The Midnight Train Crossing

Meanwhile, over at Electra's house, Wrench was conducting her own search of the house. She was quite surprised to discover the basement door locked...
Volta was in the living room, playing with the key to the basement, knowing for sure and certain it was the only key to that door.
Purse was still in the basement with Rossi, keeping her occupied. He just couldn't bring himself to leave the cute little caboose, she was such a sweetie.
Wrench pulled out her keyring, searching through the keys until she found the one that unlocked the basement. She unlocked the door, opened it, and went downstairs.
Rossi was sitting on the floor, Purse slightly behind her. They were both giggling and talking about nothing really.

Wrench stopped at the foot of the stairs, not at all expecting to see what she was seeing.
Rossi grinned at her, "H'lo!" she chirped.
Purse was busy putting Rossi's purple hair into multiple tiny braids, his own hair sticking out in every direction, filled with bows every colour of the rainbow.
"Hello," Wrench said, rather amused.
Purse grinned, "Hey Wrench, you should have Rossi do your hair, she's really good!"
"How about no."
Purse pouted, "aww Wrench, you're no fun"
"And that's unusual?"
Purse thought for a second, "actually, I should have expected it."
Rossi continued to giggle and grinned at the repair truck, she smoothed her skirt a bit nervously.

"So this is Rossi," Wrench said
Purse grinned and Rossi nodded vigorously, making her braids fly all over the place around her head, "Yup!"
"I have heard a great deal about you."
Purse frowned, "How'd you find out about her and I knew nothing?"
Rossi smiled, "really?"
"I've heard about her from Volta and Krupp."
"Krupp?" Rossi asked, "Did he come to take me home? I like it here, but I miss Talck."
"He's visiting with Volta at the moment, but he came to tell you that Talck said that you could spend the night."
Rossi tilted her head, her face confused, "Why? I didn't ask to..."
Wrench shrugged.
Rossi's lower lip started to tremble, "does he not want me as his caboose any more??"
Purse immediately wrapped his arms around her, "Nono honey, he must have just thought you were having so much fun here you'd want to stay a bit longer"
"That's probably it," Wrench said.
Rossi still looked upset, "But he never lets me stay away, he likes his train to be home at night...."
"Krupp said... something about since he was going to stay here too... Talck said it was okay."
Rossi nodded, "ok.... um... could I go see Krupp?"
"That... probably isn't the best idea..." Wrench said, "My engine is home now, and..."
Rossi looked down at her feet, her lip trembling again, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Hey now, don't cry," Wrench said
Rossi sniffed, "but.. I.. I.. just wanna see Krupp..."
"I'll get him, alright?"
Purse nodded, "that'd be a good idea," he was trying to calm Rossi.
Rossi sniffed again.
Wrench nodded, "You stay here," she said to Purse.
Purse nodded again.

Wrench went upstairs in search of Krupp
Volta thought she heard the basement door, but shrugged. She'd let Purse have a bit longer to play with Pinky.
Wrench passed Volta in the hallway
Volta looked up, "where are you off to?" she asked
"Krupp's room."
Volta frowned, but shrugged.

Krupp followed Wrench down the hall towards the basement
Volta stepped out of her room, she was about to go talk with Krupp some more when she saw the two trucks headed her way. "Where are you two off to?" she asked, standing in their path
"Krupp is going to help me move some things." Wrench answered for Krupp
"Where?"
"In my room," she answered, her room being conveniently on the other side of the house.
"Well I'm sure you don't mind if I come along to help.."
"If you really want to," Wrench said doubtfully, "But I doubt that you will be much help."
Volta shrugged, "it'll give me something to do"
"If you want," Wrench said again.
Volta nodded
Wrench shrugged and continued down the hallway with Krupp silently following her
Volta followed as well, giving the basement door a quick look, and seeing it was still shut tight.

In her room, Wrench gave some directions to Krupp to move some of her furniture around.
Volta leaned against the wall, out of the way, but ready if Wrench asked her to do something
Krupp, being, well a rather strong guy, didn't have any trouble in moving things around per Wrench's directions
Volta started to get bored, but something seemed off and she didn't exactly trust the trucks
Krupp started to move Wrench's bed.
Volta raised an eyebrow, "That's pretty long, you sure you don't need any help?"
"No," he answered.
Volta shrugged, "Suit yourself"
Krupp eventually did manage to move the bed
Volta rolled her eyes, "I think it looked fine the other way"
"I like it this way better," Wrench said.
Volta shrugged again

"Now, all that's left is to take these boxes down to the basement," Wrench said
Volta looked at Wrench, "why.. they'd be better in the attic"
Wrench shrugged, "Easier to get to the basement."
Volta thought quickly, "Electra told me just a bit ago not to go into the basement, apparently the toilet down there got clogged up and there's a mess all over. He doesn't want anyone down there till it gets cleaned up."
"Then I'd better go down there and see if there's anything I can do," Wrench answered.
Volta was getting worried, she had to stop Wrench from going to the basement, or get Rossi and Purse out of there. "No, It's not that bad, just needs a clean up and Electra already has someone coming."
"He didn't tell me that," Wrench said with a slight frown.
"Well.. you were with Krupp... he told me just before I went to my room and then bumped into you"
"Oh," Wrench answered

Volta nodded, and was trying to think up her next excuse when the door was filled with the form of Electra. "I thought I told you to go to your room?" He said to Krupp
"I-"
"I asked him to help me," Wrench finished for him.
Electra looked at Wrench for a minute, "well... since he's finished, I've found some more things for him to do."
"Yes master." Krupp said softly
Electra turned around to leave, waiting for Krupp.
Krupp followed silently

Volta waited for them to go down the hall then turned to head out.
Wrench closed her door, keeping Volta in.
"What are you doing?"
"You are crazy."
"What do you mean?"
"What you're doing to that little caboose!"
Volta's eyes narrowed and the air around her dropped drastically in temperature, "how do you know about that?"
Wrench didn't seem at all fazed by the change in the temperature. "Oh come on Volta, it wasn't that hard to figure out."
Volta grit her teeth, "it's my problem so but out."
Wrench crossed her arms. "How long do you plan on keeping her down there?"
"Not long... Krupp will get to see her soon.. then I'd have to move her. I've got many places to hide her and you don't know half of them"
"Volta, her engine is gonna look for her."
Volta shrugged, "Krupp can deal with it"
"The ENTIRE steamer trainyard will look for her... and how long do you think that it'll take before they think to look here?" Wrench demanded, "Imagine what Electra will think when they come barging in, demanding her back?"
Volta continued to glare at Wrench, "If Krupp does what he's supposed to she'll be back before they'll really notice her missing"
"So she'll be back with them first thing in the morning then?"
Volta frowned, "maybe..." she said non-committingly
"Any longer then that and they're sure to notice her being gone."
"we'll see.." Volta snapped, "can I go now?"
Wrench's eyes narrowed, "You said that you're keeping an eye on Krupp to make sure he... 'behaves'?"
"yeah... so?
"Consider yourself being watched," Wrench said, opening the door
Volta practically snarled at Wrench as she went out the door and down the hall... she'd have to move Pinky now, Wrench knew too much.
Wrench watched Volta leave

At the other end of the house, Electra was leading Krupp back into his office.
Krupp followed silently.
Electra went to his desk and picked up a cloth and turned, holding it out to Krupp
"Master?" Krupp asked, confused.
"It's a rag, " he said as if that explained everything
"Yes master," Krupp answered slowly.
"what do you use rags for Krupp?"
"For... whatever you want me to do..."
"for cleaning Krupp...." He said, "You're going to clean this office till it shines"
Krupp blinked, a bit surprised, and then took the rag.
"is that understood?"
"Yes master."
"good.. I'll be back later.. I expect to see some improvement"
"Yes master."
Electra nodded and turned to leave the room
Krupp sighed softly
Electra looked back at Krupp over his shoulder, but left without a comment
Krupp went to work, dusting off the shelves.

Ten minutes later Volta wandered by the door and stopped, seeing Krupp. "I see he's put you to work"
"Yes."
Volta leaned against the door frame and watched Krupp for a bit
Krupp ignored her.
"Krupp... "
He turned around, "Yes?"
Volta's face softened, "It's not really my fault you know... "
"Oh."
"I'm just trying to make things like they used to be.. you're the one being stubborn... you had to know how Electra was going to react"
"Yes. I did know."
"Then why didn't you come back, he'd have forgiven you if you'd come back a couple of days later, it wouldn't have been this bad!"
He didn't answer, wiping more imaginary dust off the shelf.
"Krupp!" Volta practically whined, "I've been your friend longer than anyone, you've gotta know I just want things to be better!"
"Yes."
"Then why are you practically ignoring me?"
"Master Electra wants me to clean his office."
The air around Volta dropped, "that doesn't mean you can't talk"

"Actually..." he started, dropping his robotic tone and sounding more like himself, he turned towards her.
Volta waited, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes icy
"I should thank you Volta..."
Volta raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"I... don't know what I was thinking," he said softly.
Volta narrowed her eyes, "Are you playing with me?"
He shook his head
The temperature around Volta raised back to normal, "What changed?"
"You're right. I don't know what made me think that I could be in any train but this one."
Volta smiled, "I knew you'd figure that out once you got back here."
He nodded
"So... is this going to take you long?"
"Probably."
Volta nodded, "And knowing Electra he wouldn't like it if I helped."
Krupp nodded as well
"Why do you ask?"
Volta shrugged.
"Oh. Well if there isn't anything else then I should get back to work."
Volta nodded, she seemed about to say something, then nodded again and turned to leave.
Krupp went back to work

Meanwhile, out on the tracks, Talck and his train were trying to go on with their day as they went out on their route.
Xanni was still spitting mad, Imbrri was off in her own world, and the train was empty without the pink caboose, but they tried to ignore it.
Dinni was silent as well, feeling very odd without anyone behind him.
Talck continued down the track, he was going to avoid the hill coming up, but realized he didn't have to since Rossi wasn't there, and he would save ten minutes by going over it. As he crested the hill however an image flashed in his mind of skid marks on and around the tracks and a crumpled piece of pink metal in the ditch. He shook his head to clear it and the tracks went back to normal.
Imbrri put a hand on his shoulder, "you ok?"
Talck started slightly, then nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine"
A distant whistle sounded through the air
Talck gave a half hearted whistle back as he came to the bottom of the hill and continued on his way.
"Who was that?" Dinni asked
"Rusty," Talck said.
"Whoopie" Xanni muttered.

Rusty pulled up on the next set of tracks
Talck nodded to Rusty, "hey"
"How're you guys doing?"
Talck shrugged. "Ok I guess"
Xanni snorted, "Speak for yourself" Imbrri gave her sister a look, then smiled slightly at Rusty.
"She'll come back," Rusty said
Talck nodded, his mind remembering Tram, the repair truck at his old yard saying the same thing one time when Talck had been 'punished' for being late on one of his runs by having Rossi locked in a closet for a day.
Xanni snorted again, "sure.. whenever the electric decides to let her go"
"Hey," Rusty said, seeing their expressions, "Trust me."
Imbrri nodded and smiled, "thanks Rusty," she said.
Talck gave a small smile "yeah, thanks" he said
Rusty smiled back

Talck continued down the track and pulled into his first stop, the same station where he'd met up with Propo, Mir and Prissy. He closed his eyes as he remembered the coaches giggling at him as he searched the old trainyard. Propo had thought it funny to 'hide' Rossi somewhere and take bets on how long it would take him to find her.
Dinni sighed softly, "I know she'll be back, but I still miss her."
Imbrri nodded, "we all do"
Xanni scowled, "so much for this being different."
Imbrri stepped back on her sister's foot, "Shush!"
Dinni shook his head
Talck snapped out of his thoughts for a moment, "Enough Xanni," he said softly.
"well, she's probably with Krupp," Dinni was trying to rationalize.
Xanni looked at Talck, "no not enough, I thought they treated steamers right here.. it's just like the old yard, they want some entertainment or whatever and they take Rossi.. why always Rossi!"
Talck closed his eyes.
Imbrri sighed, "Xanni we all know it.... and we can't answer that."
"Xanni, please, you're making it worse," Dinni said softly.
Xanni turned and glared at her brother, "I'm making it worse, who knows what they've done to Rossi... and we can't do anything! at least at the old yard they'd let us look for her.."
"Xanni..."
Xanni shook her head, "course you wouldn't care, this is a yard run by steamers, they wouldn't let anything happen to her, except that she disappears"

Imbrri had had enough, she turned around and slapped Xanni, "Enough!" she said, "We all know how you feel about it, we all feel the same, you're not helping so just keep your thoughts to yourself"
Xanni put a hand to her cheek and stared at her sister in shock, Imbrri'd never done anything like that before.
Talck reached out and put a hand on Imbrri's shoulder, which broke her anger.
Imbrri's eyes grew wide as she realized what she'd done, she turned and buried her face in Talck's chest, sobbing.
Dinni looked down at his skates sadly.
Rusty looked rather startled.
Xanni's eyes filled with tears that spilled down her cheeks, but she continued to glare at her sister.
Talck looked at a loss for words as he held Imbrri close.

"Maybe... you guys should go home..." Rusty suggested
Talck nodded, "That's probably a good idea," he said, a strange tone in his voice, almost as though he was holding back a tremendous amount of anger.
Rusty nodded as well
Talck drew Imbrri a bit away from him, "You ok to go home?" He asked. Imbrri swallowed her sobs, tears still running from her eyes as she nodded.
Dinni lightly set a hand on his other sister's shoulder
Xanni turned sharply, then stopped, tears still in her eyes, "what?" she asked with half hearted anger
"We're all upset," he said softly.
Xanni looked at her skates, "She never hit me before," she whispered.
"I know," he said softly.
Xanni sniffed, then noticed that Imbrri had hitched to Talck. She went over and hitched to Imbrri, staying strangely silent.
Dinni gave Xanni's shoulder a comforting squeeze before hitching up to her
Talck gave Rusty a nod as he headed out for the round house.
Rusty watched them, rather concerned about his friends

A short while later Talck got back to the round house.
Xanni unhitched immediately and went to the Kitchen.
Imbrri sighed, "I'm going to go lie down," she said softly, still trying to get control of her tears.
Talck nodded, giving her another tight hug, "It'll be ok, it always has," he said, trying to comfort her.
Imbrri nodded, then went down the hall to their rooms.
Dinni looked as though he wasn't exactly sure where to go
Talck sighed, "I'll look after Imbrri," he said, "can you go check on Xanni?"
He nodded silently
"thanks"

Dinni nodded again and went into the kitchen
Dinah looked up slightly started at Xanni's entrance, "Hey Xanni," She said, "You ok hun?"
Xanni sat down on one of the stools beside Rossi's usual one and shrugged.
Dinni silently entered the kitchen as well
Dinah saw the looks on both cars faces and immediately put water on for tea. "I'll be right back," she said, going out back and getting Ashley who was out having a smoke.
Buffy rolled into the kitchen soon after Dinah had left.
Dinah and Ashley came back in a few seconds later.
Ashley looked worried and went to Dinni, giving him a hug.
Xanni rested her shoulders on the counter and ignored Dinni.
Dinni hugged Ashley back, for quite awhile.
"How're you doin' sugar?" Buffy asked Xanni
Xanni shrugged again, reaching for the cookie jar that Rossi was so fond of.
Dinah went over and sat down beside her, "We're here if you wanna talk," she said.
Ashley didn't move, giving Dinni as much comfort as she could.

"I can't even imagine what you two are going through," Buffy said softly, "But if you just wanna vent..."
Xanni let out a quiet sob, "I can't believe she did it... no matter how angry she got, she never hit me before." Xanni buried her face in her arms and sobbed.
Dinah put her arm around Xanni and gave her a hug, "Oh hun... "
Dinni blinked rapidly, "See what this is doing to us?" he whispered to Ashley.
Ashley nodded, cuddling close to him.
Xanni continued to cry, Dinah giving Buffy a helpless look.. usually she was the crying, she wasn't used to comforting others.
"Shh shh now," Buffy soothed Xanni gently.
Dinni rested his head on Ashley's shoulder.
Xanni tried to swallow her tears, "I just don't see why we can't at least try to get her back," she said.
"Maybe we will..." Buffy said gently, "but we don't know what's going on right now..."

Xanni shook her head, "At the old yard the engines would take Rossi for fun... sometimes they'd tell us right away and others they'd wait till we noticed her missing, but they always let us look for her.. it was their fun."
"Aw Xanni..." Buffy started helplessly
Dinah got up and got the cups out as the tea brewed. Ashley closed her eyes and gave Dinni a squeeze as she listened to Xanni.
"but... we always found her..." Dinni said softly
Xanni nodded, "If we could at least look I'd feel better... " she said, "We even know where to look this time..."
Dinni sighed softly and hugged Ashley again
Ashley kissed his forehead.
Dinah poured the tea and put a cup in front of Xanni, "I know it's hard, but Poppa knows how to do things around here and will work things out."
Dinni nodded slowly
Dinah brought cups of tea over to Ashley and Dinni.
"Thanks..." Dinni said softly, letting go of Ashley with one hand to take the cup
Ashley took the tea as well, staying right beside Dinni.
Xanni had ignored the tea, her eyes closed. "I didn't think I was that bad.... To make Imbrri hit me."
Dinah noticed a red mark slowly coming up on Xanni's cheek, "Let me get some ice for that," she said.
Buffy gave Xanni another hug.
Xanni sniffed, and didn't seem to notice anything around her.
Dinah gave Buffy a helpless look again.
Buffy rocked Xanni gently

Talck sighed as he closed the door to his set of rooms.
Imbrri had finally fallen asleep, but not after sobbing for a good half hour. She felt so guilty for what she'd done to Xanni, as well as not watching over Rossi well enough that she'd disappeared.
Talck tried to take a calming breath, but it didn't help, he still felt like he wanted to punch something.

CB was on his way down the hallway.
Talck stopped, his hands clenched into fists. He closed his eyes, determined not to let his anger get the better of him. That would only cause Poppa to become disappointed in him.
"Hi," CB said softly.
Talck opened his eyes, the anger showing in them. He gave a curt nod, but said nothing.
"I'm sorry."
"sorry for what, that you don't have a caboose around to corrupt?"
"No," CB said, "I'm sorry that she's missing."
Talck rolled his eyes, "Sure,"
"You honestly think that I want to corrupt her?"
"From what you've told me of your love of crashing engines, I wouldn't be surprised..." he turned, "Now if you'll excuse me I'd rather not get into a fight today and I'm much too angry to talk to you."
CB nodded

Talck went to the main room and looked around, he couldn't see anything that he took particular interest in, and so headed out to the front porch
There was no one there
Talck sighed and looked around, he heard a train in the distanced, coming closer, he moved away from the door and sat down in the shadows.
Electra appeared, coming down the tracks and bringing his train for dinner, he only had four components with him, Krupp still being at his house. He was feeling rather jubilant, what with Krupp returning and all, and was laughing at something Purse had said.
Joule was glad that Electra was in a better mood.
Wrench was silent, as usual, but there was an air about her different then usual, indicating that she would be best not to be crossed at the moment.
Volta had a look on her face, in between a smirk and a smile, after getting extricating Purse from Pinky... the sap had grown attached to her... she'd moved the caboose again. She was quite pleased with herself, knowing she'd been the one to bring Krupp back, and that he'd stay there so long as Pinky was there too....
Talck watched as Electra went past him into the Roundhouse. His anger hit a breaking point, seeing how happy they all were. He glared after the train as his mind filled with thoughts, if the electric was here, with his components, then the house was empty.
He gave a small smile, ignoring what Poppa and Rusty said. Rossi was coming home tonight.

Later that night...
It didn't take long for Talck to reach Electra's building. Amazingly enough, the door was unlocked, Electra not having any fear of being robbed. Talck went in and started to look around.
Krupp thought he heard something.
Talck had left the lights off so that no one would see he was there from the round house, and unfortunately, he tripped over a chair.
This time, he was sure he heard something, and Krupp went out to investigate
Talck got up, glaring at the chair and continued to look around. He was thinking back to the old yard, of where the engine's had hid Rossi. True this engine was electric, but he'd have the same ideas.
Silently Krupp moved closer to the intruder.
Talck was looking around for closets or other doors, but, since there was no moon, there was also essentially no light.

Suddenly, Krupp's hand shot out and he caught hold of... whoever it was... by the back of the neck.
Talck gasped and froze, he realized in that second, he'd forgotten about Krupp, he wasn't with the electric, meaning he was here.
Krupp hauled him back, holding the engine up a good inch off the ground.
Talck was gasping for air, "its... me.. Krupp.." he managed to say
Krupp was startled into dropping Talck
Talck collapsed on the floor, trying to get his breath back
"Talck?" Krupp knelt down next to the engine.
Talck coughed, "Yeah," he said in a now raspy voice
"I'm sorry, I didn't know-"
Talck nodded, "yeah... I know.. " he said, most of his anger at the situation draining away.

"You shouldn't be here..." Krupp started.
"I wanted to get Rossi back"
Krupp nodded.
"you don't know where she is do you?
"No," he said sadly.
Talck sighed, sitting up on the floor, "we just want her back, we miss you too, but... it's your choice to stay or go, she didn't have a choice." He looked at the floor.
"I came back... so she could go back."

Talck nodded, "I know... it's just... the entire train's messed up because of it.... "
He sighed, "I'm sorry. I never should have left here in the first place."
Talck looked at Krupp, "that's not true, if you hadn't I'd be scrap metal by now thanks to Propo, and that's just one good thing you did while you were with us... you helped Rossi countless times too."
He nodded slowly
Talck sighed, "I shouldn't have come here, Poppa and Rusty were right."
Krupp sighed softly
Talck got up, "sorry Krupp, take care of yourself and Rossi," he said as he headed toward the door. He'd almost reached it, when it opened, and Electra entered, turning on the light.
He stopped and stared at the shocked steamer.
Krupp was too startled to react at first
Purse and Volta looked around their engine.
Volta's face went even whiter than normal when she saw the steamer.

Electra narrowed his eyes, "what is this all about?" he asked.
''I was just about to kick him out,'' Krupp said
Electra continued to stare at the Steamer, "And what is he doing here at all?"
''I don't know Master.''
Electra raised an eyebrow.
Talck swallowed nervously and looked at the floor.
Krupp lightly set a hand on the back of Talck's neck, ''I was just about to remove him,'' he said again
Talck started and looked at Krupp, but said nothing.
Electra nodded, then waved Krupp away as he continued through the door and into the main room with the other components.

Krupp waited until Electra had gone and then relaxed, dropping his hand to his side.
Talck frowned and looked at Krupp, "He makes you call him master?"
Krupp shrugged
Talck continued to frown, then sighed, "I should go... sorry I caused trouble."
Krupp nodded, "I will... try and get Rossi home soon."
"Bye," Talck went through the door, empty handed and went back to the roundhouse

Krupp watched Talck leave with a slight sigh
"I'm sure you can explain yourself" Electra's voice came suddenly from behind Krupp
"I heard a sound in the living room," Krupp said expressionlessly without turning around, "And when I went to investigate I found that steamer nosing around."
"And why was the steamer here..."
"He *claimed* to be looking for one of his train," Krupp turned around, "As if you'd allow any car from a *steamers* train in your house."
Electra rolled his eyes and smirked, "If I did have one of his train he'd know about it..."
Krupp nodded, "Of course Master."
Electra adjusted his gloves, "of course it is interesting that it happened to be the steamer you were spending so much time with before"
"He is still new to the trainyard..." Krupp started slowly.
Electra crossed his arms and waited
"Do you think that any of the other steamers would be dumb enough to come here?"
"I didn't think that steamer would be... unless of course he was invited...."
"Who would invite him?"
Electra stared silently at Krupp
"Oh..." he said softly.
Electra remained silent.
"I didn't."
Electra raised an eyebrow

"Why would *I* invite a *steamer* here?" he asked, "Master," he added hastily.
"As I said before, you spent a lot of time with him..."
"That is true..."
"You had nothing to do with his presence here?"
"No master."
Electra didn't look like he believed Krupp fully, but he said nothing more and moved down the hall.
Krupp let out a soft sigh

Volta peeked out the door, not sure if she should say anything
Krupp closed his eyes and leaned against the wall
Volta moved forward slightly, "What was that all about?"
"He wanted to know what had happened," Krupp answered without opening his eyes
"I meant with the steamer"
Krupp opened his eyes and looked at Volta, "He's looking for Rossi."
Volta looked away, "he'll get her back, eventually... and the better you are the sooner she'll go back"
"Volta - you have to let her go back."
"Why?"
"Because her train is worried about her."
Volta shrugged
"Volta... what else do you want me to do to let her go home?"
"I'll tell you when it's time"
Krupp sighed
Volta turned to go down the hall

"Volta?"
Volta stopped and turned, looking at him.
"You want things to go back to normal?"
Volta paused for a minute, then nodded.
"Rossi being here is hardly normal."
"It's putting things back to normal.... "
"It won't be normal 'til she's gone."
Volta looked away
Krupp sighed and turned away to leave.

"Krupp..."
"yes?"
"I told you you could see her when I got back..."
"Yes..."
Volta gestured with her head, "C'mon"
He followed her
Volta led him up into the attic, where Rossi was laying on an old bed in the corner, sound asleep, holding a pillow close to her.
Krupp stood there silently when he saw her
Volta stayed at the door.

Rossi mumbled in her sleep and moved slightly.
Krupp went over to her and knelt down next to the bed
Rossi's hat had come off her head and her purple hair was fanned out under her head. One thumb in her mouth as she sighed in sleep.
Krupp watched her silently.
Volta's eyes narrowed and she looked away.
After a minute, Krupp got up and rolled back over to Volta.
The air around Volta was frigid, she looked up at him with icy eyes, "happy?" she whispered.
He hugged her
Volta closed her eyes and stood there.
"Thank you."
Volta nodded then pulled away, "yeah whatever," she went down to the main floor.
Krupp pushed his shades up and headed downstairs as well.
Volta waited at the door, key in hand.
He silently stood aside to let her at the door
Volta locked the door, then silently headed down the hall to her room

Krupp headed towards his own room silently, hoping that he wouldn't be stopped.
"Krupp" Electra's voice was heard
He sighed inwardly and came to a stop.
Electra came up behind Krupp, "I was curious about something, come with me."
Krupp followed after Electra silently.
Electra led Krupp to his office and sat down.
Krupp remained standing, as usual.
"Sit," Electra said, motioning to one of the nearby chairs
He blinked, a bit surprised, but did so

Electra put his skates up on the desk and looked at Krupp for a bit, "I was just wondering what your experience was like with the steamers..." he began
"Oh."
Electra waited a minute, "Well... " He paused. "What was it like?"
"What was what like?"
"Being in a steamer's train..."
"Oh. Well... it was... different."
Electra looked slightly interested, "In what way?"
"There was... a different relationship between the engine and the cars..."
Electra raised his eyebrows, "How strange.... go on.."
"There wasn't at all a lack of respect for the engine... but it was just... shown differently."
Electra nodded, but obviously didn't grasp the concept.
"It was as though T- the engine was one of his cars."
Electra looked shocked, "He'd degrade himself that much..." He shrugged, and continued, as though to himself, "There was talk of him being badly treated at the old yard.... I wonder if it was so bad he thought himself no better than his cars..."
Krupp blinked

Electra looked at Krupp and frowned slightly, "I don't think I've ever seen you remove your glasses before," he said
"I have master," Krupp said absently.
Electra nodding, still frowning as he looked at Krupp and pondered what he'd been told
Krupp sighed softly, absently pushing his shades up

Electra seemed to find something troubling in his mind. "I heard that the caboose that runs with them was nearly scrapped before they came here, and was barely functional when they arrived.."
Krupp nodded slowly.
"How very odd that he'd keep the caboose with him, he should have just gone for a better model... but then if he felt himself no better than a coach..." he went back into his thoughts.
Krupp blinked again, "But... you don't know her... I mean, if you knew her, you wouldn't say that."
Electra looked at Krupp, it was very unusual for him to disagree with his engine, "Explain.."
"They love her."

Electra looked at Krupp as if he had two heads, "But she's only a trainlet!" he shook his head, "I can understand with the other coaches... but the caboose...... "
Krupp blinked for a moment and then stifled a smile, "No master..."
Electra was still shaking his head and looking a little repulsed
"Not like that."
Electra looked confused, "What do you mean 'not like that'? What else is there?"
"They... care for her."
Electra looked almost as confused as Dinah on a good day.
Krupp fell silent, not sure how to explain
"What do you mean?" Electra asked.
"I don't know how to explain..."
Electra frowned.

"It is... kind of like loyalty."
"loyalty to a caboose.... this train definitely has problems" Electra said, sitting back and seeming to understand.
"I wouldn't say that..." Krupp murmured
Electra didn't seem to hear him, "If they're loyal to the caboose, it would make sense that they'd bring her here instead of upgrading to a newer model.... "
Krupp sighed and looked down at his hands
"... What would change an engine's perception of himself so much that he feels he's on the same level as a coach and should give his loyalty to a caboose... especially a trainlet one..."
Krupp blinked behind his glasses, but kept his expression blank
"... If it were a caboose like CB, that would make sense.... the conniving little caboose could easily confuse and manipulate an engine like that.... but a trainlet wouldn't know how to do something like that....."
Krupp stiffened. "You don't know her."
Electra looked at Krupp, "You mean she is conniving like that.... that could explain some things, but from what I saw she seemed more afraid than anything... of course that could all just be an act..... CB didn't seem that bad at first......"
"Master-" Krupp started to protest
"... A trainlet caboose with that much ability would be quite advantageous to CB... which would explain his immediate liking of her..... however she would see straight through his act and find someway to get that terminated... causing the fight with her engine and CB...... interesting......"

"Master!"
Electra looked at Krupp in shock, then narrowed his eyes dangerously, "What is it Krupp, I'd explain quickly if I were you.... raising your voice to me is not recommended"
"I'm sorry master..." Krupp said hastily, pushing back his glasses again
Electra's gaze changed from anger to interest as he noticed the shifting of the glasses and remembering a previous topic of conversation, "Why do you always wear your sunglasses?" He asked, "It must be far to dim in here for them."
"It isn't..."
Electra frowned, "that didn't answer my question... what is the need of them?
"I like them."
Electra continued to stare at him, as if in thought
Krupp didn't shift uncomfortably, although he rather felt like it
"As I said before, I don't remember seeing you with out them......"
"Oh."

Electra sat back in his chair, "Remove them."
"What?"
"remove them."
"My glasses?"
"No... your chest plates... Yes of course your glasses....."
Krupp slowly moved to take them off.
Electra watched, but not seeming to take excessive interest in it.
Krupp removed his glasses and put his hands down in his lap, blinking his long-lashed blue eyes against the sudden light. His eye lashes were slightly damp.
Electra felt his breath catch, but didn't let it show. He frowned slightly, noticing that it seemed that Krupp had been crying or trying not to cry.... he said nothing for the moment
Krupp was silent.
Electra looked for a minute more, then nodded. "You shouldn't feel the need to wear your glasses constantly, your eyes don't displease me."
"I never thought they would master..."
"then why did you keep them covered?"
"As I said before, I like wearing them."
Electra nodded.
"May I put them back on?"
Electra nodded, not seeming to take particular interest in whether he did or not
Krupp replaced his glasses.

Electra had stood and was looking out the window.
Krupp watched him.
Electra seemed to have forgotten Krupp, lost in his own thoughts
Krupp sighed inwardly and leaned back, waiting to be dismissed
Electra noticed the movement and waved his hand dismissing Krupp as he continued to look out the window.
Krupp silently got up and left.

Volta was moving down the hall, heading to a pantry area to get a drink.
Krupp silently brushed past her
Volta stopped and watched him for a couple of seconds before following him, trying to catch up. "Krupp?" she asked quietly
He turned towards her
Volta paused, "Are you ok?"
"No," Krupp answered simply
Volta looked down at her skates, "oh,"
"I just came from Electra's office."
Volta bit her lower lip, "What did he do, he didn't hurt you did he?"
"No."
Volta nodded, still not looking at Krupp's face
"Not physically..."
Volta looked up, confused
"Never mind..."
Volta sighed, not knowing what to say

"Did you want anything?"
"Just to see if you were ok."
"Oh." He continued on to his room
Volta sighed again, this time getting a bit angry, "It's about that stupid caboose again isn't it."
"Sorta..."
Volta shook her head, the temperature around her dropping drastically around her as her temper flared, "who cares about her... she's got her own train and doesn't need you...."
"You're right."
"Then why let her upset you... you were never like this before she came along"
"But she's still trapped in the attic."
"And if she wasn't up there.. and wasn't here.... if I let her go you'd just go straight back to that idiotic steamer!"

Krupp tilted down his shades and looked at her sadly.
Volta continued to glare at him
He sighed and went towards his room, "Come with me?"
Volta crossed her arms, but followed.
Once in his room, Krupp sank down onto his bed.
Volta stayed at the door, the paint on the door frame frosting up a bit.
"I wouldn't go back..."
Volta looked at him for a moment, "But if I hadn't brought her here you wouldn't have come back."
"I discovered something about steam engines..."
Volta looked uninterested, "really,"
"Yes... the way they act... it's contagious."
"Like a disease?"
"Seems it..."
Volta looked slightly worried..

Krupp pulled off his shades and rubbed his eyes lightly
Volta watched him.
He looked up at her.
"So how do they act?
"It was as though... every member of the train was equal."
Volta frowned, "What do you mean"
"I'm not sure I can explain," Krupp said with a thoughtful expression
Volta remained silent, suddenly finding her arm very interesting
"We call Electra 'master' right?"
Volta nodded
"They all called their engine 'Talck'."
"but we call Electra 'Electra' all the time"
"But they call him Talck to his face."
Volta looked at him like he was crazy, "he allows that to someone other than his main coach?"
"Yes."
Volta looked confused.
"And they all teased each other... even the engine..."
volta didn't say anything
"It was... very different."
Volta nodded
"And it was... quite easy to fall into their habits."

Volta moved into Krupp's room and leaned/sat on the window sill.
"Volta, I just don't know what to do."
Volta sighed, "I don't know how to help you..."
"Let Rossi go."
Volta clenched her teeth, not saying anything
"As soon as she's gone, any ties that I had with the steamer will be gone."
Volta hesitated
Krupp leaned back, "I'm not smart Volta.... I can't figure out away to balance it..."
Volta sighed, one side of her said Krupp was right and to give back Pinky, while another side was saying that if she did she'd lose Krupp again.
He lay on his bed and rested his head in his arms
Volta looked at the floor, her face impassive, and belying the emotions and doubt running through her.

"I know this is all my fault..." he started
Volta nodded, "you're right"
"But I don't know how to fix it."
Volta felt lost, she wanted to help Krupp, she wanted him to be back to normal, but Pinky and her train kept getting in the way.
"You're smarter then I am... help me."
Volta looked up at Krupp, "you're just as smart as I am," She said, "What makes you think I know any more than you"
He shrugged.
Volta looked down again. She had an odd feeling in her stomach... almost... guilt? She shook her head slightly, no... she was doing the right thing. She stood up and looked at Krupp, "You have to figure this one out yourself." she said and headed to the door.
"Volta, please."
Volta looked at Krupp, her eyes ice.
His eyes were tearful
Volta softened slightly, then gave a small snort before turning back and heading out the door.

After Volta had gone, Krupp sat up and blinked away the tears he had summoned. He sighed and tossed something across the room, which made a satisfying crash

Volta headed down the hall, she grabbed her keys and stopped in front of the door to the attic. She'd decided a while ago that Pinky would make a nice helper... and she was in just the mood to get started.
Wrench appeared rather out of nowhere
Volta jumped, then turned to Wrench, a look of 'don't mess with me' on her face. "What do you want?"
As Wrench usually had an expression similar to Volta's current expression, the repair truck wasn't too bothered by this. She shrugged
Volta rolled her eyes, "whatever" She unlocked the door and went into the attic
Wrench followed
Volta practically growled and rolled her eyes again, but let it lie
Wrench looked pretty much the way she always did
Volta went over to the bed and looked down at the sleeping caboose. She shook her head, "What does he see in her," she muttered to herself.
Wrench crossed her arms and leaned against the wall
Volta turned and looked at Wrench, "did you want something?"
"Eh, I'm just watchin' you."

Volta rolled her eyes yet again and turned back to 'Pinky'. She had wanted some time to talk with the trainlet alone, but that wasn't happening now. Her hand reached out slightly as tho to shake the trainlet awake, but she paused.
Wrench just watched this.
Volta clenched her jaw and turned away, moving back to the door.
Wrench had no change of expression as she watched Volta
Volta gave wrench a glare and went to the door, "Unless you wanna be locked up here you better come down."
"Oh?"
Volta just stood there.
"Alright then." Wrench followed Volta.

Once Wrench was out she closed the door and locked it. "Satisfied?" she asked, not looking at Wrench
"Not dissatisfied," was the answer
Volta clenched her jaw again and turned to move down the hall.
Wrench let her go

Meanwhile, Talck had reached the roundhouse. He went into the main room and flopped down on the couch.
"Hi," Rusty greeted him.
Talck looked up, his eyes red rimmed. "Hey."
"No luck?" Rusty asked sympathetically.
Talck looked at Rusty, wondering if he knew what happened at Electra's house.
"Rossi hasn't turned up?" Rusty asked.
Talck relaxed slightly and shook his head, "no"
"I'm sorry."
Talck nodded and sighed, looking down at the floor.
"Where were you?"
Talck hesitated.
"Your train was looking for you," Rusty explained
Talck nodded, "I went out for some air...."
"Ah," Rusty nodded, sitting down.
Talck wrung his hands slightly.
"I'm sorry," Rusty said again, "I wish that I could do something more to help..."
Talck nodded, wanting to talk to rusty, but knowing he'd get in trouble if he did
Rusty fell silent

"How do we get her back?"
"If we knew where she was for certain..." Rusty started
"She's at Electra's...." Talck said before he could stop himself
"We think so, yeah..." Rusty agreed
Talck bit his lip, and took a big breath. "I went over there.... Krupp said she's definitely there." He didn't look at Rusty
"You went over there?" Rusty repeated
Talck nodded.
"And made it back in once piece?"
"Krupp helped me."
"Ah," Rusty nodded, still looking a bit impressed.
"He didn't know where she was, just that she was in the house. I didn't get very far."
"Well, at least we know that much..."
Talck nodded.
Rusty leaned back, looking thoughtful.
Talck put his head in his hands

Rusty hmm'd thoughtfully.
Talck looked up, "what?"
"Just thinking..."
Talck's lip twitched in a small smile, "you're doing better than I am right now
Rusty got up
Talck watched him, a bit curious.
"I'll be back..." Rusty said
"All right..."
Rusty nodded and headed towards the door
Talck sat back on the couch and sighed

Rusty - before the logical side of his brain could convince him to change his mind - sped down the tracks to Electra's house
Electra was still looking out the window of his office, pondering what Krupp had told him. He felt a bit of pity for the new steamer. He wondered what abuse would cause an engine to have his priorities so confused.
Rusty pulled up to the house (going past Electra's window)
Electra saw the engine and frowned, it was unusual for the steamers to come out here, and now two had shown up in one day. He left his office and went to the door.
Rusty knocked
Electra opened it almost immediately, "yes?"
"Good evening," Rusty said politely.
Electra's face remained cold as he looked down at the steamer, "What's your business here?"
"I would like to talk to Krupp."
"Why?"
"It's important."
Electra raised an eyebrow, sparks showing behind his eyes. "How is it important to me?"
"Would you like to be continuingly bothered by us?" Rusty asked, although he was beginning to get just a bit nervous
The sparks grew larger in Electra's eyes.
Rusty almost took a step back
Electra smiled inwardly, "What is your interest with MY armaments truck?"
"To make sure he stays yours..."
Electra became instantly interested and stepped aside, "Remain here," he said as he went down the hall
Rusty raised an eyebrow slightly but stood there in the doorway.

Electra went to Krupp's room and opened the door, "you're wanted in the foyer"
Krupp looked up puzzled, "Master?"
"The steamer want's to talk to you" By the tone of Electra's voice, there was only one steamer it could be.
'Why would Rusty want to talk to me?' Krupp wondered as he went out to the foyer.
Electra grabbed Krupp's arm as he went past, "I expect a full report when you're finished." He let Krupp go and headed to his office
"Yes master..." Krupp went out into the hallway. His conversation with Rusty lasted only a few minutes and then Rusty departed- very very quickly.

Electra was waiting in his office, and watched as the steamer departed
Rusty vanished into the darkness
Electra gave a small growl, certain that the steamer was showing off his speed.
Krupp stood by the front door for a moment, lost in thought.
Electra continued to look out the window
Krupp hesitated, hoping that - just this once- Electra would have forgotten what he wanted him to do.
Electra turned and saw Krupp, "well......"
"Yes?"
"Your report!"
"The steamer just had some things to tell me..."
"Such as...."
"Such as making sure that I intend to stay here."
"Why was he interested in that... it's none of his concern."
"I don't know."
Electra frowned and sat in his chair.
"Master?" Krupp asked softly.
Electra looked over at Krupp, "a great deal of engines seem to have taken an interest in you...."
"I've noticed."
Electra went silent again.
"Does that upset you?"
Electra stared at Krupp, "So long as your loyalties stay in the right place it is no concern of mine."
"Yes master..." Krupp said slowly.
"Still... the fact that the other engines have doubts as to your loyalty... it makes me curious..."
Krupp started to say something and then stopped
Electra turned around and looked at his armaments truck, "What?"
"It's just-"
Electra leaned against the window frame and crossed his arms over his chest, waiting
"While I was there..." he started.
Electra's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
"I heard... a lot about what they think of you master."
The engine's eyebrows rose, "oh?"
"Yes. And... they didn't seem to understand."
"About what?"
"About why we stay with you."
Electra frowned, "how do you mean?"
"What I told you about the way they treat their cars?"
Electra nodded.
"They think that's how all cars should be treated."
Electra continued to frown, "I see.... do they really have the low an image of themselves?"

"If I may be honest Master...."
Electra looked at him but said nothing
"I think they have a high image of cars."
Electra frowned again.
Krupp fell silent, worried that he had upset Electra.
"Are you insinuating that I haven't taken care of you and your fellow components?"
"No master!"
"Then what are you saying?"
"Only that it is different."
Electra raised his eyebrows again, "you've stated that previously"
Krupp nodded
"You've never truly explained it.... I take it then, you feel they run their trains more efficiently than I do."
"No. Just different."
Electra remained silent
"But in terms of efficiency I would say they are the same."
Electra nodded. His eyes narrowed however, "An interesting position to take."
"The only differences between you and them is the way they operate."

The shock came so quickly Krupp had no way to prepare himself for it. Electra's eyes were blazing, "I don't know what that turned over train did to you, but you'll remember from now on that Steamers and Electrics have nothing in common... they are out of date and I am state of the art." He took a breath and left his office.
Krupp hadn't at all been prepared for the electricity. Having been away from Electra his frame had grown used to being without it and his tolerance had gone down. He blacked out.

A few minutes later, Purse was heading down the hall, having seen Electra go out in a huff. He didn't know what had happened, and didn't think he wanted to know. As he passed Electra's office, he saw Krupp on the floor.
Figuring he was just taking a bit to get up, Purse went over to Krupp, "Need help?" he asked, then realized that Krupp was unconscious. His eyes grew wide and he rushed out of the office and down the hall to get Wrench.
Wrench was reading in her room
Purse burst in, his eyes wide, "Wrench, something's wrong with Krupp... I think Electra shocked him, but he's not waking up."
"What?"
Purse nodded, pointing to hall, "C'mon, he's in 'Lectra' office"
Wrench got up and followed Purse
Purse went to Krupp and knelt down by his head, "is he gonna be ok?"
Wrench checked his pulse and various other repair truck type things before nodding
Purse stroked Krupp's hair, looking very worried, "Electra never does this to us, only to steamers and other cars when he shocks them."
"I think it's because we're used to the electricity.... and with Krupp having been away..."
Purse's eyes were vacant, showing that he didn't have a clue what she was saying.
Wrench sighed, "I mean that he isn't used to being zapped anymore so he had a bad reaction."
Purse looked down at Krupp, "he wasn't gone that long..." he said softly
"That and I think that he got it pretty bad."
"Wonder what he did to make Electra that mad..."
"I don't know," Wrench frowned.

"What's wrong?" Purse asked, noticing her frown.
"He should have known better..." she murmured
Purse bit his lip, "Known better about what?"
"The both of them should have known better."
Purse looked from Krupp to Wrench, "Is it about... " he paused.
She waited for him to finish
"Rossi?" he whispered her name, knowing Electra wasn't supposed to know, and not wanting to get in trouble
"I think that it's more to do with the fact that Krupp liked being in the steamers train."
Purse looked crushed, "why?"
"Not because he doesn't like us," Wrench said quickly.
Purse's lip stopped quivering, "then why?"
"Because he likes them as well... and you know how Electra doesn't want us having anything to do with the steamers."
Purse nodded, "but why would we want to, for one thing they smell bad"
Wrench laughed
Purse smiled slightly, "so why does Krupp like them better... it's much nicer over here... he even has Rossi here now."
"But now her train misses her."
Purse looked troubled as he tried to figure things out... he wasn't the smartest of components...
"I mean, we missed Krupp when he was gone right?"
Purse nodded.
"So they miss Rossi."
"Oh.." Purse looked down at Krupp, "But... even if we give her back, Krupp can still see her all the time, did we do something to make him not like us?"
"No, of course not." Wrench said, "What makes you say that?"
"then why did he leave?"
"I dunno..."

Purse stroked Krupp's hair away from his head, and straightened his shades, which had slipped slightly in the fall.
"He'll be fine," Wrench decided.
Purse nodded, "shouldn't we put him in bed or something? It can't be very comfortable on the floor"
Wrench nodded, "Yes. If we can mange to move him..."
Purse looked at the much larger Krupp, "Well.... if we get Joule and Volta it shouldn't be too hard, besides, I don't know when the Master's getting back. He won't be too happy to find Krupp still here......"
Wrench nodded, "Stay here in case he wakes up, I'll go find Joule and Volta."
Purse nodded, his eyes becoming tearful.
"Don't cry."
"but... after he wakes up.... he'll want to leave again. He hates it when the Master shocks him."
"He won't want to leave again."
"How do you know?"
"Because he won't leave again."
Purse blinked, trying to figure out what Wrench was meaning.

"Krupp is sensible. He saw what happened when he left, he won't let us go through that again."
Purse nodded, "But you said he liked it better at the other train."
"I didn't say he liked it better, I said that he liked it the same."
Purse sighed, getting more confused by the moment, "I hope you're right," he said.
Wrench nodded
Purse looked down at Krupp again, "Can you find Volta and Joule so we can get him to his bed?"
Wrench nodded, "Yes." She got up and went out the door
and nearly bumped into Electra, who was standing just around the corner. It wasn't apparent how long he'd been there, but he'd been there for a bit.

Wrench blinked and hit her brakes so as not to collide with her engine
Electra just stood still, looking down at her.
"Excuse me." she said
Electra raised an eyebrow, but silently moved aside.
"Might I ask why you're standing here?" she asked
"You were busy and I didn't feel it necessary to bother you. I was waiting for my office to be empty, if you don't mind.
Wrench nodded, "It will be a few more minutes."
Electra nodded back and leaned against the wall. He'd calmed down after his initial outburst and he was startled to hear Wrench's feelings on Krupp's loyalties.

A few minutes later Joule came running towards Electra's office
Electra remained where he was out side the door, not having talked to Purse or looking in the office at all.
Joule slowed when she saw Electra
Electra looked at Joule, but said nothing.
She silently, (rather odd for her) slipped into the office.
Electra frowned slightly, but stayed silent, brooding over what he'd learned earlier.

Wrench knocked on Volta's door
Volta grumbled slightly as she got up from where she was reading and opened the door, "What? Coming to check on me?"
"No, actually I was going to ask you if you were busy."
"why? need someone to help rearrange your furniture again?"
"No, I was wondering if you would be able to help me and the others move a very large and currently unconscious armaments truck."
"WHAT!? What happened? Where is he?"
"Electra's office. He got too large of a zap and it knocked him out."
Volta's already pale complexion went paler. "Is he ok?" she asked, practically pushing Wrench as she moved into the hall and down toward the office.
"He's unconscious," Wrench said, "But he should be fine when he wakes up - and we need to get him to bed..."
Volta nodded, her expression filled with worry and concern for the first time in weeks
Wrench led Volta to Electra's office.

Meanwhile, Joule had joined Purse in fussing over Krupp.
Volta couldn't help but give a roll of the eyes while trying to hide a smile.
Electra watched the two components go past him, remaining eerily silent
Joule looked up at Wrench and Volta.
Volta gave her a nod, "he'll be ok, he's always been before," she said softly
Wrench nodded, "Now, lets get him to his room."
Purse nodded, his eyes filled with tears again, feeding off of Joule's worry.
Volta moved to one of Krupp's shoulders
"Okay," Wrench gave directions to all of the components to help move Krupp.
Once they were all in position Wrench nodded, "On the count of three we lift him."
Volta was not looking forward to lifting the truck, knowing she and Wrench would be doing most of it, but she knew he had to be moved before more trouble was to be had, "ready," she said.
"One.... two..... three!"
Volta put all her strength into lifting Krupp, she could tell Purse and Joule were trying, but it was still very difficult to lift him off the ground.
But they managed it and slowly but surely made their way out of the room and towards Krupp's room.

Electra watched as his armaments truck was carried to his room by the other components. He'd been surprised when he'd found out Krupp was unconscious, not thinking the shock he'd given Krupp would do that. He'd been upset, true, but he didn't think he'd used that much voltage. He was sure he'd shocked Krupp with that much power before.
Wrench basically ignored Electra, leading the others to Krupp's room
Volta gave Electra an icy look for not helping them, not that he noticed, but said nothing.
Purse was too busy popping an artery to notice

Somehow they managed to get Krupp onto his bed
Volta practically collapsed to the floor, rubbing her back and arms, "is there anyway we can convince Electra to shock Krupp right here next time."
Purse looked shocked at the use of Electra's name, but said nothing as he fussed with Krupp, making sure he was comfortable
Wrench actually laughed at that. Joule 'helped' Purse
Volta groaned at looked at Purse, who was now staring at Wrench in shock, seeing as she laughed very rarely. "Will you two lay off already?" Volta griped, "It's not like he's gonna notice...his bed's basically a rock anyway."
"Oh let them be," Wrench said, "It's helping them feel better about this."
Joule hugged Krupp tightly
Volta rolled her eyes, while Purse gave Joule a death glare.
Joule stuck out her tongue at Purse

five or ten minutes later, Electra appeared in the doorway and watched Joule and Purse for a minute, "I believe it's in Krupp's best interests if you let him be for the rest of the night, he'll be fine by morning."
Joule didn't look to pleased with that idea
Electra crossed his arms on his chest and locked her gaze in his.
She whimpered.
Volta stood up slowly, going over and putting her hand on Joule and Purse's shoulders, "come on, you can check on him tomorrow, he's not going anywhere."
"Alright," she said reluctantly, releasing Krupp's hand
Volta steered Joule towards the door, Electra moving out of the way silently.
Purse gave a quick look to Electra, then moved slightly closer to Krupp.
Joule allowed Volta to lead her out of the room. Wrench followed.
Electra gave Purse a warning look.
Purse slowly got up and headed to the door. As he rounded the corner he hesitated and looked back at Krupp.
He looked about ready to run back to Krupp when Electra sent a small spark out to hit him in the rear.
Purse gave a small yelp of surprise and hurried down the hall.
Electra cast one last glance at Krupp before he turned out the light and closed the door, heading down the hall to his office.

Several hours later Krupp stirred
The house was quiet for once.. which was fairly unusual at this time of night.. save one small component who was sneaking down the halls.
Purse was creeping past Electra's room, barely daring to breathe, not wanting to get shocked.
He managed to get down the hall and around the corner. His hand went to the doorknob of Krupp's room. He hoped Krupp had oiled the hinges recently.
As the door swung open soundlessly, Purse breathed a sigh of relief as he closed the door and went over to Krupp's bed. Climbing up to sit on it's edge and hold Krupp's hand.
Krupp groaned softly.
Purse jumped slightly, not expecting Krupp to be making noise, and moving to lean over his chest and look at his face in the dim light from the window. He didn't dare turn on another light, lest someone pass and notice
Krupp opened his eyes and was rather surprised to see Purse.
Purse gave a soft squeal, bounced a couple of times and immediately hugged Krupp tightly.
"Oof."

Purse moved up to kneel in the space between Krupp's chest and arm (the armpit area) and looked down at him, "are you ok?" He asked softly, his eyes huge with worry.
"Yeah..." Krupp said rubbing his head
"Do you remember what happened?"
"Got zapped......"
Purse nodded.
"That's all I remember."
"You were knocked out." Purse said, smoothing back Krupp's hair again, "You've been asleep till now."
"Oh." Krupp said, realizing that that would be the reason that Purse was hanging over him.

"How do you feel now? Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm alright," he said
Purse nodded and moved a bit back, letting Krupp get comfortable if he wanted
"How'd I get in here?"
"We carried you"
"all of you?"
"Well.. except the Master, he just waited to get into his office."
"Ah," he sounded a bit sad, but not at all surprised
"But don't worry, he made sure you were ok... he even made Joule leave, she was suffocating you."
Krupp laughed slightly at that
Purse pouted slightly, "well she was."
"I can imagine."

Purse looked thoughtful for a minute, then took a deep breath, "Krupp...?"
"Yeah?"
"Didyoulikeitattheothertrainbetterthanhere?" Purse asked very quickly.
Krupp blinked, "No..."
Purse let out the small breath he'd been holding. "Then why did you stay there so long?"
"I.... didn't think I would be able to come back."
"But.... Master Electra would always let you back in."
Krupp nodded
"we really missed you."
"I know."
"D'you think..... Rossi's train... misses her as much?"
He nodded
Purse frowned, "Then why is she locked in the basement?"
"Rossi's locked in the basement?"
"well she was earlier... Volta let me go down and see her."
"When I saw her she was in the attic..."
Purse made a face, "but there's spiders up there."
Krupp sat up
Purse moved out of the way, but close enough to catch Krupp, should he get dizzy, not that it'd help.
Krupp didn't get dizzy and was quite able to sit up on his own
"You ok?"
"Yes."
Purse sat close and watched him.
"How about you?"
Purse frowned slightly, but nodded, "I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"

Krupp shrugged, "So you've met Rossi then?"
Purse nodded, "Volta let me see her this afternoon, she's such a sweetie! She was colouring all sorts of stuff.. and then we did each other's hair." Purse grinned at the memory.
Krupp blinked
"Then Wrench came down, and Rossi started to cry, and Wrench went to get you, but you never came. So I kept her happy by getting her to colour me more pictures."
Krupp nodded, "It sounds like Rossi misses her train too."
Purse sighed, "yeah... she probably does."
"I bet she'd like to go home," Krupp said with a sigh.
Purse nodded
"I wish I could take her home..."
Purse brightened, "why don't we? She's just upstairs, and everyone's asleep for once."
Krupp nodded, "we just gotta get *into* the attic."
Purse smiled, "well all we gotta do is get Wrench, she's got the keys"
Krupp nodded again, getting carefully to his wheels
Purse hopped of the bed and moved to the door when he paused. "But we have to be really quiet, if Electra caught me here I'd get shocked for sure"
Krupp nodded, "Yes."
Purse opened the door and looked around before moving out into the hall, motioning for Krupp.
Krupp followed Purse silently

Purse moved down to Wrench's room and slowly opened her door
Wrench was asleep
Purse went over and gave Wrench a poke
Wrench rolled over and half-shoved him away
Purse sighed, reached out, covered her mouth and shook her for all he was worth.
She smacked him away
Purse was pushed back and fell on his arse on the floor.
Wrench sat up
Purse looked up at her, then back at Krupp
She rubbed her eyes, "Oh it's you."
Purse nodded and put a finger to his lips, "Shh, we can't let master Electra know."
"what d'you want?"
Purse looked at Krupp and got up, "The keys to the attic?"
"Oh," Wrench pulled out a drawer in her nightstand and tossed a ring of keys to Purse
Purse caught the keys and grinned, "thanks!"
He turned and skated back to Krupp
Wrench was already asleep again

Purse closed her door and quietly moved to the door to the attic
Krupp followed him
Purse looked at the key ring, not sure which was the right key.
"Here," Krupp took the key ring
Purse stood back and watched him.
Krupp searched through the keys and then tried one in the lock. It didn't open
Purse looked up and down the hall, cringing slightly at how loud the keys sounded in the silent house
Krupp tried another one
Purse held his breath
Still no luck.
Purse was starting to fidget
The next key opened the door
Purse grinned and let Krupp go up before him, being nervous about the spiders.

Krupp went into the attic, looking around in the darkness
Rossi was still sound asleep on the bed, another pillow now grasped in her arms like a stuffed animal
Krupp went over to her, "Rossi?" he whispered
Rossi murmured slightly
"Rossi, wake up."
Rossi moaned, took a deep breath, stretched, and opened her eyes, giving Krupp a big smile.
"Hi there."
"'sit morning?"
"Not yet, but it's time to go home."
Rossi sat up slowly, "Was I bad?"
Purse moved closer, staying near Krupp, hoping the spiders wouldn't go near the larger component. "Oh no honey!" He said, "It's just that your train missed you so much they wanted you to come home."
Krupp nodded, holding out his arms to her, "You ready to go home?"
Rossi rubbed her eyes and yawned, "Mmm hmm.." she murmured, moving into Krupp's arms.
Krupp lifted he rup
Purse looked at Krupp, starting to move to the door. Rossi lay her head on his shoulder and put her thumb in her mouth, her other arm wrapped around the back of his neck, twirling some of his hair around her fingers.
Krupp quietly carried her out of the attic
Purse led the way and peeked up and down the hall, seeing the coast was clear
he moved out to let krupp pass

Krupp followed Purse and they made it safely outside
Purse was fidgeting again, "if we get caught master Electra will shock us for sure!"
"Go back inside to bed," Krupp said
"But if you get caught on your own you'll get in even more trouble.. this way if we get caught, you could just have needed some air and I came to help you...."
Krupp shook his head, "I'll be alright."
Purse looked upset, "ok.. if you really want to.." he said, turning to go back in the house. He stopped suddenly and came back, giving Rossi's hand a squeeze, "Bye Rossi, be good!"
Rossi gave him a sleepy smile around her thumb.
Purse looked at Krupp, "hurry back," he said before going back in the house.
Krupp nodded and started down the tracks still carrying Rossi, "Did you have a good time?" he asked her
Rossi nodded, "You're train's really nice," She murmured.
Krupp nodded, shifting her slightly
Rossi closed her eyes and sighed, her hand still playing with Krupp's hair.

After a few minutes Krupp came to a stop
Rossi opened her eyes and looked around, her thumb still in her mouth
They were in front of the roundhouse. Rusty was sitting on the swing, eyes closed.
"I'm not asleep," the steamer automatically said when Krupp called his name.
Rossi popped her thumb out of her mouth, "hi rusty," she said around a yawn
"Hi there," Rusty said, rubbing his eyes and blinking himself awake.
"Why're you sleeping on the porch?"
"I wasn't sleeping."
"You looked like you were,"
He shook his head, "I was just resting my eyes."
Rossi tilted her head, "isn't that sleeping?"
"Uh uh," Rusty said sleepily.
"But if you're resting your eyes aren't you resting the rest of you?"
"Not always."
"oh.."
Rusty stretched, "Well how was your day?"
"It was good," Rossi said, yawning again, "I got to colour, and do Purse's hair and a whole buncha other stuff"
Rusty nodded, "Ah." he held out his arms and Krupp passed Rossi off.
Rossi rested her head on Rusty's shoulder and put her thumb back in her mouth.
Rusty took her inside.

Talck was lying on his bed with Imbrri snuggled close.
She'd fallen asleep eventually, but was very upset. Talck hadn't been able to even close his eyes in his worry for his caboose.
"Talck?" Rusty whispered, easing the door open with his skate.
Talck turned his head, "In here," he called softly so as not to wake Imbrri.
Rusty rolled into the room, Rossi in his arms
Talck's eyes widened and he got up hurriedly, bumping Imbrri and waking her up. Talck rushed over to Rusty, "Rossi! Are you ok?"
Rossi looked at Talck and yawned.
"She's fine," Rusty said, meeting Talck's eyes, "she had a very nice time visiting Electra's train."
Talck paused for a minute, as Imbrri sat up, looking at them. Talck nodded, "That's good, and you behaved yourself?" He said slowly, trying not to show how worried they'd all been.
Rossi nodded, half asleep on Rusty's shoulder.
Rusty shifted her, "did you want to go by Talck now?"
Rossi nodded, shifting and holding her arms out to Talck, who took her gently, then handed her to Imbrri.
Talck looked at Rusty, "Um.. " He looked like he wanted to ask Rusty something, but not in front of Rossi.
"Good night Rossi," Rusty said to the little caboose.
Rossi waved as she was almost asleep in Imbrri's arms.

Rusty left the room.
Talck followed, closing the door softly, "How'd you get her back?" He asked softly
"Krupp brought her home."
"He's here?"
"No, he left."
"Oh...." he said, "Wish I could have thanked him, thanks for bringing her in anyway,"
"Yeah," Rusty said.
"you look tired,"
"Yeah, I'm off to bed now."
Talck nodded, "thanks again," he said, going back in the room where Rossi and Imbrri had fallen asleep on his bed. He smiled and climbed in beside them.