Another original Thomas story, this time it's "Partnership" with added lines by tate310. Enjoy and comment.

James and Percy are really good friends. They have known each-other since Percy arrived on Sodor. James likes working with Percy because he can look after him and help him when needed.

One winter day, Sir Topham Hatt came to Tidmouth Sheds.

"Tonight is the Sodor Christmas festival." he boomed. "This year, I want the festival to be a extra special success."

All the engines were excited. They loved the Christmas festival.

"Gordon will take the children to the party." said Sir Topham Hatt.

Gordon was pleased. He felt this was the most important job of all.

"Thomas, you will collect the decorations for the party, and bring them to Knapford Station."

"Yes sir!" said Thomas, and he set off to collect the decorations.

This left James, Percy and Edward.

"Percy, you will carry the special presents train."

Percy was excited, but James was cross. He wanted to pull the presents train with Percy.

"Why can't I help?" asked James. "Percy and I can pull together."

"Sorry James." replied Sir Topham Hatt. "Percy can pull the train on his own."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"You can work with Edward to clear the tracks of snow."

James was upset. He wanted to work with Percy, not Edward.

Soon, James and Edward were attached to their snow-plows, and they set off to clear the tracks.

"I'm sorry you have to work with me today." said Edward. "But really useful engines never argue and do as they told!"

James was still cross.

"Why do I have to work with Edward?" grumbled James. "He could plow the snow on his own, while I pull the presents train with Percy!"

"Don't worry James." said the driver, "you'll be able to see Percy at the festival tonight."

James didn't want to wait for tonight. He wanted to see his friend now.

The tracks were covered in snow, so as they approached the first snowdrift, the driver started the snow-plow.

It started to move, but then, it stopped working!

"This isn't good." said Edward's driver. "With all this snow, the children won't be able to go to the party."

"Why don't we call Sir Topham Hatt?" said the fireman.

"He's probably getting ready for the party, so we shouldn't bother him."

James now felt sorry for Edward and wanted to help him.

"If you can't plow the snow, maybe I can plow it for you." said James kindly.

This made Edward feel better.

"Edward will be your back engine!" said Edward's driver.

Soon, the driver started James's snowplow, and with Edward as his back engine, James was plowing the snow.

Later, he spoke to Edward.

"I think that it's good to work with someone else when your best friend is away." said James.

Edward agreed.

Then, Sir Topham Hatt arrived with Percy.

"Good work James!" he said.

"Thank you sir!" tooted James.

"Edward, we will have your snowplow fixed. You and James are both really useful engines for getting the snow plowed."

Both engines whistled.

That night, the party was a success. Santa Claus showed up, and the children enjoyed the presents.

"Thanks for being a great friend." said James to Percy.

"And thank you for helping Edward while I was away." replied Percy.

Both engines were glad that they were friends.