Accompanying Storm

As he approached the mists shimmered and were abruptly torn away by the arriving vessel. Like a Dream and a Nightmare all at once it appeared from nothing and went on forever. He took one last look around the planet which had served him as his home for the last three years, a world appropriately named Ragnarok. It's Ice mountains glimmering in the distance, just peeking above the ever present mists, under the sparkle of a distant sun. It had been a good home. Knowing the world like a son, though, the Express was here for one reason and one reason alone: Him. With a final farewell Toc Darkoné turned and boarded his destiny.

Once inside the doors shut behind him and the Amber Express was again on it's way. Not being one to dawdle he was off to his Cabin to secure his meager belongings and perhaps meet his Cabin Mate. Much to Toc's surprise and relief the small room was empty. He packed away his Staff and Satchel and was about to be off to the Lounge Car when he was abruptly interjected...

Where are you off to?

"The Lounge. For a Drink. Care to Join me, Baal?" Toc said matter-of-factly.

Perhaps, but first we must Talk. Sit.

Toc then sat, partially against his will.

Good, now then. Do you know Why we are on this Train of Trains? Hmmmm? I'll tell you why. There is a Convergence in the Void and we have been summoned. Strangely enough, considering the consequences, more so you than me. Actually, to be fully honest, I get the feeling that who or whatever is doing the summons has little or no knowledge of our... arrangement.

"You know I hate it when you call it that. Who do you imagine..."

It is? I have no Idea. Hmm, something has come up. I shall return in time, until then be happy to do what you wish. Just don't get yourself killed, you know the mood that would put me in. Heheheheheh. Anyway, I am off. Be careful who you talk to... I get the feeling that there are a few on board with very Strong ties to the Void. Oh how I would love to see Lovecraft again. Do warn me if you happen to see him, we have some... Catching up to do.

"Of course."

Then a dead, stale silence filled the Cabin. Toc sat and thought about this for a moment. Who did he, or had he known that would have the power to evoke a summons through the Void itself. He could think of a few actually... a couple from his earlier years... and then some from the time after he-no wait, those were dead.... there was that one guy-no, he was dead as well.

"Hmph... This would go much easier with a drink." Toc realized, and rose from the Cabin Seat and headed out the door to the Lounge Car.

---------- Devyn walked into the Lounge Car quietly, not even the door behind him making more than a faint hiss as it closed. He looked about the room for an empty table to sit at... and then he saw it. The White mane of hair in the Booth next to the Bar. Could it actually be? Devyn had to know, if little more than to quell the nagging hope at the back edge of his mind. Slowly Devyn Soyokaze approached the Booth and Sat.

"This seat is not taken, is it?" Devyn asked the man now adjacent to him, who was looking into a glass of some oddly colored liquid. The Man looked up.

Immediately Devyn knew he had been right. The Sharp, angular Jaw and Cheekbones, the straight, ridged nose, the Snowy White hair, the Ice blue eye... and the Scar. The Scar that ran from the top of his left temple down, across his eye, and ended just on his left cheek, leaving said eye dead to the world. "Toc Darkoné."

---------- Toc took a moment to look at the man who had sat down across from him, looked at him and abruptly said his name in a tone so calm he could have been whispering sweet nothings to a luscious young woman. It only took a moment for Toc to put two and three together. "Devyn Soyokaze!" But Toc had never been good in math.

Toc Smiled widely. "Well isn't this a surprise to end all? Of all the people I didn't expect to see, You were at the top of my list. It's Good to see you."

"I share the same sentiments, although with your rather abrupt disappearance from Inusaka High I had thought you lost to the Void. I see I was mistaken, and am glad of it. What, exactly, did happen to you?"

"It's a very long, very complicated story. I'll tell it to you some time when I'm not quite as intoxicated." Toc said with a grin. "I've heard quite a bit about you myself. Made quite a name for yourself back on Khazan I hear. Also hear you were murdered, merely rumor as I expected. Or was it?" Toc gave Devyn a questioning glance.

"No, I am very much alive." Devyn said with a sly smile. "I think I'll take you up on your offer."

A waitress walked up to the two and smiled warmly. "Would you two like anything? Another drink for you Sir? And could I get something for You as well, Sir?"

"Hmm, yes. I think I'll have what he's Having." Devyn replied to the young woman.

"Yes sir, two more Phobes Bane's." She said and began to walk off.

Toc raised his hand quickly to stop her. "Belay that, Miss." Then looked at Devyn. "I definitely doubt you want any of this."

Devyn just gave him a slightly questioning look followed by a solemn nod.

"How about a decent Red Chardonnay? Oh... no, better yet a Vintage Black Thamodar. Yes, that would be good. Two glasses of your best Black Thamodar, the year is irrelevant." Toc said with a smile to the woman as she walked off to fill the order.

"Why, exactly, would I not like the... Phobes Bane did she call it? I agree the name itself is disreputable but."

"Because, my dear Devyn, you couldn't handle it. Seriously. Phobos Bane, she said the name wrong, is made from a mixture of different liquors that have absolutely No Freezing point. Then the entire thing is subjected to near Absolute Zero temperatures. Effectively eliminating the need for putting it 'on the rocks'. It makes most Cold Drinks look like Hot Chocolate. It's normally reserved for the likes of Elementals Only, but I've come rather enjoy them."

"I see."

Suddenly the train began to slow, the sounds of interdimensional breaks squealing to a halt raked upon both Toc and Devyn's ears. They both looked at each other.

"That's strange. Normally they announce the stop first." Devyn said.

"Hmm. Oh well. I'm up for a breath of fresh air, join me?" Toc replied, getting up.

"Perhaps, shall we stop by my Cabin first? I have a few... friends I think would enjoy meeting you."

"Lead the way." Toc said, letting Devyn step by and following him close behind.

Over the Intercom the driver announced the stop and apologized for the lack of warning. And more souls began to board the one way ticket to destiny...