Disclaimer: I don't own Starlight Express, or any of its characters or anything else to do with it, nor am I making any money from this. So there:P

A/N: This takes place before StEx, just so you know. And I didn't know if Lube was an engine or car, so I made him an engine in this. Oh, and there will be slashiness later on (male/male relationships for those who don't know what that means), so you have been warned! Anyway, enjoy! -

The noise echoing throughout the trainyard was deafening. The screeching of brakes blended with the groan of tracks nearly buckling under the pressure of the speeding trains. The grating sound of metal tearing could be heard, and voices constantly shouted and cheered. Wrench ducked to avoid a flying piece of barrier, as the engines slammed into the railing around the tracks once again. Sighing, she bent down to pick up the stray piece, a chunk of armour whizzing past her ear as she did. Collecting the item, she straightened up, moving closer to the barrier to watch the race progress. Although it was dangerous, racing was the favourite pastime of every engine in the yard. They would constantly boast about being the best, and aiming to one day travel to Apollo Victoria, to race for the prestigious title of World Champion. However, Wrench had yet to see any engine here live up to the standards of the championship competitors.

The racetrack erupted in applause, signalling the end of the race. Wrench rolled to the repair shed, where she was met by the owner of the scrap of armour. Lube slowly moved to the table and lay down, groaning loudly.

"The next engine to slam into me is gonna get his wheels shoved where the sun don't shine." Wincing, he touched his shoulder tenderly. "This armour cost me half my life's savings, and now it's ruined." Wrench smiled, shaking her head.

"Don't be such a crybaby. I can fix it," she said, grabbing a nearby blowtorch. Lube turned his head to watch the repair truck, his expression suddenly becoming thoughtful.

"Hey, Wrench...d'ya think we'll ever get out of here?" He asked, his gaze locked on the flame that erupted from the blowtorch's nozzle. "I mean, I know the others all seem to think they could hold their own in the big races, but I seriously think we could do it. What do you think?"

"I think you should stop thinking about it," Wrench answered dismissively, concentrating on her work. She knew that it was foolish to hold onto such dreams, as they were impossible goals. The races in Apollo Victoria were famed for being near impossible for all but the best. Wrench had seen Lube in action, and although she admitted that he was good, he was could hardly be called one of the best.

Seeing Lube's disappointed expression, Wrench sighed in defeat. "Tell you what. You keep training, and I might think about joining you in some of the races. We can both work towards reaching the big time. How does that sound?" Lube grinned, sitting up as Wrench turned off the blowtorch.

"It's a deal," he said, admiring Wrench's work. Wrench smirked, following Lube's gaze. She indicated towards the newly repaired armour.

"You can thank me by giving me a lift back home," she said, and Lube nodded, sliding off the table and waiting for Wrench to hitch onto him, before driving out of the shed and into the cold night air.

The young engine shivered violently, his glazed eyes staring ahead blankly as he rolled slowly down the track. Sparks showered from a large gash in his side, falling from the exposed wires that hung from his torso, some brushing against the floor. The electric train shuddered again, constantly being shocked by his own circuitry. Finally he collapsed against a wall, too tired to even move the wires that rested against his hand, sending shocks throughout his body. He closed his eyes, listening to the steady clicking of wheels coming up behind him. Not long ago, he had ranked amongst the biggest superstars of the train world. Then a race went wrong, and he ended up crashing. Now the electric engine had lost his confidence, and most of his entourage. Only his loyal money truck still cared about the former racing star.

"Electra..." A voice sounded from somewhere behind him, and he cracked open an eye, glancing behind him.

"I'm not going back," Electra muttered. "I'll try somewhere else... I'll show them all... I can win..." Groaning, he slowly stood up, then fell once again as his legs buckled beneath him. Instantly the money truck grabbed him, breaking his fall.

"I believe you," Purse said reassuringly, letting Electra lean against him as they eased down the track. "But for now, we need to find somewhere to rest. And you need to get repaired," he added, casting a concerned glance at the tear in Electra's side. The two rolled onwards in silence, until Purse braked suddenly, stopping them both. Electra winced as he jolted to a stop, and looked questioningly at Purse. The money truck smiled with relief.

"I think I know where we can stay," he said, pointing towards a turn just ahead of them, which led to the entrance of an old, slightly run-down trainyard. The two of them slowly drove towards the entrance, but as soon as they were inside, Electra dropped to his knees suddenly. Purse spun around and moved hesitantly towards the engine, touching him gently on the shoulder. "Electra...are you okay?" He asked, and Electra raised his head slightly, his eyes glazed over again. Opening his mouth, he tried to speak, but the only sound that came out was a quiet moan. Shuddering again, he tried to stand, then passed out. Purse dropped to his knees beside Electra, staring at the smoke pouring out of his side. The money truck looked around him, then rose to his feet again, panic evident in his eyes.

"Someone help!" He yelled, looking down quickly as Electra cried out in pain. "Please...I need help!!"