(As a forewarning, this chapter is going to be very different, leaning heavier into the human side of the story, rather than just the usual adaptations of stories about the Engines. It does have elements straight from the stories, but it's more original than adaptation. You'll soon see what I mean.

And out of curiosity, do you readers like the human side of my story? Is it better by adding the element of other characters that aren't the sentinet trains, but real people? I hope you do, cuz I enjoy writing it!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story! -HunterCreeper712)

Chapter 29:

In the month of June, Wellsworth is a busy town. One of the town's greatest celebrations, barring Christmas, is the Vicar's Fete. Every year in June, though never on the same date, Reverend Charles Laxley hosts a variety of games, rides and entertainment in his Vicarage in order to raise money for the church. The people of Wellsworth spend the weeks prior collecting things to sell at a big auction and children save their money for rides and sweets. In years past, a Carousel and Ferris wheel had been rented, Terence borrowed for short rides, and Sir Topham Hatt once even rounded up a marching band to perform! But this year, things were calmer, but the town was just as excited for the celebration.

Trevor the Traction Engine was excited too. Jem Cole was currently building him a hay wagon, in which people could pay to ride on around the Fete. He hummed happily as he passed by the Bee hives, pulling a wagon of supplies across the Orchard. He found himself recalling days long past when children would ride on him as he worked, his owner's children and their friends playing around him as he sat in waiting, and talking to people as the Economic Downfall in the 30's left them on the streets.

"Trevor!" Called a friendly voice from the tracks, snapping Trevor out of his memory. The old tractor looked up to see Edward waiting for him at the fence. Trevor rolled over to his saviour and tooted his whistle. "Is the Vicar working you hard Old Boy?" Edward asked.

"I'm working harder, yes." Trevor replied. "Still, when the Fete is over it'll all be boring around here again. I'm not ungrateful for the work, but I wish I could be doing more, if you know what I mean."

"I understand that." Edward agreed. "For a few years I was barely used as a shunter, but the Fat Controller helped me find joy in the work I had."

"The Fat Controller?" Trevor asked. "Isn't that rude to call Sir Hatt by such a name?"

Edward chuckled. "I suppose so, but it's what the bigger engines and Duck have begun calling him, and it's sort of rubbed off on me!" A conductor's whistle blew, and Edward blew his in reply. "I'm afraid I can't dawdle today friend. I'm off to Vicarstown with a load from the new Brendam Docks!"

"Goodbye!" Called Trevor as Edward puffed off, and he sighed.

The Brakevan on the train mockingly sighed in response, then laughed rudely. "Who'r'ou to complain?!" it gruffly shouted, disappearing down the line as Edward puffed away.

"I'm Trevor." Trevor declared. "I'm a hardworking tractor of the Vicarage Orchard, aren't I?" He rolled back into the orchard, pulling his supplies along dutifully, but found himself pondering his own question.

He was the tractor of the Orchard, but was he hardworking? Was the work hard enough to say he was hardworking? Or was he, in reality, hardly working? If only he had someone to ask. Jem Cole was a nice driver, but didn't speak much, so having a conversation was hard with him. A child would be nice and listen to Trevor's problems, right? Children love sentient vehicles!

"...I like children." Trevor quietly sighed.

[]

The day of the Fete came, and it was a busy day! Wellsworth Station was flooded with visitors, the auction sold well, and everything was good for the Vicar.

"Easy on the drink, alright Neil?" Laughed Sidney Heaver. Drivers of Percy and Edward walked through the food vendor booths, each hungry for a nice meal. The sun was beginning to set, and both drivers had been let off early to visit the Fete.

"But I'm so thirsty!" Neil O'Heart replied. "I'll just have a couple drinks!"

"Any is too many in my book." Remarked old Mrs. Kyndley, walking behind them with her daughter, Chloe. "How are you Sidney, Neil?"

"Good evening Mrs. Kyndley!" Sidney tipped his hat to her. "And Ms. Kyndley." He added, nodding to Chloe.

"We were off to join Bob Hardy and Jeremiah Jobling over at the pavilion, once we get our food, care to join us?" Neil offered.

"We've got nothing else to do, why not mother?" Chloe asked.

So Neil and Sidney quickly bought themselves some Sandwiches and three beers at an M C BUNN stand and led the Kyndleys over to a small, covered pavilion that Jem Cole had built near the road, designated for eating from the vendors. Bob Hardy and Jeremiah Jobling sat near the end of the pavilion as promised, but along with Charlie Sand (Gordon's driver), Mrs. Sand, and Darcy Sand. "I see you found company!" Sidney remarked as they approached their friends. "We've brought guests too!"

"Mrs. Kydley!" Bob exclaimed, standing up from the table. "What a surprise." Bob's face suddenly went red as James when he saw Chloe, but he collected himself and stuttered: "A-a-a who-who's this you've b-brought?"

"Bob, this is my daughter, Chloe." Mrs. Kyndley introduced.

"Hello!" Chloe waved shyly, as Bob was dumbstruck by her. She was certainly pretty, blonde and tall with a face that resembled her mother's, kind and gentle.

"Aha-a won't you sit down?" Bob offered the Kyndleys the seat beside him.

Sidney sat down between Jobling and Charlie Sand, but Neil was left standing now that the table was full. "Where do I sit?" He whined.

"Ah just stand ya' whiner." Darcy snipped. She seemed distracted and was searching the crowds, looking for someone special. "Has anyone seen Ivo?" she asked.

"No, you're not running off with that boy tonight!" Charlie growled. "You're going to sit here and enjoy the time you have with your family and our friends."

"You did let the boys run off." Mrs. Sand said, looking at her husband.

"That's because they'd saved up their money and wanted to ride the tractor." Charlie replied, taking a drink. "Besides, they're boys! I'm not worried about them getting lost or-"

"Or what?" Sidney cut in. "Going off and falling in Love?"

"Let the girl off already, Charlie!" Jeremiah Jobling laughed. "She's head over heels for that firelighter and I think that's perfectly fine!"

"I'm not worried about Ivo!" Charlie snapped, obviously feeling under attack. "I'm worried about… about-"

"About nothing Charlie." Mrs. Kyndley finished. "Here, Chloe, why don't you go with her, just so Mr. Sand is more comfortable with it."

"Oh?" Chloe suddenly looked up. She'd been talking quietly with Bob for a moment, and looked now to Darcy, who was pleading with her eyes for an opportunity to escape and find Ivo. "Oh, uh, yes mother!"

"That's good, isn't it dear?" Mrs. Sand asked, petting Charlie's arm. He only grunted and proceeded to eat a large slice of chocolate cake.

"Come along Chloe!" Darcy jumped up excitedly, hugging her father and reaching for Chloe to follow. The two girls walked off into the celebration, with Bob Hardy watching as they disappeared into the crowd.

"You aren't eyeing my daughter too, now are you Bob?" Charlie glowered through a mouthful of cake.

"Hm?" Bob looked up.

Jeremiah, Mrs. Sand, and Mrs. Kyndley began laughing. "Oh you paranoid old man!" Jeremiah laughed.

"He's clearly eyeing my Chloe." Mrs. Kyndley giggled. "And I have no trouble with that! Go on Bob, follow them!"

"What? No! I'm not eyeing anyone!" Bob denied, blushing awfully and trying to hide it by pretending to wipe his face with a napkin.

"Yes you are!" Sidney rolled his eyes. "Go after her!"

"Yes!" Charlie suddenly agreed. "Go after them and make sure they stay as far away from Ivo Hugh as possible!"

Mrs. Sand flicked her husband's nose, which he rubbed emphatically. Bob looked around the table at the annoyed faces and finally stood up and walked, nearly ran, after Darcy and Chloe. "My my, Chloe's too strong willed to let me help find her a good man, and I feared for a time that I may die before my youngest was married!"

"Woah Mrs. Kyndley!" Jeremiah Jobling laughed. "Bob's not proposed yet! I think you'd better think a little smaller for the time, they've only just met!"

"Oh can't an old woman dream?" Mrs. Kyndley laughed, then stole a bite of Bob's forgotten food. "Mm. This is good."

"Enjoying yourselves?" Boomed a powerful and loud voice that snapped every railway worker to attention. Sidney, Charlie and Jeremiah stood suddenly and turned to see… a clown. "Haha! How are you boys?"

"Sir- Sir Topham Hatt?" Jeremiah Jobling questioned. The man standing before them appeared to be Hatt himself in a jovial clown costume, but his face seemed misleading. "What are you doing dressed like that?!"

"Raising money for the Vicar of course!" The clown laughed. "Where's your young son Chuck?" He asked, holding a coin jar at Charlie Sand.

"Ah-ah-ah!" Sidney shook his head and pushed away the coin jar. "Topham would never dress this way, and the nicknames have given you away again, Lowham!"

"Eh?" Lowham gasped. "It's not- i'm not- No! I'm Topham!"

"Are you really?" asked Mrs. Kyndley, standing from the table now. The clown gasped, dropped the coin jar, and ran off back into the crowds. Everyone laughed. "That's Lowham alright. Silly boy was always afraid of me, but Topham never was. I knew I could solve that old trick!"

Jeremiah took the jar from the ground. "I'll bet he wasn't going to donate this at the end of the day." He said, shaking the coin jar, which sounded quite full.

"Where is he?!" Demanded another booming voice, pushing through the Pavilion. "Where's my brother?!"

"He's just run that-a-ways Sir!" Charlie directed Sir Topham Hatt.

"Ah, so he's been here?" Hatt asked, scooting past Mrs. Sand. "I'll take those coins and donate them honestly now. Where did you say he went?"

Sidney handed the jar over and pointed back through the crowd, and Topham went storming through. "Now that was Topham." Mrs. Kyndley laughed.

[]

An hour or so later, as the darkness set in and fireworks boomed overhead, Topham was dragging Lowham to the Laxley Home, where the vicar was waiting.

"OI! I said I was sorry! Ow!" Lowham grunted and shouted. Though he'd never been a fighter, Topham was stronger than his twin, and was shoving Lowham along the pathway out of the Fete.

They passed the Carousel where Darcy Sand and Ivo Hugh sat together on a wooden horse, and Bob Hardy and Chloe Kyndley rode a large fake bull, both couples talking and laughing as they spun round and round. Charlie Sand and Mrs. Kyndley were looking on, both with distinctly different views of the situation. Charlie was wringing his hands in anger, while Mrs. Kyndley was dreamy-eyed and smiling, probably reminiscing her younger days with her late husband.

"Aren't they swe- AUGH!" Lowham cried out as Topham tugged him by his bright green overalls. "I'm coming!"

Topham knocked solidly on the Vicarage door, and Charles opened it, having been waiting the whole time. "Well done Topham, so you caught the swindler after all!" He said.

"I- I apologize." Lowham sighed, bowing his head. "I've already put all the money I collected- OI!" Topham stepped on his leg. "...Stole, in your collection boxes. I'm sorry. Can I go now?"

Rev. Laxley nodded, and Topham released his brother, who scampered off quickly away from the Vicarage. "Sorry about all that, your reverence." Topham apologized. "If I'd known my brother was on the island I would have sent for someone to watch him!"

"All is well now Topham, thank you." The vicar nodded. "Goodnight."

He began to close the door, but Topham grabbed it. "Actually, please, if I could speak to you about something?" he asked, holding the door from the Vicar.

The Vicar opened his door again. "Yes?"

Topham removed his hat respectfully. "I have a request i'd like to make of you, regarding Trevor." Hatt began. "Rumor among my engines is that the poor tractor feels under-used, and wishes to- to do more work! I have need in Knapford Harbour for a strong tractor like him, and I'd like to, perhaps, rent him for a few weeks?"

Reverend Laxley looked at the sky and thought it over, then he stepped out. Without a word, he motioned for Topham to follow him around the house. Passing back around the edge of the Fete, which was beginning to quiet to a close, the Vicar and Topham stopped at a makeshift station. This had been used all day by Trevor to load and unload riders from his hay-cart ride, and was just pulling toward his station as the two men stepped onto the platform.

"Hello Reverend, and Sir!" Trevor called. Jem Cole tipped his hat at them as they stopped.

"Trevor, would you like to work at the Harbour?" Rev. Charles asked.

Trevor seemed surprised! "Would I!" He laughed. "Of course I would! Harbour work would be a lovely change of pace!" He suddenly shook his head. "No! I mean, I love the vicarage!" He sighed and looked down, conflicted.

"I understand your plight Trevor." The Vicar kindly sighed, and approached Trevor's face. "If you'd like to do other work, I'm happy to send you out to the Harbour, to the docks, I'll send you to the mines if you'd like! But I will always take you back at the Vicarage." He hugged Trevor's face, and Trevor smiled wide.

"Then yes, I want to work at the Harbour!" Trevor announced. Hatt smiled and Jem Cole stepped down to shake his hand.

"No need for that, old friend!" Topham hugged Jem Cole.

Trevor was confused. "Do they know each other well?" He asked.

"Oh very well." The Vicar confirmed. "These two were schoolmates so long ago. Part of Mrs. Kyndley's class, my Sunday school, and apprentices of the railway. I recall much about their childhood." Reverend Laxley smiled, recalling days long ago. Days when the children got along so well. From different pasts, different countries, and different futures, he'd never forget that class. The Hatt twins, Jem, Burnett, Pete, Tasha, Sidney… so long ago, so much different.

Trevor tooted his whistle as Jem Cole boarded him again, a new cartload of passengers ready to go round the Fete, and the Vicar and Topham watched him roll away. "I haven't seen you two hug in so long." Rev. Charles sighed.

"Not since P.T.'s funeral." Topham sighed. "Last time I saw Burnett and Tasha too, I wonder where they are." He stared off into the distance, his mind in memory as well.

"Well, no use in just standing here." the Vicar suddenly said. "Come along Topham, let's make sure Lowham hasn't gone back to swindling the guests!"

[]

Far away, in America, Burnett Stone sat at a desk in his empty house. He too was recalling long lost days. Holding a picture from their graduation, he was looking over his old classmates and wondering where the time had gone. From a nearby mountain, a train whistle blew, and he looked out the window at the peak. "I hear you. But I can't." He quietly sighed, then set the picture back on the desk.

[]

Crovan Alderich was riding on Trevor's hay wagon as he passed by the other end of the Vicarage. There, he found Bob Hardy and the two Kyndleys preparing to leave in the Kyndley's car. "Hello!" He called out, and hopped off the wagon. His leg shot with pain, but he shook it off and approached his co-worker and friends.

"Hello Crovan." Mrs. Kyndley smiled. "Did that hurt? Jumping from the wagon?"

"Only a little." Crovan replied, then he looked at Chloe and Bob, who were talking very happily with each other on the other side of the car. "Well I'll be! Do my eyes deceive me?"

"Oh no." Mrs. Kyndley laughed. "These two have been getting very acquainted today!" They looked back as Bob and Chloe laughed loudly, then leaned a little closer to each other. "A match made in heaven I say! But that's them, what's new with you, Crovan?"

"Not a thing!" Toby's driver laughed. "I pass by your house every day, what do you expect from me?"

"Oh a question or two perhaps. Toby's not giving you any trouble?"

Something suddenly clicked in Crovan's brain. "Mrs. Kyndley, do you travel all over the island?" He asked.

"What an odd question, but yes! Yes I enjoy travelling!"

Crovan smacked Bob's arm and got his attention. "Oi!" Bob shouted. "Oh, hullo Crovan."

"Mrs. Kyndley, do you know if there's another railway on Sodor?" Crovan asked, and Bob became very interested, much to Chloe's confusion.

Mrs. Kyndley tilted her head. "You mean, perhaps, the whistles over Mt. Anopha?"

"Yes exactly that!" Bob exclaimed. Every morning and evening Thomas and I hear the sounds over the mountains, what are they?"

"The Skarloey Railway." Chloe replied.

"Indeed, the Skarloey Railway still runs 'round Culdee Fells and the Skarloey!" Mrs. Kyndley confirmed.

"Wait, what was that? Skarloey runs around Skarloey and Culdee?" Bob asked, confused.

"Skarloey means 'lake in the woods' in Sudric, sorry if you misunderstood that." Mrs. Kyndley explained. "Culdee means 'companion of God', Fell means 'Mountain', and Culdee Fells is the mountain range along North-east Sodor."

"Did you not know that Bob?" Chloe laughed. "You, who has lived on Sodor your entire life?"

Bob didn't respond, but Crovan and Chloe laughed.

"Good, I guess I'll have to venture over there one of these days and see the line for myself." Crovan decided.

"The engines there are sentient too!" Chloe informed them. "If you and Bob would like to come with us for a picnic?"

Bob blushed, and Crovan and Mrs. Kyndley laughed.

[]

[]

Heh heh heh. So did you catch everything i hid there? This story is laying a lot of groundwork for bigger stories, some coming sooner than later!

It also occurs to me, this story seemed to interrupt the story somewhat, didn't it? Here's an idea, I start a separate companion story here on FanFiction that is the human side of the story, and leave this one more trains-focused? Or should I just leave it like this was. I'm having a debate. I'll let you know what I decide.

This also went kind of long, didn't it? Is it better to write longer stories and get more out in a single chapter, or go with the episodic and short stories like Thomas has always been?

Gosh, i'm having a lot of self-doubt about this story suddenly. Woof, alright. I'll just keep going till I get a complaint!

-HC712