voidtreckerexpress | A New Platform [Intro Post December]

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A New Platform [Intro Post December]

On the Train

It's only been a couple of days since the Voidtrecker Express took to the void once more, and many of the passengers are still recovering and recuperating after a very hectic end to their latest mission. Nevertheless, they are awoken by a familiar message.

"Good morning passengers, it is day sixteen of the month of Imagination. Points have been updated on the system."

They have indeed, and everyone can spend the morning shopping. Those who have been on the train for 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 the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform. It is warm outside with a pleasant breeze that flows down the platform, rustling the light spread of leaves that litter the floor.

As usual the first to leave the train notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Akemi Homura, Alfred the Poisoner, Donatello Versus, Chie Satonaka, Joscelin Fitzthomas, Ronan Lynch, Rose Tyler, Tangle the Lemur, Trowa Barton, Wester Mazaki and Whisper the Wolf all pass through the platform, not looking back before 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 swirling leaves at their feet, moving in flurries and rattling against each other softly. As their eyes adjust, they will see they are on a platform, cement and packed earth forming a very practical, plain-looking shelter. Behind them is a set of barriers, and in front of them is a single track extending both ways into thick fog.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style 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 eight 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's 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 lead to something terrible. 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 (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with more jars of honey, the ingredient of the month of Imagination, as well as sundries.

A new carriage has been added right next to the luggage carriage. It is a second medical carriage, or triage carriage. Downstairs is more open with beds and chairs, upstairs are two surgical bays for those that need immediate attention.

For those intrigued by the claim of a parcel for every passenger they will find several large boxes filled with small blue bags. Inside each bag is ten dark blue coins imprinted on each side with a silver snowflake. Each bag has a small label with a passengers name. On the other side of the label it reads: Keep these safe for now.

Of course for any passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage as well.

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 taking advantage of the pleasant weather and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again 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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The familiar voice reaches his ears and his eyes widen slightly. Just before he came here, Hua Cheng had disappeared into a flutter of silver butterflies, his body no longer existing. Xie Lian refused to believe that the man was gone. After everything he had just learned, all they had just gone through..to just lose him so suddenly was heart breaking.

He turns slowly, almost afraid that if he looked that the man wouldn't actually be there and it was all just a figment of his imagination. That the voice was all in his head and that nothing but disappointment will be what he gets.

But what he sees is San Lang right there on the platform with him. He moves quickly towards the other man, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. "San Lang..." He chokes on any other words as he throws himself at the other man, wrapping his arms around him. Relief washing over him that he is okay and somehow they have ended up in this place together.

He opens his arms, wanting to cry too, hugging him tightly. Every ounce of him loves him with all of his heart, eight hundred years of torment, pain, and struggle and yet his love endures. He clings to him, nuzzle on his hair as he squeezes him so hard, it could hurt and hurt it does.

Not letting go of him yet. "En. It's me." It hurts to see him cry, considering what happened. He hushes him gently, as he strokes through his hair, and cups his face.

"It's good to see you again. And I'm sorry." He doesn't care how. He is here and that's what matters. His heart feels so full, he wants to give him all of his heart and it's a heartfelt apology.

He smiles at him, then gently loosens his arms as he felt relieved too. "Gege." He says his name because he wants to. "I'm here now."

Edited 2020-12-02 04:34 (UTC)

He feels his cheeks being warm in embarrassment from showing so much affection in such an open place. But he can't help that he feels so happy to see the man. He looks up at him, smiling as brightly as his face is capable of doing.

"I didn't realize we would be reunited so soon but it still seems like it has been too long."

Perhaps if they had been left on their own world he would have had to wait much longer. And if that is the case then he is grateful for being brought into this one so that he doesn't have to endure such a long separation.

"You don't have to apologize, San Lang. I'm just glad you are here."

His happiness and his smiles means everything to him that he could melt into this sweetness and stayed chained to him, in body and soul, right here on this platform and he wouldn't care if the train left. (Except...totally not a good idea to stay on the platform less it's a trip to the luggage room....) He'll take a moment to gaze into his eyes a little longer. He takes a moment to wipe his tears away with his thumb as he cups his face, adoring him. Just gazing into his eyes and his face is worth a thousand lifetimes all rolled into one.

"Has it been long? I'm here at last, by your side." With deep regret. "But I am truly sorry gege." He doesn't feel worthy of his forgiveness and his love.

From his face, he lowers his arms to hold his hands, finger interlocking. They have some time on the platform before boarding to reconnect their bond.

He smiles sweetly at him, flirting with him. "Gege." He whispered. "Can we kiss...?" He's so respectful of his god, that he must ask for permission.

For the longest time they have shared those kisses with the guise of transferring spiritual power. Someone Xie LIan innocently believed this was the only way to do so until it was pointed out that there was actually many other ways. To actually be asked to kiss without that cover is even more embarrassing.

He is definitely bright red now as he tilts his face down to try and hide that color. He stares at Hua Cheng's blue sweatshirt. It's such a strange color to see him in. He's so used to the bright red of the man's robes. It's almost a welcome distraction from the topsy turvy way his insides are behaving.

"..y-yes..that would be fine.."

Hua Cheng would like to give him spiritual power too, to give him the strength and courage he needs after he left him in a scattering of butterflies, to fill in the void after he left him to wander in the mortal realm. He knew how lonely he is without him, but there isn't anything he could do, but he'll do anything to give it all up to save him. To him, his highness looks splendorous even wearing the plain purple hoodie. His reaction to his question. He loves the way he looks so distracted.

"I really long for this, dianxia. And by the looks of it, we're going on a journey together."

He waits for him, to collect himself to become calm, and ever-patient for him, to feel this moment on the platform is real, a start before they begin a new chapter and their journey for their lives. It's difficult to sum what he feels for him in a few words.

"I love you, dianxia. So trust me, we're going together." He wraps an arm around his waist to pull him closer, tilts his head side, and when he closes his eyes, he gently presses a light kiss to his lips finding his lips warm and soft.

He is bright red as those lips meet his own. His fingers grip the front of Hua Cheng's sweatshirt as he returns the kiss. He doesn't know why this is so much more embarrassing when he has transferred spiritual powers so many times at this point. But this is different. There is only the desire to feel loved.

He is glad that they will be going on this journey together even if this is not the one he expected. He's happy to be able to be with Hua Cheng again and hopes that there won't be anything that tears him away from him.

He loves him so much. He could smiles softly when the kiss break, gazing into his eyes. With so much love, the reunion is so sweet to heal whatever heartbreak they endured and he's terribly sorry for leaving him, breaking his heart.

There won't be anything that stands in their way. He only smiles as he holds him in his arms.

"Let's board the train and hop inside." He could feel it, there's a sense of dread if one remains on the platform for too long. "I think we can't remain too long here."

Taking his hand, he leads him to one of the doors.

Xie Lian keeps his head down as he follows Hua Cheng to the train. He knows that his face is bright red and he can't possibly expect to meet anyone's eyes as he makes his way through the crowd. He'll have to get used to the fact that Hua Cheng's flirtatious ways are going to always be directed solely at him.

His hand holds onto Hua Cheng's firmly, not wanting to even let go of him again. He hopes that once they board the train that they won't have to stay in separate places.

With a soft laugh, he gently leads him inside, encouraging him to hop on board. "Hop on gege." He knows if he chooses to go into the fog beyond the border, he'll disappear, scatter like butterflies, and he didn't want that. He knows he will leave ghost city behind in the other realm, but between his kingdom and his dianxia, the choice is clear. He chooses him above all else.

Despite his fears, once onboard, his hand holds onto his, and his presence is solid. Inside the train, they boarded officially with the others.

With a child-like wonder, "It's nice inside. What do you think gege?"

He lifts his head once he is inside and looks around. It's really impressive how much they can get inside of the space. And from the outside the train seemed to go on forever so he is looking forward to walking through the cars and seeing everything that is available on it.

"It's not at all what you would expect. It's quite comfortable looking."

Hua Cheng looks around to, stay by his side, walking at a casual, lazy pace. The surroundings are new as they walk through the carriage.

"En." He simply answered. It's only then after exploring, there's a sound of the horn and the sound of the doors slide shut. Hopefully, most of the arrivals boarded and accounted for. Veteran passengers warned the newbies to take a seat as the train is ready to depart.

"Gege, they said we should take a seat." Taking his head, there's an empty seat, a pair next to the window.

Once seated, the train is in motion with a sudden lurch and in motion, lifting off to ascend to the fog-filled sky, leaving the platform behind and completely vanished.

He settles into the seat and watches as the train starts to move. He can't look out the window, but it is interesting to see all the different people who were on board. It was going to be quite a trip that they were on and Xie Lian always enjoys an adventure. He's just lucky that he gets to travel with Hua Cheng.

"We should take the time to explore the rest of the train at some point. We don't know how long we are on this trip. We need to familiarize ourselves with our new accommodations."

Once the fog clears and there are the colors of the void, even Hua Cheng feels dizzy from a quick glance. The motion of the train was turbulent until after a while it becomes steady and it's announced that it's safe to get up and explore the rest of the train and the carriages and it's facilities.

"I heard it's a long trip. I think we can go now and check our accommodations. Do you have your ticket with you, gege?"

He sets the little bag down in his lap and reaches in to pull out the ticket he was given. He holds it up to show to him.

"I guess this is important. Which car does it say your room is?"

He searches his rucksack to check his inventory. He finds his ticket.

"Mine says, cabin E, sleeper 3 and I'm on team blue. How about you, gege?"

"We are in the same cabin at least. I am on purple team..ah..I guess that explains the outfit." The fact that everyone on the train seems to be sporting their team color now seems more obvious.

"I wish I have the red hoodies, but for some reason I am blue." Well, it doesn't matter. Blue is indeed a nice color. "Oh, same cabin? I preferred that way. That means we stay together." He grins.

Seeing it's safe to get up. "Why don't we go find it and check it out?" Taking his hand he tugs him along.

He nods and lets himself be tugged. He does prefer red on Hua Cheng but there must be a reason he was placed with blue instead. He will have to find someone who knows the different colors.

"I'm glad they are going to let us stay together. I wonder if everyone is that lucky." because it definitely isn't his luck that got them this..so it had to have been Hua Cheng's luck.

"We ought to stay together. I want to stay with you and give you all of my luck." He said with a smile, and much of his luck does indeed come from him, given to him.

He takes him through the carriage cars, reading the letters and numbers until he finds theirs. "Here it is." Using his ticket as the key, he opens the cabin door to find it empty, and there are top and bottom beds.

He walks into the cabin and looks at the beds. He marvels at how odd they are. "Looks like there might be four of us in here at some point. Which bed would you like?"

Xie Lian doesn't really have a preference but if they are going to have roommates then he would happily let them all chose which bed they want. He would be content with any of the options.

They'll discover much later no roommates will come. Not until the train makes it's next stop on the next platform.

Hua Cheng set his backpack down and inspects the beds. It's all clean and neat, so to his approval, befitting for him and the prince.

Thoughtfully, he tries to think of bunk bed arrangement. "Oh, I'm not particularly picky. But I rather pick the bottom bed. I want the bed to be opposite of yours, gege. But if you pick the top, I'll go top. Or do you go top and I'll be on the bottom on the same side? I don't think it matters as long you're comfortable."

He laughs at the different options that Hua Cheng gives him. He doesn't really mind which bed he sleeps on. "I think I would prefer a lower bed. Since I am used to sleeping on the mat that will be closer to doing that."

It's not like he has a fear of heights or anything. He just wants to feel a little more like at home.

Then, he'll make it safe as a home for him. He smiles and laughs back. "Gege, as long as you're comfortable and get some sleep later on. I know this isn't paradise manor or the straw bed back in your temple, but anywhere you are, I'll be with you. Let me make your bed, your highness."

In the meanwhile, to make room and space, he helps pack away their things. He pushes the top beds, folding them up since they won't be using it. Being clever, he pulls the blankets and pillows from the top bunks down for their use to double their blankets and pillows on their bottom bed beds.

Since they're behind closed doors, his smile wides and he gives him a quick kiss on his cheek.

"There, made your bed so it's extra warm and comfy."

He smiles, blushing lightly at the kiss. Even in the privacy of their own room it seems strange to receive such affection. But after their public display on the platform he really shouldn't be surprised or shy about it anymore.

"Thank you San Lang."

He sits down on the bed to test it. "Ah..they are going to be far more comfortable then the mat."

A New Platform [Intro Post December]

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