#ttte splatter

[fabianvalencia561]

Patchwork: .... are... You.. Ok??

D10: ...I ... Yeah... I'm ok.. I hope..

He sighs and then he looks out the window as they leave Sodor.

With Pinchy. Proteus, and @dieselstooyou Proteus

Pinchy: now (other) Proteus you don't have to worry .. the Portal watcher will let you pass since it's your first time here..

Proteus: yeah that's a good thing..

**They walked through heaven, the angels looked at them, especially at (my) Proteus was looked at as the angels know that it was him. **

**As they walked through the town of Heaven, they soon get out of there and get to a more isolated part of Heaven. Less buildings where there and most of them were replace with fields.**

(other) Proteus: Oh? who are they?

(My) Proteus: They are the entrance to the Portal keeper... they make sure the people who go through here are safe and good ...

Rose: ah (My) Proteus! look how much you grown!

Mary: is that (My) Proteus ?

(My) Proteus: Yes yes... it me... heh...

Pinchy: We need to go see the Portal keeper

Rose: OH going to meet the gods I'm guessing ? well go right head!

The three walk through the huge field. It was very quiet.

<<Before

[postfuturistikarcturus]

They're so silly

[anonymousboxcar]

TTTE AU: Cockade the Actor

Recently, I’ve been playing around with an au!Diesel 10 that fits into a more RWS-type world. Known as D810, or Cockade, he isn’t villainous or bigoted against steam engines. This is in part because he noticed a growing disdain for diesel-hydraulics such as him, thus realizing he wasn’t in too dissimilar of a boat.

Where most of his class didn’t survive, Cockade did. He was a warm, affable engine who endeared himself to many people. He was also something many of his siblings weren’t: a minor celebrity.

Ever since a background appearance in a local commercial, Cockade wanted to be an actor. He pushed to appear in more commercials, instructional tapes, and TV episodes B.R. used to drum up good PR. These amounted to only several seconds of screen time apiece, but he loved it. He loved becoming a character, embodying part of a story. He thought it could help him work toward the silver screen.

And eagle-eyed rail fans recognized him in all his roles. He developed a small following that advocated on his behalf, working to get him — and at his urging, as many of his siblings as possible — preserved.

He never lost his passion for acting, nor his dream of a “big break.” So when the producers of a project called Thomas & The Magic Railroad came knocking, he all but threw himself at them.

His heritage railway loaned him out to the producers, who gave him his character’s — Diesel 10’s — livery and excavator claw. His enthusiasm and flair for dramatics proved infectious on set. He had only one serious hiccup: he tried method acting.

He didn’t mean any harm by it. He only wanted to try out a new technique; he wanted his first ever film performance to be his best and most convincing. But for all his good intentions, acting like his villainous character 24/7 got on everyone’s nerves.

Thomas, playing himself in the film, got fed up. “Do you want to ‘method act’ some bent buffers, too? I can help you with that.”

Cockade stared at him. “What?”

“The script calls for it, doesn’t it?”

“But that’s — oh. Ohhh.”

It was the wake-up call Cockade needed. Embarrassed, he apologized for his behavior and saved his acting for the cameras.

While still somewhat miffed at first, Thomas softened after Cockade helped him through some stage fright without any judgement. Cockade respected Thomas’ tenacity and sense of responsibility in turn. The two had a similar sense of humor, making each other laugh between takes and teasing the others.

He and Thomas also became close to Sarah, a recent custom-built engine cast as Lady. She gave as good as she got with their teasing, while also becoming interested in the technical aspects of film production and writing. Her perspective on something in the script was always fresh and helpful (even if it was critical).

The engines playing Splatter and Dodge — who didn’t have names of their own, and liked their characters’ names enough to adopt them — came out of their shells at everyone’s encouragement. They loved to ad-lib scenes with Cockade, and they contemplated going into improv comedy once their work was done with TATMR.

A good time was had by all. Cockade felt very satisfied with himself and the overall production, delighting in having so many new friends and connections in show business.

And then the film bombed at the box office.

These days, Cockade says it was a valuable lesson: there’s a lot of moving parts to a film production, and nothing can be perfect. You can only do your best with the part you have. What matters is that you had fun and you gained more experience.

It took him some time to absorb this lesson, though. He wondered if he could’ve done something more, if he could’ve helped. He feared this was the end of his career.

“I’ve been working towards this my entire life,” he said late one night. “I had plan, a vision, of my career. This was my chance at the big time. And now that I’ve had a taste of it, it’s all up in smoke.”

Sarah nudged him. “You read the books, yeah? Look at how many times Mr. Number One over there messed up. He’s still doing alright.”

Thomas only rolled his eyes a little. “My foul-ups did me a world of good, actually. I wouldn’t be famous if those stories didn’t get out.”

“Besides, so what if that’s it for your career or whatever?” Splatter asked. “You’ve been at the bottom.”

“S’not so bad down there. You’ll have us, for one,” Dodge said, grinning. “And if you went up that incline before, you can do it again.”

“…I can,” Cockade said after a pause. “Thanks to all of you.”

In the end, lots of people still liked his performance as Diesel 10. At his request, his heritage railway put him back into D10’s livery for “Day Out With Thomas” events. He auditioned and got to act in other, smaller productions. While typecast as a villain for some time, he considered that a small price to keep doing what he loved.

He still visits Sodor every now and then, both as himself and as Diesel 10. Thomas is always happy to see him. They often chat about how Sarah’s doing as a railway consultant in television writing. Other times, they listen together to Splatter & Dodge’s latest improv comedy podcast released online.

Cockade’s big break didn’t go as he imagined it, but that’s alright. He doesn’t need the glitz and glamour of Hollywood anymore to have a fulfilling career. To him, the fulfillment comes from the wonderful people he meets along the way.

“And failure is never forever,” he tells people, smiling. “It’s always an opportunity — if you let it be one.”

[ilovecharile]

Diesel Ten: *chase after Lady *

Splatter and Dodge: you know what fuck this we out.

[thebunnylord]

In my human AU, Diesel, Paxton, Sidney, ‘arry, Bert, splatter and dodge are all brothers. They came from a huge blended family and both of their parents remarried to different people and had more children (there are way more children than the seven names I just listed) and one of their parents divorced twice and remarried three times and it’s all confusing unless I drew a chart out but you get the picture.

Their upbringing didn’t affect Diesel, Arry and Bert too much, Diesel is the oldest children of the clan and quickly got jealous when his siblings began arriving. He was also put in charge of the little kids when the parents went out. Diesel obviously abused this power by putting a baby spatter and dodge in an upside down wastebasket with books on top to keep him from having to watch them every second, and tying Paxton to a chair which Paxton vividly remembers. Diesel is devious by name and devious by nature.

The only thing from his childhood that really affected diesel into adulthood was that the best way of getting your parents attention was by hitting your younger brothers and make them cry.

On the other hand, Rebecca’s family is filled with relatives that she is somehow related to but doesn’t know how she is which makes family gatherings a bit awkward as there’s a ton of people who she never knew she was even related to. For example, she and Neville are cousins but for the life of her she doesn’t know how or why they are related. And it’s all weird and a huge mess but she doesn’t care, she finds Neville to be rather chill, aside from his social anxiety and awkwardness of course.

[brick-boats]

Actually its uh Splatter…

And-and Dodge…

[steam-beasts]

Thomas and the Magic Railroad

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Three: Diesel 10's Plan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: FINALLY! I finished chapter 3! Sorry about taking so long, motivation kept going in and out of me 😑. Also, a note about Billy, in this version he is played by Tom Jackson.

Splatter and Dodge make an appearance. Dodge has a stutter so it'll be easier to tell the dialogue apart.

-------------------------------------------------------

The next day arrived on Sodor quite quickly. Most of the engines had gathered at Tidmouth Sheds to wish Sir Topham Hatt and his family a good holiday, and good luck to Edward

"See you lot in a few weeks!" Edward called out as he departed from the yard, pulling the private coach along. The engines whistled and wooshed happily to Edward and the couple until they were out of sight.

Once they were sure Edward definitely couldn't hear, Gordon let out a loud, pent-up groan of annoyance "Of course EDWARD of all engines was chosen" He commented with distaste. Thomas raised an eyebrow "What's that supposed to mean? Are you not happy for Edward, Gordon?"

"Well, Edward only got chosen because Sir Topham Hatt took pity on him, I bet..."

"Gordon. You better not start..." Duck warned, knowing exactly where this was going.

"...probably since he's so old" Gordon finished, rolling his eyes. Thomas gasped "That's not the reason, Gordon! Yes, Edward is up there in age, but that doesn't mean he's weak!" The E2 retorted, not pleased at all.

"Thomas. Edward was made in 1896, practically a CENTURY ago! He's an antique, and so slow at this point. Sir Topham Hatt obviously felt bad and chose him for it!" Gordon argued. Thomas gritted his teeth at that statement, Mr Conductor felt it was a good time to step in before things escalated.

"Now, now...let's break it up!" The conductor said, getting their attention. Once the two had their eyes on him, Mr Conductor cleared his throat "Ok...now, Gordon. At this point, I sometimes wonder...are you and Edward friends at all?"

Gordon widened his eyes as multiple others fell on him, making him stammer "Well I– of course we are..! It's just...I-I..." Gordon looked down in embarrassment, visibly sweating.

"Real friends don't say that. I know there's always going to be some sort of banter in a friend group, but what you say to and about Edward is just bullying, Gordon"

Thomas chuffed "Yeah! Edward's just as useful as all of us. Besides..." The E2 then grew a smug grin "...if Edward was as weak as you say, then how come he was able to push a big fat engine like you up your hill, hm?" He teased cheekily.

The other engines chortled at Thomas' response. Percy, who was beside him, snickered "Ohohoho...good one, Thomas!"

Gordon wheeshed "Oh that's rich coming from someone who fell down the mine!!"

"I didn't notice the danger sign!" Thomas spat. Gordon scoffed "Little engines are SO narrow minded!"

"No we're not!" Duck said defensively, Oliver and Percy agreed.

The arguing was ceased when an ear-piercing, and broken-sounding whistle ripped through the air, startling the engines. The noise caused a few to reverse out of surprise. The laughing and banter ceased due to this, and Gordon was now lightly jittering "W-w-w-what was that?!" He squeaked.

Mr Conductor laughed at their reactions, but raised a eyebrow at his whistle "Huh, that's the third time..." He muttered before regaining his composure and speaking up.

"Ahem! Sorry about that, gentlemen. My whistle is acting up today"

Percy chuckled nervously "I-It's ok, Mr Conductor. It was j-just unexpected...heh heh..."

The magic man gave Percy a gentle smile and looked up at Gordon with a sterner look "As for you, Gordon. If you and Henry were REALLY his friends, you wouldn't say such things..." Mr Conductor made sure to shoot a glare at Henry, he wasn't innocent in this either "...Sir Topham Hatt told me himself how many times he's tried stopping you. To think, after everything Edward's done for you two..." He shook his head. Henry frowned and gulped now feeling eyes on him as well as Gordon.

The Stanier engine never expected to be dragged into this intervention, but he supposed it was deserved and remained silent.

"Mr Conductor is right, Gordon" Toby chimed in, the others murmered in agreement. Gordon huffed and reversed into his berth in a defeated and ashamed mood. Henry felt his boiler tighten and looked down at his buffers in shame and guilt. A few moments after the quick intervention, everyone had settled. He was handed a schedule board to list everybody's jobs for the day.

"Okay, now that we're all calm and collected...James, you're to pull a freight train of fresh hay bales to Farmer McCole's..." James groaned in annoyance. Great, another goods train. Just what he needed.

Mr Conductor looked over to Gordon "Gordon...the Afternoon Express as usual. Off you pop!" He said. Gordon smiled with pride and tooted his whistle before steaming on to the turntable. A good way to get his mind off getting confronted.

Mr Conductor went on down the list, assigning the engines one by one, who all gladly obliged. It was until he got to Thomas, his chipperness disappeared.

"..And last but not least, Thomas..." As Mr Conductor read the assignment, his smile dissolved into a frown "...oh dear"

Thomas perked up inquisitively at the man's sudden drop in tone "Mr Conductor, what's wrong?" He asked. Mr Conductor looked up at Thomas with a nervous glint in his eyes. The assignment itself was quite upsetting to say the least.

"Well Thomas, it says here you're to take flatbeds of scrapped engines to the Smelter's yard...it's been left for you at the Knapford yard" He said , wincing a little. The other engines gasped and muttered at the mere mention of scrap. An slightly appalled look was splashed on Thomas's face "S-Scrapped engines...?"

Mr Conductor nodded sadly. Thomas sighed, he always pulled scrapped engine beds at least once or twice, but even if it was something he should be getting used to by now, it was still unsettling to do such a task. It was like a human pulling a cart with a few dead carcasses in it to a grave site. Even if they never knew who the carcasses were, the urge to mourn was strong.

"Ok, sir...I will, sir" He said solemnly.

"Alright then..." Mr Conductor then put away the board. He looked towards the other engines and tried looking more bright for them "Well, what are you lot waiting for? Get those pistons pumping!" The tank and tender engines all tooted before all reluctantly setting off.

After most of the engines had left, it was just Thomas, Toby and Mr Conductor left. Mr Conductor's eyes flicked over to the E2's cab, and he couldn't help but notice something odd. He then glanced at Toby's cab entrance and saw his crew standing and waiting. Thomas's crew were still not here.

"Thomas. Where are your driver and fireman?" He asked, hands on hips and looking around the yard.

"They're taking the day off again, Mr Conductor. Its never been the same since Bob and William retired...my new crew are nothing but lazy and slack!" Thomas wheeshed sadly, though his face looked mildly annoyed.

"Oh for goodness sakes! Again?!"

"I can't do my job if they're not operating me, Mr.C"

Mr Conductor tsked, shaking his head in disapproval "How disappointing! I shall have a word with those two! That is what I'll do!" He said, wagging a finger. Thomas snickered at the rhyme.

Mr Conductor then walked over to the E2's cab and climbed up "Well, don't you worry, Thomas. I won't let you become a sitting duck, I'll just have to operate you myself!"

Thomas brightened up happily "Oh thank you, Mr Conductor!" He whistled as the magic man took the shovel and tossed coal into Thomas's firebox. The tank engine whistled merrily and proceeded to leave Tidmouth. Mr Conductor smiled and looked out the cab window.

"It is another beautiful day on the Island of Sodor..."

____________________________________________

Along the rails of the Indian Valley Railroad, the rails glimmered in the summer light. The birds tweeted their beautiful songs of nature. That was the moment when the tracks began to rumble and rattle, and out from around the corner came a Union Pacific FEF puffing down the tracks.

This majestic tender engine was nicknamed "The Rainbow Sun". A locomotive that has been on the Indian Valley Railroad for a long while now. Her driver was a man in his early 40s. He was of Native American descent and was proud of it too. This man was of course, Billy Twofeathers – the railroad technician of the railway.

Billy was leaning out of his train's cab and gazing out at the lovely land of the Indian Valley with an appreciative smile on his face. It was an admirable sight, so it was. Nearly "magical" as some would say. Billy was then thrown out of focus by a clanging noise coming from the Rainbow Sun's undercarriage. Billy raised an eyebrow before noticing excessive amounts of steam clouds gushing out of his engine's pistons and out from between the wheels.

Within every single bit of handyman knowledge he knew, this wasn't supposed to happen.

"Hm, something must be loose. Don't worry, ol' girl. I'll give you a look over once we reach the station" He muttered, giving the Pacific's boiler a pat. But before he could do anything further, he heard a loud revving of a motorcycle nearby. He snapped his gaze to the footpath beside the rails.

He could very clearly see the silhouette of a man riding on a motorcycle. Because of the steam, the features of the man were obscured but Billy could tell the biker was staring at him. The distance between the Rainbow Sun and the biker was a little worrying to Billy, there was a possibility for an accident!

"HEY! Get away from the rails, you'll get hurt!" Billy yelled over the loud pumping and clanking noises coming from his engine. The stranger didn't seen fazed, or even care for that matter. Instead, he grabbed something out of the crate, and that's when Billy's face drained a little – it was a gun.

Billy ducked behind the door of the cab and winced as he heard two shots go off, both bullets hitting the door. Once the engineer found the slim opportunity, he quickly looked out to see the damage.

There were a couple tiny dents in the cab door, but since it was likely a handgun, the damage wasn't severe. Billy could fix it in a few—

BANG!!

"AGH!!" Billy screamed as a burning, agonising pain erupted in his arm. He looked down to see a fresh bullet wound, open and bleeding profusely on his forearm. Billy hissed in pain and glared daggers at the man, all the while mentally scolding his stupidity for revealing himself.

He could just about tell that the man was smirking from within the steam camouflage and spun the weapon around his finger before blowing smoke off the muzzle.

The engineer ducked back behind the door as another bang ripped through the air, gritting his teeth at the painful burn of his wound. His eyes darted around frantically until he spotted a thick clothe – that'll surely slow the bleeding until he reaches the station!

Billy grabbed the cloth and began frantically wrapping it around the injured area, wincing again at the pain. He managed to tie a rough knot around it before hearing a thud outside. He snapped his gaze to the cab entrance and felt a light pang of fear shoot through him as the man had jumped and was now clinging on to the handrails, pulling himself towards the cab door. He stepped into the cab and loomed over him, fists clenching.

The stranger was fairly tall with a slightly wide build. He towered over the handyman with a threatening posture and a toothy grin. He wore a biker helmet with yellow-lensed goggles, as for his clothes, the hijacker wore a forest green turtleneck, a trenchcoat, a practical weapon belt and combat boots. Just from looking at him, something about this guy was familiar to Billy.

Billy shook away the thought and slowly stood up, staring into this strangely familiar man's eyes with a threatening glint, said stranger stared back. Both found themselves in a stand off. In the corner of his eye, his shotgun rested against the wall. Billy knew if he was quick enough, he'd be able to put himself out of harm's way.

In one swift movement, Billy punched the man in the jaw when he least expected it. While the hijacker was momentarily stunned, the engineer snatched his gun and quickly loaded it. Thank god he had a bullet pack in his pocket...just for necessary occasions. Once the man was refocusing, he was face to face with a shotgun pressed against his forehead.

The strange man glared at the shotgun and back at its handler with malice. His lips curled into a snarl as Billy's eyes squinted, his expression was grim. Both men were in a tight situation and were both on nerve. Either could die in a situation like this, but from the way it looked, the unwelcome newcomer was running face-first into death himself before Billy could.

He still said nothing and stared deeply into the other's eyes. Billy did the same, keeping his grim expression printed on his face.

"Well, it only takes one bullet. What'll it be?" He asked with a slightly grave tone to his voice. Sweat beaded from their foreheads, their hands clammy, their movements as still as a rock. All it took was one move and one loud bang. But who would seal the deal? Suddenly, the biker shoved the shotgun away from his face in a lightning-fast movement, catching Billy off guard and by surprise. Before the engineer could even do anything else, the intruder kicked him hard in the shin.

Billy yelled and fell back on the floor, gun still in hand. The man above him pounced and forced him to stay on the ground, holding his wrists together with one hand. Billy grunted and tried pushing him off, only to be stopped by being repeatedly striked in the face with a gloved fist.

Punch after punch, the hijacker kept going and displayed no signs of stopping, much to Billy's dismay. Billy himself hissed, groaned and grunted with each blow to his head. From the feel of it, the hijacker must be wearing a brass knuckle under the glove, as his punches felt a lot harder and more painful than normal punches, which still hurt of course, but not this much. Out of the corner of the engineer's eye, his shotgun still remained in hand. Through squinting, watery eyes, he could see his attacker paying no attention to the weapon, and an idea bubbled up in his head.

Billy seized the chance, gathering all the strength that he could muster, he pulled his legs up to his own chest and performed a ground kick. His attacker let out an audible "oof" as some wind was knocked out of him and he toppled back. Billy grunted, spitting out the bitter taste of copper in his mouth as he stood up with a wobble, glaring down at the man on the ground who was also struggling to his feet.

His face ached and buzzed with pain, but wasn't as bad as the bullet wound.

As soon as the stranger fully stood, Billy tightened the grip on his shotgun and pulled it behind his shoulder before roughly slamming it against the exposed part of his head.

CRACK!!

The hard metal made contact with the other's forehead and a concerning crack was heard. The hijacker growled in pain, stumbling back. One of the lenses of his goggles was cracked and shattered, revealing his eye. Billy groaned quietly, gritting his teeth as he got up. His arm hurt like hell. The man across from him had his gloved hand hovering over where he was hit, a dark bruise already forming. Billy panted, feeling a little dizzy from the barrage of punches but kept a firm hold of his shotgun.

The man's face turned into an angered scowl and he then charged towards Billy, who struck him again with the gun. Then again, then again, then again...

The hijacker stumbled back towards the open cab door in a daze, his back hitting the cold rushing air of the passing country. He looked behind him, a sense of fear lingering within him as he knew he'd get badly hurt if he fell, but did he have a choice? He snapped his gaze back to Billy, who was seething with frustration and desperation.

Billy knew what he had to do, but he knew it wouldn't be pretty. The engineer repositioned his weapon into its proper position and pointed it at the man.

"I'm gonna give you one last chance, get off my train or get shot. I would prefer option one and so should you" He threatened the intruder. The intruder in question narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists. He glanced between the passing ground below and Billy before letting out a disgruntled sigh.

He stepped backwards on to the footplate of the train and gave Billy a snarky goodbye wave "Donadagohvi, braid boy!" He jeered. Suddenly, the intruder jumped backwards, much to Billy's surprise. The racial mockery would've only bothered him a little if the man didn't jump. He could've waited for the Rainbow Sun to stop, but that was how it was gonna be, huh?

Quickly, Billy went over to the open cab door and peered at where the guy jumped off. To his confusion, the man was gone. No body, no one. Just himself and the engine. Despite this, Billy could rest easy knowing that the attacker was gone...for now.

Billy sighed in relief and with a trembling hand, rested his shotgun against the wall. The bullet wound in his arm burned, he was incredibly lucky to survive it, but he knew he had to get it tended to very soon. Other than the life-threatening injury, he thought back to the familiar man. Billy just couldn't shake off the feeling that he's seen that guy before...and his voice, yeah...he's definitely heard that voice from somewhere in the past.

Much to the handyman's luck, the Rainbow Sun had finally rolled into the town of Shining Time, so he can forget about that guy for now. The town was filled to the brim with pastel coloured buildings, gardens, clover filled fields, play parks where children thrived. It was all slathered in the sun's warm embrace, there was something magical about the place, he had a feeling.

Even despite his condition, he still pulled the whistle for the children who cheered joyously as they watched the gleaming iron horse pass through. Thank god they couldn't see in the cab from where they were.

As the Rainbow Sun finally pulled into Shining Time Station, Billy looked out the cab for anyone waiting at the platform.

Once he knew the coast was clear, he went back and pulled on the brakes, avoiding using his injured arm. " Hope no one sees me like this right now..." he internally prayed.

"Good morning, Mr Twofeathers!" A new, young voice suddenly called out. Billy felt his hope deflate and slumped his shoulders, he peeked through the window and saw a young boy riding a white stallion. His hair was blonde and scruffy, he wore an open blue flannel shirt, with a vest beneath it. He had ripped trousers and black boots.

This was Patch, a boy who had moved into town from the countryside a few months ago. He often helped out around town to earn some pocket money. He was currently Billy's helper. Bounding behind the horse was his dog, Mutt.

"Good morning, Patch!" Billy called back with a strained smile. He really didn't want to see Patch at the moment, but the universe seems to have other plans "Sorry, can't talk right now. I uh...gotta get inside" as he slowly climbed out of the Rainbow Sun, Patch stopped his horse and watched Billy get out. When the handyman turned around, the farm boy almost instantly noticed the injuries he had sustained.

"Mr Twofeathers, you're hurt!!" Patch exclaimed, hopping off his horse and jogging over to him "and your face is bleeding!" Billy furrowed his brows in confusion and wiped his chin, feeling something wet. Turns out it really was blood.

"Oh dear, I...I suppose I didn't notice" He replied, feeling a bit more lightheaded – supposedly the loss of blood was now getting to him. He never even felt it on his face, so that was why he tasted copper. Patch got a closer look at his wounds – Billy had a nasty wound on his arm that bled horribly, his face looked battered and bruised, plus, his nose was bleeding terribly – It was an awful sight for sure!

Patch's worried face only grew as he saw the blood-soaked cloth "Did...did something happen?" Patch's dog, Mutt came up behind him and whimpered with worry for Billy.

"It's ok, Patch. I-...I accidentally fell out of the Rainbow Sun while refilling on water. This'll all heal in a few...a few weeks" He lied as he placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. It wasn't the best lie, but he didn't want to tell him the truth. Patch skeptically stared at Billy for a brief moment, making the older man nervous.

"There's uh– there's a first aid kit in the workshop. I'll get patched up from there"

"Well, come on! We gotta get you inside!" The country boy insisted, gently pushing the engineer into the station. Billy kept protesting, saying that he was fine when really, he wasn't. He felt a bit dizzy.

Schemer was at the mini arcade, counting all the nickels he had managed to recieve. Once he saw Billy and Patch come in, he was immediately put off.

"WOOOAAAH, woah, woooaah!!" He exclaimed, immediately trudging towards Billy. He looked the man up and down, his nose wrinkling in disgust at the bloodied clothes.

"And just WHAT do you think you're doing?"

"I'm going with young Patch here to fetch something from the workshop, Schemer. Is there a problem?" Billy asked. Schemer threw his head back and scoffed "PAH! You're darn right there's a problem, Mr Twofeathers! No one wants to see..." Schemer then dramatically pointed at hisentire appearance "...a disheveled hippie who looks like he got ran over by a train! It's bad for business!"

Patch rolled his eyes. He had visited the station long enough to get to know Schemer, and BOY did he regret it "Oh give it a break, Stinker! Can't you see he's injured?!" Patch spat.

Schemer gasped dramatically at the insult, a hand to his chest. He narrowed his eyes and bent down to get eye-leveled with Patch "Why you little..."

"Oh Billy! You're back!" Said a new voice. It was Stacy, who had just walked in through the front door. Once she had a good look, her face paled with horror.

She instantly zoomed over to Billy, fretting over his condition "O-Oh good heavens, Billy. What happened?! You're bleeding!" She yelped, delicately peeling at the rag to see the bullet wound.

Billy sighed, pushing her hand away "I'm fine, Stacy. Yes, I'm hurt but I'll survive. I just fell from the train" He lied again. Stacy didn't believe him, she knew beatings and bullet wounds when she saw it.

She shook her head "No you didn't! This is a bullet wound, I-I know by the blood and – and the big gash! Tell me the truth!" She said sternly. She didn't like being lied to, especially when it comes to someone she cared about hiding their pain!

Billy looked at Patch, who looked up at him with eyes that pleaded for the truth. Mutt did the same, except of course, in dog form. Schemer was skeptical. He had to tell the truth, didn't he? Oh dear...

"I-...I had managed to stop a hijacking this morning and got in a scrap fight with the attacker. He shot me in the arm and beat me up. Luckily, I managed to shake him off. There, that's what happened" He said, looking away with a guilty face. Schemer was honestly blown away, he had no words or snarky comments, none! Patch was surprised by this reveal, but sympathised for Billy, as well as Mutt who whined and hung his head low. Stacy gasped like a scandalised housewife, her eyes nearly popping out of her head.

"A HIJACKING?! Oh dear, oh dear! Sh-Shining Time Station hasn't had a train robbery in...well, YEARS!! Did he steal anything?" Stacy stammered, gently grabbing Billy's hand and squeezing it. Said man shook his head "No, don't worry. I fought him off before he could...though, I don't know what he was after. He was trying to knock me out!"

The three listeners were flabbergasted at this news. Patch tilted his head, humming thoughtfully "Huh...well, what if he was after the Rainbow Sun ?" He suggested, earning a puzzled head-tilt by Mutt, and an eye roll from Schemer "Poppycock! Who would want a train?"

Patch shrugged "Well, maybe to scrap it? My mom told me how desperate scrappers are to get their hands on steam trains here in the Indian Valley. Perhaps that guy was one of them?" He theorised.

"Aghh...i-i don't know..ngh!..Patch, but if I had to assume with how he greeted me, then that's possibly the case" Billy hissed, clutching his arm. His brain was finally registering the wound and it stung so badly. Stacy huffed and guided him to the outside benches.

"That's it, Billy. I'm taking you to the local hospital" She said sternly. Said man remained silent and went along with her. Conveniently, there was a hospital a couple blocks down.

Patch watched them leave and shook his head "Poor Billy. Who would do this to him, Mutt?" He asked his dog. Even though Mutt couldn't fully understand what he said, he sensed his feelings and whined. Schemer watched as the two disappeared out of the station. He said nothing.

The entrepreneur glanced between the entrance and the arcade, knowing it probably wasn't a good idea to say anything snarky. Meekly, he walked back to the arcade.

The station was still, the station was silent, the station was worried.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at Sodor, Thomas pulled into the Smelter's yard with the flatbeds. Mr Conductor meanwhile kept an eye around the engine, in case trouble popped out. It was that strange hunch that ate at him again.

Thomas looked around the yard, seeing scattered wheels, rusty side rods, detached buffer beams...and many engine carcasses, all of which were devoid of a face. The little tank engine shivered at the sight, not liking it one bit.

Mr Conductor gave him a reassuring pat on the cab "Cheer up, Thomas. We'll make this job quick" He said before hopping out and trekking to uncouple the flatbeds.

It felt longer to Thomas, as in that time, he began hearing ominous noises coming from all around him.

First, he heard metal, creaking eerily and loudly.

Second, he heard rattling noises from the left and the right, accompanied by what Thomas could describe as low growling of an engine. Like a diesel...was it Arry and Bert up to their old tricks?

Third of all and last of all, he heard low cackling and snickering from ahead. It came from deep in the smelting shed – the LAST place Thomas wanted to hear such noises.

The inside of the shed glowed an ominous red, and steam was leaking everywhere in it. Some of the steam had even seeped out into the yard itself, making things even more nerve-wracking for Thomas that it made his wheels wobble.

"All done, Thomas!"

"WHA!!" Thomas yelped in fear, only to see it was Mr Conductor who stared back with a confused look "Are...you alright?"

Thomas sighed in relief "Oh! It's just you, Mr C. Sorry, this place just gives me wobbly wheels! Now, can we PLEASE leave? ...I don't like it here" He whimpered. Mr Conductor smiled lightly and put a hand on the engine's buffer.

"Its ok Thomas, we can go now"

"Oh, you're leavin' already? But ya just got here!" Echoed a new voice, startling both of them. They looked towards the smelting shed, where in the darkness rested a pair of eyes with a devious and malicious glint.

"W-Who's there?!" Thomas asked, jittering nervously.

The voice chuckled rather darkly "Well, why do ya come closer for a better look? It's hard to see a thing in this stupid steam!" it beckoned. Thomas was hesitant, even more so was Mr Conductor. That's when Mr Conductor quickly caught on to the silhouette of a claw attached to the engine's roof.

His eyes widened in realisation, he knew that claw from anywhere! He was no fool.

Mr Conductor bolted to Thomas's cab and climbed on the footplate before shooting a glare back at the shed "You can't fool us, Diesel 10!"

The diesel warship clicked his tongue in annoyance as he suddenly oiled out of the shed, revealing himself to Thomas.

"Aw well, it was worth a shot. Nothing gets by you, does it, Twinkletoes?" He sneered, rolling towards the E2 with malicious intent. "That's right. Besides, YOU'RE the only one here with that bothersome claw on your roof!" Mr Conductor spat, pointing at the hydraulic claw.

D10 gasped dramatically, offended "Bold of you to insult Pinchy right in front of me, Twinkletoes..." he said through gritted teeth. "Pinchy", the claw snapped eagerly at the two. Thomas wobbled with worry, but managed to pluck up some courage "W-What do you want, Diesel 10?!"

D10 hummed sarcastically in thought "Good question, puffball. What DO I want...?" He asked himself.

D10's face then perked up "Oh that's right! I'm here to turn you steamies to scrap!" He grinned evily, edging closer. Thomas gasped, reversing back. Mr Conductor spoke up again

"Not so fast, Diesel! There's nothing you can do to these engines while I'M around!" Mr Conductor wanted to give some reassurance to Thomas. D10 groaned and rolled his eyes "Always sidin' with the tin kettles... TYPICAL!!"

Suddenly, Pinchy extended forward, clamping on to Thomas's funnel. Said engine yelped like a kicked puppy, wincing at the pain.

"Well, that'll ALL change when I find the Lost Engine! Once I finish her off, no steam engine will ever see the light of day again! HAHAHA—OW!!" D10 was cut off by having a piece of coal thrown at his forehead by none other than Mr Conductor, who was holding a clutch of coal rocks

"Not a chance!" Mr Conductor retorted. He threw rock after rock at D10 until his claw finally let go of Thomas's funnel. At that moment, the magic man shouted "Go, Thomas, go!" and Thomas did as told.

He quickly reversed on to the other tracks, narrowly avoiding the flatbed and sped backwards, exiting the scrapyard. D10 shook out of his daze and chased after them, feeling pretty pissed off.

"Why I 'oughta...GET BACK HERE!!" He roared, following them out of the Smelter's yard and down the Kildane branchline. Thomas had to make a careful turn at the junction, and it wasn't long before the steamie and diesel warship passed through the town of Cronk.

D10 honked his horn as he chased the E2, giving the locals a fright. After exiting Cronk, they passed Maron, the West of Maron and soon, the chase began to take a turn into Wellsworth, where BoCo was busy shunting trucks. He stopped when he saw something blue in the distance. At first, he thought it was Edward.

"Edward...?" He asked in confusion, squinting. The blue blur soon got closer and more detailed, BoCo then realised it was Thomas "Thomas?!"

Thomas zoomed past, terror struck on his face "HORRORS! BOCO!! HEEEELLLP!!" He yelled. BoCo soon saw why as Diesel 10 was following him.

"D10!! LEAVE THAT LITTLE ENGINE ALONE!!" BoCo shouted angrily. Sadly, there was only so much he could do. He prayed that D10 wouldn't hurt him.

"Careful Thomas, we're heading towards the Mainline" Mr Conductor warned "I'll tell you where to go"

"Okay!" Thomas replied fearfully. D10 was amazingly still pursuing him, snapping Pinchy angrily. The conductor kept an eye behind the E2, glancing now and again at D10. Thankfully, Gordon hadn't shown up once as they were chased down the line, though, Duck and the twins were seen, but they were on different lines.

Soon, Thomas panted as he finally reversed towards Tidmouth, his axles ached and his firebox fizzled. D10 seemed far behind, but suffice to say, he could relax for a little.

James was at the sheds, having finished his goods delivery but he couldn't rest due to a pesky fly buzzing in his face. He knew it wasn't a bee, but any flying insects got him paranoid.

"Oh shoo, fly! Shoo!" He growled, trying to blow at the pest. Just then, he noticed Thomas reverse towards Tidmouth sheds. But instead of reversing on to the turntable, the tank engine missed it and ended up bumping into a pair of buffer stops, just a berth away from James.

"Oof! Botheration!" Thomas exclaimed, feeling dizzy. James tutted "Looks like you weren't concentrating, Thomas!" He half-teased, still being bothered by the fly. Thomas rolled his eyes "It's not that I wasn't concentrating, James! I was being chased so I couldn't focus!"

James quirked an eyebrow "By whom?"

"Diesel 10! 10 out of 10 for devious deeds and brutal strength...a blast from the past" He replied ominously. The red engine jolted at the name, his eyes wide "What?! Really...?"

"Yes, I had a close shave with him and he chased me down the mainline!"

"Hmph, that big bully! Why must stinky diesels like him be on our railway? He's nothing but trouble!"

"Sir Topham Hatt sees both steamies and diesels as equals, and wishes for us to have fair chances! Though, I must agree...Diesel 10 in particular shouldn't be here if he's out threatening us" the E2 agreed, then raising an eyebrow "Also, why are you in the sheds, James?"

James wrinkled his nose "Just got back from delivering that goods train. Too improper for a splendid engine like me"

Thomas just giggled "Hehe, puffy pistons" He teased. The mixed traffic engine rolled his eyes "At least I didn't have to pull rusty, dirty scrap to the scrapyard!" He retorted. Little known to anyone, Diesel 10 had found another route to Tidmouth Sheds, and was creeping up behind, silently eavesdropping the pair.

"Going back on topic, what actually happened at the scrapyard?"

"Well, Mr Conductor and I encountered Diesel 10, and he threatened me, saying how once he finds the 'Lost engine', all steam engines will die!" He explained. James widened his eyes "Lost engine? What lost engine? I've never heard such nonsense"

"Nonsense or not, we better make sure Diesel 10 doesn't find her. You remember how devious and crafty he is!"

"And what makes you think you can stop me, puffball?"

Thomas and James yelped as D10 made his presence known, fully oiling into view with a devious grin.

"HA!! You steamies are such wimps, I wouldn't be surprised if one of ya hid away in a tunnel one day and never came out!" He cackled. James wheeshed "W-What do you want, you big bully?!"

"Oh nothin'! I simply have some unfinished with one of you scrap heaps! Once I find her, you'll ALL be wiped out! Gone! Reduced to...uh...whatever those science guys call it — ya get my point! Your demise is nigh!" He threatened. Thomas glared back "I just can't understand why diesels like you find it so hard to get along with us! We're all meant to be fair, Sir Topham Hatt says so!"

Diesel 10 just scoffed "Pah! Fatt Hatt's delusional. He doesn't understand how superior diesels are to steamies! We're stronger, smarter, better...while you lot are weaker, dumber, and pathetic!"

"Ugh! To think that Juvenile yard would've corrected your behaviour. But CLEARLY not!" James spat. D10 chuckled "Well, those idiots shoulda tried harder!"

The tank engine and tender engine watched as Diesel 10 honked his horn and oiled away, laughing evily "Welp, sorry! Can't stick around, I got folks to see and errands to run! Better count your days, steamies!"

Thomas wheeshed and chuffed forward "You'll never find the Lost Engine and you will never dominate us! We won't let you!!" He shouted bravely. But the warship had already left. Mr Conductor had listened to the entire conversation, and worry began settling in.

"Sir Topham warned me of Diesel...I gotta be more watchful" he thought, rubbing his chin. He better keep a good eye on that warship...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diesel 10 had an evil plan indeed, but he wasn't doing this alone. He wanted every diesel on his side to end steam on the island, he tried convincing Mavis at Ffarquharr, but he wasn't having much luck.

Mavis growled with irritation "I said no, D10! That's that!". Diesel 10 just ignored her words and buzzed up next to her "Oh, c'mon toots. It'll be fun!" He purred. Mavis still wouldn't budge at his encouragement.

"Well, I don't see whats so fun about killing off engines who did nothing to us. Now bog off!" She retorted, she didn't want anything to do with this. Diesel 10 was surprisingly, not angry. He just chuckled as he began reversing "Alrighty, toots. Be that way, but you can always change your mind~" his tone went dark as he said it.

He then went to Brendam Docks to find Salty, and by his luck, he found the dockside diesel shunting some freight cars.

"Ah, Salty..." he said, blocking the track with Pinchy, startling the other. Salty was, suffice to say, shocked to see Diesel 10 here. But he wasn't exactly too fond of the warship, especially for his past deeds "Yarr...Diesel 10. Wha' are ye doin' around here?" He asked, narrowing an eye.

Diesel 10 grinned devilishly "I've got a...proposal for you" He said "Of course, if you're interested?"

Salty let out an exhaust of smoke "Well, whatever 'tis then I be nah interested. Ye give us diesels a bad reputation! Ye nigh-on scuttled a steamer fer goodness sakes!" He grunted. "Grease n' oil, Salty. Do ya have that much sea water rusting away your radiator?! We diesels are superior to those heaps of scrap! We're revolutionary! We're–"

"I don't care how 'revolutionary' we be! I be nah joinin' in on any o' yer blasted plans! I do nah wish t' be responsible again fer engines losin' thar lives!!" Salty snapped, interrupting the larger diesel's preach. Diesel 10 sighed in defeat, knowing there's no other way to convince the pirate diesel. He was as stubborn as a mule.

But in his mind, the warship knew he struck a nerve. Salty once worked at the Southampton docks with his siblings, but he was always miserable, knowing that he and his siblings' arrival resulted in the steam engines before them losing their lives.

Diesel 10 let out his own exhaust of smoke and slowly reversed "Heh, suit yourself....old coot.." he spat, his demeanour taking a 180° turn. Salty sighed, ignoring his tone and went back to shunting, taking his mind off what happened. Cranky was observing things from above (since that's where he always is), and creaked "Ignore 'im, Salty. He's nothing but trouble"

Salty agreed "Right ye are, matey. Right ye are..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the end of the day, Diesel 10 let out a loud groan as he returned to the Smelter's.

"Ugh...how hard is it to get a little help on this island?!" He grumbled to himself. Just then, the sounds of gibberish chatter echoed from within the shed, getting louder as he got closer, a small sigh escaped his lips "Well...guess these goons are all the help I'm gonna get..."

Within the Smelter's shed, two small diesel shunters were waiting. One was a dusty yellow the other a dusty lavender colour. They were both currently on trial, but weren't really fussed in doing their actual jobs, being more interested in harassing steamies and causing trouble. They rarely got away with any of this behaviour, mostly for being quite dumb. These two shunters were named Splatter and Dodge.

"So uhh...when do ya think the big boss is gonna get here??" Splatter drawled to Dodge "I-I dunno! Howzabout we ask the boss?" The yellow diesel replied lazily.

"Yeah but where would he be?"

"M-Maybe he's busy?"

"I'm right here, ya morons!"

The two yelped as the warship suddenly came in, snapping his claw impatiently, the ominous red glow of the building only enhancing his looks "O-Oh! Boss, we didn't hear ya come in! Heheheh..." Dodge anxiously smiled, Splatter frantically agreed.

"QUIET!" Diesel 10 yelled. The two shunters immediately shut up. The warship took a deep breath "Now...I'm glad you've shown up, Splodge"

"Actually, it's Splatter" the purple shunter said meekly.

"A-And Dodge" the yellow one chimed in. Diesel 10 rolled his eyes "I ain't got time to say both names! I'm lookin' for a steam engine!" He said.

"O-Oh that's easy!"

"Yeah, they're everywhere!"

"Not the one I want. She and her driver escaped me once before, and as long as she's still alive, so are the others..." D10 clarified, a dark grin spread across his face, the lights flickering "...but if she can be destroyed..."

Splatter and Dodge gulped, exchanging glances "D-Destroyed???" "Did you say destroyed? Like...killed??"

"Yeah, 'destroyed''. Something wrong, fellas?" Diesel 10 asked, narrowing his eyes at them.

Splatter disagreed "Oh, nothing! It's just...uhhh...one small problem there, boss..." "...M-Mr Conductor won't allow that" Dodge finished nervously.

"I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT!!" The warship suddenly snapped "Twinkletoes doesn't tell ME what to do! I'll just kill him as well, WITH PINCHY!!" He rose his claw, Pinchy up to the air and snapped it menacingly, laughing evilly as he did it. But suddenly, the claw ended up swinging down and bonking him on the forehead.

"GAH! Pinchy, I hate it when ya do that..." D10 whimpered. The shunters burst out with giggles as they watched the bigger diesel try to move the claw away from his face.

Once he did, he coughed out of embarrassment "Ahem! Uh...sorry about that, gentlemen. Now...where were we...?"

"Y-You were saying how you can do whatever you want?"

"I–I knew that, dummy! As I said, I can do whatever I want! That means I can take over this whole railway if I wanted, maybe even the whole island!" Diesel 10 proclaimed. His eyes then wandered up to where his driver would be through the window, which was currently empty.

"But...I'll need human help. My old driver is currently stuck at some faraway country. But last week I got word that he's findin' a way here, and when he does...the REAL fun will begin! HAHAHAHAHA!!" He cackled. Splatter and Dodge slowly joined in, laughing with him. But they were oblivious about the reason.

"Heheheheh...u-uh, why are we laughing?"

[justyourlocalduckndieselsimp]

Okay who else wishes that characters like Splatter and Dodge got more screen time. Even if it was a cameo I would have still taken that over them just no longer existing. I know that they were considered for DoTD (Day of the Diesels) and the great race but still. I don't think they're Arry and Bert, Paxton and Sidney or the mainland shunters. I personally think that after the events of the magic railroad they were either sent to Darlington or somewhere in Bristol to work as station pilots/shunters.

[number1spongebobfan]

Here are Diesel 10, Lady, and Splatter and Dodge on their ice skates.

[hi-my-name-is-cosmopathy]

The Man In The Mirror (A Casa Crossover Short [?] Fic)

----------------------------------------------

“Hey, have you heard about that guy named Percy?”

“Shush! Don’t say his name!”

“Huh? Why not?”

“I heard he killed someone while he was playing baseball.”

“What? He didn't kill him, he just injured him.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that he hurt someone.”

“But...how?”

“A hard hit on the head with a ball.”

“That Percy...I never liked him. I knew he was trouble.”

“His pleas and silent nature really bugged me off.”

“Yeah, and he's so annoying with his baby face. He should take a good look at the mirror.”

“Someone like him isn't fit for baseball.”

“Yeah! He didn't even throw it right. What convinced the coach to bring him to the team?”

“I bet he was being soooo full of himself when he got in the Sodor Sobriquets, he probably doesn't feel bad about the entire incident.”

“No, I'm pretty sure it's because he's an anti-social freak. He never goes out of his house to hang out with his friends.”

“Or maybe he was feeling paranoid that the player was better than him. That's why he hurt him.”

“Heartless twat.”

“Annoying pipsqueak.”

“Sneaky shut-in.”

“Blood-dirty Percy—”

Then he woke up.

He woke up in a cold sweat.

Percy laid in his bed, eyes wide open, as pale as a vampire.

He quickly sat up and shook his head, trying to get back to his senses. Shaking off the guilt.

He sat there lost in his thoughts. He just wanted a nice sleep. Why did it have to be a dream like that?

He turned his head to the clock on the table beside his bed, and it read; 6:30, am.

The young man sighed as he slowly stepped out, cranky and tired, and he made his way to the vanity in his room. It was old and dusty, made of wood that creaked when it was pushed. But it's mirror had a wonderful gold frame, the top marked with three gems; amber, lapis lazuli, and malachite, which all glowed in the sunlight at dawn.

Percy sat down once again, on a chair, an gazed at the mirror...

He was a hot mess.

His hair was in curls and flying about, bags under his apathetic eyes, and his sleeping wear, it's not even buttoned properly.

His face cringed at his appearance and his hand made his way to one of the drawers.

He grabbed a hair brush from it and started to harshly brush on his hair, as if he was raking a wooden floor. His hair tugged everytime the brush went to the tips of his hair.

After that, he set the brush aside, and stood up as he walked to the closet, opening its doors and searching for his daily wear, and the following came through his head...

That nightmare- no. That memory. It always came back. Why does it always come back?

Percy reminsced. He was so patient. So, so patient. Always trying to understand everyone's problems. He was so loyal, so obedient, and was willing to do anything for anyone.

So why? Why did they do that to him? He never asked for much, so what right did they have to say all those things about him? He was never going to find out, but that was of no concern to him anymore.

He was in control now. He had everyone on a leash, and followers who would cower before him like dogs, slaves who would do his bidding.

He was calling the shots now.

Percy thoughts were disturbed as he felt his vest on one of the shelves. He peaked inside the closet and found his shirt, gloves and pants, all folded and ready for him, along with “his” googles.

He grabbed them and started to change.

After buttoning up his yellow shirt he put on his vest, pulled up his pants, wore his gloves and tied his jacket around his waist. He headed back towards the mirror, googles in hand. He laid them on the vanity as he took a hair tie and tied up his hair. And finally, he put on his googles, adjusting it on his head.

Staring at his reflection one more time, he sighed in relief. Finally, he was all fixed-up, ready to go.

He walked to the door and went out to start his day...

.

.

.

8:20, am.

Percy stormed into his bedroom, furiously shutting the door behind him with a bang.

Stomping towards his vanity, he slammed his hands unto the table before him

To say he was aggravated was an understatement.

But in all honesty, when you rob a grocery store for food, and you get found out by some random Scottish bloke in snow plowing clothing, you can't just beat him up and lose him in Wellsworth! And how do you accidentally stab a man in the waist?

“How the hell did they mess up one simple task?”, he asked himself. “Goddamnit, you two. It was supposed to be a stealth mission.”

“The man seems to know his way around station too but I've never seen him work there. I'll have to deal with him soon...”

“Those twins will be the death of me”, he groaned, as he roughly pulled out his googled and slammed them on the vanity

He stared at the mirror in anger as he sighed and looked down...

“You’re very lucky he’s still alive.”

Percy sharply turned his head around in response to the sudden voice he heard.

“Not there, I’m in here.”

The boy turned once again, and this time, to the mirror.

He knew what the effects of the gold dust were, but he didn’t recall one of them being that it can trap ghosts in mirrors.

In front of him was a mysterious figure, covered in shadows. He couldn't see him properly because of it, until he stepped closer.

“Percy, you need to stop”

Said man was too busy processing many things to be able to listen to the strange man, starting with the man's resemblance to an old 'friend' of his.

His hair was black with gray streaks, tied up and styled similar to Thomas' hair. He dressed in a similar style too, grey overalls and a white collared shirt underneath his grey vest with gold and red buttons aligned.

But he seemed older, and had and eye bags freckles on his face. He wore glasses too.

Percy didn't think he wasn't sure if he was a ghost, as his eyes and hair tips didn't glow with dust like the others, and his sclera wasn't grey. And Thomas never mentioned anything about having a brother…

But then again, it’s very much like Thomas—or anyone—to keep secrets from him- The vainglorious basta-

"Percy? Percy, are you even listening to me?"

“What do you want from me?”, he questioned.

“It’s simple, really..”

“I wan’t you to stop whatever you’re planning”, the elder demanded.

Percy laughed a little. “Who are you to boss me around?”, the young man hissed.

"Don't you feel any sympathy for anyone who gets caught in this mess? That Scottish man for example."

“Why should I feel bad? I’m not the one who hurt him”, he scoffed. “It’s his fault for picking a fight with those two idiots.”

The man frowned. “Really, Percy?”, he said to no one.

“Why are you doing this? Don’t you know that you’re hurting the very people you treasured? Like Thomas-”

“Don’t lecture me. You’re not my parents, And you- you don't know anything about me and Thomas.”

“Percy, I've been down the path you’re taking right now. I know that it's aggravating to be tossed around like a pawn, and used for the success of others while still being stepped on. But this is not the way to fight back. There’s a better way and I can—”

“You don’t know what you’re saying”, Percy interrupted. “There is no other way.”

“It doesn't matter how many times I can get angry, or how much I can reason with them. They will find some way to take advantage of me. Any. way. As long as they get what they want. This...THIS is the only way I can be stronger. This is the only way I'll ever be free of anyone's grasp.”

“And I'm not just rightfully punishing the people who underestimated me, I’m saving lives. Becoming stronger for those effected by what they call the ‘gold dust’”.

The man's frown deepened. “Is this really anyway for you to be ‘stronger’? To hurt the people you once cherish the most—”

“I may have loved them, but they never loved me!”, Percy shouted. “All they thought of me was another doormat to walk over! Someone insignificant! Incapable of understanding things. “Dirty Percy”, Can you really call that love?”

“You don’t understand! They were just trying to protect you—”

“Oh, so you are just one of them! I don't need protection! I am fully capable of doing things adults can do, cause I am one! I’m not a goddamn baby anymore, I’m a grown man!”

The two stared each other with baited breath, their eyes filled with an ugly intent, especially Percy's.

A long silence filled the room, the tension was so thick that you could cut it in half and eat a slice.

The old man deeply sighed.

“What happened in the tournament wasn’t your fault.”

Someone swore they could hear glass shatter.

“....How...how do you know about that..?”, the boy muttered.

“I’ve been watching you for a while now, Percy, how could I not?”, he replied. “Every night, when I go to sleep. Somehow, it seems that fate brings me into this dark void to let me watch over you. I see not only everyone you hurt, but even you, suffer everyday. And it’d hurt me. Why do you think I’m talking to you in the first place?”

“It really was an accident, and I know that.”

Percy was indignant. “My entire life was ruined because of that event... How could you just call it an accident?”

“It could’ve happened in any game. I know you think it's your fault..”

“Stop.”

“If you didn't, you wouldn't have been acting so meek and dishonest after that.”

“Stop it.”

It was infuriating for Percy to hear this man bring up the past. He turned away...

“You wouldn’t have been hiding your true feelings from other people. That incident left a huge scar on you, but that baseball game, if it makes you feel any better, you weren't entirely at fault.”

“I said stop it. I’ve already moved on”, Percy fibbed.

“But have you?”, the man said as his hand slowly went out of the mirror. Percy didn't see it as his face was turned away, and eventually found himself shocked as his nightmare replayed in his head...

“Blood-dirty Percy.”

“Guys...”

“What?”

“...”

“I-I...”

“I can’t believe you all...”

Percy told hold of the hand behind his shoulder and hit the mirror, cracks starting to form. He winced as he held his hand that started to bleed small drops of blood. Percy stood up, furthering away from the vanity.

“I told you...that you are not as strong as you say”, the elder said solemnly.

“Why you...”, he growled.

“You’re not some villain or hero, Percy. You’re only 22—”

“Shut up.”

“No! You've interrupted me enough! Please just listen—”

“I said SHUT UP—”

.

.

.

.

Percy stayed silent and he looked at the mirror that one had its three beautiful gems, gleaming in the light, now turned on the ground with pieces of fractured mirror shards. Percy breathed heavily, a chair in his hands, slightly dented from the impact.

He was infuriated at two things; the broken mirror, and the person he just met. Luckily, the conversation didn't last long, thanks to his hard blow.

“I still can’t believe that guy”, he thought. “Talk about personal invasion of privacy.”

The young man sighed as he put down the chair and headed towards the door. “Dodge! Come here! Something broke, and I want you to clean it up”, he called.

Percy swore that on his way out he heard an eerie echo, an irritable whisper that came from the fractured pieces...

“My brother will not be happy about this.”

-----------------------------------------------

I think this should've been longer honestly and I'm not very proud of this but okay

Hiiii @bruhstation consider this a gift for the art of made for Ghost Pals! Alfred :)

(ALSO FINALLY IM DONNNNEED I PROCRASTINATED SO MUCH ON THIS oh and have an unblurred version and credit to @itsjustempathy for helping me)

[fabianvalencia561]

*give splatter a frog with a strawberry*

Splatter: ....... Thanks........ it's....... cute........

[theflyingkipper]

important images 3, pride edition

[blackwolfflame]

Reminder that:

Alex is a toric demisexual bxy

D.T is bisexual

Dash and Bash are sex repulsed aroaces

Donald is pansexual

Splatter is a trans man

Jamie is whatever Jamie identifies with

Emily is whatever Emily identifies with

Douglas and Dodge are allies.

FoE is fruity AF

[ilovecharile]

Look at these nerds trying to hunt down a magical engine

[just-an-emily-existing]

Splodge, the Shrimp Twins