Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There was a brief moment when the old engine blinks once, twice before a gentle sigh.
How long had she been waiting on the side as she breathed in shakily. How many years has it been...

The old manager watched quietly before he gently knocked the rusted edges of the engine.
"Still in there, Old Lady?" He mused as the Engine glanced down.

"Still alright... still here... I've not left yet. I'm still surprised you haven't released me to the Doncaster workshop to fall with our former home."

"...Couldn't do that to you old girl, not when you should of had a chance to walk, and run... and finally run free. Yet when you did... they never treated you right."

The old engine wheezed softly. Her frame rattled as another young engine rushed past the nearby track. It was fascinating to see the young ones run past where her own children ran. Up and down the line towards the Scottish front. Link... Quick... King and Fox... And then her younger little ones... Oh how she adored them all, proud of their stance to the world...

Only 6 now... out of them all... She sighed, frame sagging. Maybe she would see the kids again who would visit the scrapyard. They often told her about their studies and all the engines they saw on their walks. Maybe she would reminisce about when...

The manager hummed gently, catching her attention once more.
"Do you want a wash to help you...? It has been a bit colder"

"No, thank you." She spoke quick, "The others deserve this... let this old lady spend her time in solitude..." She commented in response. She may be older... but she was still a Gresley, a prototype but still a proud engine and there were far too many other engines and units that required more care. The manager nods before looking away and returning to his duties.
It was often he would visited the engine of what was formerly Hush Hush... Once meant to be scrapped after her refurbishment... yet somehow... she remained. She was still here when her children gathered to meet their end... how Link watched his siblings disappear before he too vanished from her sight.

Of course, the manager would inform her of local news. About her nephew, The Flying Scotsman and her newest niece; Tornado... Of anything steam,. How old Talyllyn would still be steaming and be a head of steam restoration and hertitage... Old Furness 20 who kept moving along... All the new engines showing up... especially that Prince of Wales P2 engine... one day he would wake up and enter the everchanging world.

But... if she could have a wish? A selfish one, she would add... but a little wish before she would meet her maker?

She would love to see her children once more... To run along them one last time...
But that would be wishful thinking.

She paused when she heard the chatter and the footsteps of younger generations approaching.

"Auntie! Auntie!" They called out. She only greeted with them a smile.

"Can we have a story?" Their faces were warm, full of life in this yard as they grouped around the old engine, seeking stories from a time long passed in their time. She hummed to herself, as if thinking.

"Oh I don't know... have you all done your homework?" She laughed at the chorus of complaints as they took out their books and pencils. Gathering around the yard's sight as the old manager kept watch over the kids.

"Well I guess to help pass the time... I could indulge... After all... I never finished that story of when Link was still on his training wheels..."
As she began her story to the sounds of pencil scribbles... it only reminder her of her creator's pencil as he sketched what would be the A4s... How she knew of that lone unpainted engine A1 sibling who would only be able to watch the stars when allowed...
She knew he had been shipped off somewhere... though she hoped he continued to press on... At least... one of the prototypes should... But... Old things like them... wouldn't get to see too much... See the end of the fruits of labour they helped set in motion... She looks down to the curious eyes watching her before only smiling. Only time would tell.

Chapter Text

It was a quiet moment in the station as Spencer awaited the Duke and Duchess to return to his carriage.
They had stopped off to gather a parcel the Duke had delivered to York while Spencer had met up with his younger brother... Mallard.
It had... been more painful than normal. Mallard had been in a foul mood over being woken up for several nights in a row, even when Ms Hamilton had explained...They both had been snappy with one another which made Spencer more glad that he could depart and head back towards Sodor to recover.

So far it had been some of the Azuma engines, chatting amongst themselves in the distance, in which he closed his eyes to rest. He could feel a crowd of train enthusiasts snapping photos, well let them be. He just needed a moment before they continued on to Sodor.

...It was only when that... Azuma... the Poppy one... 'Thank you'? Or again Poppy as they didn't mind being called was talking to some younger children who had jumped off and were discussing their recent adventures. He knew the younger engine loved chatting to kids, though hopefully they kept the noise down.

"I see you saw Auntie again! Did she tell you to do your homework?" Poppy smiled as the children nodded, though one seemed... a bit off.

"Yeah... She looks a little sadder but..."

"I would visit if I could..." Poppy frowns.

"Maybe you can stop past her!" Another commented as Spencer huffed softly, one eye stubbornly opening to glare at them. One of the kids looked over towards the A4 engine as if doing a double take.

"Oh! She looks like that!" The kid beamed, pointing. Poppy glanced over, musing to herself.

"She sure does!" The Azuma remarked, "I think she was a different model before but then went into that form to help with her issues!" She commented. Flanders down the other end, honked her.

"Pops...!" But it was too late.

Spencer stared at the kids. Another A4? She...? The only ones he knew were. Dwight, Dominican, Who... The only one he could think off...
Was...
His mind ran through each A4... each number he took to heart. He was taught that way, remember each one for one day they would go on rails they could not follow. So who was converted... Unless... It...

"You! Child!" He called out deseperately. The children blinked at the A4, a little startled at being pointed out.

"Are you okay, Mr Spencer?" Poppy blinked, unknowingly starting a chain of events... Flanders only sighed from the back.
"Let me handle this Pops... To answer the obvious question. Yes there's a A4 in this yard near Doncaster... Just the front half... I know her tenders were taken by your siblings..." He explained to the A4 who remained glued to the Azuma.

But Spencer had stopped listening after he heard tender taken. His mind race as he felt his fire shake and fracture. He... Was it?
But she was... Gone 1st June, scrapped later... He remembered, he knew. He cried to Sir Nigel... This couldn't be right. Something was wrong.
There would be records- Of her passing!
His thoughts clouded his vision, his mind race at the sight of the one he could call his mother figure-
W1..., 60700....

"...Ncer..."

But... how? And what cruel fate landed her in some junkyard- How long? How long was she since rotting... But...

"Spencer-"

Is it real? Was there a chance? Did the others know?

"Tell me, D-Did you see-" He pleaded, desperately.

"Spencer!"

And with that, his eyes focused, only realising the amount of steam surrounding himself, the station, the poor Azuma's on the other side shielding the children... and... the Duchess, kneeling behind him, rubbing his footplate.
The Duke was startled at the engine's reaction. He wondered if there was something their Spencer hadn't told them about. But the two were patient. As they had been after they took him in, when he had previously another life now Spencer in this one.

"Are you... alright, Silver Link?" The Duchess queried, hand brushing him.

He swallowed down the tight feeling and takes a moment to gather himself.
"I-..."

"Spencer... What happened...?"

Spencer didn't... even really know... But he knew for one thing... He would blaze through the twilight, get to Sodor as fast as his wheels would allow... and summon council with his siblings.
He needed to tell them- for someone to confirm!

...Was his mother still alive?

Chapter Text

Once upon a time...

There was a kind mother and her 4 children.

The First who was too thoughtful about his younger kin. The Second who was quiet, but ensured everything ran to time. The Third, prideful yet, always had a cunning plan and the Fourth, the younger one who followed her big brothers to their adventures.

One day, the Mother announced to her children for the first time, they would be adventuring out to the big city! Taking over from their cousin who needed a rest and had been relegated to other duties for the time being.

The children were nervous, after all; they would be taking over their famous cousin... who only beat a world record last year.
But their mother was gentle and kind; despite her age and issues, she would be allowed to show them down towards the big city up north.
So they ensured they were prepared, fuelled up before following their mother's example. The First and Fourth was excited to go along the Stoke Bank, the Third rolling his eyes at the Fourth's childish nature, though quieted down when the First glanced at them. Their mother only smiled warmly, stating that maybe they would beat their cousin in speed one day.

They travelled down first, towards Stevenage before arriving at London. The City was surely different to what they knew of Doncaster, yet their mother reminded them that this was only the starting point. Once they had been checked, they were to travel along the East Coast Main Line.

The next day was a sight to be hold of the 5, being waved off on their journey by those who had heard of the news.

They soon found themselves at the decline of the Stoke Bank, the Mother's children making the descent with ease as they continued along, though slowed down to await their Mother as she trotted along.
"Take note of the environment... soon you'll be going too far to recognise your landmasses."

The Second hummed in thought as the Fourth continued to ask questions. The First kept close to his Mother.

Soon they made it back home to Doncaster before continuing on. Before passing the birth place of the railway, continuing on past Newcastle before they reached the great north.
Passing along the coast line, they slowly learned the route, the Mother smiling as her ducklings soon began to take their stride. Soon they arrived in Edinburgh Waverley to great fanfare. The Mother watched as her children basked in the spotlight, opting to stay behind due to the rumours she would never tell them... not yet.

Let them have their new beginnings.

Oh this had been a great Jubilee, she thought.
A wonderful day out with the first of her children... and maybe... she would be able to enjoy more with the next ones in line.

Chapter Text

What was Heritage?

That was a word that Sir Nigel often thought of...
It meant many things to a old engine like him;
-Old Fashioned
-Traditional
-Something of value to be preserved for the nation
-An inheritance of something/someone
-A Legacy

It was something he often thought of these days, seeing as he was 'unofficially' the Legacy of the man himself, named after the creator and held in high enough regards to be saved from the cutter's torch when both of his close siblings fell before the others joined them until only 6... or the secret 7th were remaining.
Considering how most of his siblings had been named after birds of sorts... He ended up with the name of Shoebill of all creatures, which he laughed off.
He did love the bird after his crew explained.

He was the head of the Gresley engines; the one who took the name, the mantle and legacy of their creator and his namesake.
(Granted, Gordon was the official head but he was on Sodor enjoying his time; Sir Nigel could handle it; considering he has his cousin every so often reporting in, plus the public didn't need to know).

Now approaching 88 years of travelling the lines... He was certainly something of an antique.
Not that he minded, when he regaled tales of his adventures and experiences to the new builds, the new steam...
He enjoyed the look that young Tornado gave when he spoke of the time he assisted the two diesel engines when they broke down as he passed on his own rail tour, with Betton Grange and Lady of Legend, even with Beachy Head as he told them further stories of his time on the rails.

But when it came to heritage... along came the doubt, the pointed stares.
Money sinks... why is that rust bucket getting more money...
He would answer in earnest; They were preserved for reasons and would continue running until their axels gave out.
To inspire the next generations of crews, builders and new steam to continue the torch, to save engines who weren't ready to give up...

Which was why on a quiet twilight as his crew were packing up for the night when he received a call from Spencer's driver.
Naturally... he was curious.
Spencer NEVER called unless it was to brag, but when he was met with silence...

"I... I need to call everyone together- Or to check something... Please..."

He sensed the shakiness in Spencer's voice... something he hadn't heard in a long time, not since visiting him before he was saved, when he was awaiting his execution date; pleading with Sir Nigel to keep the family close if he was to go.

"....Link? Is everything okay?" Sir Nigel whispered, voice hushed as his crew were on standby. Only he was aware that the 7th A4 was still around, other than the Sudrians but- Link never did have a good relationship with some of the others... Especially Union.

"...Please... they'll listen to you... they don't even..."

"I need everyone at Sodor if they can... I need to call a meeting-"

"Calm down... What's on your mind, this isn't like you."

"Our heritage. Who we were... and come from."

This caught the A4's attention.

"...Link, do not joke with me, I never thought you would be speaking so lowly of-...?"

"....Our mother may still be alive."

This caught in his boiler. Their mother, W1- Hush Hush. She was....

"...The Azuma! They said there was a old engine in some scrapyard- I know you're closest by being in Crewe, please- I need you to check! And if it's true... We need to get everyone!" Spencer's voice quaked through the phone. Still getting used to this thing after a quick explanation from Gordon and Scot about this... time thing... He was still wrapping his firebox around it.

"...I will go investigate before I summon council... You wish to meet on Sodor? You know some cannot make it-"

"Yes I am aware! We have something set up for them!"

"....Very well."
After the call ended, Sir Nigel sat there briefly before sinking on his wheels.
Oh Link... what did you hear?
And to stir up the past...

His crew looked to him, and as the one who inherited;

Sir Nigel would investigate this matter.... thoroughly.

Chapter Text

It was your fault.

You left them. You knew the reaper would soon approach.

They summoned you - Silver Link, Walter K.Whigham, Andrew K.McCosh, Golden Fleece and Little Seagull to the gallows.
Yet, they put you to the side and you watched them get broken up.
Seagull pleaded as you sat in that siding.
Golden Fleece accepted her fate, Walter and Andrew were gone together.

And yet you were here.
More and More Siblings approached, Quicksilver, Silver Fox, your closest siblings... Gone. Just like your mother who was taken in 1959 early, Union took her tender.

Thankfully Union was saved along with some of your other siblings. Sir Nigel, Dominion, Dwight, Mallard (of course he'd be protected) and Bittern.

Yet, you were still here.
You were the first to be, and you should have been the first to go.
As you sat for the next several years watching your siblings vanish from the English soil... you noticed the sad looks from the crew who were the executioners.

And yet.
One day, the clouds cleared as someone walked over. A young couple stands before you and your former granditure.
"They'd like to buy you." The scrapman says with almost a knowing look.

And this is how you were here.
Here now.
Not as Silver Link - The failure of a engine who couldn't keep his siblings safe.
Not as the 1st of the A4s.
Not the eldest of the family who have since moved on to better things.
Not as Silver Link no more.

You are Spencer.
And you won't be a failure no more.
Never again.

Chapter Text

It had been a while since Dorothy had woken up officially on the boat.

Off to a foreign land when she was only known as 125.
To where a large green engine ended up being her shedmate as he awaited the next destination of his tour. He brought you along with your companion, a grumpy passenger breakvan who was resolved in his end.
After the battle of getting him home, he dragged her with him, keeping Dorothy company.

It had been several years since Scotsman had escaped the United States, and she was ever thankful to his kindness that she returned to her former soil. She had her new family, a wonderful crew and ended up reunited with lost siblings.

And yet now, she finds herself in light steam next to Spencer who was... quiet.
He hadn't once boasted about his usual journey to Sodor. He almost seemed... scared.
Which was foreign to the proud A4 engine.

She was privvy to his secret of course; being his shed buddy on the changes of their owners spending time together.

"Are... you alright Spencer?" She asked quietly, Toto having fallen asleep next to his engine.

Spencer almost jumped from his frames.
"Ah Uh... I'm... just waiting for some news..." He commented back, eyes having glanced down.

"In regards to someone close?" Dorothy queries gently, his eyes and silence responding.

"Is it one of your siblings still...?"

"Oh heavens no- Only Sir Nigel and a select few know... This... is to do with a old engine... the one who gave birth to our class... and the P2s of course." Spencer responded, looking back at her. He can only see worry in her eyes.
He didn't deserve it.

"Ah, was that Project HushHush?"

"...Yes... She was... my mother and I may received news that she is... rotting in Doncaster all this time!" Spencer released steam and sighed.
"....How did you do it? How did you... keep going despite never knowing about your siblings until your return to English soil?"

Dorothy thought for a moment.
That was a whole other thing. Having found out; she had 4 siblings who were gone and 3 who were still around to her knowledge.

"...I am not sure, I didn't know any of them. Nor did i know as all I knew of them was... the anger, the hurt and the pain. They scared me back into being dormant..." She explained carefully. "But... when myself and Scotsman returned; Edward was there with Gordon to welcome us... and... I guess it filled a small spot in my firebox. Something that was missing despite know there was... 8 of us all together... and I found one almost immediately."

"I wanted to know everything and thankfully Edward was patient with me. But... I guess... what's I'm trying to get at is; you can hope and believe. There's no harm in that, Spencer. If there was news of your mother still being around... Then that's something to hope for; to be reunited."

Spencer pondered the answer. It didn't help him at all, he wanted to run off and find her himself but; he had his duties. Which was why Sir Nigel had asked one of the local engines who would run along the East Coast Main Line to explore for them.

"I'm just... waiting."

"And I'm happy to wait with you until you get the news. I don't think the Sharps will be leaving the Duke and Duchess for the time being."

Spencer snorted a little. Little Dorothy did remind him of his former younger sister, Silver Fox. Very young minded and open to anything. Maybe its why he did tolerate her...
He just. wasn't sure how to take this news properly. and considering he had responses from all his siblings. He just hoped he hadn't called them so suddenly without proof.

Chapter Text

Flying Scotsman knew his worth.
Despite everything that everyone else around him said. He knew he was special, yet he was also a disappointment compared to others like his cousin and those who should have received care before him. Yet his value was more to the British public.

Truro always said it was never his fault.

Pendennis snorted and said it was all to challenge her better.

Dorothy only smiled and said he was worth every penny for being her friend.

Yet the Flying Scotsman, Scot... He knew his value.

How he took from those who needed.
He took from his baby sister who he had trained himself in their eldest brother's image of a good engine. He carried her boiler on his frame with guilt.
His overhaul that ended in disaster, not to him, but everyone still pointed the finger at him.
Trying to instil his brother's values of how a engine should behave, to help another- even if his driver kept him running during the Great Race.
He almost ended up costing Sir Nigel his left eye due to his smoke deflector falling off when...
Even so; he didn't stop.
And then he left, having long agreed to go to America. He left Gordon's situation without knowing the truth or knowledge his eldest brother still lived.

He valued his privacy, which is why he never mentioned anything to Gordon on his return.

Truro and Dorothy had knocked some sense into him afterwards and they were at least amicable. Which is why when he saw Spencer dashing through the station without even a whistle or tease, he sought out Gordon.

He who was waiting at Tidmouth Sheds as his fireman ended the video call. His eyes glanced up and caught Scot's mixed ones.

"That was Sir Nigel... We expect a visit from him over... some very serious news." Gordon explained before commenting on what he had learned from his second in command of the Gresley name.

"That would explain why Spencer didn't even tease me!" Scot hummed as he released steam, Kenneth sitting on his footplate.

"Family is important." Kenneth added, looking to Scot who sulked slightly.
"I know! You don't need to remind me." He sighs softly. "I know better to talk, or I'd never hear the end of it from Truro or Dorothy next time..."

"Speaking off, Miss Dorothy will be bunking with Spencer at the Duke and Duchess' summer house. And I suspect there's room for you too if you end up needing a space to rest."

"We'd ask first but... I do wonder where all your cousins are going to end up..." Hudson thinks briefly. "If they're coming here as much as they can."
"There's at least Mallard, Sir Nigel and Bittern from what I know..." Gordon hums softly; "The others will be joining through video call. How strange that we can connect to our cousins through technology."

"It is strange... considering how we got here in the end... How... curious." Scot hums.

The two pondered for a moment, before looking to one another.
Well... whatever happened... they would help their cousins, with whatever they need.
After all, family sticks together.