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
"So you don't like olives. Guess we all have something we don't like after all." He didn't have them that much, but for him they weren't that bad.
"Ah... tough question. I have a fondness for cold, I suppose. Memories connected to things like snow."
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"Didja know that the stone garden has snow right now? We should go check it out!" It's a minor little thing, but if Allen likes snow, he should most definitely use whatever time he can get in it, since it's temporary. The half-elf himself is more than willing to go, as the small change in their environment helps soothe the growing anxiousness that curls whenever too many days blend together.
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"I didn't. Haven't been there yet." All the while wondering why it needed snow. Maybe it was being nice or something.
"But sure, we can check it out. Though maybe best to wear layers for it first."
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"'F yer cold, y'can just borrow my coat--" he shrugs easily, taking Allen's sleeve in hand to give it a light tug as he grins in encouragement. His advantage at being such an imposing person is that his clothes are one-size-fit-most, and he literally wears his hoodie more often than not for the sake of others rather than for himself. "An' there's warm drinks in the next carriage over, so c'mon!"
Ah yes. There it is. The dragging-someone-along. He briefly wonders if Allen minds, but well! Better ask forgiveness and all that.
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So surprised that it takes a good few moments before he is even speaking again. But at least he was keeping up.
"I should be fine really. I've been in cold weather with just a shirt and trousers before, so I should be fine. I just don't know if you would be okay or not." Sure he would still be cold but he would in his mind be okay. Besides the other noted there was hot drinks, so that should help.
Once they finally reach their destination Allen couldn't help but look up first.
"It's really snow. I don't know why but I thought it would be like something else. But it's beautiful."
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Would someone please listen to him when he says he this? He's being honest, truly, but it seems everyone has chalked him off as somehow irresponsible enough to get himself sick by accident.
Now, how did that happen?
No matter, really; when they get to the garden, Esteban stalls just a short distance inside, dropping his companion's sleeve as he spins on his heel to see his reaction. It brings a smile to his lips, delighted to have shared this with Allen, if only because it seems to make him happy.
"Isn't it? T's like winter just dropped a big, cozy blanket~!" With the snow falling regularly, the conditions returned to pristine within a few hours even if there were a few stragglers enjoying the weather just as much as they are.
"I think snow's the best way t' tell us to go 'head and back t' sleep. Wrapped up in warmth an' with a hot cocoa. Like th' world sh'ld just be restin'."
Rest and heal and dream. Esteban isn't the greatest at all this, but snow is... it has a special effect. Slowing people down, reminding them that tomorrow will still come gently. That the world is still magical in its own, delicate ways.
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A big, cozy blanket. That was certainly something to call snow. and it was enough for Allen to smiled and even give a small chuckle. "That an interesting way of seeing snow. A blanket for this carriage."
He extended his hand and let some of the snow land on his hand, slowly watching to melt from the warmth of said hand. "For me, snow means another thing, but that is more a personal reason. But I do like yours." Soon his hand was back at his side as he turned around to look over.
"So want to make a guess as to how the train might have been able to do this? We don't have to be right but we can be creative about our answers."
no subject
His grin was all the more bright surrounded by the snow, bottled sunshine wrapped up in cold. Oh, but the question was a little vague, and even though Esteban was eager to get himself started on their game, he still wanted to make sure they were on the same page.
"Y'mean where th' water's comin' from for the snow, or how d'es the train sudd'ly have the ability t' make snow?" The latter he already... well, not knew, really, seeing as Elidibus had only mentioned getting it organized... but somehow, and particularly with the new votes system implemented, didn't it mean that the train had the ability to... make things? Shift around them?
It already traveled between worlds, after all. No need to wonder too much; the VoidTrecker was magic, Esteban decided. But that didn't mean it wouldn't be fun to find the source for its suddenly new weather application.
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"I think it's magic of some kind, but I don't know what kind."
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As if that makes any sense to anyone but the half-elf currently in residence. Esteban is completely oblivious that there might be a missing piece to the puzzle though, more than happy to pick up two handfuls of the light, powdery snow and toss them back in the air, letting them plop back down onto him into small bursts of cold.
The train had to pick up the water from somewhere after all, and Esteban preferred that idea than to anything involving recycling water within the train indefinitely. Besides; anything that wasn't as trapped as they are, caught into a system without much change helped Esteban feel a bit better under his skin when it came down to it. Focusing on the silver linings. Rather than the train simply being a box, closed and sheltered and unchanging.
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"What exactly is a moonburst? Like is it like rays of sunshine, but the moon?"
It had to come from somewhere, and for all he knew that could be it... if thye weren't in a void. But what if the train still was able to?
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"Yeah? I think? No-- wait." Hang on, he needs to reconsider what he's saying, back from the top.
"Moonbursts don't... come all the way down?" 'Dians, he's not making sense. "It's when Eriat has a crack in her ice, and geysers spew out water in th' sky." There! That... is an actual explanation, right?
"So f'r a few nights, the night sky's almost as bright 's daylight. 'Cause of all the ice? And sunlight hits them at all sortsa angles, so it makes a huge kaleidoscope in th' sky." Well, there's also the midday eclipses, but he's not going to start on those on top of things.
no subject
But he at least knew what geyers were and such so that was at least something. Never actually seen them personally though.
"So it's like when rays hit the water it creates a rainbow."
no subject
There's... a lot of things Esteban wishes he could show everyone on the train; moons and lights and dances and festivities. He wouldn't quite be able to say that he misses these from home, and the nostalgia isn't such a sharp knife anymore. In the first month, recalling a particular feature of his world made him miss it just because it wasn't at his fingertips anymore, but now he's dealing better with the homesickness, and it's not as prevalent.
"Anyways-- Since Eriat's mainly made outta water, an' throwin' it out in the sky ever so often, I was thinkin' that some of it gets caught in the void, an' the train gathers it up an' makes it into snow for us!" There! Full circle!
no subject
Allen kind of wished this could be a thing. Having those moments on worlds more often. Being able to explore it fully and see the wonders that existed. Plus it would be nice to see worlds of those how had become to know and understand their way of living.
He soon smiled. "Maybe that is it. We don't know much about how the void works after all. So it's always possible."
no subject
He snickers lightly, letting the snow drift gently over his upturned gaze, melting where it tickles his cheeks. It's a dream; and for now, that's not an option. But it does widen his smile, and the blue of his eyes is bright as summer skies when he turns to nudge Allen with an elbow lightly.
"So? What's your creative guess on how th' train found snow t' shove down on our heads?"
no subject
"Maybe the train knows snow magic. It can be a thing."
absolutely using this to make Esteban request the weather system
"Why w'ld it learn snow magic? D'you think it enjoys it when it snows?" Hun. Esteban briefly wonders... what does the train like? But he figures it's like asking what do foxes dream of, or what makes a bat curious. They can suspect, even ask questions, but they will likely never know; their minds far too removed to understand one another in that fashion.
"Does it know other weather magics?" Could they... request weather? Esteban misses the changes like a pang; the shift of different days, of different winds and rains and sunshine and nipping cold and cozy warmth. He misses changes mostly-- hence why he was so excited at all for what they were given today. He wonders if it may-- if he can ask the train to make it happen.
no subject
Allen was perhaps amusing himself as he said this. Was he being serious, yes for the most part because he knew ice magic was a thing that could happen. JUst not in the way he said it did. That he knows of.
"I don't know about that, maybe. I mean for where it is I wouldn't be surprised either."
no subject
"Definitely gonna ask." He mentions brightly.
"Alright, your turn!" It-- it was Allen's turn for a question, wasn't it? Or was it Allen who had first asked how the train made it snow? Esteban's lost track, but he's having fun, anyways, so he's not even considering turning the questions away, enjoying the company.
"No wait-- my turn!" Yep, it had definitely been Allen who asked about the snow. Esteban ponders a bit, wondering what he should ask next, before he turns, beaming. "What's somethin' you're learnin' to do, right now?"
With time on their hands, Esteban had immediately decided to start practicing something new, a bit by accident, and a bit because Esteban loves communicating, as clearly proven by his constant long back and forth with his silver-haired companion-- among others. His hand comes up to wave in the air again, the slow, unsteady spelling stretching the letters between them once more. {A-l-e-n, Allen.}
no subject
Allen had gone to sit down in what seemed like slowly building up of snow. Oh well he was use to being in snow and could handle it at least.
"In axtual learning. Learning how video games work."
no subject
"Video... games?"
Esteban has no frame of reference for that; games alone, yes, sure, but 'video' is not a term he's ever heard before. "What do they do? D'you like games much?" Funny he-- hadn't seen Allen as a playful kind of person? Not that it didn't suit him, it's just a bit of a surprise.
But then, games are the foundation of skills; children start learning through games and though adults tend to frame them as 'hobbies' or otherwise stricter sounding words, the truth of it is that he's yet to meet someone that doesn't enjoy something-- fun? Uplifting? He's getting himself confused into his own thoughts again. Esteban walks by over to Allen's side, sitting in the snow as well as he watches his companion from the corner of his eye.
"Are y' learnin' from the train or d'you have someone teachin' you?" That too is a bit of a curiosity, because Esteban might want to learn more himself, seeing as Allen has found an interest in it. He's not sure; the term is too unfamiliar, but Esteban is definitely playful, loves games, and would at least love to try it once! No matter what kind of game it is.
no subject
Which is why things are so hard to explain at times. "Video games are like games, but on a screen instead of a board or whatever kind of games you know of..." Did that actually make any type of sense, Allen didn't know.
Trying to be an actual teenager is hard.
"Um, I am teaching myself, which can be frustrating if you don't understand how things work. But I don't want to be a pain to others by asking."
no subject
But.
But.
"You're not a pain for askin' for help." Hell, if there's anything Esteban has noticed so far, it's that there is nothing but helpful people out and about on the train. "An' I'm sure there's a couple of them that would like teachin' you." Not that Esteban knows anyone right away, but then, he has no idea what video games are to begin with.
"If you like it, an' they like it, why wouldn't y' wanna share that fun with each other?" Hence why Esteban tends to try... well, everything. At least once. If someone he likes enjoys it-- then Esteban will try it. It's just natural to want to share common games and hobbies and entertainment with others. It's beneficial to everyone involved, even! He beams at his friend at the notion, not sure what he can do with it right now, but he'll keep an ear out. Definitely!
no subject
"It's the challenge I enjoy. Not knowing how to play and then figuring it out is really satisfying. I'm not sure if it would be the same if I asked for help." AT least eh figured out what he was trying to get at.
"But of course that's not for everyone. I'm just the type who might challenge myself now and again and that can be okay. I will ask if I ever get too suck though."
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Fade to black?