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The Entrance of Talck
Krupp awoke the next morning with a headache and a slight fever. He staggered out of his room early that morning and ran into Wrench, who took one look at him and sent him back to bed. He was too tired to argue and sank gratefully back to sleep.
After a moment's consideration, Wrench went off to tell Volta about Krupp's current status.
Volta was just getting ready in her room, stretching and the like.
Wrench knocked gently on Volta's door.
"C'min" Volta said, mid yawn
Wrench opened the door and entered.
"Hey"
"Hi," Wrench said, "I thought I should let you know... If you planned to yell at Krupp some more, you may want to wait."
"What's wrong?"
"Oh he'll be fine," Wrench said, "but he definitely caught a cold."
Volta shook her head, "Idiot!"
"Yeah," Wrench said evenly, "Well he's sleeping now, and as long as he stays that way he'll be fine tomorrow."
Volta nodded, "If only he'd listen!"
"He didn't argue with me when I sent him back to bed."
"But he wouldn't be sick in the first place... never mind"
Wrench nodded, "Yes."
Volta frowned, "What?"
"'Never mind'," Wrench repeated Volta, "Best thing to say."
Volta's eyes turned to ice and she looked away, "Whatever"
"I think that he needs your help Volta..."
"What do you mean?" she hissed, "He obviously doesn't, he sure as Starlight didn't need it when he was over at the other train."
Wrench sighed softly.
"Don't give me that"
"Alright," Wrench said, "I won't..." she headed towards the door.
Volta crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head.
Wrench left the room to go and find the others to prevent them from bothering Krupp.
Purse was wandering around the kitchen. He'd gone and checked on the Master periodically through the night, and he seemed to be ok. He was feeling a tad lost, not really knowing what to do
Wrench rolled out into the kitchen.
Purse turned around, a bit startled, "OH! uh... hi Wrench"
"Good morning Purse."
Purse gave Wrench a small smile, "Is the Master going to be ok?" he asked, a worried frown coming across his face
She nodded.
Purse gave a sigh of relief, "Where's Krupp, I haven't seen him since he went out to get the Master."
"He--" Wrench trailed off, "Actually Purse, I could use your help."
Purse looked up at her expectantly
"Krupp is still asleep, and we need to make sure he stays that way for as long as possible."
"Why?"
"Just trust me."
"Can I see him?"
"Well, that's what I need your help with." She said, "Do you think that you can help me keep the others out of Krupp's room this morning?"
Purse nodded slowly.
"Including you..." she said gently.
Purse's face grew troubled, "But why?"
"Just trust me."
Purse sighed, "Ok,"
She smiled at him warmly, "Thank you." She went over to get breakfast for herself and Purse.
Purse sighed and moved over to the counter, "I don't think we have anything," he said, "Electra forgot to get stuff from Dinah."
Wrench frowned, "Figures..."
Purse nodded, "He had a lot on his mind with Krupp coming back and all...."
Wrench nodded, "Yes I know."
Purse sighed, "It's never going back to normal is it..."
"It might. Someday."
Purse nodded, "Why did everything have to change? It made this all so much harder."
"I know Purse," she said, "But you can't really stop things from changing."
Purse nodded again.
"Ah ha!" she had still been digging in the cupboards and she emerged victoriously with a box of cereal.
Purse smiled, "now if only we could find some milk.... well.. some milk that isn't sour..."
"That I think we can do," Wrench said, pulling a carton out of the fridge, "Only two days old."
Purse nodded and moved to the table.
Wrench prepared two bowls of cereal and set one in front of Purse.
Electra entered the kitchen a moment later and looked around.
"Good morning Master," Wrench said politely.
Purse finished his mouthful before also greeting Electra.
"I guess," Electra said, eyeing the cereal with distaste.
"How are you today Master?" Purse asked.
Electra looked at him and shrugged, "as best as can be expected."
"You look better then last night," Wrench said
Electra nodded, "I needed the rest."
"I'm glad that you got in when you did," Wrench said, "any longer and things might not have gone as well."
Electra nodded again, remembering Wrench's words from last night. "Unfortunately the over hang I was under didn't offer much cover.... I may have gotten less wet had I been out in the rain."
"Well, I am just glad that Krupp brought you home."
Electra paused for a moment, "Yes, it was advantageous that he was there."
"Very."
Purse was staying quiet as he ate his cereal.
Electra looked thoughtful, "where is Krupp? There is something I need to discuss with him"
"He is in bed," Wrench answered a bit abruptly.
"It wasn't that late when we got back. He's never been a late sleeper"
"He is when he's sick."
Electra frowned
"He has a cold," Wrench explained
Electra nodded, "How long before he recovers?" He asked, trying not to give in to a pang of guilt he felt.
"Not sure."
Electra nodded, "Am I still able to talk with him?"
She shrugged.
Electra looked thoughtful, but said nothing on that subject, "I believe I'll go to the round house and get some food... I'm not in the mood for cereal this morning."
"Alright master."
Electra left the house and headed down the tracks.
Purse looked at Wrench, "Are they gonna be alright?"
"I hope so," Wrench said softly.
Purse's expression turned worried as he looked down at his cereal.
Down the hall, Volta quietly headed towards Krupp's room, looking around furtively, hoping Wrench wouldn't catch her. She opened the door silently and peeked in to see Krupp lying in bed.
Volta quietly moved into the room and shut the door, looking at Krupp with a mixture of worry and annoyance on her face.
He rolled over and looked at her, as he wasn't asleep
Volta sighed, "How are you feeling?"
"Lousy."
Volta nodded, "You should have at least taken another coat," She said softly.
"Yeah..." he said, "I wasn't thinking..."
Volta nodded, "You hungry at all?"
"Not really..." he said.
Volta nodded again, wishing she could help in some way. She moved over and sat on the edge of the bed. "You really had me worried last night."
"I'm sorry," he said, "You've gotta believe me..."
"I do... but that doesn't stop me from worrying."
He smiled slightly
Volta looked at him, then rolled her eyes. "Any more of this and I'm gonna start to thaw out," She said with a slight smile.
"We wouldn't want that..."
Volta shook her head.
Krupp closed his eyes, "y'know what?"
"What?"
"I think maybe part of the problem..."
Volta looked at Krupp.
"I'm not used to that y'see," he said sleepily.
"Used to what?" Volta asked softly.
"Trains worrying about me."
Volta nodded, "get some sleep, I'll check in later, and I'm sure that Wrench will too."
"Okay," he said, half asleep already
Volta got up and pulled Krupp's covers up a little closer before quietly leaving the room.
Krupp was asleep before Volta even left
Greaseball had just finished a very early run out on the border of the trainyard and he was heading in to see if there was any breakfast left - of course, knowing Dinah there would be. He let out a deep whistle to let anyone who happened to be around know that he was coming.
Rossi (who was out on the tracks) jumped slightly and looked up the tracks with wide eyes, then seeing it was only Greaseball, she stepped away from the tracks he was on, preparing to wave at him.
"Well well well, if it isn't the shrimp"
Rossi felt a chill go up her spine as she slowly turned around, on a parallel track to Greaseball's, Propo was standing, staring down at her with Mir and Prissy hitched behind her.
Greaseball glanced up to see that over on another set of tracks Rossi was standing with an unfamiliar diesel engine and two pretty coaches.
Rossi trembled slightly as she looked up at the diesel who'd crashed her.
"I'm amazed they kept you running," Propo said, "After the trouble you caused."
Rossi shook her head, "I was being good!" she said in a very small voice, her face pale.
"Not good enough if you caused a wreck like that, now take me to the head engine."
Rossi shook her head, "I dunno where he is," She said, her eyes going wide.
"Don't give him that," Prissy said, "We know full well that you're lying, you always did."
Rossi's eyes started to fill with tears as the coaches snickered.
Propo moved closer to Rossi, towering over her as the little caboose cowered, not noticing as Greaseball slowly moved over to investigate. "If I were you I wouldn't play games Shrimp."
Rossi just stared up at him.
"Hmph, apparently the crash took away what little brains she had." He moved quickly and grabbed Rossi's arm, causing her to cry out, "If you won't take me to the head engine, then you'll take me to your steamer," He said, enjoying watching her squirm in his grip.
"Excuse me?" Greaseball said, coming over.
Propo and his coaches turned, Rossi looked up at Greaseball with wide pleading eyes.
Propo smiled, "Well hello there, another diesel, something I didn't expect to see. Don't worry, as soon I've got what I want, you can take over."
Prissy and Mir weren't hiding their obvious perusal of the much nicer looking Diesel.
Greaseball eyed Propo a bit distastefully, even *Rusty* looked better then he did.
Propo took the glance differently, "Don't be impatient, I have a message for the head engine and this caboose was just about to take me to him. Weren't you shrimp?" He gave Rossi a bit of a shove.
Rossi made no noise, but tears were streaming down her cheeks.
"Yes," Greaseball said distastefully, "Come on," he added to Rossi.
Rossi looked at Greaseball with wide eyes, her arm still gripped in Propo's.
Propo let her go, with enough of a push to knock her off balance and cause her to fall across the tracks.
The coaches snickered again as Propo rolled his eyes, "A no good caboose who can't even stay upright, they should have let you shut down after you caused our crash... "
In a flash, Greaseball had caught Propo by the back of the neck.
Prissy squeaked and disconnected, backing up a bit, Mir's eyes grew wide.
Propo struggled a bit, "What are you doing? I told you you could take over once I got to the head engine,"
"You are an embarrassment to diesel," Greaseball said.
"What are you talking about?" Propo asked.
Rossi got up and scooted over behind Greaseball.
The two coaches watched what was going on without moving any closer.
"You show up in another trainyard and start pushing one of the girls around straight off," Greaseball said, "At least you should know enough to wait and find out what the ranking is around here."
Propo snorted, "you kidding? The shrimp knows me, she was at my trainyard from the time she started running, till she decided to cause a crash, which we happened to be involved in. She caused her train to get kicked out, she has no rank."
"Uh huh," Greaseball said. He turned to Rossi, "Rossi, would you run back to the roundhouse and tell Belle or Poppa that I'm bringing some..." he eyed Propo trying to come up with the right word to describe him, "Some piece of junk in?"
Rossi, still trembling, and clinging to Greaseball's leg, nodded, and sped off down the tracks.
Rusty was just leaving the roundhouse.
Rossi wasn't really looking where she was going, her eyes being blinded by tears as she raced down the tracks.
The next thing anyone knew, Rossi plowed into Rusty, causing both of them to fall. She sat up and hugged her knees as she cried, not realizing who she'd hit.
Rusty looked puzzled for a moment while he sorted himself out and sat up, "Rossi?"
Rossi looked up, realizing who it was, and threw herself into Rusty's arms, continuing to cry.
"Rossi?" Rusty asked again
Rossi looked up at Rusty, still trembling from her encounter with Propo.
"Rossi, what is it?"
Rossi sniffed, "Propo's here," she whispered.
"Propo?" Rusty repeated.
Rossi nodded
"Where?"
Rossi pointed down the way she come from.
"What is he doing here?"
Rossi sniffed and shrugged, "he said he has a message for Poppa
"oh?"
Rossi nodded again.
"Alright," Rusty stood up and took Rossi's hand
Rossi clutched it tightly, looking fearfully down the tracks.
He started to lead her into the roundhouse.
Rossi followed, sniffing periodically and rubbing her eyes and nose.
Rusty whistled, calling his father
Rossi jumped slightly at the whistle but still clutched onto Rusty's hand.
After a minute or two there was a deeper answering whistle.
Rossi shivered a bit and put on her brakes, her eyes wide, she didn't like what was going on at all, her tears starting to come faster... Propo was probably going to take them back.
Rusty eeped softly as Rossi brought him to a stop. "Um... Rossi?"
Rossi was trembling, her brain thinking up all sorts of horrible things that could be contained in the letter.
"Rossi?"
Rossi looked up at Rusty, her eyes still streaming tears.
"Come on now."
Rossi merely held up her arms, if Propo was going to take them away, she wanted to be where Rusty could make sure she was safe.
"Alright," he lifted her up.
Rossi cuddled to his chest and hid her face in the crook of his neck, her little arms clutched around his neck.
Rusty held her close and continued onward.
Not far away Talck had heard the whistle to Poppa and Poppa's response, he frowned slightly at the urgency of it and decided to go check on it. He was just coming back from a run anyway so he at least had an excuse.
Rusty who had gotten quite used to carrying Rossi by now looked up to see Talck.
Talck frowned and sped up a bit.
Imbrri looked up and gasped as Xanni's face went white.
"what happened?" Talck asked.
Dinni peered around Xanni and his eyes widened as well.
Rusty shifted Rossi a bit so he was holding her tighter so she wouldn't be as scared, "She ran into... an old friend."
"What do you mean?"
"That diesel engine... from your old trainyard."
Rossi shivered, but didn't look up, she knew Talck was there, but Rusty was holding her right now.
"She's ok right?" Talck asked, worried she'd gotten crashed again.
Imbrri turned and grabbed Xanni's arm, knowing how Xanni felt about Propo.
"Yeah," Rusty said, "Just a bit scared."
Talck nodded, not wanting to admit that he was also getting scared, and he was pretty sure the rest of his train was getting similar feelings. "What would Propo want here?"
"She said that he had a letter for Poppa or something like that..."
Imbrri looked at Rusty, her face going as pale as Xanni's, the last time a letter had been sent, it was for the train to come here... did CP want them back?
Talck tried very hard to keep his emotions in check, and moved to put an arm around Imbrri, not knowing what to say.
Just then, Poppa rolled out into the hallway, "What's going on Rusty?"
Talck felt Imbrri jump and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
Xanni, for once, was deathly silent.
Poppa looked over Talck's nervous looking train, and then at Rossi in Rusty's arms.
Rossi kept her head down, figuring if she couldn't see anything then maybe Propo wouldn't see her and just go away.
Having realized that nobody was going to say anything, Poppa looked to Rusty, "Well?"
"Near as I can tell, Propo-" he glanced at Talck to make sure he'd gotten the name right, "From the trainyard that Talck came from- is here with a letter for you."
Rossi nodded into Rusty's neck, while the rest of her train tried not to look worried.
"Oh," Poppa said, "Where is he now?"
Rusty shrugged.
"On the tracks with Greaseball," Rossi mumbled into Rusty's shoulder.
"On the tracks with.... Greaseball?" Rusty repeated so everyone could hear
Rossi nodded, Talck frowned immediately, wondering what was going on.
Xanni's face turned from white to red as she got angry, and Imbrri's grip on her arm tightened slightly
"Alright," Poppa said, taking control of the situation, he turned to Talck, "If you and your train wanna leave-"
Rossi squeeked and put a death grip on Rusty, as the two coaches faces went deathly pale again.
Talck stuttered a bit, "Why?"
"Ack!" Rusty protested, "Rossi - too tight there..."
"Well I assumed you didn't want him to see you," Poppa said.
Rossi loosened her grip a bit, but not much, she'd started trembling again.
Talck took a deep breath, "Oh, sorry... yeah.. " He said, motioning Imbrri, Xanni and Dinni to go to their rooms while he moved to take Rossi, "Come on Rossi," He said.
Rossi shook her head, and Imbrri and Xanni didn't move.
"Hey now," Rusty said to Rossi, "Don't you want to go with Talck?"
"Only if you come with," Rossi said.
"Alright..." Rusty said slowly, "Don't worry though, nothing bad will happen to you..."
Rossi wasn't so sure but continued to hold tight to Rusty.
Talck moved to Imbrri and took her hand, starting to move her to the hall, and with her holding Xanni, she was forced to come along as well, "C'mon Dinni," Talck said softly.
"Alright," Dinni followed Talck, and was followed by Rusty.
Shortly after the train disappeared down the hall, a fairly loud and complaining voice was heard.
Greaseball had Propo by the scruff of the neck, and the two coaches hitched behind him.
Prissy and Mir were looking slightly nervous, but also not displeased being hitched behind this perfect specimen of Diesel.
Propo on the other hand, was complaining at the top of his voice about how unfair and uncalled for this was.
"Ah there you are," Greaseball said to Poppa.
Rusty paused, hearing the sounds from the other hallway.
Rossi peeked up and looked over Rusty's shoulder. Xanni, who'd managed to shake off Imbrri's hold, also slowed down, unnoticed by Talck and Imbrri who were already in their appartments.
Dinni had stopped as well.
"Rossi, d'you want to go with Dinni while I take a look?"
Rusty asked
Rossi looked at Rusty, then at Dinni and nodded, "Ok," She whispered, "But you'll come back?"
Rusty nodded and handed Rossi off to Dinni.
Rossi held close to Dinni, tears filling her eyes again, but she stayed quiet.
Dinni hugged Rossi tightly as Rusty ventured out to take a look. A rather odd expression crossed his face as he struggled not to laugh.
Xanni, silently so that Rusty wouldn't know, crept down the hall as well. Her eyes widened as she saw Propo being held by Greaseball, in much the same way that the diesel from her old yard used to trap Talck.
Greaseball released Propo roughly.
Propo managed to keep his balance, "What was that all about?" He practically whined.
"Well you wanted to see the head engine," Greaseball said.
"You didn't have to drag me here like I was a steamer"
"Oh I dunno, it was fun, and I haven't dragged anybody around for quite a long time."
Propo gave Greaseball a glare, "Obviously being in a yard run by steamers has warped you're mind."
"No," Greaseball started, "You just happened to look like you needed to be dragged here."
"Enough," Poppa said, he turned to Propo, "You have something for me?"
Propo rolled his eyes and handed Poppa a letter from CP.
Poppa took it, "Thank you."
"Not that you could read it," Propo muttered under his breath.
"Are you to wait for a reply?" Poppa asked
Propo shrugged, "CP didn't tell me either way, and since I dunno what's in the letter I figure I should wait and see if anything needs to go back."
"Alright," Poppa rolled past Propo and into the common room where he sat down to read the letter
Propo suddenly noticed that Prissy and Mir were enjoying being with the other diesel a bit much, and he gave them a glare, not that they noticed. "So how'd you wind up being stuck here?"
Greaseball shrugged, "I've been here awhile and decided not to leave."
"You coulda taken over, you're superior to the steamers, heck once we gave our last junk to you, our yard became purely Diesel."
"Ah," Greaseball said, "Then I'm rather surprised that you were surprised to be brought in the way you were..."
Propo frowned, "Why?"
"I'd think without any steamers around, the stronger engines gotta do *something* for fun..."
Propo growled slightly, "Whaddaya mean? I'm CP's Second in Command, no one tells me what to do."
"Mm."
Poppa had finished reading the letter and looked up
"Besides, that little caboose had it coming to her, d'you know she caused a crash with me and my coaches?"
"I heard that, yes." Poppa said mildly.
Xanni took a deep breath and started to move towards Propo.
"Go figure, she'd been told to stay off the tracks when other trains were on their runs, but you know cabeese. She came tearing down a hill and around the corner and nearly threw me off the tracks."
Rusty caught hold of Xanni's couplings to hold her back
"So I've heard," Poppa said mildly.
Xanni gave him a glare and looked like she was about to yell at him.
Rusty pulled Xanni back further and covered her mouth.
Xanni made a slight noise, but no one but Rusty heard her.
Propo nodded, "The steamer can't keep any of his cars in line, I was surprised to see the caboose out on the tracks, had she been at our yard, she woulda been scrap by now. All she was ever good for was causing problems.
Rusty tightened his grip on Xanni to prevent her from running out there.
"Yes," Poppa said again, "But she isn't at your yard now is she?"
Xanni struggled a bit, but couldn't get away from the larger steamer
Propo shrugged, "And a good thing for that too"
"Yes," Poppa said, "I couldn't agree more."
Propo raised an eyebrow, "You mean you like having a caboose underfoot? Pfft, well to each his own I guess, but don't come running to CP when she crashes your only good engine,"
Greaseball looked at Poppa rather pleadingly -- it had been so long since he pounded someone into the rails.
Propo, oblivious to this, just looked around the roundhouse.
Poppa shook his head slightly at Greaseball and then caught sight of something moving in the hallway behind them.
Xanni was still fighting with Rusty, and still failing miserably at getting out of his grip.
Rusty held her firmly
Mir and Prissy were too busy making sure they were beautiful to worry about what was going on around them.
"So you done yet?" Propo asked
"Yes," Poppa said.
"And?"
"And.... you can go."
Propo seemed slightly baffled by this, "O... k.."
"Tell your boss that things are just fine here and thank him for his concern, but we won't be needing his help."
Propo shrugged, then noticed something a bit behind Poppa, he raised an eyebrow, "Well now," He drawled, "I shoulda expected something like that," He said to Xanni, "You always did like to work your way through the engines, and the cars, and the freight,"
Rusty was practically carrying Xanni as he tried to restrain her
Xanni's eyes filled with tears, how dare he come and say that!!!!!!
Propo shook his head and laughed, "You always were a slut weren't ya?"
Rusty's eyes narrowed
Xanni stopped fighting then as she started to weep.
Rusty's hold on her relaxed.
Greaseball really really wanted to pound Propo solidly.
Xanni practically collapsed, Propo just sneered, "Sure, bring on the waterworks, you always were good at yanking people's chains."
Now Rusty was holding her up
Greaseball growled softly.
Propo looked over at Greaseball, "Don't tell me she played you too?"
"I think..." Greaseball said thoughtfully, "That I have had just about enough..."
Propo shrugged, "Not my fault if you don't like hearing the truth."
Greaseball took a step closer to Propo
Propo smirked at Xanni and didn't notice.
Suddenly Greaseball landed a hard punch to Propo's smirking face
Propo fell back, but remained standing. He suddenly realized the anger in Greaseball's eyes was directed at him. He did what any coward would do and turned and fled, leaving poor Prissy and Mir to stare around terrified.
"Can I go after him?" Greaseball asked.
Prissy and Mir had moved to stand against the wall, away from the diesel.
Xanni was still sobbing.
"Oh alright," Poppa said, he looked to Rusty, "Yes, you can go too."
Prissy and Mir looked at each other, both wishing they could disappear.
Greaseball and Rusty sped out of the roundhouse after Propo.
Poppa went over to comfort Xanni
Xanni had curled up into a ball, crying into her knees.
He set a hand on her shoulder.
Xanni looked up, startled.
"It's alright," Poppa said gently.
Xanni flung herself into Poppa's arms and sobbed.
Propo was fleeing as fast as he could down the tracks, Talck couldn't help but notice from the window.
He also saw Rusty and Greaseball come out of the roundhouse after him. Imbrri saw too, "They won't catch him with that much of a lead, he's the fastest from CP's yard."
Rusty chased after Propo.
Talck started to turn away, knowing the out come
Rusty whistled as he started to gain on Propo
"Talck!" Imbrri said in a hushed voice as she watched Rusty speed up. Talck turned back, "I don't believe it," He said.
Rusty was nearly on Propo's heels
Propo switched tracks, trying to get away from the steamer.
Rusty slowly pulled even with Propo, and then passed him.
Propo put on the brakes and tried to dodge back a bit.
Rusty zipped around in front of the diesel.
Propo turned and foolishly fled back the way he came, which was right towards Greaseball.
Propo put on his brakes again, knowing he was trapped
"Hello," Greaseball said calmly.
Propo's face paled slightly, "I don't understand"
"You forgot something."
Propo looked confused
"Two someones actually."
Understanding dawned on Propo's face, "well.. I'll... go get them...."
"Yes," Greaseball set a hand on Propo's shoulder.
Propo was now quite nervous as his tongue searched out the new cut inside his mouth.
Greaseball draped an arm around Propo's shoulder in a friendly sort of way.
Propo seemed even more nervous by this.
"come along now."
Propo nodded
"Were you in my gang I would be thoroughly embarrassed by that stunt you pulled back there."
"what stunt?"
"Coming in there like you owned the place."
Propo didn't know how to respond.
"And then running out on your coaches."
Propo nodded.
Greaseball tsked.
Propo flinched.
"I think when we get back you ought to apologize to everyone."
Propo nodded.
"I'm glad you agree."
Propo was thinking how glad he was that the diesel was glad.
Rusty came zipping past them.
Propo flinched again, "how can a steamer go so fast?
"I have no idea."
Propo was eyeing Rusty like he had two heads
Rusty reached the roundhouse first.
Xanni had got a bit more control over her tears.
Poppa was still holding her.
"we... caught him..." Rusty panted
Prissy and Mir were still pressed up against the wall.
Xanni looked at Rusty, "Great so he can insult me again, that's all he's gonna do."
"Uh-uh..." Rusty said
Xanni took a couple deep breaths and laughed, "you don't know him, he wanted me to hitch with him when I first got to the yard, but I wanted to be with my siblings... he's been doing this ever since."
"Oh," Rusty said softly.
Xanni nodded.
Rusty continued to pant a bit
Prissy and Mir thought it would be best if they remained quiet.
Talck and Imbrri came out of Talck's apartment, "Xanni?" Imbrri rushed to her sister, "he did it again didn't he?"
Xanni nodded, trying to keep a hold of her tears. Talck's lips tensed a bit.
At that moment, the door opened again
Imbrri moved closer to Xanni, glaring at Propo.
Greaseball was standing behind Propo.
Propo was wise enough not to look at anyone. "C'mon Prissy, Mir."
"Ah ah," Greaseball said warningly.
Propo turned beat red, "I'm sorry," He muttered.
Greaseball nodded approvingly.
Prissy and Mir edged over to Propo.
"Have a safe trip home girls," Greaseball gave them a rather charming smile.
The coaches blushed and gave him a small smile, as they hitched on to Propo.
Propo left, his eyes still on the ground.
Greaseball watched him leave, arms crossed
Propo glowered slightly, "I don't deserve this"
"Oh you're getting off easy," Greaseball said
Propo looked up, his eyes getting slightly wider. He chose to remain silent as he left the roundhouse and headed down the tracks, his new bruise coming up on his cheek.
Greaseball watched him leave, arms crossed
Talck looked between Greaseball and Rusty, "thanks," he said.
Rusty nodded, "Of course."
Greaseball just sniffed.
Xanni blushed as she looked at Greaseball, she shook off Imbrri and turned down the hall to their apartments, he believed Propo... she hadn't been this embarrassed in a long time.
"It's engines like that that give diesels a bad name," Greaseball half-growled
Imbrri barely heard him as she turned to go after Xanni.
Talck was slightly surprised, "You mean that's not normal?"
He shook his head.
Talck seemed confused, "that's how they all acted, the only one worse was CP.... "
"Well to *you* I wouldn't be surprised," Greaseball said, "(No offence,) but not to your coaches."
"According to them, any coach who wanted to run with a steamer, wasn't a true coach."
"No," Greaseball said, "A bit misguided perhaps, but still a coach."
Talck didn't really know how to respond, it was a back handed compliment, but coming from a diesel, that's about all he could expect
"Here, of course things are different," Greaseball added
Talck nodded, "so I've noticed."
"Well, if you will excuse me, I've gotta find Dinah."
Talck sighed, "Well... looks like I've got some work ahead of me tonight, calming down Rossi's one thing.... Getting Xanni out of this is entirely another."
Rusty nodded, "did you want some help?"
Talck smiled, "Actually yeah. You're pretty good at calming Rossi down."
Just then Imbrri came down the hall and brushed past Talck. "Imbrri?"
Imbrri looked at Talck, "I have to get someone."
Rusty nodded, "Alright, I'll help her."
Talck nodded and headed down to his apartments.
Imbrri hurried down the tracks to Electra's house, she stood in front of the door for a couple of minutes before knocking.
Wrench answered
Imbrri looked up at the taller component, noting to herself that this... woman, could squash her like a bug should she choose to. "Um... can I... Can I talk to Krupp?"
"Maybe."
Imbrri was feeling less sure of herself by the second, "please, my sister needs him right now."
"Come in," Wrench said finally.
Imbrri entered slowly, still quite nervous.
"Follow me."
Imbrri nodded and followed.
Wrench led her down the hallway to Krupp's room. "It depends on if he is awake."
"I don't remember him being such a late sleeper,"
"He does if he has a cold."
"oh..." Imbrri looked worried, "is he all right?"
"He will be."
Imbrri nodded
"We'll see if he's awake."
"ok.."
Wrench opened the door a crack.
Imbrri waited, nervous in this house.
Wrench turned to Imbrri and nodded, letting into Krupp's room
Imbrri stepped in, biting her lip, the repair truck just plain giving her the willies.
Krupp sat up and rubbed his eyes (not wearing his shades) "Imbrri?"
Imbrri was a bit taken aback by Krupp's lack of shades, having never seen him without them. "Hey... we had.. an incident today and I need your help."
"Oh?"
"Remember that engine that caused us problems on the one run and attacked Talck?"
He nodded.
"Well.. he showed up at the yard today, he scared Rossi half to death, and said some nasty things to Xanni..."
"Is everyone okay?"
"For the most part... It's just, Xanni had gotten used to being able to go for a week or a month without having someone insult her, so when Propo did that, it really hurt her. She's locked herself in her room. I know she has feelings for you... and.. well... I was hoping maybe you could talk to her cuz she just won't listen to me."
Krupp blinked.
Imbrri took a deep breath, having said all that really quickly, and waited for Krupp's response.
"I... don't know if I can come right now..."
Imbrri sighed and nodded, "I know... I wouldn't want you to get any more sick... I'm just worried about her."
"I will try."
Imbrri nodded.
"I'll try and get out."
"Don't hurt yourself," Imbrri said.
Krupp nodded, "don't worry about me."
"I can't help it, It's in my nature."
He smiled slightly.
Imbrri smiled back.
Out in the kitchen, Electra came back with a couple armloads of food.
Wrench stuck her head in the door, "Um.... I think you need to wrap up this meeting."
Imbrri turned and nodded, "No problem," She said.
"And I think you should climb out the window."
Imbrri looked at Wrench like she was crazy, "what?"
"Electra's back."
Imbrri's face went pale and she nodded, moving over to the window.
"I don't think he'll catch you," Wrench said.
Krupp got out of bed to help Imbrri
Imbrri gave Krupp a worried look, "don't over do it.... "
"I won't," he assured her, opening the window.
Imbrri looked at Wrench, "thanks," she said.
Wrench nodded, "we'll see you around I'm sure."
Imbrri nodded and hopped up to climb out the window.
Krupp gave her a boost.
Imbrri smiled at him, "thanks... take care of yourself."
He nodded, "You too. Ready?"
Imbrri nodded.
Krupp lightly pushed Imbrri out of the window.
Imbrri hopped out, turned and gave Krupp a smile and a small wave, and headed down the tracks.
Krupp watched her vanish out of sight before turning to get back into bed.
A moment later Electra appeared in the door way, he frowned slightly, "Is it in his best interests to have the window open Wrench?"
"No," she said, "I was just telling him that he should keep it closed." she went over to the window.
Electra nodded, looking at Krupp, but saying nothing
Krupp looked away.
Electra nodded slightly to himself and moved out the door, "You'll tell me when he's better?" he asked Wrench.
She nodded.
Electra nodded back and moved down the hall
"So, will you go back to sleep?" Wrench asked Krupp, who nodded, "Yeah..... head's pounding again."
back at the Round house, Rossi was cuddled up in Rusty's lap, still sniffling, but her tears, for the most part, had stopped.
"There now," Rusty said, "There's nothing to worry about-- he's gone."
Rossi nodded, but snuggled closer to Rusty's chest.
"We chased him off."
Rossi looked up, "you did?"
"Yup. Me and Greaseball."
Rossi gave a small smile, "He's nice, he helped me get back here when it was dark,"
"Did he?"
Rossi nodded, "He's not like any other diesels."
"Mm," was all that Rusty said
Rossi gave a big yawn, and rested her head on Rusty's chest, "Do you think CP will want us back?" she asked.
"I hope not," Rusty said.
Rossi nodded, "me too"
"I don't think he will though."
Rossi looked up at him, "really?"
He nodded, "I think you belong here."
Rossi smiled again.
Talck was trying not to show that he was overhearing all this, but it made him feel a bit better to know that Rusty at least wouldn't let them go back without a fight. Now he just wished he could get Xanni out of her room.
Rusty smiled at Rossi and hugged her.
Rossi hugged him back and closed her eyes to go to sleep.
Greaseball went into the kitchen to find Dinah.
Dinah was in the kitchen with Ashley, finishing up breakfast.
Greaseball rolled in
Dinah looked up and gave Greaseball a smile, "Is everything ok?" she asked, starting to dish up a plate of eggs.
"of course," he said, "Why wouldn't it be?"
"I heard about what happened with Talck and his train, and that you had to deal with a disrespectful diesel... I was just wondering if it turned out all right."
"Oh yeah," Greaseball said, "of course it did."
Dinah nodded.
"Is Talck's train all right?" Ashley asked.
He nodded.
Ashley nodded, looking towards the door.
Dinah noticed the look, "go on, I can manage here." She said.
Ashley left to go a check on Dinni.
Dinah turned to Greaseball, "The diesel didn't hurt you did he?"
"Me?" Greaseball asked, giving her a bit of an odd look, "Of course not."
"You can't blame me for worrying,"
He swept her into his arms.
Dinah smiled.
"Me get hurt?" he said with a smile, lifting her up
Dinah grinned, putting her arms around his neck, "You don't often get hurt, but even you aren't invincible."
"Oh," he said, "Well I take special care not to get hurt, wouldn't want to upset my coach."
Dinah blushed, "Thank you,"
He smiled and kissed her
Dinah kissed him back.
"That's my girl," he said after they had parted
Dinah smiled, "you do know how to take a girl's breath away." She said, "however i better get back to the food before it gets burnt."
He set her down gently.
Dinah gave him a kiss on the cheek and went back to the stove, dishing up a heaping plate for him and setting it on the counter.
"Thank you," Greaseball said, sitting down at the counter.
"I just hope Talck and his train are ok."
"I'm sure they will be," Greaseball said, "Rusty's with the little caboose."
Dinah nodded, "She's such a cutie, I didn't see her when she first came in, but from what Ashley tells me, she was a mess... I'm glad they got her fixed up."
"Mm," Greaseball said, occupied in eating breakfast, "I suppose so."
Dinah hadn't expected much from Greaseball and continued to cook some of the breakfast, "What did the diesel want anyway?"
"I dunno, to take some letter to Poppa I think."
Dinah nodded.
"Tho' whatever he came for, all he ended up doing was embarrassing himself."
Dinah raised an eyebrow, "oh?"
"Yup," Greaseball said with a grin.
"How?" she asked, knowing Greaseball loved to tell how other people embarrassed themselves.
"He ran off without his coaches for one thing," Greaseball said, "I had to drag him back here to get them."
Dinah looked shocked, "I'm glad you did, those poor coaches!"
Greaseball nodded, "Yes, he came over here and insulted one of Talck's cars, then when we started to get angry with him, he just bolted, leaving his coaches behind."
Dinah shook her head, "I'm glad you taught him some manners:
Greaseball nodded, "Absolutely."
"Any engine who insults cars and then forgets his own shouldn't be an engine."
He nodded, "I agree completely."
Ashley headed down the hall towards Talck's apartments.
Dinni had left Rusty to comfort Rossi and was feeling a bit lost as to what to do now
Ashley spotted Dinni and hurried up, "Hey Dinni," she called softly
"Hi Ashley..."
"you ok?"
"I guess..."
Ashley moved closer and gave him a hug, "It's all right, we're all here for you."
He melted into her arms.
Ashley looked worried, "I'm here for you," she said softly.
Dinni hugged her tightly for a few minutes
Ashley hugged back, knowing that Dinni needed this, and not altogether bothered by it.
"I'm glad you're here," he said after a minute.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"No," he said softly, "I mean, just in general."
Ashley smiled, "I am too."
"Why'd he have to come here anyway?" Dinni half-grumbled, referring to Propo.
Ashley shook her head, "I don't know, some engines are just bullies and you can't understand what they do."
"I mean, it wasn't as though anybody from there would want us back."
Ashley nodded, "And even if they did we wouldn't let you go without a fight."
Dinni smiled at that
Ashley smiled back and moved to give him a kiss on the cheek, "and it's always going to be that way," she said.
He kissed her back, on the lips
Ashley smiled slightly into the kiss and held him close.
Dinni murmured something.
Ashley chuckled, "What was that? I couldn't hear you, your mouth was full."
"Oh, nothing," he said a bit quickly.
Ashley laughed again and held him close.
He rested his head against her.
Ashley gave a happy sigh.
"Well, I guess Rossi's calmed down," Dinni said, "And I've got you..."
Ashley looked up at Dinni and smiled.
"But Xanni's still very upset..."
Ashley looked worried, "Of all of you I honestly thought she's the one who wouldn't be bothered by any of this... she seems so..... unruffleable... if that's a word"
"She... tries to be," Dinni said slowly.
Ashley nodded.
"but that's usually what it is, trying I mean," he said, "She just tries not to show when things upset her but..."
Ashley nodded again, "I can understand."
"But this time, Propo really upset her."
"I wish I could help."
Dinni nodded, "It's just, he used to want her to be his coach, and after she turned him down, well...."
Ashley made a face, "from what I've heard about him I can see why"
Dinni nodded.
Later that afternoon, Krupp was feeling well enough to get up without feeling dizzy.
Electra was in his office, having just recently finished a run.
Krupp ventured out of his room, more or less steady
Electra was mulling over all the things he'd learned in the last week thanks to Krupp.
He rolled past Electra's office.
"Where are you going?"
"Just walking around...."
"Did Wrench say you were allowed out of bed?"
"Yes master."
"I expect you back soon, don't make yourself ill again."
Krupp nodded.
Electra turned to the window and looked out it.
"Master?"
Electra turned again, "yes?"
"Is it nice out?"
"It's not raining."
"May I go out?"
"Yes, and we need some milk from the kitchen, you might as well pick that up on your way"
"yes master."
Electra dismissed him with a wave of his hand.
Krupp couldn't believe his luck and headed out of the house and down the tracks to the roundhouse.
Back at Talck's apartments, Imbrri was trying desperately to convince Xanni to unlock the door. "Please Xanni, I just wanna talk with you,"
This had been going on for quite awhile now.
Talck, being the engine, knew that he was better off staying quiet and waiting for Imbrri to get Xanni calmed down. He watched her from a distance, but was still wishing he could do something.
On the other side of the door, Xanni was laying on her bed with her head covered by her pillow, trying to block everything out and wishing herself shut down.
"Talck?" a soft voice said behind the engine.
Talck turned and froze, his eyes going wide, "Krupp! What are you doing here?"
"Imbrri thought I should talk to Xanni," Krupp said, "If that's alright with you sir..."
Talck nodded, "I'm willing to try anything," he said, ignoring the sir for the time being
Krupp nodded and skated over to Imbrri.
Imbrri gave Krupp a helpless look, "I can't get the door open and she won't talk to me,"
"Hmm..."
Imbrri and Talck waited, a bit impatiently, as Krupp thought.
He knocked on the door
Xanni didn't move or make a sound.
He knocked a bit harder.
Xanni pulled the pillow closer to her head, trying to block out the sound.
And once again he knocked
Xanni squeezed her eyes even tighter closed, not wanting to open them up, or move or have to face the trainyard after what Propo had done.
Krupp sighed and looked to Talck.
Talck shook his head, "the only thing I can think of is either picking the lock, breaking down the door or climbing through her window."
Krupp nodded, "I didn't really want to break your door..."
Talck sighed, "I kinda felt the same way"
"Do you have a screwdriver?"
Talck looked at Imbrri, who shrugged, "We may, I haven't check everything around here yet,"
"Could you look?"
Talck and Imbrri both nodded and went to check some of the drawers and cupboards they hadn't looked through.
In a surprisingly short amount of time, Imbrri found one and brought it back.
"Thanks," Krupp said, deftly starting to remove the doorknob
Imbrri and Talck stayed back, letting Krupp work.
In a rather quick time, Krupp was able to get the door open
Xanni was still on her bed with the pillow over her head, she was sure someone was in the room but she wasn't looking up.
Krupp closed the door and rolled over to her bed
Xanni still didn't move.
"Xanni?"
Xanni gasped at the sound of Krupp's voice, it was the one person she was definitely not expecting to hear.
"Can I come in?"
Xanni started to tremble, "Go away," she said softly.
"Why?"
"I don't want you to be near me.... no one should be."
"Why?"
Xanni finally moved as she sat up on her bed, tucking her knees to her chest, "Cuz you'll just hate me... "
"Why?"
"Cuz of what he said."
"Who?"
"Propo"
"That idiot diesel?"
Xanni nodded.
"Why would I believe what he said?"
"Cuz everyone does."
"Why?" Krupp looked puzzled, "I mean, he wasn't smart enough to know that you don't mess with an armament's truck..."
"He'd never seen one... he's second highest at the other yard, so whatever he says everyone believes.
"And what is he here?"
Xanni shrugged.
"Well?"
"He's still a diesel."
"But what does that have to do with anybody here?"
"Everyone believes diesels, they're the new and improved engine who are always right," Xanni said with a sneer.
"Xanni. My m- my engine is an electric engine..."
"Yeah? So?"
"So if anybody's a new and improved engine...."
Xanni scowled down at the floor.
"And if I don't think that m- Electra is better then everyone else, why would I think that what's-his-name would be?"
Xanni looked up at him, her eyes blood shot from crying.
He held out his arms to her
Xanni practically launched herself into them, starting to weep again, but not as hard.
Imbrri and Talck had been peeking in the door, and now stepped back out, sighing with relief.
Krupp held her.
A little while later, Electra was beginning to wonder what was taking Krupp so long.
Krupp was being 'held hostage' by Xanni, who had apparently decided that she didn't want to let him go.
Talck and Imbrri were watching Xanni closely, but she seemed ok, so long as Krupp was beside her.
Electra headed down to the round house and went to the kitchen by the back door. He looked in and couldn't see Krupp, he asked Dinah if his armaments truck had come here and when she told him no, he began to get irritated. The truck had disobeyed another order.
Krupp was starting to worry just a little bit that it might be getting late, and that he should be heading back, "Xanni?" he said gently, "I'd better get going..."
Xanni looked a bit upset, "Do you have to?"
He started to nod.
Xanni bit her lip, and looked uncharacteristically fragile and frightened.
Krupp sighed softly.
Xanni snuggled closer to him.
Talck gave Krupp and apologetic look, not knowing what to do.
Krupp gave Xanni a light hug and went back to pondering how to get out of this mess. He only hoped Electra wasn't looking for him quite yet.
It didn't take long for Electra to locate Krupp. When he saw the truck, he stayed in the shadows, not believing what he was seeing. Apparently, Krupp had fallen for the steamer's gold coach. He scowled, and growled softly to himself.
"Xanni I really should be going... I have to get home..." Krupp attempted to detach her.
Xanni began to look upset again, but Talck came forward and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She held back the tears that were threatening to come, then threw her arms around Krupp and gave him a kiss, before getting up and heading down the hall. Imbrri followed after her.
Talck looked at Krupp, "Thanks, now that she's past that, I hope she'll go back to normal soon...." He seemed a bit shocked by his coach's actions.
Electra was not amused at all by what he'd seen.
"Yeah..." Krupp said softly, rather surprised himself, "I'd better get home before Electra misses me..."
Talck nodded.
Electra, hearing this, moved back through the halls to cut off Krupp's path.
As Krupp turned a corner, he nearly bumped into Electra, who was standing in his way with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were flickering slightly with annoyance.
"M-master!" Krupp looked startled to say the least.
Electra raised an eyebrow, "You needed to take a walk?"
"Y-yes..."
Electra gave a small nod, "I must admit, I never expected your time with the steamer to have produced this situation..."
"This situation?" Krupp repeated, making a visible effort to pull himself together
"Your interest in the steamer's coach"
Krupp's eyes widened behind his shades
"I must say, it's startling to say the least." Though the way he spoke was conversational, Electra's tone was very serious.
"But you don't understand..."
"How so? You ask permission to take a walk, and I find you here with the coach."
"Yes but-"
"But nothing, you are to explain yourself immediately."
"Another engine hurt her very much. She is my friend, I was trying to comfort her."
"Comfort?"
Krupp nodded, "Yes. She needed someone to cry on."
Electra raised an eyebrow again," And more I noticed."
"More?" Krupp repeated, "No master..."
"Explain her reaction then"
"Reaction?"
"Before she left, don't tell me there was something in your eye"
"No there wasn't..." Krupp looked confused.
Electra looked annoyed, "think Krupp,"
"I'm sorry master," Krupp said humbly, "But I don't know."
"She kissed you Krupp, I was sure it would be fairly obvious."
Krupp blinked, He'd seen that? "I-" he had no idea what else to say.
"No matter, we'll deal with this later, I expect you to finish the task I gave you before you left, if you can remember it, and return home immediately"
"Yes master..." Krupp said meekly.
Electra turned and skated off
Krupp made a beeline for the kitchen
Dinah turned and gave Krupp a smile when he came in, "Electra was looking for you not too long ago," she said
"Yes I know," Krupp said, "Can I have a gallon of milk?"
"Sure thing hon!" she said, going to the fridge and getting it out.
"Thanks..." he said absently.
"you ok Krupp?"
"Why do you ask?"
"you just look a bit pale and upset is all"
"Oh," he said, "I'll have to work on that..."
Dinah frowned, "what?"
Krupp blinked, "Oh, I'm sorry Dinah, I was thinking about something else." He gave her a smile.
Dinah looked a bit worried, "maybe you should sit down hon,"
"I can't," he said, "I've gotta get back."
"ok.... take care of yourself,"
He nodded, "I will. Thanks for the milk."
"No prob.. anytime!'
He smiled at her and left the kitchen, heading out of the roundhouse and straight home.
Krupp headed home quickly, not wanting to risk raises Electra's wrath any further even though he was far from eager to get there.
Electra was in his office, waiting for Krupp to report to him.
Krupp shoved the milk in the fridge and then went to Electra's office. Outside of it he took a deep breath and pulled himself together. He certainly wasn't about to appear all upset in front of Electra. He had done nothing wrong...
He knocked on the door.
"enter
Krupp skated in and stood in front of Electra, standing still and at attention as usual
"sit down Krupp,"
That was unusual, but Krupp obeyed silently.
Electra stayed quiet for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts.
Krupp waited nervously, although he didn't look it
"I'm curious as to your actions since you returned from the steam train,"
He nodded silently.
"I was hoping you could explain them,"
Another nod, "Yes master." Krupp said, "What actions require explaining?"
"your relationship with the steamer's caboose for instance, let's start there."
"She trusts me," Krupp started, "She thinks I can protect her."
"You don't behave that way with your other components however..."
"The way she behaves, I think would be similar to Purse..." Krupp started, trying to figure out how to explain how he felt about Rossi.
Electra tilted his head with interest, "how so?"
"She's very young master."
Electra thought that over, "Yes, but that doesn't automatically make her like Purse... Joule's young as well, and she's very different."
"Well, I suppose Joule can get a bit clingy as well..."
"Yes, but it's still vastly different, you will agree."
Krupp nodded, "Yes I do. And I would say that Rossi is also slightly different from Purse. But, she likes to play, she's very friendly...."
"And yet she manipulates her engine..."
"Oh no master, that isn't true."
"How so, you already told me that the engine follows her orders..."
"You follow Wrench's orders when it is best for the train," Krupp said, 'And once, you followed mine as well.' he added silently.
Electra raised an eyebrow, missing the second half of Krupp's statement, "that's different, wrench is a repair truck, the caboose wouldn't know what's best for the train at all"
"And T- the steamer doesn't always do as Rossi says."
"Oh?"
Krupp nodded, "Only when it pleases him." He knew he was sort of lying as he tried to put things into Electra's terms
Electra frowned, "That contradicts what you said earlier, but there were other things going on.. so I'll accept that... now moving on to your relation ship with the steamer's coach"
"Friendship. That is all."
"the coach seems to have a different idea."
"I cannot control what she thinks."
"But you could discourage it"
He nodded.
Electra sat back in thought for a moment.
Krupp sighed inwardly.
"One thing I'm confused about is how quickly you joined that steamer's train..."
"I needed somewhere to go, and I knew Rossi already..."
"Still... the steamer is the most outdated engine of them all... you know any of the coaches as well...."
"Forgive me Master, but I felt they needed me."
"Oh?"
"You don't know what they had been through."
"I've heard rumors"
"If anyone needed someone to protect them, they did."
Electra raised an eyebrow and considered that.
"They did," Krupp insisted.
"I'll take your word on that for now..."
He nodded and made a small sound that might have almost been a not-quite-stifled sigh.
"Why the agitation Krupp?"
He blinked, "I am sorry master, and I am ashamed to admit it, but one does grow used to thinks sometimes..."
"such as?"
"such as mixing freely with all sorts of trains."
"What an odd concept, would that not tarnish the reputation of the superiors?"
He shook his head
"Explain"
"I am not sure how to... it is true that all of the engines and cars all spent time together, and yes the coaches would tease their engines, but when the time came for them to be obedient, they were."
Electra frowned.
"I am just describing what I saw."
"It does not seem right to me"
"Oh."
"How can they keep their cars obedient if they allow those cars to disrespect them at the same time?"
"I think that the cars know that there is a time to be serious and a time to not be. Just because a car teases their engine doesn't mean there is no respect."
Electra contemplated this.
"I quite enjoyed it actually," Krupp said without thinking
Electra's eyes flashed, "I see....."
"Not to say that I don't like it here," he added hastily.
Electra narrowed his eyes.
Krupp sighed, he couldn't help it.
Electra thought for a moment, looking out the window beside his desk, "It is unfortunate that I must do this, but my usual disciplinary actions don't seem to be working." Electra stood up, "If you don't watch your behavior, and your tongue, I may be forced to extricate you from this train permanently, including from my memory banks if need be."
All of Krupp's armaments truck training nearly went out the window as he reacted to that statement. "But- I- You- But- but-" He took a breath, trying to collect himself.
Electra watched Krupp calmly, showing no sign of any emotion
Krupp took another breath and calmed himself down. He bowed his head submissively.
"That is all Krupp."
"Yes master."
"I believe there is something to be cleaned, you may want to ask Wrench.... "
"Yes master."
Back at the roundhouse, Rossi had finally woke up and was ravenously hungry, it didn't take her long before she'd almost literally dragged Rusty to the dining room
Rusty had a rather amused expression on his face as Rossi pulled him into the dining room.
Rossi giggled as Dinah looked up from the table she was setting, "Hey there sweetling! Want some cookies?"
Rossi nodded and grinned.
Dinah smiled, then raised an eyebrow at Rusty, "Just in time Rusty, I was getting worried I'd actually have to do work... the plates are on the counter in the kitchen."
"I'm busy," Rusty said.
Dinah pretended to scowl, "Don't get me mad at you Rusty, or you'll be getting boiled hay for a week," She teased, then winked at him as Rossi started to pull him to the kitchen.
Rusty winked back at Dinah, "But I really am busy..."
Dinah nodded, "ok, I'll let you off this time, but you're definitely doing lunch."
"Alright," Rusty agreed, "Maybe I'll be done being busy by then."
Dinah planted her hands on her hips, "you better be!"
Rusty nodded as Rossi pulled him into the kitchen
Rossi hopped up on her stool and reached for the cookie jar.
Dinah got her a glass of milk and checked on her food, "so Rusty, what's so important that you can't put the plates on the tables?"
"I was busy being pulled around by Rossi," he said innocently.
Dinah raised an eyebrow, "Well...." she said almost too sweetly, "since that's done..."
"Okay, okay..." Rusty rolled over to the counter
Rossi watched him as she dunked her cookies and ate them.
Dinah shook her head, "He always tries to find excuses doesn't he?" She said.
Rossi giggled and nodded.
He picked up the plates and stuck out his tongue before going out to set the tables
Dinah was tempted to throw something at him, but stopped herself.
Out in the dining room, Rusty greeted CB.
Rossi heard CB's name and turned excitedly, grabbing a couple of cookies and darting out to the dining room.
"Hey Rossi," CB greeted the little caboose
"Wanna cookie?" she asked, holding one out to him.
"Sure," CB said, taking it.
Rossi smiled up at him, "You haven't been around for a while," she said
"No," he agreed, "I've been a bit busy."
Rossi nodded, "I missed you..."
"Aww," he hugged her gently, "I come and go, but I'll always be around if you want me."
Rossi smiled, but it seemed a little muted compared to her normal ones.
"So how was your morning?"
Rossi paled a little, "Not that good," she said quietly.
"No?" CB looked concerned
Rossi shook her head, looking at the floor and starting to fret again.
CB leaned down to look at her, "Rossi, what's wrong?"
"Propo was here"
"The engine from your old yard?"
Rossi nodded, "the one who pushed me off the tracks when I crashed," she whispered
CB frowned, "And he was here?"
Rossi nodded, "And he pushed me around again, then talked with Poppa and got Xanni upset...."
"He pushed you around?"
Rossi nodded
CB frowned.
"Greaseball stopped him, but not before he pushed me over."
"He...what?"
"He grabbed my arm and told me to take him to either Poppa or Talck, then when Greaseball came he made me fall"
CB didn't look happy
Rossi was still looking at the floor, kinda wishing someone would cuddle her, but wanting to be a big caboose and not whine.
He held out his arms to her
Rossi's lower lip trembled and she flew into CB's arms, crying softly.
CB held her close, comforting her, but his eyes were flashing fire
Dinah stepped out of the kitchen to talk to Rossi and Rusty, but paused and gasped when she saw CB, "Rusty!" She said, getting his attention.
Rossi was still whimpering and cuddled close to CB.
Rusty moved over to Dinah, "She told CB what happened."
"I still don't like the look in his eyes," She said softly, "He's scaring me,"
"Yeah," Rusty said, "Last time I saw that look..."
"Was at the races...."
He nodded
"I don't like this at all..." Dinah said, "And I don't like the looks of that either," She pointed to where Talck entered with Imbrri and Xanni.
"Uh oh..."
Talck looked around and spotted CB with Rossi, his jaw set and he looked like he was going to get quite upset.
Imbrri, luckily, headed that off by taking his arm in a firm grip and sending him over to their table. She then headed over to CB, "Is she all right?"
"Found out what happened to her this morning," CB said
Imbrri nodded, "She's ok, he didn't hurt her," She said, trying to calm him, "Poppa, Greaseball and Rusty sent him away,"
CB nodded slowly, but the slightly crazed look in his eyes remained
Imbrri seemed a bit worried but tried to stay calm, "I can take her for you," she said, knowing that Talck would calm down once Rossi was away from CB, and that was her main goal.
"That's alright."
Imbrri couldn't think of anything else to say or do, so she nodded and went to her table, giving Rusty and Dinah a helpless look.
Rusty shrugged, knowing that there was no reasoning with CB when he was like this.
Dinah shook her head and shrugged as well. Imbrri sighed and went back to Talck, knowing that she could keep him calm enough to not start anything.
"Where is he?" CB wanted to know
Rossi looked up and wiped her nose, "Our old trainyard."
"He left?"
"what?"
"He isn't here?"
Rossi shrugged, "I dun think so"
"Oh," CB looked marginally disappointed.
"He'd go back to CP's yard."
"Ah."
Rossi nodded.
CB still looked a bit disappointed by that
Rossi sighed, "I'm glad we aren't at that yard anymore and that Propo didn't take us back, it was yucky there."
CB nodded, "Much better that you're here."
Rossi smiled, "yeah!"
He hugged her tightly
Rossi hugged him back, "Other wise I never woulda met you!"
"And that wouldn't have been good at all," CB agreed.
Rossi shook her head
"Well, I guess it's a good thing he's gone," CB said, calming down a bit
Rossi nodded, "I don't think he'll come back,"
"I don't really want anybody getting mad at me."
"Why would they get mad at you?"
He took a breath, "They won't. Don't worry about it."
Rossi nodded
CB gave Rossi one of his patented smiles.
Rossi smiled back
"Feelin' better?"
Rossi nodded
"Good," CB said, "If he ever bothers you again come to me and I'll teach him what happens when you mess with a caboose."
Rossi giggled, "ok,"
He smiled at set her down
Rossi grinned up at him, then finally realized that Talck had come into the room. She gave CB a quick hug, then went over to Talck and crawled up in his lap, offering him her now slightly crushed cookie.
CB seemed to have just spotted Talck as well
Talck gave CB a cold glance, then hugged Rossi slightly possessively, and took the cookie with a small smile.
CB returned Talck's gaze evenly and then departed
Dinah gave Rusty a relieved look, "That could've been much worse,"
"Yeah," Rusty said, "good thing That since CB doesn't have a target he just kinda let it fizzle out."
Dinah nodded, "Maybe we should let everyone know to leave CB alone for now... at least till this blows over"
"Yeah."
"The last thing we need is a repeat of the races.."
Rusty nodded, he certainly agreed with that
Talck passed Rossi over to Imbrri and got up. Imbrri, whose arms were now full of a little pink caboose, was unable to stop him before he followed CB. It didn't take long for Talck to catch up to CB, "Caboose," he said, loud enough to get CB's attention.
"Steamer."
"I thought I told you to stay away from Rossi."
"I thought that only applied on normal every day occasions..."
"It applies to all occasions,"
CB's eyes flashed angrily, "So you're telling me that when I see her eyes start to overflow with tears and she holds out her arms to me I should just turn around and walk away?"
Talck narrowed his eyes, "She more than likely wouldn't be crying if you hadn't been there."
CB frowned, "She was upset quite a bit this morning as I understand it."
Talck's jaw clenched, "that was different."
"That's what she was upset about."
Talck's eyes took on a slightly uncertain look, but he didn't back down.
"I wish I'd been around this morning..."
"Why? So you could cause more problems? We don't need you around"
"Not cause problems for you..."
"What do you mean."
"for that diesel..."
Talck paused, he knew CB liked to crash engines, and he had to admit to himself that the idea of the caboose crashing Propo did have it's merits.
CB smiled
"What's that smile for?"
"You think that it might not be the worst thing in the world."
"Who said that?" Talck said defensively.
"You didn't..."
"Exactly, so where do you get the idea that I think that way?"
"You didn't automatically go off in an outrage when I suggested it."
"It's not worth the effort, it's not like you're going to change"
CB blinked and his eyes went back to normal and he sighed
Talck watched CB, he hated to admit it, but CB's eyes had unnerved him greatly.
"I do try Talck."
Talck raised an eyebrow, "somehow I'm not convinced," he said, a bit startled by the change in CB.
"Yes, you and most other trains..."
Talck didn't really know how to respond to that.
"Makes it very hard to convince people of things, because when I"m not up to anything, most trains think it's cause I'm just planning something."
"It's not like you've got a good track record to persuade them otherwise."
"I know, I know."
Talck almost felt sorry for the caboose, but he wasn't sure if this was another one of CB's tricks.
"I haven't though."
"Haven't what?"
"Been planning anything, not for awhile."
"well.... that's good."
"Haven't done anything really since before you came."
"I remember Rusty having a spill with you in the train."
"But that wasn't my fault!"
Talck decided it was prudent stay quiet on that one.
"But you don't believe me of course."
Talck almost felt ashamed.
"I am fond of Rossi yes," CB said, "but I wouldn't ever make her turn out like me."
"She's a trainlet tho, she doesn't know what's right and what's wrong, she could pick it up without you even knowing,"
"She's knows that crashes are bad."
"Well obviously."
"What else would she pick up from me that's wrong?"
"Your attitude,"
"My attitude?"
Talck shrugged.
"How so?"
Talck seemed a bit lost for words, he didn't quite know how to describe it.
"I haven't said anything to Rossi about how causing crashes can be an art."
Talck's eyes narrowed, "Excuse me?"
"Haven't said it, don't intend to either."
"What do you mean causing crashes can be an art?
"Derailing a train with minimal notice can be-" CB cut himself off
Talck's jaw was clenched again, thinking of Rossi and Propo, "And you wonder why I don't want you around her."
"Starlight I wish you hadn't asked me that..."
"Why? It just shows me that I was right in my assessment of you."
CB sighed, "I've never said anything like that around Rossi, and I never will."
"If you said it so easily to me, an engine who you would look on as a master piece in progress, how do I know you won't let something slip to Rossi,"
CB sighed, "Because I feel different around Rossi."
Talck frowned, "meaning?"
"When I'm around her, the only thing I really think about is that she needs..."
Talck raised an eyebrow.
CB nodded
Talck didn't know what to say to that, he knew what CB was talking about.
"And I have no desire to do anything wrong either."
Talck nodded.
"Do you believe me?"
"I'm not sure"
"Do you believe me enough to give me a chance?"
Talck hesitated, "I'm not sure,"
"Oh?"
"I don't trust you, I think you're a bad influence for Rossi, and that you've caused engine's harm before. On the other hand, Rossi likes you.... "
He nodded
Talck shrugged, "I'll have to think on it,"
CB nodded again, "I won't seek out Rossi, but if she comes to me, I won't make her leave either."
Talck nodded, "I can live with that."
CB nodded.
Talck didn't know what else to do or say, so he turned and started back to the dining room.
Rusty looked up as Talck rolled in
Dinah had served Talck's train and Rusty their breakfast. Talck nodded in greeting to Rusty.
Rusty smiled, but having seen Talck and CB leave together was slightly wondering what had happened
Talck sat down and sighed, he didn't know what to think.
"you alright?" Rusty asked
Talck looked up, "Huh? ... oh.. yeah, fine."
Imbrri gave him a worried look, but said nothing.
"Alright," Rusty said
Krupp had been told to go clean something, so he was cleaning the kitchen table - very very hard. It was thoroughly shined, but he continued to scrub at it
Volta came into the kitchen and watched him for a moment, "Krupp ... what are you doing?"
"Cleaning off the table."
"I can see that," She said, "why so vigorously?"
"Huh?"
" You scrub any harder and you're going to break the table in half."
He looked down at the table, "Oh..."
Volta looked at Krupp carefully, "What's wrong?" she asked
"Electra's still upset with me."
Volta sighed, "He'll come around, he always does. You shouldn't work yourself up about these things."
"Volta, he threatened to erase me."
Volta gasped, "What? he's never done that!"
He went back to scrubbing the table
Volta sighed, " Krupp, I don't think scrubbing the table is going to make much difference,"
"Well what else am I supposed to do?"
Volta considered it, "I don't know Krupp, maybe all you can do is try and stay out of Electra's way for a bit. He's never done this before, I'm wondering if the rain didn't mess up his circuits or something"
Krupp muttered something
"What?"
"He was upset about me long before that..."
"Krupp, you're his armaments truck, he can't function without you any more than he could function with out me, or Wrench or the others, you know that as well as I do..."
"I know..."
" he won't do it... he can't"
"I hope so."
Volta went over to Krupp and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You look like scrap," she said, "why don't you go to the trainwash, it'll make you feel better"
"I don't think I can."
"why?"
"I don't think he'll let me go."
"you shouldn't have to ask for something like that... besides, if he does come looking for you I can cover it."
Krupp nodded
Volta waved Krupp away, "go on"
He put the rag down on the table, "What will you say if he asks where I am?"
"I'll say I sent you to dispose of some garbage from the basement,"
He nodded, "Alright, thanks..."
Volta nodded, trying not to let him see how worried she was.
Krupp gave her a small smile and then headed out
Volta sat down and sighed, mulling over what Krupp had told her. She had to tell Wrench.
Krupp went to the trainwash. It appeared to be empty which was something he was grateful for. He climbed into one of the tubs filled with warm water
Suddenly one of the shower stalls opened up, Xanni rolled out, a towel over her head as she dried off her hair.
He looked quite surprised to see her.
Xanni hadn't noticed him yet as she stood there rubbing the towel on her hair and face.
Krupp debated about saying something, but he didn't want to embaress her
Xanni slowly started to dry her shoulders, her eyes closed right now, trying to keep her mind off what had happened earlier that day.
Krupp cleared his throat
Xanni gasped, jumped and stared at him wide eyed
"Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to startle you."
"I didn't mean... what are you?" Xanni stuttered
"Don't worry."
Xanni blushed profusely.
"Did you want me to go?"
Xanni shook her head, "no! I-I should, you're still getting clean...."
He nodded.
Xanni didn't realize her hands were shaking as she moved to the door.
"Xanni?"
Xanni turned, "y-yes?"
"Are you alright?"
Xanni paused, "I don't know" she said finally.
He sat up in the water
Xanni lowered her eyes, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"All that matters is what the people you care about think, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks."
Xanni nodded, "I know"
"Good," he said with a smile
Xanni fiddled with the towel that was still in her hands. Since Krupp had left earlier that day, she'd had a lot of things going through her mind. She wasn't sure how to say them however.
"You're a sweet girl," he said, "You shouldn't be listening to trains like that."
"Do you really mean that?"
He nodded
"You're not just saying it cuz Talck and Imbrri told you to?"
He nodded, "I think so too."
The next thing Krupp knew, Xanni had run to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her head in his shoulder as she cried.
Krupp blinked in surprise but gave her a gentle hug.
Xanni cried for a while, then quieted down, still holding to Krupp tightly, not even realizing that she was half in the water, and fairly wet.
"There now," he said after she had quieted down
Xanni sniffed slightly, "After you left I wasn't sure if you really meant what you said today..."
"I did."
Xanni looked up at Krupp, "A lot of cars and engines say that when they don't mean it"
"I never say things I don't mean," he said seriously.
Xanni nodded, resting her head down on his chest.
Krupp shifted, trying to lift her up
Xanni allowed Krupp to move her, she didn't have enough energy to try and stop it right now
He got up out of the tub and attempted to get her out of the water
Xanni realized what he was doing and tried to help him, " I'm sorry" she said softly
"Don't worry."
Xanni was shivering a bit as she got out of the water, she obviously didn't want to leave Krupp.
"You're all wet again," he said, "Let me get you a towel."
Xanni nodded.
He handed her the one he had taken for himself
Xanni gave an attempt at a smile, " Thanks"
"You get dried off now."
Xanni nodded "will you stay with me?"
"Well..." he looked at the clock.
"Please?"
"Please"
"I don't know..."
Xanni looked crushed, "ok..." she said softly.
"It's not that I don't want to."
Xanni nodded
"But I can't stay away from home for too long."
Xanni nodded again, " you should go then, I don't want you to get in trouble"
He nodded, "But you'll be alright, right?"
Xanni nodded, "I've been alright so far," she said, lifting her head and trying to put on a good face
"Well you should be better then alright then," he said with a smile.
Xanni tried to smile again, but didn't quite make it as she nodded.
"Please?"
Xanni nodded, "I will be,"
"Good," he smiled, "That will make me feel a lot better."
Xanni nodded again
Krupp smiled at her, "I've got to go."
Xanni nodded, "Ok," She said
"Take care of yourself now."
Xanni nodded yet again, not really trusting herself to speak.
Krupp turned to go.
Xanni started to reach her arm out, but stopped herself. Krupp had asked her to be brave, and she was going to be brave come hell or high water.
Krupp dried himself off as he left the trainwash
Xanni held the towel Krupp had given her like a security blanket. She dried herself off, then steeled herself for going out and facing the other trains.
Meanwhile, back at Electra's house, Wrench was dismantling a small appliance (one of her hobbies)
Volta knocked on the door jam, watching the repair truck, and knowing it was better to let her presence be known, especially when wrench was dismantling things..
She looked up at the knock
"Wrench, I need to talk to you, you got time?"
She nodded
"Is it possible for Electra's circuit's to have gotten messed up from the rain the other night?"
"They were, but I fixed them."
Volta looked a bit confused, "Then explain this, what could have made Electra so angry that he threatened to erase Krupp from his memory banks?"
Wrench blinked, "He what?"
"exactly my point, Krupp's really worried that Electra's serious"
"I think... that Electra would just threaten to do that."
"but it's not like him to go that far"
"I know," Wrench said
"do you think you might have missed something?"
Wrench gave Volta an odd look.
Volta shrugged "it could happen"
"I suppose it could, but I do not think that it is a electrical problem with our engine."
Volta bristled a bit, "You think it's Krupp?"
"Of course not."
"Then what did you mean by that?"
"I think that Electra is having a hard time coping with the change in Krupp."
Volta looked down, "He seems almost back to normal now..."
Wrench nodded, "So perhaps Electra will as well."
"But what if he erases Krupp in that time?"
"I don't think he will."
"I sure hope you're right, cuz if you're not we're in big trouble."
Wrench nodded, losing her usual disinterested expression for just a moment.
"What?"
"I hope I'm right too."
Volta nodded and sighed, then looked at the appliance and raised an eyebrow, leaning on Wrench's work bench, " Y'know, Krupp brought back fresh bread today, so taking apart the toaster might not have been such a good idea, unless you can get it fixed in time for tomorrow's breakfast. You know how Joule likes her toast... and with Electra out of commission, do you want to face that tirade?"
"Of course it'll be back together in time for breakfast tomorrow," Wrench said
volta turned and headed for the door, "Just thought I'd warn you, especially after the commotion that happened when you lost the piece to the microwave..."
A rag went flying at Volta
Volta happened to have her back turned and got hit by it right on the fan. "Hey!" she said, then thought twice and left the room a bit faster.
Wrench laughed quietly.
Volta's hand came back in the room making a rude gesture, before she left entirely.
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