A New Platform [Intro Post November]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

The morning after the Halloween party passengers are once again woken by a familiar voice.

"Good morning passengers, it is day one of the month of Imagination. 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. But through the fog comes sunshine, causing patches where the light shines down to warm the concrete. Looking up passengers will not be able to see the sun through the fog, or much of the sky at all.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing as they walk silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Bryn Pendragon, Bucky Barnes, Colden Rollins, Elena, Fai D Flourite, Jiang Yanli, Juliette d'Aubigniy, Misa, Peter Parker, Samata Mahto, Satou Kuroneko, The Doctor, Tohru Mutou, Zuko, 10 Vigilant Gaze Purges The Horizon. They all walk silently and do not look back as they disappear through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are 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 the thick fog, penetrated by beams of light. As their eyes adjust they will see they are on a platform, behind them are a set of barriers and in front of them is a single track.

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 five 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.

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 and Honey is the newest ingredient, jars of honey stock the shelves and the ICP's in the kitchen have recipe ideas for the month.

A new carriage has been added, those that go to investigate will find a small but function-able spa, complete with a small hot tub and even a steam room. It is a relaxing room with sun lamps and relaxing music or nature sounds available through the ICP. There are a couple of massage tables, with a course for how to give massages for those eager to learn.

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 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

lan sizhui ♪ the untamed (ota unless stated otherwise)

[deferences]

the train/platform;

[stepping off the train feels far different than getting onto it, oddly enough.

while the living situation isn't overly cramped, it feels rather nice to stretch his legs and walk freely across the platform, glancing here and there for new people, trying to see if any of them have the same purple-colored hooded sweatshirt as himself or if he recognizes anyone.

even if neither is the case, sizhui still does his best to look welcoming to any newcomers, as he knows there's a chance he might have to convince them to get on, much like he had needed whenever he'd arrived in this mysterious new place.


once boarded onto the train again, looking for people who could need help navigating the locomotive in any way, shape or form is what he's doing there as well. he remembers being overwhelmed at times despite having initially stepped onto it with his father, but even after parting ways with him, he still found it quite daunting at times.

and let's be real here, lan sizhui is nothing if not helpful! perhaps, if someone gets close enough, he might even softly acknowledge them with,] Are you doing okay? [or:] Can I help you with anything?



cinema shenanigans; (closed to a-qing)

[after new passengers have boarded the train, it's gotten back into the void and things are mostly resettled, sizhui decides to head for the car with the ‘movies’ he's heard about. having distracted himself with other things, the multitude of stranger cars included, he hadn't really stopped and given them a proper look-over, but he's got the free time now.

also, why not do something to draw attention away from the ever-present concern of people (some he even knew!) disappearing like they'd never been here in the first place? the cutesy, almost mindless series merry little voidtrain proves good enough at the moment. plenty, actually, given how easily he's sucked in and it's only been a couple episodes so far. lucky for him, nobody else happens by right away during the binge or else there's a chance they'd need to physically climb up to the hammock he's lounging in to get his attention.

he does, however, rise up when a season has ended, the sound of footsteps capturing his attention long enough for him to glance over and greet,] Oh, hello, A-Qing! [before he clambers down, both to see her better and to either switch to the next season or give it up to her instead.]

Are you here to watch something?


wildcard;

[ooc: or hit me with something of your own. c: oh, and i will match brackets or prose!]

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin of course is not a new passenger, and he has been greeting people on the platform too. Also, saying goodbye to those who are departing, even though they do not seem to see or hear him.

Back on the train again, he sees the young man in the headband. He's familiar with some people from this person's world, so he greets him with a nod. He'd bow formally, but his arms are full with two coolers of fish for Spark Deegan and a box with twenty-five jars of peanut butter for Guilmon. And besides, that, his sword in its scabbard is balanced on top of the box. "I could use some help carrying all these packages," he answers, with a smile.

[deferences]

Thank the stars, Sizhui's hands are completely empty and he has no problem helping this fellow out whatsoever. While taking the box with the sword on top seems the best plan, he does, however, consider how this man might react to someone else handling his weapon.

Nevertheless, he replies with a soft oh! at first, moves closer then quickly takes the box from him, holding it with relative ease despite his small stature. Perfect balance too, almost like he's done this before, although it's most certainly never been twenty-five jars of peanut butter. “There,” he remarks, mirroring Curufin's gesture by grinning in kind. “Goodness, what is all this if I may ask?”

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin deftly catches up the sword before Sizhui takes the box. This young man is clearly strong and agile, from the way he handles the heavy box.

"These are my orders from the train store. Most deliveries turn up on the next platform day, in the Luggage Carriage. So, I went to fetch them and take them to the Kitchen Carriage. All except the sword, of course. I don't think it needs to be refrigerated." He grins back at Sizhui. "The box you're carrying contains twenty-five jars of peanut butter, and it's a gift for my friend Takato's friend Guilmon, who loves peanut butter sandwiches. And the two coolers I'm carrying are full of fresh fish on ice, and those are for my friend Spark Deegan, who normally takes the form of a cat. And the sword is my own weapon from home. I forged it out of meteoric iron, and I carried it with me through all my wars."

He smiles again. "Oh, by the way, I'm Curufin Fëanorion."

[deferences]

Ah, good! Now he won't be worrying about if he should be carrying it or not with the weapon back in its proper owner's hands. Sizhui adjusts his grip on the box slightly, waiting patiently for Curufin to lead them wherever it is they need to go.

He also listens in the same manner, laughs softly at the joke about the sword, interest piqued at the idea of fresh fish, although he does look incredulous by the many jars inside the container he's carrying. “Twenty-five? Wow, that is a lot of... what was it? Peanut butter?” Something he's unfamiliar with, which hasn't ever stopped him before, but he isn't going to ask to try someone else's and— wait, did he say someone turns into a cat on this train? Sizhui's head tips curiously, brow knitted. “Are they a shapeshifter of some kind?” Certainly not a demon or monster or anything that would need to be stopped, right? He casts an appraising glance toward the sword, nods with understanding, yet doesn't consider questioning the wars thing, either. “Interesting. I am sure it's a strong, reliable weapon, then.”

What a name! He opens his mouth, closes it, thoughtfully hums then attempts repeating, “Curufin Fëanorion,” and blessedly doesn't slaughter it. His smile brightens and he offers his own name in return. “It is nice to meet you. My name is Lan Sizhui.” Ordinarily, he'd bow, but that would be difficult in his current position.

[so_dark_a_road]

Curufin smiles at the young man and leads the way towards the kitchen carriage.

"Peanut butter is a modern recipe. It's made from ground-up peanuts, which come to think of it we didn't have in my world. They tend to grow in warm climates, and I don't think they're universal. A nut butter is a concoction of ground nuts and vegetable or grain oil, and sometimes it has sugar added to make the taste more interesting."

Oh, and the cat! "Spark is a shapeshifter, he has a couple of human forms he can take. But normally, he stays in cat form. He's a good friend of mine, and I like giving him treats." Nope, not a monster or demon that needs to be stopped. "The sword is definitely strong and reliable. It simply will not break, and that's a combination of its meteoric nature and the spells I use when forging."

He grins when Sizhui gets the pronunciation right. "You're a linguist, I'll bet. Very pleased to meet you, Lan Sizhui!" He half-turns and gives the lad a respectful nod, since he can't bow either, with his arms full of the two heavy coolers.

"You're a swordsman, I imagine. And a cultivator, too? I've met a few people from your world, and it seems the robes and headband are the uniform of your sect."

[deferences]

He grins in kind and follows close behind, making sure to stay within earshot so he can hear, but not so close as to crowd the man guiding them along.

“Oh, I see! That's something that hasn't been invented yet where I come from, though from the sounds of it, it'll become very popular.” Taking into account he's carrying so many jars for someone. To be fair, ordering in bulk is probably a smart idea; it gives whoever has the peanut butter plenty of excess for if there happens to be a food shortage all of a sudden. (Which he hopes doesn't happen, it just pays to be smart and plan ahead!) “It sounds delicious. I would assume you eat it on something like bread?” Perhaps with something else to make it less hard to get down, he'd imagine.

Hold on, a couple of human forms? Interesting... he won't ask, however, since there's a chance he might meet this cat-person himself and it might be easier to ask him instead. “You are kind, sir Curufin. I'm sure he appreciates it very much.” Sounds like somebody simply trying to live their life as a genuine shapeshifter without trouble and Sizhui's loath to cause any. “Wow, it sounds almost like my guqin when I use magic through it. It isn't often I hear about other peoples' spiritual tools.” People from his homeworld aside.

His cheeks color faintly, causing him to incline his head with sheepishness. “Ah... no, but thank you, and it is nice to meet you, too!”

Sizhui somehow brightens when Curufin mentions him being cultivator, explains he's met others from his world and how he knows the Lan clan robes and forehead ribbon are something like a uniform. “Yes, that's correct. Have you met Hanguang-jun— uhm, Lan Wangji? Is that how you know?”

[spikelet]

[as she creeps into the cinema, she catches the ending of the episode, enough to know that it's one she already watched with Elena. who-- ugh.

well. if she kicked one of the ICPs on the way up to the cinema when she saw the blank space where the woman's name had been above daozhang's, no one can prove it. who asked people to be helpful, and warm, and tell her all about themselves, and then disappear?]

What else would I be here for?

[her irritation has her just looking over at him instead of dissembling. it's not like anyone cares if she can see or not, and she can't be bothered keeping up the act. she just wants to mindlessly watch some cartoons.

it's not really his fault, though, is it? she relents immediately with a flash of contrition.] Whatever Lan-gege is watching, that's fine.

[deferences]

[let's be real here: if sizhui knew why she was upset, he wouldn't blame her in the slightest. someone he knew (only by name, really) disappeared too and he wonders how long it'll be before he might have to handle any fallout from that. or maybe, if he's extra lucky, jin ling didn't realize his mother had come and gone.

he glances toward the popcorn machine, considers it a moment, raises one hand to gesture toward it.]

For that? [he questions softly while pointing toward the popcorn machine, a slight smile curving his mouth at the edges, though it doesn't last long. whatever is bothering her, it's obviously something important, but he won't pry and should a-qing want to tell him, she will.]

Okay. [after moving to start the next bunch of episodes, sizhui's attention is on the hammock he'd been in then redirecting to her again.] Would you like to sit with me?

[spikelet]

[admittedly the popcorn machine is a good lure. she even sways towards it for a moment as his gesture reminds her that it even exists, but the bag of sweets in her pocket rattles as she shifts, and that's that. she sniffs.]

Mm, alright.

[and she's already heading towards the hammock. scrambling into it in such a way that she ends balanced precariously on one end of it to leave him room isn't too much of a trial. her legs tucked up, she pulls her hoodie over them until only her socked feet are visible, as is her habit. at least he's not too tall himself, she thinks, appraising the remaining space.

established, she gets back to what matters: distracting herself.]

What do you think of it? The Merry Little Voidtrain?

[deferences]

[the slight smile on his face widens, brightening his expression further when it seems like she might actually consider getting some of the snack, but even though she changes her mind (is he crazy or was something rattling?), the gesture doesn't falter.

he waits patiently for her to get settled, gets everything set up to start playing again then clambers up into the hammock beside her, doing everything within his power to not rock too much. to be honest, sizhui should've just hovered his way up and landed more gracefully instead, though that would be a waste of energy and gods forbid, he get scolded for that. even though lan wangji isn't here at the moment, who knows where he might show up?

after tugging his hood over his head, both hands get tucked into his pockets and he slumps back, casting her a glance from his peripheral.]

It's fun! Very cute, lighthearted and simple to follow. Easy to watch a lot of.

[spikelet]

[she keeps her balance easily enough with the care he's taking in his movements, but she waits until he's settled before she fishes the bag of brightly wrapped sweets from her pocket and - with an air of great magnanimity - holds it out for him.

it's fair, given that he's sharing his seat. it's not that she enjoys the rush of having things of her own to share.

it's also not that she perks up when his opinions are positive. neither of these things are true and happening right now, nor is she leaning forward, eyes bright.

(she is.)]

The others say it's cliche, but there are lots of parts that I've never heard before, and there's so much of it!

[deferences]

[sizhui's eyebrows lift with interest, eyes somewhat widened in the same manner. it's not so much that she's offering to share (okay, it's sort of that!), but more the fact he's pretty sure he has no idea what is being held out to him. some sort of candy it looks like, so he reaches to take one for now, twists it one way then the other.]

Thank you, [he remarks gratefully.] What, ah... what is it?

[hopefully she knows or else he might be wary about putting it in his mouth; the last time he had sweets, he ate so much, he made himself sick. which he doubts will happen in this scenario, but well... seeing a-qing light up alongside her generosity sure warms his heart.

and for whatever it's worth, her secret(s) are safe with him.]

Nothing wrong with cliché, either! I like that there's so much and yes, many things we don't know. That's what keeps it interesting to me if we're being honest.

[longforgottenpromise]

[Taiki had watched the people leave silently before turning his attention to the new people. Less this time and so he hangs back slightly, not wanted to overcrowd them. It is strange to arrive on the platform and he can't imagine that being crowded with a hundred people will make it any easier.

He stays on the platform though, just enjoying the fresh air and the feeling of not being on the train.]

Oh sorry... [He smiles softly at the man who had spoken to him and shook his head.] I'm alight, are you?

[deferences]

[new or not, sizhui sheepishly bows his head toward the unknown individual he'd spoken to, straightening up and smiling afterward.] It's okay, no reason to be sorry.

I am alright as well. Trying to help anyone who might be lost while enjoying the small break we get from the train.

[and offhandedly wondering where the people who had left will go after this. will they go home? somewhere completely different? he isn't sure, but thinking about it too long makes him worry far more than he should, which is why he's glad he has this for a distraction.]

[longforgottenpromise]

[Taiki nodded his head politely, not quite a bow but very polite. He smiled at him and nodded in agreement.]

Yes, it's nice to be able to stretch our legs.

[deferences]

[both arms tuck neatly behind himself, hands interlocking near the small of his back while his own smile briefly widens.]

It is, yes. While the train doesn't seem overly crowded, the fresh air and more open space are nice.

[longforgottenpromise]

[He nods again, a little nervously but with a small smile.]

Are... You arrived last platform, didn't you? I think I saw you.

[He's slowly getting better at talking to people, he'd still rather listen and it can be easy to stand behind Lord Gyousou, or even Tidus and Inigo and let them speak for him but he is regaining confidence and this boy seems kind.]

[deferences]

The last one, yes. Did you? Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't realize... [his expression falters somewhat, brow knitted, lips pursed tightly, though it isn't long before he's brightening again.] I must have been too distracted [see also: nervous!] to notice, but if I had, I could have said hello!

It's okay, [comes the quick reassurance, followed by a brief bow of his head.] We are remedying it now.

My name is Lan Sizhui, by the way.

the train

[flatteries]

[ Granted, Inigo isn't exactly a new person.

But he definitely is looking.. off today. Off enough that even Sizhui will easily be able to realise that something is up with him, enough to ask him if he's okay. It's just the way Inigo is sitting there in the greenhouse, staring at some plants with the saddest look in his eyes.

Or maybe the way he doesn't even seem to notice Sizhui until the other speaks up, slowly turning his head towards the other. His jaw drops slightly, as if he only now realises something, and Inigo quickly shakes his head. ]

Ah, well-- Forgive me, I was just thinking. [ Clearly a super convincing lie with how sad he was looking a moment ago. You're a master, Inigo. ] I should be asking you that though! Have you been settling in well all this time?

[ The last - or well, also first - time they met Sizhui had still been pretty new himself, hadn't he? Or so Inigo thinks, anyway. ]

[deferences]

[observant as he is, there's no way sizhui wouldn't notice how his friend seems a little... off. it's concerning, so much so that he immediately wants to ask if he's okay, but he also doesn't want to pry. surely, if it was something inigo wants to talk about, he'll mention it during their conversation? maybe, though he would hate to make any assumptions and— well, you know the saying.

he doesn't hesitate to move closer or crouch down beside him though, leaving the barest respectable amount of distance between their shoulders.]

No, it's okay. I did sort of just show up, after all. [nevertheless, sizhui's lips faintly quirk at the edges, his best attempt at a smile as he considers his own adapting to the train.] I'm settling as best I can, I suppose.

It... isn't nearly as bad when you understand things, know the locations and are alright with exploring.

[flatteries]

I'm glad to hear it.

[ And despite the sadness that still seems to linger around the edges of Inigo's expression, he smiles at Sizhui - and genuinely so, since he means it! Thanks to their earlier conversation, he's aware that the other is from a world with a level of technology similar to his own, which means Inigo understands very well just how confusing the train can be.

At least he doesn't seem to mind their relatively close proximity right now. He doesn't try to move away from Sizhui at all. ]

I know this place can be really confusing at first, especially for people like us. If there's anything you're ever still having trouble with, make sure to tell me, alright? I'll help you out right away.

[ Sure, maybe this conversation is suddenly a liiiittle focused on Sizhui.. but Inigo may be overcompensating in an effort to hide his own current state. ]

[deferences]

Me too. [about being glad, anyway.

watching inigo manage a smile despite the sad look in his expression makes sizhui grin a little wider, like if his friend (???) can't manage it, then the least he can do is smile for the both of them. they come from different worlds, but had bonded somewhat during their first meeting about having similar technology (or lack thereof), which he thoroughly appreciates.

to know someone who understands makes it that much easier when explaining such things, regardless of their likely different cultures. he's also quite grateful inigo doesn't mind how close they are, either.]

You— you don't...have to do that... [he lets the comment trail off, wrinkles his nose and corrects,] I mean, I really appreciate it, I'd just hate to intrude since I'm sure you have things of your own that need doing.

[luckily, sizhui's going to let him get away with it for now, but don't think he hasn't noticed!]

[flatteries]

[ Inigo is definitely thinking the other hasn't noticed. Because clearly he is just that smooth. Who's a master of pretending? Inigo here. Obviously. Clearly.

Especially since the conversation continues to be on the right track - on the right track for Inigo try to distract both Sizhui and his own mind from his own terrible mood, anyway. It's even easy to immediately reply to that. ]

Are you kidding me? We're stuck on a train travelling through the void! [ He lifts his arms at those last two words, spreading them. ] I don't think anything here is important enough that it'd be worth not first helping out a friend over.

[ Yes, he is using the f-word here!! Official confirmation! ]

Just let me know whenever, I really don't mind. We got to look out for each other in a place like this.

[deferences]

[too bad, he definitely has, but sizhui thankfully has far more tact and will wait at least a little bit longer before trying to be downright. in inigo's defense, however, he's not doing too awful with his diversion.

sizhui blinks lightly, leans just enough so inigo can open his arms then smiles wide at both his remark and the casualness of which he says ‘friend.’ like it's no big deal and yet a huge one all in the same sentence. (giddily, his heartbeat flutters more than it ought to... but friendship! it's magical, okay!?)]

...thank you, Inigo. I am truly grateful for your friendship. [if he could get any softer, he would have, but he's already shyly dipped his head and tucked his hands against his knees, so.] The same goes for you too, yes? Whatever you may need help with, regardless of if I know much about it or not, I will do everything within my power to help you.

[because since inigo's been so kind and generous and hospitable, it's the least he can do in return!]