Somewhere along the west coast of the mainland near Scarborough there rose a frantic, heavy head of steam along a salt-worn line of tracks. Mallard was pacing in an endless circle around an abandoned train station. His brilliant blue paintwork was grungy and beginning to fade along with his psyche. An ugly scar cut straight through his handsome face where Meredith had managed to catch him with her broken fender. He didn't wait for it to heal properly before fleeing the Steamworks the night after his failed attempt to murder the little tank engine.

Ellis sat on a cracked siding watching him with bored indifference. The nearby shore line sprayed her with hot ocean water and relieved some spots of the accumulated grime on her boiler. "You need to decide our next move, Mallard. We'll die out here otherwise."

"What the fuck do you want me to do? I can't take Scot by myself, he has my own blood backing him!" Mallard's tone was completely unhinged as he regarded Ellis with blistering hate. "And Gordon will turn too once he learns our full intentions. Assuming Scot hasn't killed him beforehand."

"He wouldn't kill his own brother." Ellis rolled her eyes. "I still think it would be smart to offer him a spot as your right-hand should we take Scotsman out."

"I assumed you would want that position for yourself."

Ellis scooted towards Mallard with a sultry grin. "I figured I could be more of a… matriarch."

"What? Like a wife?" Mallard smirked. "I think I'm supposed to actually like the woman I pick to be a wife. You're more suited to be the street whore I call upon for a good fuck."

Ellis' grin dropped to a scowl. "A good leader needs a strong female to act as their voice of reason is all I'm saying."

"Sure it is." Mallard chuckled. "Or am I just your newest obsession since Scot is so far out of reach?"

"You're the scum of the earth and I'd sleep just fine should you die, but you understand your place should be at the top and not at the mercy of a bunch of little engines."

"A compliment and insult all at once," Mallard purred. He inched closer to Ellis. "Somehow I'm flattered."

The black K1 started to back away. "Because you're a horny pig. Start thinking with your head for once and focus! The whole reason that little titter is even alive is because you couldn't help but fuck her first. An absolute pillock you are!"

"She would have died in those woods had my bloodhound of a brother not found her." Mallard furrowed his brow and moved away from Ellis and back towards the crumbling station's platform. "We stand no chance so long as he's around."

"What of Kestrel and Link?"

"Spencer you mean? I've not heard him called Link in years." A nostalgic smile broke Mallard's hard disposition. He stared at himself in the shattered glass that still clung stubbornly to the rotting wood frames. He caught glimpse of his scar and his frown returned. "Kestrel's a pacifist, but he worships the rails Quicksilver drives on, he'll do anything that pretentious prick tells him— even fight. As far as Spencer is concerned I can't say for certain. He was quick to come to Meredith's aid when you had a go at her, but I've not seen him since. He's flighty."

Ellis joined Mallard at the station. She watched the once stately A4 carefully. She thought for a moment maybe she felt bad for him. Betrayed by his brothers. But many would agree or argue he betrayed them. Not that she cared. They betrayed themselves when they sided with that little pest over their fellow large engines.

"So Quicksilver?"

Mallard started, pulling his gaze from his broken reflection. "Oh— right, he's strong. Stronger than Scot. There was once a time we possibly could have brought him to our side…"

"But…?"

Mallard let a slow breath out. "He's in love with Meredith."

"How do you know?" Ellis tried not to scream. That damn little engine. What about her was so mystifying? She was immature, floozy, and selfish. It made no sense.

"How do you not? Quicksilver has always been a self-serving loner. He'd rather be wrapped up in his own private interests than have any sort of relationship with anyone— aside from Kestrel." Mallard let out an exhausted chortle. "I might as well consider myself dead the second I set fender back in London."

"You can't give up yet. We ju—"

"I've not given up you stupid bitch!" Mallard barked, his eyes like hot iron against Ellis' face. "I'm saying it can't be me who takes my brother out."

Ellis stiffened her jaw, ignoring his crass words. "Do you have anyone in mind then?"

Mallard dragged his tongue across his teeth as he read over his mental checklist. There were moments he could still taste Meredith's delicious oil. "Perhaps, but it'll take a bit of… persuasion."

"Well if we can sweet-talk that big, blue brute, I'm sure we can handle whoever else you have in mind." Ellis hummed. She painted on a seductive smile in an attempt to win back Mallard's favor once more.

He noticed. "I hope you're not expecting to get laid after that little comment earlier."

Ellis fumbled. "I didn't mean to be insulting. You just seem tired."

"I am tired." Mallard started along the track that hugged the cliff side. He watched as the water broke against the sharp crags before falling back into the sea full of bubbles, froth, and dirt. "But I'm nowhere near the point of giving up." Ellis had made her way to Mallard, their eyes met. Without any warning he scooped her up before thrusting himself inside her. "I'm just getting started." He whispered as he locked her into a heated kiss, laying into her with the same intensity as the sea against the rocks.

"You're that Emerson fellow, yes?"

"Yes… and you are?"

"Kestrel. I'm a friend of Meredith's."

"Where's Gordon?"

"Oh, uhh—" Kestrel glanced around nervously. He didn't think about the Sudrian engine asking where his old pal was when he stole the express that ran from London to Vicarstown. "He had a special he needed to run to Liverpool early this morning. I figured I'd lend him a helping wheel. Plus I was curious of this little island I've heard so much about." The last part, at the very minimum, was the truth.

"I'm gonna take a wild guess and assume you're another one of Spencer's siblings?" Emerson raised his brow. The green A4 was perky and he had that similar stupid air his silver counterpart carried. He seemed harmless compared to Mallard, though Emerson held cautious.

"Oh yes," Kestrel chuckled. "There's a slew of us A4's cavorting along the mainland. Brothers and sisters. Though I'll admit, I've only met a small handful of them, just the ones who run the line from London. Let's see— there's Spencer —obviously— Quicksilver, Mallard, myself, there's also Bittern, but he's a right cock. Makes Mallard seem loveable. I used to be garter blue like he and Mallard, but a mixup at the Steamworks saw me painted BR green. They tried to correct it but I actually quite fancy the color myself. I— oh." Kestrel paused when he saw Emerson staring blankly at him. "I'm sorry… I can be a bit of a rambler at times."

"It's alright. I'm kinda used to it actually." Emerson couldn't help but smile. "We have an engine who is quite the chatterbox herself."

Kestrel laughed. "I can see why Meredith spoke so highly of you. You're very handsome. I suppose it makes sense given your basis. I've only met a handful of A3s besides Scot and Gordon, but they were all very good looking."

Emerson's cheeks ran hot. "Well— thank you. Mer… talked about me?"

"Oh, yes, all the time. At least— up until your little scuffle with her new beau."

"Right…" Emerson's half smile was replaced with a flat line. He didn't like talking about Flying Scotsman. "How is she? Are you close?"

Kestrel let out a low chuckle, out of the corner of his eye he noticed the guard preparing to release his train so he knew his time was running short. "She's okay. She's been a— well she's been on a bit of a holiday. And yes, you could say we're close." He winked and Emerson frowned. Another chuckle from Kestrel. "Were you two— involved, hm?"

"A few times." Emerson said pointedly.

"Ah hah-hah, that little engine does get around, doesn't she?" Kestrel's smile never once broke. He's a rather cherry engine for the most part, even under Emerson's disapproving glare he never once lost his pep. "Lucky you. I've only had her once, unfortunately. Scot isn't exactly keen on sharing, but I happened upon her when she was mad at him." A shiver ran down from his funnel to his cab. "Angry, vengeful sex is the best— don't you think?"

That made Emerson smirk. "I do."

Kestrel raised his brow. "Grabbed your attention, did I?"

"Perhaps." Emerson said slowly. "I'd pop her rivets just to spite Flying Scotsman."

It was then that Kestrel's smile disappeared, but before Emerson could notice, Kestrel's guard sounded the whistle. "Well, it was very nice to finally meet you, Emerson." He forced a friendly grin as he steamed forward. "We'll have to talk again sometime."

Emerson nodded as he watched Kestrel depart. He couldn't help but smile. Finally, it seemed like he'd met a decent engine from the mainland.

Meeting Kestrel ended up being the highlight of Emerson's day. The rest of it dragged on slower than slow Stephen pulling a train of tourists. He couldn't stop thinking about what Kestrel might have meant about Meredith being 'on holiday'. It made no sense. He started to speculate she had some sort of involvement in the recent engine mauling outside LNER. The full extent of her forced participation, however, continued to be lost on him.

Emerson came to a stop at Arlesburgh Harbor where he once again sat at the lighthouse watching the sunset. He found himself in that spot often. It was peaceful where not even the noise of his mind could disturb him. He'd take in the damp sea air and often daydream as the sun would slip quietly behind the horizon. Though that evening, his thoughts were interrupted by another.

"Emerson?"

The big engine nearly jumped off the tracks as he shot a glare to the track beside him. "I'm busy!" He snipped at Sonny.

"Oh— uhh… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." The little tank engine's cheeks were hot and he averted his eyes from Emerson's sharp stare. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright is all."

Emerson sighed, looking away from Sonny's pathetic pout. He hated to admit that the odd little engine had grown on him. He was well-intended and genuine, and that cockney accent was incredibly charming.

The maroon Pacific cast another quick glance to Sonny. "Thank you." He whispered.

"I understand you've been rather troubled recently, are you sure you wouldn't want to just talk about it? You know, instead of cornering me…" The red returned to Sonny's cheeks as he looked away with an awkward chuckle. "Not that I minded… a little warning would have been nice though."

Emerson winced. "I'm sorry about that. I suppose I could've gone about that a little differently."

"Like I said… a bit of a heads up is all I need." Sonny continued to avoid eye-contact. He didn't want to see how Emerson reacted to his poor attempt at flirting, but the big engine had developed quite the mischievous grin.

"Just a warning?" Emerson's voice had lowered to a deep purr.

"Mhm." Still looking about.

"No need to ask?" Emerson slinked onto the track where Sonny sat and watched the little engine glance around nervously.

"Well— uhh— I wouldn't say tha— oh!" Sonny yelped at a sudden bump from behind. "What are you doing?"

Emerson lifted Sonny up by his rear fender. "Consider this your warning." He whispered.

"Wouldn't you prefer somewhere more… private?" Sonny was sweating, but not from the prospect of getting caught. He merely felt obligated to ask.

Emerson let out a long, sultry sigh, gently pressing his lips to Sonny's coal bunker. "Nope."

It was nearly midnight when Meredith found herself alone in the shunting yard. All the diesels had left and there was not a car or truck left to organize. She had slipped from Flying Scotsman's shed while he slept after yet another nightmare woke her in a puddle of sweat.

She had been released from the Steamworks a few days prior but had not yet been put to work. Dr. Hart said she would have a special assignment by the end of the week, so Meredith had been spending most of her time at Hayden and Alex's home. The two kept her busy with games, conversation, and sometimes Hayden would bring the television onto the deck and they'd watch sitcoms while Alex read in his office.

As far as Meredith's intimate life, she's been completely resistant to any and all physical affections from Scot. She struggled with it however. Part of her wanted to let him wear her out, while another very loud part wanted to run the other way anytime he tried to kiss her. She felt guilty. Luckily Scot was more than understanding, but she knew he was also disappointed.

Meredith told herself she would have sex with Scot by the end of the week though when she was released, her confidence in meeting that goal began to dissipate. So there she was, alone, frustrated, and exhausted. The frequent nightmares didn't allow her much sleep.

She continued to puff around the yard, trying to shake herself of the mental images from her most recent near death experience. Then she heard the familiar puffing of a large engine and she hid herself in a corner. She watched as Gordon rolled in wearing his typical deadpan visage. Meredith bit her lip. She really didn't want him to see her, but it was too late, he noticed her almost immediately after the moonlight struck her paintwork. "Why are you hiding?" He said, raising his brow.

"Just… I just couldn't sleep." Meredith said. She inched into his view, but she kept her eyes low. She could hardly look at him. Not after seeing him hooking up with Ellis. "I wasn't hiding."

"Glad to see you're still a terrible liar." That comment made Meredith look at Gordon. He was only a few feet away, his eyes never leaving her for a moment. "Also glad to see you back in working order. Must have been a nasty accident."

"Yeah," Meredith didn't like his tone. It felt maniacal. "You know she tried to kill me, right?"

"Who?"

"Ellis."

"Yes, I know."

Those words seemed to tear the breath from Meredith's lungs. He knew. He fucking knew. He knew and he still fucked her. Meredith felt herself begin to seethe, but she took a deep breath in to try and calm herself. "So… that doesn't bother you?"

"I don't think you want my answer." Gordon said. He never once broke his stoic stare. There was not even a hint of love in his eyes. Not anymore.

"What happened to keeping me safe? Isn't that the whole reason you weaseled yourself to this railway?" Meredith did her best to not raise her voice, but she did back away slightly. She suddenly found she didn't trust him.

"It was, yes," Gordon watched the little engine move away. "But then I got to thinking about all that I put myself through for you. All the times I seriously hurt myself. The fact I've almost died just for you! Only to see you continually run back to my fucking brother! You haunted me for so long, stealing years from me. I'm not doing it anymore. What happens to you is your own doing. We've no reason to speak anymore. In fact, I want nothing to do with you, understand?"

Meredith blinked away tears. He hated her. "Yes… of course." She slipped onto another track to exit the yard; she was done with the conversation, but as she was passing Gordon she bumped into another set of buffers. She shook herself off and looked up to see a visibly angry Quicksilver.

"What're you doing out so late, dear?" He said, watching Gordon as he disappeared outside the yard before the silver A4 had a chance to confront him.

"I couldn't sleep." She said, a few teardrops slipped down her hot cheeks. "I was leaving."

"Why are you crying?"

Meredith kept quiet. She understood Gordon not wanting to speak to her… but hearing him say he didn't care if she was killed. It chilled her firebox.

"Mer?"

"Kiss me."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Please…" Meredith's eyes were overflowing by then. "Please, I don't want to think about Gordon and I can't look at Scot right now either. I just need a distraction. I don't want sex, I just need…"

Quicksilver looked around the yard as Meredith's sentence trailed off. He licked his lips. "Just a kiss?"

She nodded.

"You're not trying to con me into anything else?"

"I'm not. I promise."

Quicksilver breathed out sharply. His mouth was suddenly so dry and his boiler in knots. He wanted to throw up. He also needed to know what Gordon said to Meredith because it clearly upset her.

Quicksilver took another deep breath then dipped down to nuzzle Meredith's cheek. It was soft and wet with tears. He could feel her boiler's gentle vibrations and the sweet scent of her arousal flooded his nose. He gave her cheek a few gentle pecks then moved to her lips. They were plump and silky like a forbidden fruit he's been dying to bite into.

The kisses were above the surface and tame for a moment, but then Meredith slipped her tongue past Quicksilver's lips and his undercarriage lit up. He turned himself, locking their mouths together so his own tongue could taste her's; that's when she started to moan. The sound sent jarring shivers throughout Quicksilver's body. He wanted to feel himself inside her and hear her sighs. The panel holding his arousal back snapped open and when it did he threw Meredith off of him just as fast. The little engine squeaked in surprise as she caught herself.

"What?" She worked to catch her breath. Her face was burning up.

"You said it was just a kiss." Quicksilver snapped. He wiggled awkwardly as he worked to tame his sex before it slipped out into the open.

"It was." Meredith breathed. "Have you never kissed anyone before?"

"Of course I have!" Quicksilver was flustered. He wanted to let himself go further. But he knew Meredith didn't love him, she just wanted him for comfort, but the comfort she craved simply wasn't appropriate. "That wasn't a kiss! That was foreplay."

"No it wasn't!" Meredith furrowed her brow. "Ugh, you're such a prude."

"I'm sorry I seem to be the only one of us who cares about your current relationship!"

"You know that's horseshit." Meredith growled. "Scot is my world."

"You were going to let me fuck you!" Quicksilver could feel himself becoming hot with anger so he drove just to create some sort of breeze against his face.

Meredith followed. "What, so you want to?"

"Of course I do!" He stopped suddenly, his steam hissed out from every valve. "What engine doesn't?"

Meredith scowled. "Oh…"

"I'm sorry…" Quicksilver sighed. He realized that was a poor choice of words. "That wasn—"

"No, no, it's fine." Meredith started back up. "I know I'm just a plaything to everyone." She grumbled in frustration. "Maybe that's why I have a hard time staying loyal. Maybe that's why I didn't really fight Mallard like I should have. I'm nothing more than a sex toy to you all. Even Scot." She then stormed off without giving Quicksilver a chance to speak up.

He growled in frustration as he watched Meredith's form disappear around a corner. Flying Scotsman was not going to be happy if she was still gone when he woke up. Quicksilver shook himself off and worked his mind over how exactly he would explain her disappearance to him. "Fucking brilliant."

Alright, so we got a bit to digest here. I do apologize for that, but also, I don't. This was a fun one for me to write. I'll admit I do have a bit of a horrible love for Mallard. I've always been the person who leans to the 'bad guys' in basically everything so it's fitting. However, Mallard is a literal predator so it's hard for me to say I love him. I just enjoy writing him. Might also be because I get to abuse Ellis through him. Heh heh. They have such a toxic relationship. I dig it. I'm glad my mind decided to take that route with them. It's fun.

Pretty Katydid; Yeah, poor Mer has been through it. She's a sturdy lass for sure.

Quicksilver and Spencer are, in my mind, the stronger ones of the A4s. Spencer is just a dunce and doesn't really get himself into brawls. Even though Spencer is the oldest, Quicksilver is for sure the 'leader' of the railways A4s. He learned early on how to slap his brothers around. Spencer I imagine even in his early life as Silver Link was always a bit of a watcher. He never got involved and just let Quicksilver take the reigns as the roster of A4s quickly grew.

Also, I do plan to bring Bittern in at some point hence his little mention by Kestrel. I also imagine he's a bit of an ass like Mallard just not predatory. I've as well noticed I have a hard time imagining an A4 as a female. I don't know. It feels kinda sexist on my part, but the engines themselves look overwhelmingly masculine to me. I know they have to have some sisters, I just don't imagine I'll write any in. Kinda ironic; it's easy enough for me to picture a female A3, but the beautifully sleek A4s? Nah, can't see it. That's just how my brain works I guess. Lol.

I hope you continue to enjoy my use of Sonny as well as Emerson's slow descent into madness. Mwahahah. Homie has seen some shit and it's starting to catch up with him. Hehe.

Welp, that's all there is from me. I'll be galivanting on the internet for my own personal project. Thank you for the continued support!

Much love;

Bumble