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theyellowroseofsodor · 6 months

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Chapter 1 - Leaving Home

As per requested I will be posting my fanfic here as well now. It'll take a few days to get the whole thing up, I'm busy right now due to Thanksgiving/Black Friday, but eventually everything will be posted here as well.

It was the only way to keep her safe. That’s what the four engine brothers told themselves as they walked through the New York airport. With steam engines being viewed with less and less kindness and with the world still in the mindset that machines needed to be useful or suffer a fiery fate, Camille wasn’t in a safe place. She needed to–had to–go. This was the best option for her.

Each was silent as they made their way through the crowd, eyes on each of them. Although the United States had done well with keeping freedoms for what they called Living Machines, when they were in their human forms people still had a tendency to stare. It didn’t help that five of them were all together at the time. Midas smiled and waved as many noticed the lettering of the US NAVY on his wings, but the other three brothers grumbled their way through the crowd.

Camille smiled nervously at people as they recognized her as an engine, the wheels at her feet were a dead give away. Occasionally a child would pump their arms at her and she would whistle at them. Others recognized the family from the news article. Sometimes it was hard to escape the prejudices of their parents as they had literally built their own family. Some people agreed, others not so much. It was abnormal and sometimes that was a curse. Her brothers were vigilant about keeping people away for the most part. An ugly look or two came their way, but the stature of her brothers kept people from approaching.

As they neared the security gates that were specifically for living machines, Camille sucked in a deep breath. This was it. She was leaving for good and her brothers couldn’t come with her any further. Each walked with her up to where she had her ID and her ticket checked.

With a hug, Midas whispered in her ear, “We’re going to miss you, little flower.”

Camille tried her best to keep the tears from forming in her eyes as she hugged each one, getting a similar response. She couldn’t help but laugh as Rocket did his best to cover his own tears.

“It’s just being in this city. I hate cities and it makes me cry being around this many people. We need a new plague.” He joked through sniffles.

Bull rolled his eyes and handed his sister her duffle, “Just don’t let those red coat engines push you around too much. Remind them we won the war.”

Camille laughed and sighed, “And now we’re allies. They’re gonna be my new friends and coworkers, y’know?” Oh

“Bah..” Bull responded with a gentle smile, “Take care of yourself, kid. Keep in touch.”

Zephyr gave her a little nudge and then a hug, “We’ll bring you home if you need us too, but I’m sure you’ll put those big sausage engines in their place. You’ve got a good bark and a whole lotta bite.” He seemed to be the only one that wasn’t terribly emotional. He winked, “You’re tough kid. Texas tough. I have no doubts you’ll be running circles around those Brits in no time.”

Camille laughed again, “You know it! I’ll be fine!”

The security guard cleared his throat and handed her her items back, “You’re clear to go.”

Midas gave her one last hug, “You don’t want to miss your flight.”

Camille took a few steps backwards, “I won’t. Promise.” She started putting her backpack and duffle on the conveyor belt. She looked back one last time at her brothers as they backed out of the line. She took a deep breath and gave her biggest grin and waved with both hands.

“I’ll call soon! As soon as I land!” She shouted.

The parting was too quick for all of them. She turned to walk through the scanner designed for their kind and then Camille was on her way.

The flight was less than desirable. Halfway across the world the plane was subjected to a storm. Although Midas had gone over the different possibilities and causes of turbulence with her, feeling it for the first time was truly overwhelming. Although the plane was fairly booked, Camille found herself alone in her aisle for the most part. Many of the passengers were getting airsick due to the storm. Despite the fact that she was nervous and she felt that her stomach was full of bubbling mess, she didn’t feel sick. She kept herself focusing on what London would be like and then Sodor itself. She did a bit of research upon learning about the safe haven for steam engines. She read about a wonderful castle there and was hoping one day she would be able to visit. She loved all things knights, horses, and the medieval. It seemed like a dream come true to be living in such a wonderful place, even if she would have rather stayed back home.

She read about Sir Topham Hatt and the awards he and his team of engines had received. They seemed like such a talented group; even their newest engines. Would she fit in? Would the engines be kind? She began to worry that maybe she wouldn’t be really needed and was just a pity case. Would they be upset at her invading their space? Would they dislike her because of being an American engine? What if they couldn’t understand her accent? Was her accent that bad? What if all the engines were big like her brothers had said and were stuffy? Would they be like some of the BBC shows she had watched? But the question that bothered her the most was would they be accepting of her, an engine that had hardly worked as was basically raised human? A phrase that stuck out on the article she had read about them all was how they were “really useful”.

A particular heavy drop and thump pulled her from her spiral. She inhaled and held her breath for a few seconds, calming herself down. It would only be an hour longer before they landed. She chuckled to herself as she realized she hadn’t slept really, which was the original plan. She looked out the window of the plane and noticed the rain. It reminded her of how far away from home she was, as if to say she was on her own now. She had rather hoped it would be bright and sunny when she landed to help her personality bloom.

Unfortunately for Camille, it was still raining when they landed. It was odd how like the USA it looked to her at first. It felt so familiar yet so foreign. But that gave her hope, if it looked familiar and felt familiar then maybe it would be easier to acclimate.

She quickly called her brothers, who she realized were probably asleep, and then settled on a group message announcing her arrival in London. With that done, it was time to find her way to the baggage reclaim area to meet up with the conductor that was supposed to take her to King’s Cross Station. She spotted him easily as she made her way down the escalator, in the familiar blue uniform. He held a sign that held her name with a little rose drawn on it. She smiled and waved at him and he waved back happily.

“The Yellow Rose of Texas , I presume?” He asked kindly, “Welcome to the United Kingdom. I hope your travels were kind.”

“You can just call me Camille. The Yellow Rose is such a long name and if I can I’d like to be a bit less formal.” She smiled, “But yes, it was a good trip.”

The man smiled at her, taking in her small and shaking form. “My, even Thomas isn’t this small. I wonder how she’ll fare. He thought to himself. “Shall we collect your luggage?”

“Oh! No, this is everything.” Camille shrugged her shoulders with her backpack on and bounced the duffle, “I packed light.”

The man seemed surprised, “You traveled across the world with such little luggage? That’s impressive.” He held his arm out to show her the way.

Camille laughed, “Well, when you’re as teeny as me, clothes pack easier. Plus, I ain’t much for what most lady’s need. I was more into sports and video games than pretty dresses and makeup.”

The man laughed and nodded as they approached the parking garage, “Well I’m sure if you need anything else you’ll be able to find it on Sodor or be able to get it easily from the mainland. Of course, if you have time for that sort of thing. Sir Topham Hatt runs a pretty tight schedule, but his engines do well with it.”

Camille gave a nervous chuckle as he opened the car door for her, “I… I haven’t worked a lot. I’m fairly new…and my…” she gave him a sheepish look, “my father raised me mostly human. I hope I live up to everyone’s expectations.”

“I’m sure you’ll do splendidly. The way your family spoke of you, I believe you will find your way one way or another.”

The rest of the drive was a bit quiet as Camille took in the new world around her. She asked a few questions about the UK and what Sodor was like. Eventually it was revealed that she wouldn’t be driving to Sodor alone. That seemed to relax her.

“So, what’s this engine like that I’ll be going with? Are we double heading or am I just driving beside them?

“I think you’ll like him a lot. He’s a particularly famous engine.” The conductor said, trying to be a little mysterious.

“Famous?” Camille sat up, “How famous?”

“Worldwide. In fact, he goes to Sodor on occasion for his passengers who wish to visit the island.”

Camille sat still as she went through the famous engines in her mind. There were a couple in mind and they all made her feel a little antsy inside. Despite having a famous brother herself, the idea of being in the presence of a famous engine, someone who was built like her, made her want to jump out of the car and nope right back to the airport.

“This engine… is he big?”

“Very. Big, fast, lean, and green.” He grinned.

“The Flying Scotsman.” She barely said above a whisper, her eyes widening, “You all paired me with The Flying Scotsman?!”

The conductor laughed as he noticed her legs began to jump with a nervous bouncing, “We humans did no such thing. Like I said, he goes to Sodor to drop his passengers off and pick some up on occasion between his tours. Since you’re new here he decided he would drive alongside you. He felt it wasn’t proper for a new, young lady engine to have to make that sort of drive by herself.”

“Well ain’t that neighborly of him.” Camille responded nervously, her accent slipping in her anxiousness.

“Well, he does figure himself to be a lady’s man. Despite being 100 years old his human form and features are that of a young man and he is a bit of a flirt. He’s a good fellow though. I’ve never known him to be an aggressive sort of pushy. There’s no finer engine I would suggest taking care of you, miss.”

Camille’s legs began to shake less with the confirmation from the conductor. She looked him up and down, “Are you going with me?”

He shook his head, “Afraid not, miss. My place is here. But your own fireman and driver will be waiting for you at the station. We’re just about there and right on time too. Sir Topham Hatt picked them out specifically for you and your personality; well, based upon what your brothers said.”

Camille exhaled, trying to remove the nerves as she watched the signs amongst the busy roads point towards King’s Cross Station. She found herself ready to be in her new home, whether berth or bed, and ready for her anxieties to calm down.

As they entered King’s Cross, Camille practically trotted to keep up with the Conductor. She was rather small in human form, even for a tank engine. But the bouncy gait was helping her from shaking all over the place as she looked around the station at the many engines. Streamlined, diesel, steam, they were all there and they were all ginormous. Upon noticing her own wheels, they looked either shocked or unamused at her being on two feet instead of working. Some blew steam towards her or said a rather hurtful comment. For the most part, Camille ignored them. She was too focused on getting to her new home and following the conductor.

Just when she thought her heart was going to explode straight from her chest, she heard a rather melodic horn and saw the infamous green livery and two tenders of The Flying Scotsman. For a moment, she stopped in her tracks, shocked at the situation in front of her and the large engine on the tracks. The conductor that had been ever so kind to her was ahead and talking to two men in blue uniforms.

That must be my fireman and driver. She realized. Another deep breath and Camille took brave steps forward, trying to emulate her brother's bravery and splendor. If anything, she couldn’t be cowardly, that wasn’t the Texas way. She was supposed to be bold, brave, and nothing resembling nervousness. This was no time to be timid.

She shook herself and walked up to the group as the Conductor turned her way. He smiled, “Camille, this is Dallas and Edan. Dallas will be your driver and Edan is your fireman.”

She shook hands with them both in an eager manner as both men seemed to be full of vim and vigor, “Nice to meet you.” she said.

“Ay, lass, it’s a pleasure to be working with a famous engine such as yourself.” Edan said with a thick Scottish accent.

“I hear you’re quite the spitfire back in your home state. It’ll be great talking with someone with the same interests.” Dallas said, “Not to mention me being named after your own capital.”

Camille laughed, “I’m very excited.” The nerves began to settle a little when she heard someone clear their throat.

She turned to see the grinning face of The Flying Scotsman, “As one famous engine to another, let me welcome you to the United Kingdom.”

Camille hoped she was managing to suppress what she knew was a blush. He was indeed a very handsome engine, like the conductor had said. His voice however, was truly enamoring… and those eyes. She found herself stumbling a bit before she answered, “I’m nothing compared to you, sir. Everyone knows who The Flying Scotsman is. The Yellow Rose, eh, not so much.”

He laughed at this comment, “You can call me Scotsman. The whole thing is a lot to say. As for the fame, you’re still a young thing give it time.” He grinned, “An engine raised human hasn’t been heard of before, yet here you are. One that sings, dances, and so on, I’m very excited to see what you make of Sodor, Yellow Rose.” He winked.

Camille thought she was going to melt there on the spot and gave a nervous chuckle, “ If I’m going to call you Scotsman, you can call me Camille. Or Cam, that’s what my brothers call me. ‘The Yellow Rose of Texas’ is such a mouthful.” She gave a small smile, “I’m not so sure I’ll make anything out of Sodor though. The real question is what it’s going to do with me.”

Scotsman hummed in response and nodded to the rails beside him, “We shall see, won’t we. Care to join me?”

“We should be getting ready to go. Can’t be late for your meet n’ greet with the others.” Edan said.

Camille nodded and put her bags down, hoping down to the rails besides the Flying Scotsman. She took a deep breath as the gold dust switched her into her engine form, her wheels fitting nicely on the rails. She blinked a few times, getting her bearings. As she shook her boiler to relax she couldn’t help but notice the Scotsman eyes on her.

“Something on my face?” She asked jokingly.

He grinned back, “No, no, nothing at all.” He cleared his throat, “But I can tell Sodor is in for a surprise with you. You’re quite the looker in your engine form.”

“See, now, now you’re just being a flirt.” She said happily, “Are all big famous engines like you?”

Scotsman laughed, “No, they’re worse. I’m a gentleman through and through. You seem to be all fired up though, or is it the nerve talking”

Camille felt her firebox warm up as Edan and Dallas got her all ready to go, “Don’t you know that us small engines are full of spitfire? Great things come in small packages.” She grinned and hissed a bit of steam playfully. Her nerves were just about all gone. The Flying Scotsman’s open personality was just what she needed to start feeling at home, even if she wasn’t in Sodor yet.

“Oh ho, really?” The Scotsman asked, “And how much fire does this Texas spitfire have?”

“If I could rev myself up, I would right now.” She said in a competitive tone, with a wink and a small playful hiss of steam.

The Flying Scotsman gave a playful scoff, “You want to challenge me to a race? On your first day here? Are you sure about that?”

Camille rolled her eyes, “Well, I probably shouldn’t.” She said playfully, “As it’s my first day and I don’t know anything about where I’m going. Plus, aren’t you supposed to be all gentlemanly and show me the way?” She batted her eyelashes at him.

He laughed, “I think I’m going to like you, spitfire. But yes, I will be the gentleman and show you the way.” He whistled as he was given the signal to go. Camille smiled big and whistled as well, following close beside him. All the nerves were gone as she began to joke and talk with the bigger engine, ranging from what back home was like to her favorite hobbies amongst the humans. Scotsman listened to her and matched her personality with his own, talking of his own adventures in America. Camille couldn’t have asked for a better start to her new journey in a new land.

Next Chapter

#ttte #ttte humanized #ttte fanfic #ttte gordon #ttte oc #ttte the flying scotsman #fanfiction update #the yellow rose of sodor

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