Toby and Percy could already see the downfall of their friends. The tiger had seized the gentle deer: a tyrant has begun to attack the weak, innocent engines. All hell would be breaking loose in a matter of days, and the two engines could see this clearly, as if they were looking at a map.

"Don't fret, ma'am," Toby assured the dowager. "After all, nobody has all the answers yet."

"Who knows, ma'am?" Percy joined in. "Maybe Thomas and Edward would be in the Smelter's for their own safety! I'm sure they'll be fine!"

But as confident as they sounded, they didn't know for sure.

...

Back on the main line, James had returned from his trip, and was making his way towards Brendam Docks where he was told the Dowager was waiting for him. Accompanying him were Paxton and Diesel 10.

"You seem weary, my dear James," Diesel 10 commented smoothly. "Has your journey back from the Mainland soured your mood?"

James huffed snootily. "Oh please, the journey back was nothing," He began. "But I do wish I had received a proper welcome! I mean, really? The only red engine on the island, gone for more than a month, and I only get a couple of diesels to welcome me back! Not even the other steam engines, either! It's disgraceful!"

Diesel 10 and Paxton shot each other a glance, both trying as hard as possible not to be offended by that comment.

"Well," Diesel 10 ventured after brief pause. "You seem to have misunderstood something about friendship," He explained, much like a father to his son. "You don't really understand how capable we engines are of trickery. All you know is what someone shows you, which has little to do with what he or she is really thinking. Those so called friends that you wish were here are dangerous. False friends- they don't really care about your arrival. God protect you from them and from other false friends!" He tutted, as if he could empathize.

"I agree I should be kept from false friends, Diesel, but the other steam engines...they aren't false," James replied, with a hint of hurt in his voice.

...

As the trio entered Brendam Docks, they were greeted by the cavalcade of Toby and Percy, along with their crews and Dowager Hatt.

James's face lit up at the sight of the two, more importantly, a bigger welcoming party! Just what he wanted!

"Toby! Little Percy! How are you two doing this morning?" James inquired cheekily.

Percy pouted. "Very well, thank you, James," He said. "Although, I'm not so little compared to you anymore," He quipped, giving Toby a knowing smile.

"Hello everyone!" Paxton greeted warmly.

"Likewise," Diesel 10 crooned. "What's that you were saying, dear Percy? About being a 'little engine'?" He changed the subject abruptly, catching Percy by surprise.

"Well, you once said that 'lazy weeds' grow fast. And it looks like you and James have outgrown me!" He retorted mischievously.

"Well, in retrospect, we are bigger than you, Percy," Diesel 10 replied evenly, as if that wasn't obvious to Percy already.

"And does that mean you two are lazy?" The little engine asked curiously.

"Lazy? Hm, that's not the word I'd use to describe myself..." Diesel 10 murmured aloud, but to no one in particular. "I prefer the word...mysterious..." He said at last. "Slow growing weeds can be quite unpredictable-they start of small, but can be the biggest in the field, when you least expect it!"

Toby cringed inwardly at hearing these words. Ain't that the truth...

"Speaking of which," Diesel 10 continued ominously. "Percy, will you accompany James to the Smelter's? Paxton and I were told to have you pick up something there after your meeting with the Dowager."

"Do we have to? I'm scared of the Smelter's!" Percy quivered to James, who just glared.

"When are you not scared of something, Percy?" He grumbled. "And what have you to be afraid of? It's early morning!"

"Diesel's ghost! I heard he was scrapped there! What if the same happens to us?" Percy asked frantically, only to be met by laughs from Diesel 10, James and Paxton.

"Pah! I'm not afraid of any dead diesels!" James boasted loudly.

"Nor a living one, I hope..." Diesel 10 mused quietly.

"Anyway!" Paxton cut in, hoping to defuse nay tension. "We must hurry! We do this on order, so let's not be late, you two. Bye, Toby! Bye ma'am! It was nice seeing you all!" He called as the new fleet of himself, Diesel 10, Percy and James made their way to the Smelter's.

Toby and the others called back a cheery goodbye, but inside Toby felt odd. No-paranoid. Or was it...anxious?

For a second, he could see a glimmer in Diesel 10's eyes- a glimmer in which he could see the future unfold.

And it wasn't looking too bright.