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

[blitzcheer]

Wow, he's definitely using Gibbers to bug Roland then. He'll need to think of some things... maybe he can set a game for Bambosh and Gibbers, and have it also inconvenient Roland's stiff lifestyle? A thought for later.

Fortunately for Roland, Tidus is a kind soul; letting Roland look around while he stands there waiting, just for a half a minute or so before, hand coming up, he brings out a black pouch from his band, holds it out for Roland to take.

"Hope you know how to use half of these." 'Cause Tidus sure doesn't!

But what could it be? What else but the self grooming set?

[adregem]

Tidus please, you are in the presence of pure-hearted creatures!!

- But he does straighten up, a purchase already in one hand, the charger resting in his grip. Crosses the short distance with a curious look at the black pouch until he can take it from Tidus. Opens it up and...

"Whoa." A complete set. With the powder and everything, though he's never had to shave in his entire life, not really having the problem of the five 'o clock shadow. Roland brightens up after assessing the set, incredibly pleased despite the simplicity of it. So pleased that as soon as he is able with his other free hand, he reaches his arm above and ruffles Tidus's hair briefly, roughly. An ode to hair care, with a hairy noogie! Somewhat.

"I know how to use all of these. I really owe you one big time, pro. Thanks."

[blitzcheer]

What!! Who said he could ruffle Tidus's hair?! What is this! Tidus is confused when it happens, surprised too -- delayed in any actual real reaction, and even knowing what that should be as he touches the top of his head after.

"Geez, why you messing my hair for?!" Ugh! But he's not getting distracted from the question he wanted to ask, poking at the bag.

"What's that weird v-thing that folds out? Some weird knife? The thing that isn't the scissors."

What's that old-fashioned thinger majiggy???

[adregem]

Heh.

Roland just smiles, the hand he used to ruffle Tidus's hair falling back down and his two pouches secure against the crook of his arm. The other one was a bit smaller than the barber shop tools he received, yet he also, curiously, doesn't put either of them into his Arms Band. Just goes straight in to answer Tidus's question, forgetting that he has a book to get too. And a meal kit! What else...

"That's called a straight razor." He explains instantly. "You use it for a clean shave." Manly! Roland darts his gaze around the luggage after speaking. "What else did you get? I haven't counted anything for you in a while."

[blitzcheer]

You use that to cut anything?? What weird barbarian tools are these (as if Tidus even knows what a barbarian is)?? He dismisses it, puts it down as one of the other world things, and at the reminder of else, he finds a good place to hold out his hand again and say- "Oh, you wanna know what ore I got?"

Emphasis on that ore, and he hopes a small higgledy is listening! As an entire backpack poofs itself into Tidus's hand, knocking his arm down some. But he gets it back up, holds it out for Roland.

"Why don't you have a look?"

[adregem]

"Ore?"

Roland uses his remaining hand to assist in lifting the item in question, immediately feeling the weight. But when he peers in, he's still confused. Why was he showing him melted rocks and minerals? Tidus, do you need help with something? Is this some weird experiment he's flexing? But then, Roland feels his heart tug, like it was being pulled in one direction. Ore...Ore...He takes a second look into the backpack, and the same feeling in his chest occurs. Not physical, but he just knows there's a stirring. It clicks soon after. Ore. Fire. Roland shakes his head, with a slight grimace.

"...He eats ore."

That would have been a nice thing to tell him, Tidus!!! And right on cue, Bambosh comes tumbling out of wherever higgledies go when they're at rest, squealing so loudly the flames on his head - or what make up his head? - begin to flare up. He practically jumps inside the backpack and begins absorbing the biggest piece he can find. Roland sighs and pats Tidus on the arm in gratitude. Jokes aside, Roland does mean it when he says, "Thanks again for these. I owe you twice over."

[blitzcheer]

Tidus, by some impressive control rarely seen executed by the expressive youth, holds from reacting to Roland's confusion--that then dips into both recognition and dismay. Dismay at all his countless hours of guessing being wrong and for nought! How does it feel, ol' Rol?

It lasts anyway until Tidus finally can't help it--when Bambosh comes out in a gleeful jump into the backpack, and Tidus bursts into a laugh.

"How does it feel being so indebted to a guy, huh? I got another treat too! But that one's for the train to enjoy. You and the other two should get some fun out of it though."

[adregem]

At least Bambosh was having the time of his life. He might even be dancing in there, as far as Roland can assume. But he makes a grimace at that, the one he always makes when Tidus comes at him with this kind of playful behavior. Well-meaning, but mischievous in its own right. He's used to it (?)

"Okay, calm down." He says jokingly. "What's this about another treat for the train to enjoy? Me and...the other two?"

[blitzcheer]

"Guess you'll need to think about it, or see if you spot it. What, you thought I was giving you an easy answer this time? It's good to keep you guessing. Keeps you young!"

Please, Roland, what is Tidus supposed to do with all this ammo you give him? And a glance is spared in Bambosh's direction, a further nudge to Tidus's grin.

"And higgledies don't need to be fed."

Look at that happy guy!

[adregem]

"...Hold on. Are you giving me a riddle?" Whatever expression he gives Tidus morphs into something more...invested. An eyebrow quirked up; one corner of his mouth slowly smirking. Eyes narrowing slightly, as if studying him, hearing him again. Won't even comment on the keeping him young bit because it's too easy to give Tidus that opening - time to get creative, pro!

"Give me a hint. Just one. Is the higgledy the hint?" He leans close, almost conspiratorial.

[blitzcheer]

Haha! Look how suddenly invested he got! Is this a new thing he should start doing? He'll have to figure what else he can do this with.

"Really?" But for his disbelief, Tidus is smirking, placing a hand under his chin. "Hmm... I'd say I've given you a good hint, don't you? If I gave you anything else, it'd be too easy. You'll know exactly what I meant when you see it."

...but, he will lift out his hands, spreading them.

"It's somewhere you and me have been plenty."

[adregem]

If Tidus makes this a common affair, Roland's not going to complain. Thinking exercises are great for everyday!

But speaking of invested, Roland certainly looks the part, with his brows furrowed and his hum quiet under his breath. So serious. Because he wants to get it, of course.

"Somewhere we've been in plenty...Hm. That could be a couple of places already, top of my head." He starts counting them down by putting some fingers up, but won't say it out loud. Can't be library because that's new, and we've never spent time in the quiet car or the stores. He keeps pulling me away from there, actually. We haven't visited the games car either, since that day. That leaves -

He meets Tidus's eye with a determined gaze. "Kitchen, Dining, Gym, or Luggage. Warm?"

[blitzcheer]

Look at him go. This is not what he was expecting, but can he complain? Actually, there is something worth complaint-

"Isn't it too easy if I give you more clues? Shouldn't you, y'know, look? I didn't make it that hard to find - I want everyone to use it!"

And also, Tidus wasn't ready to make a riddle when he was preparing to give Roland his stuff. Look, he'll just give it away if he tries giving the guy any clues, and that doesn't sound fun.

"Trust me, this one is lifeguard mode. After this, we take off the armbands."

No tricks this time, Roland!

[adregem]

"...Hm. That's fair." Because you know what, he's going to solve it anyway even if it's not a riddle. Just because he's up and raring to go, now. And if it's come from Tidus, then it'll be interesting for certain.

"I guess you'll just know if I know, huh?" You better believe he'll be checking on things after this. Starting in all those places he mentioned, and the ICP just in case, then back again! Never say he wasn't thorough. And maybe a quick treasure-type hunt was just what Roland needed for this platform day?

Bambosh finally reemerges from the backpack and looks visibly brighter. The flame of his body burning so much more orange, embers revved up and his energy at an all time high, appearing and reappearing around the two of them. But he mostly seems to float around Tidus, happy as can be. Roland smiles on.

"Say thank you."

[blitzcheer]

"If you're really stumped by the end of the day, come find me," Tidus at least offers, conceding by that much. That if Roland really doesn't know by that point, they'll work through what he said. Just remember, Roland...! The time you were doing work with two other people!!

But now Bambosh has their attention, and Tidus watches the little higgledy, surprised by this his flames- "Hey, looks like you needed that!" remarked upon how much better he looks, pleased.

"You're alright, Firestarter. You thank me by keeping this old timer on his toes. He's tryin' his best by you --" Tidus tips his head, a smirk tugged one side into his mouth, "-- but I bet you know that, deep down."

A beat. "Lemme know any juicy secrets he's keepin' hidden in there though where you live, 'kay? The more embarrassing, the better!"

[adregem]

"Hey now. Don't count me out just yet. Have some faith, I'll figure it out. Heh." He's going to think about it long and hard, but a part of him knows the answer isn't that far off anyway. He just needs to recalibrate. Roland's ability to believe is unprecedented!!

But also -

'Old timer?!' No, Roland will choose his battles today, thanks very much. Plus, he's once again, lost in translation whatever it is Bambosh might be saying to Tidus. So he just shakes his head and tries not to sigh too loudly.

"I would imagine my higgledy wouldn't betray me so easily, since they're connected to me too, right...?" He'll offer dryly, but unfortunately for him, the higgledy in question only does the equivalent of a higgle-laugh and giggle, before disappearing back into wherever space exists for his kind. The ore backpack is then gathered up and closed neatly, slung over one of his shoulders.

"I mean it, Tidus. Thank you. This...This helps a lot. Even if you wouldn't tell me at first. You sure know how to keep things interesting, at least." A guessing game, a riddle; yeah, that was an understatement.

[blitzcheer]

"Don't worry about it." It's genuine, still cooled by the playfulness of his tone, but true. It's Roland, and Tidus is always happy to do the guy a favour, whether he really needs to or not. But maybe he just likes to help this hard-trying man and show he doesn't need to worry about the help of others either. That he doesn't need to rely just on himself.

He may know it, but it doesn't hurt to continue to prove the point.

(Or, you know, maybe Tidus just likes him. ...naahhh-)

"You get whatever you came for." A slap on the arm, it's a close to parting comment. "Now you have more than a single point to spend! Don't go too crazy." Aha.