The convoy proceeded through the dark night on the West Coast Mainline. Traffic at this time of day was very light, so very little would be up to spot the off formation of several diesels and two steam engines being dragged along. The odd container train flew past with the high intensity lights illuminating the track ahead of them and bringing some light to the otherwise purpetual darkness. Zipp still wished they would at least turn them down when going the other way. If they weren't careful they'd blind somebody, and this could cause an accident.
It was fairly dark on the mainline when Zipp realised they would have to stop.
"Guys, Charles' fuel warning light has just come on," she said over the radio. "We need to stop for fuel."
"Got it," Argyle replied. He sounded grumpy, and Zipp knew precisely why. She herself was deeply regretting her actions earlier that day.
Zipp picked up the radio and switched channels. "33021 to control, requesting access to fuel line, over."
"Control to 33021, Wolverton has capacity for refuelling. Line is set for you to go there. Out."
After a few minutes more had passed, the cavalcade pulled into Wolverton depot, with Charles being positioned next to the fuel pump. Zipp shut down the engine and activated the radio again. "Hey, Pipp, could you get Sophie fired up? I'm feeling pretty wiped out."
There was no reply. Zipp slipped down from the cab and attached the pipe into the fueling port. She then walked over and started the pump, the familiar rumble of diesel fuel being pumped into an engine being clearly audible. The refuelling process would take a few minutes to complete, so that at least gave her a chance to self reflect.
A few seconds later, she heard footsteps approaching, and figured she knew who that was. "Engine problems?"
Pipp didn't reply until she was closer. "It's not a problem with Sophie. It's a problem with you."
Zipp sighed. "I know. Go ahead. Scream at me all you want. I deserve it."
"Wait, what?" Pipp sounded confused. "This isn't like you! Normally this would lead to a fight!"
"Not today," Zipp said. "Partly because I'm not in the mood, and I've spent some time thinking about the last few hours."
"There's a first."
"Hilarious," Zipp replied. "But the whole situation with the tiara, and the crystal... I've been feeling guilty about it the whole way here. And I know it sounds hollow, but I want to apologise for how I acted. I broke that bond of trust siblings are supposed to have."
Pipp's response surprised her. "It's OK Zipp. I know we don't agree on everything or get along on all topics."
"You can say that again," Zipp interrupted.
Pipp chuckled briefly at this. "But what made you keep that all hidden?"
"I thought you would think me crazy," Zipp said, who had never thought she would actually be forgiven for what she had done. "I mean, travelling across country to collect together crystals that power some sort of magic that allows machines to be sentient? That sounds like the plot of a fantasy movie you'd find on Netflix. And the idea that your tiara just happened to be one of those crystals would probably seem even more ridiculous."
Pipp laughed. "I would never think you were crazy! We grew up around Non-Faceless Vehicles, remember? Two of our family members are NFVs! None of it is silly to me at all!" Her face fell. "What concerns me more is that you didn't speak to me. If you'd just explained the importance of the crystal I'd have happily given it to you!"
"I know," Zipp sighed. "I guess I'm just not good at asking for help when I need it. Not least from my own family." There was another pause. "And I need to make it up to you. Argyle mentioned to me we are heading north somewhere. Once we get the other shards, restore the magic, and return to Swanage, I'll appear on one of your streams. You can even give me a makeover if you want!"
Pipp looked stunned. "But you hate getting makeovers!"
"And you hate having things taken from you. Consider us even."
Pipp looked over at something beginning to rise. "Look, Zipp! Over there! In the distance!"
Zipp looked over to see light. "Is that what I think it is?"
"The sun," Pipp smiled. "You know what that means, right?" She paused in her speech. "A wise man once said that the sunrise would mark a new beginning. And he was right. It's a new day. A chance to start again on a clean slate. So let's put this behind us and complete this mission."
Zipp nodded as the fuel pump beeped to indicate refuelling was complete. "Friends again?"
"Of course!" Pipp answered, and took her sister in a hug. "We may fight and have disagreements, but there's is one thing that will never change. Even if you irritate me to heck and back, I will never cease to love you."
Zipp knew exactly what she meant. "Thanks Pipp. I needed that." She paused. "Up for some driving?"
Pipp nodded as she broke the hug. "I'd be more than happy to. But based on the other engines we'd best drive gently, as the others seem to be asleep."
Zipp glanced back, seeing the sleeping figures of their friends on some of the locomotives. "Sure looks that way. Fancy being at the controls as far as Crewe? Based on my guesses we should be there by morning. Izzy may even give us a cooked breakfast if we're lucky."
"You are aware those are super unhealthy, right?" Pipp said.
"Come on, a bit of bacon won't hurt you every once in a while," Zipp said jokingly.
The two sisters boarded their respective engines and headed off for the main line. Life often goes in strange directions, but it's ultimately the bonds between those we love that bring us home.