It was a dog. A furry, smiling golden retriever. It was slowly waddling down the aisle. It had a vest of sorts strapped to its back. The vest was lined with pockets that were filled with what looked like chunks of shiny, clear marbles.
The dog stopped at Zoe's booth and looked at her expectantly. Its pink tongue lolled out of its mouth as it panted. It looked so friendly that she almost reached out a hand to pet it.
Mysterious Voice
Hello. Ticket, please?
She jerked her hand away. Did the dog say that? No—it was still looking at her with its mouth open. And the voice seemed to come from all over the place.
Mysterious Voice
Why don't you have a mask?
This time, the disembodied voice had a more suspicious tone. The mirrors on either side of her booth were completely fogged up now.
Zoe
I—I lost it.
Mysterious Voice
Hm. Well, please give your ticket to the conductor.
Zoe looked around.
Zoe
Who is the conductor?
Mysterious Voice
Why, you're looking at her.
The dog in front of Zoe shook its head slightly, as if to acknowledge its position, and continued panting.
Mysterious Voice
Where are you going?
Zoe
The Amethyst Castle.
Mysterious Voice
The Amethyst Castle? Never heard of it.
The dog looked from side to side, and then sat down on its haunches.
Zoe
Umm.
Mysterious Voice
Are you a traveller, or a wanderer?
Zoe
I'm a traveller. I'm travelling to the Amythest Castle.
Moisture dripped from the mirrors. Zoe wiped her forehead.
Mysterious Voice
Is that right?
The voice was more localized now. It seemed to be coming from next to the dog. In fact, Zoe thought she saw a cloud of steam forming there.
Zoe
Yes sir.
The cloud of steam grew larger and larger until it had the vague shape of a person. The train seemed to slow down as the steam coalesced.
Man-shaped Cloud of Steam
Well, I suppose there are lots of places I've never heard of. Perhaps you've gotten on the wrong train?
Zoe
No. I don't think so.
Man-shaped Cloud of Steam
Are you sure? It happens more often then you'd think.
Zoe just shook her head. The train continued to slow down. It was nearing a full stop.
Man-shaped Cloud of Steam
Now look what you've done. Made me manifest and got me distracted from powering the train. That's why I have my dog do the conducting. Now, you'd better decide where you want to go double-quick. Though, if you've got no ticket and no destination, then we'll be stopping anyways, if you catch my meaning.
The creature waved a wispy tendril in the direction of the door.
Man-shaped Cloud of Steam
And my meaning is that you'll be getting off.
Zoe looked around for any sign of what she was expected to do at this point. In the mirrors' reflection, she noticed the masked man with the fez was still looking at her.
Zoe
I don't understand.
She looked at the dog, whose face was more comforting than a human-shaped cloud of steam.
Zoe
I did everything I was told to do. I'm just a harmless traveller—
Masked Man wearing Fez
Excuse me.
The man stood up and walked towards Zoe's booth. He looked at the steam-man.
Masked Man wearing Fez
I apologize, great and noble aurisha, for interupting. But it sounds as if this poor girl is hopelessly stranded. If there is anything I can do to help her, please, let me know.
"Hm," said the aurisha. "Can you can pay for her?"
The masked man shook his head. "I gave your conductor my one and only steam crystal."
"Then perhaps a toy for my dog?"
Again, the masked man shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't have anything like that."
Zoe looked at the dog, who looked back at her expectantly. Then she got an idea.
