The Midnight Train Crossing

Tonight was the night of the big race and Rusty left his usual jobs of the freight train and shunting of the cars to report to Control's office
Control stopped what he was doing and watched the young steamer enter. "Can I help you Rusty?" a firm, but boyish, voice spoke up.
"Tonight's the race..." Rusty started uncertainly.
"It is," Control acknowledged.
"I.... guess a lot of engines are coming to race?"
"They are. Champions from all over the world but I'm sure you knew that."
"Yeah....." he said, nodding slowly.
"Good day then." Control went back to whatever it was he had been doing.
"Umm...."
Control put his papers back down. "What is it Rusty?" He seemed slightly annoyed. He had paperwork to finish before the National Champions arrived.

"Are..... only the national engines going to race?"
"Of course not. Greaseball's got to race too. To defend his title." There seemed to be perhaps a slight bit of pride in his boyish voice.
"Ah. Of course."
"Anything else?"
"Yes....."
"Then what *is* it Rusty? I'm very busy with preparations."
"Is there... room for another?" Rusty asked, "I mean, to race."
There was a long pause that seemed to take forever while Control considered. The steamer waited anxiously.
"I don't see why not," Control said finally. "There's still room.."
"Then...." Rusty took a deep breath, "Can I?"
"You?" Control seemed rather surprised by that request. Again he took to thinking. "I suppose..." he started.
Rusty looked up hopefully, "Yeah?"
"But, you must make sure all your chores are done, and done well, first. Then I shall see."
"Okay!" He grinned.

"Now, is that everything?"
Rusty started to nod and then stopped, "As it's race night, I suppose there's other stuff that needs to be done?"
"Yes in fact, there are." He had been going over the list of request from the nationals earlier that day, "I've made up a list of requests the Nationals have made . They need to be filled on or before their arrival."
"Okay..."
Control took out the paper he had written it on. and began to read them off. "The German engine has requested a schedule for the Races' events and that his seating be shampooed upon arrival, the British engine has asked for a guard and that his dining car be stocked upon his arrival, the Russian has asked for oil and Rusty," Control looked up from his list.
Rusty looked up, his spirits had sunk slightly at the list of requests.
"The coaches also need to be taken to be cleaned."
"Okay," he said. At least that one he could do. He turned to go.
"And Rusty," Control continued, "Let's move it. None of your daydreaming alright?"
Rusty looked mildly offended at that, but he started to leave again.
"And Rusty..."
Again he came to a stop and turned around.
"Take Greaseball's afternoon runs."
Rusty looked up at Control in disbelief. The diesel's afternoon runs were the heaviest.
"He's the Champ Rusty," Control explained as if it was as simple to understand as that.
"Yeah but-"
"He *needs* to get ready. Besides, we don't want him to strain himself, do we? He wouldn't be able to defend his title then."
"Ah yes. That would be horrible." He sounded just slightly sarcastic
"I knew you'd see it that way. Right." He seemed to take no notice in the sarcasm.
Rusty sighed
"And Rusty, I let Greaseball know to tell you if he needed anything as he gets himself ready, so he may come to you needing something."
"What?!?" Rusty exclaimed.
Control sighed. "I told Greaseball that if he needed anything while he was preparing for the Race, to go to you and you'd get it for him."
"I heard you, but...."
"But what Rusty?" he asked, annoyed.
The steam engine sighed, "what gets priority?"
"Your duties, Greaseball's duties, Coaches, Nationals." Control said simply.
"Okay..."
"And *no* daydreaming," he repeated.
"Alright, alright!"
"Now move. Move."
Rusty rolled out, half-expecting to be called back, but this time Control let him go.

Rusty headed over to the freight yard to rush through his own actual run which he was not late for - not yet anyway.
He made it about half way and then saw Pearl - the prettiest coach in the whole trainyard. His heart fluttered as she caught his eyes with her bright blue ones and smiled. "Hi Pearl!" he greeted her, slowing to a stop. He rolled over towards her.
"Hello Rusty," she said, "Where are you headed in such a hurry?"
"Freight run," he answered, "And I'm not in that big of a hurry...."
"Would you care to take me to the diner then? I'm meeting the other coaches there."
"Sure!" he turned around, offering her his couplers
Pearl flashed another one of her smiles and took the steamer's couplers.
Something that felt similar to an electric charge went through Rusty at her touch and he practically flew down the tracks to the diner - both the freight run and the conversation with Pearl forgotten now.
Pearl held on, a smile on her face as the pair made their way down the tracks.
When they pulled to a stop, Pearl gave him a peck on the cheek before unhitching. "Thank you Rusty. You're sweet." She turned to enter the diner.
Rusty opened the door for her with a smile and held it. Once she had gone in he closed it behind her, rolling backwards with a dreamy smile on his face.
He could still feel her hands on his couplers and the feeling of her lips against his cheeks... Starlights she was pretty...

He wasn't watching where he was going and backed straight into Greaseball! He turned around and let out a soft gasp when he saw who he'd hit.
Greaseball took the smaller steamer by the back of his collar.
"Hey there, Rustbucket." Greaseball greeted him with a smirk. "Where ya been? I was lookin for ya."
"Oh?" he tried to keep his voice steady
"Ya Steam Train! Where ya been?"
"Control's office."
"Oh yeah? He tell ya yer doin' *my* runs this afternoon?"
He nodded slowly
"He also tell ya that if I want somethin' yer getting it for me?"
"He told me I have to take care of my own runs first...."
The diesel's grip on poor Rusty's collar tightened. "But he said that if *I* needed anythin' *you'd* be willin' to 'help out'."
"I- I am....."
"Good. Cuz need somethin'..." his smirk grew. His free fist slowly clenched.
"Y-yes?" He asked nervously, his eyes glued to Greaseball's fist.
Suddenly, the diesel's fist went straight for the steamer's stomach. Rusty doubled up and let out a soft gasp as the wind was knocked out of him.
The diesel gave Rusty a hard push, letting go of his collar and pushing the steamer to the ground and kicking him in the side.
Rusty tried to crawl forward, but Greaseball stopped him with a skate against the back.

'I'm late,' Rusty thought, 'Oh for Starlights sake Control - notice I'm late!'
"Rusty!" rang Control's voice through the station and Rusty nearly melted with relief, "Rusty report to the Freight Yard! Now!"
Greaseball looked up at the voice and smirked. He gave the steamer a shove with his skate. "Hear that Rusty? Better do what the Boss Man says."
Rusty scrambled painfully to his wheels.
Greaseball smirked. "Thanks," he said cruelly.

Rusty fled to the freight yard. Once he was safely inside he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pulling himself together. Just a few more dents... no big deal....
"Rusty?" a familiar voice asked.
Rusty opened his eyes and smiled at the red figure, "Hey CB."
"Hey!" CB looked the steamer over, "You dun look too good...."
"Nah, I'm alright," Rusty said off-handedly.
"Ya sure?" CB asked, raising a brow. He'd known Rusty long enough to notice when something was wrong... but he also knew the steamer well enough that he knew Rusty wouldn't tell him what happened.
"Yeah," he said, "Just... well... I've kinda got a double shift this afternoon."
"O, sorry to hear that."
"Yeah," he said, "but other then that, I'm good."
CB nodded, looking at Rusty again. The steamer was a bit dirtier then usual and a bit out of breath. "You get in a scuffle?" he asked good-naturedly, brushing some dirt from Rusty's power pack.
"Thanks," Rusty said
"Anytime buddy."

"So, did ya ask Control?" CB asked.
Rusty nodded
"What'd he say?" he asked eagerly.
Rusty smiled, "He didn't say no at least."
A grin crossed CB's face. "Great! I'll race with you."
"I was thinking about asking Pearl," Rusty said with a smile, remembering how she had seemed glad to see him before.
"Oh...okay...." CB said softly, glancing downwards.
"Do you think she'd go with me?" Rusty asked, looking a bit starry-eyed
"Course Rusty...." CB answered. "She'd be foolish not to go with ya..."
He smiled, "I do think she kinda likes me..."
He gave a weak smile. "Course she does. But Rusty?..."
"Yeah?"
"If she don't race with you, you'll remember that there's always me...right?"
Rusty nodded, "of course CB."
The caboose gave a small smile then.

Rusty grinned, "well we've gotta get to work."
"Yeah, don't want Control ta bite our heads off."
Rusty smiled and caught hold of CB's couplers, giving him a push, "Let's go."
""freight is Great.." CB started to sing as he was pushed along.
"Yeah," Rusty said, "Freight is pretty great."
"No doubt about that," was CB's reply.
"Woo-woo," Rusty sang
CB chuckled and attempted it himself. "Woo-woo!"
Rusty laughed as he pushed the caboose along, "Not bad"
"Why thank ya," he said with a grin. "I coulda been a steamer."

Rusty grinned as he reached where the other freight cars were waiting
CB waved at the others.
"Hey guys," Rusty greeted them, "Let's go."
They rolled over to him.
Rusty indicated they should all get in line in front of CB and then he moved to the front. "Everybody ready?"
"Ready," came the others in reply.
Rusty whistled and took off

As they rolled along, they happened to cross Greaseball - who was working out, getting ready for the races
Rusty tensed slightly, but kept his eyes forward on his own set of tracks
"Hey! Steamer!" he called out.
Rusty sighed and looked over
The diesel flexed his muscles some before punching a punching bag and smirking.
Rusty sped up a bit, hearing Greaseball and his goons laughing behind him as he put as much space between Greaseball and himself as he possibly could.

CB turned when Rusty had and gave Greaseball a growl, though it was too low to hear. He was freight, but not dumb. "Stupid Diesel..." CB muttered.
Rusty puffed angrily. Now that he was far enough away from the diesel, he felt safe doing that
"If I wasn't on this run, I'd show him!!"
"Thanks CB," Rusty said
"He won't bother ya with us around Rusty," One said from behind Rusty
"He'd be foolish to even think it," came Two.
"Thanks guys," Rusty said
"Sure thing Rusty."
They arrived at the station. As soon as they stopped, the cars unhitched.
"I've gotta cover another run," Rusty said, "So I'll catch you guys later"

With a whistle, Rusty headed off to take Greaseball's next run
Pearl rolled by. hearing the whistle, she looked up. "Rusty," she called.
He came to a stop and grinned at her, "Hi Pearl!" He rolled towards her cheerfully.
She hurried over to him. "Done with your run?"
"Yeah, now I've gotta cover one of Greaseball's."
"Oh," she sounded slightly disappointed.
"But that's not for a few minutes yet," Rusty said with a smile, "how are you?"
"I'm fine," she replied tossing hair over her shoulder.
"That's good..." he said, 'Wow her hair is pretty...' he thought
"Rusty?"
He blinked, bringing himself back, "Yeah?"
"Can you give me a lift to the hair parlor?" She asked, flashing him another one of her smiles.
"Of course," he said. Regardless of what she would have asked, that would have been his answer.
"Thank you," she gave him a peck on he cheek.
Again, Rusty felt like he was going to lift off the tracks. He turned around so she could hitch up and then once she was hitched up, he practically flew down the tracks.
When Rusty took off, Pearl gave a giggle of delight.

As the pair made there way down the tracks, they came upon Greaseball. Rusty didn't stop, hoping that he looked busy enough that the diesel wouldn't bother him.
As the two passed, Pearl watched the diesel and his goons working out. She gave a silent gasp and kept her blue eyes focused on the leader all the while Rusty passed him.
Rusty kept his eyes forward and didn't slow until they reached the hair saloon.
"Did you see that?" Pearl asked the steamer.
"see what?"
"Greaseball back there."
"Oh. Yeah I saw him," he said unenthusiastically.
Her eyes sparkled. "It looked like he was working out awfully hard."
"I guess..."
"I guess you have to to be entering in the Race like he is."
"Yeah..." Rusty said slowly
"Wonder what it'd be like to race behind him. Dinah's *so* lucky."
"What d'you mean? Just because he's fast?"
"he's got speed yes, but he's got the strength too." she replied, "There's no doubt he's going to win again."
"Aw he's not *that* great," Rusty said
"Don't go saying that to Dinah," Pearl teased.
"Ah she won't listen to me," Rusty said, "Even if it is true."
Pearl just shook her head.
"There are other engines just as strong and fast."
"Yes, but Greaseball's the strongest and the fastest. After all, he's Champion."
"Last years," Rusty corrected
"Yes, but he has his title," Pearl reasoned.
"For now..."
"What makes you think he won't keep it?" she asked him curiously.
"well... there's a lot of competition..."
"True..." Pearl replied.
"And... Well... I..." Rusty was interrupted by a soft giggle behind him.

He turned around to see Buffy and Ashley. He smiled at them, "Hi girls."
"Hey Rusty," Ashley greeted him.
"Hiya," Buffy added, "Aren't the two of you cute," she teased.
"Adorable," the smoking car agreed.
Rusty's ears turned rather red as he started to blush
Pearl giggled slightly. "Buffy! Ashley!" she scolded good naturedly.
"Aww," Buffy teased, "And what's wrong?"
"Just don't," Pearl replied, although she joined in with the giggling.
"Hey..." Rusty protested softly
"Aw Rusty, you know we love you," Ashley told him, giving him a pat on the head.
He heaved a mock-sigh
That made Ashley giggle even more. "Oh Rusty, we just tease you *Terribly*," she replied.
"You do. You're not very nice," he teased, "I'm very nice to put up with you."
Ashley stuck out her tongue.
"Ah yes," Buffy snatched off his hat and ruffled his hair, "Very nice"
"Gah!" Rusty protested
Ashley giggled and, once Buffy was done, ruffled his hair as well.
"Ack, hey!" Rusty protested, causing more laughter among the coaches.
Without a moments hesitation, Buffy and Ashley started to tickle the steamer
Rusty eeped and laughed, "No fair!"
"Fair? who said anything about fair?" Ashley giggled, giving Buffy a wink.
"Certainly not me," Buffy threw her arms around Rusty's neck from behind, practically climbing up on his back.
"well *I* didn't," Ashley replied as she continued to tickle the steamer.
Rusty laughed helplessly, "This isn't funny," he gasped out
Ashley managed to drag Pearl into it.
Completely overbalanced, Rusty tumbled forward to the ground, landing under the coaches
Rusty laughed, "Okay, okay I give up!"

CB was just passing by and he heard Rusty's voice under the pile and called, "I know ya gonna hate me fer this but, dun ya have a run ta do soon?" He couldn't help smiling though.
Rusty stuck out his tongue at the caboose
"Fine," CB teased. "Dun thank me for saving ya from Control's wrath." 'Not to mention a certain diesel...' he thought.
"Actually, he's got us next anyway," Buffy said sweetly
"Well aren't you one lucky Steamer?" CB joked.
"Only if they let me up," he responded with a sweet smile at the coaches he could see
"Awwww. Should we Buff?" Ashley asked.
"Hmm," Buffy pretended to think about it. She gave Pearl a wink
Pearl couldn't help but giggle.
"That depends on how well he behaves..." Buffy said, "Whaddya think Pearl?"
"Hmmmm," Pearl pretended to think. "Will you behave yourself Rusty?" she asked in mock seriousness.
"Of course I will!" He looked up at her cutely.
She giggled and a smile broke across her face. "Okay Buffy. Ashley. I think he'll behave."
"Yeah," Buffy got off, "I'm sure if *you* tell him to he will."
Ashley got off too. "he always listens then."
Rusty turned even redder. He got up to his wheels, not looking up right away... it was that obvious?
CB saw the color change in rusty's face and smirked, though not cruelly.

Pearl took hold of his couplers and then the other two.
"Did you want a ride CB?" Rusty asked
"Sure!" He then toned it down slightly. "That is if the ladies would care to have me." He bowed slightly.
Buffy grinned at CB, "Come on then."
"Yes, come," Ashley invited.
CB gave in with a grin and took hold of the smoker's couples.
Rusty whistled and took off
Pearl giggled at that. .
Rusty went just a bit faster, showing off a bit for the girls. Greaseball wasn't the only one who was fast

"Hey!" CB spoke up. "Guess what Rusty did today!"
Buffy looked back at the caboose, "What?"
"He went to Control's office to ask if he could run in the Race."
She raised her eyebrows, "Really?"
"Yeah...." Rusty said softly from the front.
"What'd he say?" asked Ashley.
Rusty looked back and grinned, "He said I could."
"He did?" Pearl asked.
Rusty nodded, "And that's why I said that Greaseball's got competition this time." He kept the grin
Ashley gave a look to Buffy.
She shook her head slightly, but shrugged, "Well good for you Rusty."
Rusty smiled and whistled loudly
Pearl's heart seemed to skip a beat then and she giggled.
They sped quickly along the tracks, and Rusty was rather sorry when they reached their destination
After helping Rusty bring the train to a stop, CB unhitched, allowing the coach to do so as well.
"Thanks Rusty," Buffy said with a smile
"You're so sweet," Ashley added.
He smiled, "Glad to help out."
"You got us here quite quickly," Pearl observed, "You're actually quite fast."
Rusty's whole face seemed to light up at that.
"Course he is!" CB replied.
Buffy and Ashley giggled slightly at that.
Rusty glanced back at them, looking a tiny bit miffed.
"We're just teasin' ya Rusty," Buffy said, "Of course you're fast."
"Course" Ashley agreed.
"Thank you," he said

"Well, c'mon CB," Rusty said, "I'll see the three of you later."
CB took hold of Rusty's couplers and gave the three coaches a salute. "see ya all later," he said with a grin.
Rusty rolled off down the tracks with a smile

Rusty's thoughts were far away, on a certain pink and white coach, and on going fast, and on winning the race... He closed his eyes as he felt the wind rushing past him down the tracks. He would win, he would be the champion and he would have the prettiest coach in the whole trainyard hitched behind him....
CB was riding behind, watching the world fly by. He suddenly looked ahead and saw greaseball. "Uh....Rusty....." he started to warn. When the steamer didn't answer CB's eyes widened, "Rusty!"
He glanced back at CB, "what?"

Suddenly CB put on his breaks. A loud SREEEEEEEETCH followed.
Rusty was brought to an absolute halt. "Wha-?" he started to ask, and then looked forward... He was staring right into ( well looking up into) the face of Greaseball.
Rusty swallowed
"Hey there Steam train," the big diesel said none too kindly. In fact, he looked rather pissed at nearly having his frame dented by the pipsqueak.
"H... Hi..."
"Ya nearly ran into me," he replied a little too calmly, taking a step forward.
Rusty took a step back, "I'm sorry."
I'd *hate* ta be all dented up before the Race." Greaseball took another step.
Rusty took another step backwards, "I know..."
"A certain Rustbuckt'd hafta pay." He clenched his fists.
"B-but you're not dented..." He swallowed again.

"Greaseball sir..." CB cut in. The caboose unhitched from Rusty and moved in front.
The diesel looked up and glared. "What is it Caboose?"
Rusty swallowed softly. If GB tried to do anything to CB, the caboose was Rusty's responsibility... but...
"Why waste you time with Rusty?" CB asked, "Ya got *better* things ta do then waste yer energy pounding him."
'Please..' Rusty thought silently, hoping that CB's plan would work
"Savin' up that energy fer the Race fer one."
'Oh please work....' Rusty thought, standing there uncomfortably
"Know wha Caboose? for once in yer life yer right," Greaseball replied, "However, don't overwork what few brains ya got!" he laughed at his own crack.
The caboose reluctantly took the blow and responded with, " Thanks...I'll remember that advice..."
Greaseball then turned to go.
Rusty looked to CB, 'Thank you' he mouthed
"Oh Steam train..." Greaseball said coming to a halt.
Rusty slowly turned back around
"Think fast!" he spun around. Rusty instinctively ducked as he saw Greaseball's fists flying towards him, but Greaseball stopped before he even came close to hitting Rusty. Laughing, he rolled off.
Rusty turned scarlet, Greaseball's laughter burning in his ears

CB continued to bristle. "call *me* dumb, will he?" he growled. "I'll fix him!"
"CB...." Rusty caught hold of the cabooses couplings.
"Lemme at him!" the caboose demanded, "Ya heard what he said! What he called me!" CB did *not* like to be called Caboose in such a way as that.
"I heard."
The caboose growled again.
"we're just lucky he's that dumb."
"The Dumb Diesel *Dirt*ball!" CB spat.
"Yeah," Rusty said, "Thank you...."
"I woulda taken him on for the both of us..."
Rusty shook his head
CB gave a sigh of defeat. "I *really* hope ya beat him Rusty...."
"Me too."
"Sure cut *him* down ta size then!"
Rusty smiled, "Yeah."

"When ya gonna ask Pearl?" CB asked, changing the subject.
"Next time I see her."
"alright."
Rusty smiled, the thought of Pearl banished all other thoughts, "You heard her - she said I was fast."
CB gave a soft chuckle.
He grinned and sped off down the tracks again, his thoughts full of anticipation of the coming night.