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

[achickenformylove]

[He was very glad that Sizhui didn't forget he was holding small animals though he was there and would have tried to catch them if Sizhui had dropped them. Radish was at least in a more of a free position and probably could have jumped to the ground if he felt his support suddenly leaving. But since it didn't happen, they were still both very happy to sit there. Carrot squirmed a little at being held tighter for a moment, but Radish was perfectly fine with it. He was definitely a good therapy rabbit, good for holding and listening to whatever someone wanted to tell him]

I do not know. It is very concerning. I arrived here and others knew me and knew that my leaving previously had made Wei Ying sad, but I did not remember meeting them before. There are also people from different time periods here so I do not know if it is the same sort of thing that has caused that.

[deferences]

[he'd have felt terrible if he had accidentally dropped either of them, so he's glad for his quick reflexes as well. feeling carrot wriggle in his arm reminds sizhui that yes, he is most certainly still holding bunnies and has him loosening his hold somewhat, silently praying he didn't hurt them during his momentary slip. his other hand moves back over them, fingertips gently rubbing across both of their heads, ears and down their backs to their little cottontails, soft, soothing motions for them (and possibly himself). sorry, little rabbits, he'll be more careful!

with a hum of uncertainty, sizhui's attention downcasts as he attempts not focusing on the abrupt jumpstart of his pulse.] Is that why—? [he stops, bites his bottom lip with a soft mmph then shakes his head. no, that doesn't matter; lan wangji is lan wangji, no matter the circumstances.] Do you think people will recognize me, too?

[achickenformylove]

[The rabbits were both fine from having been hugged tighter than before. Carrot settled down and began cleaning his face, rubbing them with his paws. Radish clearly had a happy rabbit look on his face as Sizhui pet him and checked him to make sure he was okay. WangJi wasn't concerned seeing that the rabbits were both behaving normally.

At the question, WangJi looked at him curiously, wondering what he had been wanting to ask him. If he had known the question, yes, it would have helped that he had been here before that he recognized him, but he had also recognized him the first time as well]

Yes, I'm sure that there will be others who will recognize you.

[deferences]

[the softest aw! passes sizhui's lips as carrot begins cleaning himself, a cute little gesture that makes his lips curve slightly at the edges. that at least makes him less nervous, less worried about him having already been here, yet not remembering a single thing. maybe it shouldn't be such a big deal, taking into account he hardly recalls much from his past when he was far younger, but this— it just feels different.

he hates it, though not nearly as much as he dislikes keeping things from lan wangji.]

But I won't recognize them. [and how is sizhui supposed to feel about that? how will they feel about it, realizing he doesn't know who they are? something he'd rather not linger on too long.] ...may we go have tea now?

[achickenformylove]

[WangJi has long since passed that day, but he had seen WuXian do it and he was prepared for Sizhui now to have to meet people who knew him, that he did not know]

People here are understanding of how the train works.

[No one was going to blame him for not remembering them because of something he had no control over]

Yes, let's go get tea.

[WangJi reached to take Radish from where he was nestled with Sizhui. The rabbit was certainly very patient as WangJi took him into his arms to carry him. Carrot had seemed to be getting along with Sizhui very well]

We can take them with us.

[They were both used to the train and had been in the dining car so often that it wasn't anything to be concerned with. So they could tag along for a snack]

[deferences]

[if he's lucky, they'll think nothing of having to rebuild a friendship with him. he's kind enough, it shouldn't be difficult to do so, but one can make assumptions and be completely, utterly wrong about them.] I'm glad to hear that. I don't know what else I would do if they weren't.

[probably feel even more awkward about it. as it stands now, there's nothing that can be done though, so thank goodness there's the distraction of tea to accommodate.] Mmn, [comes the soft noise of agreement and when wangji takes the white rabbit from his arms, he holds them out for ease of access, waits patiently then readjusts so carrot is settled more comfortably while he goes on cleaning his face. (which is still the cutest thing ever and sizhui can't help admiring a moment longer.)

with their decision made, he gestures toward the door, managing a small smile whenever he does.] Lead the way, Hanguang-jun. [and his son will dutifully follow.]