Duck liked bluebells, as they always reminded him of Stepney- a close and dear friend of his from the Bluebell Railway in England. Stepney also had a line on Sodor which he ran when he was on Sodor - with the help of a couple of engines such as Flora and Stanley when they weren't working at Great Waterton. Stepney was a kind and cheerful chap who was loved by all.

One day, Duck was heading up to Wellsworth Station with some supplies to fix the roof after a spring storm, when he saw a familiar yellow engine there, talking to Edward, who also a very dear friend of Duck's. Duck blew his whistle in greeting as he pulled in.

"Hello Edward! Hello Stepney! It's great to see you back on the Island!"

Hello Duck," Edward greeted warmly. "It's a lovely day."

"Hullo, Duck," Stepney replied, dully.

"What's the matter, Stepney?" Duck asked in concern. "You're usually more jovial than this."

"I know," Replied the Terrier. "I'm just...I have to go." He said suddenly, and he left the station, leaving a confused and hurt Duck behind.

"Don't take that to heart, Duck." Edward told him. "Poor chap's really upset."

"Do you know why?"

"He said something about his branch line, but I'm not entirely sure what he meant by that. But I think you could get more of an answer from him than I could."

"Well, thanks anyway Edward," Duck sighed. "I brought those supplies for the roof." He added, changing the subject.

"Thank you Duck- that's much appreciated. No one likes a station with a leaky roof!" Edward grinned. Duck whistled, and hurried on.

...

He met Stepney again at a junction, still looking very upset. "Hey, Step," He wheeshed. "What's wrong?"

Stepney sighed sadly. "It's a cruel world, Duck- men ripping up engines and bluebells for profits..."

Needless to say, the GWR pannier was very confused on hearing this statement. He understood a connection for Stepney- but why the bluebells again?

"Come on, Stepney- you'll feel better if you talk about it." Duck coaxed, and Stepney relented.

"Okay...some men have been removing bluebells on my line...and selling them!"

"No!" Gasped Duck in horror.

"Yes!" Wailed Stepney. "They bring spades and they dig 'em up from the hill beside my line! Then they sell 'em illegally further along from where they've been removing them!"

"That's awful!" Exclaimed Duck, wheeshing in sympathy.

"Not to mention against the law." Stepney added indignantly. "They're not allowed to remove wild bluebells from their growing spot, and they're not allowed to sell them either! I saw them only the other day, you know, and they were cursing and digging and trampling all over those poor bluebells..." the little yellow engine trailed off sadly. "I want to stop those men, but...I don't know how."

"I shall be glad to be of assistance, Stepney!" Duck assured, and this brightened Stepney's mood. He immediately perked up, and said "Oh, thank you Duck! You're a good friend! I really do appreciate you helping me save the bluebells of Sodor."

"No worries, Stepney," Replied Duck. "We'll catch those bluebell thieves yet!"

...

A/N Just a little project about my favourite flower! And two awesome engines from the RWS! Hope you enjoyed, and chapter 2 will be up at some point.