The Arlesdale Railway is a Miniature gauge railway that runs from Arlesburgh West along the old track bed of Duke\u2019s old home, the Mid-Sodor Railway, and ends in Arlesdale, where it meets the North Western Railway at a transfer yard for ballast and wool. The railway is run by Mr. Fergus Duncan, affectionately called the Small Controller. The railway fleet consists of four steam engines and four diesels. Right now, one of the steam engines, a red one named Mike, was shouting like a distressed animal. \u201cBLISTERS!\u201d he shouted angrily, calling for the twin Diesels. \u201cBLISTERS! WHERE\u2019S MY ROOF?!\u201d His cab roof was gone! His driver, Wilson, was trying to keep a lid on his temper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan\u2019t be helped, mate,\u201d he grumbled. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to go roof-less on the passenger run today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreat! Stupid coaches without a roof! Can anything else go wrong today?!\u201d Mike moved onto the turntable to get turned around for the morning passenger run. Wilson soon got out of Mike and moved the turntable, only to stop when they heard a crunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat was tha\u2026no, you\u2019re joking!\u201d wailed Wilson. Mike then got the same idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, they\u2019re not THAT sick!\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning,\u201d came a voice. Frank, a gray diesel engine, rolled up to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat?!\u201d snapped Mike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMorning,\u201d repeated Frank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, whatever.\u201d Wilson got into the turntable well and pulled out a bent sheet of metal. He presented it to Mike. \u201cNO!\u201d wailed the red engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait, why\u2019s your cab roof down there?\u201d asked Frank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Blister Twins!\u201d hissed Wilson as he got out of the turntable well. \u201cThey\u2019re SICK!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan\u2019t exactly prove it was them. They were in their shed all night last night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on, this is RIGHT up their alley!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can have the security footage prove it. I mean, there ARE cameras near your sheds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s get Control to pull it up,\u201d declared Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Small Controller had arrived with the security guard to speak to Mike. Since this mystery needed to be solved, Sigrid of Arlesdale, the one female engine, would be taking Mike\u2019s passenger run. The security guard pulled up the footage from the previous night. The security cameras showed nothing going on with Mike or the Blister Twins. \u201c\u2026That doesn\u2019t make sense!\u201d protested Mike. \u201cHow\u2019d my cab roof get in the turntable well?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll find out,\u201d said the security guard. \u201cIn the meantime, you better get a new roof.\u201d He then got up and left the sheds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Yeah, like I couldn\u2019t figure that out myself!\u201d snarled Mike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt can\u2019t be helped now, Mike,\u201d said the Small Controller. \u201cI\u2019ll tell the works to expect you. After which, I need you at the quarry for a ballast delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight,\u201d sighed Mike. \u201c\u2026At least I\u2019m working with sensible trucks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on, Mike,\u201d urged Wilson. \u201cWe gotta get a new roof for you.\u201d He boarded Mike and the red engine set off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike arrived at the works to see two identical diesels with a standing cab\u2026and roof-less. Mike was surprised. \u201cYou too?!\u201d he yelped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait, then this wasn\u2019t you?\u201d asked one of the twins, Blister I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen who was it?\u201d asked Blister II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSecurity footage revealed nothing!\u201d grunted Mike. Hejema then approached the three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe got your roofs all set to go,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is gonna be just like making pets!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026MAKING pets?\u201d asked Mike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Was that out loud?\u201d gulped Hejema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mike returned to work later in the afternoon. He was feeling a little better once he got underway with his goods work. \u201cThis is proper work,\u201d he said. \u201cNo need to pull light coaches every day. Just a day of proving you can pull the heaviest loads.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds to me like you\u2019ve got a complex,\u201d scoffed Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEVERYONE has something to prove. You said you\u2019re a sculptor, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not looking to prove that my artwork\u2019s the best. I simply want to create. Nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSounds pretty dull to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019d say that living with the attitude that you\u2019re always being tested is dull.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe ARE always being tested! We have to prove your worth somehow!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMike, you\u2019re a miniature gauge engine that lives on an island that never considers scrapping its vehicles unless they die somehow! I\u2019m part of an organization that doesn\u2019t care if you\u2019re a fighter or not! Neither of us have ANYTHING to prove!\u201d Mike stayed silent for the rest of the journey, unconvinced about Wilson\u2019s words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the day was done, Wilson made his way to the cottage he, Emma, Hejema, and Falnii stayed at. He was in a bit of a mood. \u201cStubborn old engine!\u201d he grunted. \u201cWhy can\u2019t Mike understand that he\u2019s not being eternally tested?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I had to hazard a guess,\u201d replied Falnii, \u201cprobably because he\u2019s one of the last of a great era in rail traction.\u201d Wilson arched an eyebrow. \u201cHaving to prove yourself is a symptom of someone who\u2019s scared of the future. Who knows what will happen when the Small Controller retires?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on, Mr. Duncan wouldn\u2019t pick someone who didn\u2019t care about the engines as his successor,\u201d remarked Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut that person might prove to be a liar and a mere bean-counter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Queen Falnii,\u201d remarked Hejema as she checked her face\u2019s stitches, \u201cit sounds like you experienced that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, but a few of my sisters do. Their Mechanica engines, living ones similar to those found on this island, used to have a kindly controller, but their successor was a tin-pincher. He was all too happy to scrap a few engines if it meant making a quick gold. He never really trusted them or put his faith in them. It took the engines delivering a deputation to the Board of Directors to put a stop to that before they lost any of their friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026Was the successor prejudiced against living machines?\u201d asked Emma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, just tunnel-visioned when it came to feelings outside his ledger. It was all he could focus on during the Final War. No one really learned why. My point is that it left the engines a little on-edge when it came to another new controller and they were left feeling like they had to prove themselves to her. They don\u2019t, though. Especially when the controller\u2019s a Mechanica like them. So, please, for my sake, be a little more understanding of Mike.\u201d Falnii then left the cottage. Wilson sat on the couch, pondering what Falnii said and trying to figure out what made Mike the way he was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Falnii stood outside the cottage and sighed. She then heard the rustling of the wind in the trees and a few animals making noises. She smiled as she shut her eyes. \u201c\u2026Speak, Sodor,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI should hope so!\u201d hissed a man\u2019s voice. Falnii gasped as she saw a hooded figure standing on the other side of the fence. She then put her hand to her chest to calm her heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSorry, Sir,\u201d she stammered. \u201cI didn\u2019t see you there! I don\u2019t think we\u2019ve met. I\u2019m-\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe HAVE met, Falnii, False Queen of the Realms.\u201d Falnii\u2019s expression darkened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026You\u2019re not a hanger-on of the Realm Trinity Empire, are you?\u201d she hissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve forgotten me, haven\u2019t you?!\u201d snarled the man. It was then Falnii saw glowing blue veins under the hood. She goggled in horror and her breathing became more ragged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re here too?!\u201d she gulped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFigured me out, did you?!\u201d The man pulled his hood back to reveal it was Yulduk. \u201cI still remember that day. You remember, right? The one where you and your lovers took away the godhood that was rightfully ours!! You then fired that Revenant-killing spell at me and sent me to unwarranted torment!!!\u201d Falnii then shook her head and steeled herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI did what was necessary to save the Realms!\u201d she growled. \u201cYour torment WAS warranted, your escape from that place WASN\u2019T! If you didn\u2019t have the same kind of immortal body Wilson and Emma have, I\u2019d be firing Ensakunde again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, know this,\u201d warned the Elf Revenant, \u201cI won\u2019t be allowing you to interrupt my plans!\u201d He snapped his fingers and vanished in a premade teleport circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFalnii!\u201d called Hejema as she dashed out to Falnii. \u201cYour Majesty, we heard you talking to someone! Are you-?\u201d She cut herself off when she saw Falnii shaking in fear and tears coming down her face. \u201cOh my word! Come on, let\u2019s get inside!\u201d She helped Falnii back into the cottage. Wilson and Emma saw this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFalnii!\u201d called Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, give her some space!\u201d urged Hejema. \u201cSomeone decided it would be fun to frighten her! She needs rest!\u201d Everyone backed off as Hejema brought Falnii to bed. As she was being tucked in, Falnii grabbed Hejema\u2019s arm. Hejema then realized that whatever frightened her made her that scared of being left alone. She pulled up a chair and sat down. \u201cDo you need anything?\u201d asked Hejema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c\u2026No,\u201d replied Falnii. \u201cJust\u2026just stay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWill do.\u201d That\u2019s how Hejema spent her night. Outside, Yulduk looked at the cottage again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Arlesdale Railway is a Miniature gauge railway that runs from Arlesburgh West along the old track bed of Duke\u2019s old home, the Mid-Sodor Railway, and ends in Arlesdale, where it meets the North Western Railway at a transfer yard for ballast and wool. The railway is run by Mr. Fergus Duncan, affectionately called the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5119,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[754,880],"tags":[482,9,146,597,337],"class_list":["post-6427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-journey-through-wonder","category-story-journey-through-wonder","tag-fantasy","tag-kamen-rider","tag-sonic","tag-thomas-and-friends","tag-transformers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6427"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6428,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6427\/revisions\/6428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}