A/N: The first update to this story in over a year! :P My apologies for forgetting I was even writing it. Writing this chapter made me realize how fun it was! Should be wrapped up soon, so get ready, readers! :D

...

Some nights later, Diesel X and other diesels had parked themselves right outside Knapford Station. They had wished to go in deeper, but ultimately decided against it- it was far too risky to launch a full attack when there could be steamies lying in wait, waiting for a counter attack.

"Right here is good enough," Diesel X announced as the diesels behind him pulled to a stop. "We must be careful, you know." He glanced behind him, noting the others' seemingly sorrowful looks.

"Hey- cheer up! We're winning!" He snapped in a whiny tone. "This is the beginning of a momentous occasion!"

"Oh don't worry, sir!" Norman piped up. "We're happy- even if our faces don't show it."

"Right," Arry joined in. "We must keep a steely gaze- to intimidate those steamies, right, sir?"

"Correct," the leader acquiesced. "We will have to come to a few blows by morning." He paused, realizing something.

"Speaking of which," he began cautiously. "It's too dangerous for me to be here. What if they come get me in my sleep?" He fretted.

"With all due respect, sir," Bert answered. "Do you really think that a few pathetic, weak steamies could overpower you, even in sleep?"

"Hm, that's dangerous thinking, Bert," Diesel X mused quietly. "What if they bring allies? Friends? There's still more of them than there are of us." Bert knew he was right, and said nothing for now.

"Norman! Find another place close by where I can sleep." He ordered to his subordinate, who quickly fled the yard and obeyed.

"To sleep! All of you! Tomorrow's going to be a busy day!" He barked, as he slowly followed Norman out of the station. "After all, if they do attack us, they'll get me last!" He said quietly, and to no one in particular.

Unfortunately for him, little did he know his lackeys could hear him, but they still resigned to peaceful slumber.

...

"Is Salty going to be alright down there, Lady?" Mavis asked her companion anxiously, as the group stayed in a siding on the main line, not too far from Knapford.

"He's just fine," The magenta engine reassured. "If I'm not mistaken, he's should be just outside Brendam with Porter. They said they saw Norman and Diesel X hanging about over there earlier this evening."

"Good." Mavis sighed with relief. "Can you double-check to see if they're alright, one more time, please?" She asked shyly. "Without getting caught, of course-I'd hate to put you in danger with Diesel X for a second time."

"Absolutely," Lady replied kindly. "I'd just hate for what happened to me to happen to anymore of you. This island's suffered far enough."

"You're the best," Mavis replied with a small smile. "Tell him goodnight for me- and please, come back here safe."

"I'll do my best. Goodnight, Mavis." And the magenta engine, with Lily on board, snuck out and to the Docks, leaving Mavis, still anxious, praying all went well.

This plan needed to work- and this time, without casualties.

...

Norman and Diesel X pulled into a quiet siding. It was completely abandoned despite being on the Main Line. Norman had overheard some time ago that Thomas once used the line to hide Hiro from Spencer during his rescue from scrap, and although it wasn't completely foolproof, it was a pretty good hiding place, for a while.

"What time is it?" Diesel X asked abruptly, interrupting Norman's thoughts.

"About 9' o clock." The red diesel replied dutifully. "Why do you ask?"

His superior simply grunted in response, almost ignoring the innocent question. "I'm not going to sleep this early- steamies take the mail train and could still be roaming the tracks." He muttered. "You sure that I'm completely hidden?"

"Well not entirely, but no steamies should even notice you're here, especially this late at night."

"Good. Now, Norman, be a good diesel and head back." He ordered. "Get up early, we have an plan to execute."

"Of course sir," Norman obeyed as he slid out the yard and back to Knapford, as Diesel X settled into a quick, yet watchful sleep.