voidtreckerexpress | A new platform [intro post September]

A new platform [intro post September]

For those on the train

“Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Bassoon.” The train announces the morning the month changes. It seems the train counts months in days of thirty. Team Points have been updated on the system.

The day continues as most days do, chores, eating, getting ready for another day. But those who suspect that a change of month may bring something else are correct. It is only an hour or two later that there is another announcement.

“Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void imminent.”

By now they should know to hold on as the train jerks and jolts. There is only fog outside the windows but the train soon comes to a stop. The doors hiss open.

As they exit into the fog they may notice Evie exiting from the luggage carriage door. Much like Hibiki the last time they were on a platform. She leaves the train, backpack on her back as she walks through the station. She heads no call, reacts to no words and cannot be stopped as she walks to the ticket barrier and disappears through it.

Strange. But even stranger still is that there on the platform that whole time is Evie. Dressed in purple, backpack on back, with her are others. Waiting for the train.

For new arrivals

At first all they can see if 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 your 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 very large, but it hold twelve figures all facing the tracks, all wearing similar clothing. The tracks stretch left and right into steam, or perhaps fog. Nothing can be seen to either side. There is a wall around the platform and the only entrance is a ticket barrier. It cannot be open, nor do there seem to be any staff.

What there is, is a train. Jet black and gleaming where it stands on the rails.Voidtrecker Express is emblazoned in the engine in gold. There is a hiss as the doors slide open.

Out step a selection of people, some less human than others, wearing clothes just like those worn by those on the platform.

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.

Once on board there is lots to explore. Passengers both old and new will hopefully be delighted to see the boredom of this train journey is somewhat alleviated by the introduction of a game carriage. Plenty of games, both familiar and new to play with your new travelling companions.
Each ICP shows the same message. If Red team go and look they will find a box in the luggage compartment that contains their prize. A dralite themed cake lolly each. There are enough for the new members of Red team too, share in your teams previous success!

The food stores have been topped up with new fresh food. Salmon has taken over as the primary ingredient of choice. Hopefully everyone likes fish!

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. For those who boarded two weeks ago they will know what is coming next.

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."

Hopefully someone warns you that you really want to heed that warning because a moment later there is 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 voidspace.

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Oh, Madoka, honey, no. Reigen has gotten used to doubt from people on the train, so seeing Madoka believe him relatively easily surprises him a bit. It almost reminds him of Mob at age eleven, which gives Reigen some concern about lying to someone so trusting. Only some, though.

“Ehehe...well, powerful enough to fend off any ghosts or curses." Reigen can't let the kid worrying about stuff like evil spirits on top of everything else, so he doesn't see the problem with reassuring her via dishonesty. Still, he's been reminded of why he's trying to be a better person, so he can dial back the dramatics a little just this once. "I'm not the only 'Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century', though: it's a business title, my employees are free to use it too--speaking of which!"

He fishes through his pockets and pulls out a business card with his name printed on it, along with the address, website and phone number for Spirits and Such Consultation Office. It also contains an offer of 'every ten paid exorcisms gets you 50% off your eleventh!' on the other side. "In case you're ever in the area and need help. I'll even offer a student discount!"

Madoka sure is having a lot of new experiences on this train. Granted, getting a businesscard from a shady psychic probably shouldn't be as new as super tall elves or people who literally live out in space, and yet here we are... (It kind of begs the question why he'd think a young girl would need those services, but hey, Madoka isn't one to doubt.)

Instead she just stares at the business kind with both amazement and surprise in her eyes. Taking care of exorcisms and evil spirits, huh... That sure makes her wonder.

"I see.. In that case.." Well, this is a long shot, but she might as well ask, right? "Um, do you only deal with spirits, or.. also.. um, monsters..?"

Reigen's a little caught off guard by that answer. What kind of monsters did a little girl have to deal with? There's no such thing as monsters! (Says the guy who advertises himself as a psychic. But hey, spirits and monsters are different things!)

The way she's looking at him though, he doesn't feel like he can just tell her that. He considers his next answer for a moment, putting a hand to his chin in thought.

"Well, certain spirits have turned pretty monstrous, so it's not out of the question." His thoughtfulness turns into confidence when he remembers every spirit and other nasty person that Mob had taken care of. "Yes, I absolutely could!"

She lets out a gasp, and the next moment Madoka's surprise seems to turn completely into hopefulness. The girl clasps her hands together, giving Reigen pretty much the most impossible to resist hopeful puppy eyes ever.

"Then.. I-I really need your help!" Sure, maybe some people would stop and consider whether a normal-looking guy like him could really do something about a witch threatening to destroy the world.. but.. you know. Madoka is desperate. Maybe there's a way she can resolve that mess without making a contract and losing her soul and making Homura sad. "I need you to teach me what you know..! Please, I'll do anything in return!"

She seems so earnest about it too...

"I'll do all your chores on the train for as long as we're here if that's necessary!"

Oh god. When Madoka is looking at him like that, Reigen can’t exactly turn her away. Whatever she’s dealing with must be a serious problem if she’s this desperate for help. Now he feels kind of guilty...hadn't there been another kid Reigen lied to about being able to help with something he didn't really understand? He hasn't changed at all, has he?

...No, it'd be different this time. He wouldn't let her down. Once they figure out how to get off the train, he could call Mob or Serizawa and they'd all go take care of Madoka's problem together. All he had to do for now is reassure her that everything would be fine.

"Easy easy, you don't have to do something like that! I'm the adult here. I can't make a kid do my chores for me." He waves his hand dismissively at her offer, then taps his foot in thought. "But...I can definitely teach you how exorcism works. Psychic power is a little more complicated if you don't have potential, but if we find that you do, we can work on training you!" Not that he knew how to tell that, but he'd cross that bridge when he got to it.

"All you need to do is promise me two things. One: if you grow into psychic power, never use it to hurt another person." Reigen looks incredibly serious at the first, but he softens on the next. "Two...you won't go fight whatever you need to face alone. When things are rough, it's ok to fall back and let others help you."

Edited 2019-09-06 03:43 (UTC)

Honestly, it's not even him turning down her offer to do all of his chores that makes her look incredibly relieved. No, it's the fact that he's willing to help her out in the first place. Who knows, maybe she might actually be able to learn something in this place that could turn out super helpful back home as well..! Who would've thought!

"Thank you so much!"

So despite him not really having done anything yet, she's bowing for him all the same. And when Madoka uprights herself again, she's smiling from ear to ear.

"I definitely promise..!" Or, well, the first one is a little easier than the second one, but.. if there's literally no one but her around to do the task, then it's not like she's breaking the promise. She can't let anyone help her if there's no one around to fight the witch but her to begin with. "I'll do my very best so I can learn from your wisdom and power!"

How happy she looks helps to absolve some of Reigen's lingering guilt over lying to her about his own skills. As long as Madoka could keep that hopeful look in her eyes, he considered his job done. Of course, he'd have to get more information about exactly what it was she needed to fight, but one thing at a time.

"Don't mention it! It's our personal duty to use our powers to help others, after all!" With a few flourishes of his hand, Reigen gives Madoka a thumbs up. "I, Arataka Reigen, won't rest until we take care of this monster!"

The dramatic hand gestures sure have Madoka convinced. She nods with a smile. "I trust you!"

Because honestly, how could someone be that confident about something and not 100% mean it? Madoka can't imagine that at all, so he really must believe they can do something about it. Wow, just imagine how well things could end up back home at this rate..!

"Somehow it feels like everything really will end up alright if you say it.. You really are an amazing psychic!"

"Haha...well, part of that might be your own attitude. Look at that, you're a great student already!" How could one girl be this wholesome? Reigen has known her for less than an hour and he's pretty sure he would still protect this kid with his life if necessary. When did he get this soft?

"You've got a name, right? I have to call you something if I'm going to be your teacher."

"Ah.. ahaha, I'm sorry for not introducing myself before asking for all of that.."

Not super polite of you there, Madoka! She kind of feels guilty for it too, but she really couldn't help it with how caught up she was in the idea of maybe being able to find an alternative solution to the whole Walpurgisnacht problem...

"It's Madoka. Madoka Kaname." She politely bows for him - that's the least she can do after being so late with her introduction, right. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Don't worry! I can't blame you for getting excited when you've got monsters to fight."

He nods at her name, committing it to memory. "Nice to meet you too, Madoka-chan!" Reigen offers his hand to Madoka for a handshake.

A handshake it is! Madoka's grip - predictably so, really - isn't super firm, but she's shaking his hand all the same. And still smiling a little bit, since this whole exchange just made her much more hopeful than she imagined when she just caught a random guy in the act of ~~stealing~~ taking salt.

"Um.. Are you sure you don't need anything in exchange for your help though?" Since he did turn down the chores offer! "I don't have money to offer or anything, but still.."

"Trust me, don't worry about paying me! My other student just works as my intern, so by that logic, maybe I should be paying you!" He knows middle schoolers don't have any money, or the ability to work half of the time. That's his logic for why Mob's salary is basically pocket change and ramen, at least.

"How about this? If I think of something you can help me with, I'll let you know, otherwise we'll just call it even."

"That sounds good."

And then she doesn't have to feel guilty because she'd feel like she still owed him something either! It's a win-win situation, clearly, and Madoka does seem fairly genuinely content with it, judging by her facial expression.

"And, um.. otherwise you can just call me your unpaid intern." 14 year old kids being confronted with today's tough job market... "That's fine with me too."

"That's good, because I don't know if there's even money here! Consider it pay in experience and monster-fighting assistance!"

Reigen is glad he doesn't have to negotiate pay raises either. "So, tell me more about what you're up against! We can specialize your training for it that way!"

For a second Madoka bites her lip. It's still a little hard to talk about - partially since the whole thing is just so huge and overwhelming, and partially since she's so used to keeping it a secret.. But it should be okay to talk about it in this case, right? Reigen is going to help her with the situation, after all, so she should be truthful..!

"Um, okay.." She takes in a deep breath. "Where I come from.. There are these monsters called Witches. Usually magical girls fight them and get rid of them, but.. um, because of some circumstances this time I'm the only one who can take care of it, and I don't have any magical powers at all.."

'Some circumstances' being 'hey all my friends are dead', but let's not go there. There's a reason she kept it so vague.

"And this Witch.. It's really powerful. If I don't stop it, it'll destroy the whole world."

Reigen nods thoughtfully, listening to what she says and trying to make sense of it in his head. "Magical girls" sound like they could be psychic, and witches...evil spirits, or also something psychic? World-ending power was a little more than most spirits he'd seen, but he could see a psychic getting to that point if they lost control. (He has no clue how accurate that particular thing is).

"You have to fight these things alone?" He frowns with concern at that, then shakes his head. "We can't have that! The first thing we need is backup: I happen to know a couple other powerful psychics, so we'll make a stop by my office before we go take care of the Witch." If it really was the end of the world, Reigen figures it'd be easy to convince some former Claw members and other psychics to help. Mob wouldn't even need convincing once he saw Madoka, probably.

"Do you know anything about the Witches? Are they sentient spirits, or more like animals?"

Her eyes are wide as Madoka silently stares at him for a moment. It's mix between surprise and admiration - he can say that so easily, after all! Like this is just a normal situation they could easily get under control. Like it's something she doesn't have to face all by herself. It's kind of mindblowing, really, after how sure Madoka had been that nothing could have been changed about the situation back home.

She's not even questioning the logistics of it. If Reigen says it like that, then it just really seems like it'll happen that way.

Her answer to his question is even delayed for a moment or two because of the staring - she has to snap herself out of it, blinking rapidly as her brain tries to reboot.

"Ah, sorry! Um.. I'm not sure, but.. I think they're somewhere inbetween? They can't talk like normal people, but they're not totally instinctive either.. Sometimes there's something a little crafty about them."

"I see...then a spirit with a particularly powerful grudge? Doesn't explain why they can't talk..." Reigen half mutters to himself, trying to find an explanation that makes sense with his own knowledge. He knows the resentment a ghost has can be a powerful force, so perhaps the 'Witches' are similar. Either way, the more he knows about these things, the better. It's for Madoka's sake and his own self-preservation: he'd rather not get himself and others killed by going in blind.

"Do you have any idea where they came from?" He asks at a normal volume.

That question is decidedly more awkward. Not because Madoka has no information to share with him about that, but since the answer to that - and how she gained that knowledge to begin with - is really, really painful. It's like she's shrinking in front of him just thinking about it.

When she manages to speak up, her voice is a little softer, and she stares at her feet.

"Witches.. They're.." It's hard to say, even now. It sounds like she's oddly choking up. "When magical girls use up too much of their magical energy, they.. they turn into Witches.."

How quickly Madoka's expression falls gives him some idea that he's asked a question with a bad answer. When she does finally give him the answer, Reigen realizes just how bad the situation really is for Madoka. Even without the specifics, the choked sound of her voice implies that she's seen this firsthand, and suddenly what she said before about being the only one who could handle this particular Witch makes a painful amount of sense.

"...I'm sorry, Madoka-chan." His voice is far more subdued when he speaks, and he lightly pats the girl's head. Reigen has a lot more questions, but those aren't as important as making sure Madoka is okay.

He feels the weight of the promise he's made to her much more clearly now, and just how important it is that he keep it.

Oh no. There seems to be something about that headpat, since when she looks back up at him after it, Madoka's eyes are a little watery. Like that little gesture of comfort is threatening to open up the waterworks. (Because it does mean a lot to her. Since all the people who could have comforted her about it back home are already long gone, completely oblivious to the lifethreatening situation or - like Homura - in an even worse position than she herself is.)

She doesn't want to selfishly cry though, so Madoka quickly reaches up to rub at her eyes before any tears can fall.

"N.. No, you don't have to say that.. I shouldn't be acting like this about it anyway, since I have to be strong to set everything right."

Reigen lightly ruffles Madoka's hair when she answers like that. Not hard enough to ruin it or anything, but just enough to express his disapproval of her answer.

"Come on, you've been thinking you have to fight this thing on your own for how long? You can take a minute to cry about it if you want." He bends down a little to get at eye level with Madoka. "You're already strong for getting through what you've seen."

She really is a lot like Mob, he thinks. Both of them have had to shoulder a burden not everyone would understand, and they're far too kind to let anyone else get hurt. It's that sort of selfless kindness that Reigen can't help but admire.

"Thank you.."

Madoka herself doesn't think she's that strong at all. But it'd be far from her to deny that now when Reigen is putting in all the effort to say it despite only just having met her. She doesn't want to be rude in the face of his great kindness.

She doesn't cry more though. Not now. She really wants to try and be strong, even if she doesn't know whether she can do it or not.

"I'll just keep doing my best.. That's the best I can do, right?"

"That's right. Your best is already enough, Madoka-chan."

Reigen stops ruffling Madoka's hair and pats her on the shoulder before standing up straight again. He's not about to let her beat herself up over what's not her fault. Whatever put her in this situation where she has to face the end of the world alone and watch her friends turn into monsters is on his shitlist already, though. Who that is and why they're doing this are questions for some other time, right now he wants to make sure Madoka can take her mind off of stress.

"Hm! I think that's enough to process for now! Is the kitchen the only place to get food here?" He doubts there's train-ride food, so that hinders his usual system of taking coworkers/students out for ramen when they did a good job or just need the pick-me-up. Time to improvise...

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A new platform [intro post September]

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