20 - Golden Eyes

"North tried to bring Gadwall back?" Mallard's face creased in confusion as he tried to understand what he had just seen. "Gadwall was close friends with North? I knew that North spoke to him and was amicable but I didn't realise… I didn't realise how differently he treated me."

Quicksilver watched as Mallard mulled her memories over. She nodded to him.

"He was standoffish to any engine that was considered a success by Sir Gresley. Flying Scotsman, Silver Link and yourself among others," she explained. "After Sir Gresley passed away, he started to drop his attitude. Completely, after Thompson rebuilt him."

Mallard frowned as distant memories started to replay in his mind. Slowly, memories were returning and not all of them were flattering. Of his antagonising and harassing a broken and depressed Great Northern. Of being filled with nothing but hatred, anger and being unbelievably cold.

"Is there… Is there a way to bring Gadwall back?" Mallard asked hopefully and Quicksilver gave him a nod.

"North came extremely close to finding the answer, a large reason why I am here is due to his research into Gold Dust and Engine Souls," she explained. "In fact, he found Gadwall's actual nameplate while on Sodor with help from the Earl. He disappeared before he could bring it back to the mainland. We have no idea where he or it is."

Mallard frowned and stared at Herbert, the raven trying to steal the rest of Quicksilver's cake to which she subtly tried to push him away. He didn't seem to register his bird friend though.

"What does… what does this have to do with Ms Olivia's Golden Whistle?" He eventually asked. "Do you think that whoever threatened her still has North?"

"North has not resurfaced since her Golden Whistle has been stolen," Quicksilver explained grimly. "We could assume that instead of releasing him, this Parsons still has North or North hasn't been able to communicate with us, which is very unusual for him to be silent for so long."

The North he knew had been anal-retentive about every single thing. It sounded about right for him.

But there was worry underlying his sister's tone. He could tell that she was worried for him but even now, after seeing the memories of his sister, there was no love nor interest in saving North.

"I will find out what happened to Ms Olivia's Golden Whistle," Mallard nodded to her. "I do not care about North, but if he's the only chance to bring Gadwall back…"

He paused and looked out over Quicksilver's garden. It was peaceful and serene. A major contrast to his thoughts and feelings.

"If North is the only one who knows how to bring Gadwall back then," he turned back to Quicksilver with a glare. "Then I'll rescue him or whatever, but not for you, not for him, for Gadwell."

"Mallard," Quicksilver's tone took on a stern air. "Please be aware that we do not know if it will even work. Do not get your hopes up, creating silver souls is a hit-and-miss process. We could get nothing out of this."

Mallard was silent for a long while. He had hope, hope that he could see Gadwall again. Hope that he could take his little brother and show him his- Gresley's ducks.

But he had to try.

"I have to try," Mallard croaked, unexpectedly feeling tears well up in his eyes. "Even if it doesn't end up working. Please, let me try."

Quicksilver's face softened and she gazed at him sympathetically. Herbert had stopped trying to steal her cake and hopped onto Mallard's lap. Mallard began stroking the bird absent-mindedly.

"I don't know what's happened to me, but these memories that are coming back… they, scare me," Mallard mumbled. "Did I really threaten Sir Gresley's family? That Olivia? But she was nice to me despite… I would never knowingly do that! Please! Did Thompson removing my soul really turn me into a heartless monster? Is Sir Nigel right about me?"

Quicksilver quickly stood and went over to Mallard, embracing him silently. He went rigid, confused at the gesture.

"Mallard, I will be completely honest with you," she spoke, her voice comforting but serious. "You did some abhorrent things when you were under the influence of the black smoke. Things that are not forgivable. There are people out there who will hate you no matter what."

"This isn't making me feel better Mercury," Mallard mournfully lamented.

"I know, but Rooster and I want to give you a chance. And it's quite clear that Ms Olivia wants to give you a chance too," Quicksilver smiled at him. "We can't imagine what it was like during all those years for you. But we know that it wasn't the real you. We want to believe that you can do the right thing, that you have the capacity to be good."

"I can be good," Mallard mumbled, sounding like a child.

"Then prove to us that you can," Quicksilver smiled at him. She looked down and found that the railway lamp had appeared on the ground at their feet. "You wouldn't have been able to even wield this lamp if you didn't have goodness inside you."

Mallard's brow ceased in confusion as he looked down and saw it.

"I don't even know what it is," he muttered confused. "It was on an old engine I found in the woods. It can teleport me to places. It's how I got to the museum and here. I asked it to show me answers."

"It is the lamp of an engine named Proteus," his sister explained. "It's said to grant one wish of someone who believes."

Mallard just stared at her confused.

"Then, you can use it to bring North back!" He insisted but Quicksilver shook her head.

"Look," she gestured to the lamp and grabbed a hold of it. Or at least, tried to. The lamp simply phased out of existence at her touch and returned when she moved her hand away.

Mallard stared at it confused. He grabbed it and he did so without issue.

"It appears that you're the only one who can use it," Quicksilver pointed out. "Proteus clearly thinks there's more to you than meets the eye."

Mallard shook his head. Instead of getting answers, he was now even more confused.

"Fine," he eventually conceded. "I'll go save North and get Lady Gresley's whistle back. The sooner I do that the faster I can back to my ducks and not be involved in whatever, this is."

Quicksilver nodded to him.

"I wish you the best of luck, Mallard," she smiled at him and Mallard simply shrugged.

"You didn't really give me much of a choice," he shrugged and held out his arm for Herbert to land on him. He turned away from Quicksilver who gazed at Mallard sadly.

"Come back and see me won't you? I do miss you, you know. Even if I never seemed all that kind to you, you're still my little brother," she pleaded with him and Mallard dropped his shoulders defeated and gave a deep sigh.

"I don't know if I will," Mallard admitted, glancing back at her. "I think I need to figure things out on my own. At least when all this mess is over."

Quicksilver nodded in understanding.

"If you ever never to talk, I'm here for you," she assured him with a gentle smile.

Mallard gazed at her for a moment before giving a slight nod before he disappeared in a shower of Gold Dust.

"It's been a while you pretty old thing," a sultry voice called to King Edward II.

He frowned and looked over to find a A4 Pacific on the siding near the platform. She was winking at him and throwing him lustful looks immediately making him feel uncomfortable.

"Greetings Ms Union," King Edward II greeted the A4 with a strained smile. "I didn't know you were here."

"Someone has to add class to this event," she arrogantly proclaimed and King Edward resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her.

"I assumed that was what Silver Link was doing here," he replied dryly and Union glared at him. "Myself being a King Class adds to that I suppose."

"The rest of the railways don't subscribe to the Great Western's ridiculous class system!" Union suddenly snapped at him, thoroughly annoyed. "You're not a King by any means!"

King Edward II was about to hiss back but noticed Tornado in the distance watching them with a frown on her face. He quickly looked away from her and focused on Union, who gave him a sour look.

"No, I don't suppose I ever was either," King Edward II retorted, throwing the A4 completely off guard. "Kings don't usually deal with riff-raff like you."

The look on Union's face became apocalyptically cross.

"How dare you!" She snarled angrily. "I am the Mallard's Sister! I will not be spoken to like that!"

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Tornado smirking at them, clearly amused. King Edward II didn't smile though, he was uncomfortable, he didn't like confrontation and was deeply regretting taking jabs at Union who was known to be a complete snake of an engine.

He said nothing as Union just glared at him. Her sour expression suddenly turned into a coniving look and she gave him a vile grin.

"Looks like the doormat finally grew a spine," she sneered and King Edward II glared at her in response. "A bit too late though, your brother's already going through with his plan."

"Plan? What plan?"

"Oh, you know the one where he brings back Maindy Hall and finally steals the position of Gold Warden from Truro?" Union teased and King Edward II felt the water in his boiler turn ice cold.

"What…?" Was all he could blankly ask.

"You heard me, how else do you think Mallard knew where to find the City of Truro while he was cooped up in his little pedestal? Can't replace that old rust bucket while he's at his strongest now?" She gloated and King Edward II felt the cold feeling in his boiler dissipate. "You can say goodbye to that annoying little sad excuse of an engine, Lady of Legend-"

"Shut up!" King Edward II suddenly snarled at Union. "I've had enough of you, you nasty good-for-nothing engine! Everyone has had enough of you and your catty attitude!"

Union humphed indignantly. "Just because you suddenly had the steel to stand up for yourself now doesn't mean you can talk to me like this-"

"I will talk to you however I damn well please!" King Edward II shouted at her drawing the attention of the crowds milling around. "You have always been an insufferable, arrogant and classless engine whom nobody has liked! Even Mallard didn't like you! I recall him telling the directors that he hated you! Why else do you think you weren't invited to be a part of museum events?"

Union's face twisted into an ugly look of both disbelief and fury.

"I am his Sister-"

"No. One. CARES!" King Edward II bellowed at her. "Why would anyone care about such an unpleasant and horrid engine like you? None of the other A4s actually like you so why don't you back off?"

Without even another word to her, the King Class chuffed off in a huff, leaving a completely incensed Union to stew in her anger. If she had yelled at his retreating form, he did not hear it nor cared to do so.

"Look at you!" Came the cheery call of the Australian engine as he found her next to Tornado and the Silver A4, Spencer. "Standing up for yourself. You love to see it!"

"About time you did," Spencer remarked with a smirk. "You've always been a bit of a coward to be completely honest."

King Edward II gave him a small glare before he turned his attention to Tornado.

"I need to head to Sodor," he proclaimed. "Lady of Legend is in danger."

"Are you sure? I don't think she likes you, you might make things worse," Tornado pointed out.

"I know but my brother is going to do to her what Blue Peter intended to do to you," The King Class explained urgently and Tornado became immediately uncomfortable.

"What did you say?" Spencer suddenly butted in. "Is this about Blue Peter? The Peppercorn's on Sodor, he might have something to do with it."

Tornado now looked terrified as did King Edward II.

"This is bad! If my brother succeeds then we might lose Tornado as well as Lady of Legend!" The King Class fretted. "I need to stop him!"

Spencer, sensing the severity of the situation frowned. He looked over to the Australian engine who was watching them curiously.

"Forgive us, we're talking about personal matters," he proclaimed. "I don't know what your crews know about Gold Dust or what not but it's a bit taboo here."

"Engine souls right?" Grey quired. "You UK engines have like 'gold dust' right? We have something different but similar."

Spencer was surprised.

"You know about this? You know where your souls come from?" Spencer asked, confused. "Australia has something similar?"

"Of course, every engine knows where our souls came from, why wouldn't we?" She asked incredulously. "It comes from ores beneath the lands and it's a solid mist of rainbow colours, like the scales of a fish caught in a moonbeam."

"That sounds so pretty," Tornado wistfully exclaimed. "Ours are just Gold Dust."

"Yeah some of the British lads that came over had those Gold Souls, they changed over time though," Grey mused. "Suppose you guys all have a different process to us."

Had this conversation occurred at any other time, King Edward II would be fascinated, but right now he knew that little Tydfil would be in serious danger.

"Please, my twin is going to kill Tydfil!" He begged the engines present and they glanced at one another.

"Well, I'm sure that Tornado can handle herself and… my sister," Spencer considered before addressing Tornado. "Be a lovely host to Grey here, I will accompany King Edward II to Sodor."

"Please it's… Rhion."

Tornado and Spencer shared a pointed glance, the King Class knew that his actions were bewildering. Not just to them but to himself.

Was he doing this to impress Tornado? No… there had to be more to it than that.

"Well, us girls can hold down the fort while the both of you go off and be heroic," Grey announced with authority. Spencer took offence to this.

"Now hold on just a minute," the A4 exclaimed flustered. "You may be a guest here but you don't order us about."

"Oh shut up and go help old blue here!" Grey completely deflected his argument. "The poor fella's distressed! Stormcloud here and I can handle things."

Spencer looked irritated but he felt like Grey was an engine that would not be argued with. She was bullish and she wasn't in any way afraid to get physical if things weren't going her way. She was like one of the larger Southern engines but with more 'spice' as Taw Valley might say. He was secretly impressed but dared not show it. Whatever trouble Union might stir up, he was certain she could handle it.

"You should go," Tornado advised them, picking up on Grey's attitude. "I can handle things here."

"Alright," King Edward II smiled at her then looked at Spencer.

"Very well, though be warned, my sister has been extra suspicious lately," Spencer finally conceded. "Do not drop your guard around her."

"I won't!" Tornado exclaimed brightly.

"Besides, she has me to deal with if she tries to mess with our precious Storm Cloud here!" Grey declared and Tornado blushed deeply. "Go rescue the princess Linky!"

King Edward II looked puzzled at the foreign engine's statement while Spencer shot her a glare to which she grinned at him cheekily. The silver A4 and the King Class moved off to depart leaving the two green engines to happily chat away, Union glaring at the two of them from across the station.

"Good Morning Scoot," Came Oscar's greeting as he approached the half-asleep engine. Next to said engine, City of Truro hadn't even stirred with the people milling about.

Scotsman had been watching him quietly, patiently waiting until his crew had started to turn up. The firelighter was still tottering around while Vincent prepared Scotsman for the run to Swindon. Scotsman looked down at his stoker with a kind smile.

"Hello Oscar, are you well?" The engine asked and the fireman gave him a strained smile.

"All things considered, I'm doing alright," the man answered gruffly. Sensing Scotsman's next question he nodded to him. "Olivia's doing well too. Her being bored is the main issue. She'll probably try to sneak in some work here and there and pretend it never happened."

"She lives to work," Scotsman acknowledged. "I imagine lying around all day isn't too much fun to be honest. I don't blame her."

Oscar just shrugged. "I'm just glad she's getting at least some rest if I'm honest. She's always been stubborn when I ask her to."

Scotsman chuckled. "She'll be back in no time after the baby is born. You know her. She was working practically the day after widdle Scott was born."

Oscar just shook his head.

"I don't know what to do with either of you," he bemoaned and Scotsman just laughed at him.

"It's a Gresley thing, I suspect."

"Well it's fuckin' a annoying thing," Oscar chided and Scotsman's laughter grew. He paused before continuing. "We decided on a name by the way."

"Oh?"

"Polly."

"Oh!" Scotsman gasped in delight. "Pretty Polly! How wonderful! My sister would have been beside herself with joy. Thank you!"

Oscar chuckled.

"I"m glad Scott," he looked up and down the famous engine. "How are you doing birthday boy?"

"Restless," Scotsman admitted. "But I am otherwise fine. I am worried about many things."

Oscar frowned. He knew when Scotsman was guarding himself.

"Scotsman," he chided and the famous engine sighed in defeat and looked away.

"I can still sense Olivia's whistle but…" the A3 whispered in hushed tones as he glanced over at Truro nervously. "It's far away and it's tainted with Black Smoke."

The colour drained from Oscar's face.

"Are you sure?"

"I am positive," Scotsman explained nervously, the normally relaxed engine glancing around nervously. "I know exactly what that stuff feels like and I can feel it through the whistle."

Oscar frowned. Was the Black Smoke what had caused Olivia to fall ill? How on Earth had someone gotten a hold of Black Smoke? It was just another spanner in the works as far as Oscar was concerned. Could Olivia be in danger without the Golden Whistle? Could the Black Smoke harm her or the baby?

No, that wasn't possible. Olivia was human, Oscar reasoned. The Black Smoke only affected engines, humans couldn't get the Cold Iron Sleep like an engine. Still, the worries lingered in his mind. Olivia had seemed weaker when he had left for the museum this morning. He would have to ask Dr Hendrick to keep a close eye on her before he left for Sodor.

"I promised Olivia I'd get to the bottom of this and I will," Oscar declared then looked at Scotsman. "And I know you tried to be sneaky the other night but Sir Topham Hatt knows that you used Gold Dust to visit your brother. He's aware of what you asked him to do too."

Scotsman looked shocked, then he seemed to try and shrink away.

"I had the best intentions!" He quickly defended himself. "I wasn't doing anything malicious! Or weird!"

"I know Scotsman but we'd much rather you work with us than go behind our backs," Oscar pointed out and gave a resigned sigh.

"It's just hard to break old habits," Scotsman admitted. "I'm used to, well, you know how it was with Cain."

Oscar nodded to him. He knew very well how much Scotsman had tried to keep his guard up around such an appalling excuse of a human.

"Let's just get you on the way to Swindon. Do you mind having one of the other lads as your fireman?"

"Off to appease the boss are you?" Scotsman teased. "Olivia is quite the demanding director even off the job."

"Yes, well if I don't, she'll put herself in danger going after North," Oscar lamented. "You know how stubborn she is. Kind of like you really, wanting to do everything yourself."

Scotsman snorted. "If you think I'm bad, Polly was so much worse. Olivia's more like Polly if you ask me. I don't have that iron will of theirs. She's a lot like Polly in more ways than one. I think it somehow makes it even more appropriate to name your daughter after her."

Oscar chuckled, it had been his idea to name their daughter that. He was glad to know that it was getting a lot of approval. He looked back at the famous engine and found that the Flying Scotsman's smile dropped and a desperate look appeared in his eyes.

"Please find North and bring him back. Despite not liking him and our history, I don't want to see him get hurt. He's still my brother, after all," the engine pleaded.

Oscar nodded to Scotsman who smiled gratefully and looked over to Vincent who was coming up beside his engine.

"I won't lie, it's good to take this guy out again," the driver grinned with a gesture to Scotsman who gave a brilliant smile. "Olivia has been hogging him the past year. It's very selfish of her."

"Can you blame her? Do you know how many people want to drive the famous Flying Scotsman?! Do you have any idea how lucky you are Vinnie?" The A3 Pacific preened himself to which Vincent rolled his eyes. He was well aware of the prestigious nature of his job.

It still didn't mean he liked putting up with Scotsman being extremely annoying half the time.

"I would think they'd rather drive me," The City of Truro's sleepy voice suddenly called out and Scotsman chuckled and looked over at him.

"Vincent is my driver, I think you'll find," Scotsman huffed defensively. "And besides, you're not steaming today. You get to be my second tender."

The City of Truro yawned before raising an eyebrow at the Pacific.

"Is that all I am to you, just a second Tender?" he jabbed at Scotsman, though he was amused.

"A second tender that constantly sasses me," Scotsman jeered back.

"You are appalling."

"That I am," Scotsman grinned cheekily.

To say that the Claypits were overwhelmed was an understatement. Trucks had started to clog up the sidings and began to overflow onto Edward's branch line. Bear stared at the trucks mortified as he and Green Arrow passed by.

"I'm going to be in so much trouble!" Bear bemoaned as he eyed the banked-up trucks nervously. "Bill and Ben are going to be extra horrible to me!"

Green Arrow was quiet, unsure what to say or how to approach the topic. They most certainly would be mad. But there was a legitimate reason for Bear's absence so he couldn't exactly blame him either.

"I wasn't here to sort out and clear the trucks to be taken away! Sir Topham Hatt is going to send me back to the mainland for being a failure!" Bear fretted anxiously.

"Hey, enough of that!" Green Arrow suddenly scolded the Hymek. "If the man can keep me on board then he's not going to send you away!"

"But-" Bear stammered but he was interrupted.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere Bear!" Came the exasperated voice of Edward. The old engine looked tired and gave Arrow and Bear a tired smile. "Thank goodness you're safe Bear! I was worried that something had happened to you."

"I'm sorry!" Bear blurted out upset. "I-I didn't mean to leave my job! I was just, I was just-"

"He went to Ulfstead to see Stephen but instead got harassed by Coppernob," Green Arrow explained, bluntly cutting right to the point.

The smile on Edward's face immediately faded and a coldness filled his eyes.

"Coppernob did what?" A low growl came from Edward's smokebox and his gaze was now stern and cold as he looked at Bear. "What did Coppernob do to you Bear?"

"He, he kept insulting you," Bear whimpered, suddenly afraid of the uncharacteristic coldness from Edward. "Said you had no business giving advice to other engines when you turned your tender on the Furness or something like that, I don't know… I tried to defend you but he just, attacked me. I'm sorry for deserting my job. I've left you all with so much work!"

The warmness returned to Edward's eyes but not by much.

"It's alright Bear," The Sudrian number 2 assured him with a slight smile. "We are fortunate to have two 9Fs with us right now. Murdoch and Evening Star will be coming by in a few hours to take all of these to the Bridlington Goods Yards to be sorted there. You don't need to worry about this."

"But Bill and Ben-" Bear stammered and Edward just chuckled.

"They will hear from the Fat Controller if he hears a single word of harassment towards you," Edward assured him. "But if you're still not up to working in the claypits, Mavis has offered to take over from you for the rest of the week."

Bear was astounded by the care and generosity of the Sudrian Engines. This would have never happened on the mainland.

"Thank you! Thank you, Edward!" Bear exclaimed happily and Edward chuckled.

"You should go and find Sir Topham Hatt," Edward pointed out and Bear looked scared but Edward just smiled at him again. "It's okay, you're not in any trouble, he just wanted to know if you're safe and to assign you new jobs if you wish. He had a feeling that you weren't enjoying the Claypits and has decided to move you elsewhere."

"Oh," was all Bear could find himself saying. He then looked up at Edward. "It's not that I haven't enjoyed it Edward, it's just-"

"The Twins can be a bit much sometimes, I know, it's alright Bear," Edward replied. "And just because you don't work here anymore doesn't mean you can't come and talk to me."

"Okay!" Bear brightened as he was uncoupled from Green Arrow. "Thank you Edward! And thank-you for making me feel better, Mr Green Arrow!"

"It's just Arrow," Green Arrow corrected him.

"Thank you Mr Arrow!"

Green Arrow resisted the urge to roll his eyes and simply smiled in return. He would never admit it but cheering the Hymek up had made him feel proud for some reason. Like he was doing good in the world.

As the Hymek rattled away, his growling engine grew softer as he trundled away, a bounce in his springs clearly cheered up leaving Green Arrow with Edward. Arrow saw Edward about to leave and he frowned.

"You really going to leave it like that?" Arrow asked Edward who raised an eyebrow at him.

"What do you mean?"

"You going to let Bear be insulted and upset to the point of leaving his job like that?" Arrow spoke harshly and Edward looked away from him. "And don't say it's not your business, Bear defended you from Coppernob and was razed by him because of it."

"It's- a long story," Edward began, clearly uncomfortable.

"I'm all audio receptors Edward," Arrow stated bluntly and Edward gave a defeated sigh.

"It seems my days of running from my past are over," he regretfully acknowledged. He looked Arrow in the eye.

"I just want to help Edward," Green Arrow explained, realising he might have been coming off too bluntly. "You've helped me in the past and I know how nasty Coppernob can be. I'm not scared of him and I'll help you fight him if you need."

Edward gave Arrow a grateful smile.

"Thank you Arrow, I appreciate it, but my troubles with the old Furness engine go back way before you were even drawn up," he explained.

"Even more reason to nip this in the bud, I say," Arrow pointed out still sensing Edward's reluctance.

Finally, Edward dropped his guard and relented.

"You're right," he admitted. "I suppose I could use some help in confronting Coppernob. I've been afraid to for such a long time. I am not one who seeks confrontations like that."

"Well, I've got your tender Edward, you can count on me," Green Arrow vowed and Edward gave him a soft chuckle.

"I'll meet you at Ulfstead tonight," the blue engine invited and Green Arrow gave a grunt of approval.

"I'll see you then Old Iron," Arrow agreed causing Edward to openly chuckle.

No turning back no, the old iron thought to himself.

It took almost an hour of Grey pestering Gold to get them on their way. It would be the first time they'd be away from her for a significant length of time and to say that they were worried about her was an understatement. If she had another anxiety attack and they weren't there to help her, they weren't sure what or how they'd feel about it.

"Cheer up Goldie, we're nearly there," came the chipper voice of their engineer, Josh.

Gold just gave a grunt in reply.

"Still worried about Grey?"

Gold said nothing in response to that and continued to travel on in silence. The engineer nodded.

"It's alright to be worried mate," Josh assured the diesel. "But Grey's a firecracker. She'll be fine."

"I suppose," Gold mumbled with a sigh.

Josh said nothing more, he knew that no matter what he said, Gold would worry. They didn't say anything for the rest of the journey to Swindon, simply enjoying the strange landscape.

It was a lot like Australia, Gold found. Except more wet and well, grey, to put it one way. It was Australia without the bright vibrant colours and the crisp air. They really hoped that they wouldn't start rusting from this little ditty in the UK. Rust meant tedious hours in the workshop and Gold had no patience for such things.

It was late morning when Gold rolled into the yards of Locomotion at Swindon. To their and their engineer's surprise, a large crowd had gathered and it appeared to be an effort for the guards and officers to keep people away from the edges of the railway tracks.

"What's this huh?" Josh asked as they slowly rolled in. "No offense Gold but I didn't think you'd be this popular mate."

Gold squinted their eyes, trying to read some of the banners or at the very least get a glimpse of the cause of the fuss. Their eyes widened when they saw the two engines parked in the show sidings, a large number of humans gathered around them.

"It's that Flying Scotsman fella!" He informed Josh and Josh looked shocked.

"Ah fuck! If he sees you it'll ruin the surprise at the Bluebell!" Josh swore loudly and then called the other engineer in the support coach. "Red, the Flying Scotsman is here."

"Are you fucking serious?" Came the disbelieving reply. "You think we can get away without him noticing?"

As soon as Red had spoken, the crowd seemed to notice Gold and suddenly began swarming towards them, clearly curious about the foreign engine. Gold was about to reverse themselves when the engine next to Flying Scotsman suddenly noticed them and called out to them.

"I say, is that an American engine?" The smaller gold-lined engine asked of them.

"I'm not American for fuck's sake!" Gold instinctively retorted and started glaring at the other engine. Said the engine looked apologetic and blushed.

"I do apologise, I meant no offence to you," the engine apologised quickly. "I am the City of Truro. What is your name dear sir?"

"Gold and I ain't no sir," Gold grunted.

"Truro you're being rude, this is Gold, they're from Australia," The Flying Scotsman rolled in to save the other engine from more embarrassment. "They're Grey's Emotional Support Diesel!"

"Oh! I apologise for not recognising you! I do believe Grey mentioned you to me in a video call once!" The City of Truro exclaimed.

"Oh," Gold was taken aback by the response. He hadn't been the other one expecting to know Grey.

"I'm Flying Scotsman, it's a pleasure to finally meet you Gold," the A3 Pacific smiled brightly at them. Gold felt something flutter in their pistons and they gave him a slight smile in response.

"Scott please, you're embarrassing them," Truro chided and Scotsman humphed.

"I literally just said hello!" he exclaimed annoyed. He looked back and saw the disappointed look on Gold's face.

"Ah, you think I spoilt Grey's little surprise I'm guessing," Scotsman guessed and Gold looked at him surprised.

"Well, yes…" The diesel nervously explained.

"Ah, my brother may have slipped up and told me beforehand," Scotsman apologised. He then grinned and put on his best Australian accent. "So don't worry about it, mate."

Gold stared at him then suddenly burst out laughing at the unexpected accent while City of Truro stared at Scotsman in complete shock before rolling his eyes.

"That was pretty bloody good mate!" Gold guffawed with a wide grin, Josh, in their cab almost choking from laughing. "Good Aussie accent, not like the other crap I've heard this trip."

"Please don't encourage him," Truro implored and Scotsman just laughed.

"Oh don't be such a stick in the mud dear!" He sniped back at Truro before turning his attention back to Gold. "So, what brings you to Swindon my friend?"

"I was invited by the Deltic Prototype," Gold explained, unable to keep the excitement in his voice.

"Horatio invited you?" Scotsman mused. "You'll love him, down-to-Earth guy, hard worker."

"Horatio?" Gold muttered to themself. "I didn't know his name, that's embarrassing."

"It'll be fine! The big fella doesn't refer to himself by name all that much so it's not surprising. Any trouble, you can ask Winston or Truro here to sort it out for you," Scotsman assured the green and gold diesel. "I'm honoured to meet you after so long, even if it's just a short while. Grey always sings your praises for helping her."

Gold looked away as their mind drifted back to Grey all alone at the Bluebell with no one to help her.

"You're worried about her my dear fell- friend," Truro quickly corrected himself.

Gold looked at him before giving a soft sigh.

"Yes, she still has… issues," Gold carefully danced around the subject. They knew that Grey regularly spoke to Flying Scotsman but they didn't know how much he knew about her troubles.

The famous engine looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, after I'm done here at Locomotion, I'll be down at the Bluebell this evening," he began to suggest. "I can check up on her and keep her out of trouble for you."

Gold gave a soft chuckle, appreciating the Gresley's charming and generous nature.

"I'd appreciate that mate," they gave a low chuckle. "And you don't keep Grey out of trouble, she gets you into it."

"Don't worry," the A3 Pacific exclaimed with a wink. "I'm well aware of that."

"Hello ma'am!" Peony chirped as she entered the master bedroom of the old house with a brilliant smile and a skip in her step. She held a platter of food for the master of the house, Lady Olivia Gresley.

Of all the people that Dr Hendrick saw, Lady Gresley was the one she most wanted to impress.

It didn't matter that she wasn't an engine like her or the others, she was still a significant player in the heritage railway scene. She wondered if like the old designer himself, Ms Olivia could sense Gold Dust or be able to manipulate it as he did.

Gresley's were special like that. Especially Scotsman and Pretty Polly. Even if Scotsman wasn't aware, his golden soul had a far-reaching almost healing-like quality. Polly too but her's filled you with confidence, made you feel better about yourself.

Peony felt a little dejected when Lady Olivia did not answer her greeting. Instead, she found her lying in bed, propped up on her pillows staring out at the gardens in an almost dazed state.

She approached the bed and laid the platter on the bedside table.

"Ma'am?" She asked again, standing at her bedside and slowly but surely Lady Gresley turned her gaze towards her. She squinted at her confused.

"Who are you? Where's Oscar?" Olivia asked confused.

"I'm Peony ma'am, I'm the nursemaid Dr Hendrick hired to look after you and little Scott," Peony introduced herself again. "I met you and Oscar this morning ma'am."

How had Olivia forgotten her in a few hours? Was she that forgettable, Peony inwardly lamented.

Olivia's face twisted into an expression of regret, Peony's lament had shown on her face.

"I'm so sorry Peony, I remember now," Olivia nodded and smiled at her. "My brain's been a bit muddled lately. I think it's just my brain fog."

Peony smiled and relaxed, though subconsciously, she was still a bit hurt that she had been forgotten so quickly. She wasn't anything special but she was still a 'person.' She was worried though, up close she could see that something in Lady Gresley had changed. She seemed… out of it. Colder. It reminded her of… no. She was human, silly Peony, she told herself.

"It's okay ma'am, I brought you lunch," Peony gestured to her beside the table and Olivia smiled.

"Thank you, you're a sweetheart," Olivia nodded, though she seemed flat and out of energy. Not like before, like something was draining her… whatever humans had instead of Gold Dust. Maybe it was the baby, maybe she was just tired.

"Are you alright ma'am? Are you in pain? Is it the baby?" Peony asked worriedly.

"I'm just tired Peony," Olivia waved her off. "Having a baby is tiring, I doubt you as an engine would understand. Or, I assume not. Can Gold Dust constructs reproduce I wonder? North would probably know."

Peony flushed bright red. Lady Gresley had immediately recognised her as an engine. She felt flattered.

"But I never told you I was an engine ma'am!" Peony squeaked embarrassed and Olivia chuckled.

"You just did," she smirked despite her exhaustion. "You can call me Olivia, Peony."

"Yes Ms Olivia," Peony smiled at her but became curious. "Do you know which engine I am?"

"I do not, I'm not that clever," Olivia chuckled wearily. "But you do feel familiar. Have we met before?"

"No ma'am, I doubt it," Peony admitted sadly. "I was just a little tank engine on the LNER. A J75."

"Maybe I know you from Scotsman's memories," Olivia murmured to herself. "But, I don't think so…"

Peony simply nodded to her, unsure what to say. She didn't want to step out of line. She had known Scotsman but she doubted he'd remember a silly little thing like her. Of course, he would have forgotten.

"How is Scott?" Olivia asked of her eldest son, drawing Peony away from her thoughts.

"He is asleep Ms Olivia," she nodded to her. "He's a very sweet little baby. Hopefully, his sister is too."

Olivia just smiled at her and Peony gazed at Ms Olivia's heavily pregnant stomach and the woman chuckled drawing her attention to her face once more.

"I'm sure she will be Peony," Olivia agreed with a smitten expression. "You can go now sweetheart."

"Thank you Ms Olivia!" Peony chirped, giving the woman a slight curtsey and leaving to take care of some of the chores that Oscar had left for her.

She swore that she had seen the golden glow of Gold Dust inside the faint golden glow in her eyes.

But Lady Olivia was human. Right?

There was no possible way that she had a golden soul like an engine, right?

Was the lack of a Golden Whistle making her weaker? Did she need it to sustain some kind of Golden Soul like an engine?

Was Lady Olivia actually an engine? Was the unborn baby Polly the soul of an engine? Maybe one that was to be resurrected? Peony didn't understand. She didn't understand anything that Dr Hendrick spoke about really.

No, it was impossible that Olivia was an engine. Lady Olivia had been a child and grown old as a human. She had a mother and father and was born out of a union of humankind. Engines couldn't do that. They existed in a sort of locked form and only changed if their mentality changed or if they willed to do so.

She was overthinking things, as usual, Peony scolded herself. Dr Hendrick warned her about doing so.

Knowing that such speculation was none of her business she pushed such things from her mind and busied herself cleaning the cooking utensils she had used.

Still, she couldn't help but wonder…

Grey got Scotsman into trouble many times while he visited Australia. Once involving a dropbear and twice involving a potato, a washboard and a magpie.

Peony is the same engine in the Young Iron Short: The Crowned Engine.

Lore Drop: Different areas of the world have different ways of giving sentience to their engines.

The UK and parts of Europe use Gold Dust. A special magical substance that's imbued in an engine when it's first fired or built. Australia uses 'Rainbow Ore' mixed in as an alloy to the engine frames to give them sentience. Hence why Grey's soul would appear as more of an iridescent, translucent rainbow rather than a cloud of gold dust.