A New Platform [Intro Post October]

[voidtreckermods]

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!

Comments

[ayao]

What if I need your protection immediately? [He frowns and shifts in his seat.] What enemy do you fear most on this train?

[xue_yang]

Payment can be made after. I know where to find you.

[He lifts the cup to his lips and drinks it slowly. Considering the many faces that were on that platform.]

I don't fear any of them. But I know they are going to be angry. The Nie sect is going to hold much against me depending on what they remember.

[ayao]

The Nies...? [He barely moves his lips, gaze trained on Xue Yang.] Why would they be angry?

[After all the work he has done to be in their good graces too!]

A-Yang, have you been reckless?

[xue_yang]

[He laughs. It's all too amusing how the train feels the need to play these games. How is he even supposed to explain all of this?]

Ah. Have I ever not been reckless? If I tell you the truth it might shock you.

[ayao]

[He swallows some tea, staving off a dry mouth and throat.]

I need to know what I might encounter. [If he is shocked here and now at least it is in decent company.]

You are a fine guard, but you can't protect me from everything.

[xue_yang]

[Xue Yang sits back in his seat, studying Meng Yao's expression closely. This man is young compared to what he knows. This is well before any of his plans were put in motion. How shocked will he be when he learned what has been done and why there are so many on the train that will see them as a threat. This man might be able to talk his way out of death sentence while here, but Xue Yang holds no fond memories for any of them. He knows his future is dim.]

I removed the head of Nie Mingjue from the rest of his body and now both him and his brother are here. Depending on what they remember, me and the one who made the request are going to have quite a difficult time.

[ayao]

[Xue Yang you do have a cunning friend with a silver tongue, at least. Your future might not be completely grim. And, hey, death isn't permanent. Isn't that a comfort?

The color drains from his face and he grits his teeth. The cold feeling in his gut is just getting icier.]

The one who made the request...?

[xue_yang]

[Getting killed over and over until someone is satisfied that he will stay dead is what doesn't appeal to him and he doesn't want to be the one to test that theory that it could happen. Plus he has already experienced what it is like to be killed by everyone who has ever killed him. To say he has felt death multiple times while on the train would be putting it mildly. Death has been following him and waiting for the moment when it will be permanent.]

I think you can already guess the answer to that.

[ayao]

[He can guess and the answer makes him grip the fabric of his trousers tightly in his fist. Why - ? Shifting his chair closer to Xue Yang, he lowers his voice:]

I need you to tell me why.

[xue_yang]

[Xue Yang gives him a look that clearly says he doesn't have the time or interest in telling the whole story. Xue Yang always did what he was told and helped with things because it was fun and it was interesting. Not because he particularly cared what the reasons were.]

Power. Money. Revenge. Why does anyone do anything? The you of now doesn't have the reasons that the you of then did. And I'm not going to tell you what they were because it might be better for you if you don't know.

[He can claim innocence in that way. If he doesn't know why he did those things, then people will have a harder time holding him responsible.]

[ayao]

[He grabs Xue Yang's hand at that unhelpful answer, his nails digging into his skin. His breathing is quicker, but he calms himself through sheer force.]

I am going to ask you again, A-Yang: why did I order you to behead Nie Mingjue?

[He isn't a man who can live in ignorance when the truth is right within his reach. Besides this...is personal. Making such a decision means he was willing to throw everything he accomplished with the Nies away.]

[xue_yang]

He wronged you the same way others have wronged you. Threw your status in your face and kicked you aside. No one who stood in your way lasted for very long.

[Meng Yao threw everyone who ever cared for him as well as those that didn't down the stairs in a figurative sense. Xue Yang really didn't want to be the one to have to bring up such things. And at least this simple of an answer the other would understand versus anything more lengthy.]

[ayao]

[He feels dizzy and sick. Another rejection? But why? He has tried so hard! Meng Yao rests his throbbing forehead against Xue Yang's shoulder, his mind whirling as his heart shatters.]

I must be unhappy.

[xue_yang]

[Xue Yang doesn't argue with the sudden head on his shoulder but he also isn't sure how to comfort. He knows what rejection is like, knows the disappointment when someone he has worked so hard to be accepted by suddenly pushes away. His expression is more somber now then it was moment before. He places an uncertain hand against the man's back.]

You were...

[But there was more then that too. It was too long and complicated a story and he knows once the others get their hands on Meng Yao they will be more likely to fill in the blanks better then he ever could. Xue Yang's view on everything is far more skewed then most.]

[ayao]

[More heart-ache, more disappointment, more loneliness. Meng Yao finds that a bitter pill to swallow and he purposefully closes his eyes tight, letting Xue Yang's touch lull the fury inside of him. If anyone understands how he feels, it's Xue Yang.]

Chengmei, I need you to stay close to me.

[xue_yang]

I already said I would. When have I ever disappointed?

[He was always one that Meng Yao could count on before, that won't change here. He knows better then most exactly what this man has gone through. Even if this particular one hasn't had nearly as many experiences yet, it is only a matter of time.]

[ayao]

Never. [He admits quietly, grateful that he has such a steadfast friend. Maybe he took Xue Yang for granted, assuming that his climbing rank would chain them together no matter what. He sees now that he can't be so careless.]

You are loyal to me.

[xue_yang]

[Xue Yang knew that eventually he would be cut off as well. He didn't die from it though which is more then he could say from most others that were no longer useful or were in the way. He didn't hold it against Meng Yao for making him leave. It was just the next step and Xue Yang knew just what drastic measures sometimes had to be taken.]

You gave me a purpose and a rather enjoyable list of things to do. Why wouldn't I be?

[ayao]

[He makes a soft amused sound and soaks up the strong warmth under his cheek. Everything feels more simple between them and Meng Yao realizes that Xue Yang might be his only real friend...ever. No one else would be able to see the horror he becomes and stay.]

I like you, Chengmei. If we had been born as brothers, that would have been nice.

[xue_yang]

[He laughs at that. He isn't sure he would have preferred that role to this one.]

Maybe. But if we were brothers things might have turned out much differently.

[They would have each had someone who cared about them when they were growing up and so their choices in live would have probably changed.]

I think I prefer this relationship.