voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post November]

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A New Platform [Intro Post November]

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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. ]

[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.

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. ]

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!]

[ 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.

[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!]

See? You're way too nice to not deserve to immediately get help when you need it.

[ There's a very gentle physical gesture that comes with it. Just Inigo moving aside slightly, just slight enough that he can carefully knock his shoulder against Sizhui's. He'd definitely be a bit more wild about it with certain friends, but look, Sizhui is so cute and delicate, Inigo wouldn't want to hurt him using a dumb bro gesture! ]

But don't worry. I'll let you know when I need it. [ Says the guy who looked sad literally only a few moments ago and is now pretending it never happened!

He's even smiling a bit as he says it. Shove, shove, shove everything under that rug. ]

Edited 2020-11-10 15:33 (UTC)

Ah—! [the comment makes him dip his head further and lift his shoulders in hopes it'll help cover the pinkening of his ears. maybe it does, but it also makes him look silly, all hunched in on himself, so he lowers them again afterward, preferring embarrassment to looking like he's curled into some ridiculous fetal position.

and no worries, inigo, he's far sturdier than he looks! underneath his big soft hoodie, there's prodigious upper-body strength that would surprise even the most grown men; a little nudge won't do much, although he does lean ever-so-slightly before righting himself to return the gentle gesture.]

While I trust your judgment and respect your choices, I have found some people aren't nearly as forthcoming with particular information. That sometimes, they need the slightest push through their reluctance. [remember that hint, hint moment with tidus? yeah, this is one of those times with sizhui, disregarding the fact his smile hasn't wavered at all the entire time he's implied.]

[ One day Inigo will learn that Sizhui is not quite as much of an Utterly Soft Boy as he seems..

But today is not that day. No, instead today is the day he gets called out. Out of all of the things he expected the other to say, this sure wasn't among them. And it's obvious too, just how much Inigo gets taken by surprise by the words. His eyes widen in initial surprise, but when the obvious implication behind the words hits him, his cheeks instead grow slightly pink in shame.

What happened to the days he was good at hiding these sorts of things, huh? Maybe he's grown too soft here. ]

Subtle. [ He says, and instead it's Inigo's head that dips right now. Only momentarily though before his gaze returns to Sizhui. ] It's not really reluctance though, I just..

[ Inigo's voice trails off, and he shakes his head. ]

I don't want to be a bummer. Everyone is already having a difficult enough time here on the train. The least I can do is ensure I don't make it harder for others with my sadness.

[ Let alone make things harder for his precious new friend! ]

[one day, but yes, today is not that day and sizhui's absolutely fine with inigo still believing he's just a soft boy. keeping in mind it'd mean his friend would have to see him either in something form-fitting or shirtless... that seems like a situation they could both be alright with waiting for.

his expression softens, suddenly contrite, worried he might've overstepped when he should've maybe kept his opinion to himself. he and inigo don't know each other all that well yet, so it's possible he could have said something out of line, yet his reaction; the widened eyes and flushed cheeks, they're an exact response he himself would have had if called out too, so perhaps it isn't nearly as bad as he thinks?

regardless, he ducks his head as well, clasps his hands together over his knees and absently twiddles his thumbs.] I'm sorry, [sizhui murmurs softly, readying an explanation of his own, hesitating whenever inigo begins speaking again. he redirects his attention, head somewhat tilted, listening intently while the other male talks.] Oh, Inigo... [the hand nearest him loosens, reaches to alight on his shoulder so he can give a reassuring squeeze.]

If you are making sure everyone else has a less hard time, then who's helping you? Eventually, you'll tire and— [well, he won't have the energy to keep up anymore!]

While you help everyone else, let me help you, okay?

[ At least Inigo is a tad more used to this now. It's part of the package of being more open with his own emotions, after all. But he still can't quite help the fact that his cheeks still stay somewhat red as he listens to the other speak.

It's just a lot. Sizhui is so sweet. He hardly even knows him, they just spoke once-- and yet he's already readily offering his help like this. What a good guy. ]

And who's helping you while you're helping me then, huh? [ It's said softly, but still with a joking edge to it - like Inigo wants to keep things light, even now. ] Seems like we've reached an impasse there.

[ For a moment he's silent, but then he adds: ]

These days are just always hard. The days the train stops at a platform. I'll be fine again after today.

[for whatever it may be worth, sizhui is a boy who has no problems showing his emotions, either. he shares them freely, expresses himself openly, with no qualms and no holds barred— unless the situation calls for it. then he's well-versed in steeling himself until things are at least taken care of.

in this moment, that seems more and more like it might become necessary, but inigo playfully jokes and sizhui's unable to keep himself from smiling.]

Okay, yes, you do have a point there... but I've got lots of practice helping myself, too. [which isn't to say he would turn down help, he's just known how to do it by himself for so long now...

but when inigo mentions it specifically being platform days that are the hardest, it clicks: someone he knows has left. or someone he knows who knows another someone— the point is, people and them leaving.] Oh, I see. [a moment's hesitation then he adds,] I'm sorry. It makes sense why, though.

[ NOPE, SIZHUI. Those words don't work, because that is the exact same excuse Inigo always gives when people try to help him! Don't think he won't seek you out the next time you seem sad, alright.

But since it'd make him a total hypocrite if he didn't share any of that right now in turn, he's at least trying to be a bit more open about it. It's hard to be totally open, especially when he has so many scars on his heart, but he's letting the small bits seep through and out the best he can. ]

Does it? [ He smiles a bit, but his eyes are sad when he looks at Sizhui. ] There are other people who can probably deal with this sort of thing better than I do. It honestly feels sometimes like I'm some big baby with how I'm unable to not feel like my world comes crashing down every time I realise I might never be able to talk to someone again who I used to be close to.

[listen... while he may say this, sizhui certainly won't turn down a friend seeking him out and helping ease any discomfort or sadness there may be. so long as said friend expects the same in return and doesn't put up a fight! (or at least not too much of one.)

perhaps it would, but inigo needn't tell him anything and the lan boy won't put up any sort of fight; he understands keeping some things close to his chest, regardless of being quite open with his feelings other times.]

Yes. [and when his friend looks at him, sizhui's hand tightens somewhat on his shoulder, hopefully a more solid reassurance.] That's nothing to feel bad about, Inigo. Actually, I'd say it's normal? We meet all these people here on the train, never knowing when it might decide to send them home, whether against their will or not. It... it hurts, to think we might not ever see them again, but to hold out hope that we still might one day.

I guess..

[ But he still feels like the pain he feels about it is wildly out of proportions. Maybe it's just him being hard on himself - a big part of it is really just him being hard on himself always, really - but it feels like others deal with it so much more gracefully most of the time.

He recognizes the loop this is about to throw his mind into though, and he doesn't want to go there. He doesn't want to go down a bad spiral right in front of a friend. So he shakes his head. ]

There isn't much we can do about it though. There's no visible reason as to why certain people leave, or when they leave. It isn't even happening voluntarily.

[sizhui's heart sinks at ‘i guess,’ keeping in mind it's something he feels a bit strongly about but doesn't plan to argue. if people he knew were to all of a sudden leave the train, he'd be absolutely heartbroken, would hardly know what to do with himself besides wallow in bed for however long until the sadness subsided. whether he's being hard on himself or not, inigo's feelings are valid and they should be acknowledged.

at the headshake, he wavers yet again, wondering if he's really helping the situation or making it worse. but they have more important things to consider, like how people are leaving involuntarily. (and how inigo might just possibly need a hug!)]

No, I suppose there isn't... [he exhales a soft huff then moves his hand, shyly hooks the arm around inigo's shoulders and gives him the best half-hug he can manage like this.] But I see no reason why we can't be upset for a little bit then worry more about how they leave and why it isn't voluntary.

[ Maybe Inigo does need a hug.

Scratch that, Inigo does need a hug. Badly. Right now. And maybe he's being too rude, maybe he's taking a mile where he's being given an inch - but he can't help it. Not when he's getting that shoulder half-hug at a time when he needs it so much, or when Sizhui says those words that follow.

Because there are plenty of reasons why. Because Inigo is the son the Exalt. Because he should be better than this, stronger than this. Because he's seen so much loss that it really shouldn't affect him anymore, and yet--

So though it's slowly, giving the other plenty of time to escape if Sizhui needs it, Inigo turns, reaching out to draw Sizhui into a full on hug, his arms around the other guy's back, Inigo's face pressed into Sizhui's shoulder.

He doesn't even say anything right away. But Inigo lets out a shakey breath he can't quite stop, even though he manages to keep himself from full on crying. ]

[inigo's come to the perfect person for this, honestly.

maybe hugging is still a little new to sizhui, that doesn't make him any less eager or wholehearted whatsoever. in fact, it might make him even more sincere now since he understands the genuineness coming from some casual embracing. wei wuxian had been his most recent hug before lan wangji on the platform, so he's two for two, might as well go for a third.

his shoulders instinctively stiffen with surprise, but as soon as inigo's arms are around him, he relaxes into the hug, squeezes his shoulders and reaches his opposite hand up to reassuringly pat the spot just below his nape.] It's okay, [he consoles. not exactly in the sense he wishes it were, though it isn't distracting him from comforting his friend, especially whenever he exhales that shaking breath.

sizhui's own breath catches in his lungs, he tightens his arm a bit further, rubs more intently against the back of inigo's neck as he repeats,] It's okay, Inigo, you don't have to hold it in.

[crying isn't a sign of weakness, it just means you've been strong for too long, and he's well-adjusted enough to handle inigo crying if the other male wants to. (or if he needs to?)]

No, I..

[ He sniffs, though it doesn't seem to get worse than that. Sizhui will mostly have to judge from sounds, considering it's hard to see Inigo's face in their current position, but there aren't any actual crying sounds coming from him. ]

I don't-- I don't have to. [ He's already cried enough. There's only so many times he can do it before he just ends up running himself dry, right?

But this hug - that is something he will gladly take, on the other hand. He lingers in it, not pulling back in the slightest, like he's trying to seek comfort in at least having someone so physically near him right now. ]

I just wish we could stop losing people like this all time without rhyme or reason. It's too much. It hurts so many people.. [ And Inigo in particular, considering his abandonment complex.

But he knows he's not the only one. ]

[he doesn't say anything immediately, just continues holding his friend and rubbing encouraging circles along the back of his neck. eventually, he does move the hand to – albeit a little shyly – rub at the spot between inigo's shoulderblades, hoping that whether he wants to cry or not, he knows sizhui is there, no matter what.

the sniffling is questionable at best, but he can't tell and he's not looking to ask outright when the hug itself seems like it is helping.] That's fine, too, [sizhui softly soothes.

one would think that'd be how it works, but it isn't, much to everyone's dismay. in whatever way inigo needs him though, and hugging just happens to be something he's pretty alright at.] Perhaps one day, we might at least have an actual reason for why they leave, but... [his expression wrinkles, lips purse with uncertainty then he huffs a sigh.] Until then, we will have to simply accept the fact we have no explanation for why it happens.

[ At least Inigo is very much leaning into the hug and not leaving it, so that must mean some part of it is helping. He isn't the type to easily accept help, after all, and yet here he is, very much indulging in this hugging opportunity Sizhui has given him. Just leaning against him, silently listening to the other's words, his breathing evening out and relaxing a bit while the other rubs those soothing circles on his back.

Even when Sizhui finishes speaking, it takes a moment or two for Inigo to speak up and say anything. ]

Can you accept that..?

[ It doesn't sound accusatory. Just like he's genuinely asking - maybe even with a hint of confusion in it, as if Inigo can't understand how someone can be actually strong enough to accept that, rather than pretend they do. The way he does. ]

Even though it's about something as important as losing people? Having no explanation for that, having to just endure that.. [ His voice is so soft. It's a good thing they're this close in the hug, it still allows his words to be audible for the other. ] .. it's not right. I can't just accept that..

[it feels like with every passing second, another piece of his heart breaks away, leaving him more and more concerned for his friend's well-being, despite realizing the hug is helping. there's only so much an embrace can do, after all, so what will happen when they come apart and pretend like everything that happens here on the train is normal? rather than think about it, sizhui's lips pinch, he tightens his own grip then leans into inigo's shoulder in hopes it'll help with the faint burn behind his eyes. (boy, he will be in for a real surprise once it dawns on him that one of his own people in particular is now gone.)

the long moment has sizhui wavering, wondering if he's said something wrong, and while that isn't exactly the case, what he did say wasn't really proper.] No, [admitted freely, though he waits for inigo to go ahead before explaining himself.

he doesn't feel accused, but it does seem like he'd been too straightforward, especially considering his own answer. although this does mean once he finds his own voice again, he's going to have to admit to something, something he's never, ever supposed to do, and yet he's doing it anyway.]

If we are being honest, I cannot, either. I'm— [sizhui hesitates, curls his fingers into the back of inigo's shirt and exhales a rough sigh before segueing into,] I'm not supposed to lie, but I'd have to, telling myself I would be okay with something unexplainable like this when I'm sincerely not.

Which means I technically lied to you saying that. I'm sorry.

[ Inigo pauses.

He pulls back. Not fully, as if he doesn't want to leave the hug, but just enough so he can actually look at Sizhui's face as he talks. Inigo isn't full on crying, but his eyes are starting to look a tiny bit watery all the same - more obvious from how up close to the other guy he is right now. ]

What do you mean..?

[ Somehow this almost feels more important than people leaving. It certainly feels more important than his own pain, never wanting things to center around himself. And with how it felt like it was such an important, heavy thing for Sizhui to admit to-- ]

Why aren't you supposed to lie..? [ Like, yeah, lying is generally a bad-ish kind of thing, but Sizhui makes it sound so specific. ]

[whenever inigo withdraws, sizhui does the same, both hands moving to hold onto his forearms for now while they're looking at one another. however, being face-to-face has him realizing that the other male isn't outright crying, but that doesn't mean his eyes don't gleam somewhat. one hand lets go, lifts up, fingers clenching around his sleeve so he can gently wipe at inigo's eyes.

what does he mean? well, it's exactly how he figures it sounds: no lying is allowed. if he wants a better explanation, he could provide one, though an uncertain part of him does hesitate.

he isn't sure that it's more important than what they were discussing before, he'd prefer they not linger on it either way. so, if this is what they're doing, then he's alright with it.] Lying is against my clan's rules. Ordinarily, I'd be punished for something like that.

[ah, but maybe he shouldn't have brought that up? nothing to worry about, he'll cover it with something else:] We have many, many rules. Some other obvious ones like not stealing and treating other people with kindness, but not lying, [he pauses, huffs a sigh, absentmindedly rubs his fingers across inigo's arm.] Is probably one of the most important ones.

That's not fair.

[ The words escape Inigo's mouth before he's even had the full time to consider them. They just come instinctive. Sure, being kind to others is a good thing, and stealing generally is a bad thing, but.. even stealing is necessary sometimes to prevent yourself or someone else from starving. And lying can be necessary at moments too. They're not just tools meant to be used for cruelty.

But rather than this being a defense of stealing or lying - look, that's not the hill Inigo wants to die on, thank you very much - it's a defense of Sizhui. ]

You shouldn't get.. get punished for something that small! That's so cruel! [ Especially when it's being performed by his own clan. Wouldn't that basically be his family? ] You're such a sweet person.

[ After all, here he is, trying to dry Inigo's tears, making his heart soft in a way he doesn't even know how to deal with. ]

Then why would you need to be punished so easily? It's not like a slight lie would make you any less of a kind person!

A New Platform [Intro Post November]

the train

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