The Twilight Princess 2: The Time Forgotten

Five

Aria suddenly stopped in her tracks and smiled to herself as her gaze fell upon the train station. A loud horn sounded, and off went the next train, following the tracks that were laid out upon the vast forest. "The next train doesn't leave 'til 3:00, ya know." Tom crossed his arms and sighed from behind her.

"3 what?"

"3 o'clock," he said simply.

"What's a clock?" She had never heard of this odd contraption of which he spoke of.

He laughed. "You're kidding, right, Redhead?" Aria stood there blankly, then shook her head. Tom's face fell. "Well, it, uh, tells time and stuff." She nodded. She had also forgotten how she was in the past now, so time ran differently here. Very differently.

Aria made her way around a few clusters of people chatting to each other, and found herself at the ticket booth. A plump man with a handlebar mustache stood behind it, and reached his hand out. "That'll be two tickets," he demanded. Aria froze. She didn't have any. She didn't know what to say.

"Here ya go, sir," Tom reached over, handing him two tickets. The man stared at the tickets for a second, then ushered them to the gate. "Thanks," Aria whispered to Tom as they walked. He nodded. "Sure thing." His thick country accent trickled his voice.

Aria glanced up at the clock above her. "Now that would be a clock," Tom winked. He glanced up at it himself. "2:44. We're right on time," he smirked. "So, what's the plan?"

"Why do you care?"

"'Cause I want to be part of it."

"This is a very secret mission that no one can know about. Not even you."

"Oh, c'mon! I never get to be part of anything exciting!"

Aria snorted. His comment reminded her of herself. He stepped in front of her, trying to reason. "You need me. You know you do. You need my street smarts. You don't know this place like I do." Was he trying to read her?

"Alright fine. You can come. But only because I need some directions."

"Awesome."

Aria couldn't help but roll her eyes. But really she actually did want him to come. She could use the help. And the company.

......

"All aboard!" The captain called. Before they knew it, they were sailing toward this vast new land.

Aria stuck her head out the window, streaks of red hair flying in the wind. She had seen quite a place like this one before. Everything was an open field, green everywhere. It was nothing like the snow-covered ground she was used to.

"You act like you've never been on a train before."

She stuck her head back into the train, coming back into reality, her thoughts interrupted. "I have. It's just....been a long time." Her voice sounded weak and drained. She sat up straight, rolled her shoulders back, and placed her hands on top of each other in her lap.

After the moment of silence, she finally spoke, "Tom, may I ask you a question?" Tom nodded. Aria pursed her lips. "Have you ever heard of the Emerald of Trox?" He shook his head, wearing a clearly clueless look across his face. "Nah. What is it?"

"It's a very rare....and ancient....rock. Yeah, a rock." She paused. He gave her an odd stare as if her statement made no sense. She blushed uncomfortably. "I'm in search of it. I'm a...uh...rock collector." Tom laughed. "Don't think I've heard that one before." The train suddenly came to a halt, startling her. "Welcome to Old Town," the driver announced. "Don't let them doors hit ya on the way out."