No Place Like Home: The Return

[voidtreckermods]

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NO PLACE LIKE HOME: THE RETURN

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a silence broken...

It's been a very difficult few days. Rocking and rolling into the void and out again. Watching their friends out of the window as they wander from world to world. Meanwhile those lost on worlds continue to wander unable to return to the train at all.

"All attempts at returning those who left have failed. This voidcraft cannot do it alone. It is lucky that unlike those that have left before them, I can still sense them.

But I cannot bring them back alone. This is perhaps too advanced for Voidtreckers, but you have done the improbable before. You say you wish to help. This is how you help."

Their SCA's light up with a message. Or rather, a series of instructions:

In the unlikely event a tether gets stranded on a liminal space platform or between their own world and the platform space, you should, in the first instance, contact the Void technicians who monitor their non-travelling self. However, in the case they cannot be reached or there is a mass displacement of tether, an anchoring procedure can be carried out.

Ideally, this will involve two fully tethered individuals to retrieve the lost tether. One should be a stationary anchor. They should be outside of their void craft, if possible, and in physical contact with it. The second should be a roaming anchor reaching to draw the tethers back. In situations of mass tether displacement the stationary anchor can hold mutiple roaming anchors but it is recommended to not exceed five. In this situation, it is recommended that anchors rotate between stationary and roaming.

To start an anchoring of this kind, those anchoring should activate their anchoring program. Those staying station should reach out to the tethers of those they plan to steady. This might cause some emotional upheaval, and they will need to stay steady, especially if connecting to more than one roaming tether. Roaming anchors then must hold the person they search for in their thoughts and move towards them. It is recommended that the lost tethers activate their emergency beacon to facilitate being found and returning but this is not a necessity.

Once the roaming anchor has found the lost tethers they must keep hold of them and guide them back towards their craft, the stationary tethers must draw them back, pulling them through.

There is an additional note at the end, in different font.

It is as Anan told you. Your minds should visualise it. Be strong Voidtreckers.

... a short-lived dream

The doors open and anyone who wishes to try this can leave onto the platform. It is empty, devoid of the figures they had seen before; and, beyond the fog, devoid of anything. But searching requires their SCAs, not a path, and as people get into teams, they can activate their anchors and begin.

For those who will roam, their minds become filled, visualising light, void, voices and chaos; their bodies feel less stable, like they might unravel if not careful. But for those who will stay, when they touch the Voidtrecker Express, they will feel more stable, grounded. The fog shifts, but the world moves around them without pulling them in.

Thinking of the person they wish to keep stable, a mental and emotional link will be established, and they will feel each other as the roaming anchor sets off to find their missing crew.

---

Outside the train...
For those that had left - either by choice or by strange happenings - they have found themselves back at their anchor point during Poi 26, regardless of where they were before. For those unfortunate enough not to have a world to return to, or those who were stuck between in the first place, they will find themselves alone, in a fog filled space where no matter how far they walk, nothing greets them.

All those in fog or back in their world receive the same message from their SCAs.

Hold fast. Press your evacuation button. Your friends come.

---

RETURNERS: FLEETING HAPPINESS

But it's likely before the message arrived, that something wrong has been noticed by those outside the void. More than the bizarre ability to travel between existences, an inability to move far from where they appear. Back at their anchor points, they may notice - in time - colours sometimes flash across the sky, streaking through clouds or making trails in a night sky. At first not much, something to be easily dismissed but it builds. People talk, wonder at what is happening.

For the colours aren't the only thing. Across worlds, in cities, kingdoms, villages, underworlds and space stations, people are dreaming. Bright colours, vivid dreams. Prophets spring from nowhere, people claim to know the future or to have seen the past. Some talk of places and worlds they could not have seen.

Perhaps at first it can be explained away, there are always such people. But more people talk, from urchin children to commanders, people dream and the colours dance.

ANCHORERS: A STEADY HAND

While the stationeries will feel grounded, they aren't blind to what's happening to their roamer. It's as if they're both linked, intimately, meshing together, and they will need to work to keep their feelings separate; hearing each other's thoughts, their feelings. Images of what the other thinks and memories shared between them.

And then there is the search for their teammates, amongst the multiple of realities. Existences move past the roamer, threatening to lose them in the mess, but they must persevere, keep their thoughts on the individual, their stationary anchor to help them. Until finally, they appear - in a world they perhaps know, don't, the kaleidoscope colours of the void faint above their heads.

Speak to each other, keep each other focused, certain, and find who you came to save.

BOTH: HOLDING ON

Searching for individuals, the anchorers will find themselves at a character's anchor point; if they haven't moved far from here or another world, it will be easy to locate them. Now is the time to convince them to come back, and then the eventual work of doing so.

It can be in agreement, or force. Taking a hold of the person, the anchorer can pull them into the mass of chaos. Just like when they helped the guests return to their worlds from the false Diagad, all parties become battered by images, voices. Voices like sirens; 'Just stay,' the voices encourage. 'Just let go and drift into the chaos. It will be easier.'

But they must be strong, move towards their anchor and towards the craft. The crossing doesn't take too long, perhaps ten minutes each way, and once they get to the craft the person they are rescuing glows gold and vanishes. The anchors will know instinctively that they are safe on the train.

And indeed, the rescued will find themselves within the luggage carriage - exhausted, but safe.

TRAIN: AN INEVITABLE RETURN

Exhaustion is something all parties will experience, once everyone is returned to the train and the adrenaline wears off. Those who anchored will be hit with a total exhaustion, leaving them unable to do much more than eat and sleep for a few days. Those rescued won't be as bad, but if they decide to join in with the efforts, they'll too face the soul-tiring experience that other anchorers are.

There's likely to be efforts, to help soothe people over this time. And as people return to their life on the train, they will see the marks of the last few days for those who stayed behind. Broken ceramics, books out of order in the library; the ICPs in the standard coach, storage, sports and games carriages broken, and some damage to furniture.

But for the scars brought on by this event, surely, they will heal - eventually.

OOC NOTES

OOC post. Ask questions here. New second part OOC post here.

First phase of the event took place during Poi 22 to 25; the second phase takes place during Poi 26 to 28 (20-25th February).

VISITING WORLDS: While during Poi 26, it will be possible to go back to wherever they were, or other spaces. However, they will have increasing difficulty doing this, and will feel themselves getting more lost if they try world hopping too much over the next 3 (void) days. It's like something is trying to pull them back, or pull them, but into nowhere.

SCAs: The SCA's comms will not be active at this time.

Comments

[wewillwewill]

Definitely not the four-person cabin rooms, thank goodness because then there might have been witnesses. Well for Elidibus it would have been a concern of people seeing him startle so easily instead of the awkward social entanglements. But still, less witnesses the better.

Why does intertwine with How here and Elidibus is patient enough now it becomes clear that this isn't some form of attack. His hand is lowered and he holds the meal tray still as Tidus finds a place to adjust. Whether this is off the bed entirely and onto a chair by the room's ICP and table or if it's to a clear space on the bed, the Ascian won't be troubled. "I was thinking of asking you to join me soon, so do not let it trouble you greatly. Please feel free to remain."

Though probably not on his legs, yes, hence the latter comment is said only after Tidus has finished finding a better position.

Elidibus muses, recalling the events in the city of Jinnjar. There is a frown and a furrow of his brow as the ramifications become clearer. "Yes, I recall something of your power. And I know others have manifested theirs as well." Tidus will be studied a moment and the recipient of another small frown.

"Have you been overtaxed by the rescue efforts? I will not ask you to stay and speak if you've need of rest." He's not really one to speak. Though more because he shows signs of exhaustion as well, even if it weren't for the same reason. But it does seem to be genuine concern.

[blitzcheer]

Any other time, Tidus would get off the bed and go to the chair than hang around the end of a guy's bed. But Elidibus is offers for him to stay, and what seems weird and not weird...isn't really calculating the same as it normally would, right now. He's got one leg hanging off the bed, sat between a place where he could easily get up, but he's curious. Elidibus wanted to talk to him - what about?

"Long as you don't want to talk some big or long topic." It's a joke, but about his limits as well, though he doubts there's anything at length that Elididus wants to go into with him. But he has things he wants to say, too - ask, and he takes the moment to do so.

"How are you? How'd...going back to your world go?"

[wewillwewill]

Elidibus shakes his head. Well he can be concise with his request anyway.

As for the rest? Well it would be wrong to say Elidibus didn't expect the questions once he realized they would speak again. But even now there is a moment of hesitation. At least he can answer the first part easily.

"I am exhausted. The journey to my star and events there have taken their toll, far more than I imagined." The Ascian looks as tired as he claims though even the worn expression and paler than normal features is a vast improvement over his condition when he first returned a few days ago.

"I don't know an easy way to tell you of what happened. But I imagine you would find it worse that I said nothing at all." Elidibus seems to be trying to give Tidus time to brace for... something. What that is becomes very evident soon enough.

"My absence allowed one of my Sundered brethren to act on his own desires and authority. With it, he brought an end to our god. This led to the return of the Final Days, the event of my star's destruction which led to Lord Zodiark's creation."

Elidibus allows himself to exhale slowly. News of Zodiark's destruction had been both horror and blessing. Emotions play across his features before he schools them again. There will be time for that. Later.

"Fandaniel was defeated with Lord Zodiark. But I alone could not forestall the Final Days again and even if I could, the Voidtrecker Express bound me in place. So I gave my all to the Warrior of Light and created the portal through time that he needed in order to find the clues that would aid him in finding a means to stopping the destruction of our star."

Forgive him if this has a little Tidus. The Ascian watches the youth carefully as he concludes the tail.

That journey would take him to before the beginning of this tale. Before the world had been Sundered by Hydaelyn's will. And such a long journey could only have been accomplished if I gave all that I am. Thus it was to be my final act. But know I did so willingly."

Raising his arm, Elidibus briefly displays the SCA.

"The train drew me back from my journey to join my brethren. Whether for a purpose or because it is the nature of its program only it can say."

[blitzcheer]

Tidus was never sure what Elidibus would be returning to. There's a lot there for anyone - to ask about their worlds, their lives - that's personal, that really isn't anyone's business, unless it seems worth to bring it up. And Elidibus is old enough and reserved enough where it's not been a question for Tidus.

It was always likely to be something big, though. The end of a god - a pretty big thing, if Tidus's learnt anything about gods.

He listens without interrupting. The curious and ignorant expression worn coming tighter, a frown pulling on his mouth as his brows slant, yet come close, too. Uncertainty, but there's an obvious struggle, a desperation present. An end of life.

Eyes follow to the SCA lifted, Tidus's own hands rested in his lap, his SCA exposed - as always - on his right wrist. He wants to say sorry, but it's difficult, despite the sympathy showing clear on his face. Elidibus made his choice, and it's not something he would have wanted apologies for, were it him. But his fingers lace, and if there's anything he can say...

"If there's a will, there's a way." Tidus looks up at Elidibus, the pulled frown heavy on his mouth tugging at the edges upwards, just some. "They'll give it their all, too. I'm sure of it."

Blind faith, belief, but why not when it meant so much?

"...sucks being dead though, huh." It's awkard, morbid, but even Tidus's face is sheepish, his thumbs twiddling a little as he tries to make it lighthearted, not sure if he'll hit his mark. "Dying, and then showing up here? Cramped halls, no sky... somewhere with a sea would be nicer. Or a big library, with a bunch of books?"

Because Elidibus would like a really big library with a bunch of books, right.

[wewillwewill]

There really is no hesitation when Elidibus responds with his feelings on the Warrior of Light's worth.

"We were enemies because our paths opposed one another and his convictions matched our own. The Final Days had come once more. Who better to steer the course of our star? The truth of the matter lay in the past I could no longer remember and only I was able to cast the spell to connect the past and present. So I choose to place our hopes in him."

For more reasons as well; ones half remembered and some learned during his voyage on the Voidtrecker Express. But those need not be said.

Talk of death. Morbid as it is, there is something relatable in those words. Moreso than before. Drawn from death or the brink of it and rightful rest to ride the train once again for who knows how long.

"I would have settled with meeting my dear friends again," he says quietly, a poignant note coloring his tone. "Or perhaps the memories which return to us as our souls are washed clean by the aetherical sea. To dream..." Until the life he had lived was washed away so the soul can be reborn anew to another life. Elidibus finishes with a wistful sound before shaking his head. The Ascian's voice grows firm again. Calm.

"But not yet. Such is our lot for now, is it not? If I must wait a little longer, so be it."

cw: death talk

[blitzcheer]

What did Tidus want when he died? A multiple of outcomes, the biggest that it wouldn't happen. That he'd live despite what he did, but if he couldn't have that, that it was quick, pain - that he didn't even notice, or have to confront the others about it. Going over and over and over every little possibility, but never letting them form; and then always deciding that whatever it was, would come. That was it, he'd have to face it no matter what - because not would be the death of people he loved. The death of Yuna. And Zanarkand wasn't a life he could ever go back to with, if Sin still existed.

(Or without it.)

He hums, a non-committal sound, a noise as his thoughts drift. Death isn't what he talks about often; not his own death. Now isn't really the time for it either, but he lets out a breath, a sigh before he speaks.

"Well, you've lived a long time." He's noticed that roster age, guy. "However long we're stuck here can't be a lot for you."

It'll be over quicker, is what he means, but maybe Elidibus's personality will make it easier to deal with than it has been for Tidus.

[wewillwewill]

It might not really be the time to talk about death but given the circumstances, it couldn't be helped but mentioned a little. But for one reason or another, it seems it wasn't the Ascian's time to leave.

Elidibus is left with a nagging disquiet about it. Some long ago ingrained belief that one's life is measured not by a set average lifespan, but by defining its span by fulfilling a purpose meaningful to them and then at this end, returning themselves to their beloved star. The full import of this is not remembered. But the Ascian quiets his heart all the same and speaks with a faint smile.

"Even centuries on this voyage would be naught but the blink of an eye. I will endure until I can truly return to my star and rest."

And he has faith the Warrior of Light will succeed so that it might still be returned to.

It's been the type of conversation where food was momentarily forgotten, but Elidibus does start taking the time to return to it, straightening what can be straightened from the earlier knocking about of the half-finished lunch.

"If I may turn our conversation to another subject, I would like to ask a favor of you, Tidus. One I wouldn't ask lightly."

[blitzcheer]

Sorry about your lunch, buddy.

Tidus wished that time moved like that for him. Especially on the train - but maybe the problem was that time was becoming like that. A little too much. Days hard to separate, how long it's been since one event or the other; going to sleep after one mission, and waking up to another.

Waiting on some greater change, but living in the middle of it too.

But for now, all he has is feeling awkward at the sight of the tray and food, the reminder of his rude arrival, but not lingering on it at the lead in of the question.

"Hm? What's up?"

It should sound serious like that, but he's feeling too sluggish to get concerned too quick.

(Maybe he wants a salt and pepper shaker.)

[wewillwewill]

Truth of the matter about the passage of time; even though the Ancient race Elidibus hails from were functionally able to live as long as they pleased, they were still mortal. Twelve thousand years is horrifyingly long even by their view. Once upon a time, Elidibus probably could have related to what Tidus is going through. At least he could assure the youth that it's a transition one can survive. Immortality that is. The constant drive of each day blending into one continuous Duty.

But for now what the Ascian is thinking about is whether Tidus is in a condition to be asking favors of, along with a sense of emotion that is perhaps concern. So the youth will be studied a moment before Elidibus continues.

"Whatever the reason," the train's depleted systems, the nature of his death, perhaps a mix of both, "it seems it'll be some time before I recover from the cost of the portal through time."

There is a moment where Elidibus pauses. "...It goes beyond the physical exhaustion, but for now that's my primary concern. It's difficult to remain awake for long periods of time." Being exhausted? Well a lot of people are after the anchoring system and this seems similar. But coupled with the lack of power to defend himself...

"I'd appreciate if you're willing to occasionally aid me while I rest." ...It might not be salt and pepper shakers he's asking for, but there is a sense that it's an extra set of hands and feet. Given he's a man that teleports around like most people reach for a book on a nearby shelf, it may be saying something about the limits of his current ability.

"Simply bringing meals or passing messages I would not like to address over the ICP would be enough." No need to guard him or act in his defense. It may be a mix of Tidus's current condition and Elidibus's reluctance to seem more vulnerable than he already is (and perhaps more than a bit of pride) that prevents him from addressing that.

[blitzcheer]

...huh. Tidus wasn't expecting that, and he wonders if he's missing something - some obvious, visible display of exertion that he can't tell by just looking at the guy. Which isn't to say that a guy in bed doesn't look less than active, but it's still the kind of request that wouldn't have been at the front of his mind.

But it's a simple one, isn't it? So after a brief display of his surprise, Tidus answers "--Sure" after a delayed beat. Not the most flashy of help, but if Elidibus thinks he needs it, then - he needs it.

"You got any messages now?" Since, with a look at the food tray, "--Looks like you've got food covered."

For now.