voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2020-10-01 05:30 am
Entry tags:

A New Platform [Intro Post October]

On the Train

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Horsehoe. Points have been updated on the system and new stock is available."

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. The first thing they may notice is that this platform is inside a basic shelter, making it warmer than the last couple at least.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Adora, Alex Hashimoto, Catra, Cloud Strife, Elizabeth Midford, Feanor, Gerome, Gladiolus Amicitia, Glimmer, Ifrit, Isabella D’Oro, Maru, Nari Reno, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Prompto Argentum, Scorpia, Siobahn Chereshei, SXT-2, Tamamo-no-Mae, Tony Stark, Uta, Zidane Tribal

But on the platform itself there are many new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours 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 gloomy, even without the steam and fog. They are in a wooden building, open to the tracks on one side. It in a creaky shelter, cobwebs hang from the rafters and there is a peculiar whistle as wind finds its way through the cracks.

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 gloom 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, with… teddy bear shaped luncheon meat being the main ingredient to be found. There are plenty of other staples.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a room full of lockers, designated as the Armoury. Even for passengers without weapons it is somewhere to secure possessions. There are instructions on how to use the lockers and enough for everyone to claim one.

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 braving the snow 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!
achickenformylove: (mdzs 69)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-11-02 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
Mn.

[He led the way through the sleeper carriages, looking at all of the name placards for Sizhui's. As soon he spotted it, he stopped, moving to stand next to the door]

Scanning your ticket will open the door.
adregem: (is that real information?)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-11-02 09:55 am (UTC)(link)
Ah.

Roland stands and ever so gently touches his shoulder, with perhaps enough of a firm grip to help keep him upright. Leans in just a little closer so it isn't too much of a burden on Xingchen to listen to what he has to say from where he sits.

"Xingchen, if you sleep here, you'll wake up at your cabin. That's...the way the train works, I'm afraid." And honestly, why put yourself through such discomfort? He shakes his head. "Do you think you have enough energy to walk with me to where your assigned bed is? I'll just need to see your ticket, if that's okay?"
seacub: (AND NOW A PIPE TOO??)

valid tho...

[personal profile] seacub 2020-11-02 11:02 am (UTC)(link)
"Okay! We just need to roll a dice then...Uh." Hooboy. "...Hopefully you roll high..."

If she rolls high enough, she lives. If. She does not roll high enough, then...um. Well.

"I think if anything happens, I'm still close enough to be able to go help though..."
adregem: (chin up kid.)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-11-02 02:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"Of course I would." The answer spills from his lips in an instant. He grips Inigo's shoulders a little tighter just to emphasize the point, and it surprises even Roland that he would be so quick to vow it.

But at this point, has he not vowed this over and over again, if only to himself? In the silence of his mind, the darkness of his thoughts? That his calling in life, the fate bestowed upon him, was this: the role of a protector, the guardian, the one to hold them through the waves of history. He would gladly live it a million times over because there was nothing else that motivated him more in life than the promise of helping, serving. Especially those who hold the future in their hands, whether or not they know their potential, or can see what the world has yet to offer them should destiny roll in kindness.

His hands drop down to his lap and the sight of Jumblie, who at this point seems to be looking directly at him in support, makes him smile. Encourages him to find Inigo's light, the one he has been basking in since he first realized how his heart stirred for a boy he's suddenly come to call his own.

"I'll be by your side until you need me...And even then, I might hang around still. So when the time comes, you and I can discover what's waiting on the other side. Together." Because true enough, wherever they emerge, Roland will hold his hand through that too. Take him back home, whichever home is granted of him. The first, the second, maybe something new altogether. He won't let go. He won't stop moving forward.
adregem: (did you just use a twig?)

[personal profile] adregem 2020-11-02 02:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Roland stifles a chuckle, awkward as it might sound at first. "Uh...I'll do my best. Not sure how he'll take it, but if I get the chance, I'll play matchmaker."
marriedanidiot: (Default)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 03:16 pm (UTC)(link)
She smiles at the rabbit.

"Him, or the rabbit?" She teases gently.
marriedanidiot: (Default)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 03:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Incorruptible?" She lifts an eyebrow. "I confess, I find that very hard to believe."

The best and brightest, she's found, have the furthest to fall, unless very careful. And to believe oneself to be without flaw is often the first step on that path.

"Although I can see why one would wish a ruler who had such assurances."
marriedanidiot: (mother)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 04:00 pm (UTC)(link)
She does not giggle at the stunned look on his face, only reaching up as he helps her, to cup a fond hand over his cheek.

"Ah now, don't look like that, my dear."
kingcat: (This shit's exhausting)

[personal profile] kingcat 2020-11-02 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
If it were possible to spontaneously combust that's exactly what he'd be doing, his entire face going dark red when she touches him. Everything but the bone mask over one cheek, anyway. "I don't look like anything," he grumps defensively, but there's no venom in it.
marriedanidiot: (my boys)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 04:17 pm (UTC)(link)
He really does remind her of Carnistir, she realises, delighted, and takes pity on his embarassment, gentle fingers brushing his hair back and tucking it behind an ear instead of lingering.

"As you say." She agrees, fond.
marriedanidiot: (Default)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 04:26 pm (UTC)(link)
She smiles a little at that.

"It sounds very peaceful, and I am glad. War is a cruel thing, and I grieve that your world has had to endure so much. How do you spend your time?"
marriedanidiot: (losing you)

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Nerdanel hisses, indignant.

"No adult should strike out a child. I am sorry, Kitty."
marriedanidiot: (Default)

ya

[personal profile] marriedanidiot 2020-11-02 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
She kisses his forehead fondly.

"I will be waiting for you, yonya. I promise, I will be alright."
herarrows: (Soul)

[personal profile] herarrows 2020-11-02 04:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Selenay smiles somewhat wryly, mostly at herself, as she realizes how that must sound to someone who's never even seen Valdemar. Really, she should know better.

"I suppose that does sound...fantastical without knowing the centuries of history that brought us to where we are. It's a long story and I won't bore you with a history lesson is you don't want it. At its most simple, it isn't us who keeps us accountable, it's our Companions."
kingcat: (This shit's exhausting)

[personal profile] kingcat 2020-11-02 05:32 pm (UTC)(link)
He's never been touched like that before, and it makes his chest feel strange. Frowning a little, he nodded, but he hadn't let go of her other hand yet. It felt... strange. But he liked it.
irrationally: (and set sail for dreamsy)

[personal profile] irrationally 2020-11-02 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)
"I do believe it's the latter, considering I haven't been the only Alice here."

That means she exists in at least two worlds, right? For her to exist here in the same place twice. Not to mention that from what it sounded like, the books never went beyond her childhood trips.

And she's hardly the same person anymore as she was back then.

"Although I hope you do realise calling my life 'simple' is more than just slightly offensive."
myblueskies: (they really are delicious apples!)

[personal profile] myblueskies 2020-11-02 06:47 pm (UTC)(link)
He's almost finished, just a few more letters and... there! Professor is written nice and neatly. He turns the paper towards Ken so he can write the write way up. Writing upside down is very tricky!

He grins at Wormmon, approving of the glittery purple crayon, everything is better with glitter!

"I think we got some glue somewhere so we can stick your cranes on!
achickenformylove: (mdzs 40)

[personal profile] achickenformylove 2020-11-02 08:22 pm (UTC)(link)
A very faint smile crossed his face. "The rabbit."
flatteries: (it's empty in the valley of your heart)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-11-02 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
".. thank you."

It's almost more breath than words, shakey and emotional. Because what else is he supposed to say to that? It's like he was falling off a cliff and Roland is tossing him a rope, that kind of feeling.

And Inigo knows. That he has to get better. That he has to be able to find this motivation to keep going just for himself, instead of having to rely on finding a purpose in someone else. But is it really so bad to wish for something to hold him up when he's still nowhere near reaching that level yet? Something to give him hope to keep going? Because the thought of staring somewhere alone-- that's terrifying. Even if it'd be a peaceful place, even if it'd be the best world ever.

But as long as he's not alone, he knows he can do it. No matter what it is. Even if Naga would be unable to restore Roland's world, Inigo would follow him to it all the same, help him out any way he could.

"I.. I'm not sure you realise just how much that means to me." He's still looking at Roland, but as Jumblie slips down from Inigo's shoulder and into his arms, he holds onto her instinctively without even having to look. "I can keep going, knowing that. I-- I'll try my best." To make sure the pain will all have been worth it. All the struggle.
ramengroupie: (jog)

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-11-02 08:46 pm (UTC)(link)
That's right.

[ Wormmon bobs his head in agreement, too. They met a very wise, uh, robot? on this train platform. ]

Ken-chan, let's check out the train!
ramengroupie: (hat)

sounds good!

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-11-02 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'll take my chances," Ken promises, and Wormmon nods. They're tough! They can handle it!

(Thirty minutes later Wormmon is probably chugging milk. But he tried.)
ramengroupie: (soft)

[personal profile] ramengroupie 2020-11-02 09:27 pm (UTC)(link)
"I can make things sticky if you can't find it," volunteers Wormmon as Ken takes ownership of the crayon. Ken shifts the paper a little more - Romeo had been right; writing this way is more convenient - and begins to trace out WORMMON in careful, precise print.

Unlike both of them, Ken is doing something a little different: he's writing the word very lightly, to make sure he has room, and then going back and pressing down more. His touch on the crayon is still light, however. No squished crayons from Ichijouji Ken!
stillnewatthis: (victory)

[personal profile] stillnewatthis 2020-11-02 09:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I will happily escort you! Come with me!

[Turning in place, a habit she's developed to keep from sweeping her extended body through occupied places, she tromps towards the train.]
recurrens: i lied; i'm dying inside ♫ (♪how you doing; well i'm doing just fine)

i'm... so sorry this is so late...

[personal profile] recurrens 2020-11-02 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She shakes her head. ] I’m not looking to get off the train.

[ She’s being truthful -- Madoka is here, if nothing else. She can’t keep the other girl safe if she’s not on the train to help protect her. That’s why she wants the weapons. She can do much more with a machine gun than she can by being gone. ]
recurrens: don't let the trauma show ♫ (♪ conceal don't feel)

comes back a month later to end the thread OTL

[personal profile] recurrens 2020-11-02 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Homura gives a long look at Tomoe-san as the other girl departs. That was, by far, the most civil and productive conversation the two of them have had in… a very, very long while. She’s under no delusions that it will continue to stay that way but, maybe…

Shaking off the very idea of the two of them working together again, Homura turns on her heel and walks off, intent on finding Madoka.
]