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!
no subject
And this person has to be new. For sure. Madoka doesn't think she wouldn't have spotted someone like this before during all her time on the train..
"Ah, I'm.. sorry that you got caught up in all of this as well, sir.." Something about her tone seems a little sad as she says it, but Madoka mostly just politely bows her head in sympathy and respect before her nervous gaze dares to be aimed at him once more.
"Have you been able to find everything so far..?"
no subject
"There is no need for apologies, you did not bring me hither. An adventure may be a welcome change, for a while." That is, if he heard things right. They were going on adventures, weren't they? Just ... paid very poorly for it1 "If I have counted cars properly, I have some several sections to locate still." He's patient! He'll get there! And maybe find some interesting targets on the way.
Still.. she didn't seem as interested in all of this as a child should be for a wild ride through voidspace! "...I take it you are not enamored of this situation yourself. Do you wish to return home? Adventure is not to everyone's liking."
Look he's trying his best.
no subject
His best? That's yet to be seen. Especially since Madoka looks increasingly unsure at that last thing he says. Not necessarily unsure about this tall man she's only just meeting, but just unsure about.. well, everything in general, let's be real.
"Well, I don't really think it's adventure when you're kidnapped.." She doesn't even sound defiant as she says that sentence. Just sad, really. She nervously frets, pushing the tips of her fingers together as she's thinking. "And when a lot of bad stuff could happen, since our bodies are still back home.."
See, Madoka figures someone already explained as much to him. Some Responsible Adult surely mentioned it, so she thinks she isn't dropping some sort of potential bomb here.
no subject
Zenos crosses his arms over his chest, studying the far wall for a long sober moment. It's a revelation, but not one that seems to get an alarmed reaction or immediate denial. That would complicate matters infinitely for him; a body free of a soul is free real estate to an Ascian.
"It may sound foolish to ears only a little younger than mine," the crown prince begins with slow thoughtfulness, as if each idea is being carefully weighed before being offered, "My sire has only ever offered one piece of advice I found remotely useful, and I will offer it to you in turn. Energy spent on that which you can't change, such as being brought hither or our mortal shells left behind, is energy wasted. It does naught but drive the mind and spirit low."
It had been told to him for rather different reasons, but the principle remains the same. "Whether I remain or go is out of my reach, as is what happens to my body when I have no way to return to it. So I choose to direct myself to what I can affect ... this place, this time, and all who are likewise here. To dwell on such dismal things as a 'kidnapping' is to invite despair and helplessness. To know adventure awaits, however, to see things none of my star ever have, to touch and experience and feel, to change that which was never meant to be influenced by Garlean hands.. Or yours. It is a wondrous opportunity, for all that we did not choose it. If we make it so."
no subject
And while Madoka definitely belongs in the latter category and doesn't have a single negative thought about this very tall man she just met - as long as 'intimidating' doesn't count as negative, anyway - there's still a bad side-effect to those words.
Said side-effect being the fact that Madoka's guilt can be triggered by the slightest things. Like this, right here and now. Een though she thinks he's just being nice and trying to help her, Madoka instantly feels guilty for being so worried about her own world. Because Zenos is saying that it's just wasted energy.
But she still can't stop.
"I.. I understand, sir."
It would explain why Madoka looks a little bit like a kicked puppy in this instant, despite him not having said anything unkind.
"It's just that some circumstances are.. um.. a little more.." Madoka's gaze moves off to the side, like she's cautiously trying to think of a good word to use here. ".. difficult.."
Is 'difficult' a good word for the destruction of a world? Probably.
"B-But I'm really glad if it's not too big of a problem to you, sir.. I hope you will be able to go home safely soon. That we'll all be able to do so."
no subject
If Madoka were such a person, her future and past would be very different indeed. "Are they?"
His world would be staring down the barrel of annihilation soon enough. "I think I'd rather stay a while, and see what my dear cousin does with my empire while I'm absent. Surely not everything here is a terrible trial to you? There is naught which brings you joy, or hope for a better future?"
no subject
Or in this case it's since she's got a terrible dilemma. Either she lies, which would be rude to do, or she says something that might imply something rude about him - in an extremely roundabout way, and unintentionally so - which is clearly also rude to do.
"Well.."
It's why she starts, but then seems to waffle once more before she speaks on.
"It's not like there aren't a few nice things here." Mostly the people, really, if anyone were to ask Madoka's opinion. People have been so kind to her on this train. "But.. I think it would be selfish for me to think of that and enjoy while people are suffering.."
See, that's where the pitfall lies - she's worried that he might feel like she's calling him rude for wanting to just enjoy this stay here, and she isn't! It's more just that she's trying to explain her own feelings.. but that's so hard when you're way over the top considerate the way Madoka is, apparently.
no subject
It's possible. Some people never were content unless someone else was suffering, and Madoka could be surrounded by people like that where she's from. If he knew several, who certainly would take advantage of a kindly nature if they got a chance, then such ones surely existed elsewhere.
no subject
Madoka's voice trails off as she thinks. For some reason her mind drifts back to the last talk she had with Sayaka. The last time she saw the other girl, before Sayaka had angrily ran away. Talking about how Madoka was only keeping herself safe, how she could never understand her without putting her in Sayaka's shoes.
.. would Sayaka be happy, knowing that Madoka was also facing horrible circumstances now..? Madoka likes to think better of her friend than that, but she can't deny that there are people out there who might think that way, even if it isn't Sayaka herself.
"I think a lot of strangers would be really angry at me, if they knew that they were all dead because of me."
no subject
But he is not Madoka, and at the very least she took it very seriously. "I care not for the rage of the dead. They should have fought harder for their goals." Although it's gently said, that's ... a pretty callous chain of thought. "Even in Garlemald, there are those who take great pleasure out of seeing others wounded or suffering, it does not mean we allow ourselves to bleed for their perverse happiness."
Somewhere in another universe, an alternate Zenos sneezes.
"As for the rest.. does your misery help them? I would suspect that no, there isn't a reasonable soul among them who will look at you burdened as you are, and be pleased you feel so. But in the end it is only words, and my speaking so does not suddenly make any of it easier to bear. But pray keep them in mind, for all that they are the platitudes of a stranger."
no subject
This person is intimidating as all heck. Especially with that first thing they say in reply to her, but then even as he continues, saying what he's saying about the dead.. It feels too rough to Madoka. Maybe it's because she, in turn, is too considerate, but she could never think about the dead that way.
Especially not when a great number of her friends are counted among them.
But standing up for that when Zenos is terrifying is a little bit too much - especially when there's not something truly on the line here, and when Madoka is already not feeling like the happiest little bean right now in the first place.
So it's easier to go the path of least resistance, even if it means basically being a doormat in this particular scenario.
".. I'll keep them in mind."
(And probably not think of them a whole lot, other than when she's going to look back on this encounter and feel Real Bad about it.)
"Thank you.. sir." She nods her head, like a mini-bow of sorts. "I won't trouble you any longer."