Dusk-Stargazer
@dusk-stargazer.bsky.social
175 followers 24 following 441 posts
Caden, Dusk, Stargazer | 24 | He/Him, They/Them - either works | enjoys funny talking train show | Gregg rulz ok | 2D and 3D (on occasion) sprite artist | Infrequent storywriter
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Nia and Kessie sat outside their shed. The two initially discussed the latter's choice in paint - namely off-white with predominately crimson accents. The discussion suddenly shifted to their sister, Talia, who had been transferred elsewhere a few months prior.
Kessie expressed their discomfort with the arrangement and concern towards the wellbeing of their sister. Kia comforted Kessie, reassuring them that their manager would never allow any of them to be sent somewhere that would bring them harm - even with hard times setting in.
Before they went to sleep, Kessie made Nia promise that, if they ever got split up, that they would continue to be friends.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreighb3sxr7lhmt6bta4oasr7qwh4h5yitevje2fwjsuemj6uqmxlrm)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Toby's Tramway had closed. The little tram engine, his coach Henrietta, and luggage van Elsie, had no idea what would become of them.
The driver and stoker promised they'd find work nearby, so they wouldn't have to leave the area completely. This helped, but if even the last engine crew had been laid off, then it truly was official.
There really was nothing left.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreicfavnvjwjxtqj45feodiy6q75nybu2azlhpnccqqr4dkimywcicy)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Norman, Sidney, and Paxton stood within Vicarstown Sheds. They spent the night discussing their future on the North Western Railway, and their concerns that they may not be accepted given the riot within Crovan's Gate Works they unfortunately played no small part in.
They had been misinformed, but would the Sodor Engines accept that? And what would happen to them if they didn't?](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreicu33myczwviumf3augi5fjwx2cbhogk34zdzhoop6p6grmm5m7ou)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Michelle was eager to get up to speed on the main line - there she could focus on her work and not have Gordon looming over her. That changed very quickly when the big blue engine in question came storming up alongside her, seemingly intent on overtaking her.
The impromptu race took them all the way to Wellsworth. By that point, Gordon was completely wrong-roading, with only two tracks making up the stretch of the main line they were occupying. Either Gordon hadn't thought that far ahead, or he'd expected to overtake Michelle before this point. Whatever the case, Michelle continued to serve much more of a challenge than what he'd expected.
As the two soared by Wellsworth Yard, Emily appeared on the track ahead. She clamped down her brakes and tried to stop, but, in a moment of panic, Gordon took Michelle's moment of hesitation to try and overtake her.
Michelle, with no time to stop, smashed into Gordon's train. The last thing she remembered was hoping as her wheels left the rails that her coaches and passengers wouldn't be too badly injured in the wreck.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihkyuqsodesvgnuyflv5jks7hgv3aqbr23gv7ykhseim3h3jjxsja)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Gordon was livid when he heard that Michelle had been chosen to pull the new express. He, meanwhile, had been rostered on a goods train to Vicarstown. As he sulked, a very dangerous idea came to mind as to just how he would prove his capabilities against his rival Pacific once and for all...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihlu3rxa6usyjb3k7vdpn4hhd4bd522lk5jmptdlpalehob46cxny)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Lewielol, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
As Autumn settled, Michelle grew increasingly exasperated with Gordon's attitude and wished more than anything to not have to put up with him. One morning, she was summoned to Tidmouth Station to meet with Sir Topham Hatt. On the way, she overheard Gordon talking with one of the tank engines, and the name of her designer came up.
Simply put, what she did hear left her on edge.
Sir Topham Hatt met her at the station, and introduced her to the coaches that would make up "The Sudrian", the North Western's new boat train service. Michelle was given the task of running the inaugural journey, something that lifted her spirits a great deal.
Unfortunately, as she set off, she never noticed the other presence - namely the other big blue engine standing in the station, having overheard everything.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidkp4xgsfnskrw3qdmeejd7vgiemc54kw5bkwdldp2q3hlfs5cvbe)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
The days that followed were exhausting. Whenever Michelle and Gordon shared a yard, shed, or station, the latter made the exchange difficult. He cut in front of her at the water tower, taking the water for himself. He took the first express when they both knew Michelle was rostered on it, and dismissed her when she tried to argue. Once, he even shoved some trucks into her while she was stocking up on coal.
All in all, Michelle was growing fed up with Gordon's attitude, and wished more than anything that he'd buzz off and let her do her work in peace.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreifn2tildso3kqdyisrs4hwbrr4ul56nfecc6p6u3vb42opr7evgnm)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Henry backed into Vicarstown Shed, and confronted Michelle on cutting in front of him earlier that morning. Emily backed Michelle up in assuring the incident was isolated, and would not be repeated. Gordon broke into the conversation moments later, attempting to rag on Michelle as he had the night prior. Again, Emily assisted Michelle in standing up to the big blue engine.
Michelle added that if Gordon was going to speak negatively about her, that he should say his commentary to her directly. She also explained that she had not been carrying an express train, and as such, could not be held responsible for any harm brought to the coaches. Gordon wasn't going to dignify that with admitting he'd made the incident up, and the matter was subsequently shelved - at least for that evening.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreiafu54gmz753tpkhimtdamsweaq5emn43itqx3eesic3qmonsvbki)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Emily found Michelle in the yard and told her off something fierce. It didn't take long for Michelle to regret running so recklessly with the express. She admitted to Emily what Gordon and Saint had said the night before, and how it had frustrated her.
Emily vowed to try and return to the sheds sooner, and made Michelle promise she wouldn't do anything else quite so rash or dangerous going forward. The blue engine promised to do better, and they left it at that.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidmlw7iyzfntybafwcevse4t43nrt2is7sdvcxyatedlhxcp7cmay)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Lewielol, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
[Can't Catch Me ~ Brad Allen & Emily Ricks]
Michelle soared down the main line with the express. She took Clarus's words and ran with them - literally. She wasn't just pulling an express train. She was making a statement.
She rocketed through Wellsworth Yard, giving Edward quite a surprise.
She cleared Gordon's Hill and Maron Station beyond before she ran into trouble. The express hurtled past a red signal that its engine only noticed too late. Farther up the line, Henry was about to cross over their line with a goods train. Michelle decided in the heat of the moment that her only option was to try and outpace the smaller Pacific.
Henry, meanwhile, ground to a halt with inches to spare. To call him displeased would be putting it very mildly.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreigy2ardnyyq2mfi6jpv7s4zusqzmqjh4hkwobxblh3ozv35liirba)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Lewielol, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Michelle backed onto her first train out of Tidmouth. As she prepared to leave, she took notice of a small blue engine at the adjacent platform. The engine introduced herself as Clarus, and quickly noticed all was not well with the big engine.
Once she learned of the events of the night before, Clarus pushed Michelle to give Gordon something to be afraid of. She encouraged Michelle to capitalize on the advantage she apparently had, and to give both the other express engines a run for their money.
If Gordon wanted competition, he'd gotten it.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihndrljpwhj3rd5ed6og3y5jzvgml3pwebvzncpm5r5ngzmjjut44)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Michelle arrived at Vicarstown Sheds after her last trip with the express. She would quickly grow to wish she hadn't, as Gordon and 2984 had one go after another at her, insinuating that she'd been reckless with the express.
Every time the Northeastern engine tried to so much as get a word in, she'd get rudely interrupted - usually by Gordon. This went on for what felt like hours, but by the time another engine arrived, the two seemed to have suddenly stopped.
Emily noticed Michelle looking upset, and asked about it. Michelle blew her off, claiming to just be tired after the day's events. Really, she was seething to herself, and working on how she would get her own back.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreigs2ydlfvpgvta5admkfbmsuqmzvbwoiyeoh4e4irhdj63e2gc6fe)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Gordon had ruptured his safety valve outside Ballahoo Tunnel while pulling the express. He wasn't out of service long, and was soon back at work. He met 2984 in the yard, and quickly sought out his assistance.
The two big engines conspired together on how to rid the railway of their new Raven A2 colleague.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreibcpc5oqnb2oum5comu5aksgndkvexxjiohole4sbpoxa44iqw3wu)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Duke sat outside Crovan's Gate Sheds, resting before his next train. While he waited, he noticed Ivo Hugh - the new little engine - looking upset.
She told him about how the others - whether they knew it or not - constantly treated her like a kid. She was still young yet, but wanted to show them that she wasn't just a child.
Duke advised her to enjoy her young years, and not wish them away. He reminisced on how he hardly ever got the chance to do the things other young engines did. Everything had to be "just so" from day one. He admitted that every once in a while, he found himself feeling jealous of what the younger engines got away with - things he was always scrutinized over, and ensured that he never did.
He also quipped that Sir Handel might just be jealous himself that he no longer had the youth Ivo Hugh had - though he asked her not to bring that up if she saw him.
Ivo Hugh was left still miffed about being the "kid" of the group, but with a bit of a new perspective on the situation. Well, and an idea as to what she'd say to Sir Handel if he had another go at her age.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihkulk4gwqwzgidmk5wpzkwaqpgaffw7lpidf6i5mfulr7raqccvm)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Jock brought the first rake of empty ballast trucks to Arlesburgh Junction, where he met Sigrid of Arlesdale picking up the quarry workers. He offered to let her through first, even though she wasn't yet ready to leave. Despite her reluctance, she allowed the younger engine to wait for her.
The two chatted until Sigrid was ready to leave. She set off, more amused at Jock's insistence on letting her go first than anything else.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreig4ojipqyeqiy3epwc5okgtck4esaey3cj3osvtxttysb6fkhns4q)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Bloomer pulled into Toryreck Junction with a train bound for Knapford Harbour. While he waited, the local branch line service to Ffarquhar pulled in. Bloomer was surprised to see Paxton pulling it, as the green engine had said he was built as a shunter.
Paxton attempted to explain the gearing ratios that enabled him a higher speed at the cost of tractive effort, though between going over what he must've believed to be common knowledge and the way he worded things, Bloomer was only left feeling that much more lost.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidilwldxvdwxomxik72ln4ucji7k7q7rcvzqqdqcf323k7ek3pb3a)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
A few days after the now former number D4 of the North Western was returned home in disgrace, James was sent to the works, both to be cleaned up and - to his surprise - repainted.
James had been called to Tidmouth Sheds, which had him worried about what Gordon would have to say. He arrived to see one shed open, and Rebecca looking tense. Seeing the latter offered little comfort.
Sir Topham Hatt then addressed the newly painted red engine before further addressing them all, instating changes to nearly everyone's jobs. Emily would be assisting with express trains, BoCo, as well as Gordon and Murdoch, would be helping Bear and Rebecca with coal deliveries until they were caught up, and James - as the Plant Manager hadn't retracted his statement - would be helping with express and local passenger trains.
Life gradually returned to normal after that - barring Gordon and Murdoch having no shortage of indignation and frustration regarding their new job. Other engines whistled to greet James as he rushed by, which was another huge weight off his splashers.
He was delighted to be handling coaches again, but he'd learned that he didn't need to be the best on the island. He'd learned to appreciate what he was, not what he wasn't.
And that was good enough for him.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihmn6x5i2ecyxkhi5iv3465av6wiffajvk7lz45sufmur2nfwuugu)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Rebecca brought the Electro-Diesel to the Works, where Sir Topham Hatt was waiting. He was not pleased with the new engine's behavior, and scolded him severely. He demanded if the charred engine before him could provide a reason - any at all - as to why he should stay on the North Western.
As the battered and broken engine stood before them, Rebecca caught his gaze. He looked desperate. She considered speaking up. She considered asking that he be given another chance.
Then she thought of Gordon. Of BoCo. Of James. She wondered if any of them would feel safe if he continued to work on the railway. She worried that he would once again take advantage of the gift he'd been given. She wondered if he truly would finally change for the better.
She made her choice. Whatever decisions the Electro-Diesel made, she wouldn't be there to see them.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihbjsa7xfp74wmqaqzflagquifj4qmxsewxyjecybtsh4tnglgrde)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Rebecca brought her last coal delivery to Vicarstown Yard, and noticed the new engine sitting in a shed. She decided to go over and try and help.
Super Ed responded with unfiltered hostility, eventually using the shortcomings Rebecca's class were known for against her. She recoiled as he berated her, as well as the entire island for what he believed was them stifling his every opportunity to succeed. The yellow engine eventually ended the building argument by taking the charred and broken Electro-Diesel to the works, in spite of his initial protests.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidbz3om5bfrsv32zwk6onym3m2hifgppuabgqkh6srpmqt3ic5ywm)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Gordon stood waiting for the inevitable jeering and insufferable wisecracks from the new Electro-Diesel. Eventually, the Wild Nor' Wester came thundering in from the distance. It was running a bit behind schedule, which Gordon made sure he'd make note of - until he heard James's whistle.
Moments later, James the Red Engine came screeching in, with Super Ed and the express in tow. As it turned out, the Electro-Diesel had been struck by lightning, and had fried his ... well, everything.
Gordon was just relieved to see a familiar engine at the head of his express, and not the loathsome new engine. After a while, James left the station to let Gordon and Super Ed hash it out. As he did, Bear finally returned with from his arrangement on the Other Railway. To call the Hymeck bewildered at the sight before him would be a bit of an understatement.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreifnpmmuute5qijcooqe5ucorwshqhgfhwi5c5kfwgqqfgddkd5zxu)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
[Fight Til I'm Good Enough by Glitch Productions & The Living Tombstone]
James settled in front of the express and the charred Electro-Diesel. Armed with Rebecca's confidence, he put his best wheels forward.
The journey was a grueling one. Wind and rain slammed him from all directions, but he struggled on.
At Wellsworth, Cedric shouted from the other platform, cheering him on. Almond whistled his own encouragement as well as James charged at Gordon's Hill.
He wasn't trying to match Gordon's pace. He wasn't trying to set any records.
He just had to make sure he was good enough.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidumqvt7w2vzdsrd553qp4epmemkkckqh2yiupiihic65cgpahzym)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Lewielol, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Super Ed arrived as Charlie added the additional coaches to the train. While he condescendingly congratulated her for assembling a "proper" express train, she rolled her eyes. She then wisecracked to James about how the train was definitely beyond his capabilities. Rebecca arrived just as the train was set to depart.
Super Ed declared for the entire station to hear how he alone was the future of the North Western as he set off. As he pulled out of the station, James picked up on a whine and a growl coming from the Electro-Diesel.
The express couldn't have been more than a few inches into its journey when disaster struck. A blinding light filled the station, with anyone in the vicinity running for cover. A stray lightning bolt had struck Super Ed's copper lining, and in doing so, coursed through his entire system, frying his every circuit.
The three steam engines watched in shock - which quickly turned to fear when Sir Topham Hatt stepped out of one of the coaches, demanding to know what was going on. He decided in the moment that one of the engines at the station would have to take the train.
Overhearing as he walked up that Rebecca hadn't enough coal, he put his faith in James to take the express to Vicarstown.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreihkfeawobgnkg2h7erapdwhbcifr6rtzetuj7dfxsxllrgziatctq)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
The decision had been made. Super Ed would take the Wild Nor' Wester on its next journey to Vicarstown. However, upon seeing the coaches Stafford was bringing, Super Ed ordered that extra coaches be added to the train. James quipped about the Electro-Diesel attempting to prove himself the "world's strongest engine", which then turned into the two deciding to humor Super Ed and see how much his system could handle.
Rebecca, however, was worried for the new engine, and tried once again to dissuade him from overworking his system. This time, however, he blew up at her, accusing the yellow engine of trying to prevent him from what he saw as his big chance to shine. He stormed out of the yard, determined to give the Wild Nor' Wester an 'electrifying' journey to remember.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreifkelr2qew633ic6f7hmkdzle4bzcibo4kkmpdiinytce3edg6wpi)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Gordon arrived at Vicarstown Station safely, but still fuming. When he pulled in, he learned that the yard there was suffering the same coal shortage as Tidmouth. He wouldn't be returning any time soon. BoCo offered to take the express back, but he would be needed to assist with the coal deliveries for the time being.
It gradually dawned on the two just what this all meant. BoCo would be delivering coal, Bear was still on the Other Railway, and no one was quite sure how quickly the steam engines would be able to resupply themselves with coal.
That left one engine to take the express on its next run to Vicarstown. And Gordon could not be any less pleased about who that was.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreidlzsliifb5237zl3g4ugv5fbqyalrw3zrljk55dagfwh42xufcgq)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Lewielol, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
Gordon arrived at the station to collect the Wild Nor' Wester. As he waited, Super Ed glided in, eager to antagonize. The two argued about who would take the train, with Gordon refusing to let the Electro-Diesel pull his coaches.
At the same time, Gordon's crew became concerned as to how much coal their engine had left, and if he would be able to make the journey. They determined that he would, but they expected that he'd end up using what he had left on the way.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreibko7b7y5kdzplw2dmzhxrxv7kvlxk3plmz5jfpxusck7aqswma7e)
![[Sprites by Cj-the-Creator, Princess-Muffins, and Myself]
James was sorting trucks in the yard with newfound confidence thanks to Charlie and Stafford - now that he was putting a greater effort to take their advice to heart. Super Ed butted in and tried to rile James up again, but this time, James just ignored him.
Once she noticed, Charlie intervened, pressuring the Electro-Diesel about the coal trains. When he dismissed her, she fired back by commenting on his capabilities. The trucks joined her in teasing Super Ed, winding him up instead. James ended up sending him about his business, poking fun at his perceived lack of work experience compared to the red engine.
Gordon came in, commenting negatively about the end of the argument, only for Charlie to shut him up with a couple quips of her own. The big blue engine also stormed out of the yard, with James's laughter chasing him out.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:5jvtoggbymkbodoe4dljn6lq/bafkreigrdrnprxbhu7ut3xylw7aornz5li5hccupbx6nlksafipnnbz3vy)
