At the scrapyards, a low light hung over the empty lot. The eerie sighs of the nighttime wind whistled through, creating an even bigger feeling of emptiness.
But once thing filled the air.
The smell of burning metal and the faint traces of some number 5 and 6 engines filled the furnace mouth, never to be seen or heard from again.
...
"Diesel X's dastardly deed has been met!" Spencer cheered as he burst through the Dieselworks, eager to inform his new master of what he had done. "It was the most ruthless murder this island has ever been guilty of. Arry and Bert, with whom I committed the deed, are indeed used to scrapping engines. But even they melted with compassion at the sight! Weeping like a bunch of schoolchildren! Crying, screaming, buffer to buffer and begging for mercy, the three of us shoved them right into the smelter's furnace! And I thought Thomas and Edward's were depressing! And since they were so distraught at the sight, I figured I could inform the high and murderous diesel of the deed myself. Here he comes, driver!"
Sure enough, Diesel X slithered into view, seemingly excited to see Spencer there. "Is what you have to say pleasant music, dear Spencer?"
"If following your orders is a sweet symphony to you, then I shall play the music, because I carried through, sir!" Spencer replied dutifully.
"The real question would be, did you see them scrapped?" Diesel X asked doubtfully.
"Of course, sir."
"No traces left of them?"
"None."
It was at this point Diesel X knew he made a great choice in trusting Spencer. Heck, the engine was even more reliable than the diesels who were doing his dirty work!
"Come back later, Spencer, and tell me all about the scrapping. While you're out, I'll be thinking of a...reward for you." Diesel X grinned. Spencer grinned in kind, before exiting the Dieselworks.
"Luckily, for James and Percy, they weren't the only ones who met their fat last night," The ochre diesel murmured to himself, once he was alone. "First Thomas and Edward, then James and Percy, and finally, our little Lady has been rid of my sight! And it only took me three tries-well, you know what they say, third time's a charm-"
"SIR!" A familiar voice called, interrupting his thoughts.
"Is what you need so important that it disturbs my thinking, Norman?" Diesel X snapped to his companion.
"Bad news, sir." Norman replied, ignoring his master's tone. "Paxton's fled to Mainland. He's brining a chorale of diesels to overthrow you, and...it's growing by the minute! And the Mayor of Sodor seems to discovered your deeds, and well...he's arriving on board Henry here any second!"
Diesel X paused. "Never mind, Paxton! The Mayor's appearance is a bigger deal. Once he finds out, I'm finished! Well if those two want an army, then by Jove, they'll get one! Norman, gather every diesel on this island, we're forming an army, we need to act fast! Go, now!"
Norman sped out of the Dieselworks, with Diesel X in close pursuit.
A war had finally begun.