voidtreckermods: (voidtrain)
VoidTrecker Express Mods ([personal profile] voidtreckermods) wrote in [community profile] voidtreckerexpress2020-10-01 05:30 am
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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!
flatteries: and so was your food (your waitress was miserable)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
It takes a moment for Inigo to recognize the voice, as scrambled up as his brain feels right now. But when he looks up and sees the face attached to the voice, he does recognize her. She arrived at the last platform, didn't she? Something about her was kind of intimidating - then again, isn't there something intimidating to all women when it comes to Inigo? - but she didn't seem too bad.

.. Which is confirmed again now, when Inigo stares at the napkin. He wordlessly takes it from her, unfolding it to see the cookies.

Something between that gesture and the fact that she must have seen or heard him on the platform - I figured you were not inclined to join anyone else to eat - renders him speechless for a moment or two.

When he does speak up, something about him seems a bit embarrassed. His cheeks have a faint pink hue to them, and his gaze is lowered, like he's having a hard time looking directly into Yotsuyu's eyes.

"Ah, no, it's.. okay. I can drink later."

If he remembers. Inigo is not exactly the best at self care, let alone when he's upset.

"Thank you though. It's.." He stops for a moment, gaze falling down to the cookies. "I.. didn't really expect anyone to come bring me food. It's really nice of you to have thought of me."
flatteries: and so was your food (your waitress was miserable)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Same result, huh.

Maybe it shouldn't be surprising. If the train ever does give 'answers', it's just in the form of new carriages suddenly being added. But it feels a little disheartening all the same, especially in the light of Gerome's departure. All they have to know is whether the people leaving are safe or not. Is that so much to ask for..?

But before his thoughts can get too lost in the matter, Inigo realises that's not all Nita said. Recognizing the slight kindness and mercy in her offer, he swallows and then nods.

"Yes. Maybe.. that's a good idea."

Since this topic brushes just a little too close to the raw spots in his soul today. And having one public embarrassing breakdown a day is more than enough.
najaran: (Line Face?)

[personal profile] najaran 2020-10-03 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"How are you a person? Or me?" Najaran just asked. "He just is. Just like Knight and the others are people, even though they're Cards. People come in all sizes and shapes."
flatteries: (glass half full)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
It was easier a moment ago, Inigo thinks. Letting his emotions run free is one thing, but he was so caught up in them that maybe he didn't even fully realise just how many people were watching, just how many people could see him like that - like this, even now crying, the tears still hot and thick as they roll down over his cheeks. Even as the last one of the departing passengers has passed through the gate, leaving nothing but a platform full of new faces behind.

And Samata, next to him, with her hand on his shoulder.

Inigo isn't sure what to say. He isn't sure what to do now. Gerome is gone. Life will go on, somehow. It's just that that 'somehow' part feels incredibly hard to figure out right now.

But he can't stay quiet. He can't make this even more awkward than it is.

"S.. Sorry, Samata." His voice shakes, his words half a sob as he speaks. Inigo raises the arm on his other side to furiously rub at his eyes. "I must be looking really ridiculous right about now, huh..?"
flatteries: (if you've ever heard a beating heart)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
Senku may only be gone for a minute or two, but it feels like an absolute eternity to Inigo. Not since he's impatient, mind you, but since he has no idea what Senku is doing. And that fact makes it so very easy for his insecurities to sneak up on him, especially considering his mood has been so down in the dumps today. Does Senku just not want to talk to him? Did Inigo ruin any shot at friendship with the other, just because he was acting like a total dumbass back there on the mission?

Right before Senku reappears, Inigo's thoughts have spiraled enough to have him practically convinced of the fact. Like even apologizing now won't have a shot at doing anything good anymore.

But then Senku does reappear.

.. With a piece of paper.

It's so completely unexpected compared to where Inigo's thoughts were going that he stares between Senku and the paper completely speechless for a moment.

He does take it, but doesn't unfold the paper just yet.

".. What's this?" Inigo sounds so baffled right about now.
flatteries: (an optimist about this)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's a small nod at the mention of his name, though as he notices Hikaru eager to move on from the topic, Inigo can't help but insert a small-- ] Well, I wouldn't really mind some wine, you know..

[ You know. Just saying. Keep him in mind if you manage to brew some proper wine, Hikaru!! ]

But.. sure, I'm willing to try it out. [ He looks over at the game. ] I can't promise much though. I mean, you've already noticed, I'm sure, but I'm not really..

[ He makes a vague hand gesture.

Not really smart, he means to say, but even by Inigo standards that feels a little too self-depreciating to say out loud. So he'll just let the implication hang in the air instead. ]
flatteries: (for breakfast in the heartbreak hotel)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Squish.

Squish?!

It takes a moment or two, but then Inigo seems to realise that said squish noise definitely was not his own body hitting the ground. His cheeks quickly grow a bright red, and he sits up and moves over, frantically trying to make sure he didn't accidentally squish another person, or at the very least that he is now no longer sitting on them. By Naga, could this day get any worse--

"I.. I'm so terribly sorry!" He says once he spots Eight. Maybe Inigo looks even a little more sorry than someone ought to be for this situation - there's something oddly desperate about the way the words leave his mouth. Like this situation is something bigger than just him accidentally causing someone to fall over. "Are you okay?!"
death_from_above: (Spark See right through you)

TY for the thread.

[personal profile] death_from_above 2020-10-03 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
"Guess some people were just born rude," he muttered, and headed off to do just that.
flatteries: (and lay beside this mess)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
“Huh?!” Apparently there’s just a surprise combo going on here now, since Inigo seems just as surprised as her. That was just about the last thing he expected to hear after bumping into someone. What does that even mean? By Naga, it’s not a flirting attempt, is it?! It kind of sounds like something he’d say while trying to flirt with someone...

Still in his position on the ground, Inigo gawks up at her.

“O-Out of your head? Forgive me, milady, but I have no idea what you’re talking about...”
flatteries: (you can be king again)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
He nods. “As far as I know. I’ve heard multiple people complain about it.” Which is why Inigo can talk about it pretty easily. He hates talking about personal problems, but if this is something that’s bothering everyone, it’s not like it’s going to make him look bad.

“I guess maybe people who can’t see might not be bothered by it? But it’s not like I’d know about that.” He taps his temple, next to his eyes. He can see just fine! “I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the void itself or just with the moving train. You know, like how you can feel sick while on a moving cart if the road is too wobbly?”
flatteries: (by the pamphlets)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Despite his current state - still very much bawling his eyes out - Inigo turns his head as he suddenly hears a very unfamiliar voice call his name.

Which means he just stares at the source. He’s probably seen Zelda around the train before, so it’s not like she’s totally unfamiliar, but he certainly doesn’t know her well enough to not be surprised at the sudden ‘sir Inigo’. The surprise is visible on his face, even with the tears that are still rolling down his cheeks.

“I—.. E, Excuse me, but.. did you know Gerome..?”
nobodys_puppet: (Hooded Glance)

[personal profile] nobodys_puppet 2020-10-03 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"You just...?"
flatteries: (the sand in an hourglass)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:51 pm (UTC)(link)
It hurts. It hurts so much to watch him walk away like that. Even though Inigo knew this was going to happen, even though he knows that he should be able to see Gerome again when he himself goes back home eventually.. It still hurts.

He promised. Gerome knew how worried Inigo was about this, and he promised..

Nothing registers with Inigo. Not all the people around him, probably watching while he's throwing his sobbing tantrum. Not even the sound of the train behind them. Kitty's touch is the first thing he finally does notice, making Inigo's head turn to look at her instead, the tears still leaking from his eyes.

He's not sure what to say either. It feels like all words fail in this situation.

But he does remember what Roland told him, back during the mission, at the tail end of it. That it was okay to rely on others. That it was something that could make you strong, contrary to what Inigo himself believed about that.

So he decides to go for it. He slowly turns, but then latches onto Kitty, hugging her and sobbing into her shoulder as he continues crying.

Inigo doesn't say anything yet. He just cries.
10billionpercent: (I Sense A Plot)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-03 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's some dried mint leaves for tea, so be careful when you open it. I'd give you more but it's not all dried out yet." Senku explained, as though this was not at all a strange occurrence.

"If you don't like that, I will have chamomile too, when ready, or maybe ginger? I don't know what you like. Maybe I should've asked first..."
death_from_above: (Spark Comfort)

[personal profile] death_from_above 2020-10-03 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
He leaned into the scritches. "Why do I keep winding up with people who have guilt complexes? he asked, shifting closer for easier petting. "I'm sure lots of people are also to blame."
flatteries: (this is not the man i hoped to be)

[personal profile] flatteries 2020-10-03 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Somehow he knows. Maybe it's just since he's held Taiki's hand so many times at this point that he knows exactly just what it feels like, but Inigo knows that it's Taiki who's next to him, even though he doesn't look to the side.

Instead he just keeps looking ahead. At the people walking away from them, towards the gates. At Gerome's retreating back, his head not turning even once.

No matter how many times he sees this happen to people important to him, it'll never get easier, he thinks.

Inigo sucks in a shakey breath, only speaking up the moment all of them have left through the gates.

".. He promised," Inigo says. Softly, but audible enough to Taiki, considering how the other is right next to him. "He promised, Taiki.."

And Inigo knows. He's not a child. He knows that those promises can't mean a thing here, because the train is stronger than any of them. Because you can't remain here just on willpower alone. But it still hurts. Gerome promised that he wasn't going to leave. That he'd stay by Inigo's side, just as Inigo had offered to stay by his side back home.
spikelet: (cfCjcHB)

[personal profile] spikelet 2020-10-03 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"Two months today," she agrees, a little hesitantly even having worked it out along the way. Has it really been so long? So much has happened, but with the way the days work and the strange lighting, she's not really thought much about it.

"Here, this is the third sleeping carriage, and your room is the fourth door along." She makes sure she leads him along the raised bumps on the floor that seem to indicate whenever you're standing next to a door. "The first door is a room with showers - they're really good! You stand under a spout, and it pours warm water over you, it's really comfortable."

And then they've reached the door to 3-B, and her momentary enthusiasm is banked as she looks at him again. Has she been dominating the conversation to avoid having to talk about anything important? Maybe. She hopes she's ready for this. "Ah, touch it to the door, on the metal plate. Your ticket."
namethattune: (There were moments of gold)

[personal profile] namethattune 2020-10-03 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Hello.

[It's a casual greeting, and Siebren turns back to the shelves before he fully processes that the reader had been holding a chemistry textbook.]

[Well. That is certainly promising.]


Pardon me - you wouldn't happen to be familiar with the contents of this library, would you?
happyends: (and bring forth the light)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-10-03 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
The girl startles, apparently not having noticed the extra presence in the room while she was in the middle of tears. So Madoka's head snaps up, face quickly looking over at Yuume, making the tears in her eyes and all over her cheeks even more obvious than they were a moment ago. Her eyes are a little wide in shock, though they go back a bit more to the usual when the words fully get through to her.

Madoka doesn't recognize this tall person, but.. they don't seem bad, at least. Yuume must be one of the new people who just showed up, huh..?

"Ah.." She sniffs. Madoka still very much looks upset, but there's a hint of a new emotion thrown into the mix - something a bit like shame, for looking like such a mess in front of someone else. "N-No, it's okay. You can stay, miss.."

Madoka moves up an arm, furiously rubbing at her eyes.

"I'm sorry, it.. it must be really strange to find someone in your cabin like this on the first day.."
happyends: (my wish will awaken)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-10-03 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[ For a moment they're both just caught up in the mutual surprise. Just standing there, staring at each other.

Surprisingly - or maybe unsurprisingly, it's Madoka who makes the full first move. Homura may only have moved, barely made an attempt at reach out to the other girl to hug her, but Madoka full on goes for the hug. She practically throws herself at Homura, her arms wrapping around the other girl, clinging to her tightly.

Maybe this isn't right. Back home everything was still a little awkward, with how Homura only just told her about everything she went through, and then went to face Walpurgis by herself-- and even with that, Madoka doesn't even know if the Homura in front of her is from that same point in time, if it's not a Homura from the past, or the future, or a different timeline altogether, considering Homura's particular powers.

But Madoka can't help it. Today has been so rough, and it's just.. She just...

She buries her face into the other girl's shoulder, sobbing into it. It's a near mirror of a time not too long before she had found herself on the platform - a time back home when it had been Homura clinging to her, Homura crying.

But now it's the other way around. ]


H--Homura-chan..! [ Madoka hicks. ] I.. I can't believe you're here..!

[ Sure, her relationship with Homura may be complicated, seperated by timelines. There are so many things she doesn't know about the other girl yet, despite having been told just what Homura had been doing for Madoka all this time, without Madoka even knowing.

But she's still familiar. More familiar than most other things on this train, and so Madoka can't help but cling to that scrap of familiarity in the middle of all this misery. ]
happyends: (so it's now or never more)

[personal profile] happyends 2020-10-03 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ At least it helps that Ken is being so nice. And that Wormmon, in turn, is being so adorable. Even though it's a slightly sad reminder of the partner she lost, at the same time Madoka can't help but keep smiling as she hears the creature say that.

It's just sweet. Searching forever until he'd find Ken again.. They really must be close. ]


Um..

[ She knows it's probably better to not linger on that topic though. Mostly for herself. She doesn't want to get too openly upset in front of these friendly new people.. ]

Are you settling in well already..? Did people explain everything to you? I don't know if you like ice cream, but we have ice cream machines in the kitchen.. [ Clearly a highlight of the train. ]
10billionpercent: (Huh?)

[personal profile] 10billionpercent 2020-10-03 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Relatively, but if you're hoping for a lot more reading material, prepare to be disappointed.

[ He isn't the sugar coating type. He holds up the book. ]

I was just going to read this because I was bored, but if you have an interest, you can have it.
unfavorableinstigation: Nita looking right, holding a book. (I'm In The Book)

[personal profile] unfavorableinstigation 2020-10-03 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Another gesture, this time by hand instead of head, meant to encourage Inigo to go first if he prefers.

She doesn't rush him, but she does stay close. With luck, at least one space will be clear, and if not...

She can always teleport them to the Quiet Car.
enthunder: (sigh ☇ tilt to the left)

[personal profile] enthunder 2020-10-03 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
"A little one, right."

She left it alone for now, partially because she didn't really have the energy to be merciless, and partially because the bucket had vanished, and she had to spend a moment frowning at the floor. Had something taken it--?

Well, whatever. "Who's on your team, anyway? The one in the song."
kumoko: (arachne - x doubt)

train, after

[personal profile] kumoko 2020-10-03 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[She's had her fun in the kitchen now, and with the buzz about an armoury appearing, she's doing something she should have done a long time ago.

Actually walking from one end of the train to the other.

It's blowing her mind. It's so long now, what the hell?! How does this thing turn? At least make it bigger on the inside, or something.

She doesn't bump into Noctis, but only because her spider brain is 100% occupied on not crashing into anyone. He still gets to apologise, though, because her spider brain ALSO sticks a leg out to stop him walking past her.

Thanks for nothing, spider brain-- wait. WAIT.]


You have a cat? Since when?