Chapter #2: Another day working

On Earth at the Island of Sodor of Europe of UK

The day was June 25, 2009

Jaune awake after the alarm clock, he stretched his arms, bones, popping and cracking. Stretching them ready for another day of work on the railroad. 

As Jaune Arc was getting one of your first daily routine went to the bathroom of his apartment. Luckily it was clean and tidy brushing his teeth and also rinsing his mouth while also washing his face with soap. 

Jaune: (to himself) another day at working on the island of Sodor...

Jaune Arc finished using the restroom with the kitchen, making his own breakfast. Sunny set up well. Also pouring a glass of orange juice. 

Jaune: (sipping on the glass of juice) I wonder when exactly assignment will be on the railroad...?

After finishing his breakfast, Jaune glanced at the clock on the wall. It was time to get moving. He cleaned up his dishes, an almost automatic act by now, and then grabbed his small backpack. It contained his favorite book about steam engines, a notebook for jotting down ideas or sketches, and a small snack for later.

Jaune: (grinning) Alright, let's see what adventures await today!

Stepping outside, Jaune inhaled the fresh morning air, filled with the scents of grass and blooming flowers. The sun shone brightly over Sodor, casting a warm glow over the island. As he walked toward the railway yard, he couldn't shake the excitement that bubbled within him. Each day was a chance to learn something new, to help others, and to prove that he could be a hero too.

As he approached the yard, he could see Wilbert, the blue Bagnall 0-4-0ST, resting on the tracks, his boiler gently steaming. The little engine looked cheerful as Jaune approached, his blue paint glistening under the sunlight.

Wilbert: (enthusiastically) Morning, Jaune! Ready for another day of work?

Jaune: (beaming) Absolutely! What do we have lined up today?

Justin, the blue car approached the yard out came Sir topham hatt approaching the two ready to give them the assignment for today.

Sir topham hatt: Mr. Arc, it's certainly seems you're finally already for your assignment..

Jaune: (to Sir topham hatt) It's good to see you today, Sir topham hatt.. What is our assignments for today..

Sir topham hatt: Right, your first assignment is going to the docs to get a crate of fish to be delivered to nearby towns, the second assignment is to get cold at Ffarquar station And the final assignment is to deliver scrap to the scrap yard. 

When Sir topham hatt said the final words going to the scrap yard It's made Wilbert uneasy almost made him shake a little bit sheepishly. 

Jaune: (to Sir topham hatt) Well thank you so much for giving us the assignment.

Sir topham hatt: could always be really useful on the railway!!

As Sir topham hatt getting inside of his car and driving off.

Jaune: Okay Wilbert let's get ready..

Wilbert: Yeah sure. as much as we can actually complete our jobs instead of going to that scrap yard..

Jaune: I'm guessing steam engines like you are not fond with the scrap yard..

Wilbert: you have no idea.... it's like more like a terrifying place...

Jaune: (curious) Really? What makes it so scary?

Wilbert: (hesitating) Well, it's not just the sight of old, broken engines lying around. It's the stories, Jaune. They say that some engines never leave the scrap yard. They just... fade away, forgotten.

Jaune: (thoughtful) That does sound a bit creepy. But I'm sure we'll be fine! We'll get the job done and be on our way before anything spooky can happen!

Wilbert: (cheering up) You're right! With you at my side, I feel like we can take on anything!

Jaune: (grinning) Let's start with the fish! We need to make sure those deliveries get to the towns on time.

Wilbert: (chuffing enthusiastically) Right! Let's go, Jaune!

With a determined nod, Jaune pulled the throttle, and Wilbert chugged forward, steam billowing behind him as they made their way to the docks. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks accompanied their journey, and Jaune couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the day ahead.

As they approached the docks, Jaune spotted the bustling activity of workers unloading crates from ships. The smell of saltwater mixed with the scent of fresh fish filled the air. Jaune could see the crate that they needed to pick up, stacked high with ice and brimming with fish.

Jaune: (waving) Hello! We're here to pick up the crate of fish!

Dockworker: (nodding) Ah, you must be Jaune and Wilbert! The crate is ready for you. Just be careful—those fish are slippery!

Jaune: (grinning) Don't worry, we can handle it!

With the help of the dockworkers, Jaune and Wilbert carefully loaded the crate onto the flatbed. The men gave them a few friendly tips on securing the load properly, and with one last wave, Jaune climbed back into the cab.

Jaune: (excitedly) We did it, Wilbert! Now, where to next?

Wilbert: (puffing proudly) Next stop, Ffarquhar Station! Let's get that coal!

As they set off, Jaune felt a sense of pride swell in his chest. He was finally doing the work he had always dreamed of—helping on the rails, just like the heroes he admired. Each chuff of Wilbert reminded him that he was a part of something bigger and that, with every delivery, he was proving himself worthy.

The ride to Ffarquhar was filled with laughter and stories, as Jaune and Wilbert discussed everything from their favorite places on Sodor to the other engines they admired. Jaune was particularly fond of Thomas, the cheerful little tank engine, and he shared stories of their previous encounters.

When they arrived at Ffarquhar Station, the sun was shining brightly, and the station was alive with activity. Workers hustled about, and the sound of trains whistling filled the air.

Jaune: (pointing) There's the coal pile! Let's go get it!

Wilbert: (chuffing eagerly) Right behind you, Jaune!

As they approached the coal pile, Jaune noticed a few familiar faces among the workers. They came across two tender Scottish tank engine twins named Donald and Douglas having black paint job.

Donald: (waving) Well, if it isn't Jaune and Wilbert! What brings you two to Ffarquhar?

Douglas: Aye, ye here for coal, I take it? 

Jaune: (smiling) Yep! We're on a mission today—gotta deliver fish to the towns and then pick up coal for the next leg of our journey. 

Wilbert: (puffing proudly) And then we have to head to the scrap yard. 

Donald: (raising an eyebrow) The scrap yard, eh? That place can be a bit unsettling, if ye ask me. 

Douglas: Aye, best not to linger there too long. You never know what you might find. 

Jaune: (reassuringly) We'll be okay! We just need to get in, drop off the scrap, and get out. 

Donald: (grinning) That's the spirit, lad! Just be careful. 

Douglas: (nodding) Aye, and make sure Wilbert here knows he's a valuable engine. 

Wilbert: (blushing slightly) Thanks, lads. I appreciate that! 

Jaune: (laughing) Of course! Wilbert is the best engine I could ask for. 

As they finished loading the coal into Wilbert's tender, Jaune felt a surge of confidence. With the coal secured, they waved goodbye to Donald and Douglas, who wished them luck on their journey. The two of them hopped back onto the cab, and Jaune took a moment to appreciate the bustling station around them.

Jaune: (enthusiastically) Okay, Wilbert! Let's head back to the yard and get ready for the scrap delivery!

Wilbert: (chuffing) Right! I'll do my best to be quick about it.

With that, Jaune pulled the throttle, and Wilbert chugged out of Ffarquhar Station, the coal clattering in the tender as they picked up speed. The scenery passed by in a blur of green fields and distant hills, and Jaune couldn't help but feel exhilarated by the adventure.

Jaune: (looking ahead) Okay, the final assignment is to us shunt in some cars filled with scrap to go to the scrap yard. 

Wilbert: (sheepishly) Oh man do we really have to...

Jaune: Come on. We have a job to do...

Wilbert: (sheepishly) Okay then...

Jaune: Come on Wilbert I also have your back..

Topaz: don't forget about me boys!!

Jaune: I forgot about you topaz...

Topaz: (playfully) Well, how could you forget? I'm always here to make sure you both have a little fun along the way!

Jaune: (chuckling) True! You help keep things interesting. 

Wilbert: (smiling) Alright then, let's get this job done together. 

As they continued to chug along the tracks, Jaune felt a renewed sense of determination. Topaz, a lively blue car, had always been a source of encouragement for them, and his presence added a lively spark to their adventures.

Jaune: (thinking aloud) So, after we drop off the scrap, what do you guys think we should do? Maybe we can head to the seaside for a picnic?

Topaz: (excitedly) That sounds amazing! I love the beach!

Wilbert: (chuffing in agreement) A picnic by the seaside would be a perfect reward after a hard day's work! 

As they made their way to the yard, Jaune couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Wilbert and Topaz. They were a team, and together they could face any challenge that lay ahead. 

When they arrived back at the yard, Jaune spotted the line of scrap cars waiting for them. His heart raced at the sight of the rusty metal and old pieces of machinery such as Rusty remains tank engines, diesel engines, and other kinds of machineries.

Jaune: (taking a deep breath) Here we go... Let's just delivered carts filled with scrap..

Wilbert: (extremely nervous) Oh I don't really like it.. always a worse nightmare for steam engines and diesels...

Jaune: Don't worry Wilbert we have your back. You have our... we have yours..

They saw a 0-6-0T Austerity Saddle Tank with Reddish-orange with yellow stripes pushing some carts of scrapped into the smelter's yard, among side two 0-6-0 BR Class 08 Diesel class with Green and yellow with yellow hazard stripes known as Arry and Bert.

Jaune inside of the cab of Wilbert noticed the two Diesel twin that had a bit of a luck of sheepish and nervousness and we're kind of afraid of going into the scrap yard. 

Jaune could sense the tension in the air as they approached the scrap yard, a place that loomed ominously at the edge of the railway yard. The sight of rusted metal and broken engines made Wilbert shudder slightly beneath him. The diesel twins, Arry and Bert, were busy moving scrap but paused to glance at the newcomers.

Arry: (snickering) Well, well, look who's come to play in the scrap yard. You sure about this, steamie?

Bert: (grinning maliciously) Yeah, you might not come back out! 

Wilbert: (whispering to Jaune) Do they always have to be so... intimidating?

Jaune: (determined) Just ignore them, Wilbert. We have a job to do. 

As they entered the yard, the clanking of metal against metal echoed ominously, and the shadows cast by towering piles of scrap created a foreboding atmosphere. The sight of dismembered engines and discarded parts gave Jaune pause, but he steeled himself, remembering his goal.

Jaune: (to Wilbert) We're just here to deliver some scrap cars. We'll be in and out before you know it.

Wilbert: (nervously) Right, right... In and out. Just like a good hero would do.

Jaune took a deep breath and guided Wilbert toward the designated unloading area. The yard was filled with workers, both human and mechanical, who were busy sorting through the scrap for anything salvageable. They waved at Jaune and Wilbert as they approached, recognizing them as reliable workers on the island.

Worker: (cheerfully) Hey, Jaune! Wilbert! Glad to see you here! We were just about to run low on scrap supplies!

Jaune: (smiling) We've got a load for you! Just a couple of cars to drop off!

As they reached the unloading spot, Jaune hopped down from the cab and began to unhook the scrap cars from Wilbert's tender. The sight of the rusty metal glinting in the sunlight reminded him of the stories he had heard about the scrap yard—how some engines never left, fading into memory.

Wilbert: (anxiously) Jaune, do you think we'll really be okay here?

Jaune: (reassuringly) Of course! We're just here to do our job. Besides, you're with me. Together we can face anything!

He quickly unlatched the cars and And he noticed purple engine somewhere at the siding. Do he doesn't know who exactly that engine was, He didn't expect anyone else to be in the scrap yard. He blinked again only for it to be gone. Probably a trick of the mind.

Jaune continued to unload the scrap cars, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off in the scrap yard. The shadows seemed to dance and move on their own, and there was an eerie silence that hung in the air, broken only by the occasional clang of metal or the distant thud of machinery. 

Jaune: (trying to focus) Just keep your mind on the job, Jaune. In and out, remember?

Wilbert: (nervously) Right... in and out. But what if the stories are true? What if there really are engines that never leave?

Jaune: (encouragingly) They're just stories, Wilbert. We just have to do our job and then we can leave. 

As Jaune finished unhooking the last of the scrap cars, he suddenly heard a soft whistle in the distance, almost like a haunting melody. He turned to look but saw nothing out of the ordinary. 

Jaune: (frowning) Did you hear that, Wilbert?

Wilbert: (ears perked) I did. It sounded... strange.

Just then, a gust of wind rushed through the yard, sending a shiver down Jaune's spine. He looked around, feeling as if he was being watched. The shadows cast by the piles of scrap seemed to stretch and twist, and for a brief moment, he thought he saw the outline of an engine—a purple engine—lurking in the shadows. 

Jaune: (whispering) Maybe it's just my imagination. 

Wilbert: (anxiously) Or maybe it's something more. 

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from behind a pile of scrap. Jaune jumped, turning to see what had caused the noise. A few workers were shouting, trying to stabilize a large pile of scrap that was teetering dangerously. 

Worker: (frantically) Okay we are even leave this place. I feel already bad enough as it is what all this crap nearby...

Jaune: (concerned) We need to help them, Wilbert! They might need our strength!

Wilbert: (hesitant) Are you sure? It looks pretty dangerous over there...

Jaune: (determined) We can't just stand by! If we don't help, someone could get hurt. 

With a deep breath, Jaune urged Wilbert forward. The little engine chugged apprehensively toward the workers, steam hissing as he tried to muster his courage. The sight of the wobbling scrap made Jaune's heart race, but he knew they had to act quickly.

Jaune: (calling out) Everyone, step back! We'll try to stabilize it!

The workers stepped aside, giving Jaune and Wilbert room to maneuver. Jaune climbed up into the cab, his heart pounding with adrenaline. 

Jaune: (to Wilbert) Let's move carefully. We need to push against that pile to keep it steady.

Wilbert: (taking a deep breath) Alright, Jaune. Let's do this!

As they approached the precarious pile, Jaune felt the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. He could hear the whispers of the scrap yard around him—the stories of engines that had come before, the echoes of those who had lost their way. He shook off the feeling, focusing on the task at hand.

Jaune: (focused) Here we go, Wilbert. On three. One... two... three!

With a determined puff, Wilbert pushed against the pile of scrap. The metal groaned and shifted, but they managed to hold it steady. The workers quickly moved in, grabbing ropes and chains to secure the pile while Jaune and Wilbert held it in place.

Worker: (shouting) Keep pushing! We're almost there!

Jaune could feel Wilbert straining beneath him, but the engine didn't give up. Together, they pushed against the metal, their determination unwavering. Jaune could see the relief on the workers' faces as they secured the last of the pile.

Jaune: (encouragingly) Just a little longer, Wilbert! We can do this!

Wilbert: (panting) I'm giving it all I've got!

Finally, the workers finished securing the pile, and Jaune felt a wave of relief wash over him. 

Worker: (cheering) We did it! Thank you, Jaune and Wilbert! You saved us!

Jaune: (smiling) We're just glad we could help!

As they pulled away from the pile, Wilbert let out a relieved puff of steam, his boiler easing. 

Wilbert: (grinning) I can't believe we actually did that! I was so scared!

Jaune: (laughing) You were amazing, Wilbert! We make a great team!

However, as they turned to head back to the unloading area, Jaune couldn't shake the feeling that something was still off in the yard. The shadows seemed to flicker, and he thought he caught a glimpse of that purple engine again, lurking just out of sight.

Jaune: (whispering) Did you see that, Wilbert? I thought I saw something...

Wilbert: (nervously) I did too. It's probably just the scrap yard playing tricks on us.

Jaune: (determined) We can't let our imaginations get the best of us. Let's finish up our delivery and get out of here!

They made their way back to the unloading area, where the workers greeted them with smiles and pats on the side. Jaune felt a swell of pride in his chest. They had helped, and that was what mattered. 

Jaune: (to the workers) We have one last load to drop off! Then we'll be on our way!

Worker: (nodding) You boys did great today! Just be careful in that scrap yard. It can be a spooky place.

Jaune: (smiling) We will! Thank you for your support!

As they unloaded the last of the scrap cars, Jaune felt a surge of accomplishment. They had faced their fears and helped others in the process. But that strange feeling lingered, and he couldn't shake the sensation that they were being watched.

Wilbert: (nervously) Can we wrap this up? I really don't like it here...

Jaune: (sensing Wilbert's unease) Just a little longer, buddy. We're almost done.

As the last of the scrap was unloaded, Jaune thought he heard that soft whistle again. This time, it was closer, almost inviting. He glanced around, searching for the source.

Jaune: (whispering) Did you hear that? 

Wilbert: (shivering slightly) I did. It's creeping me out...

Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled slightly, and a low rumble echoed through the scrap yard. Jaune felt a chill run down his spine, and he turned to Wilbert, who looked wide-eyed and terrified.

Jaune: (whispering) Let's get out of here, Wilbert. Now!

They quickly climbed back into Wilbert's cab, and Jaune pulled the throttle. The little engine sprang to life, chugging away from the unloading area as fast as he could. As they left the scrap yard behind, Jaune risked a glance over his shoulder.

For a split second, he could have sworn he saw a faint purple outline in the shadows, watching them depart. But as soon as he blinked, it was gone.

Jaune: (breathing heavily) What was that? Did you see it, Wilbert?

Wilbert: (nervous) I didn't want to look back! I just wanted to get out of there!

Jaune: (determined) We'll figure it out later. Right now, let's focus on getting back to the yard safely.

As they chugged down the tracks, the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the island of Sodor. Jaune couldn't shake the feeling of unease, but he also felt exhilarated. They had faced their fears, helped others, and completed their tasks for the day.

Jaune: (smiling) We did it, Wilbert! We made it through the scrap yard!

Wilbert: (relieved) Yeah, and we're still in one piece!

Jaune: (grinning) Just think of all the stories we'll have to share!

As they made their way back to the yard, Jaune couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Maybe he was becoming the hero he had always wanted to be, one adventure at a time. And while the shadows of the scrap yard haunted him, he knew that with Wilbert by his side, he could face anything that came their way.