#ttte cassandra

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 1 A-Replacement

Day 1 A-Arrival

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Other Days

Cassandra was nearly asleep on a siding when James pulled up, fuming. Cassandra cracked an eye open wearily 

“Hello Jam…”

“Have you met the new engine?” The mogul snapped.

Cassandra blinked, “not yet. They're going to be station pilot now that Duck is getting the Arlesburgh line right?”

“Supposedly,” James snapped, “I think they want him to replace me.”

Cassandra stretched with a sigh, “why would you think that?”

“They're a former lms 2-6-2 tank engine. A mixed traffic design.”

Cassandra nodded, “an Ivatt 2MT right?”

 “Yes,” James said, “designed for the same job as me, but newer.”

“A lot of engines fit that description.”

“This ones red.”

“That doesn't mean…”

“And they've never had an accident,” James rambled, “I wrecked on my first day and…”

“James!” Cassandra snapped, the moguls jaw shutting with a click.

“If Sir Topham Hatt wanted to replace us with newer engines, we would all be in the scrapyard with diesels in our place.

“I…”

“Further,” Cassandra cut him off, “have you considered he bought an engine like you because you're doing a good job?”

“I…What?”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, “If he thought you weren't doing a good enough job, then he wouldn't have bought an engine like you. He got the new engine because he was impressed with your performance.”

“...You…you think so?”

“Yes James.” she sighed, “This isn't the LMS. Edward still hauls an express train to Suddery for Lady’s sake, and he wasn't built this century. You're fine.”

“...Arthur was actually trying to be nice to me then.” James said quietly.

“Most likely.”

“I need to apologize to him.”

“I doubt it would hurt.”

“Thank you Cassandra.”

“You’re welcome. Now if you excuse me, I want to catch a nap before my next train.”

James rolled off with a quiet goodbye.

Cassandra sighed tiredly, finally she could sleep.

“Cassandra?” Percy called in the distance.

Blast it.

A/N: Surprise! Hello loves! I'm doing both TornadoYoungirons and JoezWorld's Prompts this year! Thats right, 62 fics! Love Y'all!

[xsoulfulwriterx]

Question On Relationship Dyamnics on TTTE SSS Characters

Give me two characters, and I’ll tell you their relationship dynamic!⚔️��️🏰

Thomas

Edward

Henry

Gordon

James

Percy

Toby

Emily

Queen Cassandra

Princess Eleanor

The Hatt Family

King John

Prince Daniel

King Archie

Mother Louise

Nia

Rebecca

Guards

Diesel 10 (Ten)

Other Engines in General

[brownsugar-chan]

So as it turns out, dating gods is not an incredibly wise decision.

[mlody-xd]

Well… If u wondering how could it be if Thomas was Rapunzel and James was Cassandra

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 21 A-Take it as We go

Day 21 A-Morning

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Other Days

A Western Summer

Cassandra stretched as she woke, her motion creaking as she did so. Her eyes taking a minute to adjust to the light…

Why was there daylight outside?

She glanced around and found the shed empty. In the yard she could hear an engine shunting. Her fire was low, just enough to keep it going. Why had she not been woke for her train?

Soon puffing was heard, and Duck rolled backwards into the shed.

“Good morning Cassandra.” He greeted cheerfully, “did you rest well?”

“Good morning Duck.” She replied, “I did, but I am confused why I wasn't woken up for my train.”

Duck was smart enough to hear the danger in her voice.

“If an engine on your line was attacked by something that failed to pass on, would you allow them to take their morning trains?”

Cassandra shook her head reluctantly.

“As an engine on my line it is my duty to look after you. I can't keep you from your duties to the Lady nor would I if I was able, but I can make sure you are given rest afterwards.”

She looked over at him, searching. “Last night bothered you.”

He winced at her insightfulness, “I trust your judgment Caomhnóir, but that doesn't make it any easier to let one of my engines go in harm's way alone…much less my partner.”

She nodded slowly, “it goes against your sense of duty.”

“I may also be a tad protective of those on my line.”

She snorted, understanding all too well.

She was quiet for a long moment, thinking as she looked down at the rails.

She finally sighed, “I can't very well ask you to respect my duties while asking you to abandon yours.” She looked up to level a warning glare at him, “I do expect to be told next time.”

“Thank you.” Duck said sincerely, “and of course. I would have told you last night, but by the time I thought of it you were asleep.”

“That's fair.” She conceded.

“You're not happy about this are you?” 

“...No.”

Duck had to fight to keep from chucking at her frustrated expression, “It has been awhile since you answered to another engine hasn't it.”

Cassandra considered the question, “70 years give or take.”

She rolled her eyes as he chuckled, “where's my crew?”

“They were given the morning off, they'll be here around lunch.”

Cassandra frowned as she realized something, “Wait. Shouldn't you be at Tidmouth right now?”

He shrugged, “Marsh is handling my trains. I'm working as pilot this morning.” He looked at Cassandra seriously, “I realized we hadn't talked about any of this when you arrived. Normally we wouldn't have to, but you're not just an engine on my line, you're…”

“The Lady’s champion.” She finished.

“Yes. I have no say on your duties as Caomhnóir, but…”

“...it's not that simple.” She finished.

They looked at each other for a long moment.

Cassandra looked down, “it's not fair of me to ask for your trust without giving my own. Not as an engine on your line…or as your partner.”

“Take it as we go?” Duck offered.

Cassandra slowly nodded, “take it as we go.” she agreed.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 13-Sideplates

Day 13-Leaves

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Toby happily trundled along, admiring the leaves of the trees as he went. Fall had come to the island, and the trees along the middle of the tramway in Ffarquhar were now adored in a dazzling array of reds, oranges, and yellows. He passed the siding to the coffeeshop, the Autumn breeze blowing the smell of coffee across his nose. He sighed contentedly, idly planning to get himself and Henrietta something later.

He rounded the bend and spotted Cassandra sitting at the station platform with her coaches, casually ignoring Percy teasing her about her sideplates and cowcatchers in favor of sipping her bucket of coffee. 

He rang his bell to alert them of his arrival.

“Hullo Toby,” Cassandra greeted lazily.

“How do you like having a twin Toby?” Percy asked mischievously.

“She wears the look well,” Toby said genuinely, before smirking, “they certainly made the right choice in who to fit tramplates to.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” The saddletank demanded.

“It's alright Percy,” Cassandra mock soothed, “not everyone can pull off sideplates.”

“I could wear sideplates just fine!”

“Its okay, Percy.” Toby said, “we don't care how you look. You're our friend and that's all we care about.”

Percy puffed away grumbling about tram engines under his breath.

Cassandra laughed, “Thank you for that.”

“My pleasure.”

A/N: Hello Loves! From the 70s onward Thomas/Cassandra occasionally wears sideplates while covering forother engines on the tramway. Love Y'all!

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 21-The Giant

Day 21-End of the Line

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A Western Summer

It was nearing midnight when they heard it. Almost all of the engines were all settled in the sheds when they heard a whistle ring out in the distance, high, shrill and challenging.

Cassandra.

She raced into view, going far too fast, her face set in grim concentration, her eyes shining gold.

“The switch!” she yelled, flicking her lamps onto the points before the station. A worker raced and flicked the points. Duck yelled for his crew even as he saw Nicole climb out of Cassandra cab, even as the tank engine swayed with her speed. For a fraction of a second Cassandra braked, and Nicole uncoupled Annie and Clarabel.

 “Clear!” the firewoman yelled, barely audible over the roar of wind. Cassandra surged ahead with a whistle, widening the gap between her and her coaches.

As Nicole climbed back into the cab, Cassandra called out to the worker, “the second I'm through, flip it!”

Sparks flew from the coaches wheels as Clarabel braked the pair. Cassandra shot through the points, her right wheels lifting for a heartbeat before she braked hard.

The switch flipped and the coaches screeched though, sparks flying from their wheels, even as Cassandra reversed, her wheels slipping as she checked her forward momentum.

From the behind cliffs she had appeared from a roar sounded, shaking the rails beneath their wheels.

Cassandra looked grim as she screeched to a stop for a fraction of a second before her wheels caught their grip and she was racing backwards the way she came, thundering off down the line even before Annie and Clarabel had come to a stop just beyond the platform.

“Go it Cassandra!” Clarabel yelled. 

Duck's crew were the first in their engines cab and he shot out of the sheds after Caomhnóir.

She rounded the cliffs, out of sight and whistled in challenge. Duck forced himself faster, flaring his fire to get every once of steam he could. He heard Tyto and Oliver start behind him, but the others had already dropped their fires. It would be several minutes before they could be started up again, minutes they didn't have.

A booming thud had his heart in his throat, before Cassandra’s whistle sounded out in anger.

He rounded the cliff to find Cassandra glowing brightly in the distance, against the white cliffs, appearing impossibly tiny against the giant before her.

It was vaguely humanoid in shape, but towered over the cliffs. Its feet were made from propellers and rudders, its legs, arms, and body formed of twisted bits of hull. Its hands were broken turrets, the barrels forming twisted fingers. The head was what was left of the bridge. Barnacles, algae, and seaweed coated the twisted and rusted metal, which screeched with every movement.

“Caomhnóir.” It thundered, its voice twisted with its horn into a single ringing sound. Half of the hated symbol on its chest was gone, torn away in whatever battle put the hole in the hull, but the 57xx understood its meaning nonetheless. The remains of a World War II German battleship stood before him, its remaining glowing eye filled with all the hate its masters had bestowed it with in life.

It swung its massive arm, Cassandra dashing backwards, and blasting it with golden light.

The giant pulled its arm back, hissing as it shook off molten metal.

“You did this.” It growled out, the sound vibrating Duck’s very frames even as far away as he was. He wasn't sure how Cassandra remained on the rails.

“Fraid I'm not in the habit of resurrecting fascist battleships.” She snarked back.

“No!” it roared, slamming its hands on the ground, Casandra sliding backwards from the force.

‘Lady help her.’ Duck prayed. How had she covered so much distance so fast. He forced himself faster.

“You were the one who destroyed me!”

Cassandra hit its nearest arm with her light, “Last I checked I hadn't sunk any battleships.”

The giant ignored its dripping arm to slam an arm behind her, cutting off her retreat.

“But you told them where I was.” It snarled.

To Duck’s horror Cassandra stopped to look up at the giant before her.

“Gneisenau.” She said an expression he couldn't read from this far away on her face.

“Yes.” The giant leaned down to look Caomhnóir in the face. “Had you not told them where I was, I would have survived.”

“Do you truly believe that?” Cassandra asked.

“What do you mean ‘do I believe that?” It growled in rage, “I had almost made it when they caught me, had you not…”

“Did you ever ask how I knew?” Cassandra interrupted.

Its head tilted, “what.” It asked flatly.

Cassandra met its gaze head on, “did you ever consider how a steam locomotive knew where you were?”

“Your lady told you doubtlessly.” It said dismissively.

“Why would the Lady know where a battleship was?”

‘Please stop angering it.’ Duck thought desperately, but to his surprise the giant stopped and considered her.

“She did not tell you.”

“No.”

Duck was finally getting close but Cassandra looked towards him and shook her head. No.

‘Why?!’ he wanted to scream, but in the end he trusted Caomhnóir and he stopped well short of the pair.

“Then who did?” It demanded. “Who dared!”

“Your fate was always hers to decide.” Cassandra said calmly.

The giant froze then slowly lowered itself onto its arms to look at Cassandra eye to eye.

“The siren?”

“Yes.”

It stood up angrily, “You are not even her child!”

“No I am not.” Cassandra agreed, “but she figured out she could pass messages to her children through me.”

“And she used that to destroy me.”

“How many of your kin survived the war?”

“Besides the traitors? None.”

“Then she knew your fate. Why allow others to come to harm trying to avoid it?”

“Sacrificed.” It rumbled, staring down at the waves lapping at its feet.

“No more than Germany planned to. Did they not plan to sink you in the harbor?”

The giant was quite a long moment, “I was not to survive the war, no matter what I did.”

“Not as long as you were loyal to Germany.”

The pair were silent a long moment.

“The war is over.” Cassandra said gently. “You could go home. It's been over twenty years, you don't have to continue the fight.”

For a long moment Duck almost dared to hope it would listen to her.

But it shook its head, “what am without the war.” It scoffed to itself, rising to its full height. “It's why I was built. I would not recognize my homeland, nor would they welcome me.”

“Then I am sorry.”

The giant tilted its head mockingly, “why? Afraid of your death?”

BOOM

The giant staggered as it was hit, 15 inch shells punching through its chest. It caught itself on the cliffs turning to face its assailant, BOOM even as another volley shattered one of its arms.

“Traitor!” It screamed, preparing to hurl a chunk of cliffside at its enemy.

HMS Thunderchild responded with another volley, from her guns, BOOM the shells easily tearing through the rusted metal plating.

The giant collapsed to its knees, not even noticing Cassandra reversing back to safety as it glared with hatred at the battleship.

“You could have saved us.”

Thunderchild trained her guns a final time, “I'm sorry cousin, but I could never have joined you. Even if I had, I couldn't have saved you.”

The giant gathering its hate, made a final desperate lunge.

BOOM

The giant fell, its body collapsing as it hit the ground, the pieces collapsing into rust.

Cassandra rolled back alongside Duck, her face tired. She was quiet as the waves began washing away the rust.”

“Are you alright Caomhnóir?” Thunderchild called.

“Yes.” Cassandra answered. “Thank you for the save.”

Thunderchild shrugged, “I owed you. Besides,” she looked down at the remains of the giant, “they deserved to be put to rest.”

Cassandra sighed, “Even still. Thank you.”

Thunderchild noted the exhaustion on Cassandra's face, “I’ll watch to make sure they remain at rest. You go rest.”

Cassandra nodded tiredly, ‘I will, call if it begins to stir.”

Duck wasn't sure he had ever seen the tank engine so tired.

“May I help you back to the shed,” he offered.

“Please.”

He coupled up gently behind her, and with a farewell to Thunderchild, began gently pulling the exhausted, but triumphant guardian back to the sheds. He would make sure her trains were covered in the morning so she could rest. He may not be able to fight her battles, but he could at least do that for her.

A/N: Hello Loves! H.M.S. Thunderchild was launched as Bismark. how she came to be in Royal Navy service will be explained in a later fic. Love Y'all!

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 20-Scot Free

Day 20-Twins

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A Western Summer

Douglas rolled into the Arlesburg yard tiredly. The island had been hit hard by the storm, while the Ffarquhar branch had certainly been hit the hardest, it was not the only area of the island hit. He had been run across the island and back several times over the last few days, helping the relief and repair efforts. Lady Amanda Hatt, having placed herself in charge of the day to day running of the NWR to free Sir Topham Hatt to deal with the crisis, took one look at Douglas dragging in the latest train of rubble from Elsbridge and ordered him to Arlesburgh to rest. He had been too tired to argue.

He was running light-engine, so he went straight to the coaling and watering tower, where Donald was waiting, equally tired by all appearances.

They tiredly exchanged hellos as they took on coal and water.

‘Aye,” Donald said, “the line past here is a right mess. The storm had the tides higher than they had any right to be. Much of the track was fit for yon ships more than us. It's a wonder no more were hurt.”

“It's a no better elsewhere, Donal.” Douglas sighed, “I’m pure done in with all the trees and rubble on the line. Cassandra's wee line…I dinnae recognize it.”

He hesitated, “how is the lass?”

Donald snorted, “see for yourself.” He nodded towards the cleaning station. Douglas looked over to find Cassandra and Duck buffered up facing each other as they were cleaned. Cassandra listening contentedly as Duck told of a prank the pilots pulled on a Castle Class back when he worked at Paddington.

Douglas raised an eyebrow, “Well well well now, how he beena interested in her? I woulda nae thought he was interested in such things.”

Donald stretched, his motions creaking, “if Oliver is tae be believed, since he saw the bonnie lass in their colours.”

“Aye, that would do it. And the lass?”

Donald chuckled tiredly, “I’ll give the lad this, his ‘Great Western Way’ works well for him. She’s given him a chance, and the lad is smart enough to give it a proper go of it.”

“I should nae be surprised there was a Great Western Way for wooing a lass.”

“Lad as well, They presented as Thomas yesterday and the Western lad never broke stride.”

“Good on him,” Douglas said, “Lady knows they deserve someone to treat them proper.”

Cassandra laughed at something Duck said, the pannier appearing starstruck by the sound.

“Aye, the Lads gone and proper fell for them, asn’t he?” Douglas realized.

“The Western's are coaching him,” Donald confirmed, “they are of the opinion Caomhnóir deserves a proper Swindon courtship.”

Douglas smirked then hesitated, “Normally I would take that as challenge but…”

“We cannae do that to the poor lass. She deserves a fair run of it.”

“Aye…she deserves that at least.”

The twins looked at each other uncertainly for a long moment. Ill content to let the westerns get away Scot free with a win.

Donald suddenly smirked, “Say Douggie…what do ya think Ol’ Gordon thinks about all this.”

Douglas smirked back, “why Donal.” He purred, “I’m certain he will be delighted with the news.”

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 18 A Grief

Day 18 A-Loss

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A Western Summer

Cassandra and her coaches were mechanically fine. The works found nothing more than scratches that would be easily buffed away. The branchline was another matter. As Sir Charles Hatt read out the damage, Samantha saw her engine draw in on herself as she realized just how badly the storm had ravaged her home.

“It's going to be more than a few weeks before I can return, isn't it?” The tank engine asked quietly. “It's going to be months.”

“Yes.” the Fat Controller said quietly, “we haven't tallied all the damage yet…but if you hadn't been  overhauled so recently, you would be receiving one.”

Cassandra sagged on her frames, looking for all the world like she’d received a physical blow.

Samatha placed a hand on her buffer, “how long before we know the full extent of the damage?” 

“It probably won't be till the end of the week,” Charles said solemnly. “Right now the focus is on making sure everyone is accounted for. Once that's done, then the buildings and rail lines can be inspected.”

“How many?” The tank engine asked hoarsely. “We don't know.” The controller took his hat off and worried the edge between his hands. “So far we have been incredibly lucky, but we only know about the cities. Those who lived in the country…we're trying to reach them now. As of the last report…the count is 26.”

The tank engine keened. The sound vibrating the human’s bones. She had been on her line for over 50 years, she knew everyone on the line. Most of them she had met when bringing them home from the hospital for the first time. It had become a tradition for babies to be introduced to Cassandra as one of the Valley’s elders before Samantha or Nicole had even been born. 

Samatha climbed up onto her bufferbeam and hugged her crying engine’s face, ignoring the hot tears soaking her uniform.

Charles walked up to her, clasping her buffer in his hand. “They've asked to hold a memorial before you leave for the Little Western, so that you can attend. Afterwards, I've arranged for you to be repainted, whatever colours you like.”

The engine nodded absently, tears still coating her runningboard.

Charles clambered up beside Samantha, pointedly ignoring the tears ruining his suit, “we’re here little sister.” He said softly, wiping away one of the tank engine's tears, “I promise you that. The North Western stands with you, and your line. I will allow nothing less.”

[hazel-of-sodor]

Something Holy This Way Comes

Ch.20 Letters

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Cassandra lounged in the evening light, enjoying the first signs of spring. Robert was reading her the latest letter from the North Western, this time it had been sent from their No.3.

“Percy managed to bury himself in a snowdrift near Ulfstead…”

“Of course he did.” Cassandra interrupted lazily, “near the road bridge I’d wager.”

“...he dislodged the snow from the cliffs above when whistling at a rude lorry on the road bridge,” Robert laughed as he read.

Cassandra shook her head as the other engines laughed, “I told him, but what do I know? I’ve only been running the line for forty years.”

Tyto snorted, “I think he takes you warning him as a challenge.”

“It feels like it at times,” Cassandra sighed, “it's not all his fault though.”

“The big engines mentioned his memory being affected…” Ceri said cautiously.

Cassandra nodded, “It comes and goes, but most of his accidents are caused by that.”

Robert continued, “James received a new coat of paint, but was then asked to cover coal trains while Jupiter goes in for overhaul. He has been insufferable.”

The three North Western engines all burst out laughing.

“Oh noooo…,” Ceri said.

“I'm so glad I'm not at Tidmouth right now.” Tyto laughed.

“James is your No.5 right, the one who kept coming up with schemes to keep from being painted black under the other railway?” Abbey asked.

“The same,” Cassandra chuckled, “he's very proud of his red paint, and always does his best to stay clean for as long as possible when repainted.”

“And instead he got put on coal duties,” Ceri laughed softly.

Robert shook his head and continued, “Eagle asks that Cassandra and Screech keep Tyto out of trouble.”

“We have been trying.” Screech said lazily.

“I’m not that bad.” Tyto protested. She was ignored.

“Jinty thought it would be funny to play a prank on Gordon and tell him that he overslept and was late for the express…so there is now a new record for the westward run of the Wild Nor’Wester.”

Abbey glared over at Enid, “Don’t even think about it.”

The engines chuckled as Enid protested her innocence.

Cassandra chuckled, “She needs to watch out, Gordon will get even.”

Robert read on, “Edward says to tell you hello and that Duck is managing the branch well in your absence, even if the news the quarry is buying a diesel has Daisy unusually smug, even for her.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, “of course she is.”

“Why are they buying a diesel,” Ceri asked.

Cassandra stretched as she answered, her valve gear creaking as she did so, “most of the Quarries on my line use older engines as shunters, but they're wearing out. They companies came together and decided the first to get a new engine would try a diesel. The Ffarquhar Quarry Company shunter is the oldest, former Sodor and Mainland. They're being donated to the Suddery Rail Museum, as any overhaul to bring them back into service would risk having another engine waking in their frames, so they've ordered a class 04.”

Abbey glanced over at the lazily lounging tank engine, “...you already knew.”

“Of course. It's my branchline.” The tank engine said simply.

“And you didn't tell Daisy.”

“And deal with her being that smug? No thank you,” Cassandra snorted, “I told Percy just before I left.” 

Ceri burst out laughing, “oh that's genius, he would tell her without even thinking about it.”

“And I don't have to deal with it.” Cassandra confirmed smugly.

Robert smirked, “Toby says to tell you that he knows what you did.”

Cassandra just chuckled.

“Eric says hello to his little sister…”

“I am the oldest!” Cassandra protested

“...and that he is enjoying his time as Tidmouth Station pilot.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Cassandra could help but smile as she rolled her eyes at her younger sibling’s cheek.

“Eric is the engine built after your design right? Abbey asked.

“Yes, but he is a bit larger, an 0-6-2, which he claims makes him the big sibling, even though I’m almost forty years older than him.”

Robert suddenly smirked at the next paragraph and held it up for Cassandra to read. Her smirk joined his.

“I have good news,” she said.

“Oh?,” Freda said. She had been polishing Screech’s fittings with Gywn.

“Your new engine arrives next week,” Cassandra said smugly.

“What!?” The question came from several different angles.

The tank engine's eyes sparkled with mirth, “Part of the reason I was sent here was to see if the Uman and Din would be a good home for one of the engines I helped save. They’ve been overhauling her since I sent word shortly after I arrived. She's probably just finished being run in.”

“Won’t the Other Railway try to stop you from giving us an engine?” Becca asked hesitantly.

Cassandra shook her head, “As far as the Other Railway knows she was scrapped so they won't have any idea where you got her.”

“Are they a Swindon engine?” Enid asked hopefully. 

“It doesn’t matter if they are.” Abbey said firmly, “we’ll welcome them all the same no matter their origin.”

“Of course!” Enid agreed, “I’m very grateful that any engine is willing to make their home with us, and very happy Caomhnóir trusts us to take care of them…but I would like to see more of our cousins find a home here.” She said quietly.

Cassandra chuckled, “I understand the feeling,” she said warmly, “you’re all family.”

Enid nodded.

“...which is why I chose a Swindon built engine.”

She chuckled at the Uman and Din's happy whistles at the news.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 24-Visitor

Day 24-Accepting

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A Western Summer

James was surprised to find Cassandra in the wagon sidings behind Tidmouth. Lately she had found her way to the sheds when not with Duck, so everyone had been concerned when she had disappeared after her mid-afternoon train.

He was even more surprised to find a woman laid across her running board with glowing green eyes and shadow tendrils trailing from her hair.

Samantha and Nicole were sitting on the end of Cassandra’s water tanks, Robert leaning against his old engine’s buffers listening to the woman.

The woman glanced toward him, and he suddenly remembered a story of a teen, born of the Lady’s light and Death’s shadows.

“Miss Mali I presume?” he asked.

“In the flesh.” The woman sighed, she glanced over towards the mogul, “James right?”

“Of course.” He glanced towards Cassandra, “is this a sensitive matter? I can leav…”

“I can't have kids.” Mali said bluntly, “and I'm sulking.”

Cassandra snorted, “neither can Screech, yet here you are.”

Mali flicked the engines nose, “because the Lady’s intervention while fighting a scrap monster is such a reliable method.”

“It's worked every time so far.” Robert said dryly. Mali leaned up to glare at him.

“Last I knew you didn't want children,” Samatha said quietly.

Mali sighed, “I didn't, or at least I thought I didn't..but finding out I can't…”

She shook her head, “I guess it doesn't matter.”

“If it bothers you,” James spoke up, “it matters.”

The woman looked toward the mogul questioningly.

“We learned that the hard way back in the old days. Ignoring something bothering a fleetmate always comes back to bite you.”

Mali shrugged, leaning back against Cassandra, “nothing to be done about it though.”

Robert reached out, taking one of her hands. “There's plenty to be done. Adoption already runs in your family after all.”

Mali snorted, “that's true.”

She looked down, “I guess more than anything…”

“It's that it’s not your choice.” Nicole finished.

“Yeah.” the woman's tendrils flicked irritably.

“Would some gossip to take back home make you feel better?,” Robert offered.

Mali snorted, “and what gossip would that be?”

“Driver...”

Robert smirked up at his old engine, “I’m retired, lass.”

He looked back to Mali, “Cassandra here has agreed to be courted by one of our Westerners.”

Mali spun around to look at Cassandra, who reluctantly nodded.

“And you didn't tell us?” Mali demanded excitedly.

“Her letter won't have arrived yet,” Samantha explained, smirking at her blushing engine, “everythings been slower since the storm.”

“Who is it?”

“Montague.” Cassandra answered quietly.

“I knew it!” Mali teased, “I told you we'd make a proper Westerners of you yet!”

“What is it with you Westerners being so possessive?” Cassandra asked bemused.

Mali smirked, “it's the Swindon in us, now if you excuse me, I have to tell everyone the good news.”

The woman hopped off of Cassandra’s running plate, grabbed the air in front of her and pulled the air before her, tearing it apart into a void. The woman turned and waved goodbye as if she hadn't just torn a hole in the veil of reality and stepped through, the hole closing behind her with a clap of thunder.

James stared where the woman had disappeared.

“You have very strange friends,” he said finally.

“You realize that includes yourself right?

“...shut it.”

A/N: Hello Loves! Mali is around 28/29 years old in this fic, a little over 12 years after the events of Something Holy This Way Comes. Love Y'all!

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 16-Friends

Day 16-Golden

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Percy had just woke up when Cassandra snuck back into the sheds. The sidetank was clearly exhausted, the pouring rain slowly washing away soot and grime. She puffed laboriously as she reversed into the shed, clearly running on fumes more than any real head of steam. 

He winced as she stopped next to him in her berth, her face looking little better than her paint. The cleaners quickly set about her with military precision.

“Morning,” she yawned, stretching her valve gear with a creak.

“Morning Cassandra,” he responded quietly, “successful night?”

She nodded blearily, “Caronia has them, they're safe now.”

‘ah.’ Percy thought, ‘she sent this batch to America.’

Cassandra yawned again, clearly struggling to stay awake.

“Are you okay?” Percy asked, concerned.

“I'm fine.” Cassandra reassured, even as he could see her struggling to keep her eyes open, “I just didn't get any sleep.”

Percy narrowed his eyes, “And when did you last sleep?”

Cassandra wearily considered the question, “...the night I was kept at Knapford.”

“That was four days ago!?” Percy squawked.

 “Probably.” Cassandra said carelessly, closing her eyes.

The saddletank stared at his friend, “You need to sleep!”

The No.1 cracked an eye open irritably, “My next train is in thirty minutes, I’ll sleep tonight.”

“You can't haul a train like this!” Percy said aghast.

Cassandra signed in frustration, turning to glare at him, “and when it's asked why I'm not hauling my train?”

“Well I…”

“And the Other Railway's inspector realizes I've not slept in days and asks why?”

Cassandra's eyes swirled gold with her frustration. “No. I will haul my trains, my crew will see me through the day until I can sleep tonight.”

Percy shared a worried glance with Toby, who had woken during the conversation.

“Now if you excuse me,” Cassandra said firmly, “I have a train to arrange.”

“I’ll shunt it for you,” Percy volunteered, thinking quickly, “that way you can rest till its time for the train.”

Cassandra paused, “thank you.” She said, smiling tiredly but genuine.

She closed her eyes, clearly intending to nap for what little time she had.

Percy's driver looked towards him consideringly. Percy nodded. His driver nodded back and patted his bufferbeam. Percy started quietly, rolling forward quietly, his crew discreetly bracing themselves as he approached the points to the shed.

The tracks were well laid, and properly secured to North Western Standard. It didn't matter.

As Percy crossed the points he yanked left with all of his might. No matter how well secured, the rails could not fight the full might of a locomotive, and they separated from the sleepers with an ear piercing shriek as Percy fell between the rails with a booming thud, making sure to keep his wheels turning just a second too long.

The sudden silence afterward was deafening as the yard crews stared at Percy, sitting lopsidedly in a cloud of dust where the points used to sit

Percy could feel Cassandra staring wide eyed at him. He glanced down at his handiwork, and couldn't hide the smirk as he realized it would take several hours to repair the points after he had been removed.

“Oops.” He said.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Sodor Light Show

Vicarstown

1989

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Gordon was surprised to find the yard at Vicarstown a flurry of activity as he approached the coaling platform. The yard was supposed to be all but abandoned, but workers ran about a pair of long diesels, covering them in a truly obscene amount of lights. Beneath the strings Gordon recognized them as peaks, although he couldn't tell the exact class.

Cassandra was somehow beside them, despite Gordon knowing she was supposed to be on the other side of the island. She was black from flange to funnel, a hard glint of gold in her eyes. 

Gordon rolled up alongside the No. 1, noting the numbers 97 403 and 97 404 on the diesels.

“Tired of being Thomas?” He asked casually as he stopped by her. 

Cassandra snorted, “For some reason, I always present female around Screech, even if I was Thomas moments before.”

“Your…unholy friend.” Gordon looked over to the two nervous diesels. “I assume she is how you are here.”

Cassandra nodded, “We caught word Ixion and 404 were being withdrawn, Screech pulled me from behind Tidmouth, and we snuck them out of their storage facility. Screech managed to bring us this far, but couldn't risk any further. If she slipped while moving them…well that would defeat the point.”

Gordon nodded, quietly relieved he would not be dealing with any unholy entities for the moment, “and your plan now?”

“Pull them behind me to Tidmouth, I can hide them in the carriage sheds for now. Hopefully our speed and all the lights will keep anyone from recognizing us, everyone should be distracted enough with the lighting ceremonies.”

“...would I be correct in assuming this plan was a spur of the moment creation?”

Cassandra winced, “Yes? We only found out they were being withdrawn this afternoon, I think they hoped we would be distracted by the light show.”

Gordon sighed, “Amanda, get clearance to Tidmouth for us. I think I would prefer to sleep in my own shed tonight.”

“Thank you.” Cassandra sagged on her frames, allowing her exhaustion to show.

“United we stand. Together we fall” Gordon said simply as Amanda went to get them a route. He winced as he stretched his valve gear, “you'll have to berth at Tidmouth though, I have no intention of making any unnecessary stops.”

“That's more than fair.” Casandra agreed.

Amanda returned with the news they had been given a clear run to Tidmouth.

Gordon shifted his wheels, “get them shunted behind me and couple up. The sooner we leave, the less likely we're spotted.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 30 A-The Lady

Day 30 A-End 

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A Western Summer

Duck knew he was dreaming as soon as he opened his eyes. The forest around him was tall, taller than the tallest building in Tidmouth…or London for that matter. Where he could see the sky above him through the forest canopy shimmered strangely despite it being night, reminding him of the air surrounding Screech. Fireflies flew through the air, lighting the forest in a golden ethereal glow. None of this was what told him that he was dreaming. It was the woman polishing his buffers.

She strangely reminded him of Cassandra at first glance, large round eyes and elegant features, but her’s were sharp were Cassnadra’s were rounded. He felt her presence on him like a physical weight, pressing down on his frames so that they creaked from the strain of her mere proximity. It felt pleasant, almost fond, but he understood that if he angered her, she would not have to kill him, he would be crushed in an instant by the weight of the emotion itself. Even before she glanced up to reveal burning gold eyes, he knew who was before him.

“My Lady.” He said, bowing his head as far as it would go, his mind racing as he tried to figure out why the Lady herself had called his spirit forth.

She smiled, “So polite Montague.”

 She reached out a hand to cup his cheek, the sensation of withheld power almost burning him as she sat there for a moment staring at him.

“Forgive me,” she said as she removed her hand, leaving a red handprint behind, “it is not often I get to interact with my living children.”

Duck nodded slowly, even within a dream he could feel the effort it took for her to keep her presence from overwhelming his existence.

“I am honored, My Lady.”

“Hmmm…” She flicked a speck of dirt from his running board, the speck incinerating in the air from her power. “I had debated sending you to Sodor.”

Duck's eyebrows shot up, the Lady was the one who sent him? It had always been strange that he was chosen for transfer to the North Western rather than one of his Welsh siblings, who were far closer, but to think it was her…

She glanced down at her palm, “I saw that you would remain faithful to your ways, to the Great Western. That it would be born again on your line.” a golden flame flickered into being on her palm.

“I did not see my champion falling for you.”

She closed her hand, the flame disappearing into her fist.

Oh.

She looked up to stare into Duck’s eyes, her lips tight in a thin line.

“I know I have unfairly burdened them.” She said tightly, the air thrumming with her power and frustration, “that she needs companionship of her own kind. That she is dangerously close to falling.”

It was tensely quiet between the engine and his creator for a long moment.

“She would not have asked to be spared.” Duck said quietly, “I would be surprised if the thought had ever occurred to her.”

“I am aware.” She said, her voice pained. She laid her other hand on his running board, tracing her fingertips along his running board as she walked around him.

She paused by his cab, “I am a jealous being.” She admitted carelessly, as if the weight of her words wasn't causing his springs to creak. “I am possessive of all my children, perhaps beyond what is healthy.”

She walked forward again, and Duck wondered if this is what sheep felt like when stalked by wolves.

 “above all others, she is mine. The only one of my children I can see while they still live, the only one I can pour my care into while they still draw breath.” She turned to face him, repressed anger, frustration, and helplessness clear  on her face, “and I can only hurt her.”

She stepped close, Duck barely daring to breathe, “I can only reach her because I ask her to risk herself for me. To bear the weight of divinity on her mortal frames.”

She opened her fist, revealing the flame still flickering in her hand, “even now I can only speak to you without shattering your being because of how much time you've spent in her presence.”

She locked her eyes on the flames, “you need to understand, my dear child, that she is mine first. Now, and forever. She was only supposed to be a champion, but I have poured too much into her, asked too much of her, to ever let her go. She is a part of me now, and I could no more let her go than you can withstand my power in life.”

Duck eyes the flames in her hand warily, “I knew as much when I asked her. To deny your claim on her would be to deny her.”

The Lady sighed, and let the flames die away, “which is why I did not protest when she asked my permission to court you.”

Duck should have expected her to have asked permission before agreeing to court him, but then why…

“Because you have to understand she's mine.” she answered his thought before he could even finish it. “She's grown attached to you, and you need to understand that you will never be first in her life before I allow this to go any further. Not just as a fact, but as your reality.”

Duck actually thought about it, considering how he felt. “It's an adjustment, being with her.” He admitted, “I'm not used to allowing others to go into danger, much less without me…but asking for Cassandra or Thomas without Caomhnóir would be like asking for me without the Great Western.”

“A fair enough comparison.” She allowed. She cupped his cheek again, “I do not say this out of malice or anger, but protectiveness. I would not see you hurt if she were to ever choose her duty over you…either of you.”

Duck swallowed, “I would not ask that of her. Only that she allows others to help her where possible.”

The Lady was quiet for a moment, before she sighed and stepped away.

“She needs you.” She admitted, “as loath as I am to admit it, she needs another engine to trust, to help her bear the weight.” she looked up to meet the panniers eyes, “but you will be affected by this.” She warned. “Just as her crews have been, you cannot spend so much time with my own without being affected yourself.”

“I understand.”

“Hmmmm…perhaps you do.” She glanced to the sky, “I must release you now, but know this.”

She glanced back to Duck.

“She chose well.”

The fire in her hand flared and Duck woke, gasping for air in the Arlesburg sheds, startling several of the engines awake.

As they asked him what was wrong, he glanced into a mirror that had been left leaning against the shed walls, revealing a red handprint on his cheek.

A/N: Hello Loves! The Lady appears Human here as a measure to keep her presence from destroying Duck. I hope you all enjoyed Day 30! Love Y'all!

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 27-The Titan

Day 27-Twisted

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A Western Summer

Duck was sitting with Cassandra on the Haultraugh docks, listening to her talk about one of her adventures off the island. The sun gleamed off her paint, complimenting her freckles. The sea breeze swirled around them, keeping the day from getting too hot from the summer sun. Duck was thinking it was a perfect day. He should have known better.

The air before them split with a scream, barely heard over the roar of air rushing past them into the void within the tear. The world was cast into shadow, the sky darkening enough he could make out the stars, while the sun's light grew cold. Cold enough the spray off the waves turned to ice, their breath fogging before them.

A growl thundered out from the tear, shaking the rails beneath their wheels, the air around them fracturing into thousands of pieces, as if they were in a shattered mirror. He heard the metal of his frames creak as an unseen force tried to twist them.

From the tear, shadows emerged, stretching out into long sinuous tendrils. A large dark figure began to emerge from within, dark and terrible.

It rumbled a chuckle, nearly shaking Duck from the rails. It  slowly pulled itself into being before them.

It took the form of a Great Western 47xx, although he found himself doubting that was its true form, not anymore at least. The 2-8-0 towered over the two tank engines with a smile that stretched far too wide. Its eyes glowed a burning ice blue, and Duck somehow knew that to look into them would shred his mind as easily as a leaf in a storm.

“So.” It rumbled menacingly, “you are the one who dares claim to be worthy of Caomhnóir.”

‘Really?!?’ Duck thought

“I don't see how that is any of your business.,” He snapped, “it is up to her whether I am worthy or not.”

The titan rumbled in amusement, is “So brave little western.” It rumbled mockingly. “I wonder would you be so brave without her light protecting you?”

It laughed at his glare, the sound twisting through his head like the screech of bending steel.

“Or would you run and leave your engines to face me alone.”

Duck had rolled forward before he had even realized, “touch any of my engines and you will wish you had faced Caomhnóir instead, diafol.”

The titan laughed, its mane of shadowy tendrils rearing to the heavens like a serpent preparing to strike.

“Is that so little western?” it leaned closer tauntingly, “I have been sent to tes…”

“Screech.” Cassandra said calmly. “Stop provoking my partner.”

The titan actually sulked, “you did not let me finish.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, “I will tell the others you were suitably terrifying, but I would like to actually enjoy the sun sometime today.”

The titan sighed, and furled herself, collapsing into the form of a 4700 bearing the number 4702, although her mane of tendrils remained, albeit reduced. The sky cleared and the sun shone strongly once more as the tear collapsed behind her, giving Duck his first clear glimpse of her. She was a green dark enough to be mistaken for black, with the lettering in her tender proclaiming her home to be the Uman and Din Railway. Lovingly polished nameplates on the sides of her smokebox read Gwyllgi.

‘A fitting name indeed.’ Duck thought privately.

“I'm guessing she's actually a friend?” He asked Cassandra.

“An overprotective one,” she muttered. “Duck, meet Gwyllgi/Screech, resident terror of the Uman and Din Railway. Screech, this is Montague/Duck, head of the Little Western branchline of the North Western, and my partner.

“Dry Rails and Smooth Runnings Gwyllgi,” Duck greeted formally, just to be safe, “Welcome to the Little Western.”

“Dry Rails and Smooth Runnings Montague, thank you for welcoming me.” The Titan paused, “You may call me Screech.”

“You may call me Duck then.”

The titan turned to Cassandra, “I see you found a proper Westerner to court you.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes, “I told you as much in my letter.”

“Abbey was not convinced.”

“Of course not. Sending you to scare them was the only option.” The tank engine’s voice was dripping with sarcasm.

“If he could not withstand my presence, he was not worthy of you.” Screech said simply.

“Is that not for me to decide?” Cassandra demanded.

“Do you disagree?” 

“If I thought he was such an engine I would not have agreed to court him.”

Screech shrugged, “the others agreed. He needed to be tested.”

“Uuuugggggghhh.” Cassandra growled, “off with you. You don't see me showing up to test your choices.”

“Of course not. I am already there to test them.”

“Off.” Cassandra barked, “or I'm telling Abbey you would look good together in express passenger blue.”

“There is no need to stoop that low.” Screech rumbled.

“Out!”

[hazel-of-sodor]

Something Holy This Way Comes

Ch.22 Abscond

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The last two weeks of Cassandra's stay flew by, the little tank engine making sure to stop at every station to say goodbye to the children. 

Saint David joining the fleet allowed trains to run to Lloergan for the first time in a decade, the Atlantic pulling into the restored station with her coaches to resounding cheers. It had taken several days for her to decide on her fleetname, but new nameplates reading Carys adorned the side of her smokebox. No one was surprised when the Atlantic chose to keep sharing Avon’s berth, the pair having been attached at the frames ever since the Saint class had returned.

 The final weekend saw Screech and Cassandra working to restore the old line again, finally reaching Llanw before they had to turn back. 

Screech woke early the day Cassandra was to go home, and was unsurprised to find the tank engine already away.

“I’ll miss this railway,” Cassandra said quietly after they had exchanged ‘good mornings’, “it reminds me of the early days on the NWR, back when I was just a random tank engine.”

“You will always be welcome to visit.” Screech said gently, “if the weight gets too much to bear, you will always have a berth here.”

“I’d like that.” Cassandra admitted wistfully.

“You will not take a break unless I drag you here, will you ?” Screech said knowingly.

Cassandra barked a self-aware laugh, “Probably, we are so close to the end now that I can’t stop.”

She quietly studied the rails in front of her, “The last day of steam on the Other Railway is in sight, and I don't know if I'm more scared that we have so little time to save anyone or relieved it's almost over.”

“And after?” Screech asked gently.

The tank engine was quiet a long moment, ‘I’m not sure I believe in an after.” She said softly, “I have no idea what that looks like.”

She sighed tiredly, “If anything I think they will turn on the diesels.”

Abbey had woken up shortly after Screech and frowned at the tank engine before glancing over to Screech, “Once its over, bring her here to rest. Even if you have to drag her.”

“Of course.” The eldritch titan rumbled over the guardian’s protests.

Slowly one by one the engine woke , joining the companionable silence and the sun rose, bringing an end to Cassandra’s time on the Uman and Din

***

Epilogue - 1972

Miss Morgan strode towards the sheds, knowing the answer to her question before she even arrived. Screech sat simmering smugly, while Mali and Sarah painted a small tank engine and two coaches in Uman and Din colors. Miss Morgan raised an eyebrow at the sight.

“Would someone like to explain why the North Western is missing their No.1?” She asked mildly.

“She was in need of a break from her duties and refused to take one herself.” Abbey said unrepentantly. 

Miss Morgan sighed exasperatedly, “and it occurred to none of you to warn the North Western before Screech grabbed her.”

“That would have given her a chance to make a run for it.” Carys said simply.

Miss Morgan sighed before turning to the tank engines crew, “My apologies, my engines tend to take matters into their own hands.”

The driver was gently scrubbing her engine's face with a sponge, “believe it or not this is not the weirdest thing to happen to us since becoming Cassandra's crew.”

The firewoman snorted from where she was checking Cassandra’s lubricators.

“All the more reason they needed a break as well,” Enid chimed in.

Cassandra sighed, “You do realize I was scheduled to visit later this year?”

“I hadn't told them yet.” Miss Morgan explained.

“Then we already know when you will return home,” Screech rumbled lazily.

Cassandra sighed exasperatedly then turned to Miss Morgan, “Would you mind letting our controller know where we are since it seems I will be here awhile?”

“Of course.” Miss Morgan turned and walked away to let Charles know her engines had absconded with his number one.

A/N: And thats a wrap! Hello Loves, I hope you all enjoyed Something Holy This Way Comes. The next (as of yet untitled) fic in the series is honestly a ways off (traintober and all that) but the first chapter already exists. Until then, Dry Rails and Smooth Runnings, Love Y'all!