James and Percy have a special bond. They're best friends and brothers who like to work together, play together and just keep each other company. They rarely ever fight, but there were a few occasions when they did...

It was a special day on Sodor when it happened. The Fat Controller was having a special Red Nose day on his railway, and of course, James became its unofficial mascot due to his red paint, which made him feel pleased, but also more boastful.

And the Fat Controller had even planned something special for the day- a parade! It was a grand occasion, and several of his engines were to take part.

James was to lead the parade, and he was even taking a coach with very important visitors, like the Earl of Sodor, the Mayor of Sodor, Dowager Hatt, Lady Hatt and even Alicia Botti, who was singing a special song for the occasion.

Gordon was also taking passengers in his Express Coaches, and Henry and Edward were in charge of taking a giant flatbed with a large mascot in the shape of a 'dinosesar' on it.

Thomas and Percy hadn't had a lot to do with the actual parade, but Edward felt sorry for them and persuaded the Fat Controller to decorate them with red lights, red paint on their faces, red flags and even a giant red nose each! They looked rather comical, and it was agreed that as long as they agreed to boundaries, they can act silly and make the crowd laugh.

The two tank engines liked that idea, as they could be cheeky without getting told off, and they agreed to show respect, for it was a very serious cause.

Percy went over to congratulate James on getting the lead in the parade.

"Well done, James!" He peeped.

"Come on Percy, I didn't really do anything- I just ensured that my red paint looked fabulous!"

"Fabulous!" Percy copied, sounding very similar to James. The red engine laughed.

"You're doing well already, Percy! The crowd will go in cahoots!"

"Thanks James!" Percy replied.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got my coach to collect." James told him, and he set off to collect the coach from Thomas.

"Hm..." Percy thought. "If James found that funny, then I know what I'll do for my act!"

So he hurried to wait for Thomas.

...

"My, you're both looking very...red." Henry told them.

"We know. It was actually Edward's idea." Thomas informed the green engine.

"Well, I thought it wasn't fair that they weren't involved." The old engine admitted.

"You two both look ridiculous." Gordon told them as he got ready for his train, eying the tank engines' appearance dubiously.

"Well, we're wearing moustaches, lights, flags and giant false noses, Gordon- I think only someone with a great sense of pride would establish that we two have no dignity whatsoever." Thomas countered.

Gordon chuckled. "Glad to hear it, little Thomas- you certainly don't have dignity, but you've got wit."

"Thank you. I hope your passenger train goes well today, Gordon."

"Hmph! You needn't wish me that, Thomas!"

"I know that Gordon. I already know you'll do well."

"Ladies, gentlemen, engines and coaches- welcome to the Sodor Red Nose Parade!" The Fat Controller announced, wearing a Red Nose themed T-shirt and bobbly things on his top hat.

"Quick, that's our cue- positions everyone!" Edward reminded them and they scuttled into place.

James was to lead the parade with the very important visitors, then Gordon would follow with his passengers, and after Gordon, it was Percy and Thomas acting as red nosed clowns, and then Henry and Edward were to come in with the dinosesar.

"Let the parade begin now!" The Fat Controller boomed grandly, and the crowd cheered.

James started off, going carefully so as not to disturb the pace. He knew that his dad, Gordon, wasn't liking going so slow for a change, but he had promised to try and be slow for the day.

Indeed, Gordon was having a hard time adjusting to going slow. He was the Express engine, for crying out loud! He didn't want to go as slow as a snail! But when he remembered his wife, and the promise he had made to her, he found it more bearable.

Behind him were Percy and Thomas, looking very silly indeed! They pulled faces and told jokes to the crowd, who all laughed and cheered appreciatively.

Suddenly, ahead of them all, James suddenly let out a great whoosh of steam, a strange squeak emitting from his cylinders.

"Are you alright, James?" Gordon hissed to his son.

"I'm fine. I just messed up, that's all." James replied in a hushed voice, feeling very embarrassed indeed.

The crowd, thankfully, didn't realise his mistake and thought it was part of the act, so they began laughing at the slip up. James just kept going- the Fat Controller told them that even if anyone makes a mistake, they must keep going, in order to keep the show running up to speed.

Unfortunately, Percy thought it was a great chance to imitate James again, so he let out a wheesh of steam, and made a squeaky noise too. The crowd was in uproar.

Thomas saw what was going on, and as much as he tried to distract them, it didn't work- they were too busy laughing at Percy's imitation of the red engine in front to notice.

"Hey, James- you've got a little green Punch behind you!" A man shouted, and the crowd roared out loud with laughter.

The truth dawned on James, and realising that Percy was teasing him, he stormed off angrily.

"James, come back here!" Gordon demanded, and went faster to catch up with him.

"Slow down Gordon! The rest of us have to keep up!" Thomas argued, and he too went a lot faster. But Percy didn't go at the same speed- in fact, he slowed down, which slowed Henry and Edward down too.

But James was long ahead of his friends and family.