It was an exciting time on Sodor. There was a competition- The Engine of the Month competition- to be held on the Island.
Gordon and James were both pretty determined that they will win it.
"I am bound to win!" Boasted James. "I am the most splendid engine on Sodor, after all!"
"Pooh!" Gordon snorted. "Splendour is nothing compared to speed- which you, James, lack."
"Oh brother!" moaned Emily. "Will you two stop arguing?" she asked her father and brother.
"I'm afraid that will only happen if they both lose." Said Edward gravely. "But don't worry, I'll be sure to use my vote wisely." He winked at his little sister.
She chuckled to herself.
...
James and Gordon, for the next week or so, were training to ensure that neither of them lost on the competition.
They broke speed records, got polished every day and proved themselves to be engines of fine engineers indeed.
The others were in awe of this, but Molly hoped that things wouldn't go too far; as she didn't want both her son and her husband to fall out over some silly competition.
...
The last event, after several others, was a strength contest.
Gordon went first.
Edward and Emily watched as their dad pulled twenty three trucks filled with coal and slate. He managed fairly well.
The two engines cheered, as did everyone else who was watching.
So James was next.
"Show-off! I'll pull twenty four trucks!" He announced.
Emily was horrified.
"But that will have you in the Steamworks for a long time James! Not even Gordon will attempt to pull a stunt! Please stop!" She pleaded.
"Emily's right James!" Called Edward.
But James ignored his siblings pleas.
He wanted to win.
So he yanked on the trucks. He pulled and pulled, hard enough to beat Gordon if he'd enough strength.
Unfortunately, he burst a valve.
...
Gordon won the contest.
"I won!" He cheered.
But James felt down.
Not only had he lost, but he did so painfully- physically and emotionally.
...
That night, Edward visited James at the Steamworks.
"I hope you're feeling better James."
"Yes- Victor's annoyed at me though." His little brother replied.
"Don't worry James. He'll be better in the morning. Besides, I knew logically, you weren't likely to win, but I still vouched for you."
"Really?"
"Of course I did."
Next morning, Gordon congratulated James for doing well, and James congratulated his dad for winning the contest.
...
Request for tate310. Hope you enjoyed.