A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

[wewillwewill]

That this is not one of those times- other than what effort there is to navigate the tumultuous waters that are Zenos yae Galvus long enough to hold a conversation. And this is absolutely critical. Whatever differences in history, whatever change of soul, there is still a core of this man's personality that must be expected not to have changed and a simple, yet unassailable truth.

While they are crew of the Voidtrecker Express, they must all co-exist with the crown prince of the Garlean Empire. There is no being rid of him and a very real imperative. Before whatever drives Zenos's pursuit begins to spill into the others' lives, find the root. Resolve it to a point Zenos will accept.

Elidibus must also presume the rabid dog of the Empire stands before him. There is little to no reason to think any different; there's an entire roster of people that, for the moment, rely on him to not ponder the 'what ifs'. Perhaps not the least himself. But he was ever a self-sacrificing soul, even if the past him would be surprised at how his desire to protect even mortals on the train was not just duty or reasoned outcome. Still fleeting. Still nothing that could (or ever would) hold a candle to the devotion he has toward his people.

But there was more than a sense of duty, even if Elidibus himself didn't completely realize it. More matters, like sounds from an Ascian's mouth, that probably mattered little to Zenos.

"Think as you will, but my answer doesn't change. We hail from different realities and events play out differently. However minor... however significant." The Ascian doesn't believe Zenos will be stopped. He considers them phrases for the Garlean to mull over later if at all. Holding his ground... yes, it's the best option right now but it will not be a pleasant one. Elidibus feels the uniquely unpleasant experiencing in the air like a portent, tangible and not to be outrun. Endured, yes. But he braces for it all the same with a mild tensing of an already alert body.

Zenos reaches out and he'll find the Emissary does not retaliate nor flee. There is a reaction and not one unfeigned. Even the vessels which are corpses but they're given life by an Ascian's presence and that life has instincts, memories and weaknesses. When the Garlean drags Elidibus off his feet by the throat, there is struggle and the mild sound of choking as the wind pipe becomes restricted. Legs kick, hands reach up and grip, painfully digging fingers into tendons as if looking to break the hold while finding (seeking!) leverage. Indeed the Unsundered do suffer as would any hyur in their stolen bodies.

Only the light blue eyes hold a hint that much of this is instinct and accepted necessity to suffer through. That and the knowledge this train has hardly robbed the ascian of his powers, least of all teleportation. So this is being endured for some reason. Eyes that watch Zenos's expression unyielding, even while the edges tighten and mouth grimaces, chokes. He'll not be uttering words for the moment.

[asheaveniswide]

TW: torture

He knew from experience that even the Shadowless could suffer, could scream and beg for mercy .. if sufficiently trapped in their stolen shells, if sufficiently made to remember what it's like to feel even a modicum of the agony they'd inflicted upon others. There were certain specialists he encouraged to hone their arts who relished the perishingly rare chance to ply their trade on a properly shackled Ascian, and he made certain to be there to observe under such unusual circumstances.

They screamed much like any other man or woman. But one of the Unsundered? Elidibus was not like any other man or woman, and there was a personal debt to be paid. Even if Zenos is less certain, upon closer examination, that this was ... precisely the person he was seeking. There were vast similarities, oceans of identical markers, over and over, each tinge of color and reverberation intimately the same ... except for where they differed.

There's nothing of pleasure or satisfaction in narrowed red-on-black eyes, or the thin set of his lips, this is not for the joy of the hunt or to pursue some powerful prey for the sake of the challenge, this is vastly more personal than that to draw such grim sobriety for someone who thrilled in bloodsport. It's no struggle to hold Elidibus up, the expected retaliation in magic not yet rising, but he's certain it would inevitably come, for few souls indeed simply surrendered when so cornered, when so threatened. Zenos leans close, close enough where the lingering scent of peaches from somewhere can still be detected were the Emissary able to draw breath, the white-hot gleam of stolen kitchen knife far too close to skin for the comfort of most.

"I prefer you this way, 'Emissary'. No deceptions pass your lips when there is not a whisper of air with which to breathe them."

It's time to go to work. How long will it take before the Ascian flees, or fights? A timer starts in the back of Zenos' thoughts, idle and curious, and the knife rises to begin a careful and deliberate trace of one of the veins along the side of Elidibus' head. A gesture that never actually touches skin, for there is a disturbingly cheerful jingle by the door.

And then a voice, and an image on the device there.

"Ahem. So!"

.....

"I don't have any muffins or a guy-cute face like Ryo's-"

His grip on the Ascian shifts just enough to get a grip more on collar than throat, and jam the blade not through flesh but fabric, to leave him pinned to the wall some good foot and a half off the ground, brow furrowing. "Who is that?"

And why are they talking about popcorn??

[wewillwewill]

This didn't have the impression of surrender. Steel, rigid effort fighting against the vessel's instinct and the sense of indignity toward being man-handled by sundered, mortal hands. Even now, seeking signs, hints and clues to turn knowledge into advantage, advantage into the art of orchestrating a desired outcome. It matters not that Elidibus is being sincere in his efforts to forward an agenda that does not have to do with his beloved star. It has too long been engrained in Ascian ways not to make use of such talents on some level.

It's yielded much, from Zenos's manner to a better sense of what drives this Garlean. A chance to glimpse what he can of the different soul within even while the crown prince studies his own. Elidibus knows this soul. He knows it, but when? Where? A mild twinge that he cannot yet remember this piece. But it can't be allowed to distract him either other than a sure knowledge. This soul shouldn't be here, in this man.

He is not shackled nor constrained and Zenos is right. Eventually Elidibus would seek freedom, a level of torment his vessel finally caved to or simply because enough was enough. Even then, as the silver blade of the borrowed knife danced near the veined flesh, the Garlean's near expression was met with a darkened regard. There isn't fear underneath the struggles of a mortal shell and perhaps that, the countless millennia and the spirit behind an Unsundered soul, makes holding Elidibus- as satisfying as the position is- a precarious, alien exercise in comparison to those of his Sundered brethren; they who remember far better what the frailty of mortality is. But did he have to let himself be subjected to torment? Had he time and knowledge enough to move away from this precarious position? The knife draws near and something begins to shift in the Ascian's face. And--

"...So!"

....

"I don't--"

Elidibus actually allows his eyes to close for a split moment after the knife pins him to the wall. Not out of relief, mind you; though his battered throat encourages him to part his lips and try to draw in extra air. It's the sheer ludicrous timing. Tidus. The sigil, which had been consistently present throughout their confrontation, fades. Opening his eyes, he answers with a light rasp.

"A passenger." Each word, every controllable part of his tone and body language is crafted to convey an Ascian's indifference to an individual mortal life. "As of the beginning of this month, there's a new voting system. Many have already made bids for others to vote on their preferences. That is but one more it seems."

There's a brief pause.

"Your ticket is used to access the ICP if you wish to verify what I said with the others."

Perhaps mildly out of place for Elidibus to deliver a line with a dry callback. But even he has moments where the situation is too ridiculous not to move in its flow.

[asheaveniswide]

It's certainly distracting if nothing else. While Zenos is absolutely certain that Elidibus could escape whenever he so chose and that doing so wouldn't actually help much in the long run, he's confident enough in the situation to turn away from it and investigate the ICP instead.

"What, precisely, are they voting over?" It sounds tedious frankly, and when the revelation arises that they're voting over popcorn, his expression levels out into something distinctly displeased. What level of 'democratic' stupidity was this, that people are voting on basic food items?

The very brief conversation that follows, muted perhaps by distance, really doesn't improve his impression of this voting thing. There's one glance back at Elidibus to make sure the Ascian is staying put, and shortly later Tidus' declaration that he's on his way, and the Garlean turns away from the device at the door, delight fading to something more surly.

"And yet I will guarantee he will not bring any of this snack he feels strongly enough about to vote over. Now the question arises as to whether or not I stage a proper rescue for your foolish young puppet to heroically rush to your aid, for there is little at present to draw any true passion." None of this was a good set-up at all for ANYTHING theatrical or deeply meaningful, depending on the interests of the moment, but there was still a handful of minutes for that to change. "Does he know what you do, Ascian? Do any of them?"

[wewillwewill]

Escape he chooses not to, though the matter of the knife and hanging from his shirt will be taken care of. There's that familiar sound of mild squeaking as an inexpensive kitchen blade is loosened with a bit of wiggling before being pulled from the paneled wall of the music room. The Ascian drops to his feet and, while adding his own indifferent views on the subject, takes care of the knife.

He trusts Zenos will have no problem finding another object to use as an unpleasant device but that's hardly a reason to leave one more option around.

"The train provides the most basic necessities. Lodging, staples and clothes. Over time luxuries have been added. The library, an independant carriage for research and artisan work. This new voting system is an expansion of a previously limited system."

Popcorn is a luxury.

"Pray consider this vehicle the sole home and city for its passengers, one which we spend a great deal of time. I'm sure you will understand the limits inherent in the system."

By the time Zenos turns away from the monitor, Elidibus has straightened himself. And annoyingly enough his voice has mellowed, meaning he took care of the damage to his throat. He won't deny the prince's claim of Tidus being a puppet. For one it wouldn't be believed. Two even if it were this hardly needs to be tested.

Does he know what you do, Ascian? The Emissary doesn't look away.

"I've never asked if he... or any of them were made aware. Though there are some who have been told enough by now. And while I don't know how the tale of Eorzea's champion plays out in your reality, the two passengers who reflect that champion in theirs have certainly come with the understanding of who and what I am."

Elidibus has told one person the full breadth of his tale and sought to impart the scope of why those such as Q'uila have every reason to consider him an enemy and threat. But he won't be bringing attention to that individual, either.

"Yet whether my desire to have no continuation of the conflict of our star while on this train is accepted by the passengers or not, or even to be believed, there is no escaping each other. Even mortals are not permitted a permanent death. Not even I have a means to escape these bonds."

[asheaveniswide]

Popcorn is a staple.

"Given what I have experienced in the scant handful of bells of being onboard, I find such so-called restrictions to be a ludicrous excuse." Especially with frequent stops! There's a frown when his knife is magicked away; he still has very little ability with that particular set of skills thanks to the Resonant process not quite working the same on every person it was applied to, and such casual displays are a touch galling. Especially when it removes one of his toys. He'll find another, there was always room for improvisation, but there were certain benefits to keeping Elidibus at eye level.

There's a small sound that might be disgust from Zenos, who is not really surprised to find Elidibus on the ground again or that the Emissary wasn't exactly telling his tale to people. "Ever the manipulators, allowing others to suffer in your stead." Doing so, and explaining the loss of entire nations and worlds would not make them quite so willing to rush to his aid, after all.

"You are mistaken if you believe my goal is to merely kill you, that would be too meager a fee to demand in return for all you have done. The dead learn nothing." And if people are on their way it's best to stand clear of the doors; Zenos heads once more for the approximate center of the car, unhurried. "So too does that apply for all others scurrying about onboard; had I wanted any soul here dead they would be dead, however temporarily that would be."

Such is his confidence that it's stated as fact, even if it's impossible to know the true range of powers available on the train sooner or later he would of course be interested in testing them. "I must needs find something truly memorable with which to reward your timeless efforts."

Zenos' smile is never friendly. Now is no exception, but it's still that bitter edge and not simple hunger for battle. "Shall we begin, or shall I wait for your young savior? There may be snacks, it would be negligent to lose the opportunity for audience and repast."

[blitzcheer]

Tidus has no patience for standing around for calls after long-winded replies (long-winded when you might be a tad worried), regardless if it's a subtle communication to the Warrior of Light who answers the call - and thankfully, Tidus doesn't have to make any himself to get Q'uila's attention. The second she's done piping up, Tidus has the communications closed.

Will he arrive with popcorn? Won't he? Only time will tell - and that's the distance between the cinema and music cars, aided with a boost of magic and young huffy young-man speed.

Which he has plenty of right now, for why old fancy guys have to all be the same! --something along those lines, whatever grumbling his mind wants to do.

But for those with bated breath over the status of popcorn and this young Zanarkand man, there comes the sounds of sprinting footsteps ascending the way to the upper musical carriage, the surly expression of a kid that has no apparent knowledge or care for how outmatched he is right now.

Also: Popcorn-less, by the empty state of his hands.

"Okay." Okay! "If you two are going to do your thing, I don't want anyone else getting involved." He says it, like he has any power, any reason to be assertive; when in reality, he's acting on nothing but instinct. Looking at Zenos, but then eyes turning on Elidibus, brow furrowed with a million questions that all come down to, What the, dude, have you got this?

He might be rushing into danger, but what's new there.

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila's arrival is slightly less hurried than Tidus' but it doesn't take her long to pop up in the doorway behind the younger man.

"If you murder each othen you shall be the ones scrubbing the blood out of the floorboards, and I can tell you that that shall take a while."

Though her words are glib, her gaze is careful and assessing as she looks between Elidibus and Zenos.

"And why, pray tell, was Elidibus pinned to the wall like a butterfly specimen?"

[wewillwewill]

"You may consult the train itself then on the matter. Given it seems willing to speak more often with the passengers, you may find your insight a timely addition to its assessments."

He watches Zenos pace away, toward the middle of the carriage. Which ironically has a perfectly good stage at the near-dead center if the Garlean is interested, though the middle of the seated rows is almost as theatrical if not more so. There's probably a mild similarity to be found there, between man and great-grandsire. Elidibus decides not to pursue it. Or indeed think much on it.

"Let us begin what, precisely?" Fighting is not the first action he would ever take, nor does he want it here for a laundry list of reasons. "While I comprehend and find your enmity reasonable even by my standards, I'm still not the Elidibus you know. What satisfaction would you seek out of a lesson bestowed on me?" One that would effectively not carry over to the reality Zenos comes from. Practice, perhaps. And other matters, as the Ascian well knows and hence his tone indicates he is looking for information, not to impart disdain for the Garlean's intent.

There is a mild sigh. While the situation is dire, Elidibus does express a small note of impatience. "If you believe they are running to my aid to suffer in my stead because of some machination, then you must accept I manipulated you into making a connection through the ICP in the first place. I wouldn't have troubled to seek isolation if that had been my intention however. So I'm afraid the matter of rushing to my aid, if he comes at all, is a result of your own actions."

Right on queue, Tidus comes bursting in. The Ascian's eyes stay closed just a moment longer than necessary.

They open, just as Q'uila pops in after. The Warrior of Light who was supposed to take a clue by four and keep Tidus away from Zenos yae Galvus so Elidibus could try and defuse a potentially very bad situation.

There is a darkening of his expression. Raising his hand and pointing it palm-skyward, the Unsundered Ascian does one thing he had wanted to do but had been avoiding; because of the amount of mages and those with senses aboard that would probably pick up on it like a beacon. Aether ripples but even those without the ability to sense the pulse of energy flowing out of Elidibus would see the sigils of ancient magic crafted throughout the room, sealing it off from immediate outside influence; a powerful barrier that layers just inside the train's outer shell.

"Now," Elidibus states in a voice that revebrates with the vocalization of two different voices, a suggested sign that he'd briefly sacrificed the concentration allowing him to keep his own tone to the forefront of the vessel's. "...there will be no more foolish interruptions for a time." Then it's just the Ascian's own voice. "I believe you have the floor, Zenos."

[asheaveniswide]

Nothing is said to Elidibus' words, not yet. Not with company on the way, who could turn up at any time; Zenos didn't much like being interrupted.

How many might appear, with Tidus on the way? One other? Two, three? Everyone who could possibly fit? He doubted the latter, and for the best as it would certainly make things congested and merely give the Ascian more bodies to hop to. But the sound of footsteps and the immediate presence of others' aether tells him there's only one- two, the second a bit delayed. As Tidus sprints up the stairs, Zenos seems to be watching the floor, waiting. One, Tidus.

There's two, the miqo'te he's currently assigned to share sleeping space with.

And then a surge of Aether, and for a precious few moments he thinks perhaps he really will get a proper match even in this horribly confined space .... but no. That's a barrier, not an attack. Everything they say is heard and certainly registers on some level, but his expression and stance is rather utterly neutral .. something Q'uila's at least experienced before, albeit with a slightly different crown prince.

He's not terribly inclined to try to justify himself to anyone, he never bothered with anyone but Gaius, and the Legatus is absolutely not present.. and probably wouldn't even fit on the train besides. When finally, finally Zenos bothers to actually look directly at anyone, it's to incline his head slightly towards Tidus. "No-one else had been involved until you arrived," he points out, tone suspiciously gentle. Aside from all the stalking up and down the train at any rate, things had been rather well contained.

And are now slightly more contained. But barriers can always be broken, and there's a fragment of hope that someone else might suddenly barge in and add to the interest.

"Why indeed," to Q'uila's question, bemused. "You should know the sins of any Ascian well enough." Shouldn't she? If she was as Elidibus frequently claimed. "You may add to it a repeated effort to draw my ire onto you instead of his own self, if you are so inclined."

Warriors of Light were slightly less interesting than world-breakers, they need to up their game. "But fear not, we were merely discussing my overwhelming gratitude for his efforts in guaranteeing my ascent to the throne, and not his many ... many other acts."

[dragoonrouge]

Q'uila studiously ignores the look Elidibus shoots her, Tidus was more than capable and if he wasn't then she could step in to assist, and it isn't like Tidus would have left unless she dragged him away. The barrier is a surprise but she could work with it.

In fact, Q'uila is focusing almost completely on the Garlean Prince, barely heeding Elidibus as a threat aside from a downward tilt of the ears as the accented lilt of Ardbert momentarily slips out.

"I feel as though of the two of us, Zenos, I am the one most familiar with this Elidibus' many sins, seeing as his path is a mirror of the Elidibus of my universe," She gestures at the Ascian, "From our perspective you were the one who guaranteed your assent to the thrown of Garlemald by killing Varis. But like I cannot accuse you of my world's Zenos' regicide, 'tis redundant and quite frankly a waste of time to lay such things at Elidibus' feet."

Q'uila fully steps up beside Tidus now, "Besides, he is already dead, and I rather thought that hunting someone else's already vanquished prey beneath you."

[blitzcheer]

This still isn't private is a point Tidus would make to interruptions, but he doesn't particularly care to. Elidibus can give his disapprovals in his own way, but Tidus folds his arms, no less of a furrowed brow and frown etched onto his face.

It might be more private with the barrier that's put in place - if with the foolish interruptions present inside it - but the situation wasn't exactly any better, where Tidus was standing. Whatever was going on, with talks about thrones and multi-world events being the least connected to him than anyone else in the room.

Did he have a clear clue of the drama? No -- but he was here, and he was going to stick around.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus can't really expect to hold off the concerted efforts of the train with his barrier. And he's possibly going to get a lot of questions after. Or maybe not, time will tell. The barrier will block people from entering it and sound from escaping. It will, to a point, hold up against a battle within it and yes, Q'uila, keep the floors from getting stained in blood if it must. To a point and only because the Ascian knows some clever monkey might try to bust up through the floor to figure out what's going down.

Not necessarily referencing Goku here.

But this is about as private as anywhere on the train is going to get, especially given he can't block out the Voidtrecker Express itself. Suffice to say the Emissary isn't happy. Not with Q'uila nor Tidus. Zenos... well, he's not pleased the latter is here but at least he's acting consistent to the Ascian's expectations for him. Better, even.

He hadn't mentioned the Garlean's murder of Varis. When the miqo'te does, Elidibus takes a moment to cast a sharp look toward Zenos to get his reaction. But his actual answer touches on the topic of a purpose behind the crown prince's actions. Ones he's been piecing together.

"I've yet to hear exactly any effort on my part resulted in Emperor Varis's death. It doesn't matter, does it, Lord Zenos? You already know I'm not the one you know. Yet you would seek revenge nonetheless."

He looks at Tidus and Q'uila. "As you can see, this does not concern you. Nor did I ask you to rush to my aid. This is a matter for Elidibus of the Convocation of Fourteen."

Not Elidibus, Voidtrecker and part of the crew of the Voidtrecker Express.

[asheaveniswide]

The look of sheer disgust the Garlean turns on Q'uila is as if she'd just personally strangled his pet dog and then eaten the corpse. "How little you understand if you believe this is about vanquishing prey or the pleasure of the hunt. Perhaps you're not as familiar with his actions as you think. Or my own."

Which means that entire conversation has just become pointless to Zenos, as he's not really interested in teaching moral philosophy to savages. Their grasp on it would clearly be rather ... lacking.

Tidus hasn't yet been put in that category though! He looked naive, but naive could be educated.

He'll return that sharp look from Elidibus, without hesitation, and there's that creeping bitterness again. Garlemald had been played, and played hard.. and then paid for it in blood. "Should I sit idle and decide to let matters rest merely because it is a mirror of my people which may be brought low? Are you not a Paragon of ruination, willing and able to slay all before you should you think it will advance your goals? Though rather fewer than fourteen, I should think."

Three had disappeared without a trace, rumor had it Eorzea's champion had seen to them. The two he and Gaius dealt with reduced it further, and their pursuit would inevitably continue. Eventually the lesson would be learned.

"It seems you have already managed to insinuate yourself amongst the the unsuspecting, Elidibus. Well done." Earlier.. there had been something he felt worth revisiting, and it is to Tidus that he shifts his attention. "I am quite willing to not have others involving themselves in my affairs. Will it soothe your concerns if I make some agreement to keep the uninvolved from deliberate harm? With scant few exceptions the people here are not enemies of Garlemald, I have no obligation to treat them as if they were."

[dragoonrouge]

Ears twitching, Q'uila shoots Tidus the flattest look she can manage in order to convay to its fullest extent:

Can you see the absolute bullshit I have to deal with?

Squiring her shoulders, she turns that expression on Zenos and matches his disgust with absolute neutrality, a far cry from the emotion as she needled him with in their cabin.

"I really rather think you are speaking far outside your realm of expertise when it comes to what I know of Ascians, and if this Ascian in particular. Now, if your Elidibus were here then I would have quite frankly buggered off and left you to it and gone and done something far more fulfilling elsewhere. But once again, this is not your Elidibus. This Elidibus was killed, just like I killed my world's Elidibus because that is my job." She sighs, "The moment he departs the train he goes back to being dead, there is no point to what you do except to satisfy some sort of selfish need."

"Tell me, how does this help the people of Garlemald? If I were you, instead of wasting time extracting a pound of flesh from a being completely detached from reality, I would be gathering information, resources, anything I could to make the lot of my people better once I inevitably leave. If that is not what you seek, well," She shrugs, "That tells me that you might be closer to the rabid dog I have to deal with in my world than I had assumed."

[blitzcheer]

"It isn't just about you or them when it's on the train."

Tidus says that to Elidibus first, to not requesting aid. A point he knows already, thank you!, and chose to ignore for his own reactive spirit. And now he's here in the middle of some otherwordly business that sure, at its core has nothing to do with him.

But if you're going to make an appearance on his popcorn-seeking votes, he's going to damn well give the same attention back.

He catches the look from Q'uila, one that's met with a flat-eyed, 'are they all like this, sympathy' before returning to the pair. Zenos spoke to him, and he's willing to speak back, especially about those conditions.

With additions. "Don't bust up anything on the train, and don't broadcast when your affairs are pinning people to walls?" There's emphasis on that last word, like, really? "Or any of that. I don't care if Elidibus or anyone can get out of that - those calls go out to everyone. Everyone sees them. You don't want people showing up like I did, don't answer them."

Something a newbie wouldn't know, but now he does.

"I'm not gonna referee how you get your beef out or say it isn't worth it - I don't get any of this," and he isn't going to pretend he does, "--but right now? I'm staying until this gets sorted out. That anything else that happens next, happens in private."

[wewillwewill]

"Whether I'm the Paragon of ruination or salvation is ever a matter of how you perceive me," the Ascian answers steadily. Though he doesn't wear robes or mask, nor is the glowing sigil of Elidibus present any longer, it is the picture of the Emissary and he might as well be doing so. "I won't debate such things, for my duty will always remain the same."

Though without the mask, comes sight of a slight narrowing of eyes, expressing a hint of displeasure at the Garlean's mention of the diminished Convocation. Elidibus won't ask, nor will he pursue an agenda of revenge. Without names of who had fallen it means nothing. Only two besides himself had truly mattered.... at one point. The others could be replaced and were, time and time again.

That maybe it mattered much more now in a way, with memories of who they once were, is kept tightly locked away. Must be. It was a time and reality he could not affect. Were he to delve into all possible timelines, save all possible versions of his people, there would soon be nothing left of him.

There are many points Elidibus won't be arguing here, allowing Q'uila to square off with her argument about Zenos's right (or not) to pursue him. That his last memory was of being drawn here before he was fully sealed is one. Or that he couldn't do anything here to prepare for his return for an escape of such a prison is another. Or that he was, in general, actually dead. Let the miqo'te drop some semantics to mislead Zenos about his condition, keep a neutral expression, just as he had when the Warrior of Light dropped that he was vanquished prey.

Sure he might have stepped in to defuse some of what that conversation might provoke but honestly she brought this on herself when she didn't act to keep Tidus away from the music car in the first place.

This leaves the youth himself. Who brings up a rather sound argument. Elidibus does approve that Tidus has though perhaps the timing for doing so is a little less than desired. Another flow of aether, this one the flavor of teleportation though not away. Rather than take time to step a few feet to close the distance, the Ascian places himself closer to the blitzball star to hold a conversation that isn't flowing over the one between Q'uila and the Garlean prince.

There will be some distance maintained. Call it making sure Tidus isn't in the line of fire if you will, though most would probably accept it's simply the way of an Ascian to distance themselves from anyone else.

"Then it it my error to have brought it to the train's attention." He had been the one that mentioned how to access the ICP. Regardless of how much Zenos already knew about it. "This new arrival is Zenos yae Galvus. Prince of the Garlean Empire and, it seems, soon to be crowned Emperor after the death of his father, Varis. Should his reality have followed enough of my own, he would be close to if not the equal of ability to Q'uila Sunrise or K'zeka Tia in terms of combat strength."

Should be. But there's differences, ones whose matters have fallen to the wayside as this encounter progressed but he's given a moment's time to think on again. "Garlemald prides itself on national identity. Their ability to develop magitek to balance their inability to manipulate aether directly have made them a formidable nation. He could bring much to the train's compliment, should he choose to join in its purpose."

From a purely neutral standpoint of course. Provided satisfactory terms could be reached. This Zenos, at least, seems like one that can be reasoned with in most circumstances.

Elidibus, clearly, is not most.

[asheaveniswide]

If there's one thing that is the same across incarnations, it's a certain lack of interest in repeating himself. And as it becomes clear that what he says is being ignored in favor of invented narrative, his expression shifts to one of contempt. "If you claim him as your kill, then you've done a terrible job at the killing, for he still clearly yet lives. And if this is not 'your' Elidibus... then your protests matter not, by your own words."

There is something of deliberate dismissal in the way he turns away from Q'uila, everything else she's said going unremarked to, unimportant and ignorable.

"I have made my offer, you may reject it as you please. I will not revise it into toothless frivolity. Actions do indeed have consequences, be they mine or another's, and should someone else choose to act then it is for them to contend with the result of their decisions." Like right now. Right now is a prime example, as Elidibus lines himself up with his protective allies. He didn't know from multiple lifetimes of experience that this is what Ascians do, hurling people in the line of fire to protect their own immortal hides from even the inconvenience of temporary pain and death, his experience with it scales only on years and not eons, but ... it's the same pattern.

And at least one of them should know better, possibly two; was this other 'K'zeka' so ignorant and blind as well? Tidus was clearly unfamiliar with any of it, an easy victim waiting to happen. If a 'broken' life such as theirs was a prize worth offering to their sealed god, how much moreso an intact soul? An entire passenger train full of those souls? He doesn't point it out, certain Elidibus has already gotten at least these two wrapped around his fingers enough where any such warning would fall upon willfully deaf ears.

A pity. He was not so altruistic as to chase every person onboard down and see to it that they are aware of the viper coiled in their midst. He'll proceed with his own plans with the marginal nod he'd already offered to keeping others uninvolved, and if they survived as a happy side effect of those plans, then it worked out well enough in their favor.

Elidibus' introduction of him seems oddly out of place, but goes by unremarked. It's true enough, though he still rated his strength as above the Champion of Eorzea's and not merely an equal. Aiding the train...

... That depended entirely whether or not it was indeed the train's purpose, or yet another long-term manipulation.

[dragoonrouge]

There is only one lash of Q'uila's tail that shows her displeasure at Zenos' insinuation that she can't do her job properly and her raised eyebrow at Tidus screams 'Yes, they are all like this.'.

"Elidibus has made a pact of sorts to protect those of this train and aid them on their journey. The moment that that ceases to be the case then I shall step in and protect the Passengers and make sure that he cannot act against them," That, in her opinion, should be obvious, "Unfortunately, Elidibus is currently more use in his current state. Myself and the other Warrior of Light are keeping close track of him. However, we are trying to avoid conflict here for the sake of everyone else so leave well enough alone, Zenos."

[blitzcheer]

The switch from where Elidibus stood to where he stands now catches Tidus, alert, not exactly expecting an attack (this Zenos guy is weird, but is he randomly attack people weird? Jury's still out), but the tension that's around is enough to make his eyes dart to the figure next to him, a small jump where his arms release from where they're folded.

But it's Elidibus with details, details that... might be useful, might not be. Leaning into the latter as his eyes fall back over to Zenos and his book of fancy language.

"You're the one who said he didn't want others getting involved, right? All I'm saying is watch what you broadcast, 'cause those things-" he jabs a thumb back at the ICP console, familiar enough with the room to know where it is, "--show you what's going on. Kids see that. Everyone sees that. If a person gets involved with whatever you or him do?" He nods his head to Elidibus, then spreads out his hands, palms in view.

"That's their choice, just like this is mine. But is it really that big a deal to agree with 'don't show your fights to everyone, try not to bust up the train'? It goes for the rest of us too."

It's not a special condition just for one (1) Zenos.

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus may seem to be giving an introduction out of hand with the entirety of the encounter. It has its purpose, two-fold. First it would be best to have some context lay out for the one person in the room not from their world. Neutral facts that are not particularly swayed much by the difference in their realities but useful information nonetheless.

And second, attempting a subtle reminder with keywords such as Garlean, royalty, and Zenos. When Q'uila, after taking offense at the prince's insinuation lashes out with something that can only be termed an order, even the Ascian's normally blank facade is seen showing the barest of winces while he closes his eyes and lets out a sigh. Tidus might easily notice it. Whether the other two are more embroiled in each other for the moment as to miss it remains to be seen.

Pity there are no points for trying in this race. There is a phrase Elidibus remembers for moments like these. Many, many lifetimes ago and on occasion throughout that span since. It's been a while since he used it.

"..."

[asheaveniswide]

As the Warrior of Light and Darkness speaks, it's a visible thing when the window of opportunity closes. Until now, Zenos has been remarkably animated for any version of himself, emotion and mood clearly marked, but that fades to what looks terribly like boredom. How much is he listening, now? How much of what they say registers, or is being considered? How much of it does he even think is worth considering at all?

There would be other opportunities to contend with the enemy of all mortal life. This was after all, a closed system. He would have what he wanted sooner or later, and it seemed the Ascian understood that far better than his puppets did.

He turns in one smooth motion and wordlessly returns the way he'd originally entered; while until now he had been very careful to keep Elidibus in his sight, red-on-black eyes unblinking and steady, now it seems there's no such concern he might suddenly be attacked from behind, and strangely enough his eyes are now ordinary blue. It's a dismissal, clear and unspoken. No reassurances that he intended to keep his earlier word, or if now that offer was rescinded, no goodbye, no parting threat. There's time to try to stop him, should any of the three be so inclined, even the barrier itself may remain to impede him.

1/3 - Q'uila CW: Extreme Anger, Criticism, Hatred(??)

[wewillwewill]

Nothing in the moment suggests anything but a brief intermission in the weaving of a tale. One with a future that does not look pleasant for the 'protagonist' who shifts his attention only briefly toward Tidus and Q'uila with a look that all but demands.

Stay put.

With Zenos leaving, Elidibus has to tend to the barrier. While the gesture that sends the patterns and wards unweaving may cause him to seem unaffected, even at ease with such lofty spell craft, he is not. Had the situation escalated to battle, he'd have been vulnerable. A barrier of that size and strength, no real extant source of aether to draw from and against Zenos?

But now it's gone and the Garlean Emperor-Elect can leave unimpeded. It's only after the Ascian is utterly certain- a good thirty seconds after the new 'Voidtrecker' has left- that he turns to Q'uila and Tidus.

She has certainly seen that expression of anger before. The cold fury of the ancient Unsundered who saw nothing but death itself in front of him and would see it gone. His voice is ice.

"Pray tell me, Warrior of Darkness. What were you thinking?" Tidus... does not seem to be the direct target of the Ascian's ire; not by any means. A glance of lessened anger; as if Elidibus were upset at him though for far less reasons than Q'uila.

Or perhaps upset for his sake though with the anger toward the miqo'te that is very hard to tell indeed.

"I bid Tidus seek you out so you may at the very least impart a modicum of gravity of the situation to him and perhaps the others who were listening. Not," and here the word is very nearly barked in its intensity, "ask for snacks and waltz in here with him in tow when we knew naught of Zenos's intentions!"

Want to make Elidibus finally snap? Apparently one simply needs to put those whom he's promised to aid and protect at extreme risk with thoughtless action. That he'd feel so strongly though; that may come as a surprise. That he calls her 'Warrior of Darkness'... well, perhaps that's a sign of that wall between her and the one he knows breaking down a little in his outrage. He's focused right back on her.

2/3 - Malding Intensifies

[wewillwewill]

"Are you so incapable of rational thought of what would happen if for a second the Zenos you knew thought the way to get his desires was to raze a trail of blood through every man, woman and child on this train until he was stopped? Much less what might occur on any given mission where the population is not capable of fending against one of his strength? Were you so childishly arrogant to think that when he didn't immediately go for your throat, there was no risk at all?"

As if to defy it were impossible, Elidibus's expression darkens even more.

"And before you make some glib comment about you and yours capacity to stop him or that there are those on this train that are even more powerful, do you think I would not have known that? That I myself would have been incapable of action? Or mayhap it did not cross your mind what price could be paid before he was contained."

The Ascian seems to draw back some, pulling in a deep breath and seeking to calm his outrage. Though no less coldly does he address the young woman.

"Before you give me an answer, I want you to think hard about what I just said. And how you just acted in the face of a member of Garlean royalty and new arrival, much less Zenos yae Galvus. And tell me. Do you truly think your actions were the best course to take today? I wish to explain to Tidus what happened, since it seems you were disinclined to do so."

He'll be ready to listen, but not for a moment.

3/3 Hasn't Forgotten You Tidus!

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus turns his attention to Tidus, attempting to rein in some of the anger. It's... more difficult than he imagined, for some reason.

"...I understand what brought you here and why you came." Less cold. Less... intense. There is no remembered hatred here, after all. "You acted, in the beginning out of concern and with a reasonable response for what you saw. But you did so rashly." There is a glance, just a brief one, toward Q'uila. "...Though you're not wholly to blame. Th--Q'uila Sunrise should have informed you of the danger. And I could have minimized concern by making certain to be out of the camera's view. Anyone not knowing my nature would likely have thought the same as you." That he was in some form of trouble, pinned to the wall as he was.

While there is a 'but', it's... more of a statement incoming. Something that suggests the actions were reasonable but the execution may have been in appropriate.

"You need to be more aware of risks and consequences. You can't disregard the nature of a person or their attitude because it doesn't fit with how you wish them to act. Anyone new to this train would not be pleased to receive arrogant demands or outright disregard of their greivances with another passenger. Surely you've seen such conflicts countless times before?" And perhaps handled them in the same way, Elidibus does realize.

"Zenos yae Galvus... the one I and Q'uila know from our realities, is barely more than beast. He lives for the hunt. For bloodsport and will do anything and everything to achieve the thrill he craves. The man you treated with today, without giving due consideration or concession, could have been such a creature. It is a blessing his reality has given him a more rational nature. But that does not make him less dangerous. At core he is still prince of Garlemald and their empire is not one to suffer fools nor given to treat those they consider savages kindly."

For a second Elidibus closes his eyes. "There is a great deal unknown. While he is not necessarily 'evil', he is capable of a great deal or it. And if he is even a fragment of the man I've encountered in my past, then it is best to have him as ally and not foe. But to do that, you will need to consider the nature and upbringing of the man."