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!

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[ 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!

[such an abrupt, unbidden response makes his eyes widen with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment, mouth agape while he lets the remark sink in. what does he mean, ‘not fair?’ but sizhui's not going to ask outright, just continue gawking for a long moment before realizing he probably looks ridiculous and snapping his mouth shut so hard, his teeth actually make an audible click.

he swallows thickly afterward, tries to consider how to ask what he means without sounding rude or too straightforward about it, but comes up empty-handed. thank the stars, inigo's way ahead of him with an understandable excuse but also another comment that makes sizhui's ears blush. his head inclines, focusing on anything that isn't his friend's face for the moment.]

Th-thank you, [he mumbles brokenly.] But I— I don't know? It's just how my clan is, but if it's any consolation, I'm sure people lie far more than they admit and steal whenever they find it convenient.

[the lan disciple hasn't withdrawn from that, either. he's still gently daubing away at inigo's eyes, even while not looking, at least until it dawns on him that's sort of silly and he shyly lowers his arm.]

No, it wouldn't. I'd like to think it means something more along the lines of not lying to our elders in an attempt to avoid discipline, but the rules simply state, ‘Do not lie.’ No direct specification toward who or what about.

[ Inigo lets out a small sound. It's almost as if he's trying to say something, but it's too mumbled - grumbled? - for it to be really audible what he's saying.

He leans forward when Sizhui pulls back his hand, as if Inigo isn't embarrassed by the physical contact at all - because he's moving to lean against the other, Inigo's forehead resting on top of Sizhui's shoulder when he speaks up again. ]

Then it's a dumb rule.

[ Very eloquent, right. But its simplicity just means it comes straight from Inigo's heart, rather than all the fancy dramatic acts he puts up all the time. ]

It's one thing to strive to be good, but I won't forgive them if they're mean to you for doing something so small.

[his reaction is to squint at first, mouth hanging open again like he might ask what inigo's said, but he's far more distracted with how his friend leans in and rests back on his shoulder. sizhui blinks, considers what's being said, suddenly glad inigo can't see the astonishment that overtakes his expression, both toward how easily he accepts physical contact and the bluntness of his words.

in spite of himself, he's smiling, laughing softly while letting his hand move to rest atop inigo's head and absentmindedly toy with his hair.]

We seem to have a lot of unnecessary ones. [wait, no—] Ah, but... don't tell my great uncle that. [because there's a likely chance it'll make him qi deviate (even though most people are surprised he hasn't already).] You needn't worry about them being senselessly mean to me, however. My fellow clan members treat me rather well.

[considering his blood heritage and all! he's only been silence-spelled once too, so that must be a record.]

They better.

[ It's said very, very poutily. Honestly, Inigo sounds like an oversized kid more than ever in this moment.. but at least the intention behind it seems very genuine. Even if he may not know Sizhui super well, or even the place he comes from.. they're friends. Inigo considers them friends, anyway.

And he's never going to abandon a friend in need, no matter how big or small said need may be.

(.. especially when said friend is playing with his hair and by Naga is it ever comfortable. Inigo feels like he could stay like this forever.) ]

What's it like, being part of a clan? [ Maybe talking about this is easier. Easier than thinking about loss, or about himself. Instead just fully taking interest in his friend. ] Is it just like a regular family?

[to the surprise of no one, it makes sizhui laugh again, although it's something airier and light this time. inigo may sound like a child, yes, but he appreciates the ‘threat’ nevertheless. (if something lacking any actual heat behind it could be considered as such.) he thinks so, for whatever it may be worth—

just like he, too, believes they're friends. if he's able to make friends with someone on his first day meeting them, he can absolutely say he and inigo are friends now!

they've hugged and he's literally finger-combing inigo's hair, which hey, does this count as repayment for the time he put all of sizhui's hair up in that pretty style? maybe one day he'll have to do some cute little braids in return or something, but until then, comfortingly stroking his hair while they're leaning against one another will have to do.]

Sort of like being in a regular family, yes. My sect brothers are my family and best friends. [there's a moment's hesitation where he considers then adds,] Although, I do have actual adoptive family within my clan, too.

Adoptive family..?

[ This kind of conversation is important. And usually Inigo would want to draw back to look Sizhui in the eyes, to give this kind of topic the attention it deserves, but.. on the other hand, he's so comfortable right now. In a way that he isn't very often, since most people shy away from this kind of physical contact. So he doesn't want to give that up just yet, not with Sizhui's fingers running so nicely through his hair. It feels too good.

So Inigo doesn't move, keeps resting against the other, even as he softly speaks up. ]

What are they like? [ He can't help but be curious as to the adoptive part too, but Inigo figures it's better to not ask about that. Maybe something tragic happened to Sizhui's biological parents, and he wouldn't want to drag up a single sad memory within the other. ]

Mmhmm.

[most of which are already on the train, much to his luck. having inigo answer what he's saying is more than enough acknowledgment, he needn't worry himself about making eye-contact the whole time, too. in fact, sizhui almost prefers helping his friend out this way, giving comforting gestures, chatting quietly, and just. anything he can do to distract from bad feelings, you bet he's gonna try his best.]

Wei Wuxian, mischievous and carefree. Lan Wangji, almost ascetic yet... open-minded. [that's a safe enough word, yes? if sizhui were the type, he would've made a joke about wine ~~mom~~ dad and vinegar dad, but alas. one day soon though, inigo might unlock the tragic backstory that led to him being adopted. (twice, to be fair!)] They're here, on the train, should you like to meet them sometime.

[ Here on the train, huh..? What luck, Inigo thinks. Not for him, but for Sizhui. If there's anyone who deserves to have their parents here with them, it's the other guy. Not that Inigo thinks Sizhui couldn't go without, that's not it-- it's just that Sizhui is so kind and sweet, so soft around the edges, that Inigo is glad he has people who care for him that deeply right here with him, even during this odd experience.

All he gives in response first is a hum though, before finally speaking up a moment or two later. ]

I don't know, maybe I should make sure they're not the kind of parents who mind another guy cuddling with their son. [ Is that a joke. Is it serious. Who knows, it's so hard to tell from Inigo's mumbly, comfortable tone.

(Though he does know some parents can get ridiculously overprotective about that kind of thing..) ]

I'm happy you're all together.

[convenient, for sure, seeing as he'd only just started remembering wei wuxian, who the man was (is?) to him and how important it truly is. had he arrived here all by his lonesome, it would've been a different story, and perhaps he wouldn't even befriend people this quickly. it wouldn't, however, have changed his kindhearted, helpful nature any, so friendship would be inevitable. of course, he'd be biased and insist inigo deserves some family, too.

but well, when he puts it that way, it sounds questionable.]

Considering they're two men who cuddle together often, I'd imagine they won't have much to say. [except possibly prying into his business about what sort of ‘friend’ inigo might be and sizhui, obviously, would be forthright with them: just a friend. overprotectiveness though, that's another story, but one he'd have no trouble handling.

because he can be a strong, independent cultivator who's capable of making his own decisions, you know!] Me too, although I never imagined there would be so many of us here at once.

Maybe there's something special about your world.

[ Because Inigo has been here for so long now - about to come up on half a year - and he's only seen one person total from his world arrive here before, only to watch him leave again not too long after. While he can't deny that there's an awful amount of people on the train who look very similar to Sizhui, considering the very specific hairdo and all..

But he does his best to not be jealous. Sizhui is a good person. He deserves it. Whereas Inigo, well.. Not really. ]

I hope you guys can stay together too, no matter what happens. This train can be pretty cruel with who it suddenly pulls away. [ Hence, you know, the reason he's hugging with Sizhui like this in the first place. ] Just.. make sure to let me know if you ever need some comfort over something like that, okay..?

Maybe, [sizhui repeats beneath his breath, partially excited yet halfway worried about his world being ‘special.’

inigo is understandably envious, taking into account how many people there are from his world, even if some are from a different...variation... (now there's something he'd never considered explaining to anyone!) one person coming and going isn't fair, his friend deserves more than that.

he doesn't know this, however, but if he did, lan sizhui might have a questionable slip of morals. how terrible would he be, wishing someone to appear on the void train for inigo?]

Aiyah... [a brief placeholder while he attempts tamping down the abrupt rise of emotions; they were doing alright, avoiding the subject, but being brought back to it again isn't too terrible.] Don't worry, I will. [the second pause is longer this time as he shifts, takes inigo's shoulders and makes certain they make direct eye-contact when he continues,] I promise, Inigo.

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A New Platform [Intro Post November]

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