hit like you did..."

Oh. He pauses, and then thinks - "--Can you make any that heal you if you wear them? Like a - blanket. For healers to use."

"Imbuing them with spells is far more difficult and time consuming. That is not to say that I cannot, simply that I have not yet experimented with that. It is advanced Pharle craft and I learned alongside someone who is now a master Pharle to help her learn how to create Evolving armor and weapons. Once we mastered that particular skill, Pharlecraft moved from practical to theoretical from me. As for what I now believe you are masking, making a generic stockpile, that is also a more complicated task. Pharles learn first by creating items attuned to the ones who will use them. I have never crafted armor or weapons that could be easily used by anyone. Were you to find someone else my size and they were to wear my armor, they would be unable to access my storage, and they would find it would work far less well for them."

"Further more, I would not want to make generic armor, even if the skill were easy. Pharles put a lot of magic into everything they make. Were they to fall into the wrong hands, they could easily be used against us. For example, while the armor may not be breechable by a weapon, if someone wearing generic armor were knocked out by a sleep gas, the armor could be stripped from them and then we are fighting against someone in Pharle made armor that presumably is prepared for gas based attacks. It is in everyone's best interest to have their armor made specifically for them."

He shook his head. "Additionally, the armor, when custom made, can double as clothing. keeping clean is a basic function of the armor, and when not serving as protection it is as comfortable as cloth."

He listens, even if he doesn't really get most of it, except for he figures is important for him to get. Mouth tugged aside, disappointed, but-

"Well, if your armour doesn't work 'less it's attuned to the person, then that goes that idea." A small sigh - maybe he should've made it clearer that was what he cared about. "Thanks anyway, for the talk. I'll see what else we can get. It's better having something than nothing, for some people."

"I do not mind making for individuals," he said. "That is a way I am more than happy to be of help on missions." Given how often he wasn't aware there was a mission until it was over. "I am already making for one person as I said, and I have previously made for Link and Nita." Even though Nita wasn't here any more. He didn't mention Zelda, since she no longer had his gift to her.

"I am also willing to teach Pharlecraft for armor, if others wish to learn."

"Well, I'll let people know if I hear anyone wanting to learn. I'm no good - I know a lil' magic, but-"

He waves a hand dismissively, along with not finishing the point. He'd be bad at it, no doubt.

"But....?"

...ugh, does he have to explain? Fiiine.

"But I'm bad at it?" Sheepish, awkward. "I mean, I get the hang of some spells if I keep at them, but making armour?" He pulls a face, dubious. "That sounds like you need to be careful. Good at magic! Unless I can throw a speed spell at a coat and make it that way-"

He shakes his head.

"I'm nothing like you people who've been at it for years."

He gave a small kind smile. "Everything you are good at now, you were bad at, at one point or another. No one is born knowing how to walk. We learn. We fall down many times as we learn, but we learn. Perhaps you are bad at magic now. But," he inclined his head lightly and offered a hand. "You could learn to be better."

...Clef isn't wrong, even if - him? Learning armour magic? The conflicted doubt shows clear on his face; the twitching pulled brow, the hesitant moment it takes for Tidus to say anything again.

"Yeah, sure..." He looks at the hand, uncertain of that as he is the rest. "But I'm really bad at books. And I've never made anything in my life? --Anything good," he corrects. "Big. I made these paper stars-" he's making motions with his hands to indicate the size, no bigger than a tennis ball, "--and they came out fine I guess, but that's my level of making."

His hands are still where they were motioning, paused, before he uses one to scratch at the back of his head.

"Is it really complicated? Iii don't wanna waste anyone's time. And - I'm bad at being patient."

Bad at slowing down, bad at taking it slow, careful. He doesn't want to waste Clef's time, the offer he's giving - this guy should be able to look at him and know he'd be no good at complicated magic, right? But he wants to air it all out, make it clear. Let Clef be as sure as he is being - nice.

He smiled. "On my world I am called a Guru. On Naut I was considered Ascended. Both titles have similar responsibilities. Including teaching those who wish to be taught. So long as you have the will, you can learn. And I am more than happy to teach."

...well.

"...Alright." A single word, submitting, giving in despite the reasons why he shouldn't. But if Clef's offering, then he'd be a hypocrite not to try. He takes the offered hand, and gives it a firm shake.

"I'll go it a go! M'not doing anything better. But if I manage to get a hang of it, I wanna use it help people - even ones I don't know. We get a lot who aren't used to the trouble we get into. So even if it's a small spell, or...just something basic, to keep them safe or even some healing - that'd be okay with you? If I took responsibility for it."

Him, his responsibility. He can't imagine being able to make any kind of stockpile anywhere in the near future, but if he could help a few of the newbies who needed it?

It was worth even learning, to him.

"I will teach you, and will trust that by the time you have each power, you will also have the ethics to use them. I suspect from our interaction thus far that our thoughts on ethics are not that dissimilar at all, so saying that is no judgment on you, rather a duty of mine with any students I teach abilities that could be used to harm another."

After so many of his students turned on him, after what he's learned since meeting Link... a lot of his own priorities have shifted.

"There are basic fundaments to magic," Clef said, moving to sit again on his rock. A chair slid over and he gestured for his new student to sit. "At its core, all magic comes down to will power, imagination, focus, and practice. With those basics in place, you will discover there are few limits to what you can do. Please keep those four in mind in all lessons, we will return to them often, but even when they are not actively being discussed, they underpin all that you must learn and all that we do when we act as mages."

"So before we start with any magic, we are going to start with a simple exercise. It is unpleasant and I appologize, but it is crucial. Find a position on that chair that is uncomfortable. Not painful, but uncomfortable."

Tidus can respect that - the guy's cautious, and it's his magic. Tidus won't complain about what he does or doesn't do with it or his time.

...but he is considering asking Clef how to teach him to make objects come to him, as the chair slides over, and Tidus happily takes it. Nodding to Clef's explanation, and figuring - briefly - it sounds the same as magic did on Spira.

At the actual instruction, Tidus looks down, then gets off the chair so he can look at it. Not painful, but uncomfortable?

...

...

He shuffles on the spot, thinking, then... turns himself around, bending a knee so he can prop his foot onto the chair. Takes it off as he reconsiders, and tries doing it sideways.

But then he goes back to that first one, and - one foot on the floor and the other on the chair, he puts his arms back, hands to help balance him in place.

"Like- this?" Well, if anything, he feels daft. "It's not uncomfortable right now, but it'll be a pain if I stay like this."

Though he can hold his balance if he wants to, thank you!

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