A/N: Woo-hoo! I'm on a roll! Here we shall see what happened to Lily, and meet the newest Rider in the ranks. Without further ado, on with the story!

Lily came to with a start as Burnett desperately shook her awake. She grimaced, and hissed in pain as her head throbbed.

"What happened?" Lilly groaned. Burnett helped her stand up, and held her until she was able to stand steady. She felt like the world was spinning for a couple minutes until her head finally cleared.

"You fell from Lady's cab, and hit your head on the ground. Are you alright?" Burnett brushed her hair form her face. She probably looked like a total wreck, but she was in too much pain to care about that. Lily rubbed her forehead. Her palm was cold and numb. Did she injure it?

"I don't kn-" Lily froze, and her eyes grew wide when she looked down at her palm. There was a white steam locomotive's wheel on her palm. That wasn't there before. Should she be worried about this? It had never shown up until now.

"Grandpa," Lily showed Burnett her hand. Burnett gasped, and dropped his coal shovel. Could it be? He held her hand, and touched the marking. It was cold as ice. It was! Lily had been chosen!

"Lady... you... you..." Burnett couldn't believe it. Lady had finally chosen a Rider, none other than his precious granddaughter. Tears welled up in his eyes. Tasha would be proud. Burnett hugged Lily tight, and began to cry, not out of sorrow, but of joy. Lily was following in Tasha's footsteps.

"Grandpa, what's wrong?" Lily was oblivious to what had occurred just moments ago. Burnett released her, and wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Lady chose you, Lily! You're a Rider, just like Tasha!" Burnett smiled from ear to ear. This was an exciting time for not just the family and Shining Time, but the whole Island of Sodor. Lily blinked in surprise. There was no special ceremony or anything, but she bared the mark.

"W-what do you mean?" Lily stammered. She flinched when she felt something gingerly brush against her mind like how a finger trails over skin. Now she was alarmed. Was this supposed to happen?

"Grandpa, something's wrong." Lily touched her temple. It wasn't hot or cold. It was if there was another presence in her mind.

"What do you mean something's wrong?" Burnett's smile faltered. Had the bond failed to seal? Was Lily seriously hurt after the fall?

Everything is fine, little one. A familiar voice rang in Lily's mind. Lily looked over to Lady in disbelief. Did Lady just talk to her through her mind? She reached out through the bond, and touched another presence. It was warm, and welcoming. Lady smiled gently. It had to be her.

Lady? Lily wasn't sure if Lady could hear her. Lady chuckled softly. She must have been able to hear her.

Yes, it's me, little one. Lady's gaze grew soft at the sight of her Rider staring at her in wonder. She missed having a Rider by her side. It was quiet, more quiet than the mountains at night. It felt wonderful to finally have a Rider again, especially since Tasha... she didn't like to think about it. She had a Rider to look after now. She needed to stay strong for Lily, her little one.

W-why did you choose me? You hadn't chosen a Rider since... you know... Tasha died. Lily sensed a hint of sorrow and guilt from Lady. Lady must feel partly responsible for Burnett's sadness after Tasha died. Lady most likely reverted into a hibernation like state until Burnett reawakened her. Lady must have been grief stricken after loosing Tasha, her previous Rider.

It was time I moved on from Tasha's death, and you are like a daughter to me, Lily. It is my job to protect you, and this makes it easier on the both of us. If you ever want to talk, or need my help, just let me know, and I will rush to your aid, little one. Lady replied, and then withdrew from the bond.

"I can... talk to Lady..." Lily trailed off. This whole Rider thing was incredible. What else could she do now? Could she talk to other people and engines with her mind? Could she use Lady's magic since she is bonded with her?

"You can talk to her through your mind? Yes, Tasha told me about that. She said the bond between her, and Lady was so strong, she was able to feel Lady's emotions. She could even see the world through Lady's eyes." Burnett had numerous conversations with Tasha while she was still alive about these topics. It was interesting to hear all the stories about seeing Sodor, and some of the funny things that had happened to her and Lady on their journeys. He missed hearing her laugh, and seeing her smile.

"So, if Lady is Lady gets hurt... there's a chance I can feel it?" Lily asked. Burnett nodded. Tasha was in agony after Lady's crash. Burnett managed to fix Lady quicker than most thought was humanly possible, but during that period, Tasha could barely move without screaming in pain. He felt guilty for making her feel like that. It was his fault Lady crashed, and caused Tasha so much pain.

"What else can see do?" Lily knew she should be asking Lady these questions, but her grandfather seemed to have a surprisingly large amount of knowledge on this particular topic.

"She can show you her memories." Burnett replied. He did his best to answer her questions. Lady would probably be able to do a better job at explaining this than him.

"So, I can see grandma through Lady's eyes?" Lily wasn't able to meet her grandmother. Maybe she could at least see her through Lady's memories. At least she would know how Tasha looked like when she was still alive rather than not being able to not know her at all.

"Yes, and since you are Lady's Rider now, you are the only one that can touch her boiler and not get burned after a run." Burnett had accidentally burned his hand on Lady's boiler before. Lady felt terrible for it, but it wasn't her fault. He should've paid more attention when he was cleaning her. This was by far the most perplexing thing about being a Rider. Tasha was able to touch Lady's boiler no matter how long Lady had been running around Sodor. Perhaps he should let Mr. Conductor, and Junior know about this. They could help watch over Lily when they visit Sodor again. He would definitely feel better with two of his most trusted friends keeping an eye on her. That way history wouldn't repeat itself. He couldn't lose Lily like how he lost Tasha. It would be too much for him and Lady.

"How 'bout we break the news to Mr. Conductor, and Junior?" Burnett smiled.