A/N: Soooo, just a little multi chapter project I'm working on. It's from Falcon's POV, so I hope I did okay with characterisation. I hope you enjoy this story!
;)
...
Hi- My name's Falcon. This is a story about one little railway on the Island of Sodor; the friendship, the triumph and the Great War it's witnessed- not romance (bleurgh!) But it's more than that- it's MY story, so you better listen.
And I guess Duke and Stuart's as well-except Stuart comes later- much, much later. But my story starts in 1904- the year of my 'birth' and also the year I arrived on Sodor, on the Mid Sodor Railway.
"Welcome to our railway, Falcon," A middle aged man- probably the manager, or whatever- greets me.
"Yeah, hi," I retort rudely, not in the mood to make friends or a good impression.
The manager clears his throat indignantly. "Well, I can see you might need a bit of work, Falcon. Perhaps some time with Duke will do you good. But you can't meet him yet- he's out pulling passengers. He'll be back later."
"Like I care," I hiss.
"But," he continues, ignoring my foul mood this time. "Before you start work, you must be examined by our workmen to see how you are."
"I'm perfect!" I snap, and I begin wheeshing steam at him furiously, and he scrambles back in alarm, much to my satisfaction.
"My word-this may very well be a repeat of Number 2! That will never do- God help Duke when he returns, you uncivilised engine! You shall start by pulling trucks once you're given the all clear!"
I balk at the insult, but before I can argue, I am led away by my crew and only four workmen, all insistent that I be 'checked over thoroughly' for any possible defects before I start work- not that I'm in any hurry to get to work, that is. Working with trucks sounds unappealing.
I chuckle darkly when he leaves; muttering insults under his breath- undoubtedly how foul I'm acting, but my new driver tuts at me.
"Honestly, Falcon- couldn't you behave? This is a nice place to work, once you get used to it."
"Yes- plus you wouldn't to get onto the wrong side of Duke," Adds a workman, shivering.
"Why, is he so terrifying that I should start calling him 'One Whose Name Shalt Not Be Uttered?'" I ask sarcastically, though deep down, I feel apprehension build up inside me. If a human, master of trains, is afraid of Duke, then what hope does a new-born engine like me have? Besides, the manager poke of him with such high regard I felt like letting out boiler sludge from my funnel- if I had had any at the time.
"He's not...terrifying, as such," The workman explains, nervously. "It's just that he's quite imposing and determined to set a high standard."
I gulp at this admission. This is very, very nerve wracking- damn workmen, scaring me on my first day on Sodor! But I don't want to admit I am even the slightest bit nervous, so I just laugh as rudely and loudly as I can.
"I'm not afraid of some silly old engine! Bring him on- I'll show him a thing or two if he dares to threaten me!"
"That would not be wise- if I were you, you'd be better off keeping any rude opinions to yourself." A different workman tells me.