The Midnight Train Crossing

Morning dawned on AV and Rusty watched it arrive before continuing to wander aimlessly around the trainyard. His wanderings took him past the coaches' shed just as Pearl came out. He came to a stop and the two looked at each other for a moment.
Pearl didn't say a word. It looked as though he hadn't been able to sleep all night.
"Hi," was all he said to her.
"Morning Rusty…"
"How're you?"
"I’m fine. Yourself?..." she asked.
"I've been better."
She rolled over to him slightly. Upon a closer look, Pearl conclude that Rusty couldn't have gotten any sleep, his eyes were slightly red-rimmed "Rusty...." She wanted to say something more, but couldn't.
"You look nice," he said, touching her hair gently, "Your hair looks pretty this morning."
"Thank you..." she said, "I've spent a little extra time with it...." It hadn't been too much though.
"It sparkles..."
"I suppose it does.." She gave a very tiny smile. Rusty was acting slightly odd, though Pearl suspected it had to have been the lack of sleep. "Shall we go for breakfast before you head off to work?" Although she wasn't sure that he'd be able to go to work this morning.

Rusty kissed her, which rather took her by surprise.
After a moment, Pearl pulled away, "Come on...let's go get breakfast...."
"Ok."
She took the engine's hand in her own and led the way to the diner
He slowly moved closer to her and put his arm around her as they rolled along the tracks.
He gave her a little squeeze, "I was glad that I ran into you this morning."
A faint smile crossed her face as he gave her the squeeze. "Oh?"
"Yes. I love you y'know."
"I know Rusty.." She met his eyes, and said nothing for a bit.
There was a slightly odd look in his eyes, but it wasn't too noticeable. After all, he had been up all night. He gazed into her blue eyes with his dark brown ones
She stopped and her hand went to his cheek. "I love you too...." she finally whispered.
His whole face seemed to light up when she said that
She then leaned in and kissed him, for a very long time.
When she slowly pulled away, Rusty was all smiles. Seeing him smile, Pearl embraced him.

"Come on Rusty," she said with a smile. "We're nearly to the diner."
"Are we?"
She gave a nod.
"Oh..." he gazed into her eyes
"You don't want to be late, do you?"
He shrugged, "It doesn't matter."
"But Control..."
He shrugged again
"You'll get into trouble again Rusty..."
Rusty interrupted her by kissing her. "You're beautiful," he said with a smile
Pearl blushed slightly.
"Let's go get breakfast."
"Alright"

They reached the diner and sat down at a table.
Pearl sat down next to Rusty and he pulled her closer, kissing her ear gently.
She giggled softly and nuzzled up against him.
This continued for awhile, interrupted only when they ordered their food

That was when a certain red caboose rolled into the diner. Actually...the roll had a barely noticeable limp to it.
Rusty didn't notice him enter, but CB noticed Rusty right off and his eyes narrowed. He also saw Pearl sitting with the steamer and watched them for a moment. He had half a mind to interrupt their little flirting game…

The steamer kissed his way around to Pearl's lips
She continued to giggle, finishing with a muffled "Mmmhmmph" as he kissed her lips. He had never been this affectionate before, but the pink coach loved it.
He continued to cuddle her, even after their food arrived

The caboose started to roll over to Rusty and Pearl just so he'd have the pleasure of interrupting them.
"Hi hun," Dinah greeted the caboose
CB spun around. "Oh, morning Dinah."
"Care for breakfast?"
He looked back to Rusty and Pearl briefly before answering, "why not? I do gotta work today. Should eat something."
She nodded and waved him over to sit down
The caboose sat on one of the barstools.
Dinah came over to him, "so what would you like?"
"The usual Dinah," he said with a grin. "Cereal, toast and jelly, coffee.'
"sure thing," she said with a smile, heading off to fetch it
"Thanks" he called.
After a few minutes, she returned with the caboose's breakfast

Pearl continued to snuggle with Rusty. He kept his arm around her, but Pearl was enjoying his affection so much that she didn't notice his possessiveness.
After they had finished eating, he showed no signs of moving
Pearl attempted to stand in order to let Rusty out for work.
He pulled her back down
She let out a soft cry of surprise.
"stay."
the caboose had heard the soft cry and turned to see where it had come from.
"But Rusty.... you’ve got work, remember?" Pearl asked.
"Nope," he kissed her lightly
"With the Freight."
"No. Today is just you."
"But Rusty..."
He placed a finger lightly on her lips
"But..." she tried again.
"Today is there is only you," he said
She gave a small smile.
"Only you," he repeated
"My dream Train..." she replied.

CB turned around, having heard Rusty saying he wasn't going into work. Was that so? He finished what he had ordered and then excused himself.
"Have a nice day," Dinah called to him
"Oh, I will..." CB said with a grin.
"See ya hun," she said

CB hurried to Control's office.
"Yes CB?"
"May I talk to ya sir?" he asked politely.
"Yes? What is it?"
"Did Rusty receive a day off today, Sir?"
"What? No."
"Well, he seems to think he has Sir."
"Why would he think that?" Control sounded puzzled
CB shrugged. "Heard him at the diner, saying that to Pearl."
"Hmm. I certainly didn't give him the day off."
"Well, Just thought I'd tell ya that Rusty doesn't plan on showing up at work. As for me, *I* better head to the Freight Yard."
"Yes," Control said, "I'll have to deal with that. Thank you for telling me about it."
CB gave a salute. "Only doing my duty sir." With that, the caboose turned and left.

Meanwhile, Rusty was still at the diner with Pearl
"Rusty! Report to Control!" Control's voice sounded through the station moments after the caboose had left.
Rusty didn't even look up
There was a pause and then, "Rusty!"
He still didn't look up
"Rusty!!"
Finally he looked up
"Rusty!!!" Control demanded.
"Yes?" Rusty said calmly
"Report to my office!"
"Not now."
"Yes! Now!"
He didn't look too inclined to move
"Rusty...maybe you should..." Pearl said softly, "he sounds impatient..."
He shrugged, "Ah well."
"RUSTY!!"
He sighed, "I suppose I could go see what he wants..."
"You probably should.."
"It's the only way we'll get him to shut up."
Pearl was taken back by Rusty's choice of words.
He stood up, "Are you going to come?"
"I don't know..."
"I don't blame you if you don't want to," he said, "I certainly wouldn't want to...."
"Do you want me to be there?...."
He kissed her, "Only if you're willing to endure Control." He kissed her again, sensing that she wasn’t too thrilled with the idea, "You don't have to. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"alright. It's just when Control's like this..."
He nodded, "you stay here where it's "safe" and I'll be back in a few minutes," he winked
Pearl nodded, giving a small smile before she kissed him.

Control cleared his throat impatiently.
Rusty rolled his eyes, "Starlights," he muttered, "I'm comin', I'm comin'." He rolled out of the diner and towards Control's office.
"Busy Rusty?" Control asked when he saw the steamer roll in.
"Yeah I was," he said in a tone that indicated he wasn't pleased with being interrupted
"What has got you too busy to decide *not* to go to work?"
He shrugged, "Stuff."
"Stuff?" Control repeated.
"Mostly Pearl."
"I see."
"Yup."
"And I'd like to be heading back to her, if you don't mind."
"You will *not*!" was Control's answer, "What makes you think you can skip out on work whenever you feel like it?" he demanded.
"Lotta other trains do it," he said with a shrug
"But I don't allow it!"
"I don't see you calling CB in here every time he sleeps in," Rusty pointed out
"*He* goes to work."
"*I* go to work all the time," Rusty said
"But *you* do not decide when you get a day off! *I* do!"
He shrugged, "I just don't want to pull the freight cars."
"You're assigned to it, so you *will*!"
"No."
"Yes! "
"No. I don't want to. I *always* hafta pull the freight cars and I'm tired of it."
"You *will* and like it!"
"No," Rusty crossed his arms.
Control took a deep, irritated breath. "Rusty. If you will not do as you are ordered, I’m afraid I'll have to transfer you."
"You wouldn't..."
"I would and will. I can not have you disobeying me."
"Fine," Rusty grumbled
"Get. To. Work!"

Grumbling, he rolled off slowly in the direction of the freight yard
Pearl saw him and rolled up to him. "How'd it go?"
"He's makin' me pull the freight train."
"But that's your job...” she tilted her head to one side. "Isn't it?"
"I guess...."
"Well you've better get going then..."
"Yeah..." he said with a sigh
She gave him a kiss, holding it for a moment and then pulling away,
"I'll see you later then,” he said reluctantly.

Rusty rolled backward away from her and headed towards the freight yard.
CB saw Rusty enter the yard. He smirked and rolled towards the steamer.
"Hey guys!" Rocky One called, "Rusty's here!"
"Alright guys," Rusty said, "The sooner we get going, ths sooner we'll be done."
"Bad mood today?" the caboose smirked.
"Nah, today I'm just doing an imitation of you," Rusty retorted
"By not comin' to work" CB shook his head with a smirk. "Even *I* go to work after lunch."
"Let's go," was all that Rusty said.

The freight cars all hitched up and they headed out along the route.
CB, being CB, started off in giving the steamer a hard time. Every time that CB jerked the train, Rusty jerked back, and so it continued. All in all, it was not a fun time for anyone.
Rusty started to bring them to a gentle stop at their first destination, but CB jerked the brake, bringing them to a *very* quick stop. The caboose chuckled slightly.
"Knock it off!" Rusty almost yelled back
"I didn't do anything!"
"Yeah right. Suuure."
"it *wasn't* me!"
"Hurry up then everybody," Rusty ordered, rolling his eyes.
"Whatever," was CB's response as he sat back and watched the others.

As soon as they were ready, Rusty started off quickly. The caboose behaved himself this time, and so did Rusty, but CB started to get bored.
They started back to the direction of the station and Rusty picked up speed, eager to get back. He went around a curve, taking it a bit faster the normal.
This gave CB a nasty idea. He came to a sudden stop and pulled back on Dustin who pulled back on FT, etc and most of the train - including Rusty, went off the rails
CB broke into cruel laughter.
Rusty pushed the freight cars aside as he got to his wheels - his back to the caboose. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
CB's eyes landed on Rusty. This was the perfect opportunity... He rolled over to Rusty while his back was turned and suddenly gave the steamer a harsh shove.
Rusty went tumbling forward, landing hard on his hands and knees
He gave another cruel laugh. "Not so 'tough' *now*, are we?" he spat.
Rusty slowly got up to his wheels
CB crossed his arms, continuing to smirk.

Slowly the steamer turned around. He straightened and met CB's eyes - with a look in his eyes that he never had before.
CB raised a brow not buying the look at first. "What?" he sneered. "Not *my* fault you're clumsy!"
Fire burned behind Rusty's eyes - which were opened just a bit wider then normal
If CB saw, he didn't let on. "What ya gonna do 'bout it?" He gave him another shove. His eyes narrowed, challenging the steamer.
Rusty turned and reversed, "come on."
He sneered.
"Come on," Rusty repeated
"No!"
"what's wrong? Scared?"
"Scared?" CB raised a brow.
"Yeah too scared to come with me," Rusty mocked, "Fraidy train."
CB growled.
"So you comin'?"
"Whatever." Though CB didn't hitch up.
"You're not afraid of a wimpy steam engine are ya?" Rusty taunted
"course I ain't!" CB spat back. He wasn't going to look like a sissy in front of the rest of the freight.
"Then come on."
CB head for Rusty, but instead of hitching up he went to shove the steamer again. This time Rusty was ready and he took a step forward. CB stumbled, but regained his balance quickly.

Rusty giggled, "What's wrong?"
"shut it Steamer!"
"CB's afraid, CB's afraid," Rusty chanted
"I am *not*" he growled. Now his eyes were aflame.
"Prove it."
"Fine!" he almost hissed. "I'll prove it!"
"Then hitch up," Rusty had lost the mocking tone now
CB took Rusty couplers, Harshly.
As soon as CB had hitched up, Rusty took off, picking up speed, faster and faster...
CB clutched Rusty's couplers tighter. He’d show that steamer who was chicken!

Rocky looked to the other freight cars, "Maybe we'd better go after them..."
Dustin shifted nervously as he watched the two.
FT just looked pretty entertained by it all.
The Rockies headed off after Rusty and CB. They wouldn't be able to catch up, but hopefully if something *did* happen, they'd get there in time.

Meanwhile, Rusty looked back at CB with a wide-eyed grin
CB glared at Rusty. He wasn't going to ask the steamer to slow - that would be weakness. Besides, he already had another nasty plot hatching. After all...Rusty had made him sound like a wimp in front of the others.
Rusty let out an ear splitting whistle that sounded much harsher then normal
"Gah!" CB cried and cringed, his thoughts going fuzzy for that moment.
"Too fast for ya CB?"
"ya call *this fast*?!" CB retorted. "Hah!!".
Rusty glared and sped up again
CB held back a gasp and held on tighter as Rusty picked up speed.
The wind whistled past them at a shriek. Rusty was going too fast now.
CB cringed. Even this was too fast for him to try something.
Rusty looked back at the caboose with a smile, "too fast?"
"....What, this?...." he managed.
"I... I know.... you don't like.... me going ... fast," Rusty said
"I...didn't say anything...of that sort!..." the caboose responded.
"You.... always.... stop... me..."
"I can take...*anything*....you toss out....!"

They neared a curve in the tracks and Rusty showed no sign of slowing
Despite what CB was saying, he began to feel nervous as the approached the curve. He tried to be as discreet as he could as he applied his brakes some to slow them both down.
With a screeching sound, Rusty yanked CB along. Smoke started to come out behind them.
The caboose clenched his eyes tight as he continued to apply more force to his breaks.
Rusty pulled harder. CB did slow him a bit, but the steamer wasn't having any of that.
CB frantically tried to gain the upper hand, but without Rusty cooperating... The screeching sound continued and he could smell his breaks burning now.
there was a loud POP followed by a painful cry from the caboose as his brakes gave out. "Rusty!" CB cried. "Slow down!!"
"No," Rusty giggled
"Rusty!!" CB near pleaded. "My breaks....! You *gotta slow down!!" Despite the fact that they were out, the caboose tried in vain to stop them both. This only resulted in more pain shooting up through his framework and more painful cries.
"I do, do I?"
"Rusty.....!!"
"Ask me nicely."
CB swore, panic in his voice.

"Curve comin' up," Rusty announced cheerfully, "But I think that I feel like going straight..."
"NO!! Rusty!!...."
"You've thrown me off the rails often enough."
""you wouldn't....!"
With another rather wild sounding giggle, Rusty sped up
CB gave a terrified cry and one last effort to stop. “Rusty!!...."
The steam engine plunged off the tracks.
The caboose gave a final cry and shut his eyes tight, cringing as he prepared for the crash. All seemed to go in slow motion. There was a sickening sound of metal as both crashed for in his eagerness to crash the caboose, Rusty had forgotten the minor detail that he too would crash.
The steam train made a rather impressive dent in the nearby hill. He rolled over on his back and giggled against softly, slowly closing his eyes and going still.
CB, having been through crashes, instinctively tucked and rolled. However, he hit a boulder some feet away. He gave a soft groan as he hit, ending up partially on his stomach. He tried to move, but sharp pain only shot through his frame, refusing to budge. "Help...." he croaked. His sight was getting hazy.

And that was how the freight cars found CB and Rusty. Rocky One rushed over to the caboose and Dustin rushed over to the steam engine.
Rusty was completely out. The hopper tried to wake the steamer, but to no avail. “He’s out...” he told Two and Three.
CB felt someone was there, but he didn't dare move to see whom. "Who...." he started.
"It's Rocky," the boxcar said.
"One?...." he wanted to confirm.
"Yes CB," Rocky said
"Starlights...." CB groaned painfully. "I hurt..."
"Where?" One asked
"my back...my head...my brakes..." The caboose wanted so badly to just close his eyes and sleep.
"Just... stay still then. We'll get you to Meg's."

Dustin looked at Rusty. "I never seen Rusty go that fast...not even in the Race..."
Rocky shook his head, "Wonder what happened." He looked up to Three, "Go get Meg."
The third boxcar ran off.
"I think...i'mgonna closemyeyes...." CB muttered and attempted to do so.
"CB! Stay awake!"
"Just...One..." he protested faintly.
"Stay awake!" Rocky repeated
"meh...."
"Come on now,” he said, “Tell me what happened."
"I hooked-ted up... then he went... zoom...” CB wasn't making too much sense.
"And then what?" Rocky asked when the caboose fell silent.
"........huh?.....” CB asked after a long moment. He blinked, trying to clear the haze in his eyes.
"How did you end up like this?" Rocky asked
"He.....he went... fasterer..er......." CB responded.
"And then?"
"pain...."
"The crash?"
CB tried to shakes his head, but gave a groan as a dull pain moved through his neck. "Pain..." he continued, "brakes... POP!"
Rocky looked sympathetic
"Gotted fasterer-er.....nostop...." CB fell silent, it seemed as though he was done.
The boxcar shook his head, "CB?"
"CRASH!!" He explained suddenly.
While it was fairly clear that that was what had happened, Rocky nodded seriously

The caboose closed his eyes again muttering. "Sleepysleepysleep..."
"No CB!" Rocky exclaimed, “Stay awake!”

Dustin meanwhile, was watching over Rusty for any sort of change. The steamer was continuing to let out short irregular bursts of steam. Dustin looked up at Two, worried, "Hope he'll be alright..."
"The sooner Meg gets here, the better."
Dustin nodded in agreement.

After a few seemingly endless minutes, Three and Meg arrived on the scene
One had successfully kept CB awake.
FT hurried over to Meg as she arrived.
"What happened?" she asked
"CB and Rusty crashed!" FT said, stating the obvious.
"How are they?" she asked
"Rusty's out...He's over there with Dustin an' Two. CB's conscious but talkin' nonsense... he’s over there with One."
Meg nodded and went over to the caboose, who was still struggling to stay awake. "Hi CB," she said
"meh... huh?..."
Meg looked into his eyes, "Hi CB." she repeated
"Who...."
"It's Meg. Open your eyes all the way please."
The caboose did so, to the best of his ability.
She shone a light into his eyes, "CB? Can you follow the light with your eyes?"
"Light?..." He asked, his eyes unresponsive to it.
"Do you see the light?" she asked, waving it in front of him
"meh....."
"Yes or no?"
"...no..."
"Not at all?"
"....shadow...." he said after a moment.
She moved the light back and forth across his eyes, "Is it moving?"
"...yeah..."
"Good boy," Meg praised
He groaned.
She looked up at the other freight cars, "We need to get them both back to my house. I'll radio for some help, but I could use yours as well."
The freight cars all nodded, more then willing to help.