Skarloey raced up to the Skarloey Railway as fast as his wheels would carry him, praying to Proteus that he could find Luke in time to stop him from committing suicide before it was too late. His firebox felt queasy at the horrible thought of stumbling across a tragedy, but he couldn't allow his friends to be in torment anymore.

'Please, please, Luke, wherever you are- don't do it!' Old Faithful thought frantically. Thinking would do no good- but he needed an emotional and spiritual lifeline- he needed to believe that Luke could, deep in his heart, hear the old engine's pleas.

...

"Thanks for listening to me, Rheneas," Said Luke graciously.

"That's alright, Luke- we're here to listen to you." Rheneas replied, coughing.

"But...but I felt so worthless...that I didn't deserve your help." The small green engine told him sadly.

"Luke, listen to me- you are NOT worthless. No matter how badly you're hurt and want to keep yourself locked up-don't do it. We'll help you get through it, because you're our friend, and we care about you. No matter how long it takes for you to heal again, you'll never be alone in the dark, Luke. We'll stick by you, until the day comes when you can say you're great and smile without masking your pain and heartbreak."

This bold and compassionate speech made Luke smile. It was a small, but sincere and heartfelt smile, and despite his empty firebox, Rheneas felt a warmth flare up inside at that small but meaningful gesture.

"Thank you, Rheneas. Your support means so much to me- I don't know where I'd be without you, or the other engines. No, scratch that- I do know, but I'm glad that that's not where I am." The Wren locomotive said gratefully. "I do wish engines had arms- I could hug you right now if I could." He suddenly blushed at the sudden statement, realizing how strange that sounded.

"I-I'm sorry, my friend- I just"-

"That's alright, dear friend- I do understand what you mean," Replied Rheneas thoughtfully. "Still, we're sticking together and ensuring you get well again."

Luke couldn't speak this time, so he stayed silent, and stared out of the shed. That was when he heard a noise- and beside him, he watched the older engine frown at the sound. "Well, dent my buffers if that isn't Skarloey racing over here like a racehorse." Luke heard Rheneas mutter darkly to himself. "And he's due in three, two, one..."

A burst of scarlet rushed into the yard, looking for the world like the Fat Controller attempting to run a marathon.

Luke's eyes widened in surprise at the accurate prediction- but then, he remembered that these two brothers had practically spent 150 years together, and it would be dire indeed if Rheneas had mistook his best friend's puffs for that of say, Peter Sam.

Skarloey looked totally exhausted by his frantic dash- but a look of heartfelt relief crossed his face when he saw Luke- alive and safe- at Rheneas's side. "Luke- thank Proteus you're safe!" He exclaimed. "We're worried about you!"

"You-you are?" Luke asked shyly.

"Yes!" Chuffed Skarloey. "Sir Handel was the one who first noticed your absence and raised the alarm. So, I snuck out of the quarry to look for you." He didn't want to bring up how scared he had been of finding Luke dead.

Luke's gaze fell to the ground in shame. "I'm sorry Skarloey, I didn't mean

"I'm just glad you're safe- and alive." Skarloey replied gently, his face softening in gratitude. "The other engines will be, too, once I tell them."

"Speaking of the others, do they know?" The vermilion engine asked cautiously.

"Yes, but Mr. Percival doesn't- nor does Mr. Bailey." Skarloey replied, causing both engines' eyes to widen in shock.

"Skarloey, you never broke the rules before!" Rheneas gasped in horror. "Sir Handel and Duncan have gotten into trouble already- I don't want you to be next!"

"Trust me, I'm scared, Rheneas. But the thought of something happening to Luke and none of us knowing where he was… that was far, far worse." His brother replied. "Friends are worth breaking the rules for- and should I get caught for it, I'll bear the punishment." Skarloey said bravely.

Luke blinked owlishly at Skarloey's sentiment. Rheneas was swifter at recovering, and spoke to his brother,

"Skarloey, you...well, you've come a long, long way since we first reunited on Sodor." He said softly. "You've gone from being a stubborn and selfish ass of an engine to willingly breaking the rules for a friend- a friend who feels suicidal, nonetheless. I'm proud of you, brother."

"How long did it take you to find the courage to say that?" Asked Skarloey, jokingly. Rheneas grinned.

"Well, I was waiting for the moment I was too ill and helpless, in case you attempted to defend your honourable reputation."

Luke was astonished to hear what Rheneas was saying; but he was even more so when he heard Skarloey laugh his deep, booming laugh.

"Oh me, Rheneas! I do miss having you in the quarry, boyo," He said affectionately, before his smile morphed into a serious expression, "Nonetheless, I'll break the rules time and time again without hesitation to help my friends." Skarloey replied. "How can courage thrive, if fear is nowhere to be found?"

Luke was gobsmacked at his friend's words, and unaware he was doing so, ended up staring at Skarloey with such intent until Rheneas coughed politely from beside him.

"Luke, are you alright?" The No. 2 engine asked, giving their companion a look of grave concern.

This startled the younger engine into answering "Yes, Rheneas- sorry. I, um..." He realised that Skarloey was frowning in confusion and he blushed furiously. "I was staring, wasn't I? Sorry, Skarloey...I used to do that sometimes back in Ireland- but I thought I left that behind."

"That's okay- you didn't mean to," Replied Skarloey kindly, his confusion melting to tenderness. "It just seemed...unusual."

Suddenly it started to rain, surprising the three engines. Then, a loud thunderclap sounded, making Luke squeak in alarm. Skarloey's eyes widened, but he remained soundless; glancing over at his brother.

The two brothers were dismayed, for they knew that Luke would still need their support, but that alone wasn't going to be enough to help him heal. No, no, it was clear now, after at least two suicide attempts, that their young friend would need the help of a professional psychiatrist.

But how could they obtain a psychiatrist to help a steam engine?

And how on Earth was Skarloey supposed to sneak both himself and an immobile Luke back to the Blue Mountain Quarry without getting caught?

During a thunderstorm, no less?