Jacksonville, Florida. August 7th, 1920

"It's childish, fool hearty, and distracting from our jobs...we're machines, incapable of the romantic love from a fairy tale."

"...Romance is the thing that makes us as close to human as anything ever will. Being hurt is part of being human, the fear of being hurt is part of it. But humans face their fears of rejection or the unknown...if we did the same, we become more like them."

"You're naive for an engine that's fifteen years old."

The words swirling around his smoke box had awoken Casey from a not too pleasant sleep, he couldn't stop thinking of the "conversation" he had with Sarah and a native Floridian engine. To make matters worse, a strong storm came in the middle of the night and there were no doors in front of the engines in the shed and the rain and wind pounded each one. The rain was nothing new to any of them but it has been a long time since Casey or Sarah felt this much wind on top of it, and it was that cold Atlantic Ocean wind that can make anybody miserable if they weren't used to it already. He felt like scrap metal with all this, he hoped that he could get a chance to take his relation with Sarah to the next step, but it looks like the chance of that happening is over. He sighed to himself and looked to Sarah with a sad expression, and sighed quietly as he saw that she was still asleep. Her face was still a little wet from the rain, the droplets streamed down and glimmered in the very early morning sunlight, she was beautiful. But that didn't help the hurt he felt after thinking of those words that she has said over and over. He switched his gaze over to the rails he stood on and looked at his reflection on a puddle. Was she right? Why should he risk the friendship over something that only takes him one step closer to being human like Jared said? He didn't even notice John and Rico, his driver and new fireman walk into his cab and light his fire. Rico was the man who replaced Matthew as Casey's fireman after he was killed by a beer smuggler with a chase with the electric lunch box Raymond. Southern afterwards removed all electric cables from the line except in down town cities like Atlanta or Chattanooga and left them for private companies. Rico migrated from Spain a few years ago and he's learned English and has at least been able to control his dialect, but you can still tell he's Spanish. He was a kindly fellow, who had a gift with engines, he could always tell when something is wrong whether it be emotional or mechanically and he's been able to at least cheer them up and today would be no different. He walked over to the pilot and blocked Casey's sight from the puddle.

"Is there something wrong Casey? You're looking blue this morning." He said softly.

"I'd rather not talk about it Rico."

"Ah, you finally asked Senorita Sarah out for una cita?"

"What?"

"A date."

"Oh, no."

"Oh come on Senior, were these two Florida chicos nosey?"

"No, Sarah and I had a bit of a disagreement last night over the subject of matrimony." Casey started, and then he repeated what Sarah had said quietly, John heard however and he pressed his face into the palm of his hand. Oh Sarah you silly fool He thought, and he made a note to have a chat with her crew about the subject.

"Don't you worry Casey, she'll understand one day, now let's get you outside. Unfortunately we're going to have to shunt our own train this morning, the shunters in the yard are very busy today and we're not counted high priority." Rico said as he gently patted the hand rail and began to walk back to the cab.

"Great, it's going to be a loonnng day." Casey groaned quietly.

Sodor, April 1, 2015:

Casey arrived in Knapford Station slowly and let steam blow out from his pop valve. The sound was loud enough to grab the attention of everybody who hadn't heard his already loud whistle. His passengers disembarked and thanked him for a good ride, of which he was happy to oblige. As the last passenger left, he could hear some snickering from them, he was confused as to why this is. Sir Topham Hat came up to him, he had the usual small smile on his face that he has when an engine has done a good job.

"Good to see you this morning, you were missed last night." He said kindly.

"Thank you sir." Casey replied. Then the Fat Controller cleared his throat, straightened his tie, and spoke again.

"You're next assignment is to head over to Brendam yards with that freight train over there and help Edward shunt trucks around until two hours before your semi-express this evening. Before that train you need to head over to the washdown." Well, he had to do his fair share of shunting work sooner or later, and Brendam Yards is at the docks, lots of ships and fishing boats. Oh well, at least he wouldn't be alone for this, and Edward was always a pleasant engine to be around. "And one more thing, you will be double heading with the new engine tonight so be ready to answer some questions." The controller continued, and he walked away into his office. Oh that's nice, maybe today won't end so bad after all, now if only Casey could come up with a revenge plot that will get Spencer to leave him alone once and for all. He didn't say a word about the subject as Diesel took the coaches away and he was shifted over to the line where the freight cars were waiting. Unfortunately, they were comfortable where they were, and set their brakes hard on when Casey backed into them.

"We don't wanna go! We don't wanna go!" They cried. Casey rolled his eyes and jerked the cars forward once the brakes were released. The cars smashed into each other and screamed. It was a rare thing for Casey to not sing to the cars as he traveled along, but that was the case today, he was too busy plotting his revenge. But soon enough, as he stopped at a signal, he saw the silver A4, pulling a filthy coal train, covered in cake icing, and furious. When the consolidation saw this he burst out laughing, so much so that he cried tears of delight, d'oh he couldn't help himself from saying it.

"April Fools Sandwich Cake!" he shouted. Spencer scowled and sped away in a cloud of steam. Well, no payback is required anymore, that's was all he needed to feel even again. The signal dropped and the at first angry cars now cheered when they heard him sing out to them as he gently pulled them along. When he arrived at Brendam Yards, he told Edward about Spencer's... unfortunate appearance. The old engine couldn't help but chuckle at the idea, especially after he learned that the A4 had his driver throw a pie in Casey's face.

"It seems to me that the engines he was talking to when he did that didn't like what they saw. Frankly, I believe he deserved it." Edward said.

"I agree." Casey replied.

"However Casey, I know it's April Fools day and all, but you laughing at his expense and calling him a "sandwich cake" was a little uncalled for. Maybe you should apologize for at least the name calling." Edward continued. "I don't condone his actions, nobody does, but does that make it alright for you to be just as bad to him?"

Casey considered the words of Edward very carefully, he learned very quickly that Edward is one of the wisest engines he's ever met. But, Spencer still had it coming to him and there was no doubt that the A4 will continue to be a jerk after this, even if Casey apologized for laughing. Gah! Why must life be so confusing sometimes? Casey sighed and looked ahead to the numerous freight cars and spoke.

"I'll consider it, but right now, let's get these cars into place." And he moved on ahead to do his work. Edward, followed suit, deciding to not push the subject any further. The cars heard everything and they laughed rudely at the two engines and sang terrible songs about them. One of which sounded like "pop goes the wiesel"

Casey the gigantic engine,

got hit with a cream pie-hai.

When he laughed at the engine who threw at him,

he got Edward's stink eye-

The cars that were singing the song the most was hit by Edward, who wasn't amused. The cars that were hit screamed in pain as they were sent rolling into each other.

"Aw come on Edward, put your boiler into it!" Casey encouraged and then he smacked his line of cars hard. So hard that a couple of empty cars derailed. "Oops"

The cars that were still standing on the rails started to laugh and began to call Casey "El Torro", the Spanish word for "The Bull" because of this mishap. Edward as usual talked kindly to Casey, albeit very loudly so that the consolidation could hear him.

"Don't worry Casey, we'll have those trucks rerailed in no time. But I do suggest you be a little more careful." The second part was more in a joking manner, and it brought a smile back to Casey's face. Edward was right, it didn't take long for the derailed cars to be put back on the tracks again, but that didn't stop the teasing from the cars. When Casey backed up to push the next line of cars into each other for move coupling, he heard them calling out "Torro, Torro!". They ain't gonna be say'n Ole when I'm done with 'em He thought. But instead of ramming them like before, he gently pushed them enough for people to couple them together, and then he backed up to line them with another freight train. As he pushed them into place, Edward spoke up again.

"We've all been wondering, how did you and Sarah get together? You've been very vague about your relationship." He said. Casey couldn't deny that, he has been vague with the others about it. Well, he does owe it to them, but right as he was about to start, he heard the cars booing that he didn't ram them like before. His answer to them? Blow that whistle of his very loudly and scare them into submission. That's what he did, and in fear the cars finally fell silent.

"Thank you. Now Edward, you're right, I have been vague about the relationship between Sarah and I, I'll give a brief run down of where I had gotten to." He started. He took and deep breath, and then...

"When I was real young I didn't have a chance to confess my love for her and the best chance I had in the early twenties to do so went down when she said that it was and I quote:childish, fool hearty, and distracting from our jobs. While I told her that I disagreed, as I thought about it, I thought so too, and I didn't press the issue with her again. Until, one day, the most beautiful passenger engine I ever did see came along. You may know her as Scarlett from the back story that Daemon told. I don't know exactly what happened, or how it happened but everything changed when she came along, but here's how I believe it happened..."

Alexandria, Virginia, February 1926:

Casey was ecstatic, today is the first time he was chosen to represent Southern for it's annual "New Engine Reveal Event" Where every railway that enters the yard gather around a turn table and let workman surprise them with a new engine that will come with one of them back to their own railway lines. Casey puffed in between an Atlantic Coast Line M-2 mikado and a C&O J-2 Mountain type. Casey also noticed a sight he thought he'd never see, a Pennsylvania K4 pacific and a New York Central K-11c pacific type right next to each other, and not trying to kill each other. In fact, these two were actually being very civil to each other. Casey thought that these engines couldn't possibly be on these railways, well the K4 was obvious because of how simple his design was, but the Central engine looked like she was a USRA design, maybe she worked for another railway before coming to New York. But the C&O mountain said otherwise.

"The NYC pacific was built for the Central, who knows how these two actually became friendly with each other, but it is a nice change of pace from the usual arguments the lines have." He said. Casey couldn't agree more, ever since he was sent with Sarah to Jacksonville, he ended up spending a good chunk of time in Cincinnati Ohio, where both railroads are always found and the engines arguing with each other. It was madness, and USRA's presence only made things worse for all rivalries. But now is not the time to reflect and spit in the face of the USRA, and the labor unions that used them to call all the shots, today is a day where all engines come together to greet a new engine into the world of railroading. Everyone became excited when an 0-6-0 switcher brought the engine completely covered in tarp onto the turn table. Usually when the tarp covers the entire engine it means that just seeing the part would expose who owned that engine, therefore ruin the surprise. Steam gently arose from under the cover in a soft hiss, like a sigh of a young woman, this is a pretty common clue how to tell if the engine is "male or female". On rare occasions however this can be misleading, for example, when Cassidy went through it she said she laid out the steam fiercely and the observing engines thought she was a male engine. She always laughed loudly when she talks about the shocked look on their faces when they found out otherwise. Everyone became excited when they saw the workman bring a crane to lift the cover off, with a cone in hand he made an announcement for all to hear.

"Welcome everybody, thank you all for coming to continue this great tradition." The engines all tooted their whistles and cheered until the crewman slowly silenced them. "And now, without further adieu, I present to you..." He lifted the tarp off and exposed a beautiful Southern Ps-4 pacific. "Miss, Scarlett!"

All the engines cheered and some of the ones in the male persuasion gave that teeth whistle that men gives to pretty ladies. And this was indeed a pretty lady. Her Virginia green paint with gold lining, number "1401", and lettering shined in the bright sunlight. On the side he saw "Southern" at the top and "Crescent Limited" in the middle of her tender sides, she was definitely built for passenger service. Her silver smoke box gleamed. Casey's jaw dropped when he finally saw her face as the turn table finally allowed her to face him. She was absolutely beautiful, with her green eyes, red lipstick, lovely facial features that make her look like she was an eighteen year old beauty pageant woman. Her brass bell sat at the top of her forehead and her cylinder shaped super heater just added to her beauty. She smiled sweetly and finally spoke up.

"My, I do declare that I'm happy to be a part of the Southern railroad." Her voice was definitely a sweet Southern Belle voice, she was perfect for the Southern. Casey finally caught a hold of himself and replied.

"Yes, and we're happy to have you Miss Scarlett. My name's Casey and I'll be the one to take you home today."

"Alright Mister Casey, take me home kind sir." Scarlett replied with a giggle.

"You can just call me Casey."

"If that is the case, then I declare that you can call me Scarlette." The dispatcher told them to take her to Spencer Shops in North Carolina, as part of a freight train to go to the same place. At first, Scarlette wanted to lead, especially when she saw the dirty freight cars, but her driver told her that since Casey knew the route, he will lead and she will survive getting a little dirt on her. Casey was well aware of a passenger engine's fear of getting dirty by pulling a freight train, it's why they always resented it, and looked down on engines like Casey because of it, but something told him that Miss Scarlette will be a little different, she seemed like the type that will suck it up and do as she was told whether she liked it or not.

"Don't you worry none Scarlette, I'll do my best to be as smooth as possible, and keep whatever's in that car behind ya off of your paint." He said kindly.

"I hope so." She replied nervously. Soon enough she was coupled to the train and already she was freaking out in her head, the dirt was-touching her! She squealed under her own breath. Casey didn't hear, but he felt her shift in discomfort.

"That's the easiest way ta get dirt on ya Scarlett." He said. He then felt her stop shaking and hold herself as still as possible. He couldn't help but chuckle quietly at this. The guard signaled that the train was ready to leave, Scarlett blew her deep whistle that comes standard with the PS-4 class pacifics. Casey gave a couple of blasts from his own, the signal arose to a straight up position to signal that they had clearance, and off they went.

"So, tell me about what you already know Scarlett, it'll help keep your mind off the job at hand." Casey suggested.

"Well, I was built in Richmond as the forty sixth engine in my class. Other than that, I declare that I don't know that much more." Scarlett replied. Casey laughed, and explained that he too was built in Richmond. He then went on to explain the rules and regulations of the Southern Railroad, he also explained what the Crescent Limited was. It is a train that travels between Washington D.C. and New Orleans. With connections with the Pennsylvania Railroad to take the passengers into New York City and with the Southern Pacific Railroad in New Orleans to take the passengers into California. Scarlett was so amazed of what importance the Crescent played in a game like this to take passengers across the country, she totally forgot that she was attached to a freight train. She wanted to know more and more, fascinated with all the things that Casey has seen, heard, and done. Casey was more than happy to oblige, he took great joy in educating this young beauty.

"Gee Casey, I do declare, with all this knowledge you have that you must be the talk of the other ladies on the system." Scarlett said out of the blue. Casey was taken aback, he was not who she said he was. Especially after his unfortunate argument with Sarah a few years ago. Truth be told he still had that love for her that he's always had. And with all of these new engines arriving across the system it should actually make it easier for the two of them to get together. But as far as she knew she still believed what she did, and he hasn't come up with a good response to her point of it hurting if something happened.

"Nah, most women on the system don't care too much for me, they all go goo-goo-ga over them lousy passenger boys, no offense. Or in some cases, don't believe that engines can love each other in a romantic manner." He said carefully.

"Like who? Who would believe something like that?" Scarlett asked curiously. Casey didn't answer at first, nor did he speak at all for an hour. He wondered how Scarlett would react to this, would she be driven to bring these two together? Or will be try to take him and tell Sarah that she had her chance? Although that would technically be incest, for both of them were built by the same company. Or will she not care at all and let them be apart? He had no idea, but he could hear Rico quietly encouraging him to talk about it. He sighed and spoke up.

"Her name is Sarah, an Ms class mikado. I've known her for a long time, and I had a chance to confess my feelings to her, but I had the door slammed in my face before I even began." He said somberly. It didn't take long for Scarlett to realize what he meant by "feelings", and she gave him pity.

"I'm sorry Casey, if there's anything I can do, please ask me." She said. But in her smokebox, she planned to do a little..."intervention", whether Casey liked it or not. But it will take a little time to pull it off.

"I appreciate your offer Scarlett, but I think I'll just hold back and let Sarah be." He replied, smartly leaving her number a mystery, for there are nearly two hundred Ms class mikados on the railway roster. He didn't want Scarlett to force anything on her, that might backfire tremendously on him.

"Oh, alright then. I'll let her be with you." She said. Her sentence was not the interpretation Casey thought. He thought Scarlett will go along with his decision to leave Sarah alone. But reality was much different.

Scarlett belongs to darthmaul90