A/N: Special thanks to Mike the Red Engine for suggesting the idea! I've been wanting to get this story out there. This is also the first time I have tried this style, so please bare with me. I've tried a style similar to this before, but not actually putting it in the reader's point of view. Anyway, on with the story!
You take your seat at the long table Marie had set up in her elaborate study. You had just enlisted in her class only a week ago, and barely made the cut with your friend. Marie is one of the very few people who has taken up studying the engines. You are lucky you have managed to get into her class for two reasons: one, she can only fit so many people in her study, and two, not very many of her students are able to survive a full week out in the field. You had read an article in the newspaper about one of her students went up missing a couple days ago. You know what probably happened. They were probably eaten by a steamie, just like the others who were overly keen. It was an unnerving thought to think you could be next, but as long as you pay attention in class, you should be able to survive the class.
You perk up a little as your friend sits down in the chair beside you. Your friend smiles, and places their book on the table in front of them.
"Hey, you got in too?" Your friend smiles. You nod. This class will be easier to enjoy now that your friend is here.
"Yeah, but barely. One of her previous students kicked the bucket. A steamie got 'em. That's how I managed to get in. She literally had space for just one more person." You replied. You know the dangers of studying the engines, most notably the steamies. The diesels are relatively docile, and harmless, but the steamies are unpredictable, and extremely dangerous. The diesels are all too easy to observe out in the field. You want to prove yourself, and show you can handle the steamies just as well as Marie can. She has survived many encounters most humans would not, so why can't you do the same?
Your classmates begin to file in, and take their seats at the table. You, and your friend arrived here early, hoping Marie would be there, so she could be at least a little impressed with your efforts. Unfortunately, she was busy talking to one of the engineers. They must be having trouble with one of the engines. Marie not only studies the engines, but she provides all the engines on Sodor with the medical care they needed. However, engines hardly injure themselves, and have strong immune systems, so it is unlikely an engine would need human assistance, but it is always good to be prepared if the time comes.
The whole room goes dead quiet the moment Marie walks into the room, and stands before her class. She is wearing a lavender Victorian Era dress, and a white feathered hat. She claps her hands together with a smile. She is always in a good mood when addressing the class. She must know that some of her class will use her knowledge that she is passing on to them for good. You want to go out in the field now, but you lacked the essential knowledge Marie has gathered over the years of observing the engines. You need to know the basics before setting out to study the engines on your own.
"Good afternoon, ladies, and gentlemen. Last week, we covered the safest ways to approach a steamie to prevent injury, or death. This week we will be covering what to do if you find yourself in a pinch with a steamie. Please open your books to page sixty-eight, and we will begin our lesson." Marie turns, and walks over to the chalkboard behind her desk. It isn't much, but at least it's something. You, and your classmates pull out your books, and open them. You immediately begin to read the page. It is a good idea to get ahead of your class. Perhaps Marie will notice your dedication.
Marie begins to write on the chalkboard as she addresses you, and your classmates. "There are three key points you must remember if you happen to cross paths with an angry, or famished steamie. You must remain calm. If you panic, you won't think as clearly as you would as when you're calm. A steamie may use that against you, and if they succeed, they will most likely end your life rather abruptly. If possible, steer clear of the tracks, and make sure you are out of range of the steamie. Unlike diesels, a steamie has an extended range thanks to their ability to spit fire, like the dragons I have studied years ago. Be sure to stay away from flammable objects as well. A steamie may see it as a strategic advantage over you, and last, but not least, if a steamie is willing to negotiate, try to make terms with it. This only to be done if all else fails because not all steamies are as friendly as others. They won't give up on a meal so easily, but if you play your cards right, it can mean the difference between life, and death."
You are already ahead of her. There is little to no difference between her teachings, and the book she had given you when you first started. You jump a little, and look up from your book when your friend passes a note to you. You pick it up, and read it.
Want to hang out after class today? Your friend wrote. You look at them at the corner of your eye, and smile. You pick up your pencil, write a reply on the slip of paper, and pass it back to them.
Sure. Where do you want to meet? You ask your friend on the slip of paper. Your friend smiles, writes a reply, and passes it back to you. You read it, and are not surprised by your friend's answer.
How does Vicarstown station sound? We can observe the engines there, and hang out together. Your friend asks you on the note. You, and your friend always spent time there. It is a good place to get an idea as to how the engines behave. It can give you an advantage over your classmates. You write your reply, and pass it back to your friend.
Sure. You reply on the slip of paper, and then return your attention to your book. Your friend smiles, and stuffs the note in their pocket. You continue to read as Marie addresses the class.
"Whatever you do, never offer to do whatever the engine wishes. Steamies are incredibly wily, and will most likely place you in a situation that is even wore than it was before. Offering a gift of food usually is always a fail-safe method. A steamie will never pass up an easy meal." Marie turns back to face the class. You are too busy reading to notice. Leo, the hot-shot of the class, has his arms crossed on the table with his head down. He is sleeping. This is third time he has fallen asleep in class this week. Marie frowns. She never put up with any nonsense in her class. Her students need to pay attention if they are to survive out in the field. She picks up her ruler, and smacks it against her desk.
"Leo!" Marie yells at your classmate. Leo yelps, and jumps awake. You, and your friend can't help, but chuckle a little. Leo gives you both a dirty look. You have made your first mistake. Leo grumbles softly, and returns his attention to Marie.
"Now then, let us resume shall we?" Marie lays her ruler down on her desk, and continues the lesson. Leo never did like you, or your friend very well. He knows you wanted to be the teacher's pet. Wait... that gives him idea. He smirks as his plan begins to take shape. He knows how to use your desire to impress Marie, and the rest of the class. He figured out you, and your friend liked to stick around the Vicarstown Station a long time ago. He has seen you, and your friend there countless times before. He will have to wait until after class to set his plan into action, but the best things are worth waiting for.
A/N: Alright, now this is my first time trying this style, so bear with me. Leo seems to have come up with a little scheme to get rid of you, and your friend for a while, or even better (for him at least), get rid of you, and your friend for good. We will have to wait, and see what he has in store for us. Until we meet again, see ya later!
