voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post March]

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A New Platform [Intro Post March]

On the Train

Luckily there are no more crises after the strange dreaming, except the ones passengers created for themselves and soon the month is turning. "Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Egret."

Those that have been on board a while know that new months usually come with new people and so the message a few hours later will not be a surprise. "Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. It will come as a relief that it is not raining this time. However it does seem to be quite blustery.

The doors open and the first few to disembark do so with rucksacks on, hoods pulled up against the wind. Amery Vallet, Steve Rogers, Darth Vader, Peggy Carter, Bran Corbie and Ash. They walk blank faced to the barriers, show their tickets and disappear.

But on the platform itself there are nineteen new faces, or rather seventeen new faces and two that some people have definitely seen before. All are stood, waiting for the train.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam. Billowing around them as they come to their senses. They are standing, in clothes that are not their own, styles they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone in the white haze but then the steam begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

The platform is not large and it holds ninteen figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. The air is cold and the wind is strong, blowing their hair, if they have hair, across their face. Both left and right the tracks disappear into the mist. 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 into the cold step a selection of people. Some are human, some are less so. They are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple.

The Train

The doors hiss open. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there is 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 not be a good thing. 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. The store rooms have been restocked with an abundance of onions! Any of blue team who who go to check the luggage cart will find a parcel containing rainbow macroons. One for each of the blue team, including new members, come share in the reward!

Passengers who are not brand new will notice that the train has gotten yet longer again. A transparent domed carriage, with a grass aisle and soil beds, ready for the passengers to do with as they wish. Crates contain bulbs and seeds ready to be planted and there are all the tools a budding gardener would need for this task.

New passengers will find their tickets allow them into their cabins. They may need to negotiate for beds, especially if they want a top bunk!

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 and you will hopefully find a pillow for your bed if it has not been nabbed by a roommate, there are also spare blankets for if it gets cold.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view 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. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

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"Then I'll take the one above you." She offered him a small sympathetic smile as she moved over towards the bunk and began to tuck things away. She moved gracefully and upon learning that he had a headache, managed to muffle the sounds of her jewelry. She was familiar with the concepts of stealth.

"Is there anything I can do to help your headache? Perhaps a cold wash cloth?" She glanced down at him, her expression serious. He didn't look pale but she wanted to make sure he wasn't otherwise sick. In such close quarters being sick can easily be spread.

Gladio nodded, not minding in the slightest that she would take the bunk above him. She seemed nice enough and he wasn't about to be a nuisance. He did appreciate when she made an effort to be more quiet, the tinkling of her jewellery seemed more muted now than when she had first entered the cabin. Something he was grateful for.

"I'll be fine." He promised her even as he dropped his arm across his eyes again. "I'll go soon, they never last long." Gladio was loathe to admit it, but it was mostly a stress headache. He definitely wasn't getting sick. Because if he was getting sick then Ignis would scold him.

Primrose had yet to meet her other cabin mates but she trusted that Gladio would be a far better person to fall on should someone smaller be located in the other bottom bunk. She didn't think it would happen but then, this was her first time on a train. Primrose didn't know how smooth the ride was and sleeping in a carriage was always a bit tricky.

"Do you get headache's often?" She glanced down at him as she finished gingerly tucking away her pack and clothes.

She could offer him a massage but Primrose didn't know how he would take it and she'd much rather be on good terms with those she'll be in close proximity with.

Gladio peeked out from under his arm and flashed what he hoped was a winning smile. "Only as often as I get stolen from my world and dumped on a train to nowhere." He joked. Meaning no, he wasn't usually prone to them, but this was a unique circumstance and the information overload had given him a killer headache.

It didn't help his own worry was also causing his head to ache, but he was desperately trying to reassure himself he had nothing to fear. That Noct wasn't actually alone and he wasn't derelict in his duties. That somewhere out there he was still guarding his King.

His smile had faded somewhat as his thoughts took a turn he had been trying to avoid, so he went and covered his eyes again. "If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask. We're bunk mates, after all."

Primrose had obtain the same information though it's yet to fully sink in. Its hard to believe that she had been torn from her world and placed on that platform. She still remembered the scent of cinders filling her nose, the distasteful play that Simeon had put on for her and his smug smile.

There was too much for her to consider but come night, she'll be restless and awake, wrestling with the truths of the day.

"True. Then perhaps you'll allow me the chance to offer you a massage for your head. If having a stranger touch you isn't too uncomfortable. It might help. It's a good way to clear the mind."

Gladio's arm dropped again and his head tilted to the side to get a look at the woman. She was definitely beautiful, soft spoken and by all accounts incredibly sweet. Maybe a bit naive as well. He could have been anyone. An offer like that he could very easily take advantage of. So he wondered if she had the ability to take care of herself in that eventuality. There were so many strange characters on the train and not many of them looked like they could fight their way out of a paper bag. But at the same time, those same people probably had more power in their little fingers than he had in his whole body. And that stung a little.

Slowly he eased himself up and shifted to the side so that he was sitting on the edge of his bunk, his arms folded across his knees as he lent forward and offered the woman a warm smile.

"That's a tough call. I don't even know your name." Gladio held a large hand out to her. "Names Gladio."

Her lips parted in surprise before a subdued rare smile colored her expression. "You have a point. My name is Primrose." Like the flower.

She was lovely and while she came off as one way or another, it was a mask to keep herself safe in a world that was cruel to its woman. This train wasn't like that but some masks were harder to fracture. "I do promise that it is an innocent offer. We'll be sleeping in the same room after all, we'll have to trust each other to some degree."

Not that she trusted anyone but she had magic and other skills should anything happen.

"Primrose?" Gladio's smile widened and he wondered if she should go ahead and tell her his full name. It wasn't that he hated his name at all, it was the name his mother had given him and one he respected deeply. But he'd always believed his name was far too nice for the likes of him. So he stuck to the shortened version.

That, and he tended to think he was in trouble if people used his full name.

"I don't doubt that. But it's easier to accept if I know who I'm accepting it from." Gladio pointed out reasonably, and not unkindly. It wouldn't be the first time he'd had a massage, though most of those times had been after a work out. Ignis, Cor, even his own father when training. Gladio knew the benefits of them, and wondered if this pretty woman would be as good as Ignis?

Primrose rarely introduced herself using her fully name. She was the lady Azelhart, the last of her house hold and while that didn't mean anything here, she couldn't risk it. Not yet.

He might be surprised by her skills. "This is true. If it helps you decide, I am a dancer. I am used to encountering sore muscles in myself and in the other dancers I was staying with. It might hurt a little but it'll help." Primrose had many talents and some might be described as unexpected.

"Have you made your decision?"

Gladio had made his decision, yes. If this woman was out to do him harm, she was doing a fine job of hiding it. He nodded and scooted a little further to the edge of his bunk and to the side to allow the woman room.

"We can see if it helps any. Worst you can do is relax the rest of me." Gladio grinned and made a gesture for her to come closer. He wasn't going to bite. "How would you prefer me? Sat or laying on the bunk? Either works." It really just depended on what Primrose was more comfortable with, and how easily it could be done in such a small cabin.

"Sitting is fine. I'm not sure there is room if you were to lay down." The bunks were large enough to sleep but she'd have to fold up the top bunk to make sure there was enough room above him.

Primrose stepped around him and knelt gingerly on the bed behind him. She started around the base of his neck, searching for the knot of muscles that lead up to the bottom of his head. There were four in total and she worked through each one until it was relaxed, using her weight and a little bit of force to push through the thick membrane. When she was finished she gently moved his shoulders to test the motion and then pressed the pressure points against the base of his head before gently rubbing his head.

Rubbing his head wouldn't do anything to help his muscles but she knew it felt nice and his hair was clean.

Gladio stayed where he was, as she wasn't wrong. There wasn't much room at all. Though there was just enough for Primrose to slip in behind him.

He waited. When she first touched him her hands felt cool upon his skin, but soon warmed as they worked at the tight, knotted muscles around the base of his neck. Gladio closed his eyes and lowered his head a touch, just letting her do her thing. At first it did hurt, it usually did. He was so tense that it was bound to. But as he relaxed under Primrose's expert touch, it stopped hurting. Once she reached his shoulders he couldn't hold back the deep groan that fell from his lips. "Damn, you really are good at that..." And, joy of joys, his headache was easing off. He was feeling more relaxed than he had in days.

A low pleased chuckle escaped from her lips as she neared to an end. It was very therapeutic for her as well. Her mind had cleared and she focused on the intricacies of his muscles and neck. It was a distraction but also a reset to her thoughts that she needed given the intensity of the day and the situation.

"Consider this an open offer then. I think we'll all sleep better if you're relaxed." She shifted and gracefully slid around him to take a seat on the opposite bed. "It helped me too, in a way." No one liked feeling useless.

"Do you mind if I ask where you're form? It's clear that you're built for fighting but I've seen some of those here are children. I can't imagine them fighting too."

He smiled when she laughed. It was a nice sound. And it was almost disappointing when she was finished, but he was as relaxed as he could be and the headache was pretty much a memory. So when Primrose slipped out from behind him, Gladio was still all smiles. "Then the offer goes both ways." It was only fair, after all. He didn't think he was as good as she, and definitely not as good as Ignis, but then again Ignis had never complained after training so maybe he wasn't that bad?

With a much more relaxed sigh, Gladio turned and laid himself back down on his bunk.

"Don't mind at all. I come from a place called Eos. The city of Insomnia in Lucis. I'm... well, I suppose was now, the Kings Shield. At least that's what I was brought up to be. Without a King to protect, I don't really know what I am now." Gladio looked over at Primrose. "There are lots of kids about. But who knows what worlds they come from? What about you?"

"Thank you. I will likely be taking you up on that offer in time." She didn't know what her future held for her but it was likely going to be stressful and any way to relieve that stress was welcomed. He might not be as skilled but she can teach him more and he might even surprise his friends with this new skill.

"I was living in the Sunlands until recently. The city was called the Sunshade and if you can imagine, there was quite a bit of sand there. My travels have taken me all over the world since. I was a dancer there however I am also the heir to the Lord and Lady Azelhart's titles and position. Until now, I've kept who I am a secret but I am sure that doesn't matter here. As much as I wish for it to be different, I doubt I will run into those who know of me here." Her expression was matter of fact and her voice calm but there was a sadness to her gaze that she couldn't fully hide.

"You may be a man without a King but I am sure there are many here who would appreciate your protection. There can be purpose anywhere and in time we'll return you to your king."

Gladio had no idea who she was or who any of the people she mentioned where, but it sounded impressive nevertheless.

"You never know." Gladio pointed out reasonably. "I've a friend here, he's been here a while. Pretty sure he didn't think any of us would show up. But here I am." So maybe someone from here world would appear when she least expected it?

"You might be right." He wasn't so sure though. Prompto seemed to need it, at least for the moment. Once he found his feet he could be off and running and wouldn't need him. Ignis didn't need him, he'd made himself a life here, he could tell. So that just left him. Given time he was sure he could find a place for himself, but at the moment he couldn't see that happening any time soon.

"True. Then I hope you can keep my name to yourself until I am sure it's safe. As I will do for whatever you confide to me." It seemed only fair and honestly, Primrose wasn't worried about the train. There weren't too many people she didn't want to see and if they were to meet on the train, there was no where either of them could run. It would have to be faced anyway.

"You sound unsure." Her expression softened just a bit.

"You have your friends with you. Even if it takes time, you will find your way. You don't strike me as a man who can be directionless for long." If anything, Gladio seemed like the type to pave his own way.

"Your secret is safe with me." Gladio assured his cabin-mate with a reassuring smile. She was good people, this Primrose. She reminded him of someone but he couldn't quite bring the name to mind...

He had to laugh then, low and deep but with genuine good humour. "Yeah, I'll find my way." Even if he had to force it for himself. Gladio would do what he needed to make a life for himself. But today, he would wallow in his loss. Life as he knew it was changed forever. It made him resentful, but meeting good people trapped in the same hell, made it a bit more bearable. He wasn't alone.

"Thank you." Her expression softened as she inclined her head in a nod. "I have some other business to attend too. I shall leave you now and I hope that your headache soon releases you."

She lifted herself from the bed, the red silky rectangles of fabric falling over her legs as she stepped from the room. She'll see him again, likely later that night but they all needed time and space to adjust.

"See you around, Primrose." Gladio called with a little wave of his hand that he wasn't even sure the woman saw as the door closed behind her.

He settled back on his bunk and folded his arms behind his head and then closed his eyes. Maybe a little power nap would get the headache all the way gone. Then he would go and check on Prompto. He'd be recharged enough to keep watch on him through the night and that... that was what was going to get Gladio through his fist take aboard the Voidtrecker.

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A New Platform [Intro Post March]

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

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Sleeper 5, Cabin C

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Sleeper 5, Cabin C

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Sleeper 5, Cabin C

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Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

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Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C

Sleeper 5, Cabin C