The Midnight Train Crossing

Volta was still leaning against the wall when the sun shone through the window and landed right across her face, she frowned and squinted as she started to wake up with a moan.
Krupp was already awake, leaning against the door on the other side of the room, but he was barely awake.
Volta groaned and moved out of the sunlight, she looked over at Krupp, then around at the other components, at first confused at where they were, then remembering the night before, and the fight with the steamer.
Krupp indicated Purse and Joule asleep in the couch and motioned for Volta to keep quiet.
Volta nodded sleepily and sighed in annoyance over their predicament
Wrench was also asleep, with her head in Krupp's lap.
Volta raised her eyebrow at Krupp, seeing as Wrench usually didn't cuddle up to the Armaments truck.
Krupp seemed equally surprised to see Wrench there. He looked at Volta and shrugged.
Volta frowned and slowly got up, trying not to notice the twinge of jealousy in her stomach
Wrench blinked sleepily as she awoke. She looked up and her eyes widened when she realized where she was. She sat up very very quickly.
Volta looked at her, slight amusement in her eyes as she looked at Wrench's face
Wrench scooted away from Krupp.
Volta couldn't help but smile.
Wrench made a face at Volta as Krupp stood up quietly.
Volta rolled her eyes and moved over to the window to look out it, wondering if Electra was coming back
Wrench tried the door again, it was still locked.
Volta turned around and sighed

Krupp and Wrench were engaged in a soft conversation.
Volta moved over toward them, not wanting to wake the other two still sleeping components, "what's up?" she asked softly
"I think I can get it open," Wrench whispered.
Volta looked at her in shock, "you sure?"
"No I'm not."
Volta rolled her eyes, "well it's worth a shot, then we can get outta here and go back home"
"What if Electra isn't there?"
"he'll come back! he has to come back!" she said with certainty.
"I know," Krupp agreed, "But what if he can't?"
Fear crossed Volta's face, "they wouldn't have sent him fully away, they can't!
"We don't know what they did," Wrench said, "But we've gotta find out..."
Volta nodded, then suddenly thought something, "but if they come here to check on us and we're all gone... we could get in even more trouble,"
"Yeah..." Krupp said slowly, "They would come check on us, I mean, they've gotta feed us," he looked at the girls, "Right?"
Volta frowned, "one would hope"
Wrench had a similar expression.

"Okay," Krupp said finally, "I'll go."
Volta looked at him, "but... are you sure? You're awful hard to ignore"
"But if I get caught at least the rest of you won't get into trouble..." he answered.
Volta looked unsure but nodded her head.
"I suppose..." Wrench said.
Volta looked at Wrench, "I guess he won't have to go unless you can get that door open"
"Yeah," Wrench agreed, pulling a screwdriver out of her pocket.
Volta looked over at Joule and purse, who were still sleeping like children, cuddled up together for comfort.

"What..." Wrench started, as she started to unscrew the doorknob, "If he gets caught..." she trailed off.
Volta looked at Krupp, "yeah, what if you get caught,"
"Then... none of you had anything to do with it."
Volta shook her head, "we can't let you take all the blame, what'll they do to you, they may disconnect you or have you scrapped!"
"Well... they might not."
Volta was very worried, "but without you, who'll protect the master?"
"Who says that I'm going to get caught?" Krupp asked.
"no one." she admitted
"So I won't." he said, "And maybe I'll find Electra."
Volta brightened, "you think he might be here?"
"If he could, he would be."
Volta nodded trying to push away her fear and pull the serious stern look back onto her face, though it only halfway managed to form.

"Keep an eye on those two," Krupp indicated Purse and Joule, "don't tell them what we're doing."
Volta nodded and went over to the couch, she sat down beside Joule, but kept an eye on Krupp and Wrench.
"There," Wrench said, "Try it." Krupp nodded and eased the door open ever so slightly.
Volta sat up a bit and watched intently
"I'll go and find us something to eat, and then I'll be back," he said.
Volta nodded, "we'll keep an eye on the runts" she said softly
Krupp nodded and gave the girls a final look.
Volta gave a small wave
"Yeah so go already," Wrench said.
Krupp inched the door open and looked, the hallway was empty. He slipped out and closed the door softly behind him. Inside the room they heard him skate away. Rossi had got bored with the girls in the kitchen and decided to go see if she could find CB or Talck, unfortunately, on leaving the kitchen, she turned the wrong way and headed down a usually unused hallway
Krupp had been having very good luck as he cautiously made his way down the empty hallways. He'd only had to hide once.
Rossi was looking around, a bit worried as she hadn't seen anything familiar since leaving the kitchen
Krupp froze as he thought he heard somebody coming and dodged into an empty room.
Rossi was nervous now, and as usual when she was nervous, she was humming to herself, trying to keep herself from being scared.
Now he was sure that he heard somebody and Krupp looked around for somewhere to hide.
Rossi thought she heard something and stopped stock still essentially in the doorway to the empty room, she hadn't noticed Krupp yet as she looked around the hallway with wide eyes
Krupp held his breath as he pressed against the wall in the shadows.

Rossi thought she heard something in the room beside her and looked in there, it was dark and scary looking, "h-hello?" she said softly to the shadows.
Of course, Krupp didn't answer.
Rossi was now getting quite frightened and her eyes filled with tears of fear, "is someone there?" she asked, the tears reaching her young voice.
Krupp still didn't answer, although he didn't want to frighten her. Maybe she could be convinced that there was no one there.
Rossi was shaking now, she wanted to leave, but if she did, whoever or whatever was in the room could jump out and grab her from behind, "I-I know you're there!" she said, her voice trembling.
Krupp pressed his hand against the wall. Like all electric components he had some affinity for electricity. He made sure he was completely hidden by the door and then turned the lights on in the room.
Rossi jumped and squealed, moving to the wall at the other side of the hallway, now she was sure something was in the room, and was more scared then ever. She started to cry softly, her eyes never leaving the door.
Krupp sighed softly, that was not what he had intended to do. Now he was trapped.
Rossi was beyond scared, imagining monsters of every sort hiding in the room ready to jump out and trainletnap her
Krupp leaned back, trying to think of what to do.
Rossi bit her lip. Talck had told her before that monsters weren't real, he would want her to be brave. She bit her lip and slowly pushed off the wall, moving closer to the door.
Krupp remained hidden, listening for her.

Rossi sniffed a couple of times, "Mr. Monster, I know you're not real, but I'm coming in to make sure anyway, don't jump on me or hurt me or anything ok, I'm just making sure you're not really there,"
Krupp rolled his eyes.
Rossi entered the room and looked around a bit, "see, I'm not doing anything, so you can stop scaring me in my imagination, you can just go away and scare some other trainlet," she said nervously as she moved further into the room, feeling better now that she hadn't seen anything in the room.
Krupp held his breath, she was coming dangerously close to seeing him. He didn't want to hurt her, just wanted her out of the way...
Rossi bit her lip, her eyes still moving across the far walls, but not looking behind her where Krupp was, "are you gone Mr. Monster?" she asked, praying she didn't hear any response

Krupp silently stepped out behind her and scooping her up in his arms, covering her eyes with one hand, her mouth with the other.
Rossi screamed and kicked, much good it did her against the much larger armaments truck
Krupp held her firmly, muffling her screams
Rossi was terrified, but through her terror she promised herself she would never believe another thing Talck said about monsters. She tried to fight against the thing holding her, but could only really sob against the hands
Krupp shifted so that she would be more comfortable in his arms, but kept her eyes and mouth covered.
Rossi suddenly realized that she was in the air. she didn't know how high up she was, as she didn't know how big the monster was, and she definitely didn't want to be dropped from really high up. She suddenly squealed and reached out, gripping onto Krupp with a hold that would not easily be broken
Krupp was startled into letting out an exclamation.
Rossi shuddered and held on tighter, so it was a monster with a very low voice, that made him sound even bigger
Krupp took a step backwards, carrying Rossi.
Rossi squeaked again, but didn't let go.
Krupp looked around and carried her out of the room and down the hallway.
Rossi squirmed a bit, but wouldn't let go, she really didn't like this monster, he was trainletnapping her just like she thought, starlight knew where he was taking her. If he was as big as he sounded, they were probably already really far away from the trainyard

Krupp took her into a different room and set her down, not letting go of her yet.
Rossi felt the ground under her skates, but didn't trust the monster, if she didn't let go, he wouldn't be able to hurt her, she tightened her grip yet again, in a way that would be painful, if there was any flesh caught between her fingers.
Krupp gritted his teeth in pain.
Rossi whimpered, then bit her lip, not wanting to let 'Mr. Monster' know how scared she was

Krupp picked her up again and set her down in a chair.
Rossi squirmed again, and still did NOT let go. She felt safer keeping the monster in her grasp
Krupp frowned, trying to figure out how to get her to let go of him. Finally he removed his hand from her eyes and attempted to pry her hands loose.
Rossi tried to look around, but the hand on her mouth held her head still, she noticed that where ever she was resembled the trainyard quite a bit. She struggled against the monster's fingers and held on as tight as she could.
Krupp winced as he continued to try and detach her.
Rossi began to struggle, kicking out at the monster, trying to get him to leave her alone

"Hold still," he said finally, a bit exasperated.
Rossi frowned slightly, she recognized the voice somewhat, but it wasn't anyone she really knew. She continued to struggle, wanting to be let go
"hold still and I'll let you go."
Rossi didn't stop struggling, "I don't believe you," she said against his hand
"If I uncover your mouth, promise not to scream?"
Rossi thought about it for a bit, her struggles lessened as she thought
"Okay?" he asked.
Rossi figured it wouldn't hurt anything to stay quiet for now, seeing as she could scream if the monster did try to hurt her, "ok," she said sullenly
Krupp let go of her.
Rossi moved slightly, but still held onto his arm.
He attempted to pry her little fingers from his arm.

Rossi looked up at him with a start, "hey, you're not a monster, you're that mean engine's car!" she said, fighting his hands again, not wanting to let go
Krupp groaned softly.
"why'd you pretend to be a monster?"
"I wasn't... I was just trying to-" he trailed off, not sure what to say.
"what?" she asked, looking at him with wide innocent eyes
"I'm sorry, I just wanted you to move..."
Rossi looked at him unsure, then let go and moved away a bit, frowning at him, "why? I'm not gonna hurt you"
"I know. I..." an idea hit him, "I was afraid."
Rossi blinked a couple of times, "why would you be afraid of me, you're so big!"
"I didn't know it was you..."
"But I was hummin and stuff!"
"Yeah... I'm sorry about this."

Rossi looked at him, "where were ya going anyway?"
"to the kitchen..." Krupp said carefully.
"why? ya hungry?"
He nodded slowly, "I'd better be on my way then. Do you think that maybe we could keep this between the two of us?"
"k, but why? you do know breakfast's gonna be soon anyway, 'less you want me to get you cookies before hand"
"Yes I know." he said, "I'd just appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone..."
"oh... ok.. if ya want"
He nodded.

Rossi looked at him, he didn't seem like the monster she'd thought he was, he was more like a great big teddy bear. She gave him a bit of a smile, "what's your name?" she asked
He hesitated, "I am Krupp."
Rossi smiled again, "I'm Rossi" she said, "you're not mean like I thought,"
"Oh," he had no idea what to say to that one, "Well... I should be going..."
Rossi pouted a bit, "I'm kinda lost," she admitted, "do you know the way back to the kitchen?"
"That's where I was going..." he started.
"could you take me there?"
"I...guess so."
Rossi grinned cutely, "thanks!" she said, reaching up and taking his hand
"Um...yeah..." He said, looking down at her awkwardly.
"so which way is it?" she asked, looking out into the hall
"This way," he started down the hallway.
Rossi followed, still holding Krupp's hand and looking around, "I didn't think the house was this big," she said, "but I keep getting lost"

"Yeah," he said, "do you think that you could keep quiet for me?"
"Why?"
"Well you see I'm..." he hesitated, "You remember Ma- umm... the other cars in my train?"
Rossi nodded. "yeah, the blue one and the red one talked to me before Dinni got hurt"
"Yeah... well... we're... we're playing a game."
Rossi perked up, "you are? can I play too?"
"I suppose. If you think you can mange it."
Rossi nodded, "I'll stay really really quiet," she said
He nodded, "good. We're gonna try and make it to the kitchen without anybody seeing us."
Rossi nodded, "ok," she whispered
He nodded and started down the hallway again.
Rossi continued to hold his hand, as they walked down the hallway, she looked up at him a couple of times, then tapped his shoulder, "am I doing a good job?" she whispered.
"Uh... yeah," he whispered back
Rossi looked around a bit, "is it really far?" she asked again, "cuz I'm getting a bit tired, I was walking a bit before,"
"Well..." he pointed down the hallway, "The common room isn't far, if you don't want to play any more..."
"but I wanna play," she said eagerly, "my legs are just getting bored of the game and want to stop," she looked down at her legs, holding one out.
"Oh..." he said, unsure of what to answer that with.

Rossi looked up at him and bit her lip, "could I have a piggy back?" she asked nervously.
"A....a what?"
Rossi blushed, "a piggy back," she said, "then I could still play, but not be so tired, unless I was too heavy for you to lift, Xanni says I am,"
"Too heavy for me?" he repeated, "No, little one, I think I could manage."
Rossi smiled, and raised her arms to be picked up, "thanks," she said then stopped, "how do you know my nickname?" she asked, wondering how everyone knew it.
"Your... nickname?" he asked, "No, I don't know... err... didn't know that it was." He picked her up easily.
Rossi smiled, "oh, ok," she said, not worrying about it so much as she was more excited about the piggy back

He settled her on to his shoulders.
Rossi put her arms around his forehead to hold on, and rested her chin on his head.
"Uh... hang on....I guess...."
Rossi giggled softly, "that's what I'm doin'"
"Okay...." he started to walk.
Rossi looked all around, Talck gave her piggy backs all the time, and so did Dinni, but she'd never been up this high before, it was a much different view point.
Krupp suddenly stopped and dodged into an empty room.
Rossi squeaked as she almost lost her balance, "what? what is it?" she asked softly, remembering she had to keep quiet
Krupp shushed her as Dinni came down the hallway.
Rossi bit her lip and nodded.
wondering why they were hiding from her brother
Dinni didn't stop or look into the room, he kept walking away.
Rossi heard him pass, "why were we hiding from him?" she whispered
"We're hiding from everybody..."
"oh," she said starting to understand.

Krupp hesitated, listening, and then strode out into the hallway again and kept going.
Rossi looked around, "I can help you watch for everyone else," she whispered
"Thanks..."
Rossi grinned, now that she had a job, she looked around carefully, listening for anyone. Then something struck her, "you said your other friends were playing too, where are they?"
"Uh..." he didn't have an answer for that one, "I don't know..." he said finally.
"oh, they're hiding somewhere else?"
"...yeah. Yeah. That's it."
Rossi nodded, her chin bopping Krupp's head as she did so.
Krupp neared the kitchen and came to a stop as he heard voices inside.
Rossi bit her lip, "this'll be hard," she whispered.

He leaned back against the wall with a frustrated sigh.
"what're we gonna do now?"
"I don't know... there's no way I can get in and get food without them seeing me..." he groaned.
Rossi looked down at Krupp's head, "I can go in and get food, they won't notice me,"
He reached up for her and set her down on the ground, then knelt down to her height.
Rossi looked at Krupp, waiting.
"Would you do that for me?" he asked.
Rossi nodded grinning "Course!" she said.
"Th-thank you." He said. He looked up, "Okay... I'm going to hide, in there," he pointed to a closet.
Rossi nodded, "what food do you want, just cookies?"
"Well... there are five of us...." he started thoughtfully, "How about anything that you can get?"
Rossi nodded, "ok," she said
"Thanks," he said with a smile.

Rossi grinned and went into the dining room, heading for the kitchen.
Imbrri saw her, "where're you off to sunshine?" she asked.
Rossi grinned, "to visit the coaches!"
Xanni rolled her eyes, "she spends more time with them than us,"
Ashley smiled at her, "and you're saying that's a bad thing?"
"no not at all, just wish I was that popular,"
Dinni laughed.
Xanni swatted at him, as Rossi went into the kitchen.
Dinni ducked

Rossi peeked in the kitchen and hopped up on her stool.
Dinah turned, "hey sweet pea!" she said
"Good morning sugar," Buffy greeted her.
Rossi grinned, "I was wundrin," she said softly, trying to think up an excuse so she didn't lose the game by giving away the other cars, "I was thinkin of havin a picnic with my dolls, would I be able to have some sandwiches?"
Dinah looked a bit confused, "breakfast's almost ready hun if you want to wait for that,"
Rossi made a face, "I just wanted to play outside instead of breakfast today,"
Buffy raised her eyebrows.
Dinah looked at her and shrugged, "any reason why not?" she asked.
"Guess not," Buffy said, "You aren't hiding CB again are ya?" she teased.
Rossi blushed again, "not this time," she muttered looking down at her hands
"Aww Rossi, I'm sorry," Buffy said, "Nobody's upset with you for that."
Dinah nodded, "yeah," she agreed, "now what do you want on your sandwiches?"
Rossi looked up thoughtfully, "can I have, peanut butter and honey?"
Dinah grinned, "course!"
Buffy pulled out the bread, "How many?"
Rossi thought for a second, trying to remember how many the big car had said, "ummm.... six, I have five toys and don't want them hungry!"
Dinah laughed, "and you could eat them all yourself too couldn't you."
Buffy giggled, "that she could."

Rossi smiled and got up on her knees on the stool, reaching for the cookie jar and grabbing a couple cookies.
"six sandwiches and a bunch of cookies..." Buffy commented to Dinah.
Dinah grinned, "I don't think I ever made so many cookies before sweet pea here arrived,"
Buffy laughed.
Rossi giggled around a mouthful of cookie.
Dinah smiled, "now don't choke on that," she warned, "wouldn't do any good to have you cough up cookie all over the place,"
"No way," Buffy said, "I'm sure Rossi would much rather *eat* your cookies."
Rossi giggled some more, swallowing just in time to not choke.
Dinah laughed, "now look what you've done Buffy, you gave her the giggles"
"I what?" Buffy gasped, "Oh Starlight, I do hope that it isn't catching."
Rossi nearly fell off her stool from giggling so much.
Dinah laughed, "I'm not sure if it is or not, but I heard that a coach in a yard not far from here caught them, and didn't stop giggling for the rest of her life!"
"Oh dear..."
Dinah winked at Buffy, trying to hide her grin as Rossi continued to giggle at her.

"Is there any way to cure it?" Buffy asked.
Dinah thought for a second, "you know, I think there might be," she said.
"What is it?" Buffy breathed.
Dinah looked sly as she leaned in and whispered to Buffy.
Rossi, still giggling, leaned forward trying to hear, "what?"
Buffy nodded slightly.
Dinah moved closer to Rossi, smiling, "it's nothing much...." she said, "just, well....." she looked at Buffy
Buffy moved closer as well, "It's risky, but it might save her."
Dinah nodded.
Rossi was looking between the two, still giggling, but not sure what they were doing.
"the cure is..." Dinah moved behind Rossi, "TICKLING!!!!"
Rossi squealed as Dinah, laughing, grabbed her and started to tickle her.
Buffy followed suite.
Rossi squealed and giggled, until Dinah put her down.
"Feel better?"
Rossi grinned and nodded.
Buffy smiled, "I guess it worked then."
Rossi nodded again, as Dinah moved back to the sandwiches.
Buffy started packing them into a picnic basket.

Dinah smiled and stirred the porridge again, "now don't go very far, your train gets very worried when you disappear all of a sudden," she said.
Rossi looked up at her and sighed.
"What's wrong sugar?" Buffy asked.
"everyone's so worried about me I can't do anything!"
"Aww," Buffy gave her a hug, "We just care about you, that's all."
Dinah smiled, "yeah, we don't want you to get hurt!" Rossi nodded.
Buffy handed Rossi the basket, "There ya go."
Rossi took it, "thanks!" she said.
Dinah smiled, "just bring back the basket when you're done! That way you can use it again next time,"
Buffy glanced at Dinah as Rossi left, "What d'you think she's up to this time?"
Dinah shook her head, "Starlight only knows, I just hope she doesn't get into trouble this time,"
Buffy nodded in agreement.

Rossi rolled out through the dining room, hoping not to be seen, but struggling slightly with the heavy basket
"Hey Rossi," Poppa greeted her, "What are you up to this morning?"
Rossi bit her lip, but looked up and smiled, "I'm having a picnic!"
He smiled, "Have fun."

Rossi smiled and moved out the door, looking around to make sure she wasn't followed. She then went over to the closet and knocked on it, "I got sandwiches,"
Krupp cautiously opened the door.
Rossi smiled up at him, holding out the basket.
"Thanks..." he started.
"Hey Rossi?" Poppa called.
Krupp quickly reached out and scooped up Rossi, basket and all, and closed the door.
Rossi gave a slight squeak, but stayed quiet.
Krupp set her down slowly, warning her to be quiet.
When Rossi was set down, she wasn't quite balanced, her arms pinwheeled slightly and she fell back against Krupp.
Krupp struggled to keep his balance, and not step on her, he managed the later, but feel hard against the door, which flew open, depositing him on the ground.
Rossi looked up horrified at Poppa.
Krupp looked up as well, and then back down, it was rather pointless to run.
Rossi bit her lip, now they'd lost the game...

"What are you doing here?" Poppa demanded.
"I...I..." Krupp couldn't think of a good answer.
Rossi looked between Krupp and Poppa, by poppa's tone she knew it was something other than just a game
Krupp got up to his skates, picking up the basket and he silently followed Poppa.

Electra was sitting at his table, still looking quite depressed, he looked up just in time to see Poppa and Krupp go past the door, by their faces and postures he knew Krupp was getting in trouble. He got up and moved out the door after them, "what's going on?"
Poppa had taken hold of Krupp's wrist, otherwise Krupp would've rushed over to Electra.
"Master, I'm sorry!" Krupp blurted out.
Rossi watched as the mean engine came out of the dining room, she still didn't understand.

"What are you doing?" Electra asked Poppa.
"He was supposed to stay put along with the rest of your components," Poppa said, giving Krupp a bit of a tug.
"I'm sorry," Krupp said again.
Electra growled, "let him go," he said dangerously soft.
"I will," Poppa said.
"now!"
"Master, no..." Krupp pleaded.
Electra glared at Poppa, ignoring Krupp
"You'll get in trouble again..." Krupp said.
Rossi looked at them, not understanding, but sure it was her fault for knocking Krupp over.

Electra continued to watch Poppa, "Let.. him.. go!"
Poppa let go of Krupp's wrist, and he promptly darted over to Electra.
Electra glared at Poppa, "Leave Krupp out of this."
"Master, please... you'll get into more trouble..."
Rossi didn't know what to do, but she didn't like the mean engine being so close to her.
Electra ignored Krupp and continued to glare at Poppa
Krupp let out a frustrated sigh.
Electra growled, "you can go now," he said to Poppa, "I can take care of him from here"
"I'm not quite finished with him..." Poppa said.
Electra narrowed his eyes, electricity flashing in them, he'd never actually shock the older steamer, but he did consider it, "you are now," he said.
Rossi was near tears, the tones of the engine's voices were scaring her, she crawled back into the closet a bit.

"Electra!" Krupp exclaimed, frustrated.
Electra looked back over his shoulder for a brief second before turning back to Poppa
Krupp got up and stepped between the two engines.
Electra looked at him, "Krupp stay out of this,"
He shook his head.
Electra clenched his fists but waited
"No." Krupp said softly.
Rossi watched Krupp, she was the one who'd made him trip, she was the one who got him caught, she didn't want him to be in trouble.
Electra remained silent.
Krupp's eyes had narrowed, he would not move.
Electra had had enough, "KRUPP STAND DOWN!" he yelled at the armaments truck
Krupp flinched, but didn't move.
Electra glared at him, not believing his truck had disobeyed him.
"This is my fault," Krupp said calmly.
Electra clenched his jaw, "how is it your fault," he asked through his teeth
"*I* snuck out, *I* disobeyed orders..." Krupp said.
Electra closed his eyes and clenched his fists again.
"And *I* am going to be punished, not you."
Electra looked at Krupp, knowing he was the one who got him punished in the first place, "no," he said
"I don't want you in any more trouble...." Krupp said.
"you're my truck and my responsibility," he said.
"But it was my choice to leave..." Krupp started.

"And why did you?" Poppa asked.
Electra looked up at Poppa, he'd almost forgotten the old steamer was there
Krupp turned to Poppa. "I... that is..."
Rossi was listening to everything, not knowing what to do.
Electra watched Krupp, waiting for his explanation
"We weren't sure if we were going to get fed," Krupp said, "And since we didn't know how long you were going to keep us locked up...."
Electra glared at Poppa, "you didn't take them food?
"I was going to," Poppa said, "We wouldn't let them starve." "
Oh..." Krupp said softly, feeling very stupid.
Electra continued to glare at Poppa, "but you didn't tell them that did you, how were they to know?" His voice was filled with anger.
"I assumed that they'd knew that."
"and how would they, they've never left my train before,"
"My mistake."
Electra crossed his arms over his chest, "and have the others been taken any food yet?" he asked
Poppa looked at his watch, "I was on my way to do that before I got stopped."
"right"
Krupp silently handed Poppa the basket.

Electra looked at the basket, "and where did you get those from?" he asked
"Kitchen..."
"I didn't see you go to the kitchen"
"Well...." Krupp glanced at Rossi, "I was hiding..."
Electra raised an eyebrow, Rossi moved deeper into the shadows of the closet
"And I didn't want anyone to see me," Krupp pointed out.
Electra nodded, knowing there was more to Krupp's story.

"Well," Poppa said, "Seeing as how you have a reason for why you left..."
Electra looked at poppa and listened silently
"There will be no change to your punishment, provided you agree to go back."
Krupp nodded quickly.
"and when do I get them back?"
"Later." Poppa turned.
Krupp looked back at Electra once more, and then hitched behind Poppa.
Electra growled deep in his chest as he watched Krupp leave again.
"We're... we're all okay," Krupp said.
Electra nodded.
"What do you want me to tell them?" he asked.
"That I will come back for them,"
He nodded and then Poppa pulled him back down the hallway.
Electra growled and went back into the dining room, sitting down at his table.

Rossi bit her lip, so that no one would hear her, it was all her fault, all of this was her fault, she swallowed, feeling a bit lump of tears in her throat and took off out of the roundhouse and down the tracks toward the bridge where CB hid all the time. She wanted to be alone.

Wrench looked at her watch and sighed, Krupp had been gone for longer then expected.
Joule sleepily opened her eyes.
Purse rolled onto his back and mumbled as he started to wake up, Volta looked at them worried, "now what do we do?" she asked wrench
"Not tell them where Krupp is," Wrench said, "I'd hoped that Krupp would have been back by now..."
Volta nodded.

Purse opened his eyes and noticed it was just him and Joule on the couch, he squeaked slightly.
Joule quickly sat up and detangled herself from Purse. "Where are we?"
Purse looked around, "we're still locked in the room," he said softly
Joule blinked and looked around as well.
Volta gave Wrench a helpless look.
Wrench shrugged as Joule latched on to the nearest car next to her, Purse.
Purse squeaked again, but didn't exactly move as he looked around wide eyed
Joule was looking around, counting
"whatcha doing?" purse asked.
"There's only four of us," Joule whispered.
Purse looked around, "yeah," he said, biting his lip

"Where's Krupp?" Joule asked
Volta looked between the smaller cars and Wrench, "he...he's using the bathroom"
"Oh." Joule said.
Purse looked like a trapped animal as he ooked around
Wrench looked at her watch.
"But if Krupp went to the bathroom... how'd he get out?" Joule asked.
Volta stammered a bit, "uh.... " she looked at Wrench
Wrench blinked, "Um..."
Purse looked at the two bigger cars

Joule stood up and started over towards Volta
Volta looked at Joule strangely, "what are you doing?"
Purse watched Joule as he tucked himself up in a ball
"Is he coming back?" she asked softly.
"well.. he ... should be," Volta said, backing up a bit away from Joule
"Like master's coming back?"
"Of course!" Volta said, bumping into the wall behind her.
Purse got up and moved towards Volta as well, "are you sure?"
Volta nodded, looking between the two smaller components
"Promise?" Joule asked pleadingly.
Volta looked at Wrench helplessly, "yeah.... "
Wrench nodded. Joule whimpered softly, first Electra, now Krupp.

Purse looked around at Wrench, then Volta, tears filling his eyes, he suddenly darted toward Volta and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her chest, "everyone's disappearing one at a time, you're going to be next I know it!" he sobbed. "GYEH!!!!!!!"
Volta tried to disentangle her self from purse, but it didn't look likely
"He's right!" Joule exclaimed, rushing over to her sister as well.
"ACK!" Volta made a face and looked at Wrench, as if begging her to help.
Wrench raised an eyebrow. "C'mon you two, Volta's not gonna disappear..."
Purse continued to sob, "yes she will, just like Krupp and The Master"
Volta looked down at Purse, "And how do you know it won't be Wrench?" She asked irritated.
"Wrench is much stronger and scarier, she'd be the last to disappear,"
Volta rolled her eyes
Joule looked up at Wrench and nodded.
Volta sighed, and looked incredibly irritated as she tried to get her self out from the Joule/Pursey sandwich she was now in

At just that moment the door opened...
Joule held Volta tighter, no train was gonna take her sister!
Volta looked over at the door, then gasped as Purse squeezed her tight, "they're not taking you with out a fight," he mumbled
Krupp rolled into the room slowly.
Purse looked up, "KRUPP!" he shouted as he dashed over to him and bear hugged him as much as a little money truck could.
Volta breathed a half sigh of relief
Joule shrieked and darted over to Krupp as well. "Hi you two," Krupp said softly.
Volta looked at Krupp, "well?"
Krupp handed her the basket.
Volta smiled with relief, she'd been starting to get hungry, "thanks Krupp."
Purse was sobbing, "don't leave again, not ever!"
"I won't," Krupp promised, still not leaving the doorway.
Volta frowned at him slightly, "what's up?

Poppa, barely visible behind the tangled mess of components had been holding Krupp's couplings up until now.
Now that he had been released, he, with some difficulty as he had two cars hanging on him, moved further into the room.
Volta spotted Poppa and swallowed nervously, moving away from the door.
Wrench moved away as well as the elder Steamer.
Volta looked at Krupp, Purse hadn't seen the steamer yet, and was too busy cuddling Krupp to notice.
"Got caught." Krupp whispered over the two younger components.
Purse looked up, then noticed poppa, he squeaked and hid behind Krupp.
"You would have been fed y'know..." Poppa said, and then he closed the door.
Volta snorted, "and how were we to know that, you never told us!"
"He said that he assumed that we'd know," Krupp said.
Volta rolled her eyes

Krupp nodded and sat down on the couch, dragging the other two with him.
Purse crawled up beside him and watched Poppa nervously
"You will get to go home sometime today," Poppa said, turning to go.
Purse looked up happily. Volta didn't look so sure
Poppa left them alone, closing the door behind him.

Joule darted over to Volta and hugged her tightly.
"GAHH!! what're you doing!!" Volta struggled again, figuring Joule would still be hugging Krupp
"We get to go home!" Joule exclaimed.
Volta rolled her eyes again, wondering what they would find when they got home, she wished she could ask Krupp about Electra, but didn't want to upset the smaller components
Wrench took the basket and set it on the table, starting to take food out.
"I saw... Electra," Krupp started, "And he said that he...he misses us."
Purse's face crumpled up and he started to bawl, flopping down and burying his face in Krupp's leg.
Volta sighed, and nodded.
"And that'd he would see us later."
Purse continued to bawl, "I ... miss... hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!"
Krupp rolled his eyes and leaned back, patting Purse on the back.
Volta sighed and managed to untangle herself slightly from Joule and move over to Wrench and the basket, taking out a couple sandwiches and passing one to Joule.
Joule took the sandwich, although she looked a bit miffed at being removed from Volta.

Volta looked at Krupp, "so other than... him" she nodded toward the door, "every thing was ok?" she asked
"Yeah..." Krupp said slowly.
Volta gave him a look, but said nothing, wondering what was wrong.
Krupp looked down at Purse, rather wishing that he would stop crying.
Purse was quieting down some, but still increasing the wet spot on Krupp's leg with his tears

"Did you want something to eat?" Wrench asked.
Purse sniffed a bit and looked up, his eyes red, "I am a b-bit hungry," he said
Wrench handed him a sandwich.
Purse reached out and took it, looking at it dejectedly, but luckily.. he'd stopped crying
Wrench and Joule both started to eat. Krupp sat a bit listlessly.
Volta went over to the window and looked out, sighing.

Krupp stood up and rolled over towards her.
Volta looked up at him, "how long do you think it'll be before we're let out?" she asked
"I don't know," Krupp said absently, "But sometime today narrows it down a bit..."
Volta nodded, then noticed Krupp's face, "what's wrong?"
"Master yelled at me."
Volta looked at Krupp in shock, "what?" she asked, then checked her voice level so as not to let the others know, "why?"
"Because I didn't do what he ordered me to."
Volta's eyes widened, "you disobeyed him? why?
Krupp was silent for a minute.
Volta waited, "well?" she finally asked
"After I got caught, Electra was yelling at Poppa for bringing me back, and I didn't want him to get in more trouble, so I stepped between them..."
Volta gasped in shock.. not knowing what to say
"I didn't want him to get into more trouble."
Volta shook her head, "do you have any idea what he might do to you?
"Probably."
Volta shook her head and looked out the window, "I don't envy your position"
"Good idea," Krupp said.

Volta looked up at him, "you never do that sort of thing," she said, "even when he could get into trouble, what possessed you?"
"Volta, I'm supposed to protect him, and part of that is keeping him from getting into trouble."
Volta shook her head again, " you were always weird like that"
He leaned up against the wall.
"I mean... you never worry about how much trouble you'll get into.. I mean... if master's going to get into trouble.. he'll get into trouble"
"Yeah..." Krupp said slowly.

Volta shook her head, "so how'd you get the food.... you obviously got caught, did they just give it to you after you told them why you were out?"
"No, I got the food before I got caught... and since the steamer was gonna bring us food anyway, he said that I could keep it."
"how'd you manage that?"
"Well... don't tell anyone..."
Volta looked at Krupp, "you know I wouldn't, have I ever told anything before?"
"Well... no," Krupp said, "Do you remember that little caboose?"
"The little pink one who's probably the toughest of the train?"
"Yeah. She got it for me."
"really??? she may be the toughest.. but that's still surprising,"
Krupp nodded, "She thought that it was a game."

Volta looked thoughtful, "hmmm.... so she trusts you?"
"I'm not sure about that..."
"but doesn't DIS trust you?"
"I suppose."
Volta lifted an eyebrow, "We may be able to work with that,"
"No."
Volta looked up at him, "why?"
"Just, no."
Volta frowned, "WHAT has gotten into you.... "
"She's a trainlet, Volta."
"So? all the better! she doesn't know what's right and wrong,"
"I'm not going to take advantage of her."
Volta rolled her eyes

"I don't know what's gotten in to me," Krupp said, "Maybe it's..." he indicated the room, "Maybe it's this."
Volta turned and leaned against the window frame, "yeah, maybe"
"I don't usually do a lot of thinking for myself."
Volta made a face, he may be acting weird, but he was still her friend, "don't say that," she said
"Sorry," Krupp said.
Volta looked up at him, "you know I hate it when you make yourself out to be worse than you are, you're at least as smart as I am,"
"I don't like being the engine."
Volta sighed, "I believe that,"
Krupp looked at the other three. "Wrench is alright, but the other two..."
Volta rolled her eyes, "don't even get me started on them," she groaned, "wrench was smart in scaring them away from her the first time she met them"
"They just miss Electra."
"They go over the top"
Krupp shrugged.

Volta looked at him, "you ok?" she asked, "Electra can be pretty bad when he's angry"
"I know."
"so, you ok?"
"Yes."

Volta nodded, "so, what's the little pink thing like?"
Krupp actually smiled, "She's... cute."
Volta looked at him, "huh?"
"I said that she's cute."
"I've never heard you use that word,"
"Oh, well... She is. She's a little trainlet, and she thought that we were playing a game."
"and how'd you manage to make her believe that?"
He shrugged, "I just said that we were playing a game, and she believed me."
Volta frowned, "it'd be so easy," she muttered
"No," he said again.
Volta rolled her eyes again
"I'm going to get something to eat," Krupp said, ending the conversation.
Volta sighed, "fine," she said

Joule smiled at Krupp as he skated over to the table.
Purse looked up, "do you think the master will come and get us?"
"He said that he would."
"Of course he will!" Joule said.
Purse nodded, "ok," he said quietly
Krupp smiled, "We'll be going home today."

Several hours later, Joule was dozing, lying across Krupp's lap.
Volta was sitting on the floor, staring off into space.
Purse was snuggled up to Krupp, humming to himself, but with an expression of pure boredom on his face
Wrench had dismantled a lamp, and was putting it back together.
Volta watched her, "you always find something to do,"
She shrugged, "May as well do *something*"
Volta nodded

Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Joule sat up and attempted to hide behind Krupp.
Purse jumped and clung to Krupp's arm, even Volta started a bit.
The door opened and Poppa rolled in.
Volta watched him, her eyes cold with distrust
The steamer opened the door all the way.
Purse clung to Krupp, a mixture of fear and anger in his eyes
Poppa propped the door open, "All of you are free to go."
Purse sat straight up.
Krupp rose to his wheels, pulling Purse and Joule up with him.
Purse got up, Volta slowly got on her skates
Wrench did as well.
"Electra's in the dining room," Poppa said as he left the room.

Purse looked up at Krupp, "he didn't come to get us?"
"Maybe he couldn't..." Krupp said, offering his couplings to whoever would take them, which turned out to be Joule.
Purse hitched on after, with volta behind him, "yeah, maybe it's more of the punishment," she said for the littler component's sake.
Wrench nodded, hitching up. Krupp pulled the others out of the room and down the hallway.

Electra sat in the diningroom, thinking of what had happened earlier that day. He'd been quite surprised that Krupp had disobeyed him, and disrespected him, especially in front of the steamer. He would have to bring him back to order.

The components entered the dining room.
Electra looked up, his face still passive as he acknowledged them, standing up.
Purse unhitched and ran to Electra.
The engine stopped him, putting a hand out, "Later," he growled.
Purse looked slightly hurt, but obeyed his master.
Joule pouted a bit, she'd wanted to run over to him too.
Electra gave Krupp a look, then turned, offering his couplings.

Rossi watched them from the diningroom door, remembering how upset the big car had seemed when he'd left with Poppa. She hoped he wasn't in too much trouble

Joule darted in front of Krupp to hitch up behind Electra.
Krupp took her couplings.
Krupp looked over and saw Rossi and gave her a wink.
Rossi gave him a slight smile, but ducked away from view.
Purse pouted and hitched on behind krupp.
Volta sighed and hitched behind the smaller component.

Electra started up, heading home.
Wrench took the rear.
Joule gave Electra's coupling a gentle squeeze.
Electra didn't respond as he continued to go back to their shed
Once they arrived home, Joule didn't unhitch, holding tightly to her engine.
Electra didn't look at Joule as he stood there rigidly, "Krupp, you will come with me, the rest of you wait here,"
"Yes Master," Krupp said.
"But-" Joule started to protest.
Volta unhitched and went by Joule, and Purse, who looked near to protesting as well, "It's not your place to question," she said, giving Krupp a concerned look.
Krupp did not look worried at all.
Joule pouted, "But we just got back!"
Electra looked at her finally, "I will be back soon," he said
She smiled, "Good."

Electra looked at Krupp, "follow me," he said, turning and heading out of the room
Krupp followed.
Electra led Krupp to a room in the back of the shed and waited for him to enter the room, arms crossed.
Krupp rolled into the room as bit and stood in the center.
"I will give you a chance to explain and defend yourself," Electra said.
Krupp nodded.
"do you have anything to say?"
"I did not want you to get into more trouble on my account," Krupp said calmly.
"I can manage my own trouble," Electra glared at Krupp, "anything else?"
"I was built to protect you, and part of that is keeping you out of trouble," Krupp said calmly, "And I am not sorry for what I did."
"so it appears," Electra began pacing in circles around Krupp.
Krupp stood completely still, standing at attention, eyes forward.

Electra continued to pace, "first off, you disobeyed a direct command from me,."
Krupp remained still, not moving as Electra circled him.
"Second, you embarrassed me, and showed me up in front of the steamer," he growled
Krupp shifted ever so slightly, but kept his composure.
"and finally, you referred to me by my name in front of the steamer, that's the highest form of disrespect!"

Krupp blinked, "I am sorry master."
Electra sighed, "I expect as much"
"But you would not listen to me."
"It's not your place to tell me how to act!" he snapped
"But it is my place to protect you."
"It's my place to decide when i want to be protected"
Krupp had no answer for that.

Electra was seething, he glared at Krupp, stopping behind him. He reached out his hand and zapped the armaments truck
Although he had been expecting it from the begining, it still took him by surprise as the electricty surged through his frame. He let out a small gasp, but that was it.
Electra glared at Krupp
Krupp regained his composure and stood waiting for the next shock.

With the lack of reaction due to the shock, Electra doubled the amount, and shocked Krupp again
Krupp gritted his teeth as his vision went black for a second, and he fell forward, landing hard on the ground.
Electra watched him, crossing his arms and waiting
Krupp made no sound, but his eyes were glazed over with pain.
Electra watched him.
Krupp lay there, unable to move any further.

Electra rolled over to him, "for the next day and a half, you are to remain here, you are not my armaments truck, and have no duties," with that, Electra rolled out of the room
"What?" Krupp whispered.

Electra went into the main room.
Purse looked up and squealed, happy with finally being able to rush to Electra and give him a hug.
Joule followed, running towards her engine.
Electra allowed the younger components to hug him, before moving to sit down.

Volta looked fairly worried, she wondered if Krupp was all right.
"We missed you!" Joule exclaimed.
Electra smiled slightly, "I imagine" he said
Joule hugged him tightly.
Purse cuddled up close, giving Joule a small glare
Joule smirked slightly, having gotten the better position.

Volta got up slowly and headed back towards the bed rooms, wondering where Krupp was, and hoping he was all right.
Krupp hadn't moved.
Volta saw him through a door and sighed as she slowly went over to him, "Are you all right?" she asked, crouching down beside him.
He shook his head.
"what'd he do? what happened?"
"He... he said that for the next day I... I can't do my job," Krupp actually looked rather shaken by this.
Volta looked at him shocked, "what?"
Krupp closed his eyes weakly.
Volta put her hand on Krupps shoulder
"No work..." he said softly.
"It'll be ok,"
"What am I gonna do?"
"it's only one day right? then he'll let you back"
"Yeah."
"it can't be all that bad then"
"I guess not," he didn't sound convinced.
"it's only one day, you can last that long right?"

Krupp nodded slowly, "But imagine what could happen in one day."
"He'll be all right, i'll watch out for him if it'll make you feel better,"
"Thanks..."
"no problem, what're friends for right?"
He half smiled at that.
Volta gave him a smile back, "it'll be all right, I promise"
"And Volta?"
"Yeah?"
"Watch out for yourself and the others too."
Volta nodded, "i will,"

Krupp started to get up, still sparking a bit from the remaining electricity.
Volta reached down to help him, "take it easy," she said
"Thanks..." he said.
"you ok?"
"Apart from being fired for a day?"
"yeah, I mean from the shocks,"
"I will be."
Volta nodded, "be careful,"
"Don't worry about me," he said.
Volta gave him a look, "like i have a choice,"

Krupp blinked as he made it to his wheels, "What are the others doing?"
"Cuddling up to Electra," Volta said with a sigh, "you're so busy watching out for everyone else you don't watch out for yourself"
Krupp nodded, "Well I'm *supposed* to watch out for everyone else."
Volta smiled, "I guess,"
"That's supposed to be my job."
Volta nodded, giving him a smile, "you don't have to do it so well tho, you make the rest of us look bad,"
He shrugged.
"I'd better get back, you take care of you ok?"
"Sure..." he said absently.
Volta gave him a worried look as she headed to the door, "Just don't hurt yourself,"
"I won't."
Volta gave him a smile, then left the room.
Krupp stood there for a minute, unsure of what to do.

Volta went back to the common room and looked around at everyone
Joule looked up and grinned at Volta from where she had attached herself to Electra.
Purse was too busy hugging Electra to notice the freezer truck.
Electra gave a quick glance at her, then turned back to Purse and Joule.
Volta sighed and went to sit near Wrench
"How is he?" Wrench asked.
Volta looked up at wrench, "ok, he could've been worse,"
She nodded, "Anything that I should look into?"
Volta thought for a second, "he just seemed tired and a bit sore, maybe give him a bit of a check, but i don't think it's too serious,"
"Okay," Wrench said, standing up to go.
Volta watched her, then looked back at the three on the couch, the engine was still not really noticing her.

Krupp silently slunk into the room, he'd decided to see Wrench after all. It was important to be in proper working order, else how could he do his... he sighed softly, what job?
Volta looked at him worriedly, she hoped he'd be all right.
Electra's focus didn't shift, it was as if Krupp wasn't there.
With a glance at Electra, he headed over towards Volta and Wrench.
Volta moved, to give him some room to sit
He shook his head slightly, "I just wanted to talk to Wrench."
Volta nodded.
Purse looked over at Krupp for a second, but was more than happy to turn his attention back to Electra

Krupp and Wrench spoke softly for a minute, and then she followed him out of the room.
Volta watched them go, hoping he would be ok.

After ten or fifteen minutes, Wrench returned alone, without a word she returned to her place. Her expression dared anyone to comment on her absense.
Volta looked up at her, "is he ok?"
Electra didn't even seem to notice that she'd been gone
She nodded, "No major damange, a few scortch marks, but nothing that I couldn't fix."
Volta nodded.
Wrench leaned back, assuming her usual air.

Electra looked up, "I believe we have a run to do, and we are quite late," he stood up quickly.
Joule stood up as well.
Purse stood up quickly and grabbed electra's couplings before Joule could.
Volta sighed, "Might as well," she murmered
Joule pouted and hitched up behind Purse.
"Master, do you think that you could spare me from this run?" Wrench asked.
Electra looked at her, "no, you're needed on this run," he said in a cold voice.
Volta sighed and moved behind joule.
She shrugged and nodded, hitching up at the end of the train.

Joule looked around, "Aren't we missing somebody?"
Electra didn't look back, "No, everyone who's needed is here," he said as he started off.
Joule looked very confused.
Volta remained silent.
Purse looked around, "but what about K-"
"I said everyone was here!" Electra cut purse off.
Joule still looked confused.
Electra left the house and headed down the tracks.