voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post July]

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A New Platform [Intro Post July]

On the Train

Luckily for everyone the final couple of days of Fiddlesticks are quiet and mostly uneventful. Eventually though they awake to the announcement. "Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Grasshopper. 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. Also a loud pattering sound, which they will discover once the doors open are hailstones. They might want to grab their raincoats.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Ann Takamaki, Drizzt, Geralt, Huehuecóyotl, Ignis Scientia, Ivy Wakefield, Jiang Yanli, Lan Sizhui, Maebhrin Tillinath, May Parker, Nie Huaisang, Osomatsu Matsuno, Raven, Roxas, Shaw, The Iron Bull, Ultimo, Wei Wuxian, Yuki Sohma, Yuffie, Yukito Tsukishiro

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies and waterproofs, 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. The second thing they will notice is it is cold, hailstones rain down around them, though they don’t last long on the platform ground, melting into slush.

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 nineteen figures all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. 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.

Indeed whereas usually there is plenty time for people to be met and brought slowly onto the train, the whistles blow a lot quicker this time, as if hurrying the passengers along.

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, it seems carrots have taken over the bacon, though there are plenty of other staples.

Those from blue team who go to investigate will find a box of biscuits. There is enough for the whole team, including new passengers. Join in your team's success!

Those who are not new will quickly discover some changes made to make the train accessible to those who can’t see, including Braille translations of all the signs around the train.

There is of course the new music room to explore. A double carriage, the downstairs has instruments to learn and practice with, as well as a series of music screen points. Those who play around with the screens will soon discover their SCA’s can now store music and can choose their favourites to listen to around the train.

Upstairs is a performance area and holds a piano.

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 over the noise of the hail stones 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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Yugi was about to open his mouth again to explain that for all he knew it could be head spilling, but without actually experiencing it himself, he couldn't really say. But even before he could say anything the hug was there and while somewhat surprised at the reaction, was not one to exactly turn it down either.

He waited for a moment or two before glancing at the now fallen ponyta and wondering just what exactly was going on.

"I mean, I guess it's been at least a couple months..." With that in mind and the mention of Kaiba he paused quietly, finally letting go of the other did.

"I see you spoke to Kaiba... What has he told you exactly? Also whose the pony? It...is a tiny pony of somekind right?"

The hug isn't that long- and Katsuya at least looks a little embarrassed about how quick he was to deliver it too, as much as there was good reason. "Yeah, few months w' th' las' thing we did t'gether being another great case 'f almos' dyin' man...I...I mean they said y' were fine but it's just..."

He swallows, slowly calming himself down. "...Well, I guess...seein's another story, y'know?" Of course, it's not the same Yugi he reminds himself. So can it really count? It should. He wants it to, but for now he stops thinking too hard about it and sighs. "Uhhh...somethin' abou' Anzu goin' by Mazaki again? 'Xcept then it w's Wester? I gotta find 'm later I guess..." he mutters, sitting back down.

"Anyway, most 'f it was stuff abou' gettin recruited t' go b'tween worlds or somethin' on this train, which 's a better way t' do it than jus' flyin' through wormholes like th' ultra riders were back 'n Alola..." The blond shrugs. "Oh- Tha's Kaseri! From th' place I jus' was for a chunk 'f time!" he adds with a grin. "She's a pok'mon!"

Yugi admits, he doesn't remember almost dying...though... the almost would have been before the last thing he remembered anyway, but he listened to what the other knew and so far it was to be expected, though he did not that there was at least one thing Kaiba didn't mention and... it dawned on him that he figured Kaiba wanted him to say it.

"Yeah, the Wester thing...I want to speak to them, just to talk, but of course, they are currently unable to and are on watch or in one of the carriages that are sealed up or something." He just thought to talk will help things and he was honestly going to be stubborn about it.

"But okay there was....one thing he didn't tell you and I assume because he wanted me to say it." But he honestly didn't know how to say it right now, but knew it kind of needed to. He looked to the side slightly "The thing is... Coming up a month now Kaiba and I have...been dating."

At least that was now said he was quick to get back to the other subject. "You mean like those creatures someone on the train has?"

"Yeaaaaahhhh Kaiba said somethin' abou' a penalty game so tha' sounds abou' righ' 'f th' whole train found out..." He grimaces- whether deserved or not, penalty games were their own brand of nasty after all- and moves on.

Or tries at least. The next thing Yugi mentions is a little unexpected after all. "W...Wai', you an'..."

He doesn't seem upset. He doesn't seem upset at all in fact, simply blinking a little rapidly. For his own reasons, it's just odd to hear. Very odd, but...

The blond stares, and ultimately leans back in his seat. "Huh!" Huh. "...Yeah, I guess tha' makes sense." He pauses, and realizes that's probably something to clarify. "Th' two 'f y' do get kinda weird on th' duel field, so..." And Atem was worse, but he's not going there.

Back to Kaseri- who has been sniffing at the other's hand. "Oh yeah, Kaiba said somethin' about an 'Eva' or somethin'..? Ran int' her after tha', they're...sort'f th' same?" He frowns. "Kinda...different. More like real animals instead 'f...well, animals that are like duel monsters, y'know?"

He probably doesn't, but that doesn't really matter. "Anyway, she's close 'nough to it! Galaran Ponyta! Psychic type!"

"NyyHHIIHI!"

"That's exactly right. So it's sort of helped at least figured out that we aren't from the exact same world anyway." he had ideas and thoughts, but he couldn't say if those about Wester were in fact true or not.

But it seemed they were switching between things and Yugi was at least managing to go along with that at least. He was also relieved that honestly the whole saying it out loud thing felt quite good and it seemed the other wasn't reacting in a negative way to it at least. But at the comment, he couldn't help but pause for a moment

"Get kind of weird, how?" Because he was wondering what he saw that he might not have.

He nodded slightly, the explanation of Pokemon made sense. He just thought she was cute and tint and could relate to the size thing. "Well it's still nice to meet them, they're cute."

"Nyhhuhhhhhh...." He blinks, rapidly trying to think of how to answer that question. Shoot! Shoot, what's a great way to say- "'S uhhhh... ...Jus' like th' kind 'f stuff you'd say in uh..."

His hole is being dug and Yugi is watching. "L-Look it's th' kinda stuff that makes y' wonder if there ain't somethin' goin on behind closed doors alrigh'!" He is not talking to Yugi about how half of what his other self says to Seto Kaiba sounds like flirting dammit!

While Katsuya tries to get a sense of calm back, Kaseri nuzzles the guest of the moment. "Mnhh... ...Yeah, guess so. She's kinda like uh...those cartoon horses half th' girls 'n class are int', y'know?"

Or maybe just half the class. He doesn't know. "...'xcept real~"

A happy whinny follows that last bit. Yes!! Yes she is! (She has no idea what she's agreeing to!)

"I would technically know if that was the case. But it's also not something I would think about when watching a duel." Because in all honesty the focus usually was on other things, even though he didn't do a lot of the duels.

The ones he did duel in his focus had still be elsewhere.

"I know... So it's just a real magical but tiny horse." That made perfect sense. "It's nice that you have a little companion to keep you company."

"Ah...righ'..." He coughs, moving on. It's a bit different from the sidelines, he supposes...

"Yeah pretty much- I dunno tha' she'll get any bigger either. 'F she was back in Alola there'd be a shot f'r her t' evolve, but I dunno how th's place 'll affect tha'... ...probably for th' best, she'd be proper horse size 'f that happened," he notes, grimacing. "Kinda hard t' fit her on th' bed 'f she's tha' big...w's already hard enough with th' others..."

"Considering the size of most of the pets on board, it is a good thing at least they are tiny." Anything bigger and that would be taking up a lot more room. So it was good thing to have a travel sized pony.

"the others? I assume you had others like her, but... different."

"Yeah! There were uh...four others," he explains with a nod. "Amar's abou' her size- though most 'f that 's probably wool..." Katsuya mutters, frowning as he goes into thought.

"Rakak is bigger though- he's like...a leafy goat, people ride 'm around like bikes. He's not too much bigger, but 's big enough that it'd be an' issue. Koach too," he adds- the word sounding more like 'Ko-Ack' than anything. "Koach is huge! Bigger th'n Kaiba is!"

And that's far from the weirdest of them. "Las' one's way smaller, jus' a lil bird," he finishes, not naming the name for the sake of keeping things simple. "But I don' think I'd want 'm here anyway. Hones'ly outta any of 'm, it'd be Amar an' Rakak...maybe ev'n jus' Amar. I might have pokeballs for 'm all, but they sure don' get along w' 'm..."

Of course, it doesn't help that he somewhat spoils the lot...but hey.

"Enough abou' them though- y' said months righ'? Months on th's train! You've got t' tell me what's been goin' on other than th's stuff w' Kaiba!" he laughs, beaming. It'll definitely end up the kind of conversation that goes on for an age- but for Katsuya at least, it'll be worth it. It's been far too long since he could.

"So...most of them are at least tiny is size except one who is slightly bigger." He thinks he was at least understanding what he was talking about, not that he knew exactly because Pokemon were not something he knew a lot about.

He nodded slightly. Not that many months compared to others, however. "Around two and a half months, I believe...I will be happy to talk about what has happened in that time though as I show you around if you'd like."

Because that was the best time than any to have a nice chat and not think anyone might be listening. Plus, it's really been a long time since they last spoke, even if it was a few months.

"Hah! D'pendin on yer idea of tiny, sure!" He laughs.

Katsuya's grin softens into a smaller smile though, and with a nod he stuffs his hands in his pockets. "In that case, I'd be happy t' listen! Lead th' way!"

However much he retains, it'll be a fun walk through the train- that much he's certain.

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A New Platform [Intro Post July]

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