The Midnight Train Crossing

Belle dozed in the freight yard. She hadn't stayed up all night in a long time.
Her partner was in the yard as well, along with the freight cars.
Only Rocky was racing tonight, and not until the last heat. Flat Top had returned from hanging out with Greaseball's gang. Belle had hauled him home. He, Dustin and two of the Rockies were playing cards.
Suddenly Belle's partner, an older gray green steam engine let out a whistle. "Woo yeah!" he sang out.
Belle propped herself up and grinned, she knew what was coming.

"Hey!" Rocky three exclaimed, "Poppa's gonna sing!"
Flat Top groaned, he was in a bad mood, and he was loosing at the game. He slammed his cards down. "Oh man," he groaned, "That stuff it so corny!"
Rocky three's face fell, he liked Poppa's singing. His two older brothers dutifully clobbered Flat Top.
"Cool it man!" Rocky said, "Poppa's gonna sing!"
"Mmm, I feel it," Poppa said, "I feel it coming on!"
"Poppa don't sing often," Rocky two said.
"But he do sing mean!" the three boxcars finished.

"Oh the first line of the blues is always sung a second time," Poppa sang, "you hear me talking Rockies?"
"Yeah we hear you Poppa," Rocky said.
"I said the first line of the blues is always sung a second time," Poppa repeated.
Dustin offered Belle a hand, she stood and they started to glide around to Poppa's music.
"So by the time you get to the third line," Poppa sang, "You'll have time to think of a rhyme."
"Hey Poppa I need your help!" Rusty called coming over.
Rocky two and three shushed him.

"Oh ain't no law that says third line's gotta be different at all," Poppa sang with a little laugh.
Rocky traded places with Dustin and danced with Belle.
"You're looking good Rocky," Poppa said watching them.
"I said there ain't no law that says third line's gotta be different at all," Poppa sang.
Rocky two traded with Rocky (Flat Top declined). Dustin pulled out a harmonica and began to play.
"No there ain't no law that says third line's gotta be different at all," Poppa sang.
"Poppa you gotta help me!" Rusty whined.
Rocky pushed Rusty to the ground and gave him a Look.
Poppa looked around for material for his next verse and his eyes fell on Dustin and his harmonica.
Belle thanked Rocky two for the dance and sat down, then laid back down.

"Oh Never borrow no mouth organ," he sang, "Not even from your best friend."
"You hear me talking children?" he said, "Listen!"
"I said never borrow no mouth organ, not even from your best friend," Poppa repeated.
"'Coz you may survive the blowing," he sang.
Dustin blew into his harmonica, playing to match Poppa's song. He blew a complicated riff until he ran out of air.
"But the sucking's gonna get you in the end," Poppa finished, "Oh yeah!"

Rusty had slunk away, he pulled off his racing goggles and tossed them aside before flopping down.
"Rusty why you looking sad?" Poppa asked.
"I got no hope," Rusty said putting his head down.
"What you mean?" Poppa asked calling Rusty over, "I taught you all that I know."
"I know..." Rusty said sitting at Poppa's wheels.
"You'll surprise them when it's your turn to go," Poppa said looking down at his son proudly, "When you show them all in the race."
"No sir," Rusty said, "I lost the coach I thought was racing with me."
"Who Pearl?" the Rockies asked.
"Yeah Pearl," he answered.
What happened? Belle thought, they were fine before...
"She upped and joined electricity," Rusty said sadly.
Oh...Belle thought, she recognized heartbreak when she saw it.
"So take Rocky with you," Poppa said looking over the trucks. Rusty needed a partner; he'd get one. "Or maybe Flat Top would be good," he said sizing the brick truck up.
Flat Top looked up horrified and Rusty wasn't too pleased with the idea either.
"No Poppa no," Rusty said, "for all the chance I've got I might as well take Dustin."
He turned to the aggregate hopper, who looked hurt.
"Sorry Dustin," he said contritely, "But you could stand to lose a few pounds."
"Well then find another coach," Poppa said.
"I already tried," Rusty said, "They said 'no'."
"I knew that they would..." he added sadly, "No one wants to partner me."
"Oh no," Poppa said understanding now, Rusty's spirit had been hurt. Well he'd find Rusty a partner. "We could find another," Poppa said starting off to go look.
"Yes sir we could," the Rockies agreed following Poppa.
"No way," Rusty said. He chased after them and stopped his father.
"Poppa listen," he said, "It's too late."

Poppa frowned. "Rusty you ain't got no faith," he said.
The trucks backed away, Poppa's fire was burning hotter.
Rusty hung his head and studied his wheels, avoiding Poppa's eyes.
"I am a steamer," Poppa said, "I was a champion once."
I know, Rusty thought, but that doesn't change anything, I'm not you.
"You like the rest," Poppa said disappointed, "you just blind."
Poppa's disappointment was too much for him to take.
"No, no I see good," Rusty said quickly, "I see without no coach I got no chance in the race."
Belle had an idea, she met Poppa's eyes and something flew between them.

"Look behind you," Poppa said.
Rusty obediently turned and looked.
"What d'you see?" Poppa asked.
"Nothing but an old sleeping car," Rusty said dully.
Old! She thought indignantly.
"You got an alarm bell?" Poppa asked.
"I do," he answered puzzled by the question.
"Then ring it boy," Poppa said.
"Ring that bell," the Rockies chorused.
Rusty's eyes widened as he realized what they meant.
"I can't pull that," he said softly, "She's peeling and...well...old."
Wrong thing to say, he thought wishing he could vanish.
I'm sorry, he thought, I didn't mean...you're not...
Belle looked at Poppa, saying she'd take care of it. Steaming faintly Poppa pulled Rusty to sit.

"Looks and youth ain't everything," she said sitting up, "Experience is a quality that counts for a lot."
Rusty wanted to be anywhere but here, but Poppa held him firm.
Belle stood up, "The sad thing 'bout experience," she sang, "is by the time you've got it...it's usually all you've got."

"I'm Belle, Belle, Belle, the sleeping car," she sang gliding around, "Doesn't matter who you are, just climb aboard to lie with me. And when you wake I'll make you tea," she added with a smile.
Belle sparkled, and suddenly she looked younger. "A Pullman car when I was made," she sang proudly, "I went down for the seaside trade. I was young I was the toast, of those who took me to the coast," she glided around in her memories.
"I'm peeling now," she admitted coming back to the present, "The light's too bright, I wear dark glasses day and night."
She shimmered, going back in time again. "I had crystal lamps, Irish linen to set off my red velvet dress," she sang, "And those who rose on me compared me to the Orient Express."
"Now that was excessive," she added with a modest smile.
She brought herself back to the present. "But now they climb aboard, undress," she sighed, "Don't wait for me to whisper 'yes', don't say good night, just hit the light."
She sighed again, "And worst of all turn over and go straight to sleep."

"Once I was a real mainliner," she sang caught up in memories, "Enjoying the occasional smoke."
She looked around the freight yard. "Now I hang around the fuel dump," she sang, "Sniffing the coke, it really chokes me."
She glided around, "I'm Belle, Belle, Belle, the sleeping truck, I'm down at wind and off my luck."
She turned to the watching freight cars "I may not be first class," she said shaking her head, "But I'm not yet worst class."
"I can still warm you when the night is cold," she sang, "I'm a sleeper with a heart of gold."

Poppa stood up and skated over to Belle. He bowed and she curtseyed. They glided around for several bars. Then they stopped and Belle skated over to Rusty.
"I can still warm you when the night is cold," she repeated, "I'm a sleeper with a heart of gold."
"I'm sorry I said that," he said softly.
"It's okay," she said sitting down next to him, "I understand."

"So you ready to race Rusty?" Poppa asked.
"No Poppa," Rusty said, "I'm out of it."
"Only believe son," Poppa said, "The Starlight Express will help you."
Belle felt a tremor of anticipation surge through the air around the three of them.
"The Starlight Express?" Rusty repeated, "Aww that's just an old story, you can't believe all that stuff."
Belle and Poppa exchanged a glance.
"I outgrew that a long time ago," Rusty said.
Belle didn't buy that one at all.

"How many times have you found though you were firm on the ground still the world around you sways," Poppa said.
Rusty looked down at his wheels. The freight cars all looked upwards. Rocky three, the youngest, smiled and leaned up against Belle.
"You notice all that you've got does not add up to a lot," Poppa sang, "and the way ahead's a maze." He gazed off into the distance. "You've used everything inside of you," Poppa sang, "So maybe it's time you tried to find a brand new power to shine a light..."
"A light to brighten up your darkest hour," Belle sang standing up and skating over to Poppa.
Rusty looked up with a glimmer of interest.
"Starlight Express hears your distress," Poppa sang, "He's there all around. Starlight Express will answer you yes, he's waiting to be found."
He and Belle stared off into the sky. "Starlight Express hears your distress, he's there all around," they sang together.
Rusty blinked; it looked like they were glowing.
"Starlight Express will answer you yes," they sang, "he's -"

"Control! Control!" Control called.
Poppa crossed his arms and glared up towards the voice.
"Thirty seconds to close of entries for heat three," Control announced, "Engines report."
Poppa and Belle turned to Rusty expectantly.
He stood up; he had to do something, and slowly skated over to Belle.

"May I have the honor?" he asked with a little bow, "Will you partner me?"
Belle hid a smile, he was being so formal, it was cute.
"Thank you kindly," she said, "I'd be proud to share in your race, I won't disgrace you."
She took his arm and hitched behind him, she was out of retirement.
"She's Belle, Belle, Belle the sleeping car," Poppa and the trucks sang softly, "Back again once more a star."

Rusty silently headed toward the racetrack where he and Belle received their racing gear.
"Belle?" Pearl asked surprised to see the sleeping car, "I thought you went home."
"Plans changed," Belle said
"Are you gonna get a good seat for the race?" Pearl asked.
"Something like that," Belle answered.

Pearl felt a thrill run through her, she was going to race. Electra's power was humming softly.
"Control! Control!" Control announced, "Heat three, Heat three! Race time minus one minute! Race time minus one minute!"
Rusty took a deep breath; it was time.
"In track one: Ruhrgold the German engine with Joule the dynamite truck," Control announced.
Ruhrgold acknowledged the applause before putting his helmet on.
"Put your hands together for Germany!" a marshal yelled over the crowd.
"In track two: Electra the train of the future with Pearl the observation car," Control announced
Electra sparked and shot lightning into the air, to the delight of the crowd.
Rusty automatically shied away from the sparks.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Electra!" the marshal shouted.
"In track three: Rusty the steamer with Belle the sleeping car," Control announced.
Rusty licked his lips and let out a whistle. "Woo, Woo!"
An answering whistle sounded, Poppa.
"Let's hear it for Rusty!" the marshal shouted.
"Trains to your tracks," Control announced. The siren sounded.
Rusty took another deep breath, this was it; his pressure rose.
Belle tightened her grip; being on the racetrack had awoken a familiar feeling deep within her.

"Twenty seconds," Control said.
"Just concentrate on the race," Belle whispered.
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!"
The light changed and they took off.
"Trains gone!" Control shouted.

Electra pulled into the lead, then Ruhrgold and Rusty.
Rusty found Belle very light, she just glided along behind him. Rusty pulled even with Ruhrgold. The German engine sped up, so did Rusty...and he passed Ruhrgold.
He chased Electra and Pearl. Steal Pearl from me would he? Rusty thought angrily. He sped up and suddenly was even with Electra.
Call me Rusty if you dare! Rusty thought as he passed Electra.
Electra glared after Rusty, he was supposed to blow the other engines off the track, and here this little steam engine was beating him. The more he thought about it the angrier he got. He generated a bolt of electricity and let it fly.
Belle felt it coming and dragged Rusty to the side, out of the way. The lightning hit the side of the track harmlessly. Rusty jumped as he heard it crack.
Ruhrgold took advantage of the other engines' distraction and snuck forward. He passed Electra and gained on Rusty.
Electra let another bolt of lightning fly and hit Ruhrgold stunning him for a second.
Then all three of the engines were even.

Electra slammed into Ruhrgold and there was a horrible screeching sound as Ruhrgold scraped against the guide rail. Electra took aim to hit Rusty with another lightning bolt.
Once again Belle was faster; her experience was paying off.
Ruhrgold recovered and hit Rusty, then passed him. Rusty slowed, a little dazed, but Belle wouldn't allow it, she pushed him on. Electra took the lead and held it.
Rusty turned up his pressure and poured on the steam. He pulled even with Electra.
Electra had given up on shocking Rusty and hit him, hard. Rusty was beginning to feel a little dizzy. Belle forgot where she was; she was young again. She forced Rusty on. Unconsciously Rusty began to let Belle steer. It was clear now that she had once been a champion racer.
They passed Electra, suddenly he let out a bolt and...hit Belle. She inhaled sharply at the pain in her arm and lost control of Rusty.
Without Belle guiding him Rusty faltered. Belle hung on, it was all she could do, Rusty was on his own now.
Electra shocked Rusty as he passed him. Electricity ran though his frame, when his head cleared he chased Electra but it was too late.

"Winner of heat three Electra the electric engine," Control announced.
Rusty slowed to a stop in complete shock. Then Control's words sunk in, Electra had won, he had lost. Behind him Ruhrgold had stopped.
Second, Belle thought wincing because of her arm.
Rusty breathed heavily, his eyes burning behind his goggles.
Electra was panting as well, but he still had enough energy to send up a victorious lightning show.
"Electra has a place in the final!" Control announced.
Ruhrgold collapsed on the finish line. He lay there panting for a few minutes. Joule had unhitched angrily. He had said he was fast! That was the only reason that she had agreed to race with him. Losing to Electra was understandable but to lose to Rusty too! The red and white dynamite truck was furious. She waited until Rurhgold was back on his wheels and then let him have it.

Rusty fled the track and went home. Belle unhitched and he sank to the ground. He pulled off his goggles and flung them away. Belle wrapped a bandage around her injured arm.
"Rusty -" she started setting a hand on his shoulder.
He looked up at her, his eyes filled with tears.
She sat down on the buffer and he automatically leaned against her...like he had done when he was little.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, "I tried."
"It's not your fault," he said in a shaky voice, "You were great, it was me." He closed his eyes, "I just couldn't do it."
The freight cars had arrived and lurked uncomfortably.
Poppa rolled over silently and looked at Belle. Their eyes met.
'Electra,' she mouthed, 'we were second.'
Poppa looked down at Rusty and raised his eyebrows. Belle shook her head sadly.

"Rusty," Poppa started.
Rusty's eyes flew open and he looked up.
"What's this I hear?" Poppa asked.
"I lost the race Poppa," Rusty said brushing his eyes with the back of a hand. He slid up to sit next to Belle. "Wasn't no Starlight Express!" he said angrily. The coaches were right, he had been crazy to try.
Belle and Poppa exchanged a sad look.
"There ain't no power in steam no more!" he continued.
Belle's eyes widened and the trucks all slowly backed away from Poppa.
"Electricity," he said, spitting out the word, "Is faster now!"
"No!" Poppa roared steaming angrily.
Rusty involuntarily slid back at the anger in Poppa's voice.
Poppa grabbed Rusty's wrist and held it in an iron grip.

"Now let me hear you say 'steam'," he commanded.
"Steam..." Rusty said half-heartedly.
"Like you mean it," he ordered.
"Steam!" Rusty sang out.
Not letting go of his son Poppa turned to the trucks "Let me hear you all say 'steam'," he said.
"Steam!" the Rockies, Belle and Dustin sang.
"Oil! Oil! Oil!" Flat Top shouted and laughed.
"Oil?" Poppa exclaimed releasing Rusty and turning on Flat Top. He cuffed the brick truck gently on the head. Flat Top ran and fell behind the bench.
"Oil is the work of the diesel himself," Poppa said.
He turned back to Rusty who was rubbing his arm and not looking convinced.
"I'm gonna show you that a steamer with the power within him can take on oil, can take on 'lectricity," Poppa sang.
What does he mean? Rusty wondered, Oh no! he's not...he couldn't...he wouldn't...would he?

"Who'll come with me?" Poppa asked looking around, "Who'll come with me? Race behind me?"
He would! Rusty thought. "Poppa you're mad!" he exclaimed, "Poppa you're mad!"
Rusty shrank under the Look his father gave him.
Poppa would show Rusty that there was still power in steam.
Belle smiled, but then she realized something, she couldn't partner him. He knew it too, even she needed time to fix herself. And coaches couldn't race in two qualifier heats. But in the final...
"I'm gonna find me somebody who'll race with me," Poppa said.
"Hey come on Rocky!" he called.
"I can't," Rocky said shaking his head, but not entirely upset, "I'm reserved, I got me a ride."
That's right, Poppa thought. He looked around. Flat Top had reappeared from behind the bench.
"Okay Flat Top you'll do," Poppa said.
"No way!" Flat Top exclaimed, "Not with you!"
"Me go with a steamer all smelly and smoking and ancient and filthy?" he asked horrified, "You gotta be joking!"
Then he ran and hid behind Belle before Poppa could hit him again.
"I'll go with you!" Dustin volunteered, "I'll go with you!"
Poppa turned to the aggregate hopper. Dustin was big and heavy.
"Well," Poppa said slowly, "I may be strong son but..."
"Okay I know," Dustin said, "I'll be too slow."
"Take too long son," Poppa said not unkindly.
"Please Poppa take me," Dustin said.
Poppa was seriously considering it, Rusty realized with growing horror. He stood up and slid between the two of them.
"No Poppa, don't listen!" Rusty said, "Besides where's the point?" he continued practically, (at least he hoped so) "There's three trains in each heat."
He involuntarily took a step back at the expression on Poppa's face. "They've got all three trains," he continued, "The race is complete."
Before Poppa could answer Control's theme music broke through.

"Control! Control!" Control said, "Here is an announcement. Here is an announcement."
Poppa rolled his eyes. Later on he was going to have a word with Control.
"Cancellation, Cancellation!" Control announced, "The British train has been scrapped."
Rocky's face fell and his two brothers also looked sad. They turned to Belle, who nodded. The three boxcars surrounded her and she gave Rocky a hug.
"Space for late entry," Control said, "Space for late entry."
"There's a light at the end of the tunnel," Poppa sang.
"There's a light at the end of the tunnel," Belle and the trucks joined in.
"If it has to be anyone I'm glad its Poppa," Rocky three said.
Rusty's wheels couldn't support him anymore. He slid to the ground and buried his face in his hands. Tonight just wasn't his night,
"Come on Dustin," Poppa said. Dustin hitched behind Poppa and they headed for the racetrack.

"Rusty?" Belle asked, "Don't you want to watch?"
Rusty didn't look up.
"Rusty!" Belle said losing her temper at last, "you can not sit here moping all night!"
He looked up in surprise at the sleeping car. She almost never lost her temper.
"Now I am going to go cheer him on," Belle said starting to go.
"Belle," Rusty said slowly, "Wait..."

"Oh come on GB," CB said following the engine, "You won together and she compliments you so nicely."
"No CB," Greaseball said, "Now stop bothering me."
"But Champ-"
Greaseball crossed his arms and glared at the caboose.
CB returned Greaseball's gaze. "She's sorry," CB said, "She told me so."
"What were you doing with Dinah?" Greaseball demanded.
"Aha!" CB said ginning, "You do care!"
"So what?" Greaseball said, "Of course I care I-" He stopped realizing he had been tricked.
"All right CB," he said, "You win. I'll take her back."
"Nothing has changed right?" he added.
"Of course not," CB said, "You worry too much GB."

"Control! Control!" Control announced, "Heat four! Heat four! Race time minus one minute! Race time minus one minute!"
Being on the racetrack was having the same effect on Poppa that is had had on Belle. Forgotten skills were coming back to him.
"In track one: Turnov the Russian engine with Wrench the repair truck!"
"Let's hear it for the Russian Challenger!" the marshal shouted.
"In track two: Zach the Amtrak with Laura the luggage van!"
"Put your hands together for Zach!" the marshal yelled.
"In track three: Late entry! Late entry! Rambling Poppa McCoy with Dustin the aggregate hopper!"
"Let me hear you say 'Steam'!" Poppa shouted.
"Steam!" Dustin shouted.
"Steam!" a familiar voice sang out.
Poppa smiled under his helmet. The voice belonged to Rusty.
The marshal sighed inwardly, wishing he had been told about the change ahead of time.
"Yeah..." he said, "Let's hear it for Steam!"

"Trains to your tracks," Control said, "Twenty seconds."
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! Trains gone!"

The three engines took off.
From where he was watching Rusty's hands gripped a bar. Under his gloves his knuckles were turning white. Belle's eyes were half-closed and one hand still rested on Rusty, she concentrated on the race.

Turnov and Zach were disputing the lead with Poppa a distant third. Dustin was heavy. Poppa had to counter for the weight.
Zach and Laura moved as if they were one. They even looked alike. Zach slammed in to Turnov and zipped ahead. Turnov recovered quickly and was on Zach's tail again.
Dustin was just not built for racing. He was large, heavy and awkward. Poppa reached inside to his power source and countered for Dustin. Now that he was in control he held back. He'd let Turnov and Zach battle it out.
It was Turnov's turn to crash into Zach. Zach and Laura swerved off course. But Wrench had uncoupled just before Turnov hit. She'd had to; otherwise she would've been scrapped.
Zach was in the lead as long as Turnov was single. Turnov recovered Wrench and chased Zach again.

Poppa made his play. He zipped up to Turnov and let out a blast of steam. Turnov couldn't see. Poppa pushed Turnov aside and passed him. The old engine turned up his fire as he gained on Zach. Poppa made a sharp turn and passed Zach. Turnov came up close behind.
Dustin's momentum carried him and Poppa to the side of the track the hopper tilted dangerously. Turnov zipped ahead.
Poppa forced Dustin back on to the track. He felt something snap inside him but he ignored it.
All that mattered was winning the race. He turned up his pressure and took off. He shot ahead at an impossible speed. The finish line was in sight. That's all Poppa could see.
"Come on Poppa," Rusty whispered, "You can do it." He was breathing in rhythm with his father's running.
Poppa sailed across the finishing line with Turnov and Zach close behind.

"Winner of heat four Poppa McCoy!" Control announced, "Poppa has a place in the final!"
"He won?" Rusty said, "He won!"
Poppa panted and removed his helmet. He'd done it; he'd won.
Rusty let out an ear splitting whistle.
Belle smiled and rubbed her ear, "Not so loud next time."
Rusty peeled his fingers off of the bar slowly; they were beginning to go numb.
"Come on Belle!" he said hitching her behind and heading for the racetrack.

Poppa was still breathing heavily. As the adrenaline rush faded the pain began. He had run too hard and too fast and Dustin was just too heavy. He leaned on the hopper.
Rusty and Belle pulled up.
"Hey there Poppa you were great!" Rusty exclaimed.
Belle sensed something was wrong and ran over to Poppa.
Rusty caught on a split-second later and skated over to his father.
Leaning heavily on Rusty and Dustin they managed to get him off the track where he sat down.
Rusty had made a startling discovery. Poppa was ice cold.
"Poppa look at you," he said concerned, "Your boiler is cold." He hovered helplessly. Belle yanked Rusty's water bottle away and gave it to Poppa.
"My fault," Dustin said miserably, "I'm too heavy for an engine that old."
Poppa had known that Dustin would be too heavy, but he had taken him out anyway. The Rockies and CB skated over concerned.
Dustin sat down and sighed. "He should not be pulling freight."
Belle patted him on the shoulder before returning her attention to her partner.

"Rusty," Poppa called weakly.
Rusty sank to his knees next to Poppa.
"Rusty listen to me," Poppa said, "I can't carry on."
Rusty shook his head slowly, afraid. He had never seen his father like this before. Poppa was older it was true but he had never seemed old until now.
"Looks as though my racing days have just come and gone," Poppa said. He sat up a little straighter, "Proved I could do it," he said proudly, "Showed I was once great."
He winced and leaned back again. "Can't do it now though, can't manage the weight."
"But got me a position," he continued, "Got a placing in the race."
Poppa can't race...Rusty realized slowly.
"Now Rusty I can trust you," Poppa said, "Take it for me, go and enter in my place."
Rusty's eyes widened in horror.
"Get in there and win the game!" Poppa said.
"No Poppa no," Rusty said his voice shaking. I'll lose, he thought, better to forfeit then to lose.
But this is all your fault, a nagging voice inside said, you need to fix it.
"Must I kill myself to make you see sense?" Poppa demanded. Well then he would. He started to get up.
Belle pounced on him, he wasn't going anywhere if she had anything to do about it.
"Poppa!" Rusty exclaimed gently pushing his father back down, "I do not believe," Rusty continued, "No point in pretense."
Poppa grabbed Rusty's wrist. "And you couldn't face that losing shame," Poppa said.
Rusty couldn't look into Poppa's eyes. But Poppa was right he couldn't, not again.
Poppa released Rusty, disappointed.

Greaseball skated over with his gang. Rusty bounced to his wheels defensively.
"Well looky here," Greaseball said stopping, "They said this train could go." He turned to his gang. "If it can go at all it sure goes slow."
Belle and Rusty gave him identical dark looks.
"Don't stop now," he sang, "You gotta keep it going all night."
"Will you be racing in his place?" Greaseball asked Rusty.
"Should do!" the gang shouted tauntingly.
"Then you can show that steam is really through," he said meanly.
Rusty steamed, but deep inside he felt Greaseball was right.
"Don't stop Poppa, don't stop Rusty," Greaseball sang.
His gang pushed Rusty around. "Leave old Poppa," they sang, "Leave young Rusty."
"Don't stop/Leave old Poppa," Greaseball and his gang sang together, "Don't stop/Leave young Rusty."

As they were singing Bobo entered with the coaches.
"Clear my track!" Electra called skating over components in tow. The gang scattered, letting him by. "What's all this rubbish?" Electra demanded, "This Rusty junk must go!" he said shoving Rusty aside with an electrified hand. Electra zapped Rusty again and laughed. "Clear my track!" he said.
Rusty landed a few feet away.
"Clear my track," a familiar female voice sang from behind Electra. It was Pearl. "This is my train now," Pearl sang.
That cut right into Rusty's heart. It hurt more then anything Greaseball or Electra could have said.
"This could be my dream," Pearl sang, "Clear my-"

"Stop!" Rusty shouted standing up.
Everyone stopped in surprise, even Electra.
"I'll take Poppa's place," Rusty said, his hands balling into fists. "I'm gonna race you Greaseball," he said angrily. He turned to the electric engine, "And I'm gonna race you Electra! And I'm gonna show you all just what steam can do!" he said.
"Rolling Stock?" Greaseball's gang asked laughing, "He'll be a Laughing Stock."
"He hasn't got a chance," Electra's components sang laughing as well.
"Rolling Stock, Laughing Stock," the guys sang.
"He hasn't got a chance," the girls sang.
"Rolling Stock, Laughing Stock," half the group sang leaving the yard.
"He hasn't got a chance," the remaining trains sang leaving.
Rusty had stood stiff while their laughter rang in his ears.

Once they were gone and he was alone in the yard with Poppa and Belle the weight of his decision hit him full force. He collapsed to the ground near Poppa's wheels.
"That's my boy," Poppa said, "I knew you'd believe."
"Poppa, I have to believe," Rusty said, "I have no choice."
With the help of the trucks Poppa left the yard. Belle set a hand on Rusty's shoulder.
He took it and hung on tight.
"Just try," Belle said, "That's all."
He slowly let go of her and she vanished after Poppa.

"When your goodnights have been said and you are lying in be waiting for the morning light," he sang softly, "And though you count every sheep you get the feeling that sleep is gonna stay away tonight."
"That is when you hear it coming," he said looking around, "That is when you hear the humming of the midnight train, here again." He sighed, "Can't explain that midnight train, that midnight train."
"Starlight Express you must confess are you real? Yes or no?" he asked the sky, "Starlight Express answer me yes, I don't want you to go."
He stood. "Want you to take me away but bring me back before daylight," he sang, "And in the time between take me to everywhere, but don't abandon me there. Just wanna say I have been."
He took a breath; he had to believe. "I believe in you completely," he said. "Thought I may be dreaming sweetly," he added, Oh I hope not.
He could almost hear it. "I can hear the train, here again," he sighed, "Can't explain that midnight train, that midnight train!"
"Starlight Express why must I guess?" he asked the sky, "Are you real? Yes or no?"
"Starlight Express answer me yes," he said, "I don't want you to go."

He closed his eyes. He had to believe, he just had to. Something shimmered in the shadows around him. A strange feeling ran though him and he opened his eyes.
"And if you're there," he said slowly standing up, "And if you know...then show me which way I should go!"
"Starlight Express you must confess! Are you real? Yes or no?" he demanded, "Starlight Express answer me yes! I don't want you to go."
"I don't want you to go," Rusty called out into the night, "I don't want you to go!"

Rusty sank to his knees. "Starlight Express, Starlight Express are you real?" he asked softly, "Are you near?"
"Starlight Express answer me yes," he begged. He took a deep breath, "I need you to be here."