voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2022-01-01 05:21 am

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!
mynameisallen: (pic#15143491)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-03 06:51 pm (UTC)(link)
That was an actual explanation. Sort of.

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."
crowneddragon: (Default)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-04 03:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yes! But 'cross the entire sky!" It usually faded away pretty fast at least, giving more colours to the drab month, and tying the Silver Moons moniker an even deeper meaning. "It's very pretty!~ Wish I could show you~"

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!
mynameisallen: (Well ★ Guess your right)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-11 08:41 am (UTC)(link)
"Maybe one day we an go to worlds that we know or homes of people around the train. If that happens then you can show me."

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."
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-12 12:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Wouldn't that be amazin'!" Oh! Esteban does wonder at this, lingering in the thought that they might one day all be able to travel to any world. He'd see his friends' hometowns and the skies that have seen them grow up, learn their cultures through immersion rather than his constant prodding and questions, visit the places they call home.

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?"
mynameisallen: (pic#14996034)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-17 11:30 am (UTC)(link)
Silver eyes looked up at the snow that was gently falling down on them. Trying to ponder what exactly his answer might be and soon he had a thought pass his mind.

"Maybe the train knows snow magic. It can be a thing."
crowneddragon: (Round_eyes)

absolutely using this to make Esteban request the weather system

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-18 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Esteban snickers at the suggestion, not dismissive, but just amused, letting the whim of their conversation flow wherever it wants to.

"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.
Edited 2022-02-18 12:43 (UTC)
mynameisallen: (allen25)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-20 09:41 am (UTC)(link)
"I don't know. Could be useful in a fight. Cause a blizzard and make it harder to see. Many ways one can use such things."

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."
crowneddragon: (Sunshine_Grin)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-22 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
Esteban has to bite back the comment that Allen's suggestion makes so much sense, why is he listening to his reckless blabber? But then his suggestion is picked up, and the half-elf grins, eager to at least attempt it.

"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.}
mynameisallen: (189)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-02-27 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"Does learning to function like a normal teenager count?" No Allen, no it should not count. But considering Allen never knew how to be a normal kid or teenager it was in a sense something the young man knew he had to do as sad as it was.

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."
crowneddragon: (Ayaaa)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-02-28 05:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, wow. A normal teenagehood. The redhead's not even sure what that's even supposed to be like. Best move the conversation right along.

"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.
mynameisallen: (Well ★ Guess your right)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-03-01 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
Allen is still trying to figure out what a normal teenagerhood is actually meant to be.

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."
crowneddragon: (Soft_smile)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-02 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
Esteban has so many questions; little things that he's still trying to piece together while Allen speaks with him. A screen-- like the ICPs? How do they play games on it? How does it work? What's fun about staring at a screen? (Alright, so that last one might just be in complete opposition to Esteban's constant state of motion, so he couldn't quite say he isn't just a liiiiiittle bit biased against it).

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!
Edited 2022-03-02 00:29 (UTC)
mynameisallen: (132)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-03-02 10:25 am (UTC)(link)
"I think because some games for single player, plus it has an odd...How do I put it..." Allen crossed his arms and started to think about what he was trying to get at.

"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."
crowneddragon: (Ayaaa)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-05 03:14 am (UTC)(link)
So Allen is not going to rectify his choice of words, hun. Not that Esteban is going to push and prod at that, he is not the best when it comes to... finding the right words at the right time. He gathers snow in his hands as he listens, rolls it into a ball just a little bigger than his fist before he starts working on a head to stack atop it-- still listening! He just needs to move his hands a bit.

Even though he's not... following much of it. Actually!

"How 'bout you show me?" Why are they actually sitting down here and talking about this when Esteban only has a blurred impression of what it might be? It's a pity they might miss a bit of the snow, but he's just as eager to see something Allen might show him, as he was to show Allen the snow piled up in the stone garden.

He's quick to get to his feet now, having a new goal, and he offers a hand to his companion with a grin, half-built mini-snowman already forgotten. They'll, uh. Get back to it later.

"I wanna see what you enjoy an' what you found challengin'!" And he's curious after all. Always curious of his companions, wanting to know more, wanting to know everyting; wanting to know them so well that he will remember them for years to come.
mynameisallen: (109)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-03-10 01:09 pm (UTC)(link)
He wasn't honestly expecting him to be dragged off so suddenly or nearly anyway. He hadn't even been considering playing a game at the moment.

"Um well... don't you want to finish what you were doing first, then I can show you."
crowneddragon: (Sunflower)

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-13 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
There's a grin that scrunches Esteban's nose, eyes bright with amusement as he shrugs lightly.

"No worries. Just keepin' my hands busy, so it's not like it's super important. I'll get back an' build an army of leetle snowmen later~"

Because why not? He loves the snow and enjoys it, so he'll find something silly and simple to do with his hands to do while he lets the snow drift about in clumps around him. He even pops the word "little" with a bit stronger of an accent, just for the fun of it.

But first.

Priorities. He's shown the snow to his friend, now he is eager to see his friend have fun just for the sake of it. And, well, he's also super curious as to what Allen finds interesting in the video games; greedy as he is.
mynameisallen: (Smile ★ With no one left)

[personal profile] mynameisallen 2022-03-15 12:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"Just make sure the army don't take over the train."

It was a joke for the most part but ALlen soon looked to the side briefly.

"Video games I guess would also keep your hands busy if it's multiplayer. You could learn at the same time."
crowneddragon: (Default)

Fade to black?

[personal profile] crowneddragon 2022-03-17 08:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"That sounds like a challenge." Esteban's grin is only too bright as he replies to his companion, though whether he means it about the army of teeny snowmen or about the multiplayer game, he doesn't elaborate. He starts on his way to the game carriage before realizing he's not even entirely sure the video games are there, snickering at his own foolishness as he rubs the back of his head with a hand and turns back to his friend again.

"You go first?" He's learning at least, and though letting others lead him is a bit of a novelty, he's at least realizing when he should stand back a bit, right? "Not sure where we're going." Not entirely so at least. He'll follow along wherever Allen wants to go.