#demon train

[fleursetrebellion]

Calling it now, Tears of the Kingdom will soon reveal that the Demon King isn't Ganon or Ganondorf at all. He's just a puppet, like Zant was. Of course the real Demon King is....

THE REAL ANTAGONIST OF THE ZELDA SERIES, THE DEMON TRAIN

He's been here all along...

[unpopularwriter25]

Embers of Destiny: A Love Found Across Worlds

This was requested by the lovely @otakublogger. I finally finished it! I got really..really carried away. So I hope this is what wanted!!

Summary: Y/n is from the human realm and has never been into anime. She is familiar with Rengoku from Demon Slayer and knows that he is supposed to die. One day after visiting an old bookstore, Y/n finds an old scroll that she reads from and is transported to the world of Demon Slayer. There she meets Rengoku the flame hashira. She decides she is going to do everything in her power to make sure he doesn't die.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3745

Y/n’s eyes flickered open, her eyes adjusting to the sudden light. She was lying in a large open forest. She sat up slowly holding her head. “Where am I” she thought to herself. She stood up and began looking around. The last thing she remember was going to the store with her friends, they wandered into an old-looking bookstore. They wanted to see if this place had any manga. Y/n has never been into anime or manga but decided to tag along. They were hoping to find the latest Demon Slayer manga. Y/n didn’t know much about Demon Slayer, she knew some of the character's names. She was most familiar with Kyojuro Rengoku; she knew he was going to die, but that was as much as she knew. The bookstore smelled of dust. The shelves were lined with a variety of old books. The binding of the books looked like they were barely hanging on. The shopkeeper was an eerie old woman. She gave y/n the creeps and the shop gave her a strange feeling, almost unsettling. After leaving she said goodbye to her friends and headed home. Once she arrived at home she tossed her bag onto her bed. She noticed something sticking out of her bag “What the hell is that?” she said to herself. She walked over to her bed and pulled out an old-looking scroll. “How the hell did this get in there?” She started to unravel the scroll as she unrolled it she saw the words Kimetsu no Yaiba. She read the words out loud. She tilted her head curiously. Those words sounded familiar to her. Just as she was about to put the scroll down it began to light up.

 Y/n quickly dropped the scroll in a panic and shielded her eyes. She slowly uncovered her eyes. Her eyes went wide, she was no longer in her bedroom. She was in a large and open forest. The scroll was no longer there either. Y/n was trying not to panic. “There has to be a logical explanation for this right..?” She said to herself. “Right. Okay, I’m going to go find someone and ask to borrow their phone.” she decided and headed through the forest. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Amidst this tranquil setting, you found yourself wandering. She stopped with a halt. “No way.” She said just above a whisper. The sight of a tall, muscular man with bright, fiery hair caught her eye. The man felt her presence and turned around "Hello there! What brings you to this part of the forest?" he asked, his voice booming with enthusiasm. Y/n stood there. Staring at him, wide eyes."Hi, I’m...I’m Y/N," you finally managed to stammer out. “I know you..you’re  Kyojuro Rengoku” she said in awe. There was no way this was happening, he’s a character in an anime!! He can’t be standing here..in front of me” she thought to herself. Rengoku’s eyes twinkled with a mixture of pride and curiosity. "Ah, so you’ve heard of me! It’s always a pleasure to meet someone new. What can I do for you, Y/N?" Y/n paused for a moment..trying to remember what her friends told her about him. 

Taking a deep breath, you decided to dive straight into it. "I’ve come to warn you. You’re in great danger, and I want to help you avoid it." Rengoku’s smile faltered slightly, but he remained composed. "Danger is part of our duty as Demon Slayers. What kind of danger are you referring to?" You hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I know this might sound strange, but I come from a different world. In my world, I learned that... you die during a mission on the Mugen Train." Rengoku’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "A different world, you say? That’s quite the tale. But if what you say is true, I appreciate your concern. Still, I cannot shy away from my duty." "I understand," you said, your voice pleading. "But if there’s any way to change your fate, we have to try. I can’t just stand by and let you die." Rengoku looked at you thoughtfully. "Your determination is admirable, Y/N. But altering fate is no simple task. However, I believe every life is precious, including yours. Stay with me, and we’ll see what we can do together."

A few weeks have passed and you stayed by Rengoku’s side, training with him. You shared moments of vulnerability and laughter with him. He helped you realize your true strength. He helped you see that you didn't need to be a demon slayer to be strong like him. You felt safe around him. He gave you a sense of security. Something you’ve never felt before. Whenever you looked at him, you felt this wave of warmth wash over you. His smile was contagious and so was his laughter. He talked to you about his family and you told him about yours. He told you how he thought his brother would adore you and would love for you to meet him one of these days. This made you feel something you've never felt before. As you sat on a rock, watching him train. You realized something..you loved this man..you didn't just love him, you were so deeply in love with him. You've never loved someone as much as you love this man who stands before you and you didn’t want to lose him. You refused to. You were going to save him. No matter what. Your thoughts were cut short when you heard Rengoku, who turned to you with a bright smile “Come train with me Y/n!” He said with enthusiasm. You gave him a small smile and walked over to him. You two trained until the sun came up. It was so easy to be yourself with him.

Finally, it was time for the Mugen Train mission. You two approached the train. You took a deep but shaky breath as you stared at the train. "This is it," you said to yourself. Your hands were shaking slightly as you continued to take in the train. The Mugen Train loomed ahead, a marvel of industrial power and mystery. Its long, dark silhouette cut through the twilight, resting like a sleeping beast amidst the dense forest. The train's exterior was an imposing shade of black, gleaming subtly under the fading light of the evening. Ornate brass fittings and intricate ironwork adorned its sides, giving it an almost regal appearance, despite the underlying sense of foreboding. The engine at the front was a massive, hulking machine, exuding strength and resilience. Thick clouds of steam billowed from its smokestack, curling into the cool night air like ghostly serpents. The headlamp glowed with a fierce intensity, casting an eerie yellow light that cut through the encroaching darkness, illuminating the tracks ahead.

Rengoku noticed your behavior and placed a firm and reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Y/n, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me up to this point but you do not have to come with me. It’s going to be very dangerous and I don’t want to see you get hurt,” he said giving you a warm and bright smile. You stared up at him, feeling that familiar warmth flow through you “I’m coming with you. I am going to make sure nothing bad happens to you.” you said determined. Rengoku placed a soft kiss on your head. "I adore your determination Y/n," he said as you two made your way onto the train. Inside, the carriages were a blend of opulence and age. Chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the spacious compartments. The walls were adorned with detailed wood carvings and decorative moldings, evoking a sense of timeless grandeur. However, an undercurrent of dread permeated the atmosphere, as if the train itself was aware of the peril that lay ahead. The scent of polished wood and old leather mingled with the faint, metallic tang of machinery. The steady hum of the engine and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks created a hypnotic soundtrack, lulling passengers into a false sense of security.

You at across from Rengoku, glancing around the train. Your leg bounces with anticipation. It was quiet.. too quiet you thought. Just then you heard a voice say “Mr. Rengoku sir! It’s nice to see you again!” You glanced at the direction the voice was coming from. It was Tanjiro Kamado, the only reason you knew this was because he was on the cover of the anime. He walked over and sat down next to Rengoku. You watched the two in front of you having a lively and animated conversation. You smiled at the interaction, however, your smile soon disappeared. Suddenly, the train lurched violently, throwing passengers from their seats and sending luggage tumbling from overhead compartments. The once-calm carriage erupted into chaos, screams of panic and confusion filling the air. Rengoku was instantly on his feet, his eyes blazing with determination. Tanjiro followed his lead. 

"Stay close to me," he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative. You nodded, scrambling to your feet as you tried to steady yourself against the swaying motion of the train. Rengoku ordered Tanjuro to go check out the rest of the train. You stayed as close to Rengoku as you could without getting in the way. You heard Tanjiro yell from somewhere, it sounded like he was on top of the train. “Rengoku! The demon is a Lower Rank One demon!!” You heard him say. You glanced at Rengoku in a panic. “That doesn’t sound good,” you say trying to keep your voice steady. The warm glow from the chandeliers flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows along the walls as the train plunged into chaos. You turned around quickly and there you saw him. The demon’s presence was overwhelming. His ethereal form seemed to merge with the train itself, his eerie, almost hypnotic voice resonating throughout the carriages. "Welcome, dear passengers, to your eternal dreams," he intoned, his voice a chilling whisper that sent shivers down your spine. Passengers began to fall into a deep, unnatural sleep, their faces slack and peaceful, utterly unaware of the danger around them. You struggled to keep your eyes open, feeling the seductive pull of Enmu’s blood demon art. But Rengoku’s voice cut through the haze, strong and unwavering. "Stay awake, Y/N! Don’t succumb to his illusions!" he shouted his fiery presence a beacon of hope in the surreal nightmare Enmu was weaving. Rengoku's sword glowed with an intense flame as he faced the grotesque visage of Enmu. The demon's form was serpentine, his eyes filled with malice and twisted delight. "Ah, the Flame Hashira," Enmu crooned. "What a delightful challenge." Rengoku wasted no time. With a fierce battle cry, he launched himself at Enmu, his blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. Enmu laughed, his body dissolving into mist and reforming behind Rengoku. "You cannot defeat me that easily," he taunted.

The train lurched violently as Enmu merged further with it, his flesh and sinew spreading like a disease through the carriages. Tentacles of flesh burst from the walls and floor, writhing and lashing out at anyone in their path. Rengoku fought with unmatched ferocity, his sword blazing with fiery arcs that illuminated the nightmarish scene. "Keep moving, Y/N! We must protect the passengers!" Rengoku commanded, his voice carrying over the din of battle. You nodded, adrenaline surging through you as you helped wake those who had fallen under Enmu's spell. The passengers, though terrified, began to understand the gravity of the situation and moved to the safer parts of the train as best they could. Enmu’s laughter echoed through the train, a haunting sound that seemed to come from everywhere at once. "Dreams and reality are my playground," he hissed, sending waves of sleep-inducing mist toward you and Rengoku. Rengoku's eyes burned with determination as he countered Enmu's attacks, his flame-breathing techniques igniting the very air around him. "I will not let you harm these people!" he roared, his sword cutting through Enmu’s tendrils with ease. The battle intensified, the confined space of the train making every move crucial. Enmu's regenerative abilities and his control over the train made him a formidable opponent. Yet, Rengoku's unwavering spirit and incredible skill began to turn the tide. "Y/N, we need to strike at his core! He’s using the train itself to regenerate!" Rengoku shouted, his eyes scanning for the demon's weak point. As the train sped through a tunnel, the flickering lights cast grotesque, shifting shadows on Enmu's form. With a burst of speed, Rengoku charged towards the front of the train, his flames lighting the way. You followed, heart pounding, ready to support him in any way you could. At the engine car, Enmu's true form was revealed—a mass of pulsating flesh and eyes, grotesque and otherworldly. Rengoku’s face set in grim determination, his sword blazing brighter than ever. "This ends now!" Rengoku declared, his voice filled with righteous fury. He launched into his ultimate attack, "Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Rengoku!" With a powerful slash, Rengoku's blade cut through Enmu's core, the flames consuming the demon's flesh. Enmu let out a final, agonized scream as his body disintegrated, the malevolent energy dissipating into the night. The train began to slow, the oppressive atmosphere lifting as Enmu's influence vanished. Passengers slowly awoke, dazed but unharmed, thanks to Rengoku’s bravery and strength.

The Mugen Train had finally come to a stop, its passengers disembarking in a state of relieved bewilderment. The dawn's light bathed the forest in a soft, golden glow, but the air was still heavy with the tension of the recent battle with Enmu. Kyojuro Rengoku stood near the front of the train, his breath coming in steady, controlled bursts, his eyes scanning the horizon for any remaining threats. Suddenly, the serene morning was shattered by a wave of oppressive energy. From the shadows of the forest, a figure emerged—Akaza, the Upper-Rank Three demon. His presence was chilling, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light as he stepped onto the clearing, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "Flame Hashira," Akaza said, his voice a low, menacing growl. "I've been looking forward to this." Rengoku's eyes narrowed, and he raised his sword, the blade igniting with a fierce, golden flame. "Akaza," he replied, his voice steady and strong. "I will not let you harm these people."

You watch the interaction with pure fear..this was it. This was the man that was going to kill the man you loved so much. Rengoku looked at you “Y/n get back! Go make sure everyone is out of the train!” he said. “But-” you started before he cut you off. “Y/n go now!” he said louder. Y/n hesitantly nodded before running to the train to make sure everyone got out. 

Without another word, Akaza lunged at Rengoku, his movements a blur. The clash of their first blows sent shockwaves through the air, the force of their strikes causing the ground beneath them to tremble. Rengoku met each of Akaza’s attacks with unwavering resolve, his sword blazing with fiery arcs that lit up the battlefield. The intensity of the fight was overwhelming. Akaza's speed and strength were formidable, his fists crashing against Rengoku's blade with devastating power. But Rengoku's spirit burned brighter than ever, his determination unyielding. "Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!" Rengoku roared, his blade slicing through the air in a brilliant arc. The attack connected, searing Akaza's flesh and forcing the demon to retreat momentarily. Akaza laughed, the sound chilling in its intensity. "You have spirit, Flame Hashira. But it will not save you." 

You made your way out of the train just in time to see the scene before you. You watched in fear. Grabbing onto your chest. You were going to say something but decided to keep quiet. He needed to stay focused if he was going to survive this. You continued to watch the battle before you unfold. 

The battle raged on, each clash of their weapons echoing through the forest. Rengoku fought with everything he had, his body moving with a fluid grace that belied the sheer force behind his strikes. Yet, despite his strength, Akaza's regenerative abilities and relentless attacks began to take their toll. Just as it seemed that Akaza might gain the upper hand, a familiar voice rang out across the battlefield. "Rengoku-san!" Tanjiro appeared, his sword drawn and his expression fierce. He charged towards Akaza, his presence a welcome reinforcement. The demon's eyes flickered with irritation as he realized he was now outnumbered. "Tanjiro, stay back!" Rengoku commanded, though his eyes held a glimmer of relief at the sight of his ally. But Tanjiro was undeterred. "We fight together, Rengoku-san. You're not alone." With Tanjiro's arrival, the tide of the battle began to shift. Together, they pressed their attack, Rengoku's fiery techniques complementing Tanjiro's Water Breathing forms in a harmonious dance of flame and water. Akaza found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with their combined assault. "Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!" Tanjiro shouted, his blade flowing like a torrent of water, forcing Akaza to dodge and deflect. Rengoku seized the opportunity, his sword blazing with renewed vigor. "Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Rengoku!" he roared, launching his ultimate attack. The fiery blade cut through the air, its heat intense enough to scorch the

very ground beneath it. Akaza, recognizing the danger, barely managed to evade the full brunt of the attack. For the first time, a look of genuine frustration crossed his face. He growled, his eyes narrowing as he faced the two determined Demon Slayers. "This isn't over, Flame Hashira. We will meet again," Akaza snarled. With a final, hate-filled glare, he retreated into the shadows, his form dissolving into the darkness of the forest. You ran from your place beside the train. “Rengoku!!” Rengoku turned at the sound of your voice, his expression softening as he saw you. But before he could react, you collided with him, tackling him into a hug. The impact sent a jolt through both of you, but Rengoku stood firm, his strong arms encircling you protectively. Tears streamed down your face as you clung to him, the fear and relief overwhelming you. “I was so worried about you,” you sobbed into his chest, the words muffled by the fabric of his uniform.

Rengoku held you tightly, his hand gently stroking your back in soothing circles. “It’s alright, Y/N. I’m here,” he murmured, his voice a calming balm to your frazzled nerves. “Thanks to Tanjiro and everyone’s efforts, we managed to drive Akaza away.” You pulled back slightly to look at him, your eyes searching his for any sign of injury. His face was tired but unscathed, his eyes still burning with that unyielding spirit you admired so much. “Don’t ever scare me like that again,” you whispered, your voice trembling. He smiled, a warm, reassuring smile that made your heart swell. “I promise, Y/N. I will always come back to you.” Tanjiro approached, a gentle smile on his face as he saw the two of you together. “Rengoku-san, Y/N, we need to check on the passengers and make sure everyone is safe.” Rengoku nodded, still holding you close for a moment longer. “Yes, of course. Let’s ensure everyone is alright.”

The sun was beginning its descent, casting long, golden shadows across the forest as the chaos from the battle finally began to settle. The passengers, though shaken, were safe and being cared for by the remaining Demon Slayers. You had spent the last few hours helping where you could, but your mind was elsewhere, lost in a whirl of thoughts and emotions.

You had debated endlessly with yourself about what to do next. The reality of your situation was clear—you were from another world, one that seemed impossibly far away now. Yet, in this world, you had found something you never expected: a connection so deep and genuine that it made you question everything you had known before.

As the afternoon light softened, you made up your mind. This world, with all its dangers and challenges, had given you someone you wanted to be with. Someone who had shown you the true meaning of strength, kindness, and courage.

You spotted Rengoku talking to Tanjiro near the edge of the clearing. His presence, as always, was a beacon of warmth and assurance. Gathering your resolve, you walked over to them, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Rengoku," you said, your voice steady despite your nerves. "Can I talk to you alone for a moment?" He turned to you, his expression curious but open. "Of course, Y/N." He nodded to Tanjiro, who gave you both a knowing smile before stepping away.

Rengoku followed you to a quieter part of the forest, the sounds of the others fading into the background. He looked at you with his characteristic warmth and attentiveness. "What is it you wanted to talk about?" he asked gently.

Taking a deep breath, you steadied yourself. "Rengoku, ever since I met you, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I've seen your strength, your kindness, and your unwavering determination to protect those who can't protect themselves. You've inspired me more than I can put into words."

He listened intently, his eyes never leaving yours. Encouraged by his attention, you continued. "I've been thinking a lot about what to do next. And I've realized that I don't want to go back to where I came from. I want to stay here, in this world, because... because I've found someone I want to be with."

Rengoku's eyes softened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Y/N..."

You took a step closer, your heart racing. "Rengoku, I love you. I don't know what the future holds, but I want to face it with you. I want to be by your side, to fight with you, and to share whatever comes our way."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Rengoku reached out, taking your hands in his. His touch was warm and reassuring, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion that took your breath away.

"Y/N, your words mean more to me than you can know," he said softly. "I have faced many battles, but none have touched me as deeply as you have. Your courage, your determination, and your heart have inspired me as well."

He paused, his gaze steady and sincere. "I would be honored to have you by my side, to share our lives and face whatever comes together. I love you too, Y/N."

Tears of joy filled your eyes as he pulled you into a tender embrace. The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart against yours, filled you with a sense of peace and belonging you had never felt before. As the late afternoon light bathed the forest in a golden glow, you knew that this was where you were meant to be. With Rengoku, you had found a love that transcended worlds, a bond that would carry you through whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, you would face the future, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever destiny had in store for you.

Y/n was going to need to thank her friends for introducing her to this anime.

[cackled0g-art]

In the dim light of a dollar-store flashlight, he could just make out the tinkling reflection of shattered glass decorating the floors of his mother's carefully kept living room. His head throbbed again, and his could taste a nosebleed starting somewhere in the back of his throat. What was that?

[joezworld]

In The End

Traintober 2022 Day 31 - The End

Hey, we made it! It's over! I don't have to stay up every night and write this! It's done! It's 3:35 AM on a Monday! I'm going to bed!

--------

Summary - In the end, it all matters.

-------

Later

He rose to wakefulness with all the grace of a drunk. He was in motion, rocking down a line that hadn’t been ballasted properly. 

“Hey you, you’re finally awake.” A voice called to him, and he opened his eyes, his vision floating and swirling for a moment as his eyes refocused to the light. 

A diesel was pulling him, facing so his “A” end was towards the 307. The engine looked most unusual, with a paint scheme that he’d never seen before. Red upper works, with a broad yellow stripe that ran along the midde. 

“Where am I?” He asked, still quite groggy. 

“The better question is when.” The diesel said simply. 

“What?” 

“You’ve been asleep a few years, old man.” The diesel said, concentrating on the world around him as he slipped past a signal. “The world’s changed.” 

The 307 looked closer at the diesel in front of him. The logo - located in between the two front windscreens - wasn’t BR, instead a trio of animal heads - what they were exactly he wasn’t certain. Down on the engine’s face, just above the left eyebrow, was the company name: ENGLISH, WELSH, & SCOTTISH - A WISCONSIN CENTRAL COMPANY. Above the right was something curious - most engines had their numbers painted on, and those bestowed with names usually had a plate mounted on each side. This diesel, however, had a stamped metal plate that proclaimed him to be 58031 - SHEBOYGAN SPIRIT just above the other eyebrow.

“I don’t recall anywhere named Sheboygan.” The multiple unit said slowly. 

“It’s in America.” The diesel replied. “New owners named us after places there.” 

“New owners? What happened?”

The diesel looked at him, expression gruff but a twinkle of mischief in the eyes. “The Tories.”

“What?”

“The Arrows. They broke 'em up - sold the pieces to the highest bidder.” The diesel looked straight up, and the 307’s gaze followed, landing on a trio of flags located above the windscreen of the diesel - Canada, America, and the Union Jack. “Americans took almost the whole pot, as far as us goods diesels go.”

“Surely you jest.”

“I don’t, and don’t call me Shirley.” The diesel actually winked, leaving the 307 in shocked silence for some time, his mind whirling. I’m free of them. 

“Where am I going?” He asked as they rolled slowly past a work train. The bad ballast had improved dramatically, no doubt the work crew’s handiwork. 

“Little preserved line in the forest - somewhere in Gloucestershire.”

“Gloucestershire? There’s no electric lines in Gloucestershire.”

 “Beats me mate.” ‘Sheboygan’ rolled his eyes. “It’s 1996, anything is possible.” 

That shut the 307 up. Five years? I’ve been asleep for five years…? He lost himself in his swirling thoughts for some time, and didn’t notice as the train came to a stop at a station. 

Sheboygan was quickly uncoupled, and left him at the curved platform. The station name was “Lyndley Junction”, and try as he might, the 307 had no idea where this place was or what railway it was. Judging from the state of the place, it was some throwback to the age of steam. 

“And with this, I take my leave.” Sheboygan called as he was driven into the station’s passing loop. A member of station staff threw the switch, and he was off with a roar of his motor. “Enjoy the future, old man! I think it’s going to be quite bright! And go Packers!” 

“What?” 

“You heard me!”

The odd diesel motored out onto the main line, and was out of sight in a moment. The 307 sat at the platform, feeling more and more overwhelmed. 

-

A short while later, men came up to him, one of them already speaking rapidly. “-cannot believe we got him for the price we did! It’d be more expensive buying actual coaches.” 

“Yes, well, s’not perfect.” Another said. “There was the accident…”

“Inspection said everything was fine.” The men reached him. “Hello! Welcome to our railway!”

The pleasantries continued for some time, during which he was informed that the railway did not have any electric wires, and intended to use him as coaches - they’d just extended the railway and were getting more guests than their current stock could handle. 

“But,” They said earnestly. “We might be able to get something for electric traction in the future, if there’s enough interest from the heritage rail community.” 

He supposed that they meant well enough - he’d learned a long time go when someone was saying truths, or if they were lying with every fibre of their being - and went along willingly when a small tank engine came along to collect him. 

The engine was a blue saddletank, with red lining. 307 paid close attention to his nameplates, and found nothing too shocking, just the name WILBERT.

Of much greater interest were the dark tinted spectacles that were perched on the engine’s nose. 

Wilbert laughed when the 307 asked him, as they were coupled up. “Oh, they’re not reading glasses, they’re sunglasses!” 

This did not clear anything up. “Forgive me for not understanding how much the world has changed while I was-” He began, before Wilbert interrupted him. 

“Oh no, I’m the one who should be sorry.” He said apologetically. “I forget how strange this must seem to others - you see, we’ve got a diesel that the men are restoring. Poor thing got shoved into the back of a building way back when, and they plum forgot about her until a year or two ago; Her eyes got so used to the dark that she can’t handle the sun anymore.”

He paused for a moment to whistle for the level crossing just outside of the station, as they set off down the line. “Anyways, one of the volunteers got the idea to give her some sunnies to help her see better, but she got a mite self-conscious about it, cause they look so strange on us engines.”

“So you wear them to make her feel better?” What is this railway?

“Oh, that was the idea at first, but let me tell you, it works a right treat when I’m working on sunny days - cuts right down on the glare!” The engine then looked at him in a vaguely conspiratorial way, and the sunglasses raised off the bridge of his nose, pivoting around a motorized hinge mounted to each side of his boiler. “And, between you and me, I quite like them. I feel quite fashionable - I can see why people wear them all the time!”

Again, the very idea that he was living in the future was almost overwhelming to the 307, and he said nothing as the lush woods gave way to a small village. The railway’s works were here, and they pulled into the station so Wilbert could run round the train before pushing the 307 into the yard. 

“Right! I’ve some work to do right now, but we’ve got an event going on later tonight, so stay sharp!” Wilbert called as he departed back up the line with a brakevan in tow. 

The 307 almost called “go Packers!” back at him, before realizing it may be something only diesels said. He instead chose to sit quietly and compose his thoughts on everything he had experienced today, and everything that had happened before. 

-

Some hours later, he had mentally “sorted” his jumbled thoughts into some semblance of order. And thus the next chapter of my life begins, He thought to himself. A forced move to the future, where steamers wear sunglasses, diesels are American, and British Rail is no more. 

As he sat there, a few people began to arrive by car, and Wilbert steamed back in, a few men in suits riding in the brakevan. 

“Hello!” Said one of the men, a stout gentleman in a top hat. “What might you be?” 

“I don’t know anymore.” 307 said after a moment. The man raised an eyebrow in amusement, but before he could reply, the controller of the railway tapped him on the shoulder and introduced him to the railway’s volunteers. 

A few minutes more, and the small group of people had been all introduced, so the railway’s controller stood in front of the closed doors of the workshop, directly in front of the 307. “All right, so we all know why we’re here, but I so rarely get to make public speeches…”

Light laughter ripped through the group. 

“Yes yes, I know.” He smiled. “We are of course here to unveil the fruit of almost three years’ worth of labour, but thanks to the speediness of EWS, we can also introduce our newest piece of rolling stock as well! We’ve managed to acquire this class 307 at an absolutely knock-down price from BREL, or whatever it is that BREL is called nowadays,” 

There was more laughter. 

“And he will be serving as our newest coaching stock, both for Wilbur and our lady in waiting.” He paused dramatically. “And, as some of you may know, now that we have electric stock, one of our longer-term projects will be to acquire the catenary and electrical equipment required to run him on his own!”

Light applause followed, and then he continued. “Now, I know you’ve all heard me talk for long enough, so let’s get to the main attraction, shall we?”

From inside the workshop, a clatter erupted as a diesel engine coughed, spluttered, and eventually turned over. A cheer rose from inside the building, and a young man holding a boombox emerged from a side door. “We’re ready!”

“Then, without further ado, we would like to present our labours of the last three years - with no small amount of help from the Hatt Trust and the North Western Railway, the Dean Forest Railway is proud to present, for the first time in thirty years, D8404!”

The young man punched a button on the boombox, and music began to play. A strange ethereal sound that quickly transformed into guitar and drum. 

I'm alive!

307 heard it barely, his hearing ringing with the last syllables. 

And the world shines for me today

The roll-up garage door was thrown open from the inside, clattering upwards.

I'm alive!

A shape was visible through the haze of diesel exhaust

Suddenly I am here today

Seems like forever (and a day)

The exhaust plume increased, and the shape began to advance towards him. 

Thought I could never (feel this way)

Is this really me? I'm alive! I’m alive!

The engine emerged into the sunshine. A pair of sunglasses hid the eyes, as Wilbert had said they would. The lips were moving in concert with the music, although they were not singing. 

 I'm alive!

Applause broke out from the crowd. 

And the dawn breaks across the sky

His breath caught in his throat as he took in features he had not seen in decades. 

I'm alive!

And the sun rises up so high

The music continued, but she stopped singing, jaw opening, seemingly in shock.

Lost in another world (far away)

Never another word ('til today)

But what can I say? I'm alive! I'm alive! I'm alive!

The sunglasses, on the same motorized hinges as Wilbert’s, rose up, revealing a pair of eyes that he saw only his dreams. 

“It can’t be.” He said so quietly that only the stout gentleman standing next to him heard. 

While the music still played, she no longer sang, and the men from the railway looked at her to see what was wrong. 

“It’s him!” She said, in that same voice, one that spiked down into his very soul. “How is he here?” 

The men looked at her, and then looked at him, and tried to puzzle out what she was saying. 

It seemed like a fog of confusion was about to set down upon everyone, when the stout gentleman opened his mouth. 

“Excuse me, but I feel as though we may have… inadvertently reunited some old friends.” He said magnanimously. “May we all retire to the station building? I seem to have noticed that the luncheon has already been set up.”

“Well, yes of course Charles, but, are you sure?” The controller of the railway asked as he was fairly pushed towards the station by the larger man. 

“Yes, quite sure. Come along everyone!” 

Within minutes, they were alone in the works yard - Wilbert had been pulled ahead out of sight, and even the boombox had been carried away.

He stared at her, tears welling up in his eyes. “I thought you were…”

“I was!” She said, equally emotional. “Or, I might as well have been. Should’ve been, after all I did.” 

“It wasn’t you,” He said, trying to keep it together. “It was her.”

A tear dripped from her eye, falling to the sleepers below. “It takes two to tango, and I followed her every step.” More tears followed. “I thought I could put this all behind me! But I’m just a monster, dressed up in the skin of someone more deserving!” 

She fully broke down in tears, and he did his best to comfort her. It was hard to do, being several meteres apart. Straining hard, he found his handbrake, which had been set tight against the slight downward slope of the tracks, and moved it until it was off.

Slowly, he rolled forward, until his buffers pressed against her own. She looked at him, shocked and startled. 

“I lost you once.” He said, a sudden burning intensity roaring through him like fire. “I’m never doing that again.” 

They were both crying, 

They were both living

They were both here

They kissed, for the first time in decades. 

They were both lovers. 

----------

 Unseen, in their ethereal and incomprehensible way, the Angel and the Demon watched the two lovers embrace. 

That’s a hell of a thing to do for them. The Demon said, admiration coloring its voice. Think they’ll make the most of it? 

I do. The Angel smiled. I think they’re going to be just fine. 

End

[thewindbandit]

After all, why shouldn’t I? Why shouldn’t I design a Demon Train spirit?

I meant to draw him a bit taller, but. This works.

Flat colors are below the cut if you need them.

[dragonnest-art]

Face of the Demon Train

GET ME OFF OF THIS TRAIN!

[paintmosi]

HYPE TRAIN (haha get it)

[changeling-rin]

You guys, I’m trying to re-write the next DL chapter and it’s fighting me for every word and then some.  WHY is a Train Battle so hard to dictate?  This happens.  Every.  Single.  Time.

I do pride myself on being persistent, and God Himself will have to descend to the Earth before I let this wordcount defeat me, but MY GOSH.  Anybody got Encouraging The Muse tips? 

(I gotta stop writing about Trains, it never works well for me.)