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

[dreamtamer]

"You know me? Is it because of that time?"

He couldn't think of any other reason someone would know him. And this person must be from one of the other teams.

[ramengroupie]

Ken nods: he remembers how Taichi-san had looked during that battle, so he's less confused than he might have been otherwise. "Another anomaly must have occurred. I'm Ichijouji Ken."

"That time? Hey, hey, what time?"

Wormmon tugs on Ken's hoodie. He doesn't get to know the other humans as well as Ken-chan does. For one thing, he is usually evolved and fighting whenever they team up with other Chosen Children!

For another thing, no other child could ever be even a QUARTER as interesting as Ken-chan. "What time is 'that time'?"

[dreamtamer]

"Eh? Ichijouji-san?" Takato stares at him a little. Because, yes, he remembered that Taichi had been the same age as Daisuke and the others. And now that he looked at him he could see the similarities to the boy he had met once before. But he looked so old now. He must be an adult already.

"How many years has it been for you? For me it was like that time was just last year, and I feel like I haven't gotten any older at all."

[ramengroupie]

Ken puts a hand on Wormmon's head, figuring he can answer both Takato and Wormmon's questions at the same time. Wormmon - had been especially busy during that incident, hadn't he.

"I'm currently nineteen years old." So, seven to eight years for him. "Are we the only ones with Digimon?"

He hadn't seen more on the platform. Though, come to think of it, he also doesn't see Guilmon.

It can't be...!!

[dreamtamer]

"Nineteen? Is everyone on your team an adult now?" Because that was obviously the important thing here.

He pauses and shakes his head. "I've met a few people with pokemon here." Because apparently those were real too in other worlds, and Takato was starting to have deep concerns about allof the popular games and television shows in his world. "But I think Guilmon is the only other digimon here."

He catches that look of concern. "Oh right! Guilmon is here too! He wanted to see if he could find any more food." A moment of guilt. "I should probably go check and make sure he hasn't eaten everything in the refrigerator."

[ramengroupie]

---Oh. That. He should. In fact, that's an important enough task that even answering Takato's questions can come later.

Ken inclines his head. "I'll come, too."

He's been feeling this odd - need? - to investigate the train, anyway. Honestly, it's troubling. But Ken has determined whether or not situations were traps by springing them (cautiously!) for eight years now. No need to stop just because he's not in one of his usual set of worlds.

[dreamtamer]

Takato blinks at that, but grins. "Sure, if you want. And we can show you where everything is on the train. Do you know which room you've been assigned to yet?"

[ramengroupie]

"Which room...?"

"Oh, I saw that." Wormmon crawls back into Ken's rucksack, which wriggles around. Eventually the top pops back open again and antennae spring forth, closely followed by a head and two little claws carefully gripping a ticket.

"3-D. That's like D-3 backwards, Ken-chan! They picked it just for you."

"...With this many people, it likely won't just be us."

[dreamtamer]

"Four people to a room," Takato tells him helpfully. "Plus pets or partners. And we get bunkbeds. Guilmon was very happy about that."

It was probably a good thing Wormmon was so small. It had been a major challenge trying to figure out how to fit on the bunk with Guilmon.

"Oh! We're almost neighbors then. I'm in 4C in the next car down."

[ramengroupie]

"Hey, isn't Guilmon a big Digimon?"

Wormmon thinks he might remember that now. Guilmon was the very large Child-level....? And he did that....that thing where he could Jogress with his partner. Even busy with his own fight and combined with XV-mon, he remembers seeing that.

And being a little jealous. Jogress with XV-mon is lots of fun, because of how united their hearts become. If he could Jogress with Ken-chan....

If he could Jogress with Ken-chan.....!!!

Ken's feeling of needing to get on the train is getting stronger, so he's working through that in his head and willing to let his partner carry the conversation right now. It's easing with every step....? So this is where it wants them to go.

Because it's something only they can do, or because.....?

[dreamtamer]

"That's right," Takato tells Wormmon. He was more than happy to talk to the digimon as he led the way to the train, and more more importantly the kitchen. "Guilmon is almost as tall as I am!"

[ramengroupie]

Is that why you two can Jogress? Is that why?

Wormmon, I'm not sure size has...

Ken-chan keeps getting bigger and I'm the same size. I like having more Ken-chan and he's grown up so handsome--

[ ....he has? Ken's friends at the hot springs say that, but he figured that was politeness from people much older than he is... ]

But I've only ever Jogressed with V-mon! Why?

[dreamtamer]

"...Uh, I don't think size has anything to do with it?" Takato casts a quick glance over at Ken for help. This was his digimon, maybe he had a better idea on how to explain?

"I just kind of... I thought that if we could fight together somehow then we could do anything. So I made a wish for it. And then we did?"

[ramengroupie]

That was all? It was that simple? Somehow that is both encouraging and discouraging! Wormmon is now looking to Ken for answers and aid, too.

"Ken-chan, have you never made a wish like that?"

"....I couldn't say."

Wormmon is thinking this over. "Though just having Ken-chan there gives me strength, and if he fought too, he might get hurt...."

But getting to be one with Ken-chan....

Oh, this is a conundrum.

Ken sees it is up to him to resolve this problem. "If it's possible, we're sure to do it when the time is right. I'd love to fight with you."

"You would?!" Wormmon squeals, placated. "But it's okay. I've rethought it. If we stay separate, I can protect you."

A glance to Takato. "No offense."

[dreamtamer]

Takato laughs a little at that, a little relieved not to be on the spot any more.

"Don't worry, I'm not offended. I can't imagine fighting any other way, but I think we all have our own ways of fighting."

He glances up again to check where they are.

"Guilmon should be around here somewhere."

Is Takato about to get tackled for the second time that morning? Probably.

[ramengroupie]

So they're nearing the dining car? Now that Takato has drawn their attention to the surroundings, Ken looks around too. It sounds like he's going to need to remember the order of these cars, and the sooner he acclimates, the better...

Wormmon's antennae twitch.

"Ken-chan, what's that sound?"

Whatever the sound is, it is. Uh.

Getting louder.

[dreamtamer]

Takato turns to look at Wormmon as he speaks, which of course means that he is looking in the complete wrong direction as Guilmon tackles him to the ground.

"I found you Takato! Lets play!"

funny how it works better when the teef aren't pointed at him

[ramengroupie]

Um-

[ Wormmon is surprised too, but perks up afterwards. Yes, he does remember this Digimon, for sure! Guilmon is a great guy! ]

Guilmon, long time no see!!!

[ And he waves. Like there's no problems here. He gets it, he gets it, he completely gets it.

If you haven't seen your partner for a very long time - like, say fifteen whole minutes - sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. ]

wow Wormmon

[dreamtamer]

[Guilmon perks up at the sound of another voice and quickly sniffs the air as he lets Takato sit back up.]

Hi![He waves cheerfully at Wormmon.] I didn't know there were other digimon here. Do you want to play too?

[ramengroupie]

We got here today. What are you playing?

[ Wormmon crawls down Ken so he can talk to Guilmon better. Ken will pause to let Wormmon waddle ahead of him.

Ken has to pause for quite some time. At least that gives him a chance to note that Takato seems to be okay.]

Hi, Guilmon. Do you remember us?

[dreamtamer]

Hide and Seek! There's lots of fun places to hide![Takato hadn't told Guilmon yet that his tail kept sticking out of all the best hiding spots.]

Remember you? [Guilmon tilts his head as he sniffs at Wormmon and Ken.]

Mmm, Guilmon thinks we met before. But I don't remember where.

[ In the meantime Takato had managed to get back to his feet. He smiles fondly at both digimon as he waits for them to finish greeting each other. ]

[ramengroupie]

We're not from a "where". We're from a "when!"

[ Wormmon feels very clever for having figured out this turn of phrase. If he thinks of more, will Ken-chan praise him?

Ken also doesn't mind not being recognized. ]

...Well, I was several centimeters shorter then.

[ Ken the uh.

The hair is a little bit more of a drastic

oh whatever. ]

[dreamtamer]

[Guilmon stares at Ken for a long moment, thinking. ]

Oh! The strange time! [Another moment of thinking very hard. ]

Did you evolve? Oh, but Takato says humans don't evolve.

[ramengroupie]

Humans don't evolve. But we grow as we age.

[ Ken kneels so he can talk more on Guilmon's level. ]

We shift slowly from being Children to Adults.

Ken-chan is NINETEEN. He's going to be NOT A MINOR next year!

[ Wormmon is not sure what that entails. It usually only comes up when Miyako starts talking about going out drinking in Spain. There must be human drinks so tasty that only adults are big enough to handle all of the deliciousness.

That is his theory. ]

[dreamtamer]

[Blinking.]

Does that mean we should call Ken Notaminormon? Ooh! Takato! Takato! If you evolve will you be Takatomon?