Agents of S.M.I.L.E.
Otherworldly Recruits
4. Tartarus Penitenry
Hidequarters was now completely under Professor Honey Ray's control. With every agent captivated and mesmerized by the hypnotic projections, nothing could stop her from seizing S.M.I.L.E.'s Canterlot branch. They still had to gain access to their networking systems and technology. But aside from Agent Sweetie Drops evading capture, all of Canterlot's S.M.I.L.E. branch not belonged to them.
Agent Furlong, Foxtrot, and many others who were with them during the breach, were captured and restrained by their own binding tech that strapped around their arms. Honey Rays, Dr. Caballeron and his Henchmen escorted them through the maze of Hidequarters' hallways. Furlong, Foxtrot and the others were no longer in a hypnotic trance, unlike their fellow comrades who they spotted as they passed by each room. Some of them were also restrained while looking deeply into the abstract patterns on the screens.
Professor Honey Rays took them all to a room with a set of very large, yellow elevator doors that were marked with a number of red and orange caution, danger, and warning signs with monster like illustrations next to the text. Foxtrot was shoved ahead by Biff's baton once they reached the doors. He gave Biff a mean glare before walking towards a wall mounted device and was instructed by Honey Rays to open the doors. Begrudgingly complying, Foxtrot leaned in to the device while it scanned his iris for recognition. As the device confirmed his identification, the large elevator doors un-latched, and slowly slid open with a clank and a creek. The elevator interior itself was circular, and could house more than a hundred men or a large vehicle.
Agent Furlong and the rest were forced into the elevator. With everyone in, the doors close, lock shut, and down the elevator went, descending beneath the already subterranean level. Everyone stood in silence, all except Caballeron, who continued gloating to his henchmen about their big trade and who he planned on auctioning off their monsters too. Honey Rays, meanwhile, looked over her shoulder to see a brooding Furlong. He looks back at her for half a minute before hanging his head again.
"What?" Honey Rays remarked. "Not gonna try and talk me out of this?"
Furlong continued saying nothing and grew angrier the more fixated she became. Honey Rays turned to him with a smirk.
"Wow. You really have changed. Didn't think I banged you up that badly last time we saw each other."
"What you're doing is wrong, Honey Rays," Furlong grumbled. "This isn't the life for you. You could've,"
"Could've what?" She interrupted, smugly. "Become an Agent of S.M.I.L.E.? You and I both know that would've done a lot more harm than good."
"And that's always been your problem," Furlong coughed. "Too afraid to take any chances because you refuse to get over your setbacks."
This remark struck her hard, almost like he'd been saving it for this moment. Honey Rays frowned and leaned closer to him while he turned away.
"Well, as you can clearly see that's not the case anymore, is it?" She asked, sharply.
Furlong glared back, both staring eye to eye at each other.
"You still chose the wrong side."
Suddenly, everyone felt a reverberating rumble as a booming noise shook and clanked the whole elevator. Honey Rays smirked with pride as the elevator reached its stop.
"Would you prefer the other alternative?"
His eyes widened with worry, until shying away to avoid starting back at her amused smile. Everyone was met with another loud, unearthly noise. Roars, howls, screeches, and even some hefty bangs and an earth-shattering rumble muffled through the elevator.
"This is where we get off, yes?" Dr. Caballeron asked, attempting to sound calm.
The noises became more prominent when the doors opened. Honey Rays turned on her heel with both arms behind her back.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," She announced, "I give you… Tartarus."
Some of Caballeron's henchmen were already in awe as they looked out into the long, spacious and stretched out cavern before them. Furlong, Foxtrot, and the other agents, however, were completely unphased. They knew where they were going, and while they didn't outwardly express it, some were a bit worried now that seven dangerous criminals have discovered the biggest, maximum security penitently in the world.
Tartarus is S.M.I.L.E.'s underground prison where the agency keeps all of their enclosed monsters and otherworldly creatures. The cavern was cold, and there were walls and ceilings of brown, jagged rocks. Other Agencies were all connected through Tartarus, as the penitently itself is where all branches drop off or keep their captured monsters.
Honey Rays and Caballeron took Furlong and the reluctant agents down the path a head of them. The penitentiary contained large, highly advanced, cubicle prison cells that stretched out for miles on end and lined up next to one another. As they passed by most of these cells, Caballeron and his henchmen gazed at the wonderous creatures through a clear, indestructible window that displayed the monsters residing within their holding cells.
There were lots of monsters contained inside each cubicle. This included Cyclopes', Minotaur, Chimeras, A wolfman, and even some alien like beings. Each cubicle was roughly the same in size, with a few exceptions for some of the bigger monsters such as dragons, hydras, hairy creatures, bugs and reptilians that were larger and more vicious. Every cubicle had an open roof top and a platform that connects between each chamber to allow agents to walk on and peer down into the cells. A large, black, white and yellow pattern bear with four arms, wasp wings and a stinger for a tail, soared up to the open roof in an attempt to flee. The Bugbear, however, got electrocuted by an electromagnetic blanket upon reaching pass the cubicle, and hovered back down after many failed attempts.
"Why did you bring us here?" Foxtrot asked Honey Rays.
They pass by the Bugbear's cell. The creature panted profusely before going back to breaching the ceiling's electric shield, only to be electrocuted yet again.
"Gotta lock you all up somewhere," She said, nonchalant. "Why not with all the monster who have it out for some of you?"
Then they passed a cell containing a violet, floating ball, which remained still in the center and violently gave off a dark, purple, shadowy aura.
"Is this really necessary?" Furlong asked, after coughing.
"It is if we want you meddling agents out of the picture," Dr. Caballeron said.
The next cell they passed held three, normal looking teenage girls. Each girl had orange, blue, and purple hair, and were all sporting sweaters and jeans. They sat angrily on wall mounted benches with their arms crossed when they noticed the group of people walking by their chamber.
"And with the location of your 'secret' monster imprisonment discovered," He continued, glancing over at Honey Rays. "It seems an appropriate time that we discuss our trade deal."
The last cell they passed contained a humanoid monster with brown fur, bare hands and feet, and an ape like face.
"Have your henchmen transport the prisoners to their cell first," Honey Rays ordered. "And make sure it's as far from any Hidequarters as possible."
"Gladly!" He agreed.
Intricate trucks were parked all over for travel and to transport supplies and prisoners in large, circular, transparent orange chambers. Finally coming across one, Caballeron command his henchmen to marshal the prisoners into the truck. Honey Rays gave Rosy Thorn one of the standard S.M.I.L.E. watches, which she tampered to access most of the cells.
"You won't get away with this," Foxtrot threatened Honey Rays. "Sweetie Drops is a determined agent. Nothing will stop her until you're all behind bars."
Honey Rays barely looked phased, however, and continued ordering Caballeron's henchmen to pile them into the back truck.
"Yes, yes," Dr. Caballeron indulged, "We've all heard it a million times before. Typical 'you're not gonna get away with this'. Now, into the truck!"
He takes Agent Foxtrot, and shoved him into the truck's circular chamber. Furlong stopped beside Honey Rays
"Just so you know," He mentioned. "I have more belief Agent Drops will put an end to your little operation than I ever did hoping you'd return a changed woman."
This remark managed to phase her. Remaining calm but still fuming, Honey Rays stepped in and angrily shoved Agent Furlong into the truck herself. Withers and Rosy Thorn then hopped in the truck and drove off with Furlong and the other agents. Dr. Caballeron wiped his hands proudly.
"Now with that taken care of, let us discuss our trade deal."
"What's there to discuss? You take your half of the bargain and I keep mine."
Caballeron was a bit confused at first.
"The only thing I ask as part of our deal is for you to keep offing your service until I have every S.M.I.L.E. branch and agent under total lock."
"That could take days. I do not have time for such hacking and agency tomfoolery. I need to auction off these monsters while the price is still high."
"The rogue agent who escaped me yesterday is a danger to my plan. If I don't have her under my control soon, she could destroy everything I've worked for. Including your own acquisitions. As much as it sickens me, I need you and your men to aid me in preventing this."
"Not my problem!" Caballeron turned to look inside one of the Cells. "I have what I came for. What could one agent possibly do to render me unable to transport these creatures?"
Suddenly, Dr. Caballeron found himself facing Honey Rays, who then proceeded to grab his collar with her claw and slammed him against the glass wall. Biff, Rogue and Pickpocket raise their batons and pointed them at Honey Rays while she hanged Caballeron against the window. The hairy creature inside didn't know how to react.
"As far as you're concerned," She threatened, "that 'one agent' has already alerted the other branches by now. So, gaining control of their networks and avoiding a full-on assault has already set us back further than initially calculated!"
Biff, Rogue and Pickpocket were ready to subdue her upon command, but Caballeron notions them to stand down, which they did.
"You won't even get to transport a single monster without my knowledge. Now, either get the job done, or spend the rest of your miserable life locked up with the fishman."
Caballeron shot her a nasty glare, then slipped a snide laugh. Honey Rays stared sharply at Caballeron before lowering him back down and releasing him. He adjusted his shirt then twirled his arm.
"Have it your way, Professor. I suppose I could locate the whereabouts of that sea creature I saw last night in the meantime," Caballeron said, rubbing his chin. "Certainly, a swift watercraft combatant shall earn me a major bundle!"
"There are plenty of Monsters here that are more suitable." She then smirked and twirled her claw hand. "But I suppose I can locate the whereabouts of Agent Drop's creature for you."
"Excellent! While you are busy with that, I shall have my henchmen load up at least some of the monsters in preparation for when the deal is done?"
Honey Rays shrugged and walked away. "Knock yourself out."
Dr. Caballeron and his henchmen began celebrating at first until a loud roar interrupted. They looked over at one of the cubicles to see a big, angry Manticore growling and breathing against the glass window. Despite their given permission, there was still the chore of having to load up these monsters in a transport vehicle without getting mauled, burned, or eaten by any of their prisoners. Caballeron and his Henchmen were more than a little frightened.
"Err... This may take a little while," Caballeron said.
"Maybe its for the best boss lady's helping out after all, eh?" Pickpocket said.
Caballeron shot him a nasty glare, causing Pickpocket to retract his statement. He didn't want to admit it, but they needed Honey Ray's knowledge on monsters more than he realized. But Dr. Caballeron refused to outwardly accept this, and tasked himself instead to handle the monsters.
"What are you waiting for; a raise?" He shouted. "Start loading this one into a truck already!"
He then walked away to find more creatures they can use. Biff, Rogue and Pickpocket stared at each other nervously.
"Were we suppose to get paid this whole time?" Rogue asked Biff, who only shrugged.
Meanwhile, Honey Rays was making her way back to Hidequarters when she noticed the cubicle cell containing the three girls. The interior cells were colored in cyan and was lit up better than the actual subterranean. There was a large monitor mounted against the wall in every chamber as well, along three security cameras on each top corner. She stopped in her place and turned to look inside.
One of the girls had purple hair with aquamarine streaks, mulberry eyes, and pale, light pink skin. Another had light, artic blue hair with moderate Persian blue streaks, moderate raspberry eyes, and artic bluish white skin. Lastly, the third one had vivid orange hair with brilliant yellow streaks, brilliant raspberry eyes, and pale, apple yellow skin.
The purple hair girl groaned. "So, who's this suppose to be?"
"Not sure," Said the orange haired girl, rubbing her chin. "Seeing her and those men escorting the agents does raise a lot of questions."
"Well, obviously they're not agents."
"Really?! You don't say," She said sarcastically, followed by an unamused stare.
"I really hope it's the food delivery man," The blue one commented. "They forgot to bring our meal yesterday, and it was supposed to be paste and rice Sunday!"
"Only you would be hungry for garbage, Sonata."
"Like you would know anything about good prison food, Aria!"
"I know that they're the worst. Like you are."
"No, you are!"
"You're both the worst. Now be quiet!"
Honey Rays was intrigued by their presence. They appeared to be the only monsters still stuck in their human forms. She went up and stood in front of the glass window that kept the three girls locked up in their cubicle. The orange haired girl was just as curious to see Honey Rays.
"Call it a hunch, girls, but I have a feeling this lady may be our way out of this dump."
"So, what, you're gonna just ask her to let us out? Some plan, Adagio."
"Doesn't hurt to try!" Sonata said. "Hey Lady! Are you here let us out?!"
"Will you shut it!" Adagio said. "Just let me handle this."
She went and stood in front of the window as well, followed by Sonata and Aria, all crossing their arms in suspicion.
"I'm curious," Honey Rays asked. "What exactly earned you three the pleasure of getting locked up in Tartarus of all places?"
"I'll answer after you tell me what you plan on doing with those agents," Adagio said.
"The same thing I plan on doing with everyone else; bend their will to my needs for global domination."
"Hmm. Global domination, you say? And how do you plan to achieve this?"
Honey Rays chuckled. "You'll know soon enough."
She then tapped the window to bring up a computer screen that displayed itself on the glass wall between them. The three were surprised. How is she able to work S.M.I.L.E.'s technology? This raised some of their hopes a little. If she can access their network, perhaps she can let them out after all.
"Wait," Sonata said. "You're not an agent yourself, are you?"
"Do I look like one?" She asked, twirling her arm with the claw hand.
She simply shrugged. "I Don't know. I've seen a lot of weird people here."
"Looked in a mirror lately?" Aria mocked. "'Cause you'll find one there too."
Sonata stepped closer to the window and peered at her own reflection with confusion.
"I don't see anyone."
Beyond confused, Honey Ray looked over to Adagio.
"Don't mind these two. They're idiots."
"Uh-huh."
Honey Rays continued typing on the screen until images of three, serpent like creatures with colored scales strikingly similar to the three girls appeared. Other tabs pop up detailing their dna structure, recorded sightings, history, and other information regarding their abilities and behavior. Honey Rays read over these as they popped up.
"You're also three, magical creatures called sirens I see. Tried taking over a local high school with magical pendants that can manipulate the emotions in others through singing." Honey Ray's sinister grin grew bigger. "Interesting."
Adagio rubbed her chin. "How is it you can you gain access to their devices?"
"I'm more interested in you girls, and how three powerful sirens found themselves foiled and locked away in Tartarus."
"Do we have to relieve our humiliating defeat against the Rainblossoms?" Aria complained.
"For the last time," Adagio sneered, "they caught us off guard!"
"Hello?" Sonata said. "We literally just floated there and watched them shoot lasers at us, from a giant, blue sparkly unicorn!"
Adagio slapped her hand to her face while Aria groaned rolled her eyes. Honey Rays raised a confused eyebrow.
"We could've ruled this world if we wanted," Adagio explained. "Until these girls used their own magic against us. Now our magic's gone and we're still stuck in this pathetic place."
"We're also terrible singers now because of them!" Sonata said. "Watch."
Both Adagio and Aria begged her not to do what she proceeded to anyways. Sonata cleared her throat and began singing off key.
Sonata: "We wIll be AdOred! Tell us thAt you wAnt Us!"
Adagio, Aria, and Honey Rays closed their ears. Sonata kept singing until Aria tackled her to the ground and began tussling each other.
"Girls!" Adagio boomed.
Aria and Sonata stopped fighting and stared back at them.
"So those pendants granted you a seamless ability to sing," Honey Rays stated, returning her attention to the screen, "which also allowed you to consume and control people's emotions?"
Adagio nodded dejectedly.
"You wouldn't still have the magic jewel then, would you?" Honey Ray asked, slyly.
"I did, until those filthy agents took it from me!"
Honey Rays typed on the screen again until she found an image of Adagio's shattered jewel.
"That's it," Adagio confirmed. "Was it, rather."
"I still don't know why you kept yours, Adagio," Aria said, getting back up. "Their practically worthless."
"That jewel had more value to me than either of your company. So, don't talk to me about worthlessness."
"Wow," She said, robotically. "Tell us how you really feel."
"She did," Sonata commented. "She said we're worthless."
Honey Rays examined the broken pendant further. Tiny little shards of red gems laid out on an examination table. The more she looked at it, the more Honey Rays began conquering up ideas, followed by a smirk, which slowly slithered on display.
"This is quite the artifact. You know, with the right tools, I could have your pendant fixed and fully functional again."
"You can?!" All three said in shock.
"It'll take a lot of work. But if I can repair this jewel, its use can enhance my hypnotic virus and gain control of everyone from all across the world."
"You do realize only a Siren can use it?" Adagio said.
"And what about us," Aria said. "We don't have our pendants."
"Not according to this inventory list," Honey Rays mentioned, while displaying the list on the screen.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait. They have our broken pendants too?!" Sonata grabbed the collar of Aria's sweater and shook her. "And they've been looked away right in front of us this whole time?!"
"All they need is a complicated but quick fix up, along with their original bearer's power to complete them."
This made the Sirens excited. If Honey Rays said she can repair their pendants, then they can at last regain their singing voices and magic again. Adagio was suddenly glad she kept her pendant after all, until she became rightfully suspicious.
"What's in it for you?"
"We both want the same thing; to conquer this world by means of entrancing everyone and making them do as we please. With our combined strengths, nothing will stand in our way."
"Not even the Rainbooms," Adagio said to herself, smiling with a devilish grin.
None of the two girls knew it yet, but both were conquering up their own plans to conquer the world their own way, regardless if it meant without one's assistances.
"We have a deal then?" Honey Rays asked with a smirk. "Your freedom plus magical restoration to aid us in global domination?"
Aria and Sonata were mildly thrilled to at least regain their powers and leave Tartarus, while Adagio's sinister grin grew proudly prominent.
"Where do we begin?"
That night on Sodor, Douglas had just returned to his shed on Tidmouth Hault. Douglas had enjoyed working on the Misty Valley Branchline and was looking forward to getting back to work again in the morning. He tried staying awake and waited for his brother Donald to return, so he can tell him about his day. But Douglas was tired. The day had been exhausting to him, and he was looking forward to a good night sleep. He stayed awake for a little while longer, until he yawned, and just when he was about to shut his eyes.
"Doogie! Doogie!"
Donald's whistle followed by his calling alerted Douglas to his brother backing into his spot in the shed next to him.
"Doogie, yer no' gonna believe what happened tae me today!"
"Let me guess," He joked, while yawning again, "Ye met the Loch Ness Monster?"
"Actually," He said, excitedly, "I did!"
Douglas' eyes widened. "Wh-Ye what?"
"Is true! The legend is true! I juist met Nessie by the Castle Loch's Causeway where I heard that noise this mornin'. An' guess what else, Doogie, the monster is no' harmful at all. In fact, she's very friendly! We nearly spent half the day together juist chattin' away on the Causeway."
Douglas kept looking at his brother with utter confusion.
"I told her about all the things we did on Sodor an' back in Scotland, which we still don' know if she's from there or no' 'cause she cannae speak. But, she could understand what I'm sayin' with ayes an' no questions. Sae it's still easy tae communicate with her!"
There was a moment of silence, when all Douglas did was stare with bewilderment at Donald and his beaming grin. Then, Douglas let out the loudest laugh he had ever made in a long while. This made Donald a little upset. He half expected Douglas to think his story was crazy, but he wasn't prepared for this initial response.
"Ye really takin' this Nessie thing tae a whole new level, aren't ye Donald?"
"But it really is true! She was big!"
"Uh-huh!" Douglas teased.
"An' she had a long neck!"
"Sure, sure."
"She had pearly, gray scales, an' glowing red eyes that ye kin see through the waters!"
Douglas continued laughing the more he heard Donald's description. Donald was beginning to feel frustrated.
"Guid one, Donnie! Dinnae think ye could pull off pretenin' like you really saw a monster."
"But I'm not pretendin', Douglas!"
He slowly stopped laughing. "Wait… Yer not?"
Donald glared at him. Douglas could see he was really convinced.
"Ah, Donald? How many times are we tae go over this today? Yer know there's really nae such thing as a monster, right?"
"Tell that tae Nessie when I introduce ye tae her tomorrow morning."
"Donald! Ye didn't see an actual Monster. I told ye, it was just yer imagination an' that silly story playing tricks on you."
Donald scoffed. "Ye never believe anythin' I says! Tis always wein wein wein with me for ye, isn't it?"
"Nae true. You never listen tae me!"
"No, you never listen to me! I did meet Nessie. Why won't ye believe me when I say there's a monster in Black Loch?"
"Because is no' real! Ye didn't see nae monsters!"
"I did!"
"Dinnae!"
"I did!"
"Dinnae!"
"I did!"
"Dinnae!"
"Hello, you two!" Oliver greeted, as he arrived at the sheds. "How was your day at Castle Loch?"
"Ye cannae tell me what I've seen an' no' seen!" Donald argued. "I know what I saw, an' I saw her swimming in the lakes with me own eyes. If you'd just follow me tae the Causeway, you'd see for yourself,"
"What? I'm no' followin' ye anywhere, Donald!" Douglas interrupted. "That story's givin' ye too many silly ideas. Yer completely Oot the windae this time."
Donald gasped then glared at Douglas. Oliver raised a confused eyebrow. Douglas had enough of Donald's persistence, so much so that he was back to being completely tired again and didn't have the energy to share his day with Donald.
"Now quite yer haverin' an' let this tuckered out ol' engine get his rest already!" Douglas began backing into the shed. "An' there'll be nae talk aboot this Monster from here on out, ye hear!
Donald gritted his teeth in rage. He was fed up with his brother not believing his story, and not even giving him a chance by checking out the causeway himself. Just like his brother, Donald had enough.
"Ach, fine! Have it your way, as usual!"
He angrily blew his whistle and puffed out of the sheds.
"Where are you going, Donald?" Oliver asked.
"I'm sleepin' somewhere else. I won't be stayin' with some no-good brother who wilnae listen or believe anythin' I says."
"Is no' my fault yer talkin' nonsense!" Douglas shouted.
Fuming and insulted, Donald chuffed away in a fuss. Oliver backed into the shed, still not caught up on their argument.
"What was that all about?"
"Is nothin', Oliver. Donald's still on about the Loch Ness Monster, is all." Douglas laughed, "Thinks he's actually seen her at the Castle's Causeway."
"He did?!" Oliver said, almost in shock.
"Och, now dinna ye start with that. Bad enough Donald's already convinced he's seen the monster."
"You two aren't going to be fighting again, will you?"
"Nae, Oliver. Donald's juist bein' silly. He'll forget all this an' feel better in the morin'. Wait an' see."
Oliver paused for a bit. "Well, he still seemed very upset. Maybe you should try and ask him about what he saw."
"Why should I? I'd only be encouragin' him at this point."
"Remember when Toad saw a beached whale on the shores near Bluffs Coves?" Oliver asked. "I didn't believe him at first, but when I saw it myself, I realized I was wrong for doubting my closest friend."
Douglas looked downcast.
"But Donald's more than just your close friend, he's your only brother. And I think he was really hoping you'd at least hear him out."
"Alright, alright," Douglas said. "I'll speak tae him in the mornin'. But if I know me brother, he wilnae have any interest in keepin' this up much longer now that he knows I'm not buyin' it."
Oliver smiled. "You know, just because you haven't seen the Monster, doesn't mean Donald hasn't."
"I'm no' sure that's the case, but alright," Douglas yawned. "Now let's get some sleep."
Before going to sleep though, Douglas looked around and noticed there was another engine absent from the shed.
"Say, Oliver," Douglas asked tiredly. "Ye know where Duck went off tae?"
"I think he's pullin' the Flying Kipper with Percy," Oliver said, drowsily.
"Huh. An' here Duck was goin' on aboot no' pullin' that muckled ol' train again, eh? Oliver?"
Oliver, however, was already fast asleep. Douglas yawned and driffed off himself. He thought about Donald and his story, and began hoping he was at least okay wherever he was staying tonight. The Sheds at Tidmouth Hault felt more lonely now that his brother wasn't staying with them for the night.
Donald arrived at Black Loch's old Causeway and puffed slowly down the tracks across the lake and river. True to its name, Misty Valley was covered in fog. Not even his lantern could see past the thick mist. He came to a stop in the middle and blew his deep-toned whistle. He felt the tracks shake and Causeway rumble, as Cale's long neck soon emerged from the water and leaned in close to Donald.
"Hello, Nessie!"
Cale greeted him with a loud, soothing cry. His red eyes glowed like lanterns in the misty darkness, giving off a sensible eeriness. Donald wasn't afraid though; not anymore than he would've been last afternoon.
"Sorry if I woke you. Was juist droppin' by tae check up on ye."
Cale titled his head and made another unearthly noise that echoed through out the valley. Donald sighed.
"My no-good brother ae mine doesn't believe yer real. I told him all about ye, but he juist thinks I'm makin' it all up. Ach, the nerve ae that engine."
Seeing he was upset, Cale leaned in to sooth Donald's face with his nose. Fresh from his heated argument, Donald didn't feel like laughing. But the more Cale soothed his firebox, the more Donald couldn't help himself, and lets out a good chuckle. Cale finished and echoed a loud cry again.
"You're right! Who cares what Douglas thinks. I know yer real, an' that's all there is tae it!"
Cale tilted his head again.
"Well," Donald said. "I need tae go an' find somewhere tae sleep. I'll see ye tomorrow as promised"
Donald blew his whistle and chuffed off. But as he did, Cale leaned his head in and blocked him from leaving.
"I'm sorry, Cale. But I cannae sleep out in the middle of the woods."
Suddenly, Cale reached over with his mouth open, and latched onto Donald's boiler.
"Wha-wait!" Donald cried in panic.
Keeping a tight grip, Cale lifted Donald off the rails, and spun him around one eighty degrees. Donald continued panicking as he looked down and saw he was completely off the rails. His tender dangled until they met the rails again as Cale puts Donald back down onto the tracks. While a few lumps of coal had slipped out of his tender and into the water, Donald, recovering from his mild panting, was now facing the line he'd just came from.
"Nessie!" He said. "What were ye thinkin'? I could've fallen intae the river."
Then, Cale gently and seamlessly pushed Donald back towards land with his nose. Nearly freaking out again, Donald instead allowed Cale to continue on, realizing he was being careful not to push him too hard. Reaching land again, he gave Donald a mighty push that sent him rolling down as set of points that led into a siding with buffers.
Before Donald said anything, he felt something being laid over on top of him. He looked and saw Cale breaking off a tree branch from a nearby pine tree, and then laid it on top of Donald again. Cale repeated this, laying another branch on his tender, followed by another, and another, until Donald's entire engine was covered from boiler to cab in a blanket of branches. He saw Cale calling out calmly and watched him looking back, like he was waiting for Donald to fall a sleep. Donald smiled, greatly appreciating Cale's efforts to make him comfy, which was enough to convince Donald to stay after all.
Making sure he didn't drop his branch blanket, Donald chuffed back into the siding until his tender met and softly tipped the set of buffers. He watched as Cale emits a soothing cry before diving back into the lakes of Castle Loch's Causeway. A drowsy Donald yawned, and slowly but surely feel fast asleep.
To Be Continued.