HOLY SCRAP, I never expected this story to run for this long. Like, almost two years. (Granted most of that time wa spent procrastinating). I kinda look back and cringe at the older chapters but it's fun to look back and see how I've (I hope) improved.


Soon, all of the engines plus Shale had fallen asleep. Each holding onto the other, occasionally nurses and patients would pass them and smile. Telling eachother how sweet they all looked. One of them set up pillows and blankets for each of them.

Hours passed and Brigitte and Stephen walked in. The media would be a storm to deal with, but the evidence was irrefutable. They wanted to take care of most of it themselves, but each of the others were required to give a testimony to the crimes committed.

All would be dealt with in due time. Neither of them wanted the engines to be alone, and the hospital was gracious enough to provide two extra cots in a examination room that wasn't being used. The night passed and - like clockwork - each of the engines rose at the crack of dawn.

Edward blinked open first, instinctively stretching his arms and hearing his joints pop. The extra action caused the others to rouse after that. Each rubbing at their eyes.

"Hmm?" Renneas mumbled. "Oh, good morning everyone."

"Mornin'." Shale groaned. "Too god damn early."

"Likewise." Falcon agreed.

"Well, you'll need to eventually." Renneas said. "I can't feel my feet."

"Wait what?" Peter cried. Then a pillow was suddenly thrown at his face. Courtesy of Duncan who was still trying to sleep.

"Shut ya bloody trap." He wined.

"Good morning to you too." Renneas grinned. Then he realized. "Wait, Skarloey!"

All the others soon recalled the events of last night. The lab, Skarloeys eye, the leaking oil. He wasn't with them, he was alone. He was left with the humans. And while all of them had a varying degree of trust when it came to them, none of them could shake the permanent sense of fear they'd be associated with.

The same nurse walked over carrying a clipboard. Greeting each of them with a smile. "Good morning boys, I've got some great news."

"Is my brother okay?"

"Can he still see?"

"How badly is Skarloey damaged?"

"What'd you lot do with 'im?"

"Calm down, please." She said. "Skarloey is stable, but his eye was too damaged to save. Frankly I'm surprised he's even alive. A good portion of your anatomy is similar to that of a human so we tries to fix what we could. But… he will suffer permanent memory loss along with increased irritability and short term memory loss. Fine motor skills will also be temporarily impaired."

"Can I-we see him?" Renneas begged. "Please, I need to see Skarloey, I need to know he's safe."

"I-it's against standard processes to allow visitors after extensive surgery." She stated. Each of them visibly deflated at that. "But… this is far from a standard situation."

"Is that a yes or a no lady?" Duncan snapped.

She nodded curtly. "Yes, I can take you to him."

The rest of the engines didn't waste any time in asking the others, who complained until they heard there hasty explanation. They pulled one another to their feet - Shale still needing to lean on Edward - and followed the nurse to Skarloeys room.

The door was slightly ajar and a steady beeping could be heard. She pushed the door open and everyone flooded inside. Skarloey was much cleaner than before. Most of the dried oil had been cleaned away and the ragged old cloth had been replaced with sterile white gauze.

He was sitting up but fell back into his pillow as the rest of the engines jumped and pulled him for a hug. Each glad that he was safe and the humans kept their word. Soon they stood back and let Skarloey take them all in.

"Hello every engine - I mean, hello everyone." He smiled, but them he reached up to feel the patch across his right eye. "It's a pity I can't see you as well as before. But I can tell you're all doing much better since last time… when was last time?"

"Just yesterday." Renneas explained. "You still remember us, right?"

"Of course." Skarloey laughed softly. "Your my brother, I know all of you. And how could I forget you, Shale?"

"Your just saying that to be nice." She muttered.

"No!" He yelled. Then clapped a hand over his mouth. "I - I apologize for the outburst."

"That's alright old friend." Edward patted his hand. He glanced over to Shale who cast a knowing glance. "I've been through the same, you'll adjust eventually. All you need are good friends."

"I mean, if we aren't all friends at least after all that scrap, I don't know what we are." Falcon grinned.

"Agreed." Rusty nodded. "Your one of us Shale. You're our friend."

The red head had to hold her eyes closed, not wanting to cry in front of them all. Edward pulled her in for a loose hug as she pressed into his chest. The rest pretended not to notice but smiled in both sympathy and fondness.

They all sat together in a comfortable silence until they heard someone knock at the door. Rusty pushed of from where he sat to answer. "It's Brigitte and Stephen." He called to the others. "What do you need?"

"We've got more good news." She started. "Topham was convicted of unethical human experimentation, unethical workplace management-"

"Oh just tell em the greedy bastards gonna be behind bars for the rest of his life." Stephen cut in.

There was a light scuffle before the twins finally stepped inside. "Alright fine. That's the short version. Tophams finally got justice served on a silver platter."

Duncan frowned. "Fat bastard deserved more if ya ask me."

Some of the engines exchanged uneasy glances, but some silently agreed. After it all, it didn't feel like enough of a punishment. Them being Falcon, Rusty and even Renneas for a moment.

But both Shale and Skarloey frowned hard. "No, that's not the point." He mumbled. "An eye for an eye and the world goes blind."

Shale pushed a hand through her hair. "Yea, what he said. Hurtin' others ain't gonna help the world. Like you said Ren, sometimes we just need a friend."

Edward looked down and smiled proudly. She groaned and hid her face in her sweater sleeves. "Ahhh, I can't believe I just said that. That was the cheesiest crap I've ever said."

Duncan shrugged and nodded. "Yea that was really cheesy."

"Hey! It doesn't mean she's wrong." Skarloey snapped again.

"Alright, I get it." He raised his hands.

"So, what about me?"

They all turned to Shale, who had her hands clutching her pants. "I mean, I'm an orphan and I've stolen more shit them I care to listen. What's gonna happen to me."

"Oh, I didn't think of that yet." Brigitte licked her lips.

"Hey, don't worry about that." Stephen piped up. "We've got enough money now, we could probably pay the storekeepers what you owe them. Then again, nobody brought that up so… let's keep that within us."

"Stephen!" She said, shoving his shoulder.

"What? They didn't. And it's not like you stole anything expensive." He faked a suspension look. "Did you?"

She smiled. "Nah, nothing like that. Just food, water and some money. If I had to guess, maybe a couple hundred pounds. Not much."

"Then that's settled." He said. "The doctors said you'd be let out of here in a couple days, Skarloey. Normally it'd be longer, but they'll have someone check up on you at our house every few weeks. We explained you lot didn't take kindly to being cooped up, so they made an exception."

"I never knew humans could be this nice." Skarloey mumbled.

"Then again, our interactions were mainly with Topham or the other workers. I don't recall them being much better." Renneas added. "Speaking of, what's going to happen to them? Along with the rest of our friends, the other living machines?"

Stephen rubbed the back of his head. "Oh, that's the sorta bad news."

Brigitte swallowed visibly. "When the scientist confessed, they said that almost a third of the living machines were… killed. Everyone else is still alive, traumatized, but alive. Once we take control of the company, we'll be sure to give proper rights to all of our workers. Human, or machine."

"Tch, sounds ambitious." Falcon scoffed. "I don't know a lot about running a railroad, but won't that cost a whole lot of money?"

"Yes, but frankly, neither of us care." She stated. "Money was never our priority, never has been. We've planned to sell the Hatt estate and use the money to help support any of the unjustly treated or compensated workers. We'll still have enough to run the company… just enough."

"That's pretty damn optimistic." Shale added. "Sure you two can handle all that?"

"I mean, maybe. Probably. Hopefully." Stephen said. "There's… something else too. It's about you guys."

Each of them tensed for a moment and he seemed to notice. "No,no,no it's nothing bad I swear. It's just… you all don't have anywhere to go, don't you?"

"Unless you count the cabin in the woods or Pete and Falcons old shed, no." Duncan offered.

"No offence, but that's hardly a proper home. How will you survive?" Brigitte asked, concerned.

Shale just sighed. "I-we'll manage it. Or somethin'."

The twins looked to each other, then nodded. Brigitte started. "Well, we were hoping that perhaps… you'd want to live with us?"

Each of the engines were in disbelief. "I-I don't know what to say." Renneas began. "What about jobs? How will you support all ten of us at once? Is that even possible?"

"I'm pretty sure we could get buy for a couple months." Stephen shrugged. "But you lot will have to get jobs soon, it don't need to be anything big. Every little bit'll help."

They all could accept that. Despite their poor treatment, each of the engines were hard and willing workers. There strength would be a valuable asset and some of them were amazed with all the new possibilities. Now they were free, they could do and be who they wanted.

"Oh! I'd love to work with animals more!" Peter exclaimed. "Before we were to big and noisy to get close, now I can finally hug cows and sheep!"

"That's what you're excited for?" Falcon said, amused. "If I'm gonna work anywhere, it'll be somewhere quiet."

"Perhaps the library?" Renneas offered. "I would enjoy being close to so many books. I could provide more learning material for you all, expand our horizons so to speak."

This was going so much better than the twins expected. "So, what's your verdict?" Brigitte asked hopefully. "We'll provide everything we can for you, we promise."

How could they say no?

::::

A taxi had been waiting outside and after much yelling and shoving, everyone piled inside. This time, each of the engines and humans got a clear view of the towns around them. The sky was finally clear as people walked around, either in pairs, alongside with their children or in merry groups.

Somehow, the world seemed brighter, hopeful. Shale squinted at a man waving a newspaper around and was only just able to make out the headlines. "Engines Turned Human, Conspiracy or Monstrosities?"

"What do they know?" Skarloey frowned. "Stupid humans."

"Yea, the reporters will want a piece of you lot for sure." Stephen muttered. "Sorry, there's only so much we can say to sway what they say. They'll do anything to make a story more interesting."

"Glad to know some things never change." Shake said. "Wonder what they'll say next. 'Redhead Street Rat Found with Super Strength, a Menace to Proper Society'." She said that in an exaggerated paper boy voice and some found it amusing.

"Well they can piss of!" Skarloey yelled. "No one messes with my friends!"

"Brother please." Renneas said calmly.

"Ha, I kinda like this new Skarloey." Duncan said to himself. "He ain't as much of a pushover."

Said engine frowned hard and almost pushed of his seat, but his brother held him down. "Quit squirming back there!" Brigitte called. "You boys are ridiculous."

Falcon figured it was a good time to ask his - and everyone else's - question. "Why do you keep calling us boys? All of us are older than you by at least half a dozen decades."

"He's got a point sis." Stephen pagreed.

"I'm sorry. I know you're all much older, but that's not it." Brigitte started. "You don't know much about how human society works. Not the fine details at least. Call it what you will, I just… I don't know."

"Oh." Falcon whispered.

"So, then what do you see us as?" Peter asked.

"Well since we're both adopting you, I guess that makes you our… children?"

His tone at the end of the sentence implied more of a question than a statement. They were all quiet before Renneas spoke up again. "Well, I have no issue with it. While somewhat odd given the age gap, it's… it's nice. To know you see us as such."

The rest had more or less similar reactions. Some taking the new tittle more reluctantly than others. The engines were still tired, sleep hanging like a hook. Each of them passed in and out of consciousness throughout the ride. They passed through the busiest sections of the town and back down to the further, less hectic outskirts.

Shale was the only one in the back who kept awake the whole ride. She spent most of it thinking, recalling everything that had happened in a matter of weeks. From street rat, to the 'teacher' of a bunch of engines turned humans, to science experiments then to… whatever you'd call her situation. Belonging? Safe?

Safe, it was a word she never thought she'd use in a long time. She was never safe, not really. Then again is anyone ever totally safe? She figured no, even regular people have things to watch out for. But at least now she'd have people to watch for her.

Still, she'd have a hard time adjusting. Shale had grown used to fighting, lying and stealing. It'd take a while for her to break the habits.

"Hey, Shale?" Stephen piped up. "You still awake?"

"No I'm totally asleep." She replied.

"Ha, Ha, very funny. But seriously, how are ya doin? This has to be kinda… I don't know. Kinda crazy."

She hugged her knees, tracing where the long line of stitches started. "I don't wanna get all mushy. I just don't think this is a good time."

"Hey, whatever it is that's on your mind, I won't judge." He comforted. "It's probably a lot."

"I'll give you that one." She said. "I… it's been a while since I've had 'this', " she made a circle motion with her fingers. "it's weird. Like, I know this would be my life it it still feels weird."

"I mean, your brothers are humanized engines I think weird is an understatement."

Shale was about to retort with 'that's not what I meant', but instead huffed out a laugh. "Yea, I figured. But, but still. You know what I mean."

"In full honesty I don't. Not for certain at least."

"Really? Didn't pick up the fact I was a street urchin?"

"Well… yea I kinda did." He said strained. "No offence, but it's sorta obvious."

"That's the point, people stay away from unfamiliar and dirty things." She explained.

He was silent for a moment. "Did you like it?"

"Of course I - I," Did she? Shale wondered how much of what she needed to do did she really enjoy and what part was just to keep her alive. The thrill of a good fight was something she'd always had. Stealing and pickpocketing didn't do the same for her adrenaline rush.

She settled for an answer in between. "No, not everything."

"Alright, it's okay. You won't need to do whatever you had to anymore. I promise you'll get the life you deserve from now on. You'll get to have a childhood."

"Thank you."

Even at the orphanage, happiness was a rarity. Living there was hardly living. Thin sheets and old food. Shale hated the place. On the streets, she had freedom but was fighting to stay alive every day. Sometimes literally. She was ultimately glad to leave it all behind.

The car soon pulled up to the small town house. But the redhead grit her teeth when he saw someone sitting on the porch. Stephen made a motion to exit the car but Shale stopped him.

"Wait, I know this guy. He probably wants to talk to me."

"Are you sure?" He asked wearily. "He's not dangerous?"

"Just keep a hand on your wallet and you'll be fine." She said as she stepped outside.

He saw on the concrete steps, smoking a cigarette. When Shale stepped outside, he saw up and grinned. "The prodigal daughter returns."

"Cut the crap, Picks." She started. "Why are you here?"

"What? Not gonna cut your old friend some slack?" He shrugged.

"We both know you lost the status of friends when you started rigging those matches." She said. "That wasn't right, plain and simple."

"As if either of us had a choice." Picks said. "Kid, listen, I'm happy you've found a better life. I really am. But what I said about the world still stands."

She went silent. 'The world won't stop to pull you up'. "I know, but I'd rather face it looking up instead of down. If it means others look up too."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Since when were you so optimistic?"

"I never said I was." She said.

"Right."

Picks stepped forward and set a hand on her shoulder and gave her a small and genuine smile. "Shale… Annie, just be careful. Stay safe. And stay alive."

With that he stepped away, hands jammed in his pockets like nothing had happened. The rest of the people in the taxi had awoken and stepped outside. Edward tilted his head behind her curiously.

"Annie?" He asked. "Who is that?"

She sighed and faced the others. "That was my old name, from back at the orphanage."

Skarloey blinked hard for a moment, then it clicked. "Oh." The rest of the engines had similar reactions.

"What? Did you seriously think my name was 'Shale'?"

"That was what you told me when we first met." Edward stated.

"That was just my street name. 'Annie' isn't exactly intimidating."

"So, would you like us to call you Annie now?" Brigitte asked.

She thought about that. Shale was someone who was quick to flare and lash, shoulders always hunched and waiting for the next attack. Someone who was hardened and believed there was no good left in the world.

Annie knew better know. They all did.

"Sure, go ahead."

It felt good to finally be home.


With this, marks the end of Tales of a Runaway. Thank you all for remaining till the end. This probably seems abrupt and maybe a little cliche. But really, at it's core this was meant to be a story about having hope that there is still good left in the world.

I hope you all had fun on this adventure. Here's to a hopeful future.