voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post August]

A New Platform [Intro Post August]

PLATFORM STOP: MONTH 19
(SYMPHONY)

BEFORE ARRIVAL

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day sixteen of the month of Symphony. Points have been updated on the system."
The voice of the Voidtrecker Express welcomes passengers at the same time as always, sometime after breakfast. With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later, as the colours of the void outside the windows blur more and more.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. The weather is sunny with a cool breeze. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."
A lurch and a jolt, and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform.

ON THE PLATFORM

1. THE ARRIVAL

At first, all your character can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. But as their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform. The stones are cobbled beneath them and there are small stone shapes lining the edge, decorative in nature. The sun is shining but there is a cold wind, blowing through the platform at intervals, almost biting in its chill.

They stand in clothes not their own, in a style they might not even recognise. They're carrying a rucksack on their person, and for a moment it seems to just be them, alone on this platform. Before the fog starts to subside, and they'll see they're one of Twelve figures: all facing the tracks, and all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies, the latter in one of four colours. Purple, red, blue or orange.

But then there's a roaring sound to get their attention, and out from the fog arrives a train. A sleek black, it reads The Voidtrecker Express in gold lettering on the side. Every one of the doors hiss as they open automatically, and out pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. Some are human, some less so, with a majority wearing the same hoodie of four colours as they do, though some sport outfits in a variety of styles.

The train doors close behind them, and the vehicle is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform. A group of people head towards the gates of the platform, their expressions blank and unaffected by their surroundings. Danielle Phantom, Fai. D Flourite, K'zeka Tia, Ruggie Buchi and John Connor They disappear through the barriers, but no one else can - all people can do is wait until the train re-emerges, finishing whatever changes it's making.

2. BOARDING THE TRAIN

After a short time, about ten minutes or so, the fog clears and the doors hiss open again. Everyone will feel a pull when they do, a need to board, and those from the train may encourage new arrivals to board. This feeling grows into one of apprehension and turns worse the longer they stay off-board.

For those that do board, they may find themselves in a few different carriages, but most likely the standard coach. A row of seats sit available, with a few tables between each. More likely than not, some cookies have been set out with jugs of drink, and cups available for pouring.

For those that don't, however, they're likely to attract attention if they're spotted. And if that fails... an unfortunate end will await them.

a. New arrivals will notice a screen and console in every carriage sharing the same message, and a stack of leaflets in holders by them offering further information to the curious (see 'Publications'). There are lavatories available on each carriage on one end, with another console with a deposit box under it at the other. This is the train shop.

b. It'll take some time for newbies to figure out the layout, even if there's only two directions to go in. Go one end, and you'll find the food stores and washing utilities. This month's key ingredient is broccoli, and you're sure to bump into others curious about what's in the stock.

c. Go to the other end, and you'll find the sleeper cabins. Plaques sit on the wall by each door with the names of their occupants, and one of these will be yours - hopefully, they'll figure out that swiping their ticket against the doorpad will open it up to them. 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.

d. At the farthest end in this direction is the luggage carriage, where passengers who have bought items from the train shop will find their purchases. These are scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags, but there's also a small fridge and kettle here with bottled water, for those who want a quiet drink.

e. Of course there are the new additions to explore. A fireplace has been added to the library, complete with a rug and plenty of soft reading pillows. For those less inclined to sit still there is a swimming pool carriage, complete with foam fish. Plenty of fun for all.

DEPARTURE

Spend your time exploring, if you will. But people will have half an hour before a second horn sounds, encouraging any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air to board. After five minutes from this, the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train begins to rumble with activity, and the platform starts to disappear into a fog as the voidcraft moves. A female-coded artificial voice echoes throughout the train.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express. 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.

NAVIGATION ~ GAMEPLAY ~ SETTING ~ CHARACTER INITIATIVES ~ QUESTIONS

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There is no ill or wrong in using a crutch when your leg is broken. In using a friend when your spirit has been battered and bruised for so very long. Hythlodaeus would encourage it but - it is better to just offer himself. To be here.

Because here is home. He had thought to seek Hades out in the Aethereal Sea, but instead they found each other here, and that is... beyond good. Even if, after all this time, even he can feel the ache - his own, as well as the reflection of Hades's, so much vaster.

He won't let go. He won't, no matter what choices may seem to be taken away from them.

Hythlodaeus tilts his head to nuzzle lightly into Hades's hair, then a little more to press his lips to the hairline at his temple.

Then he murmurs, soft enough for the ears of the man in his arms alone, the words only a little above a thrum in his chest, in his throat.

"My dearest, dearest Hades. You have been hurting so. But I have you now. I have you."

It has been so empty and lonely without you, he doesn't need to say, for he knows Hades has felt it also, and worse. He can see.

After a long moment, he spies somewhere that he thinks may be convenient to sit, and without dislodging them in any way, he guides them the few steps until they reach it. "Come on, sit with me."

Just so Hades will not have to be an ilm further than he is. Not even to look up.

There is an intense moment where all Emet-Selch can do is lean into him, press into him; the urge to collapse into him is ever present. It makes him feel very weak, very fragile, and his hands might shake were he less in control, less capable of measuring himself even in the midst of - the train and all that it brings.

He cannot let go, cannot let his hands falter, even if he feels somewhat shamed being so openly affectionate. If anyone he had met thus far were able to see him... They may not judge, necessarily, but they would think him unwell.

Perhaps he is.

Hythlodaeus' voice is soft, gentle, and so painfully familiar that Hades almost does not know what to do with himself - he doesn't know if he ought to let go and hold on or if he should turn and run away. It would be easier, to pretend as though this is not happening - but he cannot do that, to either himself or his friend.

Time has passed enough that he is desperate.

"It has been so long since I saw you last. Truly saw you, not the echo of you in that briefest flashing of moments."

Moving with Hythlodaeus is easy enough, and Emet-Selch allows himself to be moved and sat. He does not allow himself more than the barest of rooms to breathe as they slide down for a moment - and his voice is hoarse and gentle before he speaks.

"What do you recall of before you arrived here?"

Then again, even after all this time, Hades must know that if he were to turn and run away, Hythlodaeus would follow. That he would no longer be alone - even if he does persuade Hythlodaeus to let him go for a little while, he will not be able to escape the full, tactile awareness of Hythlodaeus's existence on the train.

But Hythlodaeus is grateful that he does not choose to leave, all the same. The memories of such occasions, even with the awareness of the true intent behind them to attempt to mellow, have eaten away at his heart and mind for a very, very long and helpless time.

"Then look your fill. And look again. As no-one else can see me, I am all yours to look."

It is only the truth, too. And also. "And I shall look at you."

He will not turn away. He can see enough of the state of Hades's soul to know it needs o be said, and repeated, belike.

Then he hums.

"We were released from the moon, though many tried to resist it. Then I was in the Aethereal Sea, looking at what happened next and... remembering certain things which had been taken away from us. And then I was here."

Perhaps he would have spoken of Lord Zodiark but mere bells ago, but now he cannot think of Him as more of a concept - an exquisite and powerful one, but a concept all the same.

There is no escaping this, not that Hades would want to - not that he has any desire to flee this situation. It might be easier on his heart, might be easier for him to manage if he did have the strength to be anywhere else, but he doesn't. He has no desire nor any strength to move away from the warm, familiar body beside him.

He is too old for anything but accepting this, allowing himself to slip down and settle near Hythlodaeus, to simply bask in the glow of being near him again. It feels heady and he feels unlike himself, blushing and warm, something sweet and tender unfurling inside of him.

"Ah, to claim such privacy in a place such as this. It will not be so for very long, my dear friend."

Hades shakes his head, leaning back a little and breathing out a soft noise. He allows himself, instead, to be looked upon.

His expression doesn't change too much as Hythlodaeus speaks, and he nods along with his words, as if they solve all the pieces of a puzzle he had not been able to solve alone.

"The recollections." Emet-Selch shakes his head. "Dare I ask which of the number of Warriors you best recognise here, if any? Which Warrior of Light claims to know you?"

It does not matter, in the end, but it must be said that Emet-Selch has a fondness for his own.

Hythlodaeus blinks and looks around, but they are indeed private enough for the moment. "Then when the time is no longer right, I will follow where you think we can claim privacy for longer."

Until he knows a lot more, Hythlodaeus will be content to follow, for the most part, unless he does believe he knows what can be done to improve a situation.

And oh... when Hades looks up, and he can once again stare into the familiar(-unfamiliar) eyes. And he dose get lost in them, for a moment.

"Mm. I remember Pahja, though she certainly is not the only one who seems to know me. I do not know about the one who left, but the equal yet different ... shard? of Azem who was waiting for me before this whole thing arrived also knew me."

After a moment's consideration, he adds, "I will not ask a similar question on what you last recall before your time here, as I clearly will have little reference point, but I would ask if - if you have regained the full memory of the days we lost when you had work in Elpis."

Has Hades... also returned to the Star?

The problem with the train is, of course, that anyone can arrive at any moment and disturb even the most peaceful and soft of moments, and Emet-Selch is at least somewhat prepared for it. Hythlodaeus will soon learn that - quicker, he thinks, than he himself had done.

His lips twitch, just a little, and slowly he softens, his expression settling into something relaxed and familiar.

It is nice, to just talk with his fellow once again, to be feel that warmth, the tenderness, the companionship. It is nice to return home once more.

"Then we share the same Warrior of Light, though you ought to be prepared for the fact that there are more than one here." It doesn't burden Emet-Selch much, to see so many shards of Azem wandering around, but there is some relief in knowing the one he came to care for is present alongside him.

The rest... Emet-Selch offers a soft, sad little sigh with a nod of his head head, leaning back against the space behind him and gazing up at the roof, quiet for a long moment.

"I have regained it all. The last I remember is the sky bright with stars and flowers below our feet. One last task to best please our dear little familiar."

In all fairness, anyone trying to disturb them right now might discover that Hythlodaeus is the ancient that you actually don't want to cross - he has no hesitation when he is taking care or protecting those he loves.

But he did speak true - if Hades thinks another place is better, he will follow. Anywhere, he will follow. And Hades can be sure that they he is not getting thin warmth and tenderness and companionship and love just once.

His eyes crinkle at Hades's relief, for the moment. He said something that pleases him, without strings attached even with how thorny the situation is, and that makes him unbelievably happy. He might... need some time to get why it matters so to Hades, but so he will.

"Warrior of Light. That is... still a little strange to think of." It seems a much more.. specific and limiting title than Azem...

But then he nods, slightly. "I think I was told about that, but my personal memory does not stretch so far. I was told we helped, and glared at when I voiced my suspicion that you did the most of the work on that."

It's light, and the glaring had been fond.

It would be much easier if he had not remembered too fondly his brief time with Azem's 'familiar' in the past, if he had not recalled the way that even then she had reminded him so fondly of one of his dearest. It would make separating himself from Pahja all the easier, especially when he had fallen into the Aetherial Sea and she had been left behind.

Alas, he is susceptible to emotions as much as any other creature, and surely that must show on his face now, softening as he looks at Hythlodaeus and allows himself to feel the warm, tender relief. He is so happy to be together with his friend once again.

Shaking his head, he waves his hand.

"That is the title she was given, yes. When our friend Venat so surely touched her with her strength and thus... Well, she was able to overcome all that the world might well have offered. Her power is a testament."

Not that he has any particular fondness for Pahja, of course, and he would certainly not admit it.

Finally, he looks back at Hythlodaeus, and he lets himself smile.

"We helped. I believe that is enough, at least for you."

Emotion may have been a burden for Hades, but they are necessary all the same. Part of what makes them who they are. And very certainly part of what Hythlodaeus loves about Hades. Hythlodaeus certainly isn't about to surrender his own, after all.

"Well, it is only that 'warrior' is rather limiting. Even from the short time I knew her, I thought she is a lot more than that."

A beat, as he hums and nods, eyes crinkling with joy to meet that golden gaze, even if not quite the same as before. Still Hades, very much. And oh so deliberately does he raise an eyebrow.

"Oh? Only for me? Then what would be enough for you, hm?"

If that wasn't an opening for teasing...

It is true that he has learned to adjust, that he has grown in strength, that he is better now than he might once have been - but only some things change, and there is a sourness to him, a pain in his heart that is still requiring time to heal. Emet-Selch needs the weeks and years to unfold before him to truly recognise the depth of the hurt in his heart and the damage the grief has done.

"Perhaps, but it was simply a title. I think you and I are both of the knowledge that titles are not everything when it comes to what makes a person who they are." It is their name, their soul, their spirit - the things that only some of them can see and understand.

It was lucky indeed that it was he and Hythlodaeus who were so capable of such Sight.

Shaking his head, he gives his friend the gentlest of nudges.

"I do not know what might have been enough for me. The Rejoining, perhaps, or some measure of success. Something to make me feel as though there was a victory."

The corners of Hythlodaeus's eyes crinkle, though his gaze remains gentle and so loving.

There will be time, for admitting hurts, and then for healing. Somehow, he knows there will be.

But, for now, his lips twitch. "Says the esteemed Emet-Selch of the Convocation of Fourteen."

Our titles become our lives, the memory reminds him in Hades's voice specifically, and to retire is to return to the Star.

He shakes his head slightly, to chase away that echo of the past for the moment. They are here, and they will return to the Star eventually. Not today. Instead, he hums.

"Saving Etheirys is not victory enough?" He is genuinely curious, without a shred of disbelief or judgment. He can see this matters to Hades, and it will be good to understand, if the other man can get the words out, of course.

The smile is enough to inspire one on Hades' own face, something warm in his eyes if his face doesn't quite mirror it. There is a softness there that he is sure that Hythlodaeus is able to read - if no one else would have the power.

There are so many things ahead of them now, the two of them as a pair and as a group, and maybe that will have to be enough. For now.

"Yes, yes. We have conversed of this before, have we not? I understand it was centuries ago..." He waves his hand, waving the topic away. "It has been a long time since that title held any weight, any meaning. It has been some time since anyone knew what Emet-Selch came to mean."

Leaning a little closer, he hums.

"It is a victory in a sense, but not the one I longed for." He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment. "It is difficult to enjoy such a remarkable feat when it came at the cost of hundreds of years of planning and hope."

Oh...

This smile. This softness. Subtle, and likely invisible to anyone else.

All this time, Hythlodaeus has not been fully awake, but neither had he been consigned to oblivion. So he had memories he could vaguely grasp at, and the ones of Hades Refusing, rejecting, denying, and repelling Hythlodaeus's words or actions or intensions as he sprinkled his affection in the air about them at all times.

But this. This subtlety begins, ever so slowly, to soothe and salve the thorned yet dear, so dear memories.

He shifts, to hold on to Hades more comfortably in the new position, humming gently.

"'twould seem I have a lot to learn and catch up on, and I would know it all. I will have it all, so I can shoulder some of your burden at long last."

He knows he can't possibly take it all. But between knowing Hades, and what he Sees, he is rather certain he needs to be relieved of some, that he might not be crushed.

If there was anyone in the world who might be able to read Emet-Selch it would be Hythlodaeus; it is a kind of baring of his soul that few have quite been able to muster the power to do.

It is difficult, to be here and feel so relaxed when there is still eons of tension baring down on him. There are centuries of things that breathe down his neck and make him feel afraid, unsure, but Hythlodaeus tugs those pieces back together and makes him feel as though he can breathe again.

The weight is lifted, even for a brief moment.

It's easy, then, to sink into Hythlodaeus' embrace, to settle against the shape of his body and suddenly feel as though everything is right once again.

"It is not your duty to do so," he says, voice low and quiet. "It is truly enough to have you returned to my side, to allow you to be with me once more. My dear friend, this is a gift I would never have sought to ask for."

"By your side, where I want to be. Where I belong."

By this point, the differences between the body he remembers (he thinks he remembers?) and the one right here don't matter at all, and the embrace feels as right and long overdue as it is. Hythlodaeus breathes out softly, and lets his cheek rest against Hades's hair.

And then. Just because.

"But when have you ever known me to limit myself to only fulfilling my duty, hmm? 'tis not, but I would rather make myself useful."

He can't bear to watch Hades suffer without trying to help, any more than Hades would be able to, were their situations reversed.

Where he belongs - it is such a soft, simple thing to do and say and it is enough to melt whatever edges of Emet-Selch there were that yet remain. It makes his heart feel heavy and light at the same time, which is an oft twisted thing; it does not make sense that he should feel so.

Leaning into the embrace is easy, simple, and it feels like coming home, like removing all the layers and barriers that once kept him so separate from the rest of the world.

He manages a sharp little laugh, allowing himself to fully relax.

"I have never known it, of course. What would you like to put yourself towards now, hm?"

Hythlodaeus presses his lips gently to the head leaning against his shoulder and face, as he can feel relaxation finally - and he assumes, as he considers what Pahja had told them back then, likely temporary - takes his friend.

"Starting with making sure you don't carry a weight too heavy without help sounds like a good start to me." Beat.

"... then probably finding all I can about this train thing as it has certainly piqued my curiosity, but that can wait."

He has priorities.

The softness is what takes him, and Emet-Selch feels himself slightly overwhelmed before he breathes out and allows himself to have this brief moment of respite. It feels good, comforted, settled, and it's as though he can finally allow himself to exist once again.

It is a difficult thing, but he is mustering himself, and he is certain that his dearest friend can read it, between the lines, on his face, even if he tries to hide it.

"There is a great deal to learn and the people here are more than a little prepared to share their knowledge." He huffs a little. "Even if you do not wish for their company they will enforce it all the same."

It has still been mere bells since he recalled the time on Elpis, what Pahja had told them of what Emet-Selch would do. He has not had the time to properly comb through those memories, now that he knows they have become a reality, but he remembers that even hearing about it had been unbearable for Hades. To have lived through it...

To have struggled so long towards a salvation that he did not know how to truly bring about...

To have been alone for so long...

Hythlodaeus knows that he can only bring so much comfort and relief, at least at first. Eventually, he hopes - and that on a scale of how things used to be, not how they are - things will become easier. Until then, he will give time and space and love and the opposite of his absence.

The words make him raise an eyebrow, and his response is ... only half a tease.

"Oh? Are there others here I should talk to about that?"

He has ever been willing to be Hades's interpreter... and, on the occasions when it was needed, his social wall, soaking in interactions that were simply too much.

It is easier, having Hythlodaeus at his side, settling some of the weight and allowing himself to breathe and find some inner peace. It makes him feel better, to know that he has an anchor, a fellow, someone that he knows can read him without the need for words.

It has been a long time since he has had that, since he has allowed himself it.

Lifting his head, and leaning back, eyes closed for a moment, he hums absently.

"If there are people to speak to then they will soon find you. I've no doubt that you will make quite the impression."

Emet-Selch isn't quite huffing, but it is near enough to that.

"There is the Warrior, of course, and Elidibus is also here. But there are a great deal of other passengers that will steal your time."

Hythlodaeus's turn to shake slightly with silent laughter.

"I meant giving anyone bothering you too much a talking-to. For those who I may need to speak with for myself, we'll see."

He is not rushing from Hades's side for his own curiosity anytime soon.

But then, also.

"I talked with Elidibus. With Pahja, and one more whose soul is like hers and who knew me, though I did not know her." Past tense for that last part. "And a similar fraction of my own soul."

That... is very much stranger that two - or more - 'heroes of Eorzea'.

"Ah. A protector, through and through. I should never have imagined anything other than that, should I?"

It's not as though anyone has been truly traumatic for him - though he imagines, suddenly, that he ought to warn his friend about the presence of his great-grandson and the strange, familiar echo of his soul.

Perhaps another time.

"There are some Warriors here, more than just her," he acknowledges that with a nod. "I have met most, unless the train has seen fit to change their number. Pahja is the one I best know, the one that my heart best recognises as an echo of our dear friend."

Shrugging, Emet-Selch tries to play it off.

"We are comfortable here, I suppose that is the best term for it."

Hythlodaeus ducks his head slightly, though his voice remains light. "Well, I tend to be the one protected by you in most situations, but I do find people easier to deal with than you do, so it stands to reason that if I can help in this small way, I certainly would."

No need to warn - as Hythlodaeus just said, they already met.

"And... one did leave, I saw him go, but there was another who was there before this train arrived with me." So, yes, there has been a change. "Hm. Aelienor is certainly different, and not only in appearance. I wonder how such things are possible, and, perhaps, it would be very interesting to find out." But. Hythlodaeus smiles, softly. "The heart will want what the heart will want. 'tis good for you to listen to it."

"I assure you, you will need little protection here. Participation in missions is a choice basis, and there are options to interact less with violence and more with other matters. We will simply take care of one another."

That is how they are. He is most certain that Hythlodaeus would be more than content to throw himself into whatever missions might well be upcoming, but he does not say it. There is no need to mince words between them when they know each other so pleasingly well.

"Then the number has changed. I might have to meet this newcomer, else they might find me first." Emet-Selch sighs softly, leaning back into his friend's arm and closing his eyes. "I have oft ignored the pangs of my heart for fear of breaking entirely. There is space for it here indeed."

"We will, indeed, take care of one another." As they used to.

All three of them, truly.

And yes, he will be eager to at least know. But he will try not to worry Hades too much. He has had, Hythloadeus thinks, far too much of that, enough that it's worn him off, among everything else that he's borne in excess. Alone.

"If you should break, then I... we," because he heard him, about Pahja, "will put you back together again. Though I hope... I do hope that what your heart asks of you will lead you to healing, not breaking."

Not anymore.

A breath, then another.

"Do you wish to make yourself more comfortable for rest?"

They have much and more to say, to learn, and even - he suspects not only for himself - to discover. But even with discomfort with standing still, or even at the thought of sleeping himself, which edged towards his awareness as he sought out his own... cabin?, he has no more desire to stir from this moment than Hades seems to. None at all. They will have to, he is sure, but not now. Not yet.

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