9 - Past Choices

"My word, you must be Henry correct?"

Henry was startled as an unfamiliar voice called out to him. The sound of a large engine slowly to a stop next to him echoed across the fields around them, its bark loud and rhythmic.

Henry had begun to recognise it as the sound of his siblings. Their engines sounded powerful and loud as if they had a bark to them. The sound of a true workhorse as Hillsy said.

"Yes I'm Henry," Henry said with a nervous smile as the black engine stopped beside him. The engine gave a hearty laugh.

"My what a strong engine you look," he said looking Henry up and down. He had a slight Scottish accent, Henry noted. "Your railway has kept you in fine condition."

"Thank you!" Henry blushed. "Who are you?"

"How rude of me I haven't introduced myself," the engine gave a throaty chuckle and grinned a friendly grin at him. "I am 5025, I'm somewhat of the leader of our class."

"Oh um hello, I wasn't expecting to see you, um," Henry immediately became flustered at the presence of the engine that his sister had told him he needed approval from.

5025 just laughed. "It's fine, completely fine! No need to be so nervous Henry! I'm not that important."

Henry just blushed, feeling incredibly self-conscious.

"I hear that Hillsy is making a nuisance of herself again," 5025 said and Henry looked at him nervously.

"She uh, she's been um, not very nice to my closest friend," Henry said looking down at his buffers. "My friend hasn't said anything though, I don't think he wants to upset me."

"Gordon, correct?" 5025 asked and Henry was surprised.

"I, yes, she's been passive-aggressive towards Gordon," Henry admitted. "Do you know him?"

"Met him briefly while he was covering for his brother on the mainland," 5025 said thoughtfully. "A nice engine, hard worker. Kept to himself and didn't involve himself with the drama we tend to have on the mainland."

Henry smiled. "That's him."

"I'll have Hillsy removed and replaced with another of our siblings," 5025 said matter of factly.

"What?" Henry was shocked. "I don't mean to cause trouble."

"It's no trouble at all Henry," 5025 reassured the green engine. "Hillsy has a history of inciting drama between engines of other railways. She promised me that she would behave herself but she has not. I do not wish any of our class to harass other engines, especially friends of our new sibling."

Henry was surprised. He hadn't been expecting 5025 to be so understanding or so accommodating.

"Thank you 5025," Henry said with a coy smile. "It's been hard, I've been conflicted over this for days. I didn't want to upset either party but I fear I may have upset Hillsy by telling her to leave Gordon alone."

"You're loyal Henry," 5025 said approvingly. "A good quality in an engine. I do hope that Gordon does not hold it against us."

"I hope so too."

Henry looked over as one of the foremen in the yard waved him to tell him that his train was ready.

"Tornado has arrived and is ready to push from the back Henry," he said as Tornado's whistle sounded in the distance.

"I apologise, my train is ready," Henry blushed again and the Black 5 gave another laugh.

"Of course, of course," He said understanding. "Please don't let me keep you, Henry."

"It was lovely to meet you 5025," Henry said kindly. "I hope we can catch up later."

"Same here Henry, safe travels brother," 5025 smiled warmly at Henry and watched as he released excess steam and slowly began to pull the heavy goods train with Tornado.

He smiled as he sat there and watched Henry leave, pleased that at least one of his siblings was still pulling his weight.

He looked over as he saw Tornado pushing through with the train.

"Careful now Young Iron, don't push the train too hard, you might bust a cylinder," he teased Tornado playfully.

Tornado just hissed steam angrily at him.

"Blow it out your funnel old man!" She snapped back and 5025 just laughed.

He smirked as he saw her half-smile at his joke.

"I want to go to Ulfstead Castle," Green Arrow demanded of Stainer. "I want to see Mallard for myself."

"You know why I can't do that," Stainer snapped. "It's too dangerous."

"I'm not going to do something impulsive or stupid, you know me," Arrow said slyly.

"You do not belong to the museum anymore," Stainer reminded. "If something was to happen to you, we would owe the North Western Railway in damages which we cannot afford right now!"

"Then how else do you suppose to distract Mallard?" Arrow asked. "He will not fall for something unless it's worth his time. I'm worth his time. You think that toaster is going to be able to resist gloating to me?"

"We'll think of something," Stainer said but he sounded unsure. "Besides, we don't think he's after Scotsman, he's after something he thinks Scotsman can provide or lead him to."

"What do you mean?" Arrow asked, confused.

"Truro's trying to get answers himself," Stainer revealed. "And from what we know, Mallard's very interested in the Gold Dust. He somehow knew about it before arriving. Sir Nigel said he's known about it for almost 50 years."

"What? Did he know? But… how? And why is he acting on it now? Gold Dust isn't a well-known thing he could have acted so much-"

Stainer sighed.

Green Arrow blushed in embarrassment.

"I'm being nosy again, I'm sorry," Green Arrow mumbled. "I'll stop."

Stainer just shook his head.

"No it's fine Arrow," Stainer said. "He must have somehow weaselled the info out of Sir Nigel or Hamilton."

The A4 Sir Nigel Gresley and Hamilton were considered the highest respect engines representing their old railways. Of course, they would have known.

Green Arrow suddenly widened his eyes in shock.

"Did Truro also know about the Gold Dust, sir?"

Stainer gazed at Green Arrow curious before his eyes widened in horror.

"Yes, yes he does!"

"Maybe that's why Mallard is acting now, he was trying to get the museum to use Gold Dust to save Flying Scotsman from scrapping, but once he realised Truro was at Ulfstead Castle," Green Arrow said loudly and he was quickly shushed by Stainer. "He made arrangements to come here himself."

Stainer looked incredibly worried.

"Olivia is taking Flying Scotsman to the mainland," he said. "He should be safe."

"Is it wise to take him away from Ulfstead Castle sir? After what happened last time?"

"Olivia is taking him to the LNER's old Golden Well," Stainer explained. "He will be safe there. Sir Nigel himself protects it. Mallard wouldn't dare try something with him around."

Green Arrow looked on approvingly. Sir Nigel was one of the most respected engines in the United Kingdom. He had shared leadership over his own class with the indomitable Lady Quicksilver, or the Silver Queen as joked by the A4s.

The only time he'd ever seen Sir Nigel upset was when news of her scrapping reached him. It was probably why over the past few decades he'd become so close to Spencer, the first and last of the original Silver Jubilee A4s.

"Still sir, I must insist that I distract Mallard," Green Arrow said. "He loathed my entire class, he tried to silence me, he's not going to be able to resist if I present myself to him on a silver platter as it were."

"Absolutely not," Stainer said in a voice of final tone. "Arrow, I know you want to make this plan of your work and so do I but it's too risky. We can't risk another incident with you. And you're too small, Mallard could seriously damage you."

"Too small, too small!" Arrow suddenly shrieked angrily. "I'm bigger than Truro! I'm as strong as an A3! I am not 'too small!'"

Stainer immediately backed away, putting his hands up defensively. Olivia had warned him not to criticise or downplay Arrow's size and strength. It was rather a sensitive topic for the V2.

"Alright Arrow, I'm sorry!" Stainer tried defusing the now furious Green Arrow. "I did not mean to insult you!"

Arrow stopped yelling but now he simply sat in his berth sulking childishly. He turned his nose up at Stainer and was now ignoring him.

Stainer sighed to himself, he knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with Arrow now that he had straight-up insulted him.

"I've insulted you, I'm truly sorry Arrow," he apologised again. "But my decision is final. You will not be going up there to distract Mallard."

"Then who else will! It won't work if it isn't me!"

Stainer frowned. Arrow was right, for the plan to work, there needed to be an appropriate candidate.

"I'll think of something," he said but Arrow didn't look convinced and sulked harder.

Gordon lit up when he saw Lady Olivia's blue 4WD pull up beside the station. It had been a long while since he had seen his brother, he was excited to see him and this time spend time with him.

The Guards began to load his carriage with luggage as he sat almost trembling with anticipation. The carriage was one of Scotsman's special coaches, not Lydia thankfully, but a nice coach named Otis who was agreeable and friendly.

"Hello, Gordon! Ready for a long journey today?" Oscar came up and asked. "We'll be making a stop off along the way."

"A stop off?" Gordon asked. He did not like last-minute alterations to his schedules. They ruined his day and made him agitated and angry.

"Nothing too major, just to pick up Olivia's Brother," Oscar smiled. "I hope that's not too out of the way for you."

"No, no, it's fine," Gordon mumbled. It wasn't fine but at least it wasn't too disruptive. Not like the maintenance works on the mainline earlier in the week.

"Hello Gordon you wonderful engine," Olivia greeted him and any annoyance he had felt at having his day changed faded instantly.

"Hello, ma'am!" Gordon greeted her excitedly. He saw that she had her baby with her and smiled. "Is that little Scott?"

"Why yes it is, would you like to say hello?" Olivia asked gently, holding the baby up so he could see him.

Gordon smiled. Despite others believing that he hated children, he enjoyed their company. They were often fascinated or impressed with him and Gordon loved their attention, even when they got fingerprints over his paint.

"He's lovely ma'am, a very adorable child," he smiled. "A lot more good-looking than my brother ever could be."

"Excuse me!" A voice snapped and Gordon smirked as he heard angry footsteps coming toward him.

A very tall, kind of lanky man with unnatural green eyes and fluffy brown hair stormed up angrily to face Gordon.

"Well hello little brother," Gordon teased and the man looked even more furious.

Olivia rolled her eyes and tutted disapprovingly.

"You're just jealous that I get to do things that you can't," Scotsman retorted. "On account of myself having hands now."

Gordon rolled his eyes. "If only you knew how to keep them from putting things in my tender," he said, annoyed.

The Scotsman stared down at his hands.

"Imagine all the things I could pull on Bittern," he said suddenly gleefully and Gordon looked suddenly concerned.

"You pull any pranks on me and I will refuse to take you anywhere!" He warned and Scotsman feigned an innocent look.

"Why, whatever do you mean Gordon?"

Olivia stepped in.

"Enough," She said, annoyed. "Scotsman behave yourself."

"Yes ma'am," Scotsman sighed.

He looked over Gordon curiously.

"I'd still like to go on your footplate," he said. "No tricks, I promise, I just want to see what it's like for my crew."

Gordon himself looked intrigued and glanced at Vincent and Oscar.

"Would it be alright for my brother to join your crew?" He asked.

"This is a very long journey and Scotsman is still weak from his relapse," Oscar said sympathetically. "I would wait till a shorter journey. I'm sorry Scotsman."

Scotsman and Gordon looked disappointed but understood.

"Alright," Scotsman said with a sad smile. "Next time then brother."

Gordon smiled in affirmation.

"At least you'll get to experience how a proper engine pulls their coaches," Gordon remarked and Scotsman just rolled his eyes at that as he went to help Olivia push Little Scott's pram on board Otis.

Scotsman gazed around at the coach.

"So this is what the coaches look like on the inside?" Scotsman mused gazing around at the interior.

It was a luxurious coach with deep red upholstery on the seats, golden trim and ornate designs carved into the walls.

"Not all coaches are like this. Your coaches tend to be more luxurious than most," Olivia explained as she settled into a seat with Baby Scott. "And Otis was designed for an Earl before becoming one of your first-class coaches."

"No wonder Lydia acts as she does," he murmured and Olivia chuckled.

"I think it's more because Lydia went to America with you. A coach rarely has such an honour as travelling overseas on a railtour," She smiled. "Still she could stand to lose a little of her attitude."

Scotsman gave a nervous smile as he sat down opposite her, his attention focused on some of Olivia's assistants and some of her accompanying travels like her doctor and Baby Scott's maid.

Olivia noticed Scotsman's nervousness and frightened demeanour.

"You're worried," she probed and Scotsman glanced at her before looking down at his lap.

"It's nothing, I'm just overthinking things as usual Ms Olivia," he mumbled to himself.

"Well, I'd still like you to tell me, maybe I can help," she said kindly.

Scotsman avoided eye contact and shifted uncomfortably in his seat before he finally tapped into his courage.

"I'm worried about going to the mainland, what if, what if the Cold Iron comes back? What if what happened last time happens again?" He mumbled nervously.

Olivia gazed at him sympathetically.

"We have taken precautions," she explained. "If you relapse on the journey we have appropriate tools here with us to make sure that it is not serious. Yes, there is a risk but you'll be monitored and we can immediately step in to stop anything from progressing."

The Scotsman nodded in understanding, his body language was still nervous, however.

"Something else is bothering you Scotsman?"

Scotsman nodded.

"I don't know what I'm going to do or how I feel about North," he said quietly. "If he is in fact that human. I- I- guess I should be happy that one of my siblings survived but… but…"

Scotsman balled his hands into fists.

"North hated me and I, I didn't do nice things to him either," Scotsman admitted, surprising Olivia.

"What do you mean? What did you do?"

"I-" Scotsman began shakily. "The LNER directors often went to me for advice on how to deal with engines or for my opinion of the railway and its workings, especially when it came to altering or changing engines. They did it with the other classes as well, like the A4s, P2s and Peppercorns. I- I- think I did something wrong. I let my hatred get the better of me."

"Scotsman what's wrong, please tell me, something's upsetting you," Olivia had now moved to sit beside him and comfort him as he struggled to speak now.

Scotsman shook his head.

"They asked me about Thompson's plans, they were trying to get an engine's opinion to stop him, they didn't want Thompson to defile North with his plans to rebuild him," Scotsman whispered. "I- I- let them rebuild him despite their arguments and desires to stop Thompson."

Scotsman sounded bitter and guilty at himself.

"I let Thompson turn North into his hideous rebuild. I let him defile his perfect Gresley design," Scotsman stared at his hands. "I did it out of spite. He was right there, he was threatening Gordon and me-"

Scotsman looked genuinely distressed now. Oliva said nothing as she pulled him into a tight hug.

"I abandoned my brother in his time of need, I- I've felt guilty about it this entire time," Scotsman mumbled. "I never… I never told anyone else about this, I'm sorry. Is this… is this why the Cold Oron Sleep kept targeting me? Because of how horrible I was?"

Olivia didn't know what to say. Instead, she just hugged Scotsman as he began mumbling incoherently.

"The LNER directors have asked for your presence at Doncaster Works, Flying Scotsman," the Stationmaster called to him as he waited at the Station.

"What now?" He asked incredulously. "I'm in the middle of a run to Edinburgh."

"I am aware," the man said sounding frustrated. "They sent Donovan to take your place."

"Donovan," Scotsman said flatly, unimpressed.

Donovan had never done this run before. He would struggle considering his previous history.

"Hello, Mr Flying Scotsman sir! I put myself up for this job sir! I want to be like you, sir!" The excitable voice of Donovan came and Scotsman inwardly groaned.

"Hello, Donovan!" He put on a bright smile to mask his displeasure as the engine came up to meet him excitedly.

Donovan had a very starstruck attitude when it came to his brother. His behaviour was borderline obsessive as the engine often became fanatic in his presence and took every opportunity to speak to him. It often interfered with Scotsman's work which he did not appreciate.

Scotsman glanced at the Stationmaster who looked as equally as unimpressed.

"This is a very difficult line Donovan," Scotsman reminded his younger brother. "It's tiring and it will be hard on you and your crew."

"I know, I know!" His younger brother said excitedly, clearly not listening to him. "I get to pull the Flying Scotsman!"

The Scotsman narrowed his eyes.

"You're not listening to me," he growled but Donovan still ignored him. Scotsman looked over to the Stationmaster whose worry had increased.

"Sir, may I request one of the A4s or my other siblings be put on standby, just in case? I must hold up the reputation of my line," the Flying Scotsman said the Stationmaster nodded.

Scotsman gazed at Donovan.

"My line has a reputation to uphold little brother," he said sternly. "If I hear that you're messing about or up to your usual tricks on my line, I will discipline you myself."

Donovan pouted at him.

"No tricks, I promise," he said with a sulking tone. "Lighten up Scott. You sound like North, the boring, crabby old man. I'm your brother, I'm just as strong as you, chill out."

Scotsman flinched and his eyes widened at Donovan's words. He then glared at Donovan who blushed, realising his mistake.

"I- I didn't mean-" Donovan suddenly stammered.

Flying Scotsman released a blast of steam as he was uncoupled from his train and began to move off with speed, not even granting Donovan another word for fear of snapping at him.

"I'm sorry sir," Donovan said hastily. "I didn't mean to offend you!"

Scotsman ignored him, already speeding away from the station and Donovan cursed angrily at himself.

"Way to go Donovan, you idiot!" He whispered to himself deeply annoyed.

"Donovan, Scotsman's train needs to leave in the next 5 minutes to keep time," the Stationmaster scolded and Donovan squeaked.

"Yes sir, on it sir!"

Scotsman fumed to himself as he thundered down the line towards Doncaster. He, Polly and Fox oh so hated such alterations to their line. They kept pride in it running smoothly and efficiently. The Flying Scotsman was the pride of the LNER and he was determined to keep it that way.

Putting Donovon on the line would cause delays, he was a social butterfly, he liked to chat to his passengers, and he liked to cruise at a lower speed and enjoy his trains and the scenery.

As much as the engine was a fanatic and an irritant, Scotsman knew Donovan would be devastated if there were complaints and critiques of his run on his line.

Suitable for a branch line or a tourist shuttle but abysmal for a top-of-the-line Express Service.

He would have to deal with it later however as he came into the yards of Doncaster Works where some engines milled about.

Some of them greeted him happily, excited that their famous family member was visiting the works. Others ignored him, going about their business.

Scotsman gave curt and brief greetings as he passed, still fuming about being pulled off his line halfway through. It was undignified.

"You requested my presence, sir?" Scotsman called to one of the directors he saw waiting in front of one of the workshops. "I must voice my displeasure at being pulled off a train in the middle of a run sir. It will cause confusion and delay."

"We are aware Scotsman," the director said, clearly annoyed. "But we have an emergency situation. We were hoping to gain your opinion to resolve the matter."

"I see."

The gates to the works opened and Scotsman saw Great Northern sitting in the middle of the floor looking very unlike his proud, arrogant self.

It confused him. He'd never seen his brother appear so defenceless. Even when Gadwall had died he hadn't much emotion.

"What is this about?" Scotsman asked rolling to a stop before his older brother. North looked up at him with a blank stare.

"Flying Scotsman, I am Edward Thompson, I am the LNER's new chief engineer," a man said as he approached Scotsman.

Instantly, Scotsman did not like this man's attitude. He seemed arrogant and quick to anger, so much unlike Sir Gresley.

"A big role to fill," Scotsman said curtly, staring down at him annoyed. "Are you the reason I was pulled off my train?"

"Yes, I am, I require the opinion of the leader of the A3s. It seems to even try and enforce my designs on this railway," Thompson said bitterly with a glare at the directors behind him. The directors looked fed up and pissed off.

"Our designer always consulted us if we wanted or needed any alterations, we expect the same from his successor," Scotsman told the man coldly.

The man looked insulted. "I do not like engines talking back to me."

"Then you won't last long as our designer then," one of the directors interjected. "Now, since we've so rudely interrupted Flying Scotsman's work for your own ego, Thompson, why don't you get on with what you wanted his opinion on."

Thompson glared at the directors who looked fed up and annoyed.

"I wish to correct some of the design flaws of you designer and standardise engine parts," the man said and instantly Scotsman hissed steam in his face angrily.

"Design flaws!" The Scotsman thundered furiously. "Design Flaws! How dare you insult our designer! You will not lay a single hand on me!"

"I have a long list of flaws and shortcomings that Gresley's Pacifics have, I wish to correct them and I wish to use Great Northern, not an overhyped flawed engine like you" Thompson shouted back.

The Flying Scotsman's face creased into one of confusion and anger.

"Great Northern is the same as any of his siblings, why him?" He asked, confused. "Why not another?"

"Because the problems start with the first! I wanted that prototype but these fools told me he was sold to another railway!" Thompson said arrogantly. "I will buy him if I am not given Great Northern."

"Gordon is not your toy to play with," Scotsman growled his voice deadly. "Gordon is a good working engine who is loved on his railway."

"I need the first engine to correct!" Thompson insisted. "If it is not this Gordon, then I will use Great Northern!"

Scotsman looked shocked and worried. He looked at Great Northern who was looking equally as furious.

Scotsman turned his attention to glare at the Directors of the LNER who all stood around looking as angry as their engines.

"You're the directors of this railway, stop this madman!" He implored them. "He defiles Gresley's name!"

One of them shook his head.

"I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do, we can't replace him if we fire him right now," he explained, clearly fed up. "If we don't give him Great Northern he'll threaten to offer Sir Topham a price he can't refuse for Gordon."

"Don't you dare allow me to be defiled for that piece of scrap metal," North snarled at Scotsman suddenly. "I am your older brother, not that ghastly piece of garbage."

Scotsman stared at North horrified.

"Gordon is Gresley's most prized Prototype, he is an important part of our history," Scotsman said horrified. "He is the reason you came out as proud and as strong as you did, and yet you still hold this insane grudge against him!"

"He is nothing!" North spat. "Better than the misshapen, ugly engine can be defiled than me!"

Scotsman stared at North in complete and utter shock.

"Great Northern!" One of the directors snapped sternly at North. "We called Scotsman here to prevent you from being tampered with by Thompson, you are not making a case for yourself."

"Let them have Gordon! My other siblings will stand by me! Not this imposter of an engine who protects the weak and helpless!" North said arrogantly. "My other siblings wouldn't dare let me be defiled!"

Scotsman glared at North, furious. He then looked to the directors.

"I refuse to give my blessing to have Gordon defiled by this man!" He said bitterly. "As much as I would hate to see North defiled, I will not object to this man using him."

The Directors cursed and some of them glared at North while Thompon grinned from ear to ear with glee.

Great Northern looked shocked but instantly began glaring at Scotsman.

"You'll regret this little brother! If you thought your siblings bullied you before then you're mistaken! They'll spurn you for what you've done to me!" North bellowed at him.

"I was going to defend you! But then you went and insulted Gordon! It's been decades North! Why can't you leave Gordon alone!" Scotsman shot back angrily. "He was more of a big brother to me in the short time I knew him than you were in a decade!"

Scotsman seethed angrily and rolled towards North, slamming into his buffers hard to make a point. The shouts from the men around them were ignored.

"I'm done trying to be a good brother to you and stick up for you North!" The Scotsman thundered furiously. "You've had enough chances with me! I don't care what happens to you now! Don't you ever, try and ask me for anything again! And if you threaten Gordon again I'll recommend you to be scrapped!"

A stunned silence echoed through the works as North stared at his brother speechless as he backed away, a truly nasty look on his face.

"You're no longer my brother," Scotsman said coldly. "I renounce you. This arrogant little man can do whatever he wishes with you."

Without another word, Scotsman departed and left the Works hissing steam and glaring at North with a hatred he'd never seen before.

North watched him leave, dread growing in his boiler as Thompson gleefully celebrated.

Scotsman jolted awake with a cough as he was abruptly ripped from his memories. He found the doctor hovering over him as he struggled to pry himself off of the seat he'd been sleeping on.

"Easy! Easy!" The Doctor tried to calm him as Scotsman gathered his bearings and remembered where he was.

"Where?" He sat up and looked around and saw the coach. "Oh, I remember now."

"Your heartrate's a bit fast but no sign of Cold Iron," the Doctor smiled at him.

Scotsman allowed himself to calm and swing himself around to sit on the seat properly. He suddenly noticed that Olivia wasn't the one sitting in the seat opposite, a strange man was.

He looked a bit like Olivia but also resembled a younger-looking Sir Gresley.

"Oh um, hello," Scotsman said shyly with a blush.

The man smiled friendlily at him.

"Hello, the name's Gordon, I'm Olivia's younger brother," the man said with a warm smile. "You're the world-famous Flying Scotsman aren't you?"

Scotsman nodded.

"You look like Sir Gresley," Scotsman said.

"Really now? Sir Nigel the engine says that too," Gordon laughed. "I guess it must be true if 3 people who knew him have said it."

Scotsman nodded. He then suddenly looked confused.

"Three people?"

Gordon nodded.

"North says that about me too."

Scotsman felt the bottom of his stomach drop and dread filled his body.

So it was confirmed.

Great Northern was still alive.

I rewrote this chapter so many times you have no idea.

For updates, extra lore or to ask questions or discuss the fic, you can find me on tumblr at tornadoyoungiron or on twitter as BakunawaArt.