There wasn't much everyone could do but wait and try to treat their wounds. But there wasn't much that could be done about that either. The most that could be done were ripped of scraps of cloth tied around Shales cuts, nobody knew what to do about the burns.

It helped that at least the engines couldn't feel them. But it didn't change the fact that they were all still damaged. The air was somber and smelt of old oil.

Eventually, Duncan spoke out again. "Wait, how are we supposed to trust the coppers? Didn't ya say they were bein' paid off?"

"Yea, but I don't think they knew about the human experimentation." Stephen explained. "They were paid to keep hush hush about the engines - all the children and tourists that come to the islands love you lot - so if word got out you were being basically tortured, the I doubt we'd get as much business."

"Your putting a lot of faith in humanity." Falcon added.

He just gave a tired sigh. "Yea, I know. But believe me when I say that there are still good people in the world. They just get drowned out by all the bad."

Shale huffed out a laugh. "Right, sure."

"Well to bad, we still don't like humans." Skarloey started, crossing his arms and pouting.

Renneas set a arm on his shoulder. "Brother, please-"

"Oh shut up." He rolled his eyes. And that reaction even shocked Duncan. Said engine torn between yelling or slapping the other. Skarloey seemed to have picked up on the shift of atmosphere.

"I-what were we talking about?" He asked. His hand went to his forehead and rubbed like he had a headache. "I can't seem to remember."

All the engines exchanged weird looks. Renneas glanced over to both Stephen and Shale, the later of which shrugged. The older gave it more though.

"Maybe his memory was damaged. I don't know much about anatomy, but I'm pretty sure being shot in the head will do that. I'm still amazed you're still standing."

"Well, then that's a good thing!" Skarloey piped up. He glanced around the shack. "So, how long do we stay here for? Why can't we go out?"

"Do you seriously not remember?" Falcon asked incredulously. "You just killed someone! We almost died! Don't you remember that."

He blinked his remaining eye, before jumping in his seat. "Oh."

"Look, we're all tired and hurt but we need to keep positive." Stephen insisted again. "We found all the evidence we needed, everyone is here and we can shut down Topams work once and for all."

"That's if they don't decide to sell us of." Shale countered.

He opened his mouth to retort again. But instead remained silent. The rest of the engines followed in suit. Then Peter noticed their pile of books in the corner, dragged them over and began reading.

Edward squeezed her hand as if she'd disappeared into thin air. "Shale, I'm just so happy your back. Never again, never again."

"Never again will you leave me? Then how am I gonna go to the bathroom?" She cracked. Edward immediately flushed and tilted his head to the side. "But really, it's great to be outta that hell hole."

The engine had all begun reading - none of them knew what else to do. Skarloey squinted at the pages Renneas pointed to. "What exactly is this? I don't even know what all this means."

"What do you- oh." He caught himself. "It's about the islands history. What do you remember?"

"Something about a Thin Controller," he though. "we were called the Narrow Gauge engines. Right?"

"Yes, that's true. You still remember the others?" Renneas asked. "I'm your brother, Renneas. That's Duncan, Falcon, Peter, Rusty and Stephen."

"Falcon?" He cocked his head. "But weren't you called Sir Handl?"

Said engine wrinkled his nose at that. "That wasn't ever my name, it's Falcon. And Falcon does things his way."

"Keep tellin' yourself that Steamroller." Duncan teased, shoving him playfully.

Falcon just smirked. "Oh like you're one to talk, Mr Rock and Roll."

They all laughed at that. But Renneas still noticed his brother was confused. "How much do you still remember about us Skarloey?"

He ducked his head again and balled his fists. "I-I don't know."

"What?" Duncan asked. "What'd the old steamer say?"

"I said I don't know!" He screamed.

Everyone in the room flinched at the sudden rise of volume. Skarloey's shoulders shook, as if trying to restrain something within him. "I don't know, okay!"

"A-alright. Alright." Renneas smoothed his hand over his brothers. "Well, now we have a chance to relax. We'll tell you everything."

And so they did, despite the tension, recounting old stories from their engine days lightened the mood. Falcon and Peter spoke of Grandpuff, Rusty and the boulder incident, Duncan and the elephant and Renneas helping to fill in all the gaps. Stephen and Edward would also occasional pitch in, adding their own stories from the railroad.

They laughed and teased each other for what felt like hours. They were bittersweet memories, filled with loved ones long past. Eventually, they heard someone running up to the cabin. Newly invigorated, Skarloey stood by the entrance in a protective stance.

The others expected one of the guards to come running, but to everyone's relief and joy, it was Brigitte. "Got- got the police. Circling the - the lab. Th-them bastards gettin' it now."

Renneas helped ease her to the ground as she relayed her story. She'd run into town and bolted into the police station and slapped down the evidence. Brigitte had nearly been thrown outside if it wasn't for a single officer who took her plea seriously.

And once they read over the reports, they could see why she was so frantic. Other officers protested, but they were drowned out by the majority who were volunteering to raid the lab.

They were in the process of just that. At least five police vans worth of officers were arriving at the lab while one was there to take them to the hospital.

At the last part, each of the engines tenses. "I know you lot don't exactly have the most positive outlook on authority-"

"Understatement of the year!" Shale called out.

Brigitte shot her a look. ",anyways, but you'll all need help. Especially Skarloey. They're your best bet."

Renneas but his lip. But eventually nodded. "Fine, if it means we can help Skarloey. We'll come with them."

All the engines stood and helped one another out the door. Even Duncan didn't protest, save for a rather obvious glare directed at other humans. They all stuck in a tight huddle behind the twins as the van opened out and a red head in his early twenties stepped out.

"My god, you really weren't jokin'." He muttered. "I mean, not that that's a bad thing. I don't mean to be rude."

"Apology accepted." Brigitte said. "We're coming with you. You lot better keep our boys safe or else."

Skarloey tilted his head at that. "'Our boys'?"

"Uhh." Brigitte tugged at the collar of her blouse. "Well, I'm sorry. But you're more of a family than ours ever were. If it makes you uncomfortable I won't say it ag-"

"Oh shut it, we don't give a damn." Falcon said, though there was no malice in his voice. "I doubt any of use will mind. Out of all the humans we've met, you two are some of the best."

"Ha, what am I then?" Shale added.

"I guess you'd be our little sister then!" Peter exclaimed.

They all laughed softly as they hesitantly stepped into the vehicle. None of them enjoyed confined spaces, their time in the tubes only emphasizing the fear. Shale grew anxious both from the fact she couldn't see the sky and that she was surrounded by police officers.

They'd try to throw her in a disciplinary home, or back to the orphanage. Neither of which she could stand. She and the rest of the engines sat pressed together on the bench, at least the rest of the humans sat on the opposite ends.

They closed the doors and yelled for them to start driving. Each of the engines tensed, feeling each bump on the forest road.

"Despite it all, I think I much preferred the rails." Rusty mumbled.

The red head looked off to the side and coughed in his hand. "So, uh. Hello," He waved. "my name's Jack."

Skarloey looked at his hand, then to his face. Ever since he'd entered the van he had an expression of clear irritation on his face. "You expect me to give you mine?"

"Manners." Renneas scolded. "My apologies, I'm Renesas. This is my brother Skarloey, that's Duncan, Rusty, Falcon, Peter Sam and Shale. Sorry for the rude behaviour, but we're all… incredibly anxious being here."

"I don't blame you guys." He sighed. "Geez, I'm so sorry about everything. I didn't even know this was all happening."

"Riiiiight." Shale drawled. "Sure."

Jack flinched at that. Brigitte tried to think of something to say. "Look, I know none of you have a reason to trust Jack. But he's a good man. Believe me."

"Alright." Duncan shrugged. His nonchalant reaction confused her, until he suddenly grabbed the collar of his uniform. "But if you bastards try any of yer tricks, I'll turn ya into pulp. Got it?"

"Duncan!" Renneas yelled, pulling him back. He let go of Jacks, who nodded hastily.

"Just makin sure." He frowned. "Just cause you lot trust 'im don't mean we will."

"That's… less than ideal." Brigitte said. "But understandable."

The ride was filled with a tense silence all the way through. Save for the occasional bump, nothing too exciting happened. There were windows on the walls behind them and some of the engines would occasionally peek through.

They passed towns they'd seen from the rails, but were unfamiliar from an insiders perspective. People would point and glance at the vans and Renneas discouraged Peter from sticking his hands out and waving.

Soon, then pulled up to a large building with a red cross painted on the front. Bushes and flowers were laid across the grounds in neat rows and some patients could be seen in wheelchairs, being pushed around by medical staff.

Falcon, Peter, Brigitte, and Skarloey all peeked through the windows to try and watch what was happening.

Police officers jumped out from the vans and medical staff came running with a stretcher already prepared. The back door opened and they ushered for Skarloey lie down. They crowded over the entrance, emphasizing their claustrophobia.

But he outright growled at the humans and both Duncan and Shale looked ready to throw hands. Stephen made a calm down motion to them while Brigitte forced them back.

"Have some common sense you lot." She snapped. "These boys are traumatized, the least you could do is give them some space."

Stephen managed to calm the engines and human down for now. "Look, like you said, Skarloey's gonna have to get his eye checked over. No one but the doctors will be allowed inside. You're gonna have to trust them. I don't like it either but I promise you'll be safe."

They all glanced to each other - Stephen was half convinced they were speaking telepathically - before Skarloey eased forward. The rest of the engines followed in suit.

His calm dementor surprised all of the medics, but they didn't waste time rushing him inside. Renneas ran with then, nobody stopped him.

Some of the medics stayed behind and helped guide the rest of them. Edward still held Shale in his arms as they all walked inside. The interior was simple, but tasteful. Cream coloured walls with faded pink trimming on the edges.

Most of the furniture matched the walls, save for some cheap blue plastic chairs. They lead the motley group to a series of doorways and opened the door. They all stepped inside at once, not wanting to leave the others.

Each of the engines found a place to sit. Edward and Shale on the examination bed, Renneas and Rusty on the two extra seats, Falcon and Peter sat on the ground huddle together and Duncan leaned against the wall.

Soon, one human stepped inside wearing a long white coat. Seeing it made Shales anxiety spike and she pressed closer to Edward. The doctor didn't seem to notice.

"Hello, I'm just here to help you all out? Okay?" He asked cheerfully.

No response, his smile faltered for a moment, but he wasn't deterred. "So, Shale? Was it? I'm going to have to clean and re-stitch those cuts. Try to sit still, it won't hurt a bit?"

"That's a bold faced lie and we both know it." She spat out as he reached for the supplies.

If it affected him, he ignored it. He held out a cotton ball and gestured for her foot. That's when Shale realized all she had on was the thin blue paper robe. She'd lost her shoes, jackets and boots. Leaving her feet bare to the rough and merciless forest floor.

She crossed her legs reflexively and pressed her face into Edwards torn shirt to try and hide her blush. "Ha, don't worry. I've seen it all before."

"Doesn't mean I want you to." She added, hissing slightly at the sudden streak of pain. The doctor mumbled a quick 'sorry' each time.

He began dabbing salve on her feet and wrapped them in bandages. "Okay, now I'll have to clean the stitches."

"Fire away doc." She shrugged, having significantly covered up her fear with snark.

"Heh, your brave. I'll give you that." He mumbled. She - along with the others - looked away as he pulled out the old stitches and started cleaning the large, deep cuts.

The blood had mostly clotted, but stray dried leaves had struck to the dripped blood running down her leg. He managed to clean out most of the debris and began re-stitching the cuts. His were much more thorough and practical, meant to stay shut for a long time.

Shale grit her teeth hard as he worked, but out of the corner of her eye she noticed another man peek inside. When he noticed, he ducked away.

"I already say you." She called out. "If your gonna do anything other than stalk us, maybe help patch the others up."

The doctor has just finished sealing her stitches and turned to the door. "Nah, don't mind him. He's a new nurse. Shy, but a steady hand."

"Oy, Jeremy." He called out. Then the boy - blonde and blue eyed - Shale noted, peeked out from behind. "C'mover here. You remember what to do for chemical burns, right?"

"Yes, yes." He nodded. "Run them under water for ten to twenty minutes. Then cover with a light gauze."

"Right, Peter, Falcon and Duncan got the worst of it. Start with the Mohawk one."

He shuffled inside and stood in front of Duncan. "Umm, could- could you come over to the sink for a minute? I-you need to clean out your wounds."

"Sure kiddo." He shrugged. Jeremy switched on the tap and set Duncan's hand under the stream, he flinched slightly at the cold.

"Sorry, sorry, I know it hurts." Jeremy apologized.

He cocked an eyebrow. "Nah, it don't hurt a bit. Seriously. It doesn't." To show him, he pinched his forearm and gave no reaction.

Jeremy just stood there, watching. "Oh. Oh that makes sense. I mean-"

"Oh cut it out I get what ya mean." Duncan rolled his eyes. "Oy, Falcon, Pete, get over here and wash down yer arms."

Soon after he broke into a coughing fit, to which Jeremy panicked slightly. "Ah, what's going on? Did you swallow something?"

"Yea, got a heavy dose of that gas." He wheezed, shifting over so Peter and Falcon could wash of their arms.

"Oh dear, oh dear." Jeremy bit his lip and fished around the cabinets for something. "Uhh, um, you need to gargle some cold water. You need to try and clean out the poison."

He reached up and pulled out a paper cup along with a pill bottle that fell in his head. "Ow. Umm, fill that up with water but don't swallow. Spit it out after a minute."

Peter giggled slightly, Duncan just shrugged and filled the cup. He'd though he'd washed his arms well enough so he stepped back and tipped the water into his mouth.

Jack had finished wrapping up Shales legs and had moved to help Duncan with his arms. "Here, let me help you out."

"I'm fine." He snapped. Grabbing the gauze. "I can do it myself."

"Alright." Jack shrugged. "Go ahead."

Duncan frowned at the humans complacency, but didn't question it. He unrolled the gauze and tried to wrap his arms, but the way he held it, it'd keep slipping of. He growled quietly as he struggled to hold it down.

Renneas had to try and hold a straight face as Jack treated him. He was the luckiest out of them all. Save for some major bruising on his hips and back, along with some small cuts, he was fine. Edward was also in similar condition, along with some added

Jack turned as he finished treating Edwards cuts across his feet. "Sure you don't want my help?"

"Bah, fine." Duncan muttered. "Whatever, yea. Do it."

Jack smiled good naturedly and took the gauze and secured it around Duncan's arm. "You lot ought to get some proper shoes. Or risk catching tetanus."

"You do know none of us know what that is right?" Shale stated. "Besides, running for you life doesn't exactly come with a exclusive bank account."

He just sighed. "Well, just go easy on walking for now. Don't take of those bandages, I'll look them over again in a weeks time."

Jeremy helped Peter and Falcon bandage their arms, the stark white a glaring contrast. Peter began tugging at the cotton. "Alright, but they itch terribly.

"Yea, it kinda sucks." Jeremy mumbled. "Sorry."

"So, what are you gonna do to us now?" Falcon asked. "Your clearly not gonna turn us in, but we ain't human. What's gonna happen to us?"

Jack set his hands against the counter, lips pressed in a thin like. "I, I don't know. I'm just a doctor. But I swore an oath to never harm my patients, that extend to you as well. I don't care if your human or not."

The silence stretched on for a few moments. "Why don't you wait outside? I can tell you don't like being cooped up like this."

Each the engines nodded. "Thank you, Doctor." Renneas said. They all filed back outside, now noticing that people were staring.

"I'm surprised he took this so well." Rusty commented.

"Maybe he was just as confused as us." He wondered. "Likely more so."

Each of the engines sat in a tight ring. And not wanting to take up more room than necessary, they huddle together on the floor in a pile. Renneas and Edward in the center with the other around them.

Duncan leaned against Edward shoulder, Peter and Falcon laid their heads on Renneas thigh, Rusty and Shale on Edward. It was only now they realized it how tired they all were. Most of them fell asleep immediately, though both Edward, Duncan, Renneas and Shale remained awake.

Shale didn't like hospitals, she didn't like not being able to see the sky period. Places like this reminded her of the orphanage. Dank, rancid smelling hallways, cramped rooms, the gloom hanging in the air like chains.

She curled tighter, Edward pressed a hand to hers which she gripped for comfort. "I've noticed something Renneas."

"Oh, what is it." He asked.

"All the humans refer to us as 'boys'." He stated. "But we're all older than any human here, or ever will be."

"That is odd." Renneas pondered.

The silence stretched for a few more moments and soon, a nurse came up carrying a bundle of cloth, some bottled water and food. "Here, I'm sorry we don't have much. But you two do need proper clothing."

"Yea, don't remind me." Shale mumbled, sitting up along with Duncan.

"Take what you want, the bathrooms are down the hall." She pointed.

Duncan fished out a simple yellow shirt, ripped jeans and black boots. While Shale managed to find a shrunken teal t-shirt, brown baggy cargo pants, a green tank top, grey sweater and matching sneakers. They stepped into the bathroom for a few minutes before stepping outside again.

Shale had ripped of a portion of the team shirt and used it as a bandana to keep her - now dripping - hair out of her face. "What?" She said when the others cast her odd glances. "I washed my hair, big deal."

Now that it was cleaner, her hair was brighter. More akin to mahogany than rust. She laid her head back and curled up again. Renneas looked to the door labeled 'ER' and cast a concerned look down.

"So, what now?"

"We wait." Edward said. "Wait, and hope for the best."