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

B

[purifyings]

Nike was one of the few who had noticed the young man's desperate pleas to their friend who left the odd machine. At the time, she didn't feel there was much she could have done. Not in the same manner, she would have helped others. Which she somewhat had.

It was heartwrenching to realize, even as a guardian spirit, she couldn't do anything to save his heart. To bring him some form of hope. The image of the young man will burn on the back of her mind. It made her wonder if she'll have to see more scenes like that one in the future.

Coincidentally, the moment she thought of him, someone bumps right into her in the greenhouse, sending her to take a few steps back from the impact. Who...? When her green eyes landed on the culprit, it'll open wide open in pure disbelief as she blurts out, "Huh? Did you just pop out of my head or something?"

[flatteries]

“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...”

[purifyings]

Whatever the other guy may be thinking about, the context of her words and situation may fly across her head. She really....can't help but be honest,

"I was just thinking about you while roaming around." Maybe a little too honest! "I've been meeting all sorts of people. Explaining the ins and outs of this place," continue Nike while extending a helping hand towards him, "And I saw and heard you earlier at the platform."

She'll give it some pause, trying to find the right words to say especially when it was clear he was very hurt by it. Nike knew it wasn't her business to meddle, but, "I'm sorry. At the time, I didn't know what to do, not when I saw you so passionately yell out to your friend, because I thought whatever I could have said or done would come off as cheap and shallow." Another pause, she was trying very hard to find the correct words, the last thing she wanted was to offend him, so she decided to speak from her heart, "...how are you feeling, if you don't mind talking about it, that is....?"

[flatteries]

... ah.

He knows what she's talking about. Even before she fully explains, Inigo can infer what she's trying to say from how this day has gone so far. He doesn't recognize Nike, so clearly she must be a new person - and that means she was out on the platform, and he did make quite the scene there.

It makes this first meeting very, very awkward. (Though it's good in a different way - being as awkward as he is right now, Inigo can't even fall back on his method of very, very awkward flirting to try and hanle social situations involving girls.)

"I'm fine," he says, almost instinctively. Because he sure doesn't look fine, no matter what he's saying. A fact Inigo himself seems to realise a moment later too, since he frowns and adds: "I-- I will be fine. Eventually. It just.. hasn't been a very great day, as you've seen. But I will get over it."

Hopefully. Someday.

[purifyings]

It was a good thing he was honest about his current situation because it was clear his smile was forced. A tactic she, herself, uses to comfort anyone concerned about her. She was glad he was like this because...

"You're a strong person, you know," commented Nike as she admires his emotional strength because "It's rare to find someone willing to admit their more negative emotions. No one likes to be seen or even admit about feeling dispirited, thinking it's humiliating to be seen that way." If anything, she can't help reach her hand towards his shoulder after kneeling down in front of him, "I know you will! You'll grow stronger once the wounds heal. It'll take time, but I believe in you."

As she thinks about it, Nike can't help wonder, "Do you mind some company though? Just for a little bit? I'm still exploring this train, but I wanna get to you know better. So I can greet you whenever we find ourselves in the same area, you know." He may not want to make a new friend right now, but she supposes having some company wouldn't hurt while becoming acquainted.

[flatteries]

"I.. uh.."

Inigo bends his head a little. The awkward look on his face is slowly fading into embarrassment instead - his cheeks starting to colour a faint pink, despite the hurt still in his eyes. Out of everything he expected today, it sure wasn't this - someone being so openly friendly to him. Usually Inigo is the one doing this to others! He sure isn't used to having the tables being flipped on him this heavily.

"O.. Of course I won't turn you away if you want to spend time with me." Granted, it's Inigo who needs the company here, but he's so down in the dumps that he doesn't want to bother anyone by forcing them into spending time with him. "So it's up to you. Although I'm not that strong of a person, really-- I wouldn't want you to get the wrong idea, milady."

[purifyings]

The moment he gave his consent on not minding the company, Nike will be taking a seat right next to him without a second thought, all smiles while doing so. If there was a sky above them, she would be laying down next to him while turning her attention to above. It's unfortunate all she can see and feel is the void.

"Then I'll be taking this seat!" declared Nike in the next instant. It won't be long until she adds, "And the name is Nike! I'm too much of a savage to be referred to as milady, you know. The nobles would have a riot if they only heard you." Although in front of Livi, the World King, they will act outwardly politely while between themselves they'd refer to her title sarcastically. "What about you? Are you a noble, by any chance?" asked Nike next noticing his manner of speaking was very formal. It reminded her of Livius when she first met him.

[flatteries]

Usually Inigo would have warned her to not look at the void, knowing its adverse effects very well - but right now he’s a little distracted. Partially by his own mood and his surprised over this girl’s attitude, but then, and more suddenly, by what she asks him.

So few people had ever guessed about Inigo’s status in this place that the boy figured it was just not very apparent in the first place. And yet Nike seems to guess so easily. It catches him off guard enough that he doesn’t bother to lie about it for once.

“Ah.. yes, I’m the son of the Exalt. Er, that’s what most other worlds would refer to as a king.” He says it so casual though, apparently not very prideful at all. “Please, don’t call yourself a savage though, milady! Not a single part of you seems that way to me—- even just your kindness by itself deserves the title of milady.”

[purifyings]

"Then you're a prince?" asked Nike next after learning he was the son of his world's version of a king. "Exalt, huh? It does sound like a powerful title. I like the way it sounds. It's better than king or tyrant, that's for sure," added Nike next as she tries to remember the term. It won't be long until she asks, "Is there another word to say prince in your world?"

A small snort will slip after learning of his reasons to refer to her as "milady". It was odd. She didn't mind it in a formal setting, but in an informal one, "Well, you won't have to. I'd rather you just call me by my name. I won't ask you to be informal or anything. I know how deeply ingrained etiquette can be for royal children."

[flatteries]

"No, I can.. I can be informal. I just wanted to make sure you knew that someone with your beauty and radiance deserves all due respect."

Though she's partially right. There are some manners that have been ingrained into Inigo so much that they haven't left him, even though it's been years and years since he's last been properly at the palace. It's just easier to keep up the whole formality when it comes to his dramatics around meeting new people.

"Nike, then," he tries this time. He doesn't sound too awkward, since it's not like Inigo isn't informal with plenty of people in the first place. "And yes, I am a prince. Though that gives me no special title where I come from. It's mostly just the Exalt itself who is important, and I'm not next in line for that title."