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

[longforgottenpromise]

I am glad that people were able to help you. [He sounds it as well, his voice is genuine, as is his smile.]

I was in my own world, but I grew up on a different world altogether, I was lost as a child and born somewhere else.

[deferences]

Me too. [recognizing the sincerity in taiki's words makes sizhui smile again as well, though it falters slightly at his following comment about being lost as a child. boy, does he know that feeling all too well!]

Goodness, that sounds... difficult. [to put it mildly.] Were you alone the whole time?

[longforgottenpromise]

I... [Yes, he was very much alone. But it's complicated.] I was born into a family on that other world, they believed me their child but... They always knew I think, deep down, that I wasn't.

[He shook his head.] I wasn't left to fend for myself though so it wasn't that bad.

[deferences]

[while waiting for taiki's answer, he holds his breath, lips pursed and eyes wide with anticipation. once he explains, sizhui finally lets the air out with an audible whoosh, glad to hear he wasn't totally by himself.] I understand. My family adopted me because of [pause] ah, an unfortunate event. So, I suppose it is different.

[he smiles once more, bringing his hands together and clasping them in front of himself.] But we seem to have done alright, you and I.

[longforgottenpromise]

Oh. [His eyes turned sad, he could imagine too well what sort of unfortunate events might have led to Suzhui being adopted.]

Yes. I am glad you were able to find a family to care for you. [He reached out, gently to touch Lan Sizhui's hands.]

I hope that they were very kind.

[He can only imagine so, not because he is so naive to believe anyone who would take in a child would be kind, but because Lan Sizhui strikes him as such a kind and gentle soul that it seemed he had been raised by people equally so kind.]

[deferences]

[oh no, he hadn't. meant for that to happen? sizhui stands there, momentarily agape from loss of words, but taiki comments first, even reaches out to touch his hands in just the softest gesture and— well, there's no way he can be too bothered by his slip-up after that.]

They were, [he heartens then remembers:] They are, actually. Here. On the train? [a bit more uncertain than he'd meant but what are words?

all the people who helped raise him (wei wuxian included!) were most certainly kind and sizhui has taken their teachings to heart; he wants to soften the edges, hold the world to its best, which is exactly what he plans to do with his possible (???) new friend.] My fathers are here on the train, I mean, as is my uncle and some other...people...I know.

[because he isn't sure what else to call them right now.]

[longforgottenpromise]

Oh! [He brightens at that, because it is wonderful that his family were here with him! Even though no one should be stolen from their worlds, even though he did not like that anyone was on this train at all. At least Lan Sizhui was not alone.]

I'm glad. I'm glad you can all be all together here. Um... [He's thinking now, because he said fathers, both of them here and that narrows things down quite a bit.

He's not an elf and he had given his whole name so it is not that hard to figure out.] Is Lan Wangji your father? [There were others named Lan, but Lan Wangji was the only one who was married, to someone on the train at least.] And Wei Wuxian?

[He knew neither of them very well and had not known they had an adopted son.]

[deferences]

[seeing someone else as happy as himself about his family being here makes sizhui's heart pitter-patter giddily. never in his life did he ever consider he'd be dragged away to this unknown world(?) where he could be lucky enough to practically have all his family alongside him. (there are still some he longs for and a few friends he wishes might show, but doesn't plan to speak that aloud in case he's jinxed and it somehow comes true.)]

Me too, and thank you. [given his name, where he comes from and keeping in mind the other people on the train, he'd hope it wouldn't take much to narrow things down, but he has to remember: his uncle is also here.

his turn to perk this time then he nods,] Yes, he is, and Wei Wuxian is as well. Have you met them before?

[whether he has or not, sizhui ought to congratulate taiki on his ability to figure things out so quickly; perhaps it's more obvious than he thinks, but it's still impressive!]

[longforgottenpromise]

Not formally. [He shook his head.] I've seen them both around but I haven't really spoken to them...

[In close quarters like this it's impossible not to at least know of people but approaching them and striking up conversation is another matter completely.]

[deferences]

That's okay, [he assures, faintly squeezing taiki's fingers once he realizes they're still holding hands.] Since we're friends now, perhaps you'll get to meet them properly. Or, if you'd like, I could introduce you to them sometime?

[yes, they are friends now, it has been divined (and hopefully the other male is okay with that).]

[longforgottenpromise]

[They were friends already? This boy was very friendly. It made Taiki smile softly.] I would like that. It would be nice to meet them.

[deferences]

[so long as taiki's alright with it, yes! sizhui likes having friends and tries to befriend people wherever possible.] Wonderful! Whenever the chance presents itself, and as long as you're free at the time, we'll do that.

[longforgottenpromise]

I look forward to it. [A polite nod.] I am glad I met you today, Lan Sizhui.

[deferences]

As do I. Until then, [he pauses, finally releases taiki's hands and shyly inclines his head.] I'm also glad I met you, Taiki, and I suppose I should let you get back to whatever else you planned to do today.

[longforgottenpromise]

Yes, I will let you get on with your day as well. [Another polite nod.]

I will see you later.

[deferences]

That sounds good. And yes, I will see you soon!

[an equally respectful bow of his own head and the slightest smile is what sizhui offers in-kind before he turns to stride back across the platform and continue his searching.]