18 - Ple yn y tywyllwch (A plea in the dark)
"What are you doing here?!" Henry Stainer rounded on the man who had appeared on the tracks before Green Arrow. "Why aren't you at Gresley Manor?"
"Forgive me Mr Stainer, but I had to stop Scotsman from foolishly coming here and putting himself in danger," the man said with a slight bow. "But knowing my brother's tenacity, he will still find his way here."
"Brother?" Green Arrow asked. "Are you Great Northern? Are you that arrogant prick that did nothing but act like a complete tosspot to everyone?"
"What's going on?" Tornado's voice came from behind. "Is everything okay?"
"Just hold that winch for now Tornado," Sir Robert said.
"Okay, Sir Robert."
"Great Northern come off the tracks please, Arrow does not have his breaks on," Sir Robert said as he motioned for the well-dressed man in black to move.
"Yes sir," the man stepped away from the tracks and into the space so he could be seen by 5025, Tornado, Arrow and their crews.
5025 snorted steam in dry humour.
"Of all the A3 Gresley Pacifics that could have also survived, it had to be you," the Black 5 sneered at the red-haired man. "Why not someone like Singapore or Donovan?"
North frowned but didn't answer the Black 5's taunts.
"It was very foolish of you to come here," Sir Robert chastised him. "I'll have you sent you back to the Gresley's Manor right away."
"No," North argued. "Scotsman knows what's happening. He'll do anything to get here and save Truro. If Mallard thinks I am Scotsman then he will have no reason to go after him."
"Mallard has Godred, Godred knows what Scotsman looks like, it won't work," Sir Robert contended. "You came here for nothing."
"Not for nothing," North reflected, his posture sagging slightly and a look of shame fell across his face. "I- I have reason to believe I know the reason why Mallard is targeting Flying Scotsman."
"We already know all this!" Green Arrow suddenly snapped. "We're wasting time here! Truro doesn't have long! Go back and crawl into your hole, Great Northern!"
"I have a history with Mallard, I think, I can at least buy time, or give myself in exchange for Truro," North insisted.
Sir Robert looked unsure, Stainer looked confused and Green Arrow looked furious.
"You had a history with everyone on the LNER!" Arrow snapped angrily. "There was a reason why we called you 'The Tyrant' back in the day!"
5025 gave a soft hum of agreement.
"Lord North of the North East, became a beast, whenever the points didn't swing his way," the Black 5 proclaimed. "The Express Freighters used to gossip about you to us when they came through LMS lines, how very unbecoming."
North's face turned red and he turned away from the grand LMS engine embarrassed.
"I am, not proud of how I acted in the past," he muttered quietly.
"Yes, I'm sure Mr Thompson gave you a reality check, didn't he? The other A3's sometimes used to complain about you to us and the A3s never talked to the V2s, no, that just wasn't proper! Talking to the 'filthy goods engines'," Green Arrow said sarcastically. "Can we just boot this idiot back to his hole and get on with this?"
"Yes, I quite agree," 5025 huffed. "This charade has gone on long enough."
North grunted in disagreement and turned to Sir Robert.
"Sir, I must insist," North implored the Earl. "I know Mallard, I know why he may be doing this. I have, loose ends I'd like to tie up. And If anything, I could at least get some information out of him sir."
Sir Robert glanced at Mr Stainer who looked equally as confused and at a loose end. They both turned to Tornado who was watching the entire interaction silent and mystified.
"Tornado, this is your plan what do you think?" Sir Robert asked the Peppercorn.
"I'm um not sure what's going on," she admitted. She looked down at the man who was calling himself Great Northern. "Who is this?"
North approached Tornado and gave her a slight bow of respect.
"My name is Great Northern and I am Flying Scotsman's older brother," North introduced himself to her.
"He's never mentioned you to me," Tornado retorted looking down at him curiously. "He talks about a lot of his siblings but I've never heard him talk about a Great Northern."
"Ah yes well he wouldn't," North gave a sad chuckle. "Arrow and the Black 5 are correct, I was not exactly the kindest of brothers to him. Or to anyone for that matter."
Tornado stared down at the man. He looked incredibly exhausted and his eyes were full of regret and sadness.
"How do you know Mallard?" Tornado asked. "Apart from being his cousin of course."
"It's complicated but," North looked away from the Peppercorn towering over him shamefully. "I think my actions caused Mallard to target Flying Scotsman for most of his entire life."
Tornado frowned at him.
"Did you send Mallard to harass Scotsman?" She asked and North shook his head.
"No, it's hard to explain but I can say this," North informed her quietly his head bowed. "Mallard will most like be more interested in me than he is Truro."
Tornado stared at the man before moving her gaze around the room to stare at those present before looking back at Great Northern.
"Are you working for Mallard?" She asked and North shook his head.
"Mallard wants me dead even more than he wants Scotsman dead," North explained. "But before that, I owe Mallard an apology for the things I did in the past. Even if I am not part of your plan, I would at least like that opportunity."
Tornado frowned and stared down at the man for a long moment.
"Alright Great Northern, here's how this is going to play out," she said sternly and North nodded to the Peppercorn.
"As you wish," he acknowledged.
"Have you ever pulled a train before?" Duck asked incredulously as Lady of Legend backed into her consist with a loud bang and a huge jolt that bumped the coaches so hard they yelped in pain and some of the passengers yelled out startled.
"Of course I have!" Lady of Legend sniffed angrily. "And I don't need some snotty like tank engine like you to tell me what to do!"
"Tydfil!" Came the loud voice of Lady of Legend's driver, "The Pannier Tank is right! You could damage the coaches by being so rough! This is not our Railway and if you damage the coaches you will get Didcot into trouble!"
Lady of Legend, or Tydfil, simply hissed steam in response and pouted childishly. Her crew looked extremely annoyed and apologetic at Duck.
"We apologise, she's very new," they said but Duck looked unimpressed.
"A few years old is not 'new', Duck confronted them. "Most engines are usually broken into their work in the first few months."
"Ah yes well, the Twin King classes are, very protective of the young lady you see," the driver said apologetically. "She's only pulled light passenger trains."
Duck frowned.
"City of Truro would not approve of that," Duck scolded. "The Great Western Way demands we work our hardest, do our utmost to finish our jobs to perfection and respect those around us. This engine has not been taught anything. She would do well to learn if she wants the respect of others."
Tydfil glared at Duck. "You don't boss me around you stupid little tank engine! I'm a very special engine and you're just a shunter!"
"On the contrary, I run the Little Western Branchline which you are currently on, I can just as easily take you off passenger trains and have you run goods engines with my friends if I so wish," Duck snapped angrily. "Now I'll not hear anymore of that talk back from you or I will put you on a coal train to Ffarquhar Quarry, is that understood?"
Tydfil looked ready to argue but the look from her crew made her reconsider.
"Yes," she said bitterly.
"Yes, what?"
"Yes sir."
Duck smiled, pleased that at least something was sticking in the spoiled brats' smokebox. He was about to direct her to set off when a large dark blue engine approached the both of them.
"Blue King this small tank engine is harassing me!" Lady of Legend shrieked at him trying to lurch forward but she was coupled to the coaches and pulled them forward with an enormous jolt, causing still boarding passengers to fall over and loud yelling from behind.
"Mind the coaches!" Duck shouted at her. "You could have seriously injured one of your passengers!"
Tydfil ignored him, her eyes pleading to the approaching King Edward II who was looking most unamused and didn't seem to be in the mood for anything.
"The Pannier Tank is right young Lady," he said sounding exhausted. "You could have hurt one of your passengers and hurting our passenger is not the Great Western Way."
"I want to go back to Didcot!" Lady of Legend shouted at him. "All the people here are rude to me and the engines are just as awful!"
King Edward II stopped and frowned at her, clearly very, very annoyed with her before looking back at Duck.
"I apologise for behaviour, this is not how a Didcot engine should act," he said to the tank engine.
"It's not how any Great Western Railway engine should act either sir," Duck pointed out. "I apologise for talking back but I need to uphold the reputation of the Little Western. I am proud to have one of the most efficient and comfortable branchlines on the Island of Sodor sir!"
The corner of the Blue King's mouth twitched into a slight smile.
"You must be Montague," he said and Duck blushed.
"You know me, sir? And I uh, prefer the name Duck, sir," He said with an embarrassed smile.
"City of Truro talks of you often, the little Pannier Tank in charge of his own little railway," The Blue King explained and Duck's face turned a deep red.
"I am King Edward the Second, or as most call me the Blue King," King Edward II introduced himself.
"Yes sir, I know of you sir, you're famous! It is an honour to meet you, sir," Duck gushed and the Blue King gave him a wide smile.
"The pleasure is all mine, Duck."
The Blue King looked back at Lady of Legend who was still pouting like an insolent child.
"You are acting disgracefully, Tydfil," he told her. "Speaking ill of the engine in charge of this railway and putting your passengers at risk. I understand this is partly my fault for keeping you sheltered but I wish to remedy that."
He looked at Duck again.
"Duck will double head this train with you," he said, "Seeing that it is his train he will be well acquainted with every part of it. When this run is finished, he and his crew will judge your performance. If it is not up to par, there will be consequences."
"Blue this is unfair!" Tydfil yelled at King Edward II. The bigger king class did not look phased at all instead he frowned and glared at her.
"My brother and I have been soft on you for far too long," the Blue King snapped at her. "You will learn the Great Western Way or you can be stored in a shed for the next month!"
Tydfil looked completely shocked and tears filled her eyes.
"You've never yelled at me before," she sniffed but the Blue King looked unfazed. "I thought I was a princess, you don't yell at a princess. You're treating me like Pendennis and that stupid ugly green worm treats me and I HATE IT!"
"I do not wish to deal with your childish antics girl," he said coldly. "I am not in the mood to deal with you. You will answer to this Pannier Tank or there will be consequences."
The Blue King looked over to Duck who looked shocked at Lady of Legend's reaction. Just how sheltered had this engine been? It was acting like an engine fresh out of the works, not one that had been around for many years.
"Please do not too be soft in your critique of this engine Duck," King Edward II ordered. "I want to know just how much we have failed her."
"Yes sir, I'll be sure to be completely honest sir," Duck answered.
"Good," the Blue King gave him a small thin smile. "Carry on then Duck."
"Yes sir."
He looked at Lady of Legend who looked completely indignant and sulky, ready to throw a tantrum.
This would be a most unpleasant trip.
"Sir, may I make a request?" Truro asked the NRM director, Richard.
"Of course Truro, what is it?"
"May I see Flying Scotsman sir?" He asked tentatively.
"Flying Scotsman is being prepared for his Australian Tour," Richard chided the engine. "He will not have time."
"Please sir I just want to ask him about travelling overseas," Truro insisted. "I only wish to gain an understanding of what to expect."
"You will be going to the Netherlands, not America," Richard pointed out.
"Please sir," Truro had a desperate look in his eyes and he seemed extremely anxious. Richards noticed this and grew concerned.
"Are you afraid of travelling overseas Truro?" He asked and the engine gave him a nervous look.
"Yes sir, I am sir," Truro admitted. "I am petrified beyond reason, sir. I can't explain it."
"I could ask King George to speak with you," Richard offered but Truro didn't look convinced.
"No sir, I don't know King George that well," Truro explained. "I don't think he'd be able to help me."
"Alright Truro," Richard smiled at the engine. "I'll make some time for you to see Flying Scotsman."
"Thank you, sir," Truro gave the man a sigh of relief. "I appreciate this sir."
Truro winched as what felt like cold spears of ice pierced through his subconsciousness and into his very soul.
He was losing. Mallard was getting closer.
His efforts to save Pendennis from Mallard had broken his shields down just briefly but it was enough for Mallard to get a slight hold on his soul.
He felt the tiny nails pulling on his gold dust, slowly chipping away at his grip on his engine. He was slowly losing his strength.
He shrieked as Mallard's mind touched his own, filled with thoughts of anger and hatred.
"I was supposed to go to Australia!" his voice thundered in Truro's smokebox. "I was supposed to go to the Netherlands but you both stole my position! How dare you! How dare you!"
"It's not my fault!" Truro shrieked. "You failed your boiler test! They sent us as a second choice!"
"I don't care!" Mallard roared and suddenly pain exploded in Truro's mind and he screamed in pain.
He was distinctly aware of the black smoke bounding on what remained of his gold dust, trying to snuff it out like a candle. It felt like red hot iron prongs slicing through his smokebox, stabbing him repeatedly.
It took all of Truro's strength to simply not give in and just be swept away in the cold, unforgiving tide.
"Helpwch fi," he breathed desperately slipping into his native tongue as he felt himself losing this battle. "Os qwelwch yn dda rhywun yn fy helpu!"
As if prompted, the Flying Scotsman's voice whispered deep in his mind. Truro clung to it desperately.
"Scotsman," he breathed. "Scott helpwch fi! Os gwelwch yn dda!"
As if in response he felt his Gold Dust surge and give him strength, at least enough for him to get his bearings.
Mallard seemed surprised and he felt the A4 withdraw his mind slightly as if looking around for Flying Scotsman.
He felt something warm touch his smokebox and he flinched in surprise. It wasn't unpleasant but it was strange.
Truro gelt a little of his strength return, enough that the pain lessen slightly and the amount of Gold Dust in his soul grew suddenly.
"What is this?" Mallard hissed angrily but then he suddenly froze. "It's you. But how are you here!"
Mallard's mind immediately left Truro's mind leaving the engine deeply shaken and weak. He could feel the tears that had fallen from his eyes and slipped down his face from the sheer pain and fear he had felt.
He tried to open his eyes but he felt too weak, too far gone. He barely had any energy left in him.
Mallard's attention was elsewhere for now but the Blue engine would soon return his attention to Truro and he knew that when he did, it was game over for him.
Truro began to silently cry. He didn't want to die alone, terrified and in pain in the presence of a cruel and unforgiving engine like Mallard.
"Os qwelwch yn dda," he pleaded to no one in particular hoping that someone, anyone could hear him. "Os gwelwch yn dda rhywun yn fy helpu!"
"City of Truro," Flying Scotsman's voice sounded close, so close.
"Scotsman," Truro whispered. "He's going to kill me. Please."
Again, he felt a warm touch against his smokebox. He felt himself calm slightly.
"Why if it isn't City of Truro!" Flying Scotsman's booming voice cut through his anxieties and he flinched startled.
He opened his eyes and found himself in the NRM's workshop where workmen and women were going about seeing every single inch of Flying Scotsman was up to scratch.
"Indeed," Truro saw the past version of himself steam towards the Scotsman who sat in the middle of the workshop like a proud hen in the middle of a nest, a smug smirk plastered across his dumb face.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from the 'unofficial record holder'?" The Scotsman said snidely and Truro rolled his eyes at him.
"I wanted your advice," Truro said hesitantly. "Or rather, your account of what it was like to go overseas."
Scotsman looked at him curiously. Truro was keeping a tight lid on the fact he was scared of going overseas but somehow, Scotsman could tell he was frightened.
"I think if I tell you what it was like, it may make your anxiety worse Great Western," Scotsman explained hesitantly looking at the engine concerned.
City of Truro's face fell and he looked away from the big LNER engine, ashamed of himself.
"Perhaps it would be better if another engine were to take my place," Truro said quietly. "Perhaps Pendennis Castle-"
"PenPen has been in Australia for the past decade," Flying Scotsman pointed out.
"Oh, I apologise," Truro felt his face blush with even more embarrassment. How could he have possibly forgotten the absence of his friend? "My mind is, my mind is preoccupied. I am sorry for bothering you."
Truro went to leave but Flying Scotsman rolled forward to close the space between them.
"Wait," he called to the Great Western. "What's so troubling to you about travelling overseas? Maybe I can help?"
Truro halted and looked up at the bigger LNER engine nervously. He wasn't sure how to explain it.
"I- I don't know," he admitted honestly. "I'm anxious because there are so many things that could go wrong. What if I get lost? What if- what if-"
"What if you get left in another country and forgotten about?" Scotsman asked.
Truro gave a shaky gasp and looked up at the big green engine.
"Yes, I didn't want to mention it but what if I get left in the Netherlands?"
"Well you're going to be representing Great Britain and the National Railway Museum, it would cause an outrage if our representative was to be abandoned by its owners," Scotsman assured him. "And you know something?"
"What is it?" Truro asked.
"Despite being abandoned in America and left in a siding for the weather to destroy me and for children to throw rocks at I really would regret it if I never went," Scotsman gave Truro a reassuring smile. "I met so many friends, I bonded with Mr Pegler and I had the best time of my life. I saw things that I'll never forget and as much as I joke that everything is so oversized for compensation over there, their engines are truly impressive."
Truro still didn't say anything, incredibly nervous and still anxious about what could happen. He stared at the floor of the workshop until he felt Scotsman lightly bump into his buffers as a show of reassurance.
"It's alright to be frightened," Scotsman assured him with a kind, soft smile. "I was petrified before going to America and to be honest, I'm terrified of going to Australia too."
"You are?" Truro asked looking up at the other engine.
"Yes, but I know it'll be worth it," Scotsman smiled. "If we don't go out of our comfort zone once in a while then we'll miss out on all the world has to offer us, you know? We could miss out on the experience of a lifetime."
Truro gave an anxious sigh but he knew Scotsman was right.
"I suppose you're right," Truro said with a brave smile. "I am still nervous but… I feel slightly assured."
"I'm glad," Scotsman beamed at him. "You'll be fine Great Western. If Pendennis Castle can have fun in his mine in Australia then you can make it to Europe."
"It would not be right for a Great Western to abandon a job that was asked of him, especially a job to represent Great Britain," Truro theorised.
"Well look it another way, if you dropped out and they had to bring someone from the LMS to replace you, that would simply be disgraceful," Scotsman huffed. "Think about it, those Midlanders representing our railways? That simply won't do."
Despite himself, Truro laughed.
"Quite so," the old engine chuckled. "No LMS has the finesse of a Great Western, those Europeans will laugh at us."
"There you go," Scotsman grinned widely seeing the fear disappear from Truro's eyes. "Don't you let those LMS chaps get one over you, I'll never let you live it down."
Truro smiled up at Scotsman. "Tell Pendennis that we miss him dearly when you see him?"
"Of course, Great West- Truro," Scotsman corrected himself and Truro's smile grew even wider.
"We're going on a name basis now are we?" Truro smirked. "Does that make us friends?"
"Last time we met you were looking at my tenders," Scotsman pointed out. "Kinda rude if you ask me."
"Everybody notices them you bloody twat! They're hard to miss!" Truro defended. "It's hardly my fault they're all over the place!"
Scotsman gave a dramatic gasp.
"Dear me, City of Truro just swore at me!" he loudly complained drawing the attention of the workers. "How very un-Great Western of him."
"Oh, I've called you much worse things you big green idiot, stop being dramatic!"
Flying Scotsman only pouted at him like a child. "City of Truro's being mean to me!"
"Don't get me started on you, there are so many things I could call you, you know," Truro huffed annoyed.
Scotsman just chuckled with good humour.
"I know, I'm just teasing," the A3 Pacific smirked and Truro rolled his eyes at him. "I expect to hear all those good things about your trip to the Netherlands when I return from Australia."
"Only if you return from Australia," Truro shot back.
"Deal," Scotsman grinned brightly. "I'll come back only if you don't chicken out of your Europe trip."
City of Truro smiled at him. "Very well Flying Scotsman, you do indeed have yourself a deal."
Mallard sensed Flying Scotsman's presence nearby, drawing him away from the weakened Truro. He'd been angry, he'd panicked when Truro had started to move on his own, damaging himself by attempting to break the clamps on his wheels.
The Great Western was close to dying but he knew that if Truro died then there would be an even less chance to bait Scotsman in. He ordered one of the NRM board members under his control to remove the Black Smoke canister from Truro and replace the clamps.
The Black Smoke had bit and snarled at him but Mallard pushed it down and bent it back to his will. It had decades to overcome and master the Black Smoke. He was not going to let a moment of weakness let him lose his ultimate goal.
He drew the tendrils of black smoke in close to him and kept a vigilant eye out for anyone, engine or human. He was dimly aware that Truro was softly whimpering and crying next to him but he was ignored. There were far more concerning issues to be concerned about than a feeble and crying old man.
Once again the doors of the exhibition centre opened and an engine slowly made its way through, its wheels turning jerkily and not as smooth as they should. It was being shunted perhaps but regardless, its brakes were not on.
Through the darkness, he saw the outline of an engine behind the intruder. He smirked. It seemed Tornado had a lot more tricks than just calling in an envoy of Great Westerns to bully him.
What a clever girl.
She reminded him of his elder brother. An engine of many tricks and didn't always appear smart but was often very guile and witty. Maybe she'd be the same when she grew older. He hoped so. It gave him at least a little comfort.
He recognised the engine she was winching as Green Arrow and a cruel, viscous smirk stretched across his face. Green Arrow didn't flinch, he just glared at Mallard, his eyes full of hatred and loathing.
It took a second for Mallard to notice the human standing on board Green Arrow's buffer beam staring at him. He reached out with the black smoke slight to try and get a read on the man's Gold Dust if he had any.
He suddenly frowned in confusion.
The Gold Dust felt like Flying Scotsman's but something was different about it, like it was Scotsman but not quite. He had felt this engine's presence before.
"What is this?" He asked confused, narrowing his eyes to try and get a better look at the man. He suddenly flinched violently as he realised who it was. "It's you. But how are you here!"
The man steadied himself on Green Arrow's buffer and frowned at him.
"Hello Mallard," he said gruffly. "It's been a while."
"You were supposed to have been scrapped long ago!" Mallard thundered furiously. "Why weren't you, you waste of iron! Why couldn't they save any other engines' soul but yours!"
"Because life is unfair Mallard," the man said. "I suppose you think you'd know all about that wouldn't you?"
"You spurned me!" Mallard shrieked. "I did everything I could to try and be your champion but you instead always went for the underachiever. You were always so blind, Great Northern!"
Great Northern sighed and shook his head.
"I will admit, I was wrong about you," he admitted quietly. "I saw you as just another upstart. Another engine who was just trying to prove Flying Scotsman a fake or undeserving of Gresley's favour. But you proved me wrong. You proved a lot of people wrong."
"Yet you never acknowledged me still!" Mallard shouted angrily at him. "I admired you! I wanted to please you but you were always fawning over your stupid little brother!"
North stared at Mallard for a long while sadly.
"You put your faith in the wrong hero Mallard," he told the furious blue engine sadly. "I wasn't someone you should have looked up to."
"I don't need your approval anymore," Mallard snapped. "I don't need Sir Nigel's approval either. I don't need anyone's approval!"
"Is this why you kept targeting Flying Scotsman?" North asked. "Why you tried to have him scrapped several times, why you always harassed him, even when Merlin told you to stop-"
"Kept his name out of your filthy mouth!" Mallard suddenly shouted angrily at North. "Don't you dare talk about him!"
"I apologise, but you must understand," North implored the A4. "One of the reasons I rejected you was because of your horrendous treatment of my younger brother. I would not willingly cause harm to him."
A small snort came from Green Arrow and North glared at him. Green Arrow returned his gaze.
"You did nothing but cause harm to him from what I've heard," Arrow pointed out. There was some sudden tension on the winch behind Arrow, signifying that Tornado was giving him a warning to still to the plan.
Mallard turned his attention to Arrow.
"I see you have your pretty little voice again Green Arrow," he said with a snide grin. "How lovely. I missed the chaos it brings to the rails."
"Maybe you shouldn't have fooled that stupid girl into taking it then," Arrow hissed at him. "I tried to befriend you! I took pity on you and this is how you treat me!"
"I do not need the pity of a weak little engine like you," Mallard said dismissively. "Or an engine like Scotsman."
"Clearly not," Arrow spat out angrily. "No one in their right mind should pity you after all the awful things you've done. You're a monster."
Mallard just smiled at the V2 sweetly.
"You're much braver than Pendennis Castle," he cooed at Arrow who winched and looked at him disgusted. "I'm shocked. The cowardly Green Arrow actually standing up to someone for once. How cute."
"I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing this for my friend Truro," Green Arrow snarled. "You can go to hell for all I care."
"My dear Arrow," Mallard whispered softly, almost to himself. "I'm already there I'm afraid. I've been there for a very long time."
"Ever since you killed your brother?" Great Northern asked and Mallard suddenly looked both hurt and furious.
"How dare you," Mallard hissed, his voice dangerously low. "How very dare you bring up-"
"If I give my soul to you in exchange for the City of Truro will that be enough to satiate you for the time being?"
Mallard stared at Great Northern shocked by both the offer and the previous allegation he had made. If he gave up Truro, it most probably meant that Flying Scotsman would be out of his reach but he would have gained an even greater prize.
Great Northern.
He sat there for a long while, staring down at North before glancing back at the weakened Great Western. Truro was nearly gone, that last attack had pushed him almost to the point of no return. The Black Smoke would linger, even if he recovered. Truro had spent too much time in close proximity to Mallard for it not to.
The opportunity to lure Scotsman in would come again. The glance to have Great North at his mercy might not.
"Very well, Great Northern," Mallard said with a devious smirk. "You strike a tough deal but a deal nonetheless."
"Wait WHAT?" Green Arrow cried out shocked and confused. "Just what the hell makes Great Northern so important to you anyway?!"
Mallard grinned at him and released a threatening amount of Black Smoke from his boiler which Arrow's face paled at the sight of.
"Enough!" North shouted angrily at Mallard. "Leave Green Arrow alone and free City of Truro or I will call this off!"
Mallard's grin fell slightly but he obliged.
"Remove the clamps from Truro," he ordered before rounding on Arrow. "Take your little friend before I change my mind. Or before he dies."
Green Arrow held Mallard's gaze with his own before calling Tornado to winch him to couple to Arrow. Not once did he take his eyes off Mallard. Before calling out to Tornado to winch the both of them out Green Arrow took a long final look at Mallard.
"You know, I really did want to be your friend Mallard," he said quietly. "Not because you were famous or because I admire you, but because I heard how awfully all the other engines talked about you. I thought it was horrible but in the end, I guess they were right about you."
Green Arrow then tore his gaze away from Mallard before giving Tornado the command to pull himself and Truro out.
Mallard and North heard loud shouts and men rushing to haul Truro safely, the commotion echoing in the exhibition hall before the large doors shut behind them, leaving Mallard, Great Northern, Godred and Mallard's puppets in tense silence.
"Well then, Great Northern," Mallard began humourlessly, the smirk and devious nature disappearing from his face and being replaced by a cold and dark hatred. "I hope you know that I'm going to make this as painful as possible."
If North was scared, he didn't show it.
Instead, he just stared up at the great blue engine looming over him.
"I accepted my fate long ago Mallard."
~For updates, extra lore or to ask questions or discuss the fic, you can find me at tornadoyoungiron on tumblr.
There is also a tumblr where you can directly ask the characters of this story askyoungiron on tumblr.