voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post June]

On the Train

The days following the mission are relatively uneventful as people once more get used to the rhythm of life on the train. "Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Fiddlesticks. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train a while 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." A lurch and a jolt and they are soon surrounded by the fog that means they are at a platform. It is a cool day, clouds gathering threateningly though it stays dry luckily.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Leviathan, Atsushi Nakajima, Spinel, Peggy Carter, Evie Grimhilde, Cal Kestiss, Gwen Stacey, Renee Corbin, Lan Jingyi, Waver Velvet, Aoko Nakamori, Namine, Jak and Marcus Wright all reach the barriers, show their tickets and disappear through, vanishing into the fog.

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies, 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. 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 twenty six figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. The air is cool with a slight breeze. 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. 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.

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 plenty more bacon as well as other staples.

Passengers who are not brand new will notice a new carriage. A second gym. This one is outfitted for training with mats, fighting pads, balance beams and even climbing apparatus to help get everyone ready for the missions ahead.

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Kaito pulls a face. "I've been trying. He's utterly convinced he's doomed"

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow. He's known a lot of Doomed people in his time, as he is a Noldo. He doubted a Vala had pronounced Peter's fate. "Perhaps if people stopped feeding into his feelings of pessimism?" he suggested.

"Right?" Kaito throws up his hands, a small spray of confetti accompanying the gesture.

"But nooooooooooo, he's insisting he's just bad luck."

Glorfindel admired the sudden spray of confetti with a smile, plucking a couple of pieces out of the air.

"Maybe he needs an intervention."

"Oops." He eyes the confetti. "Guess I need to work on that one. Eh, to be expected from a kit like this."

He considers. "I dunno. I get the feeling more than anything, he just... needs good friends. And some good luck for a change."

"Maybe..." Glorfindel said, slowly, giving Kaito a look, "Maybe if a Magician gave him some good luck? I mean, there is magic, and then there is Magic." He knew he wasn't explaining it well, but he hoped Kaito might get what he meant.

Kaito eyes him.

"It feels like you are trying to tell me something there, but I am not certain of what you mean. I'm only a high school student, in the end. Nothing special."

Lieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

He didn't mean to be rude, but it took a good minute or more for Glorfindel to stop laughing at that. "Ha. Yes, student. But a savvy one, nonetheless. I would not ever mistake you for a naive child, Kaito-san."

Kaito grins at him, tipping an invisible hat.

"Thanks for the compliment, I think~"

But

"But I still am noooooot entirely sure what you mean?"

"Mm, how to put this...it is using non-magic to reset his brain, wire him to look for the positive, rather than the negative," Glorfindel explained. "We had to do it once in a while back home. It's just a little...quasi-ritual to give someone a nudge. They have to be receptive, of course. But I think you would be really good at it."

Kaito tips his head curiously.

"Well... I don't really... HAVE any magic. How would it work?"

"It's precisely because you don't have any magic," Glorfindel said. "Actually changing someone using magic without their consent would be unethical. But a ritual, made to look very impressive, by someone who has some skills with illusions, that just enables him to choose to believe or not. Hopefully yes." He grinned.

"Huh." He mulls that over. "Do you think it would help him? Like. Peter's well aware I do sleight of hand, not real magic."

"I could help with the stage lighting, perhaps tell an old elf tale of how this has worked before," Glorfindel suggested. "We just need to plant the seed, is all."

Kaito frown thoughtfully, starting in with one of his improbable shuffles as he thinks.

"I suppose so. Maybe if I put on a normal show, and... make that part of it? So he doesn't feel like he's being singled out."

Glorfindel nodded, smiling brightly. "That would be excellent! Then, we can perhaps catch one or two others who might need a little brightness in their own lives as well! And everyone else who is there will be entertained, a win for everyone!"

"We'll need to reserve the cinema car...about how long will you need including set up? I can supply the incentive to persuade our seamstress friend to make you a new outfit. What else will you require?" Yes, he's excited, he's bored too!

"Hm. I'll need time to work out exactly what I can do with this kit." He frowns at the magic kit.

"It's not exactly... what I hoped for. Hm. I'll need a few weeks to see what I can come up with I think. I'll pencil you in as my Assistant though, Glorfindel-san!"

A New Platform [Intro Post June]

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