Steam engines, Skullgirls, and Universes

Chapter 9: Reunions

North Western Railway. Tidmouth station, 9 am.

Gordon was waiting at the station. A morning fog had delayed his express, and it was starting to make him quiet cross. A bright, red engine called James was waiting at the platform as well, he was taking a goods train. 

"That's how this day would start wouldn't it." James grumbled. "Worse that I had to fetch my own trucks." 

"You shouldn't be complaining James, you're a goods engine so some shunting wouldn't hurt you." Gordon said. "I however am a-"

"Galloping sausage who goes on about being an express engine." James interrupted. 

"Original." Gordon snarled. 

"I just wish Thomas would stop playing hide and go seek, and get back to fetching our trains." James said annoyed. He might not be as big as Gordon, but still had a big ego and high opinion of himself. 

"James, it's been nearly a week since he disappeared, I don't think he would've hid for that long." Gordon said. James rolled his eyes. 

"Oh course he would, the cheeky prick has pulled stuff like this before that landed him in trouble with the fat controller, what makes you think he wouldn't do it now?" James said. Gordon was about to argue, but realized it would do no good for James, he never listened to reason. 

"What about Toby?" Gordon asked. 

"He probably just derailed. That old piece of kindling is not meant to be working. Perhaps the fat controller will see sense and have me have the line." James said. Gordon grew cross or still at James' idea. 

"James this is serous! And like bollocks the fat controller would give a branchline to a lazy, red mogul like yourself." Gordon snapped. James was furious, but said no more. 

Soon Gordon was steaming along the mainline. The fog had not lifted yet, so he had to go at a slower pace. This was easier for him to do, but he did feel like he was in purgatory. The fog was thick, his crew could barely see past his boiler. The express was given the name 'The Wild Northwestern' and it went along the mainline from Tidmouth to Barrow-in-Furness, with the only stop between them being at Crovan's Gate. Gordon was trying to speed up to make up for time, but his driver wouldn't let him. 

"Steady boy. You know we can't be racing with this fog." His driver said. Gordon huffed. He kept his eye out for anything that looked like it was on the line, last he needed was to be held up at the works for weeks. 

As he went down the line, he got this odd feeling, like something bad was going to happen. He tried to ignore it, but it never left his boiler. They were reaching Killdane when it happened. 

Back in Canopy

Thomas and Toby were getting steamed up for the day. The crews had gotten up and made some coffee. They were enjoying the peace when the shed doors were suddenly flung open. Workmen came in excited, one had a newspaper flailing in their hand. 

"Congrats you guys, you're famous!" The workman shouted. Thomas, Toby, and their crews were confused. 

"What do you mean by famous?" they asked. The workmen held the front of the paper out to them. A picture of Thomas and Toby were on the front. They were photos taken when both of them were out doing their jobs yesterday. The title was in big, bold letters. 

'CANOPY'S NEW CHARMING TRAINS!' the actual story read. 

'From feared to beloved. These trains have captured the kingdom's hearts as both have proven themselves as helpful and charming. Thomas (The number 1) rescued a train of people when the usual engine broke down at Maplecrest's junction. He made such great time that they got there early despite the delay. As for Toby (The number 7) he made friends with the city's locals as the temporary trolley service. But with no doubt the most shocking thing he did was escort famous singer Eliza herself to Bastet's Den when her limousine's engine failed. She spoke highly of this little tram engine. It is still unknown that if these trains are parasites. If they are, I think many will tell you, they are the nicest, and most helpful parasites one could ever get the pleasure of knowing.'