Winter came early to Gensokyo, most of the fairies had went into hibernation. Except for Cirno, who enjoyed making makeshift sleds and sliding down hills and snowbanks. Niinamesei had past, but the shrines continued to decrease their ticket prices, which at this point were half off.
One night, instead of snowing, it was sleeting outside. By the next morning, the snow had a shiny gloss from the ice. The engines were getting ready in their shed.
"I'm telling you Hiroto, there really are faster trains outside of here!" said Ahiru.
"Nansensu, I can be faster. Watch me later today, I'll show you who can be a high speed engine!" and with that, Hiroto left the sheds.
The big station was busy, everybody wore warm clothing and the other engines were busy despite the clod temperatures.
"I'll show that Ahiru.", said Hiroto, "We'll see who can go the fastest."
He coupled to his express and waited for the guard to blow his whistle. It felt like forever when finally he heard the guard's whistle blow. He moved several feet before stopping to take on a late passenger.
"This means I'll be late and I'll have to go faster."
Hiroto, with all his might, tried to go as fast as possible. But he stopped on a section of rail that were frozen over, a thin film of ice covered the track. Hiroto was moving his wheels and pumping his pistons as fast as he could, but he stayed put. The water from his tender surged forward and made it so he plenty of steam to continue. His wheels made a loud screeching noise as he wore down the rails. The other engines watched with interest as passengers on the platforms had to cover their ears. It took a long while for Hiroto to lose all his steam. He was tired when he finally stopped. The passengers disembarked and demanded refunds, the Scarlet Controller's head maid tossed some throwing knives at the crowd and the Scarlet Controller commanded the passengers to take notice or else, she announced that a new train will put in order and the passengers will be given most of their money back.
Hachirou pulled Hiroto and took him to the works to be looked at. Cobol took Hiroto's train in his place and succeeded in making the journey to the Moriya Shrine. The next day, workers had to replace the rail as the rails that Hiroto's wheels skidded on had left large noticeable divots and they had to be replaced.
By the time Hiroto was finished being looked at, Shiro put him in the sheds. Hiroto was alone until night had come and the others returned.
"High speed engine are all very well." said Shiro.
"But..." added Akemi, "Hiroto should know by now that he has to move his train too."
Hiroto snorted disgustedly and went to sleep as the whispers subsided into silence.