The Brother's Grimm

by AaronCottrell97

As one last special reward for her heroic actions that led to her becoming safety engine and No. 12, Emily is overjoyed that her brother Bernard is visiting Sodor for the first time. The two Sterling Single siblings have a wonderful time reuniting with each other, but all their cheerfulness fades after a dark and tragic secret regarding Bernard is revealed...

4. Grumpy Meddling

It was a rainy, stormy night on Sodor, and Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard were all huddled together as they slept in Knapford Sheds. Just that afternoon, a rather heavy-handed and most affronting turn of events came for Bernard's visit on Sodor. After hearing the rest of the stories as to what happened since he and Emily saw each other last, a most grave truth came out of Bernard when he found that Percy's scathing predicament reminded him particularly of a scar of his own, which made him think about Lawrence's death again, and after finally finding out just who was involved in all those plights, it brought him to confess the grave truth; that being that he was the very Stirling sibling who had ended up reversing into those coaches all those years ago and accidentally killing Seymour Murphy's father, thus spawning his hell-bent hatred for all Stirling Singles until he met his own death at the hands of Phelps and Gallagher. No one had ever come to suspect such a fate befalling Bernard's life. Not even Emily, who had seen him alongside David again on their adventure to find Beatrice.

After hearing all about it, Emily, David, Beatrice and even Lawrence all understood that it was out of Bernard's control and that what was done was done, assuring him that they'd all help him get through this barrier, and also knowing all that they were going to do the next morning. They'd have to tell the Fat Controller all about this revealing as well as the rest of the Steam Team. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. As long as they knew, they would at least understand and sympathize for Bernard's position...but others would do quite otherwise, as Bernard, Emily, the Riders and the Fat Controller would come to find out and get in on quite quickly. There would be a process of recovery, but conflict too for Bernard to endure through before things could be set right, and all of that would begin the very next day as the rain carried on through the night.

At last, as morning began to rise upon the island, the rain stopped. The grey clouds steadily parted through the sky and brought in the coming sunlight through the windows at Knapford Sheds to rouse the four engines huddled together. Emily and Bernard were still buffered up together as they had been the night before, and when Emily felt the sunrise beginning to glimmer through her closed eyes, she found herself waking up with a yawn and looking right to Bernard still asleep right in front of her.

As soon as Emily looked to her brother, it all dawned on her just what she, Thomas, Percy and the Riders had all come to know about Bernard, and she could feel all the preparation and pretences stirring in her boiler. Then she watched as Bernard slowly began to wake up. Then his eyes opened completely and he saw his sister right there looking at him. In moments, everything dawned back to Bernard as he recalled all he had revealed to his friends and just how low his morale had slumped to. He could feel his heart flip and start racing as he began to wonder what would happen next. Then Thomas and Percy yawned themselves awake and felt everything creeping back to them as they saw Emily and Bernard buffered together.

"Hmm...morning, Bernard," Emily said gently, but heavily.

Bernard looked into Emily's eyes and could see that little glimmer only he could see as her brother, then leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Morning, Emily," he replied quietly. "And...morning, Thomas and Percy."

"Yes...morning, Bernard," Thomas and Percy said together, both sounding solemn and serious about all they would have to do today.

"Well...so it begins," said Bernard. "My grave truth has been revealed, and now we'll all have to work to get past this barrier...but how to do that?"

"We're all here for you, Bernard," said Thomas. "We will not let you leave Sodor like this. Your visit will end well, I promise that."

"We'll do whatever we must, Bernard," Percy pledged.

"As do I. Come on, Bernard," said Emily. "I know it will be difficult, but there's no easy way to bring it forth. We have to tell the Fat Controller and the rest of the Steam Team. It's imperative that they know."

At that moment, the engines heard the distant sound of a car outside. They looked and there was the Fat Controller's car approaching the station and parking right by it. All the engines, especially Bernard felt another jump in their hearts, knowing what they now had to do. And with that, they all set off out of the sheds and slowly made their way toward the station, just as the Fat Controller began approaching his office.

When the Fat Controller looked back, he saw the four engines all gather together at Platforms 1 and 2. He suddenly began to feel a sensation that something wasn't right, judging by the looks on their faces. Then he saw Bernard's face and suddenly felt that something was wrong.

"Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard?" he asked. "What are you all doing here at once? And why do you all look troubled? Has something happened?"

Bernard looked to the Fat Controller right away, feeling his fears and guilt sweeping back to him. He looked to Emily, who gave a leaning gesture as if to coax him to come out with it, and that she'd be there if he needed her.

"M...morning, sir," Bernard began in a rather shifty tone. "This may seem very sudden, but I...I have something imperative to tell you."

"What's that, Bernard?" the Fat Controller asked.

"Well...I've had a wonderful visit with my sister so far...until yesterday. I've come to hear all that has happened here on Sodor since Emily and I last saw each other...and I've heard about all the heavy-handed events here too, such as Percy's scathing predicament, Thomas' nightmare of Sailor John and what have you...but what I have to tell you is something truly shocking...something you've actually heard a hint of once before...from Seymour Murphy. There's no easy way to explain all this, but I know I have to come right out with it and tell you."

"And what do you need to tell me?" the Fat Controller asked.

Bernard took a deep, nervous look to his sister, then Thomas and Percy. A few moments later, Bernard swallowed up his pride and came forth, telling the Fat Controller every last thing he had to tell, all while Thomas and Emily spoke up with him whenever they needed to. The whole while, the Fat Controller listened to everything Bernard said and he kept nodding a little every few moments...until the big reveal was made and his eyebrows suddenly raised. For a few moments, the Fat Controller briefly thought back to the days that Seymour Murphy served as his solicitor until the day he and Lady Hatt were captured and taken to the Dieselworks, where they heard their solicitor's true colours and just what had driven his cause to join Sailor John...and now, right here in front of him was the very engine involved in that very accident that started it all. He then looked long and hard at Bernard, watching as he looked most ashamed and driven by guilt and regret, waiting for the silence to break.

"Well, I never did," the Fat Controller stated steadily. "I never, never did. That is a most shocking and even disturbing element to learn of you, Bernard. I've only ever heard of you before when David's adventure with Emily was completed...but I had no idea that you were the one to weave into that very accident all those years ago..."

"I...I know, sir," Bernard shook. "To think that my accident indirectly brought about all that Sailor John and Seymour Murphy plagued upon this island, and towards my sister, and even you, sir! I know I couldn't help it if my driver made that mistake...but it was still me who got woven into that accident!"

"Hmm..." said the Fat Controller. "As much as I know that you yourself didn't cause that accident, perhaps it is true that it had an indirect effect on how everything turned out here on Sodor, until that pirate was finally defeated."

"But we assured Bernard that what is done is done, sir," said Emily. "It can't be changed now, and given how everything turned out, here we all are. You know Bernard would never intend such a thing, sir. David, Beatrice and even Lawrence all know it to be true."

"Yes. You're most infinitely right, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "And all the Riders are right too, Bernard. No engine can help it if their levers, mechanisms or regulator is turned, opened or managed the wrong way. No engine can control their own mechanisms...not like Thomas thought when his driver said he could manage the Branch Line without him. What is done is done, and as no engine can help such circumstances, I know just how you feel, Bernard. But I assure you, we will help however we can."

"You...you will, sir?" Bernard asked. "Emily and the Riders will certainly help me...but I feel as though the rest of the Steam Team must know this too."

"I think you're right, Bernard. I'm sure this will be a difficult few days," said the Fat Controller. "You may have to make the choices between what is right and what is easy. But remember this, Bernard. You have friends here. You're not alone and you never will be."

"Thank you, sir," Bernard sighed. "I know it might not be necessary by this point, but I can never apologize more for being the one involved in that accident. I just feel so very terrible and wretched that I had to be the one involved in that accident."

"Ahh, well. You may feel such right now, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "But you're a good engine and really useful wherever you are. You're going to get through this, and we're here to help you...and look. Here comes the rest of the team now."

And indeed, Nia, James, Gordon and Rebecca all made their way to Knapford, seeing Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard all gathered together. They were all thinking about starting their day when they saw the troubled expressions on the other four engines' faces.

"Thomas, Percy, Emily and Bernard? What's the matter?" Nia asked.

"Has something happened, Bernard?" Rebecca asked.

"Oh, dear, everyone," said the Fat Controller. "I'm afraid I have something a little troubling to tell all of you...and Bernard needs our empathy."

It didn't take long for the Steam Team to hear everything for themselves, and when all was revealed, their hearts all jumped and their expressions changed to a look of unease, worry, sympathy and pity all at once as they looked at Bernard's shameful expression. None of them ever imagined that he was the one wound up in that accident that killed Murphy's father and spawned all that had come to be during Sailor John's Vendetta until it all came to an end.

"Ohh...you should never have gone through any of that, Bernard," Nia breathed.

"Absolutely terrible to have been faced with something as that!" Rebecca gasped.

"Most unexpected...and truly indignant to have such an awful thing befall our Safety Engine's sister," Gordon remarked remorsefully.

"Even I can't turn this into any joke in the very least. My paint ought to be blistered if I had such intent," James remarked too.

"I know it's all terrible, everyone," Bernard replied. "I only ever wish there was something I could have done to prevent it."

"Well, we know you didn't mean it, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "It was just a terrible situation to have been faced with, when the crew turns a lever the wrong way, or leaves the regulator open at the wrong times. But for now, we all must get to work. As for you, Bernard. I have one goods train for you to take to Wellsworth for Edward to take onwards, then another train to go to Arlesburgh. Perhaps you'll see David there, and maybe Beatrice."

"Hmm. Thank you, sir. I will," said Bernard. "And I'm once again so sorry for my part all those years ago."

"There's no need, but thank you anyway, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "And you, Emily. Well, you're back with passengers for the next three days, per your safety engine schedule."

"Yes, sir," said Emily.

And so Bernard soon gathered his goods train for Wellsworth and was on his way with a heavy heart, while all the engines got to work, all feeling quite differently about the brother of Emily the No. 12 Safety Engine. They all viewed him in a truly different and even unsettling way, but they all understood he was a humble, good-hearted engine who found that accident as distasteful as anyone would. Whenever they passed Bernard along the Main Line, they all gave a little nod of assurance that he wouldn't be alone, although Bernard said nothing, feeling quite lost about everything and how he would come out the other side. Then as he passed Crosby Station, he felt a new flicker in his boiler. In all the days since he first came here, he had not yet met Edward. Bernard suddenly thought that maybe he could help with his first visit to Sodor turning into a road-block.

Bernard huffed onward with his goods until he came to Wellsworth. He left the trucks at the station platform, then heard a coming whistle. He looked ahead, and there was Edward carefully reversing down the line to collect the trucks. This was Bernard's first time meeting the No. 2 old and wise engine. This was enough to make him smile lightly with a sense of wonder. Edward came up and collected the trucks, then he looked and saw just who was there beside him. Bernard watched as Edward went still and looked on for a few moments.

"Hello...Edward?" Bernard said gently and carefully. "I...I'm Emily's..."

"Hello...I trust you're Bernard," said Edward. "Emily's navy brother she spoke of when she and David came back from their adventure. Such a wonder it is to meet our emerald angel's brother."

"Well...thank you, Edward," said Bernard. "I know who you are too well. The No. 2 on your tender is all I need. And you're one of the oldest, wisest engines on the island...have...have you heard about me...and my...?"

"No need to tell me," Edward said at once. "Word gets around and I've heard all about what befell you all those years ago. I remember hearing how Murphy's words came forth to Emily that day at the Dieselworks...but I also know it must be most scathing for you to feel, Bernard. But you're a good engine, and I would not want to see Emily's perfect brother go back to York feeling like this. You're a good engine, and you'll see this through, just as Percy did with Emily and Beatrice's help."

Bernard sighed heavily. "Thanks, Edward...but I just don't know how that will come to be. Thank you for your words."

"Of course, Bernard," said Edward. "None of us know how you'll make it out the other side, but what matters is that you will."

Bernard whistled goodbye and carried on to find a wye line and turn himself around to get back to Knapford. When he did and set on his way back, he could feel a little more assurance flow to his boiler. He had met Edward for the first time and also got his word that this barrier would be worked through in the end.

Bernard soon came back to Knapford and saw a line of trucks waiting for him. This told him that he'd have to make his way to Arlesburgh with this load. It made Bernard wonder if maybe he'd get to see David or Beatrice and seek a little help from them. He felt a little better to know he had the Steam Team's sympathy as well as the Fat Controller's assurance, and maybe Bernard could seek some help from the Riders.

"Perhaps Beatrice could help me a little, and I can see how her counselling works," he said to himself. "After Percy, perhaps I'd do well with her."

So Bernard collected his trucks and set off on his way to Arlesburgh...but a most unwelcome change in course would be awaiting him upon his arrival, resulting in most unneeded pestering from a select few other engines...then the beginning of most grumpy meddling to follow quite heavily.

Bernard made his way to Arlesburgh again to deliver his load. He huffed along the line and past David's house. He looked to see if David or Beatrice were home, but no one was there. He thought that once his delivery was made, he could double back and check again. Bernard huffed further along the harbour line and saw David just leaving one of the fishing boats for lunch. Bernard gave a greeting whistle and David looked and gave Bernard a nod of assurance as the navy Stirling went on down the line.

Bernard eventually made his way to a siding where he could leave his trucks. It was then when he began to think aloud as he huffed away. But that's when things began to go quite wrong, regarding who was coming up behind Bernard.

"That was such an unfair accident," he said to himself. "Just what to do and how, maybe with Beatrice? I can't go back to York like this."

And the moment that followed was when Bernard's share of trouble and harassment began. Suddenly, Bernard got bumped further forward rather suddenly, which made him swivel along the line until he stopped. But then he was bumped even harder and further along the line.

"What the? Who's doing that?" Bernard exclaimed.

Then he heard a diesel horn from behind him, followed by the sound of a diesel engine. Bernard suddenly looked to his right and saw just who came alongside him.

"Diesel?" Bernard uttered uneasily. "You're Diesel, aren't you!"

"Yes! I'm Diesel, I think you'll find!" he remarked rudely. "You're Lady-Long Funnel's brother, so we've come to hear! And you watch it, twerp! You don't want any poor innocent fathers straying onto the line to run over, as we hear you did once before!"

As Diesel oiled away, Bernard felt a string of offense tug at his heart and he couldn't help but frown annoyingly. But then he heard a series of whispers on the line beside him. He looked and saw 'Arry and Bert uttering a series of whispers to each other. Bernard had come to hear about these two over the years and felt a little more vulnerable. He couldn't catch what they were saying, but he did hear a few inconspicuous whispers about fathers and crushing him between coaches, which made Bernard feel more unsettled...then 'Arry and Bert looked up and stopped whispering at once. They saw Bernard looking vaguely at both of them without a word.

"What are YOU looking at, weirdo?" 'Arry remarked indignantly.

"Yeah. Weirdo," Bert added.

"Oi! Don't even think aboot mentioning the subject!" came a Scottish voice. Bernard saw it was Douglas coming along with a load of passengers.

"Oh. Douglas?" Bernard remarked. "Have...have you heard?"

"Aye. We have, laddie," Douglas answered more gently. "We didnae ever suspect you be the one to befall such an awful circumstance, Bernard. And it seems this smelly lot could nae care less aboot the empathy you deserve. You didn't mean for all of that to happen, Bernard."

Bernard gave a nod of thanks to Douglas as his passengers got off and started touring about the town. Some of them saw Bernard and looked a little sorry for him as they came to hear the news too.

But then, one particular passenger came out of Douglas' coaches, grumbling away until he suddenly looked to Bernard with quite a grumpy regard. Bernard didn't know just who this was yet...or what he would come to do in the days to follow. The passenger had a grey coat and hat, a polka-dot bowtie, and a thick, curly moustache.

This was the Grumpy Passenger. That unpleasant, picky, complaining Grumpy Passenger who rode on Duncan's train every day, constantly complaining about every little thing he could, until one day, Duncan had taken enough and did every last thing he could to stop the complaining, even taking Skarloey's coach in the process, but try as he might, Duncan could not get that passenger to shut his mouth, which led to the Thin Controller being disappointed in the trouble Duncan had caused. The Thin Controller knew this Grumpy Passenger and had told Duncan that he always finds something to moan about, and the best thing for Duncan to do was ignore him. Sometime later, this passenger travelled with Thomas to one of Sodor United Football Team's games while Thomas was racing with James to get there first.

Then he once took a tour of the Estate Railway and when the tour concluded, he attempted to leave his coach when Stephen took off to find Millie after he assumed she had run away after he teased her. He went to the Blue Mountain Quarry to find Millie with no luck, then all the way to Crovan's Gate where he ran out of water, all of which the Grumpy Passenger complained about not being in the brochure until Millie was found. The Grumpy Passenger then attempted to hotly complain to Sir Robert about the tour he had been given, to which Sir Robert worked in that the passenger was lucky to receive an extended tour of the island with no extra charge, even promising free tea and cake upon returning to the estate, which placated the passenger.

Ever since then, the Grumpy Passenger hadn't had much prominent involvement...until now. Just like plenty of the island had come to hear Bernard's news, the Grumpy Passenger had most unfortunately come to know about Bernard's grave truth as well...and being the grouch that he was, this passenger took an immediate personal dislike to Bernard, and he was in no hesitation to lace a lot of complaining and blaming about it...and set new standards of perjury even for himself. One other thing the Grumpy Passenger had with him now was a walking cane, most likely to show off higher class...and potentially doing something else with that cane that no one would ever come to suspect quite yet.

Bernard watched as the Grumpy Passenger started walking toward him...but they didn't see David watching from afar as he saw what was going on.

"Well, well. If it isn't Ermintrude's brother, I trust?" the Grumpy Passenger glowered cynically, not caring about Emily's name.

"Yes...wh...what do you want?" Bernard asked, noticeably concerned and worried.

"I want to set some things clear!" the Grumpy Passenger stated. "YOU'RE the one who killed Murphy's father, so we hear...and spawned all his hatred for your class, as well as spawning Sailor John's Vendetta in the first place. Well, perhaps you should know that Stirlings should learn to mind their surroundings."

Of course, Bernard didn't know about this particular passenger yet, but he could easily see he was not friendly...which made Bernard start to feel defensive.

"For your information, Sir Topham Hatt knows I had no control of the situation," Bernard remarked. "So who are you to judge that?"

To this, the Grumpy Passenger tapped his foot and twirled his moustache.

"Hmm...if you've got cheek like that, maybe your ears don't work so well. Not like Emileen's ears do now every day of being the safety engine."

"Hmph! It's EMILY, sir. E-M-I-L-Y. Emily," Bernard said defensively, not liking any cheek being uttered about his sister. "Besides, what happened with me was a complete accident. My driver at the time made a most horrific mistake which I had no control over. It seems too bad my ears work a little too well to hear such trivial remarks from you about my beloved sister."

"Trivial! Well...you've got quite the insolence and cheek already," the Grumpy Passenger uttered. "Absolutely abominable traits for our own safety engine's brother to carry. Perhaps I should put you to rights before you conjure up another miraculous mistake on another child's father!"

The Grumpy Passenger then began to stride closer to Bernard and point a finger toward him, which 'Arry and Bert saw and immediately smiled at, sensing trouble and becoming quite delighted...but David had seen everything too, and began running toward the scene.

"You listen here, navy steamie!" the Grumpy Passenger grouched. "You may be allowed to go crashing into children's father's on the Mainland, but you-!"

Suddenly, someone's hand grabbed the Grumpy Passenger's wrist and twisted it away from Bernard. The Passenger turned around and there was David, holding his wrist tightly in one hand, and a bright, pinkish red peach in the other.

"Grumpy Passenger..." David said as he bit into the peach. "You ever seen what happens to a fresh peach...when you squeeze real HARD?!"

And right on the last word, David tightened his grip and twisted even further, almost as if he were trapping the Grumpy Passenger's wrist between two cinder blocks. The Grumpy Passenger shouted out in sharp aching pain as he stumbled away from Bernard, then David let him go with a strong shove. But while this happened, 'Arry and Bert saw a chance for some fun and rushed to Bernard's line, one getting in front of him, and another getting behind him, trapping him in the middle as they did with Percy and James.

"Hah! A big blue piggy in the middle!" 'Arry teased.

"Just like Percy and James!" Bert teased.

"Ooh, of course! Perhaps Diesel can tell tales about him to the trucks!" 'Arry gloated.

"And have them laugh at Gordon, James and Henry, just as they did about Duck all those years ago!" Bert added.

"Let him go, both you upstarts! NOW!" David demanded as Bernard blew his whistle for help.

But 'Arry and Bert didn't listen. They began to roll away with Bernard as the Grumpy Passenger glared on. Diesel came rolling back and started laughing mockingly at Bernard's little trap...until a shrill whistle split the air.

"What's all this, then?!" a voice demanded immediately afterwards.

Everyone stopped and looked. There was the Arlesburgh Constable. A wise and most experienced policeman with a high-pitched whistle in his hand and eyeing everyone surrounding Bernard.

"You know the rules! There'll be no brawling on this railway!" the policeman berated. "Sir Topham Hatt's orders! Bernard, we've heard about your unfortunate predicament all those years ago, but given how everything has turned out, I'll have you know that it can't be held against you, just as your sister Emily, Beatrice and David here know perfectly well. And as for you diesels and less savory passengers, perhaps I should suggest this to Sir Topham Hatt: Any further offenders toward Bernard and Emily should be confined to their shed and, or house for the remainder of Bernard's visit!"

Then everyone watched as the policeman turned particularly to the passenger...and revealed his name. "Am I clear...Seamus Holder?"

The Grumpy Passenger began to narrow his eyes stubbornly and grumpily when a shimmer flashed in his eyes. He looked and saw David baring a stern look, and flaring his cutlass' D-shaped guard in the sunlight, glinting it to the Grumpy Passenger.

"Clear enough, sir," he replied.

The Arlesburgh Policeman kept his stern, suspicious look on the Grumpy Passenger, then turned and walked away. Diesel, 'Arry and Bert could see they had been caught, and most reluctantly moved away from Bernard. Then David spoke again.

"Well done, Officer. A tight railway's a happy railway, sir." Then he winked to Bernard, and turned to the culprit. "You! Come with me!"

The Grumpy Passenger was not a man to agree with too many orders, but even he knew it would be foolish to refuse an order from a soldier. Even if it was a former soldier. He followed David to the Sea Emperor, closely followed by Bernard, who was now more curious as to who this man was, and what David was going to do about him. As they returned to the pier, David saw Copper walking by. To that, David snapped his finger, and Copper followed the two men right onto the Sea Emperor's deck. David then went below decks, then strode up again with a mop and bucket. Bernard stopped and watched what happened on the ship's deck.

"Huh! You're David Rider, I know too well," the Grumpy Passenger remarked. "A diligent solider you may have been, but defending a potentially dangerous engine like that navy Stirling up there? Totally preposterous!"

Just like he did with George the Steamroller, David Rider had no opinion whatsoever of the Grumpy Passenger, and he was ready to take this grouch on. Before Bernard could speak out that he wasn't dangerous, David spoke for him.

"Bernard is NOT dangerous!" David snapped indignantly. "He's Emily's brother and he needs help! I've come to know your stories all-too well, Seamus! There's a good reason they call you the Grumpy passenger, and your behaviour just now is living proof of it! You know too many times better than to treat Bernard like that! As such, I think you need some time to think about what you did. For being so inconsiderate on first acquaintance toward Emily's brother and how he feels, you've lost your tour here! Until Douglas has to take those passengers home, you're mopping my ship's deck!"

"Pah! That navy engine killed Murphy's father!" Seamus griped. "Perhaps Sailor John's Vendetta never would have happened if that careless steamie didn't-"

"BELAY THAT!" David roared as he roughly handed the mop to Seamus. "Now. I want this deck swabbed spotless! And Heaven help you if I come back and it's not done! Copper? Keep an eye on this pup. Let me now if there be any further distractions."

Copper nodded as David left the ship. Then Copper shot a stern look to the Grumpy Passenger, who most reluctantly got to swabbing the deck and grumbling away again, rather like David had to do onboard the HMS Defender shortly before he stopped Sailor John on the HMS Ranger. David came up the pier stairs and right to Bernard, who seemed a little shaken and annoyed by what had just happened.

"Hello, Bernard," said David. "I...I saw what just happened with you, 'Arry, Bert...and my deck-swabbing servant out there."

"Thank you for coming for me, David," said Bernard. "I brought my goods train here, but then Diesel bumped me about, 'Arry and Bert teased me, and as you saw, just before they trapped me in the middle, that Grumpy Passenger came and gave me such grief!"

"I'm very sorry, Bernard," said David. "I should have expected to see it coming. That's Seamus Holder, the Grumpy Passenger. He has no respect for anyone, and he always finds something to complain about. Mr. Percival knows him well too, and Duncan had quite an unpleasant experience with that man himself, but for your sake of recovery, I am NOT standing for his behaviour on you."

"Well, thank you, David," said Bernard. "Do...do you think I should tell Beatrice about this?"

"Of course you may, Bernard," said David. "She should be at home. Go right ahead. I, meanwhile have to get back to work...then check on my fugitive afterwards."

And so David did. Bernard then decided to double back toward David's house and see if Beatrice could help him over what had just happened with him. Just as he stopped beside the house, he saw her come out and notice him.

"Hello, Bernard," said Beatrice. "I was just coming out to see if you came with goods run. How's everything going?"

Bernard looked away, then looked to Beatrice again. He had been thinking of seeing her before, but now with what had just happened, he felt as though quite a deal of trouble was potentially ahead of him, and he knew he needed her words first thing right now.

"Well, Beatrice...I think it's most fitting that I came when I did," said Bernard. "The word of my truth is spreading quick, and something has already happened to me today...and it's not looking promising for me already."

"Oh, dear," said Beatrice. "Have the others heard about the burden you carry? The Steam Team? Sir Topham Hatt?"

"Yes, Beatrice. I told Sir Topham Hatt, and he told the Steam Team," said Bernard. "They all feel empathy for me, and that has helped alright...but others have done quite the opposite towards me right here today...and it's making me feel uneasy."

"Well...what happened?" Beatrice asked.

"Well, Diesel, 'Arry and Bert have heard the news and they warned me not to run over anymore fathers, calling me a weirdo...and then a Grumpy Passenger named Seamus Holder came along and started complaining about me being an insolent danger. David stopped him from approaching me too closely, but then 'Arry and Bert trapped me between them, calling me a 'blue piggy in the middle'."

Beatrice listened to everything, and she didn't like what she heard in the very least...especially about hearing that the Grumpy Passenger suddenly had the knack and gall to give Bernard trouble when he needed everyone's help and empathy. She immediately began putting a few things together as a counsellor to help Bernard.

"The Grumpy Passenger, you say?" Beatrice answered. "Well, I never. I should have seen it coming."

"Well, thankfully, David and the Arlesburgh Constable came to my defense," said Bernard. "I just hope those four upstarts don't persist too far...I don't want things to get too out of hand for any of us. David has punished the Grumpy Passenger by making him swab the Sea Emperor's deck under Copper's supervision. But what do you think, Beatrice? David taking away the passenger's tour for being so grouchy and lippy toward me, and making him mopping the ship's deck. As David's mother, do you think that's a fitting consequence?"

"Hmm. I think so," said Beatrice. "It should give that crab-pot a little time to think about what he did, but I don't know if he'll do that or not. But thank you very much for coming to me and telling me, Bernard. That is very good of you to do. I'll be keeping these events logged in my mind, as will David."

"Thank you, Beatrice," Bernard managed to smile. "If you can all pitch in and help me through these barriers to come, that would be marvellous. The Arlesburgh Constable is thinking of suggesting something to Sir Topham Hatt to defend me in this cause."

"That's lovely to hear, and of course we'll help, Bernard," said Beatrice.

While Bernard whistled goodbye to Beatrice and went on his way, she went inside to make a certain phone call...while a little more time passed. The Grumpy Passenger had been kept busy swabbing the Sea Emperor's deck, all while Copper kept his eye on him, making sure he didn't stop work for an instant. The Grumpy Passenger continued to grumble and complain about missing his tour and how Bernard would surely be more trouble during his visit, to which Copper would snap his finger and gesture for the passenger to get on with his work.

Then about an hour later, just as Douglas' passengers started returning to their train, David came back toward the Sea Emperor to check on the deck and the Grumpy Passenger. Copper helped him onboard, then David inspected the deck for a minute or two, all while the Grumpy Passenger looked at his pocket watch and could see he had lost his tour...but instead of taking into account that his grumpy approach brought this upon himself, he was too eager to pin the blame on others for this situation.

"Well. Thank heavens for my Navy Stature," David remarked broadly. "Away at work for an hour, and the deck's still in one piece. Now as for you, Mr. Holder. I hope this has taught you a little lesson to take to value."

"Hmph!" the Grumpy Passenger retorted. "I've been watched for a whole hour doing work your crew could have easily done! I've certainly learned that when I point out what engines are doing wrong, instead of putting those engines in their place, I'm given the blind eye and put to work!"

David narrowed his eyes and began walking up and down, looking at the Grumpy Passenger.

"You should have learned that if you hadn't been so grumpy and pre-judgemental towards Bernard, this would not have happened," he said sternly.

"Pah! That engine was the one who killed Murphy's father, as I said before!" the Grumpy Passenger complained. "Is that not enough to distrust him?!"

"He COULD NOT help that situation!" David emphasized, starting to get irritated. "He is a good engine with a humble heart, and he deserves MUCH better than this! No one ever shunned and insulted Percy while he needed help to rekindle his crushed spirits!"

"Percy's accident was indeed a tragedy," the Grumpy Passenger sniffed. "And at least it didn't spawn another pirate's vendetta like Bernard did! Once a culprit, always a culprit, and just like Murphy's Law says. What can go wrong WILL go wrong, as it did for Bernard!"

David could feel his heart starting to jiggle with anger and irritation. The Grumpy Passenger was a most stubborn, enigmatic and truly impervious man. David began to wonder if there would be more to the next few days of helping Bernard than he thought...then he got a little idea to make the Grumpy passenger go back to his own business, at least for the rest of today. He winked to Copper, then spoke to the Grumpy Passenger.

"Alright, Mr. Holder. I'm not putting up with this," he said.

The Grumpy Passenger watched as David walked to a nearby crate and drew a life jacket, the held it out.

"And what do you mean by handing me a ridiculous-looking life jacket like that?" he grouched.

"Well, Mr. Holder...I can't help but wonder if my ship's plank needs repairing," said David. "It's rather worn and brittle...and if you're not going to cooperate and leave Bernard alone for the rest of today, I might need you to be a good fellow and fix the plank...so I can make you WALK IT!"

Instantly, the Grumpy Passenger's expression changed from grouchy to frantic. Unlike many sensible people, not only was he a grumpy man, but he was also the sort to cry over spilled milk as it were, or getting his supposedly perfect clothes wet. He dropped the mop and scrambled off the ship, back to Douglas' train, cowering away like Vinnie did at the Great Railway Show.

"Whoa-ho-ho! Aye-aye, Captain!" he uttered urgently.

David just watched and growled indignantly as the Grumpy Passenger ran to Douglas' train and got onboard, then Douglas set off down the line. David then turned to Copper and gave a nod.

"Hm-hm! Works every time," said Copper. "I remember how we used to joke around with the other crew mates like that if they got tired and cranky with us."

"Of course we did, Copper," said David. "But we always provide them with life jackets so they could swim for it, then come back to the ship. Anyway, I just hope Bernard can get through the next few days. I have a feeling this might get a little more difficult..."

Bernard kept on his way back to Knapford Station, feeling his creases of guilt coming back to him as he thought all about what he told Emily, Thomas, Percy and the Riders the night before. As much as he was assured that Emily, the Riders and the Steam Team all empathized for him and would help him however they could, he began to feel a little frightened as to what the diesels and the Grumpy Passenger would probably do if they didn't watch their actions.

When Bernard returned to Knapford Station, he saw Thomas, Emily and Percy all waiting for him, as was the Fat Controller, who was standing quite still on the platform, clearly thinking about a few things. Bernard stopped at the platform and Emily was the first to look up. She seemed a little absorbed with thought and concern, while Thomas and Percy looked a little solitude and forlorn.

"There he is," said the Fat Controller. "We've all been waiting for you, Bernard."

"Waiting? What for?" Bernard asked.

"Bernard...we...we found out what happened with you...and a few others at Arlesburgh," said Emily. "And...well, I never!"

"We all came back here and saw Sir Topham Hatt come out of his office and he told us all," said Thomas.

"Such ill-spirited upstarts to scathe your spirits further too, Bernard!" Percy added.

"Yes, Bernard...I came to hear just what happened at Arlesburgh," said the Fat Controller. "And I'd like to know from you...is it true?"

"Oh, sir...it was terrible!" Bernard stated. "After I delivered my Wellsworth load to Edward, I took my other load to Arlesburgh...and Diesel was all-too ready to bump me, which he did, telling me to watch out for any more fathers to run over. 'Arry and Bert both called me a weirdo, and then...such a grumpy, ungrateful man had the cheek to call me insolent! A passenger with a grey jacket, a hat, a polka-dot bowtie, and a most pompous-looking moustache!"

The Fat Controller knew what Bernard meant immediately. "Just who I would have expected. The Grumpy Passenger!"

"Yes. That's the one," Bernard stated. "A most fitting nickname, but...I also learned his real name."

"It's Seamus Holder, yes, I heard," said the Fat Controller. "I should have told you earlier, Bernard. No one really likes him. He's always complaining about something or other, and there are a few notable stories about him, Duncan, Connor and Stephen, all of which he never stops complaining."

"Yes, sir," said Bernard. "I'm very sure of it."

"Well, I always knew him to complain about the railway and passenger trains," said the Fat Controller. "But I don't think I can recall him being this overreaching. Especially towards you, Bernard. He has NO excuse whatsoever to be like that towards you. David was quite right to step in for you, Bernard...and I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should gear up on that passenger myself if he doesn't watch his step. And David making him swab the ship's deck...I actually think that was a fitting repercussion for him...for what he did as his first strike."

"Yes. Beatrice thinks so too, sir," said Bernard.

"Yes. She called me and told me you spoke with her," said the Fat Controller. "That's very good of you to do, Bernard. I also received a call from the Arlesburgh Constable. He told me what happened with you, and he gave me a suggestion which he cited to the diesels and Seamus. 'Any further offenders toward Bernard and Emily should be confined to their shed and, or house for the remainder of Bernard's visit'. I think that is a most wise suggestion which I will certainly keep in mind. I can manage the diesels if they start troubling you...and if Seamus doesn't mind his manners, I may have to step in on him too...and uphold the Emerald Law not just for Emily, but for you too."

Thomas, Percy and Emily's ears suddenly perked to what they just heard. Thomas and Emily remembered when David thought up his scenario of how else it could have been, regarding Emily's accident and him chasing Donald and Douglas to Brendam Docks.

"Sir...did...did you say Emerald Law?" Emily asked. "Is...is this about the rule you enforced when Gordon and James were finally punished for all they did to me?"

"Sir...is that a true statement?" Thomas asked.

"Oh. I never told you, did I?" said the Fat Controller. "As a matter of fact, there is such a statement, Thomas and Emily. It's just the nickname I give it, but it's part of one of the many clauses of the Railway Code. This particular one Clause 12-B, Title 6, Article 4, Section 39 I established it shortly after you brought Emily back to the light, Thomas, and I punished Gordon and James for all they had done to her. Incidentally, I nicknamed it the 'Emerald Law' in retrospect to it being about Emily getting all her joy back."

"The Emerald Law?" Emily asked. "Whoa...so David's little fragment of imagination actually had a touch of truth. I remember how he imagined saying something about upholding the Emerald Law as it were when he imagined himself chasing after Donald and Douglas."

"Well, it's very true, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "And as for you, Bernard, I assure you that you are just as deserving of these protections as your beloved sister here."

"Well...what does this 'Emerald Law,' state, sir?" Bernard asked.

"It's straight to the point, just as I told the engines after Gordon and James were punished," said the Fat Controller. "Quote: 'Anyone who attempts to bully or harass Emily the Stirling Single at Gordon and James' magnitude shall befall confinement and/or banishment from Sodor. Any offenders of such magnitude will NOT go unpunished'. Unquote. Gordon and James certainly didn't go unpunished, and George wound up banished in the end."

"Oh...we never knew this rule existed as part of the Railway Code, sir," said Emily. "Sometime back, Thomas, Percy and I told a story of a Steam Troll to each other, where I mentioned Clause 2-A to the troll."

"Did you? Well, that is interesting, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "Your sensibility is unequaled in every way, Emily."

"Indeed, Emily," Bernard agreed. "But sir? What am I to do if I have the diesels and the Grumpy Passenger on my case?"

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see," said the Fat Controller. "It seems your situation might get tricky and difficult, Bernard. I think we could expect some engines to shun you for the grave truth that surrounds you, but I'll be keeping an open eye and ear out for any more incidents, and if those upstarts push the wrong boundaries, they will indeed NOT go unpunished. I assure you, we'll get through the other side."

"Thank you, sir," was all Bernard said.

After that, the engines returned to work, and Bernard didn't have any further incidents with the diesels or the Grumpy Passenger for the rest of the day. But as the hours progressed, they all began thinking a few more things. Even David and Beatrice began to think a few things themselves. Then as evening began to close in, they decided that perhaps they'd have to see the engines to talk some things over.

When evening came again, Thomas, Emily and Bernard returned to the yards again while Percy made ready to take the mail train. Throughout the day, these engines had been thinking a little more as to what happened with Bernard at Arlesburgh, and it made them all wonder if these incidents would repeat or multiply. Diesel, 'Arry and Bert were an obvious route to Bernard having to cope with some difficulty and harassment indeed, but they didn't know how far the Grumpy Passenger would be willing to go...yet.

Then the three engines heard Bertie honk from beyond the station. They looked and saw David and Beatrice arriving at the platform.

"Hello, David and Beatrice," said Emily. "So. You've heard about Bernard's incident today?"

"I heard everything, Emily," said Beatrice. "I heard just what happened to Bernard...and that David punished that passenger by making him swab the deck of the ship. Absolutely atrocious for all four of those upstarts to feed off Bernard's grave truth."

"Indeed, Beatrice. Just as I told you myself," said Bernard.

"Well...we came along to see how you were doing," said David. "Have you told Sir Topham Hatt yet?"

"He told us all what happened when we came here after Bernard's incidents," said Emily. "I am truly appalled not just by the diesels...but by that passenger! I knew he always complained about trivial, absurd and even stupid things that shouldn't be complained about...but to lace such cheek toward my own brother like that...is truly unacceptable!"

"Beyond all doubt, Emily," said Thomas. "And it's making me wonder...will it continue? Will it improve? Get worse?"

"Oh...oh, dear," Bernard worried. "I really want a clear answer to all of that, but I know I can't get that quite yet. I have all the Steam Team on my side, but I think I should have guessed the diesels would approached me the way they did...I'm the most worried about that passenger, though...he had one other thing on his person that's making me start to wonder."

"What's that, Bernard?" Emily asked.

"I...I don't know if it's new or not. But he had a walking cane with him today," said Bernard. "Probably trying to show off. I wouldn't be surprised."

This made Thomas and Emily feel a jump in their hearts. David remembered seeing that cane briefly himself today, and when Beatrice heard this, she began to feel a little new concern stirring her heart too.

"I see, Bernard," said Thomas. "That must be a new addition for the Grumpy Passenger's appearance...well, I do hope the Emerald Law will be enough to keep him in line."

This time, it was David's turn to perk up with intrigue. When he heard what Thomas said, he too felt a little stir in his heart.

"Thomas...did you say Emerald Law?" David asked. "I...isn't that just something I came up with when I thought about how else it could have been?"

"No, David. It's actually not," said Thomas. "It's actually a clause in the North Western Railway Code, established back when the Fat Controller punished Gordon and James for all they had done to Emily, after I brought her back to the light."

"Oh, yes, David," said Emily. "He told us that very clause today, and perhaps we should tell you and Beatrice."

So Emily told the Riders just what this clause described and how it worked. David was immediately intrigued by the fact that this was an official, written section of the Railway Code, ironclad and unchangeable, except by the Fat Controller's consent.

"Hmm...fascinating," said David. "It makes me wonder...if we'll have to enact that clause again, depending on what may follow for the next few days?"

"Maybe, maybe not, David," said Beatrice. "But whatever happens, we're here to help and protect you, Bernard. Sir Topham Hatt himself said the same as this clause clearly states. Such behaviour against Emily and you too, it will not go unpunished."

"Here, here," Thomas, Emily and Bernard said together.

Soon, David and Beatrice set off back on their way home again, while Thomas, Emily and Bernard returned to Knapford Sheds for the night. Thomas and Emily backed in beside each other, and Bernard backed in beside Emily. She had her cobalt star on one side, and her navy brother on the other side.

"Well, today has been a bit of trouble for me," said Bernard. "I want to make this visit turn out happily again...but today is no hint of progress at all."

"We know, Bernard," said Emily. "I must admit, I feel like things might get more difficult tomorrow...I'm almost afraid to think what the diesels and that passenger might do...and whether or not they might get a little reckless with how far they push."

"Well, that clause in the Railway Code will protect Bernard, Emily," said Thomas. "Just as it protects you, and just like you protect us all as the safety engine."

"I know, Thomas," said Emily. "All we can do is hope and wait until tomorrow. If anything happens, Bernard, do not bottle it up. Bring it forth as soon as you can. You did so with Beatrice and us today, and that was very good of you. Never withhold how you feel. Just as the Fat Controller told me, you must never be afraid to tell us if something is wrong."

"I know, Emily," said Bernard. "And I certainly will bring forth whatever I must. Anything for my No. 12 sister."

"And anything for my perfect brother," said Emily. "Sleep well, Bernard. You're safe with us tonight."

"I know. Sweet dreams, Emily," Bernard answered.

"Sleep well, my emerald angel and navy brother," Thomas smiled to them both.

And with that, the three engines fell asleep with rather full minds, not knowing what would happen the next day. And as David and Beatrice fell asleep at Arlesburgh, they weren't too sure what to think themselves. The next day would surely be more trouble from the diesels and the Grumpy Passenger again, but no one knew exactly what it would all bring until the moment arrived. Bernard's struggle to recover from his grave truth was still ongoing, and the grumpy meddling towards him would continue for a day or two longer, but in the end, as Emily's suffering came to an end all those years ago, Bernard's suffering would eventually be stopped in its tracks, and he would soon be allowed to get through his barriers much easier.

---

But when the next day arrived, things were no better. In fact, they would get a little worse. Probably steadily worse. When Thomas, Emily and Bernard woke up and greeted good morning to each other, the Fat Controller sent Bernard to take more goods up to Kellsthorpe Road while Thomas and Emily were off to the Branch Line and more passengers.

"Take care today, Bernard," said Emily. "And watch out for the diesels, and the Grumpy Passenger."

"We'll just have to make the best of whatever happens," said Thomas.

"I'll try, Thomas and Emily," Bernard said worriedly.

Bernard gathered his goods train and set off nervously, thinking deeply to himself and once again remembering just how low he felt when he confessed everything to Thomas, Emily and Percy. It certainly hurt for him to carry the thought that his accident had indirectly sparked all the chaos that Sodor came to endure, but as much as his friends assured him it was out of his control, it hurt even more to think that some engines and people would shun him for this event surrounding him and that they'd go so far as to refuse to listen to the facts and push their own boundaries with Emily's navy brother.

"What's to do?" Bernard asked himself. "Such a perfect sister I have, and such faithful friends who can understand me...but now lingers those who meddle in things that don't concern them. If only they could understand and listen clearly..."

Bernard made his way through Crosby, Wellsworth, Maron, and Cronk, picking up trucks at each station and feeling the weight of his growing train pull back on his tender coupling, much like the weight of his grave truth pulled back on his heart. He kept his eyes and ears open for any signs of Diesel, 'Arry and Bert...and even the Grumpy Passenger, still feeling his heart jump every now and then.

Then when Bernard made it to Kildane Station, things began to go wrong again. As he stopped and waited for the workmen to manage the goods, he suddenly heard Diesel's horn coming from behind him.

"Well, what have we here?" Diesel's voice came from behind.

This was the last thing Bernard had been hoping for right now, and he did not like what he was feeling now. After Diesel had jeered at him the day before, what would he do now?

"Don't let anything happen, please," Bernard thought worriedly to himself shutting his eyes as he did.

Bernard waited for his guards whistle and also hoped that nothing would happen, but then, just like what happened with Percy and Duck so many years ago, Diesel's driver once again hadn't put on his brakes properly and Diesel kept moving toward Bernard and his train. He went BUMP, straight into Bernard! Bernard lurched forward by a yard, with his trucks bumping one after the other, right up to him.

"Wake up there, Bernard," scowled Diesel. "You have work to do."

He didn't even say he was sorry to Bernard. The navy blue Stirling was now not only feeling victimized, but annoyed too.

"Hmph! I WAS awake, and you're not doing any good work by bumping me about!" Bernard hissed in turn. "You didn't even wait for my guards whistle!"

"Hmph! Perhaps the Fat- Ehh...Sir Topham Hatt should have had me manage those goods instead. They must be too heavy for an engine like you, what with you being so clumsy with those coaches and poor Murphy's papa! What a shame, isn't it, Bernard?"

Bernard almost shouted back in retort when his guards whistle blew. Bernard gave a loud hiss of steam and set off again, while Diesel suddenly began to follow smoothly behind Bernard until they'd reach the next station, where more trouble lay ahead.

Bernard reached Kellsthorpe Road and delivered his load, thinking of how to bring this matter forth to the Fat Controller about what Diesel had done to him this time. He began to wonder if his visit really would end well or not, and it made him start to feel anxious again. Then just a few moments later, Gordon whistled in with the express and stopped. He saw Bernard and had an almost concerned look on his face to see Emily's brother right here.

"Gordon? What's wrong?" Bernard asked.

"Oh, dear...Bernard, he...he's on my express," Gordon said quietly. "I...I didn't think you'd be here."

"I had a goods run to make here," said Bernard. "Is...is the G-?"

Gordon's coaches' doors opened and Bernard's eyes gazed among the passengers as they left Gordon's coaches and started proceeding through the station. Gordon watched nervously too, knowing just who was on his express today. And then, just as Bernard was hoping would not happen, the Grumpy Passenger came out of Gordon's coach and started walking about the station...until he saw Bernard and stopped where he was, then suddenly began drawing all the attention again.

"Rgh! There he is again!" he announced to the other passengers. "Right there, everyone! You've all heard the news, have you? There's the one who brought all the chaos and vendetta upon Sodor! Don't anybody travel with this steamie! With any passenger train, he'd surely run into his coaches and run over one of us! Probably another child's innocent father! Such a menace!"

Bernard felt his inner traumas flaring up again and he now felt heavily embarrassed to be right there in front of all the passengers, with the Grumpy Passenger announcing such falsehoods about Emily's own brother when there was absolutely no valid reason to do so. Gordon suddenly hissed and blew steam at the Grumpy Passenger in an attempt to defend Emily's brother.

"Bernard is NOT a menace! YOU are!" Gordon wheeshed indignantly. "A stuffy, grumpy man like you picking on Emily's humble brother!"

"Humble?! Hardly!" the Grumpy Passenger retorted.

"Seamus, will you STOP going on with such idiocy?!" one of the passengers shouted. "Just because Bernard was the one involved in that accident doesn't mean he's a danger to us all! He can't control his mechanisms any more than any engine can!"

"Indeed, Seamus!" said another passenger. "Why don't you leave him alone?!"

"Why don't you all let Bernard stick up for himself?!" came another voice from behind Bernard. "Oh, perhaps he's too shy to speak up at all! Not like his emerald princess sister!"

Diesel had followed him all the way here, much to Bernard and Gordon's chagrin.

"Stop being so horrid, both of you!" Bernard hissed to Diesel and the Grumpy Passenger.

"I shall be as horrid as I like!" Diesel oiled.

"And you should not be here, navy fool!" the Grumpy Passenger grumbled.

"You're just jealous because you have no friends of your own!" another passenger remarked irritably to the Grumpy Passenger.

"All of you, stay out of this!" the Grumpy Passenger snapped.

"ENOUGH!" the Stationmaster suddenly boomed out. "Diesel and Mr. Holder! Do NOT be so rude! Bernard is going through a rough time as it is, and he is a very welcome guest on this railway, as well as the perfect reward for Emily to see her brother again! Perhaps I'd better call Sir Topham Hatt about you two!"

Then the Stationmaster went into the station office to make the call. The Grumpy Passenger gave a strong glare to Bernard, then walked away still grumbling. Bernard was now nearly purple in the face, utterly mortified to even show his face here now, and his driver shook his head most irritably.

"Come on, Bernard. Let's get out of here," he said solidly.

Bernard couldn't agree more. He gave a uneasy whistle and set off to find a wye line and turn himself around and return to Knapford Station and see what the Fat Controller would make of what happened today.

Back at Knapford Station, the Fat Controller's phone suddenly rang and he answered at once.

"Hello? Oh...I see. Oh, dear. Right, and where exactly has this happened?" he spoke. "...Ohh! Again? Alright...I'll attend to the matter immediately."

The Fat Controller then hung up with quite a frown of annoyance on his face over what he had just heard. Things seemed to be getting more out of hand at a faster rate. Then he looked to his phone again, and thought of another idea. He picked the phone up again and began dialing.

At Arlesburgh, David had just come back from a simple day of work, still thinking about Bernard and what would probably happen with him next when the phone rang. Beatrice saw him run for the phone and answer. She came right beside him and listened in on the conversation.

"Hello? Sir Topham?" David answered.

Beatrice listened through the phone to everything the Fat Controller said about Bernard, Diesel and the Grumpy Passenger this time, and Beatrice could see David's expression slowly turning to great contempt and annoyance. What they had just found out was indeed most unjustifiable and it was apparent that Bernard would need more than just counselling and guidance from Emily and his fellow friends.

"Is that so, Sir Topham? Well, to Mr. Holder and Diesel, I say no you don't!" David hissed. "I've worked too hard already to get rid of Diesel 10 and George!"

"Indeed, David. They had no business broadcasting Bernard's grave truth like that," said the Fat Controller. "And I think it's time we gear up together at Knapford Station."

"I couldn't agree more, sir. I'll be right over." And David hung up, then looked to Beatrice.

"This is getting out of hand," she remarked. "Now that passenger tried to frame Bernard in front of all those passengers! Luckily, they understand Bernard's position fairly enough."

"We're not standing for this, Mum," said David. "Bernard needs our help, and Sir Topham Hatt and I have to gear up together. I'll see you later."

And David set off for the bus terminal right away to ride with Bertie to try and settle a little score with that passenger and maybe Diesel too.

Eventually, Bernard made his way back to Knapford Station. He saw Thomas and Emily gathered there again, waiting for him and hoping that things hadn't turned out as badly as they speculated. But when they saw the embarrassed and irritated look on Bernard's face, they knew at once that things didn't go well at all. Emily could tell that something had gone steadily wrong, and it reminded her of how she began facing trouble with George alongside Gina. Then suddenly, David came running into the station and saw Bernard and Emily first thing. Then the Fat Controller came out of his office and saw David and the engines gathered together.

"Oh, dear. Hello, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "I've heard all about today...and I see you're here too, David. Gordon should be coming back soon enough with one of our culprits. And Thomas and Emily...things are indeed getting more difficult for our navy engine here."

"How? Bernard? What happened?" Emily asked.

Bernard said nothing at first, then he looked up to his sister, then the Fat Controller.

"Diesel bumped me about with no apologies, first of all!" he huffed. "Then...that filthy-minded passenger was on Gordon's express, and he...he announced such falsehoods about me at Kellsthorpe. That filthy-minded Grumpy Passenger...trying to make me seem like a killer! He announced that no one should travel with me on any passenger trains, or I'd run into my coaches and kill another father...I DID NOT cause that accident myself!"

Everyone heard Bernard and became most annoyed indeed by what was being thrown at him when he was trying to work through his barriers.

"This is ridiculous!" Thomas huffed. "Lacing my angel's brother with even more scars to heal?! That passenger can STICK IT!"

"Well, it's a good thing David showed up," said Emily. "I think we'll all have to get in on this."

"Of course you all should!" came a most unwelcome voice coming toward the station through the yards.

There was Diesel, then just behind him, 'Arry and Bert, who had heard what happened at Kellsthorpe and were both delighted.

"Diesel, 'Arry and Bert!" boomed the Fat Controller. "What do you all mean by coming here yourselves after spewing such rubbish on Bernard?!"

"Oh, it's no rubbish, sir," said Diesel. "We heard the Grumpy Passenger speak so very true about this navy engine's schemes!"

Before anyone could shout back to Diesel, Gordon suddenly whistled in with the express's return. He saw the gathering of engines and wondered what could be wrong. He also saw the Fat Controller tapping his foot steadily. Gordon was sure he knew why and simply let all the passengers off. Several of them approached the Fat Controller and ensued a series of whispers as to what had happened at Kellsthorpe. Thomas, Emily and Bernard watched as the Fat Controller nodded. Then once most of the passengers left the station, out came the Grumpy Passenger.

Thomas whisked Gordon's coaches to a siding, then came back to see what would happen...and that's when the gear-up began.

"Hmph! Such a disgrace to see that navy steamie right here again!" the Grumpy Passenger grumbled. "Him and his-"

"Seamus Holder!" the Fat Controller interrupted with a scolding, severe tone. "I've had NOTHING but complaints about you galore! The passengers have told me what happened at Kellsthorpe. They haven't been saying what a bad railway this is. Rather, they've all been saying what a bad passenger you are! I heard just what you said and did to Bernard yesterday as well as today! You too, Diesel, 'Arry and Bert!"

"So, Mr. Holder! We meet again!" David announced with discontent. "And you're still talking rubbish about my engine's brother too! You may complain about your own trivial issues about this railway, but I will NOT have rudeness towards Emily's brother!"

"What for?! And why are you defending this navy blue Stirling who sparked all of Sailor John's Vendetta upon us all!" the Grumpy Passenger blustered.

"Huh! HONESTLY, Seamus!" the Fat Controller snapped. "Bernard is Emily's special guest for becoming our official Safety Engine, and he has been having a rough time since yesterday, having to reveal what he ACCIDENTALLY did all those years ago, and you're not going to empathize even one little bit?! I just don't know what we're going to do with you!"

"It is not necessary to do anything with him, sir!" Diesel gloated from just outside the station. "I thought you would know by now, that as a result of this navy steamie's careless and reckless behaviour all those years ago, Sailor John lured Seymour Murphy into that entire vendetta that pirate spewed across Sodor. You hear that, Bernard? No thanks to you, Sodor had to fight through all those traumas! Traumas which we three ended up pitching in on!"

"IT WASN'T HIS FAULT!" Thomas barked loudly. "NO engine can help it if their controls are managed the wrong way! And YOU, Seamus! What good do you think you'll do by embarrassing Bernard in front of all those passengers?!"

"What embarrassment?" the Grumpy Passenger asked dishonestly.

"Don't think we didn't find out what happened, Holder! YOU tried to frame Bernard again, didn't you?! WHY?!" David demanded.

The Grumpy Passenger suddenly began speaking calmer and more cleverly, which made David's hair almost stand on end.

"Because he ended up killing Murphy's father," the Grumpy Passenger said suavely. "Triggering Murphy's Law and ultimately bringing forth all the ruin Sodor had to go through, and I'm a passenger who needs looking after, and Duncan never did that properly! Neither did Stephen, and neither does any other engine. I shall complain all I want about this navy steamie! He's clumsy, reckless and potentially dangerous..."

"He is NOT!" Emily wheeshed. "YOU are too grumpy to care, and if you can't be nice to Bernard, maybe you shouldn't bother him so much!"

"Well. That's rich, coming from our official Safety Engine," the Grumpy Passenger replied rudely. "Perhaps you should think a little more about withholding an engine from my rather valid complaints...and if he doesn't mind his coaches with any passengers he may take...perhaps with my new cane here, perhaps I can be a school master of my own against Emily's reckless schoolboy of a brother."

This made everyone's hearts jump and they all stared right at the Grumpy Passenger. They suddenly got a sensation that something was really not right. What was the Grumpy Passenger up to? David and Emily looked to each other, then to Bernard...then they all saw a little opportunity. David and Emily suddenly winked to Bernard and the Fat Controller, then David spoke rather smoothly, but sternly to the Grumpy Passenger.

"A cane, you say? Well, well. That sounds very nice. Rub that in my isolated family life during my six years in the Navy, becoming captain of my own ship and becoming destined to be Emily's best friend and loyal guardian...and Bernard's guardian too. Diesel, 'Arry, Bert...and YOU, Seamus The Grumpy Passenger Holder, are you familiar with North Western Railway Clause 12-B, Title 6, Article 4, Section 39?"

Thomas, Emily and Bernard heard David and they still had to think to themselves that they had never heard anyone be so technical about the Railway Code. Not even Emily's talk of Clause 2-A when she, Thomas and Percy told that story of the Steam Troll was quite this technical.

"Hmph! I wouldn't think so," the Grumpy Passenger scoffed. "I'm not the Railway's manager."

"Sorry, we don't read, do we, boys?" Diesel joked vainly to 'Arry and Bert.

David narrowed his eyes and almost smiled thinly.

"Well, then. Its description should refresh your memory. Yours especially, Holder. It was established shortly after Sir Topham Hatt punished Gordon and James for all that they did to Emily until Thomas brought her back to the light. And that clause clearly states the following, and I quote: 'Anyone who attempts to bully or harass Emily the Stirling Single at Gordon and James' magnitude shall befall confinement and/or banishment from Sodor. Any offenders of such magnitude will NOT go unpunished.' Unquote. Sir Topham and I believe that Bernard deserves that clause's protections just as much as Emily does if he's harassed and bullied too. Sir Topham Hatt came down like ten tons of bricks when Gordon and James were finally caught, and he'd be right to do so if anyone harasses Bernard too much. And if I'M the one who catches you in the act...it's anyone's guess what that would bring about."

Diesel, 'Arry, Bert, and even the Grumpy Passenger were admittedly a little unnerved to hear this clause for themselves for the first time, and even they had to admit that it sounded rather definitive and ironclad in the Railway Code...but at a very foolish decision, they still maintained a devious and complaining debonair.

"So what? Those are mere Railway Clauses! Not Legal clauses," the Grumpy Passenger puffed off. "The law is the law, and we can't change it! And there's no official law that states anything like that! If anything, there ought to be a law against reckless Stirlings like Esmerelda's brother here!"

"For God's Sake, it's EMILY, Seamus!" David replied defensively. "And no such law is needed against Bernard! Do you really think I want to see the likes of my engine's Stirling brother be scarred even further when he needs our empathy and help, so he can make this visit happy again?"

"Hmm...empathy and help, you say?" the Grumpy Passenger sniffed. "Well, Rider...that reminds me. As the word gets around, methinks you have a soft spot for that navy steamie...as you do with Emily. What was it you said to that navy blue troublemaker? How did it go? 'Ooh, you've got the makings of greatness in you'."

"Watch your tongue!" David warned. "You will NEVER know or understand the real meaning of those words! You never appreciated what good this railway has done for you anyway!"

"Bernard here was the one who ran into those coaches," Diesel oiled. "We never heard it clearly, even from Murphy when he told us his little story. But now that the word has been spoken, thus BERNARD brought forth all the chaos Sodor had to endure through!"

"Codswallop!" David barked. "How many times must we go through this?! Bernard is Emily's Stirling brother, and a humble, friendly engine!"

"Friendly or not, he brought about all those tragedies! We diesels never did anything of the sort ourselves. Think about it!" Diesel oiled.

"Exactly! We be rough and tough and hard as nails, yet we never ran over any poor, innocent fathers!" 'Arry gloated.

"Not like Lady Long-Funnels' brother here!" Bert finished.

To all of this, Thomas, Emily and Bernard glared and scowled contemptuously, and the Fat Controller's glare strengthened and he sighed rather shallowly.

"Now, you listen to me. All four of you!" he demanded to the diesels and passenger. "You're meddling in things that ought not to be meddled in! It's dangerous!"

"Oh, I know what the real danger is!" the Grumpy Passenger snapped. "It's that you're all too afraid to confess the truth of what a danger this navy Stirling is to us all! Which means, David, that you're no more fit to be a captain than this navy blue fool is to be visiting here on Sodor! And YOU, Sir Topham! I MUST complain about your trivial negligence to this engine's potential danger!"

Before the Fat Controller could berate the Grumpy Passenger, David took the words right out of his mouth.

"DO NOT take that approach with US, young man!" he snapped. "YOU forget that I ultimately brought Sailor John to his final defeat by flushing him out of the navy! As long as live on the Island of Sodor, I am holding my pledge to the Admiral NOT to allow any more atrocities like Sailor John touch this railway again! Likewise, as long as you live on the Island of Sodor, you will obey Sir Topham Hatt's rules and my military authority!"

"Maybe I shouldn't! If you all show a blind eye to Bernard's dangers!" the Grumpy Passenger retorted. "You're all just as blind as-"

"NOT ANOTHER WORD!" David roared with a reddening face. "And we are never, NEVER to hear of you attacking Bernard like this again! IS THAT CLEAR?!"

To this, the Grumpy Passenger didn't answer directly. Instead, he turned to leave. "Absolutely ridiculous, keeping him here! I should just-"

David suddenly grabbed the Grumpy Passenger by the shoulder and turned him around, giving him a suspicious, but sly grin.

"And what do you think...YOU are doing?" he asked smoothly, pointing a discreet finger to the passenger.

"Hmph! To tell more passengers that this navy-blue Stirling is a danger to the island!" the passenger huffed. "He still doesn't see the danger no more than you do!"

David felt his heart flip with sheer anger. He disguised it quietly as he gave the Grumpy Passenger a peaceful-toned, but steady order.

"You will go back to your business, complain about your own gripes...and leave Emily's dear brother in the peace he deserves."

With that, David suddenly gave the Grumpy Passenger a quick shove away. Then David suddenly pulled him right back. He put his face right to the Grumpy Passenger's ear. And then...

"...UNDERSTA-A-A-AND?!" he bellowed and brayed.

David's bellow was so loud and so sudden, the engines all cringed against the volume. So did the Fat Controller. The Grumpy Passenger's ear pinged and rang in a way he had never felt before. His head felt like it would burst open from the volume. For the first time in a long time, the Grumpy Passenger was placated, but also at loss for words. Then he sighed loudly and ran hastily out of the station, while everyone looked on until he was out of sight. David shook his head and looked down for a few moments until the silence broke.

"David, you've really got a way with people," Thomas said steadily.

"Oh, I don't know, passengers today!" the Fat Controller huffed as he turned to the diesels. "Diesel, 'Arry and Bert! For your punishment for what you've done to Bernard so far, I obviously cannot trust any of you near him, and as such, I'm enforcing the railway clause here and now! YOU are all to be kept in your shed until Bernard is due to leave! Now GO!"

"Oh, no!" groaned 'Arry, Diesel and Bert. "What about Bernard and his tactics for-"

"I SAID GO!" the Fat Controller roared.

This made the three diesels scurry away themselves. Once they were gone, Thomas and Emily looked to Bernard again, who suddenly seemed a little mystified. Three of his adversaries were now taken care of. Then Bernard looked to David, who now seemed a little conflicted and undecided as to what he had just done. There was a sense of accomplishment, but also vague wonder as what would come next.

"Hmph! Grumpy Passengers," Thomas stated suddenly. "They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they stomp all over you."

"And he has the nerve to give us so much more than an inch!" the Fat Controller gruffed. "Especially you, Bernard! Wouldn't you agree, David?"

David turned to the Fat Controller. "Do you...think I was too hard on Holder? Both of us, maybe?"

"Definitely not," said the Fat Controller. "Believe me, David. If it were up to me personally, I'd show that man who was in charge. None of this 'Bernard is dangerous! Hmph-Hmph!' and other such nonsense. No. I think if this keeps up any longer, we need to get him under tight control!"

"You're absolutely right, Sir Topham," said David. "Passengers are NOT in charge of this railway, or any of its engines. But...what Seamus said to us earlier before I stated the Emerald Law to him...it's giving me a sneaking feeling that something absolutely staggering will happen tomorrow...and what to do about Bernard then?"

"Hmm. You're right, David," said the Fat Controller. "Perhaps something will happen that will really force us to act...rather like George did."

"Are...are things bad, Sir Topham?" Bernard asked. "Am...am I going to be okay? I...I just really want my visit to end well."

"Of course it will, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "This may continue for a while yet, but I assure you, everything will be alright in the end."

Bernard looked to Emily again and sighed. "Well...thank you for sorting those three diesels out, sir. That does help a fair deal."

"Of course, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "They won't be troubling you again for the rest of your visit. Now that today's events have been sorted, time to get back to work."

So David made his way back to Arlesburgh, and the engines worked on through their day, but they were soon thinking deep thoughts again. This time, it was more about the Grumpy Passenger and what would happen to Bernard next. Word quickly got around to the other engines as to what had happened with Bernard today, and it made them all feel sorry for Bernard and most incensed at the three diesels and the Grumpy Passenger too.

"I saw it myself, Rebecca," Gordon said to her on the Main Line. "I'm only glad the stationmaster helped Bernard out."

"Well, I wondered about that passenger when you and I had to manage that high-stress express," said Rebecca. "But now I'm wondering if he really should be travelling on our expresses."

"Hmph! He daren't give ME any trouble!" James had said when he heard the word spread to him.

And the other engines wondered too. After two straight days of steady trouble being placed on Bernard's burden, the engines began to wonder if the next day would be the pinnacle of meddlesome trouble, then if there would be some form of enforcement or of someone reaching their boiling point before the turn of the tide would come to truly get Bernard back on course to a quick and efficient recovery.

That evening, Thomas, Emily and Bernard met up again when they saw Percy come back too. He had come to hear about Bernard's day and wanted to see how he was doing.

"Hello, Percy," said Thomas. "I trust you heard the news today?"

"My brother is not making any quick progress to healing with today's circumstances," said Emily.

"Oh, dear, everyone!" Percy peeped. "I heard a little of what happened with Bernard today...I didn't think that Grumpy Passenger would start harping on you like that, Bernard! And when will those diesels ever learn any sense at all?!"

Bernard gave a rather irritated sigh, still feeling rather offended by all that had befallen him today. The other engines understood completely and decided to talk the rest of it over in privacy together. Thomas, Emily, Bernard and Percy all gathered together in Knapford Sheds again, not feeling as present or content as they had before. They all took turns talking about what had happened throughout the day, and what it had come to lead to. Thomas, Percy and especially Emily didn't like what their navy guest had to go through today. Although the diesels had been put in their place, Bernard still felt embarrassed and humiliated by what the Grumpy Passenger had tried to do to him at Vicarstown.

"Well, this has been a curious day, hasn't it?" said Thomas. "Coping with more trouble from three horrid diesels and one whiny grouch who never listens!"

"Most unacceptable!" Emily hissed indignantly. "How DARE the Grumpy Passenger broadcast my own brother's predicament to the entire express when most of those passengers feel sorry for him!"

"It's completely and infinitely unfair," Bernard hissed angrily. "What kind of nonsense is that Holder trying to lace on me?! Call me out in front of Gordon's whole express and keep harping on the fact that my mistake ended up killing Murphy's father? It's never been exploited at such magnitude before, it's INSULTING!"

"Calm down, Bernard. As bad as your day was, you've been given a considerable boost today," said Thomas. "The Fat Controller has taken care of Diesel, 'Arry and Bert. They can't do you any more trouble now. That has to mean something, does it not?"

"It does, Thomas," said Bernard. "At least I won't have them bumping me about and helping the Grumpy Passenger whenever they can. But that passenger is still at large, easily equipped to keep damaging my spirits! I may be a humble engine, but even I have my limitations and tipping points, just like everyone else has in their own respective ways."

"We know, Bernard," said Emily. "You have no shame in feeling the way you do, and I truly understand what it must be like...and I have no shame in seeing David get on that grouch's case. We've got to do something to get you past this barrier, Bernard. How can you make a steady recovery if this grumpy meddling keeps carrying on?"

"Bust my buffers, I don't know, Emily. I don't know," Bernard sighed as he started to feel his shame and guilt tugging at his heart again over his grave truth.

"Oh, Bernard. What are we to do?" Percy peeped. "How can you be helped like I was, if that passenger won't let it happen?"

Bernard couldn't answer this...but then he looked up to Emily and suddenly felt a little flicker of hope.

"Hmm...Emily?" Bernard said gently.

"Yes, brother?" Emily asked. "What is it?"

"I...I wonder. Are...are you still working with passengers tomorrow?" Bernard asked.

"Yes. Why?" Emily asked.

"Do...do you think maybe you could accompany me tomorrow? I know you're busy with passengers and keeping your eye out for anything that needs your sensible reason to address, but I think having you with me would be very helpful tomorrow. For the past two days now, my incidents have occurred while I had to face them alone until someone else came along to help me...do you think perhaps you could be the one to help me tomorrow, just like I helped you when I saw your aspects as the safety engine?"

Emily thought for a moment. After her time of goods trains had finished for the week, she was indeed back on passenger duties for a while, which would allow her to be closer to Bernard and not need to fetch Rocky in case of any emergencies. Perhaps this would work out...in more ways than one. Then she smiled to her brother.

"Hmm...well, in that case...maybe I should stick with you," said Emily. "We'll ask the Fat Controller tomorrow. Would that help you?"

"I...I think it would, Emily," said Bernard. "If your schedule could fit in with mine, then if something happened, we'd face it together."

"Yes, Bernard," said Emily. "Brother to sister, I'll be there for you however I can. We're all here for you, Bernard. I promise."

"Just be careful tomorrow, Bernard," said Thomas. "For us all."

"We all want to see your spirits rekindled, Bernard," said Percy.

"We'll try, Thomas and Percy," said Bernard. "We're seeing this through so my visit will end well."

"Indeed we shall, Bernard," said Emily. "Well, sleep well, everyone."

Thomas and Percy bade goodnight to Emily and Bernard and they were soon all asleep, but their minds were still rather full as they wondered what would happen next. They didn't know if the next day would be another straightforward day, or...if something most expected would happen before things could start to get better for the brother's grim situation.

At Arlesburgh, Beatrice could not find herself falling asleep. She had heard all that had happened from David and how everything transpired at Knapford Station surrounding the diesels and the Grumpy Passenger. All of that left Beatrice's mind so very full with Bernard today that she didn't know what to think. She just lay in bed, staring at the ceiling until she was sure she heard faint rustling coming from another room. She got up and followed the sound until she came to David's bedroom. He too was still awake as he kept leaning every which way in bed, as if he were trying to find a sleep-like position, but it was no good. She could tell he was full of thought too and decided to inquire as to what it could be about. David looked up and saw his mother coming into the room.

"Can't you sleep either?" Beatrice asked.

"No," said David. "I have a strong, troubling feeling that something outrageous will happen tomorrow. Something about Bernard."

"Well...so have I, David," said Beatrice. "I think that if we see or hear anything of Bernard coming here, be it with or without Emily, we should be ready."

"Ready to do what?" David asked.

Beatrice came closer to David and held his shoulder. "Well...taking everything that happened with Bernard in mind, I wonder if something else will happen. Something that might make us have to act."

"That's just what I've been thinking about, Mum," said David. "I don't know why, but I feel as though Seamus might really do something tomorrow that will give us all no choice but to really put him out as it were. By Sir Topham Hatt's rules and maybe even the laws of Sudrian land, perhaps something will have to be done about Seamus, depending on what he may or may not do to Bernard next...and Emily too."

Beatrice swallowed hard and felt a little uneasy as to what David was thinking, but she knew that they'd just have to wait and see what would happen the next day.

"Hmm...Bernard needs our help, David," she said. "We've all been wanting to do that...and maybe something will happen that will allow us to truly help him and see to it that this grumpy meddling will be stopped."

"Then we'll be standing by tomorrow," said David. "You and I. Bernard has come a long way through his own life, and I will NOT have him leaving Sodor with a broken heart. None of us will."

Beatrice held David's face and nodded. "Indeed, we won't, David. Let tomorrow run its course...and we shall help our navy friend in the end."

David then nodded back to his mother and managed to feel sleep coming to him again. Beatrice then returned to bed, and so the rest of the island settled for the night. Thomas, Emily, Bernard and the Riders did not know what would happen, but they all felt like something would go rather wrong. They just didn't know what or how yet. It would certainly prove to be more trouble, even with Diesel, 'Arry and Bert all being kept in their sheds for what they did to Bernard and potentially could have done, but the Grumpy Passenger was still roaming free, and with two hefty incidents against Bernard already, that gave the passenger two strikes against himself...and what was even more prominent and serious was that what was due to happen the very next day would be three strikes and out for Seamus Holder. What he would come to do to Bernard...and then try to do to Emily would be the worst, most inhumanely disgusting actions he ever could be demented enough to even comprehend in his grumpy, short-minded debonair...and his grumpy meddling would soon come to an end, once and for all, just as it did for Gordon and James' torturing upon Emily. Very soon, the Grumpy Passenger would not hurt Emily's brother anymore.

---

Then morning came again. Bernard and Emily were the first to wake up. Emily looked and saw Bernard staring vaguely outside, clearly lost in thought again about his grave truth, and the trouble he had faced so far. Then when he turned and looked to his sister, Emily could see a certain glitter of concern and worry in his eyes as Thomas and Percy woke up and turned to the Stirling Duo too.

"Bernard, are you alright?" Emily asked.

"If...if only I knew for sure how we can get through this barrier, Emily," said Bernard. "SO much weight on my heart to carry that truth's burden, and even more weight to manage all this grumpy meddling so far. I really want my first visit on Sodor to be remembered fondly, Emily. And all that's happened so far has not made it the best visit for me aside from getting to see you again."

"Bernard, I'm worried too," said Emily. "But I promise I'll stick by you today if I can, and we're getting through this together. We'd best start the day and tell the Fat Controller together."

Bernard's expression slowly ebbed toward seeming stronger and he managed to wink to Emily. Then they set off out of the sheds, followed closely by Thomas and Percy who couldn't help but wonder just what would happen today and what they'd make of it once the word spread. When the four engines arrived at the station platform, the Fat Controller was waiting.

"Hello to the four of you," he said. "Today will surely be another day to manage carefully and efficiently for you, Bernard. Are you alright?"

"Hmm...actually, sir. I have something to ask of you...we both do, actually. Emily and I," said Bernard.

"What would that be, Bernard?" the Fat Controller asked.

"It's been three days now since I came forth with my grave truth to Thomas, Percy, Emily and the Riders," said Bernard. "For the past two days, I've been having a rather tough time coping with the Diesels and Seamus Holder, what with their teasing and complaining so trivially and absurdly about the truth that surrounds me. I want this visit to become happy again in some way or other, and that has not been easy for these three days now...particularly because I've been working by myself of late. As such, may Emily come along with me, depending on what work we way have today?"

"Yes, sir. May I go with Bernard and accompany him through his day today, like he did with me when he first arrived?" Emily asked.

The Fat Controller heard what Bernard said and thought for a few moments. Then he looked up and returned to his office for a few minutes. Bernard and Emily waited and looked to each other, not really knowing what to think. Thomas and Percy weren't very sure what to think either. Then the Fat Controller came out again.

"Alright, Bernard. I've been checking Emily's schedule today as well as yours. Throughout this morning, Emily will have a window of passenger duties, and you'll be on with more goods, Bernard. Then this afternoon, there are more passengers going to Arlesburgh for Emily to take...and I'd like you to help her take them too."

Suddenly, Bernard felt an uncomfortable jiggle in his heart. He was happy to hear that Emily would be accompanying him after all...but the mention of passengers made him jump. It made him flash back to that fateful day of his accident, and it made him start to worry more.

"Excuse me, sir...passengers?" said Bernard. "Begging your pardon, but that sounds a little unsettling. I've been looking after passengers all the time at York...but with everything we've found out three days ago, I'm afraid doing it here would remind me...of when..."

"I understand, Bernard," said the Fat Controller. "But Emily will be right there beside you to help you. And NOTHING bad will happen regarding any accident you may have, especially with Emily right there to make sure of it."

"Yes, Bernard," said Emily. "If it's passengers and coaches you'll be working with, then this fits very well for me to go with you."

"You're absolutely right, Emily," said the Fat Controller. "Bernard got to see how you work as our safety engine. Now perhaps he could have you tagging along for him. Someone to look after him, to protect him from trouble, and YOU are just the lady to do it!"

"Well, just be sure you both keep your eyes and ears open," said Thomas. "I know Percy and I will certainly be doing that, in case we hear of anything."

"Yes, Thomas," said Percy. "All four of us will be doing that...and I'm sure David and Beatrice will be doing the same."

"Very well, everyone," said the Fat Controller. "Take care and should anything happen, report it to me."

"Yes, sir," the four engines said together.

Thomas got ready for his Branch Line run, Percy prepared for another mail run, and Emily gathered two of her coaches for her first round of passengers while Bernard set off with his goods run for the morning, then all four engines started their first round of the day, waiting and wondering as to what would come to happen. All Bernard could do was start thinking back to that accident again all those years ago and he prayed that neither he nor his driver and fireman would befall another mistake like that during his visit to Sodor and his sister. Emily kept her thoughts inside as she looked after her passengers, thinking endlessly as to what would probably happen today. Whatever would happen, she and Bernard would make it through in the end.

Meanwhile at Arlesburgh, David and Beatrice had started their day with a slightly unsettling jump in their hearts. They had decided that while they went about their business through they day, they would both be standing by with an open eye for Bernard, Emily, and their grumpy adversary.

"If I see Emily, Bernard or both of them come along, I'll be keeping my eye on them both," David said to his mother.

"I still have that peculiar feeling that something may happen, David," said Beatrice. "Just like you felt yourself. I do hope Bernard makes it through today..."

The hours of the morning passed. Emily tended to her passengers, Bernard tended to his goods and Thomas and Percy worked along the Branch Line and Main Line, constantly waiting to hear of anything they felt like they'd have to step in on to help Bernard, while the two Stirlings kept thinking on their way through the morning. They too began to feel like something consistent and serious would happen and they didn't know what it could be...and then, as afternoon came upon the day, that's when the time arrived.

Bernard and Emily came back to Knapford and were now due to manage their passengers to Arlesburgh together. They saw each other return to the yards and they looked up to each other. Throughout the morning hours, thoughts had been collecting inside both engines, and when Emily and Bernard looked to each other, they could both tell what the other was thinking. They looked to a nearby siding, and there were four of Emily's coaches, two for each Stirling to take.

"So...this is it, Emily...my first round of passengers with you...here on Sodor," Bernard said unsurely.

"Yes, Bernard," said Emily. "But don't worry. I'm right here for you, and you will not make any mistakes."

Bernard felt Emily's words giving him a sense of strength as she gathered two of the coaches for herself then made her way to the platform. Bernard worriedly collected the other two coaches and joined Emily right by her side as all the passengers began to arrive. Both Stirlings watched closely as they looked among the crowd of people proceeding at the ticket window, then getting onboard Emily's coaches. Then the other passengers saw that Bernard was there too and looked at him for a few moments. Bernard looked away for a moment as he was sure the passengers were thinking of the grave truth that surrounded him. But when he looked again, he could see they felt sympathy for him. Then one of them spoke.

"So, Emily. You have your brother helping you with us today?"

"Yes. He's taking some of us today," said Emily. "And I want you all to know that you have our assurance that nothing will happen. Bernard is a good engine, and I'm sure he'll give you all a comfortable journey."

"Y...Yes. I will," said Bernard. "So...is everyone ready?"

The passengers then made their way to Bernard's platform and got onboard his two coaches...but what Bernard and Emily didn't see was just who was hidden among those passengers, seemingly reading a newspaper and ever-so slightly looking over the top of it, while carrying a certain cane in his other hand as he entered Bernard's coach...and found a seat all of his own.

A few minutes later, Bernard and Emily's guards whistles sounded through the station, telling them they were ready to go. Bernard looked at Emily with a sense of anxiousness, which Emily could see perfectly clearly.

"I'm here, Bernard. Your sister is here," she assured.

"Thank you, Emily...let's go," said Bernard.

And so Emily and Bernard set off together down the line for Arlesburgh. Bernard was rather nervous at first, but as the minutes ticked by, he slowly felt his fears ebbing away and he just began to smile as Emily smiled right at him. It seemed he was doing a fair decent job of looking after passengers. Especially with his sister right there for him. But unfortunately for both Stirlings, they had no idea of just who was onboard one of their coaches. Things would soon go very, very wrong for Bernard and almost for Emily...but through all of that would come a stop to Bernard's window of being bullied.

Eventually, Bernard and Emily made their way to Arlesburgh with their passengers. They looked around, seeing if they could see David or Beatrice anywhere, but they didn't see either one yet as they approached the platform. Emily's passengers got off first and they all seemed pleased. Then Bernard came forward carefully to let off his passengers. When they came out, some of them spoke up.

"Thank you, Bernard. Very comfortable journey," said one passenger.

"You seem to manage just as well as Emily, Bernard," said another passenger.

"You've got gentle wheels, Bernard," said a third one. "Just like Emily has. Seamus really should not harp on you the way he does."

"I most certainly agree," said Emily. "I came along to bear Bernard the company and make sure he wouldn't feel too troubled about all that's befallen him."

"Well, we all know what befell you, Bernard, and we all know that no engine can help such matters," said another passenger.

"Thank you, everyone," said Bernard. "But I still can't look past that event yet...only with Emily's help can I have any hope of getting through that barrier."

"You will, Bernard," said Emily. "Now, everyone, until you're set to return home, I think Bernard and I will take our leave, brother to sister."

So Bernard and Emily set off down the line together...but completely unknown by Bernard and Emily was that there was just one more passenger still on Bernard's coach. None other than Seamus Holder the Grumpy Passenger. He was the one who had hidden himself among the other passengers and sat by himself. But he had not complained once. As he knew that Bernard was taking this train, just as he announced to everyone that he shouldn't do, the Grumpy Passenger was now just sitting and waiting for the right moment to bring his complaints forward...but very little did he know that his grumpiness would be his downfall today.

At the harbour, David was working with a few workmen, constantly standing by for the Stirling Duo...when he suddenly heard the two engines' whistles. He looked up and saw Emily and Bernard with two of Emily's coaches each...and it was in that moment that David suddenly felt suspicious. He had been waiting for these engines to come by...and if they were carrying passengers, there was a considerable chance of...him. David suddenly felt his focus on work drift away, and he began walking back up toward the village.

"David? What are you doing?" said one of the workmen.

"Stirling business," David answered as he kept walking. "Emily and Bernard have come by with coaches...and I feel like something's about to happen..."

Emily and Bernard soon found a set of sidings to rest at and gather their thoughts together. They didn't notice yet, but several dozen yards away from the sidings, David came walking up and he saw Emily and Bernard. He stood where he was and watched them with a protective debonair, while some distance behind the Stirling Duo, Beatrice came walking by as she had been keeping an eye out for Bernard and Emily too. And when she saw them, she stopped and watched carefully. Just as she and David had wondered, both Stirlings were now here, and Beatrice began to wonder what would happen.

Between the two Stirlings, Emily looked to her brother and saw his expression becoming more and more mournful as he just stared down to his buffers then shut his eyes. Emily began to wonder what he could be thinking now and was all-too ready to comfort him like the sister she was.

"Bernard? Are you alright?" Emily asked.

Bernard looked up with a most forlorn look. "Well, Emily...I don't know how to feel right now. I may have managed quite well with these passengers. No incidents, and all my controls have been managed properly. But..."

"What is it, Bernard?" Emily asked.

Bernard kept his eyes shut for a moment, then looked to his sister with a rigid sigh.

"Just how will I get past these barriers?" he asked. "I know we'll find a way, but waiting for any clarity or clear way to recovery is most exhausting for me, and it just makes me worry if I'll be leaving Sodor broken-hearted."

"Oh, Bernard," said Emily. "I know it's very hard, but I know just how you must be feeling. Between you, me, Thomas and Percy, we've all lived through truly horrific times, and we always made it through. There was me when I suffered four and a half years under Gordon and James' tyranny of bullying, Thomas when his demon awoke for the last time and spawned him to burn that leading truck from the Mainland, Percy who's spirits were crushed after he was sent cascading down Ffarquhar Valley into that cottage and that family...and now, here you are carrying the weight of the pain you feel for what you were most accidentally involved in. Given all that Sodor has seen with me, Thomas and Percy, I think it's very clear that you can get past this pain, Bernard. It's just a matter of when. And with me and the Riders helping you, it CAN be done."

"I know, Emily," said Bernard. "I just wish something could happen to assure me that it really will happen...in fact, the more I think about it...I think what would really help me...would be saving someone. Just like you saved Gordon, James, Percy and Rebecca, Emily. Perhaps a chance could present itself for me to prove myself as someone who can think on their wheels and solve problems, just like you, Emily."

"Just like me indeed," said Emily. "You know, Bernard. I think that could be a most lovely thing for you to bestow. What if you could be York's Safety Engine, just as I'm Sodor's Safety Engine?"

"That would be lovely too, Emily," said Bernard. "But...there's still my grave truth and that grumpy meddling I have to get through."

"I know, Bernard. I know," said Emily. "It's been quite difficult for me too, and we both know you deserved none of what's been thrown at you so far. But today seems to have worked out alright so far too."

The whole while Emily and Bernard were talking, David and Beatrice had been listening with stirring hearts...but then, as Bernard spoke again, what the Riders saw next made them both suddenly feel very suspicious. One of Bernard's coach windows opened...and out poked a distinctive hat. It was in that moment when the Grumpy Passenger secretly opened his coach window and listened in to what Bernard and Emily said next.

"It's still not fair, Emily," said Bernard. "That accident all those years ago. I can't get it out of my head. This visit started out so beautifully between you and me, and I got to see how you work as Sodor's Safety Engine, but ever since three nights ago, it's been quite a depressing slump for me, and even you. And even worse, not only was I the one cursed to be part of that accident, but it's made some on Sodor resent and taunt me. I can understand the diesels doing such things, and I'm sure there are a few passengers who aren't entirely sure about me, but that damn Grumpy Passenger...he's got too much cheek to be of any decency towards me, going as far as he did with me yesterday and the day before that!"

"Phh! Who cares what that crab-pot says?" Emily remarked irritably. "The other passengers are all sympathetic enough, Bernard."

"Maybe so," said Bernard. "But just why would he be so negatively bold to call me out like that, when what I need more than anything is help and empathy?"

Emily almost answered...when it happened. A voice suddenly barked out rather loudly and unfriendly. "A-HEM!"

That was the Grumpy Passenger's voice. Emily and Bernard's hearts jumped to their throats and they turned around at once as the passenger strode down from Bernard's coach and slammed the door, then walked right up to both engines with his cane. Bernard looked very worried and shocked. Emily looked shocked too, then suddenly glared very strongly as she saw the Grumpy Passenger striding boldly toward the two Stirlings. In these instants of time, Emily and Bernard felt as though they had been set up. Seamus Holder had snuck onboard Bernard's train and just heard some of what the two Stirlings were talking about. As for Beatrice and David, they saw just what happened and both watched the scene with pounding hearts.

"Seamus Holder! What are you doing here?" Emily asked defensively.

The Grumpy Passenger didn't answer Emily as he pointed to Bernard. "What do you mean by taking all those passengers?! After I specifically said you shouldn't do such a thing?! And what were you talking about just now?!"

"Me?" Bernard asked, still rather shocked.

"Yes you, you blithering idiot!" the Grumpy Passenger barked. "What were you saying just now?! Out with it!"

Bernard was so stunned by the sudden burst from the passenger, he didn't know what to say.

"You dare refuse to answer me?!" Seamus shouted.

David saw what was going on and suddenly felt his military precisions kicking in. From where Beatrice watched the scene, she was shocked and affronted. Then she felt her frustration build rather fast. Neither she nor David were fully expecting the Grumpy Passenger to intentionally follow Emily and Bernard all the way here, just to lace even more unneeded trouble on Emily's brother, and now her too. Beatrice suddenly got a sensation that something would go very wrong, and that she'd have to get help fast.

"He snuck on that train, then just huddled in there...just so he could do all of this!" Beatrice exclaimed to herself. "Goddamn you, Holder! Why do you have to be so STUBBORN?!"

David heard his mother in the distance and couldn't agree more. But before he could give a shout, he saw Beatrice turn and run, calling for help.

"Constable! Constable! It's Bernard! I think he's in trouble again!" Beatrice called as she rushed through the village.

David looked worried as his mother disappeared into the village. Then he turned to the Stirlings and the Grumpy Passenger again.

"Answer me this INSTANT, you idle fool!" the Grumpy Passenger snapped to Bernard, who still hadn't answered.

"Excuse me!" Emily barked. "I think the question is WHY did you sneak onto our train...and not even get off at the station?! You have a lot of nerve doing all of this! Sneaking onto our train just to find something else to complain about for no reason! This has been going on for two days now! You leave my brother alone, or I'll tell Sir Topham Hatt about you! None of your grouchiness anymore!"

"Indeed, Emily! And for your information, Mr. Holder," Bernard answered, rather frustrated now. "I was only thinking aloud how well I've done with these passengers, and about how to move past this predicament of mine and see what I can do to leave Sodor on a good note...but we were not expecting YOU onboard my coaches, no doubt waiting to complain about everything! I just want to leave Sodor with a happy visit!"

"Huh! Leaving on a good note about killing Murphy's father, are you?!" Seamus gloated. "AND taking passengers, are you? Even now, you haven't learned your lesson! Have you learned nothing of the dangers you brought forth to all of us?! This all goes to show I was right all along! Such a cheat you are! You may be allowed to cheat and swindle back at York, but no one here on Sodor goes for any such nonsense, especially from a cheat like yourself, killing an innocent boy's father and spawning all the shadows that you did, and now risking another accident by taking these passengers! Such a shame you are to be our Safety Engine's brother and think such gall!"

In these moments, Emily could feel her face turning red with anger. This was so insensitively ridiculous for Bernard to go through on his first visit to Sodor and he deserved none of this turmoil at all. But then she looked and felt a little frightened. Emily could see a blind anger, a blind rage lacing into Bernard's heart, making her sense that some sort of burst would come from him...for Bernard had decided that just like Emily did with Donald and Douglas after her accident, he had taken enough. The navy Stirling got a little bit mad, and that was when it happened. He suddenly gave a shrill whistle and let it out.

"I AM NOT A CHEAT OR A SHAME! What is it with you and COMPLAINING?! I'm working my wheels off for Sir Topham Hatt! I took this train by his order, I'M DOING THE JOB! I'm trying to mend my grim wounds, and all YOU can think about is...AAAGGHH! COMPLAINING!"

From where he stood, David felt his heart racing even more as he slowly stepped closer to the scene. Emily was surprised and shocked to hear her brother burst out so suddenly, but she didn't blame him for a single instant. She fully and completely agreed with every word he had just uttered...but then, that's when the disaster waiting to happen unfolded through and through. Emily and Bernard looked to the Grumpy Passenger and suddenly felt very unsafe. Seamus Holder raised his chin and fixed his watery blue eyes onto Bernard, then raised his eyebrow.

"You are not only a cheating engine," he said quietly. "But to have such cheek as that...you're also an insolent engine too. Well...that's that, then. So be it."

And with that, the Grumpy Passenger began walking toward Bernard and raising his walking cane from the ground and now holding it with both hands. Bernard and Emily suddenly felt sick and quite frightened as to what this man might do now. Emily watched with eagle-like eyes as the Grumpy Passenger suddenly got right on Bernard's running plate and held his cane right-side up instead of pointing downward. In that instant, Bernard suddenly felt a tingle of electricity buzz frightfully through his heart. David saw just what was happening and suddenly felt a brand-new grudge festering in his heart as he saw just what was happening.

"For such insolence and cheat, it's the cane for you. Time to each you a lesson finally," the Grumpy Passenger glowered to Bernard.

When Emily heard this, her heart almost stopped all together, then it raced with such speed as she could never recall before, as did Bernard. It seemed almost impossible that this man was about to hit Bernard with a cane, much like school masters used to do in schools when fellow students broke the rules or showed any cheek. Except in this situation, Bernard had done nothing wrong and did absolutely nothing to deserve this. Then Seamus the Grumpy Passenger slowly began to raise his cane to Bernard, ready to strike his face with that cane...and in the distance, Beatrice came running back with the Arlesburgh Constable. But then they looked ahead and stopped right where they were to what they were seeing.

"No! NO!" Emily yelled. "No, you goddamn DON'T!"

"DON'T! STOP!" Bernard yelled.

But it was too late. Bernard suddenly saw that Grumpy Passenger's cane whip downward. There was a loud thud and an implode against Bernard's left cheek. Then about two seconds later...Bernard felt the pain. Never had he felt such external pain before. It was like someone had pressed a red hot coal to his face. Had Bernard been a person, he would have gripped his cheek immediately and rammed his legs together to fight the pain. But as the engine that he was, Bernard uttered a big, muffled scream through his closed mouth. He managed not to cry out, but he could keep the tears from escaping his eyes, all of which made Emily nearly cry too to see just what Bernard had been inflicted with.

"Hah! Too weak to hold back those crocodile tears, I see!" the Grumpy Passenger huffed. "Now! Get back to work! No more cheats and no more insolence either! Unless you ask for another caning!"

Bernard was too hurt and offended to move from where he was as he continued to feel the spot where he had been caned. But when Emily saw what had just happened to her innocent brother, she could feel a great slew of anger lace into her heart. Her face went very red and her axles began to shake with such fury that even Bernard felt frightened of his own sister and just how overwhelmingly powerful she suddenly looked. Her face was almost blood red and dark smoke billowed from her funnel. Her brother was just doing what was asked of him, and instead of being shown some understanding, he had been given the coldest shoulder this short-minded, most unreasonable man ever could have given any engine, and for no reason what the Hell so-ever! Emily then decided she couldn't hold back anymore. No one would hurt her brother anymore.

"You...YOU GOD-FORSAKEN BASTARD!" Emily shrieked to the Grumpy Passenger. "You're a crook! You're a cheat and a swindler! THAT'S what you are! How the flying Island of Sudrian HELL can you do this?! Scolding, complaining, beating my brother down when he needs our help, then taking his hopes to recover and SMASHING his spirits to pieces! YOU'RE AN INHUMAN MONSTER, JUST LIKE SEYMOUR MURPHY! YOU WORSHIP MURPHY, DON'T YOU?!"

"DON'T fool with me, you schoolgirl brat!" the Grumpy Passenger threatened. "Move aside or I'll cane you just as I caned this navy snake!"

"I WILL NOT MOVE ASIDE!" Emily yelled. "I'm Sodor's Safety Engine, and you can't tell me what to do! Only Sir Topham Hatt and David can do that!"

"Well, too bad!" the Grumpy Passenger huffed as he strutted toward Emily and raised his cane again. "You are next!"

"Don't even THINK about caning Sodor's Safety Engine!" Emily warned. "I'm warning you! If you cane me, you'll be SORRY!"

The Grumpy Passenger began strutting his way toward Emily, while Beatrice and the policeman began running closer to the scene. And it was in that moment when Emily's navy mentor and best friend's voice split the air next. Emily looked up and saw David's face bearing rage and urgency.

"SEAMUS HOLDER!" David roared. "What the Flying Hell do you think you're doing?! How DARE you cane Bernard just now! That is the last straw! We can't trust you like this, and you had BETTER NOT be going for Emily too! Get BACK here!"

The Grumpy Passenger didn't listen. He strode closer toward Emily, circling his cane, while David roared out again.

"I SAID GET BACK HERE NOW! STO-O-OP!" he screeched at the top of his lungs. "You take ONE MORE MOVE, Mister...!"

The Grumpy Passenger wasn't fazed and wasn't keen to listen to anything from anyone anymore. He slowly began to climb onto Emily's running plate.

"NO-DON'T YOU DARE!" David yelled as the cane went up. "If you put ONE FINGER on my engine- Are you listening to me?! Don't-touch-Em-"

Too late. The Grumpy Passenger brought his cane down...but not on Emily's face, and not as hard either. His cane clopped her smokebox quite steadily, which made Emily seethe with flaming fury, and that drove David's fire-eyed fury further.

"SEAMUS HOLDER!" David screeched even louder.

The Grumpy Passenger took no notice. He just pouted his lips, then raised his cane to Emily again, this time, ready to cane her too...when a gunshot suddenly split the air, then a policeman's whistle suddenly shrieked through the air. Everyone looked and there was Beatrice and the Arlesburgh Constable, who had fired his pistol into the air and was bearing a combative posture with both fists knuckled together.

"There you are, you slimy son of a BITCH!" he barked to the Grumpy Passenger, then addressed Emily's brother. "We're coming, Bernard! Help is coming! Hold on!"

Seamus Holder suddenly dropped his cane with surging fright as he scrambled back down from Emily's running plate and began shrugging as if he didn't know what the policeman was talking about. The policeman charged as fast as he could to the passenger while David charged from behind. The policeman seized Seamus' collar, pulling him away from Emily and anchoring his arms behind his back, while David drew his navel cutlass and had it ready to point at Seamus, rather like he did to George.

"You GET AWAY from my safety engine and her brother, you pervert!" David barked with wrath and fury.

"We saw everything just now, and you are NOT getting away this time!" the policeman snapped. "Emily and Bernard, get back to Knapford Station! I'll bring the passenger along as soon as I call Sir Topham Hatt!"

David gestured to Beatrice to come with him and Emily. Beatrice ran to Bernard's cab and David got in Emily's cab at once. Then Emily set off with an infuriated huff while her now caned brother followed beside her, wincing from the pain on his cheek.

"Come on, Bernard! LET'S GO! I'M DONE WITH THIS MAN!" Emily shouted angrily.

As they steamed away, David watched from Emily's cab as the policeman escorted the Grumpy Passenger to a squad car, then ran to telephone the Fat Controller.

"You just settle your petite little ass right in that car, Holder!" David yelled. "That's right! You are in BIG TROUBLE, young man! Do you hear me?! BIG!"

"That's it, Bernard!" Emily spat angrily. "THAT'S the last straw! We are NOT waiting one more instant! WE are telling the Fat Controller once and for all!"

"Indeed, we shall, Emily. NO delays!" David barked. "That Grumpy Passenger is going to pay DEARLY for this if it's that LAST thing we do! And right on, and superb work for the Constable preventing you getting caning, Emily! THAT was a close one! TOO close! That little tramp! At this rate, if we don't stop that filthy man, he's bound to start caning other engines too! Well, just as I did with George's villainy upon you, AND just as I promised the Admiral to protect Sodor from any more atrocities, perhaps it's again time I briefly take matters into my OWN hands!"

Emily and Bernard raced out of Arlesburgh in pain and in spluttering fury. Emily looked and could see a notable red mark on Bernard's cheek where he had been caned, and it was clear to her that it was hurting him. Bernard then looked to Emily and could see the rage-laced lioness within her almost ready to pounce.

"Emily...if it's the LAST thing we do, we'll...we'll GET him for this!" Bernard growled angrily.

"He will NOT escape, Bernard! No more than Murphy could!" Emily hissed vengefully.

---

Further out on the Main Line, Thomas and Percy were working together, having no clue of just what had befallen Bernard, then almost Emily...until they presently stopped at Maron with another load of goods to drop off. They were just beginning to wonder what Emily and Bernard could be doing...when they saw the stationmaster come running out with a rather panicked look on his face.

"Thomas! Percy! Leave those trucks where they are! Sir Topham Hatt called me to tell you something, and I reckon Emily and Bernard need you!"

Instantly, Thomas and Percy looked concerned and suspicious as they spoke together. "Why? What happened?"

"Just get to Knapford and hear for yourselves! I don't know why it happened, but you'd better go! Go on!" the stationmaster urged.

Thomas and Percy left their trucks in a siding, then rushed off to the first wye line they could find, then rushed back to Knapford Station, just as Emily, Bernard, David and Beatrice all came back to Platforms 1 and 2 themselves. As Thomas and Percy came closer, they could see Emily and Bernard wearing looks of sheer anger, contempt and hate. Thomas and Percy immediately felt as though something very wrong had happened indeed...then they saw just what was on Bernard's cheek.

"Emily...are you...what the? Oh...God, Bernard!" Thomas exclaimed with shock. "What happened? Your cheek looks imploded...and red!"

"Did...did that Grumpy Passenger c-c-c...cane you?!" Percy gasped.

"T...Thomas...and P-P...Percy," Emily trembled with fury. "We...we have a new atrocity on this island...one that David MUST protect Sudrian society from!"

Then at that moment, the Fat Controller burst out of his office like an inspector. He looked red-eyed and scolding, and it was more than clear that he had heard the word from the Arlesburgh Policeman after he and David had stopped Seamus. All the engines felt their hearts jump with urgency. David and Beatrice watched from the Stirling cabs as Emily's driver came out and told the Fat Controller everything, all while the Fat Controller kept nodding away, knowing every last detail as he had heard it himself over the phone with the policeman just a few minutes earlier. Thomas and Percy's eyes boggled and their mouths gaped before they shot a glare of sheer hate for what they had just heard. As soon as Emily's driver finished explaining all the engines and the Riders were worried that the Fat Controller would be uncontrollably furious. He was...but not with the engines or Riders. Only moments later, the Fat Controller's voice came out loud, clear, gravelly and very cross indeed.

"Whoever caused this disturbance will have ME to answer to!"

And he did in less than five minutes more. Everyone heard the squad car's siren from outside the station, and within seconds, everyone watched as the Arlesburgh Policeman came striding to the platform, gripping the Grumpy Passenger's shoulder firmly before giving a vicious shove and sent Seamus Holder stumbling on the platform before he got up again. Thomas and Percy's faces turned as red as Bernard's mark on his cheek.

"Here's our culprit, Sir Topham!" the policeman announced crossly. "Caught him attacking Bernard and our safety engine!"

Everyone looked to the Fat Controller as he strode forward with a shaky stride in his feet, a red face and was panting most profusely and infuriatingly.

"SEAMUS TIMOTHY HOLDER! WHAT do you think you're DOING?! YOU, Seamus Holder, are a civilian and user of MY RAILWAY! Just as my engines are supposed to do, YOU are to pay heed to ALL the rules and OBEY THEM! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"

"How DARE you try and attack MY angel and wife, Holder!" Thomas yelled. "You are so VERY lucky my inner demon is forever gone!"

"Such malevolent intentions you certainly have!" Percy hissed. "You don't say a word about my crushed spirits, and yet you destroy Emily's brother's spirits?!"

Most unfortunately, by this time, the Grumpy Passenger was lost and demented beyond any sense of reason in how short-tempered he had become.

"Rrgh! All I do is try and protect our fellow passengers from this navy upstart, and you're really going to defend him even now?! Too many times have I tried to bring the truth on how he's too fussy, too deceptive and too untrustworthy to be really useful!"

But when the Grumpy Passenger looked to Emily's cab again, he remembered just who was there. The Fat Controller looked and saw David just standing in there with very cold, steely eyes. Then when he silently stepped down from Emily's cab and into view, all the engines suddenly felt uncomfortable and a little frightened. Emily suddenly gasped quickly and felt her heart jiggle with fright.

"I consider myself a reasonable captain," David glowered as Beatrice came down from Bernard's cab and listened. "I enforce certain rules onboard my ship, as well as personal standards for my engine's well-being, and by my military stature, it is my nautical right to see those rules and standards being obeyed at all times!"

"Indeed, David. And I consider myself a reasonable controller," said the Fat Controller. "I set certain rules, and I expect those rules to be obeyed...Seamus the Grumpy Passenger Holder! Is it true you caned Emily's brother for nothing?! AND is it true you tried to cane Emily the No. 12 Safety Engine?! Thomas' emerald angel and David's rightful engine?!"

"Hmph! She had the nerve to try defending that dangerous brother of hers!" the Grumpy Passenger huffed. "How many times have I told you all he's such a danger to us all?! I HAD to cane him!"

"Committing any form of rebellion upon the Emerald Law is strictly forbidden!" David barked. "Seamus, you KNOW that! Everyone knows that!"

"Bernard here would have escaped if I didn't do it fast enough!" Seamus protested.

"Of course he would have! One less round of trivial and stupid complaints to worry about!" David snapped. "You never take the time to know Emily's brother, surely thinking you don't have to know him! Maybe perhaps I don't have to know YOU entirely either! I'm willing to bet everyone else in your family might have been the same! Spineless, savage, deceptive engine framers! Incapable of any gratitude and-"

"BOTH THESE STIRLINGS ARE CHEATS, AND SO ARE YOU, RIDER!" the Grumpy Passenger roared. "YOU AND YOUR MEDDLESOME WENCH OF A MOTHER!"

Emily exclaimed with such shock and affront, she let off a hiss of steam. Bernard's eyes popped, Thomas and Percy's fireboxes fizzed violently, the Fat Controller just stared, and Beatrice turned so red, she turned away and seemed to start shuddering with such offense hitting her heart...but David's reaction trampled all others as his debonair changed dramatically.

"...No-o-o!" he gasped with pure shock, then turned to growling fury. "Have you lost your senses completely?! My mother is NOT a wench! Blistered by thy tongue for such words! Emily is our SAFETY ENGINE! Bernard is a GOOD BROTHER! He's RESPONSIBLE, he's RELIABLE!, he's REALLY USEFUL! YOU...see, YOU'RE just an ugly, horrible, grouchy old MAN!"

"I don't care!" Seamus uttered stubbornly and completely impervious now.

"So help me, Holder," David growled. "As once I conquered Diesel 10 and rid Sodor of George's tarmacking tyranny, I am going to rid Sodor of your plaguing grumpiness and caning cruelty! And if what I'm about to do is the only way...so be it!"

And in that instant, David suddenly winked to the Arlesburgh policeman, who then followed David to the Fat Controller's office, shutting the door tight and getting right on his phone and turning the dial. Everyone could see David through the window as he waited for the phone to be answered. Then everyone saw his expression perk a little and he began talking away on the phone, and the policeman began writing in his notebook. None of the engines could hear David clearly and they all began looking to each other, while the Grumpy Passenger only glared further, all-too ready to pin the blame on David instead of accept responsibility himself. Then the Fat Controller decided that he'd better go inside and see what the talk on the phone was about. He went inside and closed the door again. The policeman looked up for a moment, then David spoke again.

"Yes, that's right, Detective Phelps!" David uttered. "The Arlesburgh Constable witnessed the incident too. ...That's right! Holder tried to cane Emily too! Sir Topham, the engines, and myself will not STAND for this! And if you want my advice, you'll destroy that passenger's assets at once!"

"Alright, don't be hasty, Mr. Rider," Phelps' voice came through the phone. "We appreciate you calling us first. I'd like to talk to the Arlesburgh Constable please, and I assure you, we've known that grouchy Holder for a while. We'll take care of him."

"Thank you, Detective Phelps," said David. "Let me know as soon as it's done."

"So we shall," came Phelps' voice. "Good day, Captain."

"You too, Mr. Phelps," said David.

He then handed the phone to the policeman and swept right past the Fat Controller and outside again. The Fat Controller followed David outside and looked back to the engines, who all seemed rather curious. They almost asked what David was talking about in there, but David gestured for it to wait a little bit. And so everyone waited...until the Arlesburgh Constable came out again. Everyone watched as he gave a narrow look to the Grumpy Passenger, then turned to the engines.

"Alright, now. I've just spoken with the SPD," he said eventually. "There are some arrangements to be made throughout this afternoon and evening, and certain proceedings to be had. Bernard, you can rest assured you are safe now. And as for YOU, Holder...well, you just wait and find out what happens...tomorrow."

And without another word, the policeman left to return to Arlesburgh. All the engines wondered what this could all mean...but even now, the Grumpy Passenger refused to see reason. He immediate glared to Bernard and Emily once more and still refused to take responsibility for what his grumpiness had brought upon himself.

"This is all your fault!" he accused Bernard and Emily. "None of this ever would have happened to me, had it not been for you!"

"OUR fault?!" Emily exclaimed. "We DID NOTHING wrong! You're the one who caned my brother and almost caned me!"

"What the?! Rrgh! And you're STILL defending him after what he's brought upon ME, now!" the Grumpy Passenger exclaimed.

Then the Fat Controller looked and saw what was happening. "SEAMUS! Stop right there this INSTANT!"

David and Beatrice suddenly turned around again and saw the Grumpy Passenger just beginning to raise his cane again to Bernard. Emily, Thomas and Percy saw this too and felt another rush of anger flare in their fireboxes.

"What the?! HERE! Avast! For the last time, get away from Bernard and leave him alone!" David demanded.

"SHUT UP! I take no orders from schoolboys!" shouted the Grumpy Passenger as he lowered his cane toward Bernard again.

To this, David's eyes almost seemed to turn red with fury, making all the engines suddenly feel afraid.

"You've bullied Emily's brother badly enough, now you'll disperse away from him!" David glowered. "Or, by the powers, you'll get what I gave Diesel 10! As once I told him one time only, so too I tell YOU! I...am all the Navy!"

Everyone suddenly thought frantically as to what this could mean. The Grumpy Passenger almost raised his cane to Bernard again, when suddenly, David drew his naval cutlass and slowly directed the cane away from Bernard. Everyone was relieved at first to see David wasn't up to anything rash...but then the Grumpy Passenger made a most foolish decision as he smiled and taunted David mockingly.

"Go ahead, slash me down. Run me through," he taunted through a pompous chuckle. "Be a man."

This made everyone absolutely furious. The Grumpy Passenger going so far as to suggest that David wasn't being a man...after that soldier had flushed out Sailor John, defeated Diesel 10 and caused George to be banished. David felt his heart flip with sheer offense, then he bared his teeth with anger. The Grumpy Passenger stubbornly shut his eyes and went still, waiting for it to come...but nothing happened. He opened his eyes again, and then...just like the scenario David thought up about Donald and Douglas, he let it out.

"...RRAA-AAGH!"

Then, to everyone's shock, but relief too, David snatched Seamus' cane away from him, turned around, tossed it into the air, then with a big swipe with his cutlass, he sliced the cane in two, hindering it useless and unable to do any more harm. David resheathed his cutlass, then silence followed. All the engines didn't expect this to happen and all panted heavily to each other. The Fat Controller was most astonished by what he had seen. Then the Grumpy Passenger gasped with shock and irony to see what David had done, rather than what was expected...and what came next from David was even more unexpected, and it made some ears hurt.

"NOT A MAN LIKE YOU!" David yelled. "It's HIGH time we all said this at long, LONG last, Seamus Timothy Holder! WE HATE YOU! WE HATE EVERY SINGLE THING ABOUT YOU! If there was a tolerability scale between one and ten, you'd be NEGATIVE sixty-eight, another good use for Philip's number to exist! You should be OUTLAWED here, and all throughout England and Scotland, just so everyone there, including her Majesty and the young prince themselves don't have to TALK to you ever again! Spell it out, W-E-H-A-T-E-Y-O-U! WEEE...HHAAAATTEEE...YOOUUU!"

Then silence ensued once more. Thomas and Percy's hearts were pumping and pulsing right up in their throats, as were Emily, Bernard and Beatrice's hearts. As for the Fat Controller, his legs were quaking with adrenaline, urgency, shock and feeling proud all at once for what David did and didn't do. At last, he turned to the Grumpy Passenger and spoke rather shallowly, shakily and quietly.

"Seamus...Timothy Holder...I think...I think it's time for you to go. You have five minutes...until I call Phelps and Gallagher to take you away themselves."

"And to think when I first met Sailor John, I trusted him quicker than anyone can trust you!" Thomas hissed vengefully to the now Frightened Passenger.

Emily, Bernard and Percy all glared in silence to the Grumpy Passenger. Then Beatrice walked right up to Seamus with her face a steady red, and her eyes were almost flaming. Rather like David sounded like when he threated George that he'd cut his funnel off, Beatrice's voice almost carried a growl in her throat, like an irritated lioness who saw a predator getting too close to her cubs.

"If you EVER touch our engine or her brother again, we will track down where you live and hand you over to the SPD for good!"

"Understood," said Seamus Holder, finally feeling his grumpy barriers chipping away at a rather fast rate.

"Also, for your vicious and thoughtless insult toward the mother of the Navy's finest soldier there will ever be, I think there's one customer I will NOT be serving for guidance or counselling! I DO NOT want to see your face knocking on our door for guidance or travelling on any goddamn passenger trains for at LEAST four months!"

"Most infinitely, purely and perfectly spoken, Beatrice," said the Fat Controller. "I could never have put it in any better way! You, Seamus Holder are our Grumpy...and now, Caning Passenger! I cannot believe what complete, downrigh hole you've been today, and I have NO shame whatsoever in admitting that! I knew you to be grumpy and always complaining about EVERY SINGLE thing you POSSIBLY can...but NEVER have I heard of ANYONE trying to cane an engine...ESPECIALLY Emily and her brother! I am inhumanely disgusted by your atrocious behaviour! I will speak to the Railway Inspectors, the Sodor Island Council, the SPD, and a few others too...and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Manager of this railway, you are hereby suspended from travelling on passenger trains, not for four...but SIX months! You are a DISGRACE! You may look like a passenger, BUT YOU WILL NEVER BRING OUR RAILWAY HONOUR!"

All the engines' hearts pounded even harder to what they had just heard, and as they looked to their grumpy meddler, something really and truly snapped in Seamus Holder's heart when these words came crackling down on him. His stubborn expression suddenly flashed away and a look of absolute shock, hurt, horror and aback splashed all over his face. He looked very, very hurt indeed by all the Fat Controller had spewed out. The Fat Controller himself slowly began to feel as though perhaps he went too far, but in the moment, he was too upset to care.

"Now, IF you'll bloody damn excuse me, Holder, I have an entire railway to run, I think you'll find!" the Fat Controller grouched.

He then whipped around back to his office and slammed the door so hard, the door's window almost cracked. Once more, Thomas, Emily, Bernard, Percy, David and Beatrice all stared. Right where he stood, the Grumpy Passenger was utterly shocked, lost, bemused and bewildered...and afraid. He trembled, he shook. He left. He obeyed. He walked out of the station rather shakily, uttering endless shaky words.

"Al...alright...I...I get it...I...I'll go," he said quietly and very meekly.

As soon as Seamus Holder was out of sight, the engines and Riders were finally left on their own. By now, their heartbeats were finally settling down and they could feel a great sweep of accomplishment washing over all of them. Thomas and Percy never suspected anything like this to happen. Emily and Bernard were utterly astounded too...then they looked to David, who seemed much calmer himself, but also seeming a little lost. Beatrice saw this too and could feel her legs shaking a little too.

"Now, what do we do?" Emily asked.

"Hmm...Mmm...I...I think we all have to have a little talk together. Tonight," said Beatrice. "We're staying right here for now."

"ME too," said David. "Everything's going to change now...or at least start to anyway."

Then, for quite a long, long time, no one said a thing. The hours passed. The four engines and the Riders ended up staying in the yards for the rest of the day. Beatrice kept walking up and down alongside Bernard while David sat on Emily's running plate, holding onto his silver charm. Thomas and Percy weren't sure what to think with all they had come to learn, and none of them knew what to say or do about everything that had happened. Word quickly got around to the rest of the island as to what had happened between Emily, Bernard and the Grumpy Passenger at Arlesburgh, then just what had followed at Knapford Station. As he had said before, the Fat Controller and the SPD were kept busy making phone calls to the Sodor Island Council, the Railway Inspectors and even the Bank of Sodor, talking about one particular aspect to address Seamus Holder about.

When James, Gordon, Rebecca and Nia all passed through the station when their work was done, they all seemed most astonished and nearly speechless. All they did when they saw Bernard and Emily was give a look of great concern and empathy, while Thomas and Percy merely nodded back.

"Oh...Bernard...we...we can't believe it," Rebecca murmured shakily. "No engine has EVER had that happen!"

"Most outrageous indignant for what had to happen to you today," Gordon added. "I had better not see THAT passenger for a very long time!"

"Send Seamus packing! Send Seamus packing!" was all James whistled most indignantly, although the other engines had to agree.

"Absolutely abominable behaviour," Nia concluded. "You didn't deserve any of it, Bernard."

Bernard just gave a little nod in response and he and his friends continued to remain silent...until at last, evening came again. Bernard finally looked up to Thomas, Percy and Emily.

"Please...may we go inside now?" Bernard asked.

With no further ado, it was done. Only a few minutes later, there was quite a numerous gathering in Knapford Sheds Thomas, Percy, Bernard, Emily, David and Beatrice were all inside, with Emily and Bernard buffered together again, and everyone was completely silent and still over everything that had transpired today. But finally, after several hours to count, they felt as though they had to break the silence and converse together over what had happened and what would now happen from this evening onward. Beatrice approached Bernard and got on his running plate.

"Are you alright, Bernard?" she whispered as she looked at his red mark. "Does it hurt? That?"

"Not so much now," Bernard answered. "I just hope it can go away soon...such an outrageous day this has been. Absolutely insane."

"Rrgh...now that I think about it," said David. "It's just like I once thought about Donald and Douglas...only this time, it's very true. That man tried to harm you, Emily! That baggage! Disobedient wretch! Ooh, if only I were still a real soldier, I would have shown him a whole lot more!"

"I...I don't think there's any more you should have done, David," said Bernard. "But...wow...that...that was most incredible, seeing you finally stand up to the Grumpy Passenger...it was rather scary though."

"Indeed," said Emily. "It was all absolutely crazy. How...how do you feel now, David? Do you still think you did the right thing by taking some matters into your own hands?"

"A most wise question, Emily," said Beatrice. "What do YOU think, David? As a Navy captain?"

"Huh...I really don't know, everyone," David said vaguely. "I mean, I meant every word of it in the spur of the moment, but when Sir Topham popped off, you saw what happened. I think my words were mostly out of anger for all that had happened to you, Bernard...and I didn't think Seamus Holder actually had feelings. Or at least, he never showed any other feelings beyond being grumpy. Do you think it's possible that...our anger and ambitions might have gotten what we wish for...but maybe a little too much of what we wished for?"

"What do you mean?" Bernard asked.

"Well, the constable and Sir Topham Hatt said there would be arrangements being made, and that they'd be talking with several others...and it's making me wonder just what that will bring for us tomorrow. All we know for now is that you're safe now, Bernard. You and Emily."

Bernard and Emily looked to each other and wholesomely agreed.

"Hmm...that is true, David. I am safe now...and do you think the police will really put Seamus Holder to rights?" Bernard asked.

"I don't know, Bernard," said David. "It's hard to foresee the end of this at the moment. Bernard, take the Emerald Law to absolute heart. I want you to hold onto it. It's just as much yours as it is Emily's. It's not just the Emerald Law but the Navy Law too for your sake."

"I agree with David," said Beatrice. "The 'Emerald Law,' has protected Emily ever since its inception. And in any future situation, Bernard, if the worst comes to the worst, don't hesitate to buy your well-being with it. And as for Seamus Holder, well...all we can do now is wait, and wonder."

"But for now, I'd say you all need tonight to yourselves," said David. "I now have a feeling this is the end of the grumpy meddling, Bernard. I'm starting to think things will get much better quite soon."

"David is right," said Beatrice. "I think everything will get better, Bernard. As soon as we hear whatever Seamus Holder has to pay, we'll know for sure. You should all get some very good sleep now. You've earned it infinitely, Emily and Bernard. Will you be alright with that red mark, Bernard?"

Emily looked at Bernard's cheek and got a little idea and winked to Beatrice. "I think that's okay, Beatrice. I think I know what to do about it."

"Alright, then. Have a good night's sleep, everyone," said Beatrice. "And I'm sure things will start changing for the greater good tomorrow. Then we can finally help you without interference, Bernard."

"Thank you, Beatrice...so very much," Bernard sighed wearily.

And with that, David and Beatrice left the sheds and made their way home, while the four engines stay in the sheds. Now they could talk more closely between each other. But then, in the midst of finally being safe with his friends again, Bernard felt his smashed spirits start weighing down on his heart. Emily thought for sure he was about to cry...and he did. Thomas and Percy felt their hearts flip a little as great tears began issuing from Bernard's eyes and down his face. The three engines could all feel that Bernard's spirits were indeed crushed like Percy's, both from the grave truth he had to tell his friends, and all that he had to face for the past three days. Emily immediately knew just what Bernard was festering in thought about and she buffered right up to him.

"Oh, Bernard. Easy, easy," she urged gently. "It's safe now. It's alright to cry. Let your emotions defuse, just like Beatrice did with Percy. You don't have to fear anything anymore tonight, and as of tomorrow, we'll surely be on our way to helping you. The diesels are locked away, and Holder can't hurt you anymore."

"It...it's not just about that, Emily," Bernard shook and heaved. "I...I'm just so battered, weary and bewildered by all that has happened today! My grave truth, telling it to you all, then to the Steam Team, then dealing with the diesels and Grumpy Passenger, then getting caned for NOTHING! It's all maddening, and I can't stand it much longer anymore. Can you help me at all tonight, Emily? Please?"

To this, Emily looked to Thomas and Percy, then she looked to Bernard and blinked once, her eyes glittering softly in the ceiling lights. Then she looked to the red mark from his caning on his cheek and brought her idea forth.

"Of course, I will, my sweet brother. And I can start with my little idea tonight," she said.

"What idea is that, Emily?" Bernard sked.

Emily suddenly batted her eyelashes and cooed soothingly. "Aww, Bernard. Your cheek looks a little sore even now. Let me see if my sisterly lips can work their magic for you. Come here, my smoochie-coochie brother. Aww..."

And Emily very softly and carefully touched her lips to Bernard's red mark on his cheek. It hurt a little at first, but in the following instant, Bernard felt such a soft tingle on his cheek as Emily very softly and daintily kissed it, making the red in his cheek slowly fade away, replaced quickly by another red. A blushing red from Bernard. After so much trauma, humiliation and the most terrible case of injustice he had ever been faced with, this was more than he ever needed right now. Emily's sisterly lips were oh, so soft, warm, gentle, tickly and creamy upon his skin. She was such a lovely sister for him to be blessed with, and Thomas and Percy adored what they were seeing. Emily then kissed Bernard's other cheek a few times over, very softly swirling her lips up, down and along his cheek, leaving light little lip marks as she went until she softly let go.

"There...there, my sweet, sweet brother," Emily whispered. "How are you now? Does that feel nice?"

Bernard looked right into Emily's eyes, then buffered right up to her.

"No, Emily," he said at first. "After everything so far, this is much, much better...and yet I still can't help but wonder...what will happen tomorrow?"

"I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, Bernard," said Emily. "But as soon as the word gets around concerning what that Passenger will befall, we'll know for sure. For now, you can have a most comfortable and warm sleep right here with us and your sister."

"Yes, Bernard. You're safe with us," Thomas yawned. "Sleep well, everyone."

"Sleep tight, Emily," Bernard yawned. "I love you, my perfect sister."

"Sleep tight, Bernard," Emily yawned. "I love you too, my perfect brother."

And finally, Emily and Bernard found themselves fast asleep, along with Thomas and Percy. They would sleep safely tonight...but then, only a few hours into the night was when things began happening again, in the realm of deep sleep. Both Emily and Bernard's minds began to wonder more about all that had happened...then they wandered into a dream together, making them groan and exclaim in their sleep. A rather outlandish, intense and heavy-handed dream that was fueled by Bernard and Emily's own speculations and uncertainty to what would happen next or not...

---

Emily and Bernard were huddled side by side at Arlesburgh and Bernard had just been caned by the Grumpy Passenger, wincing and groaning out loud in stinging pain, and the Grumpy Passenger was now making a run to get away from David and the policeman.

"Seamus! You double-crossing pipsqueak!" David yelled. "Come back here and FIGHT LIKE A MAN!"

"Holder, you come back here, slave of Murphy!" Emily yelled.

But Seamus didn't listen. He ran right to the Sea Emperor, followed by the Stirling Dup and the Riders. Then he climbed up the ship's rigging waving both arms and announcing loudly.

"Such a disgrace to us all, Bernard is! He'll never amount to anything! He has nothing else and nobody else!"

Then Emily and Bernard watched as David began climbing the Sea Emperor's rigging to reach the Grumpy Passenger.

"Complain-complain-complain! YOU COWARD!" David roared.

This made the Grumpy Passenger look down. "What's that, you busybody schoolboy?! You call me a coward?!"

David kept climbing the ship's rigging and flailing his sword this way and that as he spoke back.

"Ha-ha-ha! You wouldn't dare fight Captain Rider man-to-man! You'd run away like a cowardly sparrow!"

"The REAL coward, Rider, is YOU, for never confessing Bernard's villainous ways!" the Grumpy Passenger gloated. "I'll fight you man-to-man, I'll win, and with you out of the way, I'll finally manage to get that navy menace sent away!"

To this, David clashed his sword against the Grumpy Passenger's cane and came as close as he could with a steely look in his eyes.

"You mean...you won't run?" David almost purred.

"No! Don't, Seamus! It's a trick!" Beatrice warned from below, suddenly afraid of what her son might do.

"I give my word, Rider!" Seamus Holder announced.

"Good! Then let's have AT IT!" David roared.

And with no more words, they fell into their duel. David gave a sweeping swipe to Seamus, who blocked the attack and began to swing back at David, who took another swipe and cut one of the rigging's ropes loose. Seamus grabbed it and swung around David to the other side of the rigging. David slashed the rope away, making Seamus swivel and panic, struggling not to fall off the rigging, while David swiped his sword up, down, left, right and every which way, inching closer and closer to the Grumpy Passenger.

Then their weapons began clashing again for a few moments more, both quite closely matched, until David got the upper hand and swiveled Seamus' cane right out of his hand, making it flail through the air. Seamus tried to grab for it, but David caught it and gave a vicious kick, flattening Seamus on his back on the ship's rigging, with no weapon anymore.

"NOW!" David barked, tossing the cane away and bearing his sword to Seamus' chest. "Insolent man! Prepare to DIE!"

Beatrice pleaded desperately to the rigging. "Run! Run, Seamus! Ru-u-u-un!"

"NO!" Seamus barked back. "I gave my word."

And with that, David took his positon, poising his blade directly over the Grumpy Passenger...then suddenly, that sword came sweeping downwards, and then...

---

Emily and Bernard's eyes suddenly popped open, followed by a sharp gasp of fright and a few pants of adrenaline and last little instances of feeling like they were in that dream. They looked around and saw they were still in Knapford Sheds, and Thomas and Percy were fast asleep right beside them.

"E...Emily...oh, my gracious!" Bernard shuddered. "I had the most horrible dream about David...and...and..."

"So did I, Bernard," Emily gasped. "He and Seamus were on the Sea Emperor's rigging...fighting! Dueling! And then..."

"Yes," Bernard gasped. "Yes...ohh...thank your No. 12 it was only a dream. Perhaps we're still rather touchy by all that's happened today, Emily. Besides, Beatrice would NEVER let David do such things. Not for all her honour, would she let it happen."

"No...no, Bernard. She wouldn't," said Emily. "We must still be feeling hit hard by the recollection...but it does make me wonder if David might be dreaming something too."

"Maybe he is, Emily," said Bernard. "But I know Beatrice can help him see past any dream, just as you help me, my perfect sister."

"I know, Bernard," said Emily. "Now, let's go to sleep again before we wake Thomas and Percy. Sleep tight, Bernard."

"Sleep tight, Emily," said Bernard as he and his sister fell asleep again, feeling no more nightmares creep into their funnels...

But all the way at Arlesburgh, things weren't so different for David and Beatrice. Several hours after they went to bed with rather full minds, Beatrice and David were tossing and turning in their sleep, as they too were having a most outlandish dream. Not of duels and swords, but nevertheless a most heated and truly outlandish dream to be faced with regarding that Grumpy Passenger...and a few little hints of the fate that would start to come to that Passenger's life...

---

The closed eye vision between David and Beatrice merged to Knapford Station where everyone had gathered and confronted the Grumpy Passenger on what he did to Bernard, then what he almost did to Emily. Only this time, it was just David and the Grumpy Passenger. David had just made the call to the SPD, and the Grumpy Passenger was still refusing to take responsibility, and placing the blame on David.

"You dare to call the SPD on me, Rider?! Supporting that navy blue killer, you're being so much like Sailor John!" Seamus groused, making David jump out of the office.

"DO NOT COMPARE ME TO SAILOR JOHN!" David snarled, his finger shaking with rage. "I carry his traits, but I use them all for GOOD cause! You're exactly like Ebenezer Scrooge himself, and THAT is a most fitting comparison upon you! Everything you're complaining about regarding those all around you, twisting every little thing into your greedy favour, that's just what Scrooge did! You're suffocating Bernard!"

"Pah! Well, he's no person! He can't be suffocated in any way in that sense! I do no such thing!" the Grumpy Passenger sniffed.

"You DO and you ARE!" David argued. "AND you're like Scrooge, except you shut out EVERY goddamn lesson that the Railway tries teaching you! You need to have your voice! But you don't want a voice, you just want to COMPLAIN about not having a voice! All your best acting is behind you! You're back to being a HACK!"

"ONLY because that Stirling is a disgrace to this entire Railway!" the Grumpy Passenger stated broadly. "It's his fault for bringing all the shadows that pirate brought upon us, and I will complain as much as I want!"

"You want to complain, bitch and moan because it's a good strategy for making the railway look trivial, FINE!" David snapped. "But we all know you CHOSE this life! You wanted it until you didn't! You used the railway just for attention due to your insecurities!"

"I don't use the railway!" the Grumpy Passenger bluffed.

"YOU DO! And you blame EVERYONE for EVERYTHING! You always make others aware of what you say they're doing wrong and they fall short! Whenever people have to even deal with your mere presence, Sudrian life is JOYLESS! You shouldn't be upset that I defend Bernard! You should be upset that you are causing such trivial ridiculing against Emily's brother!"

"A Navy Soldier defending the very engine who sparked all the chaos on Sodor!" the Grumpy Passenger huffed. "You could have done so much more...like not welcome him here to all!"

"YES! There's so much I could have done!" David yelled. "But I'M not being Sailor John toward Emily's brother! I was a sailor in the Navy who came nothing and was suddenly on the pinnacle of the whole Navy after flushing Sailor John out! You want so much, so fast, and all you're gonna do is...well...DAMN IT! There's so much I didn't do!"

"Thanks for that!" the Grumpy Passenger bleated.

"You're WELCOME!" David barked back sarcastically.

"I can't believe I have to know you Stirlings and Riders FOREVER!" Seamus yelled.

"You're...INSANE!" David lashed out as he banged his fist against the station wall so hard, he imploded a crack. "AND YOU'RE WINNING!"

"You're joking, right?! Don't you see?! I've already lost!" the Grumpy Passenger protested. "Your phone call in that office has sealed my fate!"

"What does THAT have to do with Bernard? WHAT?" David barked.

"You made that phone call to defend a fugitive from proper railway punishment! You and your emerald are so obsessed, so ensnared in your desperate ambition to shield that navy engine, and you're all so merged and self-absorbed in shielding that troublemaker, you don't even identify him as a danger anymore! You are all such...arrogant...IDIOTS! FOOLS! IMBECILES! DISGRACES TO THIS WHOLE RAILWAY! HMPH!"

David lunged toward the Grumpy Passenger with a pointing finger, and what came next out of the young captain's mouth was against all expectations. There was no sense of reason left in David in this moment. Only rage, vendetta, wrath, lenity and fire-eyed fury was his conduct now.

"EVERY DAY, SODOR WAKES UP AND THEY HOPE YOU'RE DEAD! DEAD LIKE- IF I COULD GUARANTEE BERNARD WERE TRUSTWORTHY, I'D HOPE YOU GET AN ILLNESS, FALL VICTIM TO CANCER, GET EVICTED OUT OF YOUR HOUSE, HANG, BEG, STARVE, DEHYDRATE IN THE STREETS, GET RUN OVER BY A LORRY, GET INJECTED BY A MORPHINE SYRINGE, THEN FINALLY GET SHOT AND DIE!"

Then the screaming and yelling at the top of lungs stopped. Silence fell over the station in the countless moments that followed. David's rage-laced expression steadily ebbed away, then was replaced with absolute remorse, shock, humiliation and regret as he felt everything crackling down. He looked as though a poisoned bayonet had been stabbed into his chest. Just like Thomas did when he told Emily about his nightmare of her being killed by Sailor John, David's face went very, very red. Not of uncontrollable rage and fury, but rather of overwhelming shame and racking distraught. His shoulders began twitching wildly and his lips had never quivered so hard before. He began to pant and hyperventilate to himself as he buried his face in his hands, then descended into a heart-breaking series of sobs, coughs, groans and heaves. David sunk down to his knees, practically kneeling his body downward and sobbing profusely. All the vitriol had finally gotten to him.

Seamus Holder, the Grumpy Passenger just stood where he was and stared, too frozen, abolished, and gobsmacked to make any response in the least...

---

David suddenly burst awake and jolted his head to the window. He saw he was still in his bedroom at Arlesburgh, and he briefly remembered all that had happened today. But then he heard rustling coming from down the hallway from another room. David got out of bed, got on his house robe and started walking down the hallway. Halfway there, Beatrice game into view in a nightgown and a rather concerned look on her face.

"Mum...are you okay?" David asked.

"Oh...oh, David!" Beatrice gasped as she ran forward and squeezed David in such a tight hug. David was suddenly very sure what this meant.

"Mum...I...I came to tell you I had...such an awful..."

"So did I, David!" Beatrice gasped. "I saw you and Seamus at the station and..."

"I...I know, Mum," said David. "All this turmoil has put us under such an impression! I...I can hardly bear what I said in that nightmare...I...I..."

David suddenly tumbled out all the details about that nightmare, all while Beatrice nodded gravely until all the details were given out...then she looked to David again. In the following moments, just like that dream, David's face began to redden and his eyes shimmered with tears. After everything that had happened over three days, David couldn't hold it in anymore and he started to cry as he walked hastily back to his room and sat on the bed, bowing his head and shaking through his sobs.

Beatrice could only stare, taken absolutely aback that her nightmare was just the same as David's...but she also knew that he would never do such things in his entire life. Ever. After what felt like three minutes of crackling emotion David kept spewing out, Beatrice walked carefully to her crippled son and began caressing and petting his hair while he sobbed even harder. David sobbed in agony as he leaned desperately into his mother's caress.

"I'm...I'm sorry!" he heaved. "I swear I will NEVER let such words as those in this dream escape my mouth! I...I love you, Mum! I love you!"

"I know you'll never do such things, David. I know that...I love you too," Beatrice whimpered heavily as she too began to cry.

Without tilting his head up, David reached his hand to Beatrice's hand and held it as tightly as he could, all while Beatrice caressed and hushed her son, slowly calming his flamed soul until David slowly managed to lie down again. Beatrice stayed with him for a while yet, holding his shoulder and gently petting his hair until he finally fell asleep again.

"It's going to be okay. For Bernard, you and all of us," Beatrice whispered to her son.

Then she kissed him goodnight, then returned to her room and went back to bed, all while Thomas, Percy, Emily and Bernard slept on through the night until the truth regarding Seamus Holder's position would come to be known...

The next morning, the sun rose with a shimmer of pink and orange through Knapford Sheds. Thomas, Percy Bernard and Emily were all huddled together all night after a safe and close slumber together. Emily and Bernard woke up slowly, then as they looked to each other through a yawn and gave a little smile. Thomas and Percy woke up with a yawn too and saw the Stirling Duo were already awake.

"G...good morning, Emily," Bernard said heavily. "S...such a radiant morning out there."

Emily gave a little nod and leaned in to her brother, touching her nose to his.

"Good morning, Bernard. It does look radiant..."

"Good morning, Emily and Bernard," said Thomas "Oh...oh, dear...I guess we're now about to find out what happens with Seamus today."

Tin that moment, as the sun beamed through the windows, all four engines felt a sudden dash of tingles through their hearts as they began to think deep thoughts again. It dawned upon them what had happened the day before, and that today would be the moment of truth for them to find out. They didn't know what would happen today with the Grumpy Passenger. He had been suspended from passenger trains for at least six months, and it was anyone's guess as to what everything he had done would come to bring about.

"Ohh, Emily...what could happen with him today?" Thomas asked. "Will he be placed under arrest? Forbidden to watch trains until he can be trusted? Be sent away from Sodor?"

"I don't know, Thomas...but we're about to know very soon," said Emily.

"Well...I think we should go and see for ourselves," said Percy. "Your passengers will soon be arriving, Emily."

"Yes. Yes they will, Percy," said Emily. "Well, let's go, everyone."

And so they did. With heavy, unsettled hearts, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard all made their way out of Knapford Sheds and made their way toward the station.

Meanwhile, at his own home, the Grumpy Passenger had woken up feeling quite grumpy even now. But not about Bernard anymore. This time, he was grumpy about having a disturbed sleep over all that had happened the day before. Mumbling and grumbling, he set off on his way for Knapford Station with no intention other than getting a spot of tea after everything he had been dealt. But not ten minutes after he left, a mail van and a lorry came along the road and parked right beside Seamus Holder's house, and things began to be placed there. Along the house, and in the mailbox for the Grumpy Passenger to find out quite soon...

Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard made their way to Knapford Station. Emily collected her coaches and waited for her passengers to start arriving, when David and Beatrice arrived from Bertie and came to the station too. Beatrice was holding David's hand and David gave her a little nod as they looked up and saw Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard all gathered together.

"Good morning, Emily," said David.

"Good morning, Bernard," Beatrice added.

"Hello, David and Beatrice," said Emily. "Has...has there been any word about Seamus yet?"

"Not yet, Emily...but I think we're about to find out," said David.

Then the Riders and four engines looked and saw the Fat Controller come out of his office, clearly thinking deeply to himself and humming lowly. He walked up and down along the platform for a minute or two until Thomas spoke up.

"Uhh...morning, sir," said Thomas.

The Fat Controller looked up. "Oh. Thomas. And Percy, Emily and Bernard. I'm glad you're all here. I...I'm waiting."

"Waiting? For what, sir?" Bernard asked.

"Not what, Bernard. For who," said the Fat Controller. "I'm wondering if Seamus will come along again...and we'll see just what has befallen him. You seen, I've had a few phone calls from the Sodor Island Council, the SPD, a few Railway Inspectors...and even the Bank of Sodor."

"The bank? What's all this, sir?" David asked.

The Fat Controlled beckoned the four engines and the Riders to come close together. Then he spoke quietly.

"It's about Seamus. I've been busy talking with the Sodor Island Council a little this morning, and...they've made their decision about him."

All four engines suddenly gasped lightly, while Beatrice felt her heart jump and David clutched his silver charm.

"They...they have, sir?" Emily asked. "Well...what is it?"

"What consequences shall befall our grumpy meddler?" Bernard asked.

"I'm going to wait and see what Seamus does...if he comes along, that is," said the Fat Controller. "Then you'll hear it for yourselves."

The four engines began to wonder again. What was going to happen with Seamus, and would it fit all his actions against Bernard? Soon, Emily's passengers began to arrive and gather at the ticket window. They were all murmuring amongst each other about what had happened the day before. They looked to Bernard and Emily and all looked completely empathetic and understanding now.

"We heard it all, Bernard," said one passenger. "Totally abominable and unacceptable."

"We are all embarrassed and outraged by that passenger's nerve and gall," said another one.

"I just hope his punishment fits the crimes for abusing the Emerald Law," said a third one. "For your sake, Emily and Bernard."

"Thank you, everyone," said Bernard.

"I really hope he can't give us any more trouble," said Emily.

"Oh, I don't think he will," said the Fat Controller. "Not in the least."

And then, sure enough, everyone could hear that grumbling voice. Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard all went still. Everyone looked, and there came the Grumpy Passenger. Unlike simply coping and moving on as they did before, all the passengers went quiet and still, all glaring at him wherever he walked. Seamus looked to all of them and could tell he wasn't the most welcome to be here, but he didn't care. He was here for this tea and nothing more. Everyone watched as he came along and walked to 'MC BUNN Hot Food All Day, Tea and Refreshments.' The Grumpy Passenger looked to Bernard and bore another look of contempt. The four engines frowned right back at Seamus as he walked over to the counterman. But the counterman, just like everyone else across Sodor had come to hear just what had happened the day before with this very man.

"Oh, it's YOU again, is it?" the counterman said with discontent. "And what do you mean by coming here...after all you've done to Bernard and Emily?"

"Nothing more except a share of tea," said the Grumpy Passenger. "Is that too much to ask?"

"No, but why you're here is something of a mystery," the counterman frowned. "You must have a LOT of shameless nerve coming here after what you did to Bernard and almost did to Emily! And we are not going to stand for this anymore! You have officially lost all of our trust! Now GET OUT!"

"Alright, alright, no need to shout. Just as soon as my tea is ready," the Grumpy Passenger replied obstinately. "Put it on my tab."

When the counterman heard this, he took a brief glimpse to Thomas, Emily, Bernard and Percy, and the Fat Controller...then back to the Grumpy Passenger.

"You don't have a tab," said the counterman. "And as of earlier this morning, I'm afraid your finances and assets have been polarized."

All four engines and the passengers suddenly felt a jolt in their hearts. What was this about?

"What? That is not possible. I think you're bluffing," the Grumpy Passenger smirked.

"It's very true," the counterman replied. "If you don't believe me, you are welcome to speak to your accountant."

"Huh! I see! Well, I'll just let financial investigation do the job for me," the Grumpy Passenger bragged.

Everyone watched as he went to the nearest telephone he could find. He turned the dial and in less than a minute, he began speaking, while everyone listened to everything that was spoken from that Grumpy Passenger.

"Hello? Yes, this is Seamus Holder. There seems to be a little issue with my tab for some tea at 'MC Bunn's Hot Food All Day, Tea and Refreshments,' at Knapford. I told the counterman you'd investigate and set everything straight...what do you mean I'm broke?! What about all the money I possess by my own free will?! It...it got withheld by the Bank of Sodor...my order of the SPD? ...THEY DID WHAT WITH IT?! NO! That CAN'T be! What about my house? ...IT GOT WHAT?! WHAT?!"

The Grumpy Passenger suddenly hung up rather hastily, then just stood there, gaping and popping his eyes. Thomas, Emily, Bernard, Percy, David and Beatrice all watched with astonishment as the Grumpy Passenger's legs beginning to quake and his hands shook with absolute, overwhelming shock...then suddenly, Seamus Holder shot away from the station as fast as he could, leaving all the engines and the Riders with buzzing hearts. Could it be? It might be...

The Grumpy Passenger hurried all the way back to his house. He looked up, then stopped dead in his tracks. There it was for him to see. There was a large sign that read, "FOR SALE," posted by the house. The windows and doors had been bordered up with wooden boards, barring any access at all. And there, in Seamus Holder's mailbox was a notice right there to read He opened it and was immediately petrified right to his heart nearly petrifying itself as he read.

"NOTICE OF EVICTION - To Mr. Seamus Timothy Holder,

The former occupant of these premises, Seamus Timothy Holder, you are hereby evicted and
all your assets have been officially confiscated in response to your truly appalling actions against
Sir Topham Hatt's 'Emerald Law,' effectively violating Clause 12-B, Title 6, Article 4, Section 39 of
the North Western Railway Code. Emily's brother Bernard has been a victim of past traumas for
the accidental death of Seymour Murphy's father and trying to seek help during his very first visit
on Sodor, and all you've done is blame him, complain about him and even cane him illegally.

As of today, your property is up for auction and you are hereby forbidden to enter this property
again until such time you can compensate for your own actions, repent upon them and redeem
upon them. But until that day, until you are fit to be trusted in the eyes of Sudrian Society again,
you are now expurgated. You are dismissed, you are out of here indefinitely. We wish you well.

Yours truly,

The Sodor Island Council.
The Supreme Bank of Sodor
The Sudrian Police Department
The North Western Railway Board."

Seamus Holder could not, for all the sensations he carried in his mind, believe what the Hell he had just read. There he was, at the house that was now no longer his...and all his money and assets...gone! A whole slew of thoughts began overflowing his head as he began to think of solutions, but instantly realized all such plans were already stopped frozen in their tracks. He suddenly took off running again, back to Knapford Station.

Back at the station, Thomas and Percy were both exclaiming and stammering away to what they had heard the Grumpy Passenger say. Emily and Bernard's eyes were as big as dinner plates and both their mouths were gaping to what they had heard themselves...and David and Beatrice were most surprised and shocked indeed.

"Broke? The bank did what with that money? What in the name of Hiro, Master of the Railway is going on here?" David exclaimed.

"Oh...oh, by my stars!" Beatrice gasped. "I...I didn't think...it...it could be...it might be...!"

Then everyone heard the fast sound of footsteps outside the station. Everyone looked and heard those footsteps really slow down...and there he was again. Seamus Timothy Holder, now the Miserable Passenger walked back into the station, looking truly and absolutely destroyed by the look on his face. There was suddenly a budding sense of poetic justice, but also vague sensation of how to feel precisely between the engines and Riders alike.

"Seamus Holder...what is that you're carrying?" the Fat Controller asked.

Seamus looked up then shut his eyes tight and looked away. He handed the notice to the Fat Controller, who then walked right over to Thomas, Emily, Percy and Bernard and showed it to them. David and Beatrice gathered around and read the notice too...then all eyes shot back to Seamus.

"Well...well, I never, EVER did!" Emily gasped. "I...I never imagined...this...this...!"

"Is...is it true?" Bernard gasped. "Is this for...for real?!"

"This...I...are my senses going loopy?!" Percy exclaimed.

"Cinders and Ashes...Fire and Smoke! Look at this!" said Thomas.

The four engines and the Riders had all looked closely and saw just what was written on that paper...and there it was for everyone to realize. This was it. Seamus Holder the Grumpy Passenger had been found out by the Fat Controller, the Sodor Island Council, the Bank of Sodor, the SPD and the North Western Railway Board...and punished. He looked absolutely, undeniably, purely and inescapably miserable, distraught and defeated. And all the engines looked surprised, shocked, stunned and yet...so victorious underneath.

"My...my assets...have all been confiscated," Seamus said shakily and with pure, distraught shock "Frozen, cancelled, terminated. I've lost everything...my house, my assets, my property, my savings...they're all gone!"

Such a wave of shock, surprise, and absolute subversion of expectations was sweeping through Thomas, Emily, Percy, Bernard, David and Beatrice all alike. They all knew something would happen...but no one had ever suspected something like this to happen. This was no order of being grounded, arrested or imprisoned...this was having everything literally taken away!

"Well. How do you like that? He's finally given the cold shoulder he gave all this railway!" Bernard thought with a frown.

"Hmm. The feeling is mutual," said Emily. "In more ways than one."

"Now, we'll get some peace at last!" Percy said cheekily.

"I've got to make my own way without a home now!" Seamus mourned. "Until such a time comes when I can find new assets!"

"And then you'll be just as grouchy, grumpy, rude and abusive as ever. Eh, Seamus?!" Thomas said with a cynical smile.

"I hope not. Don't you?" All the engines thought to themselves and each other.

Then in the next moment, Seamus Holder, the now Miserable Passenger looked to the station ceiling, then shut his eyes tight, turned and walked slowly away, with his head bowing so low. Everyone watched as he slowly walked around the bend and finally out of sight.

"Well. By my word. There he goes," said Thomas. "No house, no shelter, no resources, supplies or anything left. Everything he had...is gone."

"And there will be no more passengers to worry about his grumpy presence...but...what will he do now?" Emily asked.

"He...he's gone," Percy breathed. "But now...oh...what's gonna happen to him?"

"His grumpy meddling is...no more...by...by my funnel!" Bernard gasped. "David...he...he's lost everything! What can you say to all of this?"

David maintained his blank stare to the Grumpy Passenger's direction.

"Damn him," David stated blankly. "I do not know why this is...but I could almost find it in my heart to hope he makes it...just like you'll make it through all we need to help you recover from, Bernard."

Bernard looked to David, not knowing what to think. Then he looked out again and saw Seamus Holder just walk out of sight to now only survive in any way he could. Then finally, the Fat Controller gave a sigh.

"Oh, well. After what happened yesterday, I suppose it's all for the best, really," he said. "He really was a nuisance around the railway, wasn't he?"

"Yes," said David. "He most certainly was. That's what happens to you if you're grumpy and bad-tempered for too long until it's too late."

Bernard didn't say another word. He knew something tremendous had taken place that very morning, as did Emily, and Thomas and Percy. It was in that moment that they all decided they had no further words for the given situation. They had work to do until they could meet up again. David and Beatrice made their way back to Arlesburgh within the hour. Emily was soon on her way with her passengers, while Thomas and Percy got back to the Branch Line run...while Bernard accompanied Emily wherever they went with a new, glowing sensation beaming in the Stirling brother and sister. They could feel such a glowing sense of pure poetic justice that had been dished to Bernard. From here on out, things could only go up. Bernard still had inner wounds to get over, but he couldn't go down anymore, as long as Emily, Beatrice and his friends would be there to help him.

The word quickly got around to what had just happened to the Grumpy Passenger, and soon the rest of the island was talking away all about it. Gordon and Rebecca were shocked to hear such a thing happen to the Grumpy Passenger, but they did feel like it was perfect justice given to Bernard until his spirits would really rekindle. James was immediately proud to hear such news, Nia had pretty much nothing to say, but still felt happy for Bernard, and even the engines at the Blue Mountain Quarry came to hear the news. Especially Duncan.

"Well! Great Scott! About time for that old humbug!" gruffed Duncan. "I was certain he was no good from the instant I first laid eyes on him!"

"Perhaps, Duncan. I knew that man well," said the Thin Controller. "But, by glory! I NEVER thought he'd to a thing like that! I will NOT be forgiving him anytime soon for such heinous behaviour. And he'll certainly be thinking twice. To lose everything he literally had. I think that will teach him a lesson NEVER to be forgotten!"

And so, Seamus Holder was now wondering the streets on his own, in complete desolation, loss and despair. The sort of hopelessness and shame that made Bernard almost pop at everything this very man had laced upon him. The Grumpy Passenger was surely only getting the merest inkling of the despair Bernard felt when left to the mercy of the cane.

"NOOO! This is the end of everything!" the Miserable Passenger exclaimed in distraught. "The very end of everything for Seamus Holder! How can I hope EVER to be set free of this nightmare?! They'll all resent me! They'll all forget me! Wise Sir Topham Hatt, consoling and compassionate Beatrice, clever and intelligent David, purely sensible Emily...and Bernard...her most perfect...and innocent brother! I've seen the real truth too late! It really is...the END for me!"

And so the Grumpy Passenger was now left with no assets, home, food or water. No one knew what would become of the Grumpy Passenger now that he had no assets and no home anymore. He'd probably take refuge in sheds, or under bridges, find firewood, and forage for food. But unlike the Fat Controller and David did through their early lives, Seamus Holder was no Boy Scout or Navy soldier. But as grim as his situation seemed to be, this wasn't over yet. Bernard's grumpy meddling from the diesels and Grumpy Passenger were now over. He would not have anyone else troubling him, but his visit was only a few days away from being finished...and after the troubling, tragic cloud that had been looming over him for the past few days now, there would be one more big change in his visit...for the absolute best there ever could be.

---

Well...that was a pretty intense, ambitious and ridiculous, wasn't it? Way more than I expected, I can tell you that. Yes, we gave the Grumpy Passenger a name, and ramped up his already established personality to probably the highest and over-the-top degree we probably ever could since this is the only time we'll use the Grumpy Passenger at this magnitude. It was definitely an interesting chapter to put together, to say the least... According to Jeremy, the second dream with David's outburst to the Grumpy Passenger is inspired by the argument scene in the movie "Marriage Story," starring Scarlet Johansen and Adam Driver as a married couple who go through a dispute surrounding their marriage, caring for their son, and moving between New York and Los Angeles...I'd never even heard of that movie until this point so I can only go off of what Jeremy told me about it. Anyway, the next chapter is actually going to be the finale, we had originally planned to have this be six chapters, but we've reduced it to five, but that doesn't mean we're cutting any content, as you'll soon see. Until next time, tell us what you thought of this...wild chapter, and as always, stay safe.