A/N: And so we end The Duke saga with probably the most heartwarming story either Awdry has ever written. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Thomas and Friends.
Chapter 96: A Family Reunited
News of Duke's story soon spread, and Sir Handel and Peter Sam found themselves swamped with people asking them more and more questions. They tried to answer them to the best of their ability, but the biggest question was what happened to Duke. That was one nobody had the answer to, but everyone wanted to know.
A few weeks later, Mr. Percival, Sir Topham Hatt, Sir Fergus Duncan, and the Thin and Fat Clergymen met at Arlesburgh station.
"According to Sir Handel and Peter Sam's story," Said Mr. Percival, "Duke was last seen working at the Cas-yn-Hawin Mine. If we intend to find anything, I suggest we start around that area."
"Are we sure this is a good idea?" Asked the Small Controller, "It's been years since anyone has seen him. For all we know he's dead and buried somewhere along the Mid Sodor Railway."
"That may very well be true," said Sir Topham Hatt, "But don't Sir Handel and Peter Sam deserve closure? At the very least, they'll know what happened to him."
"Indeed," said the Thin Clergymen, "Regardless of whether we'll find him alive or not, this mystery needs to be solved, for the good of everyone."
Everyone agreed to help. The Thin Clergymen joined The Small Controller on his way to the sheds, where the small railway engine drivers were getting ready to start the day's work.
"Morning, sirs," said Bert, "Are you writing a new book, Wilbert? I promise not to ruin your pictures this time."
"Yes, Bert, I am," said The Thin Clergymen, "But not about you three, I'm afraid."
"Shoot," grumbled Mike, "I was hoping to have one about me."
"Yeah, they can call it Mike the Clumsy Engine Driver."
"Stuff it, Rex. No one asked for your opinion."
"Settle down, you two," said The Thin Clergymen, "Just because you're not the main focus doesn't mean I won't put you three in it. But only if you behave."
"We will."
"Good, now listen."
The Thin Clergymen explained the story to them, and all three agreed to help. Each of them would take turns bringing the party up into the hills each morning and bring them home on the evening train. Every day for two weeks the five explored more and more but had no luck in finding Duke or his engine. They were beginning to give up hope.
"I want to solve this mystery as much as the next person," said The Fat Clergymen, "But we can't search forever."
"Sadly, I must agree," said Sir Topham Hatt, "We've searched almost the whole area, but still no sign of Duke. I have a railway to run, I can't go on wild goose chases."
"You are both correct," sighed Mr. Percival, who to had begun to give up hope, "I say we give it one more go and if we can't find anything we call off the search."
The rest agreed and set off the next morning. All three were surprised to find a spacious cave that appeared to have been lived in.
"It looks like someone's been living in here for years," said The Small Controller, "Do you-"
"Who are you? What are you doing in my home."
All five turned around to find a most startling sight. There stood Duke, but he had seen better days. His hair was long and unsheveled, his clothes dirty and falling apart. A scraggly beard adorned his face.
"Are you Daniel Jones, or Duke?"
"How do you know my name? I suggest you either start answering my questions or leave me be."
"Stuart and Falcon mentioned you. Please, we don't mean you any harm, we want to reunite you three."
Duke's face softened, and a small grin grew on his lips.
"So they haven't forgotten about me," he whispered, "Alright, I'll come with you. But what will we do about my engine?"
"You still have your engine?"
Duke took them to the back of the cave, where his engine was propped up against a wall.
"It was damaged after the flood stranded us," he said, "Didn't have the tools or money to fix it, nor were there any tracks anywhere even if I could, so I kept it to keep my mind sane. Something to remember the good old days."
"I'll call for a lorry," said Mr. Fergus Duncan, "We'll get it out of here no sweat."
Duke looked disgusted.
"An engine being pulled on a lorry," he grumbled, "How revolting."
"Not much else we can do. The railway doesn't reach here, and it's too small to carry your engine anyway."
When the lorry reached the cave, they helped the driver get it onto the flatbed. They dropped the engine off at the Steamworks, but not before surprising the small railway drivers by driving past them.
"So he is real," said Mike, "I never doubted it for a second."
"Says the man who said we were wasting our time on a wild goose chase last night."
"Why I oughta-"
"Settle down, you two. Let's just be glad he's been found."
"Yes, Bert."
After the engine was safely deposited, they took Duke into town to get him some new clothes, a haircut, and a bite to eat. Once they were done, Mr. Percival took Duke to his office while the other four left for home, but not before Duke thanked them for the millionth time.
"Will Peter Sam and Sir Handel please come to my office," he announced over the station P.A., "I repeat, Peter Sam and Sir Handel to the office please."
Duke stepped behind the open door to hide. Meanwhile Peter Sam and Sir Handel were walking towards his office.
"I don't understand it, Peter Sam," grumbled Sir Handel, "First he disappears for two weeks without explanation, and now he calls us into his office without warning."
"He probably heard about your accident at the incline, though what he wants with me is beyond me."
"That wasn't my fault and you know it. Stupid Duncan and his stupid Rock n' Roll."
They soon reached Mr. Percival's office.
"Ah, good, I'm glad I caught you before you left for the day. There's someone who wants to see you two."
"Well, who is it? We can't be here all day."
"Impatient, Falcon? That would never suit his grace."
Peter Sam and Sir Handel froze.
"Peter Sam, please tell me I didn't just hear what I thought I did."
"I can't. I heard it to."
They spun around to see Duke grinning wider than he had in years.
"DUKE!"
They ran into his arms, giving him the biggest hug, they could. All three were crying tears of joy.
"W-we thought you were dead. The flood-"
"Come on, Falcon. You should know by now that it'll take more than that to bring me down."
"Oh man, Duke, we're so glad you're back."
"Me to, Stuart. Me to."
Mr. Percival cleared his throat.
"Once his engine is back in working order, Duke will work on The Skarloey Railway. You two may have the day off tomorrow to show him around."
"Yes sir, thank you sir."
With that, the three-left so Sir Handel and Peter Sam could introduce Duke to their friends.
"This is going to be great. It'll be just like old times."
"Yeah, except now we'll be the ones keeping you in order."
"Keeping me in order? Pah, you wish."
"Last one to the house is a burst safety valve !"
And with that Sir Handel and Peter Sam took off. Duke just shook his head.
"Those two get on my nerves sometimes. They're noisy, cheeky and annoying. But I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world."
And with that, he jogged after them, ready to start his new life.
A/N: And done! I wasn't sure if I wanted to do this before or after the 100th chapter, but I'm glad I did. Next week we count down to number 100, and that month will be huge. Until next time, Don't forget to be Reliable, Right on time, and Really Useful.