Persephone and the Magic Track Jumping Train

For a second, the light blinded Persephone and the booming voice was ringing in her ears. She could faintly hear Alfonso's deep chuckle though, and smiled.

Once her eyes adjusted, what she saw standing before was amazing to her. He was a tall man, huge shoulders with a wide, open smile, and twinkling purple eyes. He had brown skin and white hair and a pleasing countenance. Flowing around him, moved by unseen forces, were robes of green and gold that seemed to change pattern with each blink she took.

"At last! Persephone! I have heard much about you. Welcome to the Engine. My name is Hector. Come! Come!" Hector stepped aside and with a wave of his arm invited them in.

The room was much larger than the confines of the train, which at this point did not surprise Persephone one bit. To the right was a large, circular seating area with many cushions and pillows in all colors imaginable. It had a low table in the middle with a flame in the center. It looked so cozy that Persephone wanted to curl up and nap!

To the left was a desk with books and papers stacked upon it, and a large chair draped in fleece. Behind the desk were shelves with more books and strange objects unknown to her. She was fascinated by them as they did not look like anything from the world she knew.

In front of her was the most magic of all. It was a large bowed window that looked out upon infinite tracks, all shimmery, just like the people in some of the cars they walked through on their way to the engine. The space above the tracks was swirling with colors, moving in and out and in between stars and planets. She was hypnotized.

She heard Alfonso and Hector start to laugh. "What you said was true, Alfonso, this girl has unique magic!"

Persephone turned to them." What do you mean?"

"There have only been a few that have been brought to me and shown the wonders of our train here in the Universe. Every one who looked out this window kind of freaked out and ran back to the world they knew. They ended up finding a seat in a shimmery car, and choosing a reality they were comfortable with. But YOU, dear girl, gaze in awe and wonder. There are a million questions I can see in your eyes, yet you listen, and watch."

He turned to Alfonso." What do you think? Can she? Would she choose to make the leap if I asked?

"She has asked questions no one has asked before. She has been curious, open, and joyful. I have watched Persephone for a long time before showing her the button. Regardless of the circumstances she found herself in, she has been grateful, has been in wonder, and dared to dream. I do believe she is ready for more."

" There's more?!" Persephone was excited by the possibility of this not being the end. "After what I have seen, I cannot imagine going back to anything I ever knew before. What would you ask of me, Sir? For I would ask of you to show me everything."

Hector and Alfonso grinned from ear to ear and engulfed her in a big bear hug. "Let's sit down."

They moved to the seating area and Persephone sunk into the pillows. She bolted upright. "Where's Percy?"

Alfonso reached into his pocket, withdrew a sleeping Percy, overstuffed from their wonderful breakfast, and gently handed him to Persephone. She tucked him next to her on a pillow and relaxed.

"He's been snoring softly in my pocket." Alfonso chuckled.

Hector looked at Persephone, eyes twinkling, "I would like to invite you to apprentice with me here, at the front of the train. That door to your right, next to the couches, will be your rooms. Mine are across the car in that door by the desk.. Meals are served to us from the dining car. At first, Alfonso will be the one instructing you. Then I will introduce you to other teachers along the way, each with their own perspective and gifts. Then, I will take over your education."

"This is a journey, Persephone. One that is never complete. I still am learning about this train, the Universe, our place in it, our magic. And I have been here for a very long time."

"You will be our first student. Hopefully the first of many. What say you? Will you accept your invitation?