James chugged down the line hurriedly, trying to reach the Little Western. He needed to see Duck, because he needed to speak with him. The shed came into view, and Duck saw James come into his line of sight.
"Hello, James," he said, slightly surprised. "What brings you here?"
"I just needed to talk to you," came the reply of the proud, red engine. "It's nothing serious."
"Alright. I'm listening."
The two engines stared at each other, feeling awkward. They had never really gotten to know each other that much, as James found Duck annoying. They'd never been close friends, but after what the Great Western engine had pulled off, James was determined
to change that.
"I just wanted to thank you," James said, sounding very sincere and honest. "For saving Percy. I've never seen anybody stand up to the Fat Controller like you did. I think you were mad to do that, but also very courageous. That was brilliant how you did
that, and I honestly had no idea how loyal you were. So...thank you for doing what you did."
Duck smiled, understanding.
"It was my pleasure, James, and you're welcome. I know the rest of us would've done the same."
James, for once, felt like Duck was his good friend. And he also felt kind of shocked that Duck didn't tie the Great Western Way into his explanation somehow.
"Still..." James trailed off, "I think there's an engine on this island who's finally worthy enough to bemore splendid than me...I'll be forever in your debt, Duck. I'm sorry I've always been such a nuisance."
"And I'm sorry I've always been so annoying to you," Duck smiled. "I guess we both learned something about each other, hmm?"
James smiled.
"Yes. I've learned that you're not at all as annoying as I made you out to be. I'll never judge you again, Duck, and I hope you can forgive me for how I've always treated you."
"I forgive you," Duck said instantly, smiling. "Everything's in the past, James. I've learned to look ahead instead of looking back, and I forgive you for everything. All charges are dropped."
James smiled.
"Friends?" He asked.
Duck nodded.
"Friends."
James began to pull away, knowing Oliver would be coming home soon and that the two Great Westerns always spent their evenings together.
"I'll be seeing you, Duck...and...thanks for saving my brother."
Duck nodded.
"My friends are my family, James. It's my job to take care of them...I just did what I was meant to do."
James nodded.
"And you're doing a good job at it...you're alright, Duck. Mad, but alright."
Duck chuckled, as did James.
"Trust me," Duck grinned, "we're all a little mad on the inside. We just cover it up with paint, that's all."

Thomas passed by Dryaw Station that day with Annie and Clarabel, humming happily. He saw the Fat Controller standing at the platform, fuming. Thomas smirked to himself.
Looks like someone got their comeuppance.

Thomas was a bit shocked when the railway manager boarded Annie, but he didn't say anything. He blew his whistle and kept going. He passed Emily along the way, and he saw her face mold into a look of surprise when she saw the Fat Controller sitting in
one of his coaches. But, Thomas kept going, eager to end his day. When he finally reached his last station, he sped off to the Steamworks. He got there in five minutes flat, and Percy smiled at him.
"Thomas!"
"Hello, Percy," Thomas grinned. "How are you doing?"
"Much better," Percy replied, clearly and happily, "my new parts came in and they've been working on me a lot!"
"Yes," Victor said, pulling up next to them, "it looks as if he will make a full recovery."
"I'm glad," Thomas smiled. "Very glad."
Suddenly, Annie's door opened and the Fat Controller jumped out. On instinct, Thomas moved in front of Percy to protect him.
"Hello, you two," the FC said lowly, "I have something I'd like to say to the both of you."
He sighed deeply.
"For one, Percy. I'm...so, terribly sorry for doing what I did. I regret my actions to the fullest extent. I never should have attempted to scrap you in the first place. I didn't listen to anybody when they said you would just need rest and repairs so
you could heal...and I was very stubborn to do so. I hope you can forgive me for what I did."
Percy nodded enthusiastically.
"It's alright, sir! You were only trying to do what you thought was right by putting me out of my misery. But, it's okay, because I forgive you."
The Fat Controller smiled and turned to his number one engine.
"Thomas," he began, "I need to apologize to you, too. I was very rude to you when I was trying to scrap Percy, and I'm very sorry. You were only trying to protect your friend and I applaud you for that. I'm so sorry for all that I've done, and I promise
from now on, I will become a nicer, better person. I'm...sorry for trying to scrap your best friend."
Thomas laughed, and he was surprised that he did.
"It might take awhile for me to trust you again, sir, but I do forgive you. Apology accepted."
"Quick question, sir," Percy began, "what made you change your mind about scrapping me?"
"Hey, Percy!" Came Duck's voice, as he barreled into the Steamworks, "how're you feeling?"
The Fat Controller smiled and patted Duck's buffer beam.
"He, Percy, is what changed my mind. Duck went to the mainland and brought back your inventor, Mr. Jacob Avonside, and he gave me a piece of his mind. But, not only that, Duck stood up for you and tried endlessly to get me to call off the scrapping. He
didn't stop bombarding me until he brought your creator over here, which is how your life was saved. This not only proves how stubborn Duck is," he trailed off, looking at the Great Western engine, "but how kind and loyal he is, too."
Duck smiled and looked down, turning a brilliant shade of magenta.
"Duck...y-you stopped me from getting scrapped?" Percy said quietly, eyes glowing.
Duck smiled.
"It wasn't just me, Percy," he said. "Thomas fought against all odds to protect you. He stayed with you all day and all night...for weeks. The only thing I did was bring Mr. Avonside over here from the mainland. But...I'm so happy you're okay."
"Oh, stop being so humble!" Thomas laughed. "You did SO much more than that!"
Duck only smiled.
"I'm a Great Western engine. I was built to be humble."
The trio and their manager all laughed together, something they hadn't done in a very long time.