Things could not have been better on Sodor for Emily, Thomas' beautiful emerald angel and wife figure, and now Sodor's official No. 12 Safety Engine after she had rescued so many engines and solved so many problems on her own along the way. These new honours had made her so very proud and happy, as it did for the rest of the Steam Team and especially Thomas, who was also intensely happy to see his emerald angel finally be given a number of all her own, then he, Emily and Percy all visited David and Beatrice, who had come to hear the news too, and they too were proud to their core to see their engine be bestowed with such honour as this.
But what was much more besides, even after everything Emily had been blessed to have and go through with Thomas the very same night, was just what the Fat Controller had told her and the other engines the very next evening after her visit with David and Beatrice. As her news had reached the Mainland, all the way to York Station, in just a little more time to come, Emily's Stirling Brother Bernard would be coming to pay her a visit and see his No. 12 sister now. After the Fat Controller had left Tidmouth Sheds, Emily could not be more abuzz to hear such news, and the rest of the engines, including Thomas were excited to meet him too ever since he first heard of the navy blue Stirling.
"How much longer can the surprises go on, Emily?" Thomas asked. "First you saving the day, then your title and number...now this?"
"Oh...by my ringed funnel! I know, Thomas!" Emily gasped. "I remember just when I suggested he could come to Sodor just the day after David and I received our rewards at York Station...now my suggestion to him has finally come true...and at the absolute best of times! He will indeed come to Sodor just like I suggested to him."
"And I said it was a very nice thought and that I would love to meet him one day...and now we can," said Thomas.
"Yes, Thomas. All of you can meet him...and I can only wonder just what we'll be doing together!" Emily basked.
"Well, we'll just have to wait and see," said Thomas.
"This is all too fascinating to put all together, Emily!" Percy added. "We've only ever heard of Bernard, but now we can all see him in only two days!"
The other engines agreed likewise and were all eager to meet Emily's brother themselves until they finally fell asleep one after the other. Thomas, Emily and Percy were the last ones to bid goodnight with a final little sound-off for the night.
"Well, Emily," Thomas whispered. "There's tomorrow...and then the following day, with any luck, your brother will return. Goodnight, my love."
"Ohh...I can't wait to see my dear brother again!" Emily giggled. "Goodnight, Thomas and Percy."
"Goodnight, Emily...and may the best Stirling siblings reunite," Percy peeped softly.
Then the three remaining engines fell asleep with the rest of the Steam Team, all anticipating the big return of the Emerald's Navy brother. Whatever it would bring, it would indeed be unforgettable, no matter how it would turn out for Emily.
Meanwhile, the Fat Controller had just returned to Topham Hall and was most optimistic about meeting Bernard for himself once he arrived. Ever since he had first heard Emily mention him when she, David and Beatrice returned from their big adventure, he had been wondering if the day would come that he'd come to Sodor...and it was then when he suddenly remembered Emily's visit with David and Beatrice this very evening...and that perhaps they'd have to know the big news too.
"Yes. They must know," said the Fat Controller. "They've seen him on their adventure, now they should be made ready to see him again."
So the Fat Controller went right to his telephone and started turning the dial.
In their house at Arlesburgh, David and Beatrice were in their house robes and would soon be going to bed. They were both feeling so happy for Emily and for their little visit when she, Thomas and Percy came by to see them. It seemed as though things couldn't get any better for Emily...until the phone began ringing, and David went right for it.
"Hello? Sir Topham? What's the word?" David answered.
As Beatrice watched and waited, it didn't take long for the Fat Controller to tell David just what else had been learned on the Mainland and at York Station...and just what it meant to top off all of Emily's rewards and honours. Beatrice watched as David listened, then seemed to freeze where he was. Beatrice immediately sensed that there was yet another major surprise regarding Emily even now. David then looked up again and answered.
"By Sodor...that is remarkable, sir. Thanks very much...goodnight, sir."
And David hung up, then looked right to Beatrice with a slowly growing smile on his face.
"David? What is it?" Beatrice asked. "Is there even more for Emily?"
"Mum...do the surprises and rewards ever stop?" David gasped. "Emily is now the No. 12 Safety Engine, and the whole island knows it. But now Sir Topham Hatt has just told me something truly prominent...and grand for Emily. Sodor isn't the only place that knows of Emily's achievements."
"Goodness me...What do you mean, David?" Beatrice asked.
"The news has reached all the way yo York Station on the Great Northern Railway...and Bernard. Emily's brother."
Beatrice suddenly stopped where she was too. "Bernard...heard the news...of his No. 12 sister?"
"He did, Mum," said David. "And just after our visit with Emily today...when she got back to Tidmouth Sheds...Sir Topham Hatt was there to tell her the news...and what's even more spectacular, to give Emily her latest and greatest reward for all her efforts...it's a miracle, Mum. In just two more days, tomorrow then the next day...Bernard is coming to Sodor."
Beatrice stooped where she was for a few moments...then rushed to David and hugged him tight.
"Oh! David! Bernard is coming to Sodor?" she gasped.
"He is indeed, Mum," said David. "So much in so little time for Emily! This is past extraordinary! I say we tell Donald and Douglas first thing in the morning."
"I soulfully agree, David," said Beatrice. "By my stars, just how happy and truly privileged can Emily be?"
"There's no clear answer to that, Mum," said David. "At least not until...The Brother Returns...so, we'll all get to see him again...and he'll experience Sodor for the first time in his life too!"
"Too right he will," said Beatrice. "Well...in that sense, we shall all sleep wonderfully tonight...and so will Bernard. I can only wonder just how happy he was to hear the news...and that he can now see his sister again."
David agreed intently as he and Beatrice made ready for bed and went to sleep with the rest of the island. The next two days were bound to go by very fast...until that most gratifying moment of arrival for Emily's brother.
And far out on the Mainland, miles and miles away from Sodor, all the way at York Station, where Emily used to work right at the starting point of the Great Northern Railway, there were other engines resting and idling in sidings and their own sheds alike...and in his very own shed, smiling from buffer to buffer and thinking such, such high-spirited thoughts over what he had come to learn...was the navy blue Stirling himself. None other than Emily's brother Bernard.
As the night settled outside, Bernard sat there in his shed in absolute basking joy and excitement. He had so much circling and bouncing around in his smokebox right now as his mind was full to the very brim of his boiler with the newfound news surrounding his beloved sister. Ever since he and Emily said goodbye after her adventure with David was complete, he had spent the past year and a half remembering that whole experience with never-ending fondness and delight. To see his sister again after too many years since she moved to Sodor was indeed a most blessed gift to bestow, and he had indeed been waiting for any opportunity to come to Sodor just as Emily had suggested...and now after another year and a half of working away at York Station and still being really useful, he had just heard everything about his sister coming to the rescue and all the honour and dignity she had obtained...and with the plans that were set in motion for him, there couldn't be any more fitting and appropriate time to bring those plans forward than the given circumstances surrounding the No. 12 Safety Engine...his No. 12 sister.
Right by a small pile of crates in his shed, Bernard's driver had left a copy of the very newspaper that had been published to the Sodor Times. The one that David and Beatrice had displayed on his grand piano when Emily, Thomas and Percy came to see them.
"EMILY, NEW AND HEROIC SAFETY ENGINE OF THE STEAM TEAM - AND NUMBER 12 AT LAST!"
Bernard looked at it again and was still feeling just a intensely happy as he did when his driver first showed this news to him. And after talking with the York Station Manager, it was now agreed that Bernard could go to Sodor the very day after the coming day...then Bernard would go to see his sister, and see the Island of Sodor for the very first time too.
"My dear, sweet sister Emily...my No. 12 Safety Engine Emily!" Bernard said at last. "Ohh...blessed, blessed night! Ha-ha-ha! Ohh! Oh, I'm a-feared being in night! All this is but a dream, too flattering sweet to be substantial!"
But even as Bernard spoke these words, he knew all-too well that this was indeed no dream in the least, and that he was on his way to making his journey to Sodor, and to his perfect sister for his very first taste of the Island of Sodor. And with all these thoughts continuing to occupy Bernard's mind, he finally found himself slipping toward a deep, sleep-powered state as he whispered once more.
"Sweet dreams, Emily...I love you, my perfect sister," Bernard whispered as he fell asleep himself on the Mainland, while Emily slept onward too.
The very next morning, Emily woke up with such a smile on her face. She'd had a wonderful sleep, and within moments, she steadily smiled even further as she remembered hearing that Bernard would be coming only the very next day now. She still had today and the next day of her passenger runs before she'd be back on goods duties and direct response to Rocky if any emergencies came about...and by then, her beloved brother would be back for her to make the new experience even more brilliant. Then Emily looked around as the other engines started coming out of their berths. Then Thomas came out of his berth, seeing Emily's smile at once.
"Good morning, Emily. I see you're looking very cheerful," said Thomas. "It's now just until tomorrow...then we'll all get to meet him...your brother."
Emily took a deep breath and let off a swirl of steam that rose into the air around her.
"Ohh...I know, Thomas! It's been about a year and a half since David and I saw him at York...but now will be his very first time coming to Sodor!"
"Oh...I...I'll get to meet my mother figure's brother!" Percy peeped. "I...I can hardly wait even now!"
"We'll all be pleased to meet him, Percy," said Rebecca.
"He's sure to be very proud of his sister once he sees her again," said Gordon. "And just what will he be like?"
"Well, from what Percy and I have heard," said Thomas. "He's a humble and devoted brother to Emily...and I'm sure he'll like us all."
"And just to see his face over Emily's news, Thomas," said Nia. "We'd all love to see just how proud he may be."
"Of course he's proud, Nia, and of course he'll like you all," said Emily. "And Donald and Douglas too...he'll have two more brother figures just like I do!"
"Yes. Well, we'd best be getting ready for today," said Thomas. "After all, we'll all be standing by in case of anything that happens for you to tell us to respond to."
"Of course, Thomas," said Emily. "As the safety engine, I wish you all a good day, and to take care of yourselves and each other."
"We will, Emily. Thank you," all the engines said together.
And with that, the engines all got to their day, starting to think all about Bernard again and what it would be like to see him for themselves.
Meanwhile in Arlesburgh, David and Beatrice had woken up and decided to see Donald and Douglas at once about the excellent news before David would start work.
"We'll tell them as soon as we see them, Mum," said David. "It's most prudent that they know this too. I can only wonder what Bernard could do with them."
"I agree, David," said Beatrice. "Then they'll have to get to work like you."
David and Beatrice then set off through the town to see if they could find Donald and Douglas and tell them the most anticipated news. They found them just coming out of their shed to start their day, and when both twins saw the Riders, they could tell something most significant was in the works. David strode strongly toward them both with Beatrice right with him.
"Good morning, Donald and Douglas," Beatrice greeted.
"Top of the morning, Davey and Miss Beatrice," Donald and Douglas said together. "What brings ye both here? Has our Emily more news to share? No. 12 Safety Engine, now what could be next?"
David looked at Beatrice and could already feel the anticipation increasing.
"Donald and Douglas...the surprises and amazements coming Emily's way never cease," said David. "No. 12 Safety Engine...and now one more surprise!"
"Oh? What more could our bonnie Emily ask for?" Donald asked.
"Aye. A bonnie title, her very own number, a brand-new look and revelation? What more could there be?"
"Well...what about her brother coming to Sodor to see her again?" said Beatrice. "Bernard is due to come along sometime tomorrow."
Donald and Douglas both gasped and looked to each other. They had come to hear about Bernard in the time that had passed, but neither of them expected that he'd be coming to Sodor under circumstances as this...to see his No. 12 sister.
"Great Scott! He be coming here?" Donald whistled.
"The Brother's Return!" Douglas whistled in turn. "Oh, Emily will be so elated to see him again! Thank ye, David and Beatrice!"
"Our greatest pleasure, boys," said Beatrice. "Perhaps you could come along tomorrow and be ready to meet Bernard for yourselves."
"That be a bonnie wonderful idea, Beatrice," Douglas beamed. "Of course we'd like to make ready tomorrow!"
"Excellent, boys," said David. "Well, the time is drawing near, and all we can do is spend our day being really useful until the time arrives."
And David and Beatrice set off again. Donald and Douglas whistled back to them, and so David made his way to work with the rest of Arlesburgh.
Across the rest of the island, all the engines set to work again, while Emily got to her passenger duties and started her day too, taking great care to keep her eyes and ears open for anything that would require her attention, and continuing to bask and anticipate the every moment she'd hear the word that her brother would be coming to Sodor. All the engines, particularly Thomas, Percy and Emily wondered just what would happen during Bernard's stay. What experiences would be shared? What secrets could he have that would bring him about with the other engines? How would he and Emily feel at the beginning and end of his visit?
It was all such a thought to ponder over, that the day went by quicker than any of them could have expected. Just like the day before, Emily didn't hear of any emergencies, sirens or hazards she had to report on. It went to show her that indeed emergencies didn't happen often and that the engines weren't overworking her with too many accidents. All the same, Emily maintained the sense of mind she needed in case anything did happen. She also couldn't help but wonder how she and Bernard would work together once he arrived. However it would turn out, she knew it would be lovely indeed. And what made her feel even more excited was that now it was just about one more day before he'd come to Sodor.
"Oh...goodness! Where has all the time gone?" Emily smiled to herself as she managed the last few of her passengers.
"I ask the same question, Emily," said her driver. "It's almost like no time has gone by at all. Bernard's time is now closer than ever."
"Exactly!" Emily smiled as she set off once more to finish her day. "And I can only wonder just how tomorrow will turn out."
And so, after another day's work across the island, evening descended upon the island again. Six of the engines returned to Tidmouth Sheds and backed into their berths, waiting for Emily to return and still thinking more and more about Bernard.
"I've been occupied all day on my Branch Line thinking about him," Thomas stated.
"Me too, Thomas," said Percy. "I had to stop my thoughts of Bernard several times over just to keep on track with the mail today."
"Well, we'll see just how Emily is feeling when she comes back," said Rebecca. "Bernard's time is now very close."
The engines all agreed, and just a minute or two later, there she was. The engines watched again as Emily steamed right to the turntable, smiling to everyone there. As she turned around, her emerald paint shimmered in the sunset, as did her No. 12. Then she backed right into her berth beside Percy and Thomas.
"Hello again, everyone. Another perfect day with no hazards to worry about, I trust?" Emily asked.
"Not even a leaf on the line, Emily," Thomas joked. "Not a lamb, or fuzzy dog."
"Excellent...and even more excellent is what's going to happen tomorrow," Emily bubbled with glee. "While I've kept my eyes and ears open all day, I've been thinking of nothing but Bernard. I can't wait to see him come here at last!"
Then before any of the engines could ask any questions about Bernard, they saw the Fat Controller's car arrive. When he came out, he looked as if he had more news to tell Emily, and the other engines too. She immediately perked up further and looked at him.
"Hello, sir. What's the word for this evening?" Emily asked.
"Good evening, everyone," said the Fat Controller. "I hear there have been no emergencies or hazard for Emily to worry about, and you've all worked very well today. I, meanwhile have more big news for you, Emily."
Emily's smile grew bigger and she began to bubble with such glee. "What's that, sir?" she asked.
The other engines began whispering amongst themselves about Bernard until the Fat Controller raised his hand so the engines would listen.
"Well, Emily. Just yesterday after I told you the news, I telephoned David and Beatrice last night to tell them all about Bernard's pending arrival, and I've come to hear that they've told Donald and Douglas the news too. I trust they're both immensely delighted to hear the news themselves. And with those taken into consideration, I've called the York Station Manager again for some final clarity, and I have some important news for all of you regarding Emily's brother."
All the engines' eyes widened and Emily's smile began broader and wider, as did Thomas and Percy's.
"Tomorrow is the day we've all been waiting for since it's been announced," said the Fat Controller. "I've spoken with the York Station Manager just before I came here, and Bernard is due to come arrive on Sodor tomorrow evening, then his visit shall truly begin. I'm sure you're all most excited to meet him, and the fastest way to meeting him tomorrow is finishing all your jobs, then reporting to Knapford Station by evening. I also have Donald and Douglas arranged to come along too once the time is right. Then Bernard shall return to his No. 12 sister."
All the engines gaped and smiled with big eyes. Most particularly Thomas, Percy and above all, Emily. They now knew just when Bernard would be coming, and they couldn't be more excited and full of anticipation for the next evening to come.
"Wow! He's...he's so close now! My own brother, coming here to Sodor!" Emily bubbled.
"My...my emerald angel's brother...coming here!" Thomas gasped.
"Such a joy to see my mother's brother!" Percy peeped.
"He'll be such a lovely guest for us all!" Rebecca gleamed.
"Most dignified too," Gordon added.
"And just what sort of curves will he carry, I wonder?" James asked.
"Emily's curves are gorgeous, James...perhaps Bernard may have brotherly, divine curves," said Nia.
"You're perfectly right, Nia," Emily gleamed. "But seeing him will be a whole other thing besides just describing him."
"It's settled then," said the Fat Controller. "All of you work hard tomorrow, take care, keep it safe...then you'll all see the Brother's Return."
All the engines thanked the Fat Controller as he returned to his car and drove away. Emily could now feel her boiler bubbling with such delight again.
"Oh...Oh, Thomas! Thomas, he's coming tomorrow! My brother Bernard is coming!"
"He is, Emily...I can't believe we're all going to meet him!" Thomas gasped.
"Well, Emily. Tomorrow will be yet another day of glory for you to always remember," Percy peeped. "We'll all be pleased to meet your brother!"
"I know you all will," said Emily. "So work hard tomorrow, take care and keep it safe...and my brother will be here before we all know it!"
And soon enough, the engines bade goodnight and settled right into their berths. Thomas watched as Emily took a deep breath and sighed happily as she fell asleep as she could only see Bernard right there in her head. Thomas looked to the coming night outside and could feel it himself.
"Another Stirling Single...in all the years I've spent with my one and only emerald angel," he whispered. "Now another Stirling at last..."
And as Sodor settled down to sleep, Bernard settled in his own shed way out at York Station, feeling more buzzed than ever. In less than twenty-four hours now, he'd be on his way to Sodor for the first time, and to see his No. 12 sister too. It all seemed so close and yet so far to see his sister again after such an unforgettable adventure she had with David. There was so much for Bernard to enjoy, to be and to do with Emily as soon as they met up again.
"I'm almost too scared to sleep," Bernard told his driver. "I'll be huffing onto Sudrian Soil for the first time in my life. My beloved sister has lived there all these years and shall live on Sodor forever...now my first ever chance is finally due tomorrow."
"It's all an astonishing turn of events, Bernard. We know," said his driver. "But just sleep on it tonight, then you will see your dear, sweet sister in all her No. 12 gorgeousness with your own eyes. Tomorrow will be a day to remember, my lad. I promise you."
"I know...and I'll never forget it myself," said Bernard. "Goodnight, Emily...my No. 12 perfect sister."
And so Bernard went to sleep too, although it was not easy for sleep to find him soon. Through his closed eyes, all he could see was Emily, right there in front of him, slowly spinning around for him to see all her beautiful features, right down to her new No. 12 and smiling from buffer to buffer while she looked right back at him. And so Bernard drew such a smile in his sleep as he was now fully prepared to make his way to Sodor as soon as the time was right...
The next morning, the sun rose bright and beautifully at Tidmouth Sheds. Emily woke up with a start and such a giggle as she began to feel her heart race. She came out of her berth and gave such a shudder of warmth to the coming sun. Then Thomas and Percy came out of their berths and saw the every look Emily had on her face now. She cast her glittering eyes to Thomas and was smiling like she hadn't for a fairly long time. The other engines saw this too and smiled right to Emily as they came out of their berths.
"Good morning, my love. Today is the day, Emily," Thomas smiled. "In mere hours...we'll see him."
"Yes...yes, Thomas...we will!" Emily gasped. "He's coming today!"
"Just what will it all be like?" Percy peeped.
"Something truly amazing, Percy," Rebecca beamed. "We'll work hard today...then we'll all see him this evening."
"Yes...you all will!" Emily gasped happily.
Before long, all the engines were off to work again, more excited than ever now. At Arlesburgh, David and Beatrice both knew just what the day would soon bring and they couldn't be more excited themselves to see the moment arrive. As David made ready to start work at the harbour, he and Beatrice saw Donald and Douglas coming along the line beside their house.
"Hello, Donald and Douglas," David greeted. "You know what today is, don't you?"
"Aye! Aye, David! It's happening today! The Brother Returns!" Douglas whistled.
"Aye, it's to be a day of great joy and unity for our bonnie sister, and her bonnie brother too!" Donald whistled.
"Sir Topham Hatt called us this morning and told me it's all been arranged," said Douglas' driver Jock. "As soon as we're finished for today, we'll all report to Knapford Station and await the Brother's Return."
"Well, as soon as I'm through for today, we're coming right with you," said David. "Mum and I could go with Thomas and Emily to greet Bernard."
"An excellent idea, David," said Beatrice. "After all, you and I saw Bernard for ourselves too, and he would be most pleased to see us again too."
"And so let that moment come. Let it hurry!" David announced as he set off, while Donald and Douglas whistled back and carried on.
And so the day progressed quickly and excitedly. Both on Sodor and on the Great Northern Railway alike, the engines worked hard. The whole Steam Team kept to their duties, Emily kept her eyes and ears open once again and was even more abuzz with her brother's arrival than ever, all while Bernard started his day with a rush of ecstatic excitement and kept to his work all throughout the day, thinking endlessly over the fact that he'd be away from York for a while as of that evening. Each hour ticked by like only half an hour as all they could think about was just what would come to be that very evening, and just to see Emily's face again would make Bernard the happiest brother there could be on rails.
While Emily huffed merrily along the line with her passengers, she passed by Thomas and flashed him such a big smile, which he returned right to her.
"It's going to happen today, Thomas! Today!" Emily bubbled.
"I know, Emily! I'll be right there at Knapford, ready to meet your brother all for myself at last!" Thomas whistled.
And so the day continued onwards and forwards...until at last, the hour came upon York Station that late afternoon. Bernard came back to York Station after all the work he had done, smiling away once again at the prospect of going to see his sister again under the absolute best of circumstances there could be. As soon as he approached the platform, he could see the stationmaster waiting for him with a proud look himself.
"Well done, Bernard," said the stationmaster. "You've been such an excellent help lately. You've worked so very hard for these past two days, knowing full and well with the rest of us just what fortunes have befallen your sister Emily. You and her saw each other again on David's adventure with her, and you two suggested the thought of you going to Sodor...and now, after a year and a half since that great adventure of hers, and after two whole days of knowing what our plan is...the time had finally arrived."
Bernard felt his heart racing almost too fast to bear. "It...it has, sir?"
"Of course, Bernard," said the stationmaster. "Now that your work here is done, you are to be spruced up and looking very divine. I'll have workmen give you a good look perfect for your sister...and as soon as you're ready...you're on your way."
This was it. Bernard was not about to pass up this chance for anything else in the world. This was the day he and Emily had spoken of ever since they said goodbye right at this station. The very day Bernard had been waiting an entire year and a half for, with only two days in the confirmed piecing of this very opportunity. He was now finally ready to be on his way and make for London, where he would eventually find his way to Vicarstown Bridge...then Sodor. He took a deep breath and gave such a whistle of joy, smiling from buffer to buffer.
And so, throughout the next half hour more, Bernard had workmen keeping him busy. His buffers were polished, his axles were greased and his wheels and rods were well and truly oiled. And then, as soon as the workmen stepped back and looked him over once more, at last his time had arrived. Bernard flashed such a smile of gratitude to his driver, who gave a single nod of approval, then got onboard the navy Stirling.
"Time to go, Bernard," his driver stated. "It's a considerable journey from here to Sodor...but your sister awaits you with great enthusiasm. Sodor Calls!"
Bernard felt his heart swell, only imagining how much more it would swell when he saw his No. 12 sister at last.
"Well...this is it! Here goes, then. Navy Blue Stirling Brother on my way! I'm coming for you, Emily!" Bernard whistled.
And with a smile and a stir of joy in his heart, Bernard set off down the line, basking away with every moment that passed as all he thought about now until his journey would be complete was Emily. It would be a fairly long journey, but Bernard knew that this wouldn't stop him even for a moment. His love and sibling bond with Emily was countless times more powerful than any journey it would take to see her again.
Back on Sodor, the engines worked onwards and forwards through their day, feeling each minute tick by as Bernard's arrival drew nearer and nearer, until at last, evening came. At Arlesburgh, David's work was done and when he came back, he saw Beatrice waiting right outside the door for him, their hearts now stirring more than ever with the pending event to come at any time now...and Donald and Douglas were right there. Their work was done too, and they were all too ready to report to Knapford Station with the rest of the engines, then await the Brother's Return.
"It is time," David said at last. "Shall we?"
"Aye. So we shall," said Donald and Douglas. "The brother shall return."
"Here we go, boys," Beatrice said with a shudder of anticipation.
David took Beatrice's hand and helped her onboard Donald, then he got onboard Douglas. David could almost feel Emily's racing heart along with his, as did Beatrice and the twins. Then they set off with riveting hearts for Knapford Station, already feeling just what Emily would feel when she heard the final news.
When they arrived, Donald, Douglas and the Riders saw Nia, Gordon, James, Percy and Rebecca all waiting for Thomas and Emily to return and hear the most nerve-racking news now. The revealing was less than an hour away now, and all their speculations and wonders would soon be settled. David and Beatrice came down from Donald and Douglas and saw that Platforms 1 and 2 were empty, waiting for Thomas and Emily to fill them. David and Beatrice then gathered on Platform 1 and looked to all the engines who were all waiting in a rather antsy manner for Thomas and Emily to come along. No one said a word, not knowing what to say when it came to what was just about to be announced.
Before long, the Riders and the other engines heard Thomas and Emily's whistles. They came back from behind the station. They let off their passengers, left their coaches in their sidings, then came right back to Platforms 1 and 2. And so Thomas and Emily waited with the other engines with rather antsy boilers for the Fat Controller to come out and announce the arrival so they could set off and welcome Bernard to Sodor. It had been yet another quiet day for Emily's aspect of being Safety Engine, but David could tell by her expression that she wasn't thinking about any of that at the moment. Neither was Thomas as he looked to her and could see his angel's axles shaking just a little bit, and her breathing was slightly uneven with anxiety and anticipation.
"H-hello, David...and Beatrice," Emily said quietly and shakily. "It...it's almost time...almost..."
"Yes, Emily," said David. "After you and I met him at York Station...it will be time to meet him again very soon."
"I...I can't believe the time is finally here," Thomas murmured. "I can only wonder where we'll meet Bernard...and...oh, it's almost too much to think."
"It will be amazing, everyone. I know that to be true," said Emily. "Truly amazing..."
And then, almost when the engines least expected it, the office door opened. They all looked and out came the Fat Controller. He saw Thomas and Emily right there waiting, as were David and Beatrice, who all looked right at him and kept absolutely still. Then the Fat Controller walked toward Emily with a light smile and a solid look in his eyes. Emily looked right at him too, waiting for any words to be spoken...until...
"It is time, you two," said the Fat Controller. "Emily, your reward is now due. Your brother shall be coming along Vicarstown Bridge within the hour. Now that your work is done once again...Go and meet Bernard at Vicarstown Bridge and give him a big, really useful welcome for his sister."
In that moment, all the other engines looked and saw as Emily went completely still right where she was. Not an axle shook on her frame, not an eyebrow raised. The other engines knew she had fallen into a brief, but powerful halt of deep, festering thoughts. David also stood perfectly still where he was, thinking deeply about Bernard himself and what it was like to meet his engine's brother...until now, when his chance had come again. He looked to Emily and walked slowly to her running plate. Emily smiled fondly, and David petted her cheek. Then he and Beatrice went right to her cab and gave a nod to Thomas' driver.
Suddenly, Emily's eyes blinked and she looked ahead. Then she suddenly gave a frisky whistle and spoke with such a squeak of joy.
"Oh, goodness! Oh, goodness! It's time! It's time!" she squeaked. "Sorry! Got to go! Bernard is waiting for me! The brother returns at last! Okay! Come on, Thomas! All aboard, David and Beatrice! No. 12 Safety Engine now departing for Vicarstown Bridge and the Brother's Return!"
"On we go, Emily! Lead the way to your brother!" Thomas whistled.
And with a joyful giggle and chortle of excitement, Emily started off with Thomas. The other engines whistled and cheered as they went on their way, now knowing that Thomas and Emily would be coming back with another Stirling...Emily's Stirling brother.
Thomas and Emily rushed along the line together, feeling their hearts almost jump out of their boilers yet again. Only this time it wasn't out of seductive or tempting stirrings. This time, it was all for Emily's true Stirling brother. The very engine Thomas and the other engines had come to hear about over a year and a half ago, and finally, that wait and speculation of meeting him was over.
"It's happening, Thomas! I can't believe it's happening!" Emily whistled.
"Cinders and Ashes! I'm gonna meet my angel's brother at last!" Thomas whistled.
"Ha-ha! He did it!" David rejoiced. "The plan worked, the plan worked! What a special visit this will be!"
"Hurry along, Emily! Your brother awaits! And off we go, we're on our way!" Beatrice chimed.
And so they kept racing along the line together as the sky turned to a lovely, most fitting evening glow.
At Vicarstown Station, Henry and Rosie were just finishing their day, thinking about the little sense of word that had got around about Bernard's arrival themselves and were quite happy for Emily to be given such a reward...when they heard the distant sound of two engines rushing through the station...then Emily's voice made them both look up.
"Oh, goodness! Oh, goodness! He's coming! He's coming! It's-it's...the Brother's Return!"
There was Emily racing away right through the station with her white smoke billowing away behind her as she rushed right by Henry and Rosie, right along with Thomas, who gave a quick whistle as he rushed through the station too. Henry and Rosie smiled greatly to each other and simply carried on together...
At last, Thomas, Emily, David and Beatrice all made their way to Vicarstown Bridge together and stopped just as they saw it lowering down to the other side. They knew this was the moment they had all been waiting for. The No. 1 and 12 engines idled side by side and began to wait with racing hearts. The bridge lowered completely and was now showing the way across to the Mainland. Now Thomas and Emily could see for themselves whenever their much-anticipated guest would arrive. Thomas remembered just how he met Emma in the flesh and steel for the one and only time right here, how he jumped the bridge to reach the Great Railway Show, and when he and Nia came back after six entire months of travelling so much of the world together. Now, it would be Emily's turn to receive a most exclusive significance at this bridge herself. Once again, their minds began filling and flooding with endless thoughts of just what Bernard would look like to have heard his sister's news, and what it would like for them to be together again as brother and sister. At last, it was all coming together for Emily and her navy brother.
It was all becoming more and more real, and Emily closed her eyes, finding herself sweeping back to when she first-ever suggested her brother coming to Sodor to when they said goodbye right after the ceremony at York Station...
"Bernard," said Emily. "I am so, so happy to have met you again after so long since I moved away from here. I wish you wonderful luck to continue working on the Great Northern Railway. I'll miss you a great deal...but with any luck...maybe you could pay a visit to Sodor. That might be fun, don't you think?"
Bernard smiled gently. "Well. I would love to do that one day, Emily. After seeing my beautiful sister again, of course I should come. Someday I might come...and meet the engines of Sodor too. I love you, Emily. My dear emerald sister..."
As she fell out of that little line of thought and opened her eyes, Emily began to shiver and quake in her wheels and axles. Thomas saw this and could hear her begin to pant lightly to herself. She even seemed almost nervous to which Thomas decided to soothe her.
"Hey. Why are you so jittery, Emily? Everything's gonna be fine," said Thomas. "He's coming."
"I know, Thomas," Emily jittered. "It's just I haven't seen him for almost a year and a half...and never has he been on the Island of Sodor...Ever!"
"This is what you've been waiting for, Emily," said Thomas. "It will be just as amazing as you thought...and think of the rest of the engines too!"
"I know, Thomas...it's just not all talk and thought. Now he's actually coming...here, on Sodor, and with me...my perfect brother. Ohh..."
And as soon as Emily's sentence was done...that's when they heard it. The distant sound of an engine's whistle. Thomas and Emily's hearts suddenly pulsed and writhed in their boilers. Emily recognized that whistle from that very adventure she had taken with David to find his mother...and now she had heard it again. When Thomas heard the whistle, he noticed it sounded very much like Emily's, only with a lower note, but all the same, he suddenly felt the realization sweeping into him like no tomorrow. In all the many years he and Emily had known each other since the start, he had never heard of any Stirling siblings of hers until Emily and David came back and shared some of the tale with him, Percy and the Fat Controller.
David and Beatrice got down from Emily's cab and came up to her bufferbeam.
"He'll see us now, Emily. The Brother Returns," said David. Beatrice just smiled and nodded to Emily.
Emily gave a shaky sigh and smile to David and Beatrice. Then they all heard that whistle again, even closer. They all looked up and could see the distant swirling of smoke and steam over the hills around the bend past the bridge. Thomas and Emily began glancing to each other and out beyond the bridge, feeling everything coming together at such a fast rate just as their hearts pounded at a fast rate too.
And then...coming steadily around that bend...there he was at last. Bernard the Navy Stirling Single, Emily's true brother, smiling away to what he had heard...and then he looked up and saw Vicarstown Bridge right there for him to behold, he knew he was now at Sodor for the very first time. He looked right in Emily's direction and gave such a warm, wholesome smile, to which Emily smiled right back and gave such a whistle of joy and greeting. She felt her entire boiler bubbling and her firebox burning away so fiercely that even as she stood where she was, white smoke issued from her funnel and she let off a swirl of steam in shimmering excitement and delight as she saw her beloved brother coming closer and closer.
For Thomas, he found himself absolutely frozen with awe and discovery. After so many years since he first met Emily and his life changed forever with the first female steam engine to ever cross his path and Sodor's path, Thomas' eyes now bestowed another Stirling Single. A dashing, navy blue, brotherly and admittedly handsome Stirling Single for the brother of Thomas' emerald angel and wife figure. He looked just like Emily with the same shape, bufferbeam and smokebox, but with a distinctly male and brotherly face.
And when Bernard saw Emily, his smile continued to bask and linger with no hint of leaving whatsoever. He gave a cheerful whistle and a most ecstatic chortle of delight as he came over the bridge, then right up to Emily. He stopped about a foot away from her and stood where he was, staring into his sister's eyes. Emily waited for either herself to speak, or her brother as they smiled away to each other.
Then in the next moment, Bernard came forward and buffered right up to Emily, pressing his lips right to Emily's cheek and giving her such a loving, brotherly kiss. Emily gasped and shuddered all over with such bubbling joy, completely enthralled by her brother's arrival on Sodor at last. Thomas saw Bernard kissing his sister and could feel his eyes almost tearing up at the most endearing site...then Bernard spoke.
"Hello, Emily...my dear, lovely sister," he smiled surely. "My No. 12 sister and safety engine."
To this, Emily's eyes shimmered and she buffered right to Bernard, pressing her lips to his cheek and returning the favour with such a loving, sisterly kiss. Bernard gasped and shuddered too, which made Thomas coo and exclaim so adorably to what he saw.
"Hello, Bernard...my sweet, perfect brother," Emily smiled happily. "Welcome to Sodor...and welcome back to your perfect No. 12 sister! I trust you know just what your sister has been blessed with, just as we all came to hear?"
Bernard gave a nod and an even bigger smile as he leaned over a little and could just see his sister's No. 12 inscribed on her tender in the tan and chocolate brown paint and lining. He whistled with fervor and delight...then his eyes turned to just who was beside Emily. It was in that moment when Emily's brother stopped right where he was himself and took in that he was in the presence of the most famous tank engine the storybooks had ever spoke of, and finally, after all the years that had gone by, it was his chance to meet the No. 1 Blue Tank Engine for himself. Thomas stood very, very still, gazing at his emerald angel's true brother...until he spoke again.
"Well...by my navy paint. You must be Thomas," said Bernard.
Thomas heard Bernard's brotherly, distinctly Scottish voice and felt his heart trembling with such discovery that he was in the presence of his beautiful emerald angel's very own brother by basis and build.
"I am. And hello and welcome, Bernard," said Thomas. "It's such a joy to meet you at last...the brother of my beautiful emerald angel. What is it like to finally meet me? The No. 1 Tank Engine of Sodor...and your sister's handsome cobalt star and husband figure?"
"Well, Thomas the Tank Engine," said Bernard. "You don't know how much it means to me to meet you at last. I've heard about many of your stories over the years...but then on her adventure with David, Emily told me all about you and some of your experiences with her...and how you two are bonded together by love. I never imagined my sister would come to be blessed with such a gift...to be the wife figure of Thomas the Tank Engine of all engines! And it seems that as my sister's husband figure, perhaps that makes me a brother figure of yours too!"
"Likewise, I can't put my buffer on how delighted I am to meet my emerald angel's true Stirling brother, Bernard," Thomas smiled proudly.
"Yes, this is a proud, proud day for all of us," said Bernard.
Then the Riders spoke next. "Hello again, Bernard. Welcome to Sodor," David greeted with Beatrice beside him.
"Ah! Hello to you two again, David and Beatrice!" Bernard smiled. "So lovely to see you both again!"
"Such an honour it is, Bernard," said Beatrice. "And you've come at the very best of times for our No. 12 Safety Engine!"
"Indeed, Beatrice!" Bernard smiled. "I knew Emily to be a diligent, sensible and most reliable engine beyond any contrary, but never imagined that my sister would be bestowed with the honour of now being Sodor's Safety Engine and with her very own number!"
"Well, that's all very lovely," said Emily. "I could never be prouder and happier than I am that this day has come. Now, I think the very first thing to do for you is to have the other engines meet you at last, Bernard!"
Bernard smiled and buffered right up to his sister. "I would love that, Emily. Please lead the way...on toward Sodor!"
"Proudly, my perfect brother," Emily gleamed as she, Thomas, David Beatrice and the Returnee Brother all set off together.
Thomas reversed back along his way, watching as Bernard pushed Emily along her way too, with both of them smiling away to each other's company at last. When they came to Vicarstown Station, Thomas led the way to the shed's turntable and turned right around to face the other way. Then Emily was uncoupled from Bernard and she used the turntable too. Bernard watched with such a swelling heart as he could now see the No. 12 right there for himself until Emily turned the other way and could follow Thomas onwards.
"Come on, Bernard!" she whistled. "The others are waiting to meet you!"
"Of course, Emily...and SUCH a lovely number you carry now!" Bernard beamed as he carried on with his sister and Thomas too...
At Knapford Station, the rest of the Steam Team and Donald and Douglas were all waiting with the Fat Controller for Thomas and Emily to come back with their very special guest. They had all come to hear the story that spread since David and Emily told their tale of adventure, and they had their occasional thoughts of possibly meeting Bernard, but now that chance had finally come for real, and all of them could only imagine what it would be like. After two days of knowing the pending return of Emily's brother, the time was nearly up for them all, then they would all see the emerald's brother with their own eyes.
"They'll be back any minute now," said Percy. "Then I'll meet my mother figure's true brother at last!"
"So will Donnie and I," said Douglas. "Perhaps we shall have a new brother figure to admire along with our bonnie Emily."
"Well, everyone, whatever this visit brings us, it will be unforgettable," said the Fat Controller.
Then in that moment, all the engines and the Fat Controller heard the whistles. Thomas', Emily's...then a third whistle. Everyone felt their hearts jump. They looked amongst each other...then they looked ahead and saw the lines of smoke coming around the bend...until there they were, huffing along side by side. Thomas and Emily huffing together...and right beside Emily on the other side...there he was. Bernard the Stirling Brother. All the engines stayed perfectly still to what they were seeing, as did the Fat Controller, who removed his hat and smiled from ear to ear. Just as it was foretold, Bernard looked just like Emily with the same frame, smokebox and crimson bufferbeam...except with a dashing navy blue livery and a distinct, brotherly face. All the engines began murmuring amongst themselves as the tank engine and two Stirlings came closer and closer until they stopped and silence befell everyone for several moments.
"Well...hello again, everyone," Thomas said surely. "And hello, sir...here he is."
"Yes. After a year and a half of waiting for this day to befall me...he is, everyone," Emily announced. "Meet my Stirling brother, Bernard."
All the engines looked and smiled to Bernard, absolutely enthralled to see Emily's brother for themselves. All the years that had gone by, and none of them had any idea of giving thought to Emily's other siblings...and now here was her perfect navy brother for all of them to welcome and make friends with. Then the Fat Controller came walking toward Thomas, Emily and Bernard. He came right up to the navy Stirling and tipped his hat. Bernard smiled with great dignity and purpose.
"Well...by my word," said the Fat Controller. "A great pleasure and honour to meet the brother of our official Safety Engine."
"Thank you...and you must be Sir Topham Hatt," Bernard answered with a proud smile.
"Indeed, I am, and I am most pleased to welcome you here to Sodor," said the Fat Controller. "Nia, Gordon, James, Percy, Rebecca, Donald and Douglas. This is Bernard! Emily's Stirling brother and biggest gift for all her remarkable achievements."
"Here he is, everyone," said David as he and Beatrice came down from Emily's cab. "The brother has returned."
All the engines looked together in intrigue and awe at Emily's brother. For Rebecca and Nia this was a rather new acquaintance to be had as they themselves were the newest engines on Sodor and in the Steam Team, but for Gordon, James, Percy, Donald and Douglas, being on Sodor for as long as the storybooks can tell, this was something much deeper and prominent for them to behold. Emily's Stirling Brother, here at last for all of them to see.
"Well...hello to you all," Bernard beamed. "So this is the Steam Team? Now let me see if I can guess the two ladies. You, the orange one...Nia, right?"
"Yes, I am. Delighted to meet Emily's brother, Bernard," Nia answered.
"Thank you, Nia. Now...the big yellow beauty...you're Rebecca, aren't you?" Bernard observed.
"Ooh...big yellow beauty?" Rebecca blushed lightly. "Well...if Gordon thinks so, then it must be true. Welcome, Bernard."
"Thank you, Rebecca...now the rest of you, I know with no question," said Bernard. "Gordon, the pride of the Express."
"That, I am," said Gordon. "And perhaps what you say of Rebecca is true, so long as she is delighted by it. It is with great dignity that we are here to meet you, Bernard."
"Indeed, it is, Gordon. And you, the red one...James in his smart red paint?" Bernard looked again.
"Smart? Well, it looks like this brother knows how to love red paint!" James beamed with pride.
"And you. You're little Percy," Bernard said to the small green engine. "Thomas' best friend...and Emily's little son figure as the word gets around?"
"Hm-hm! I am, Bernard. Such a treat to meet you at last!" Percy peeped cutely. "You look just like her, except you're...you're a divine navy blue!"
"I know, Percy. And I like it," said Bernard. Then he turned to the two Scottish Twins. "And...well, what's this? My sister's two brotherly figures of Sodor? Yes, I know who you both are. Donald and Douglas, I'll be bound."
Donald and Douglas were both enthralled and inspired by what they were seeing and hearing. They had been considered Emily's brother figures for a few years now, all in relation to their Scottish voices alike, and now at last, they could see Emily's true and absolute brother right there for them to see, with his navy blue livery and his distinct Scottish accent, like Emily's and their own.
"Aye. Hello and welcome, Bernard," Donald and Douglas said together.
"Thank you, both," said Bernard. "So you two are Emily's brother figures on Sodor...well, perhaps that makes me a brother figure of yours too."
"We sure hope so, Bernard," said Donald.
"But of course it does," said Douglas. "The Brother's Return has come, and here we all are."
"Yes, we are," said Bernard. "I'm right here on the Island of Sodor for the first time...and back with my No. 12 Safety Engine and sister too! Thank you for having your news come forth to me...and bringing me here, Emily!"
"Oh...oh, Bernard!" Emily gushed happily. "I love you so much, my sweet brother! And you're forever welcome for as long as you visit all of us!"
And all the engines, Riders and the Fat Controller whistled and cheered for Bernard's arrival. Eventually, the cheering and whistling stopped and the engines all settled down again. The evening was turning to night and the engines would have to return to the sheds soon.
"Well, Bernard...it's such a joy to see you come at last," said Thomas. "And tomorrow, we can all start to pitch in with you as our guest."
"Yes. But for now, we must all be returning to Tidmouth Sheds," said Gordon.
"Hmm...not quite all of us," said Emily. "I think, Thomas, Bernard and I will stay here...and find our own shed together."
She winked to Bernard, who wondered what shed she could mean, but smiled back to her as the other engines went on their way, whistling good evening to Bernard as they went. When everyone had gone, Emily turned to Bernard as he spoke again.
"So, Emily...where shall we be staying tonight? You said we'd find our own shed together," he said.
"That, I did, Bernard," said Emily. "I think that tonight, you should join us...right here at Knapford Sheds...also named the Love Shed, where Thomas and I first ever brought for our full and pure love for each other. Will you be a dear brother and join us tonight?"
"Of course, my sister," Bernard smiled. "Warm and cozy right with my sister, and Thomas too."
"Well, goodnight to the three of you," said David. "And once again, Bernard. Welcome to Sodor."
"Yes, Bernard. You three have a lovely night now," said Beatrice.
While David and Beatrice went on their way home with Bertie, Thomas, Emily and Bernard made their way to Knapford Sheds and went right inside. As the visit had barely got started yet, they decided to spend their first evening together in their own sibling company along with Thomas. Before anything significant could begin, they simply had to let everything sink in first and take the evening in nice and easily.
"So, Bernard...now that you're here on Sodor for the first time, what do you think so far?" Thomas asked.
"Well, Thomas...so...is the Island of Sodor," said Bernard. "I can already say it's more than I ever thought it would be...and I'm more than happy to see it for myself at last. Right here with all the most famous engines the Mainland can speak of. Especially you two. Thomas and Emily."
"Well, Bernard. I may have travelled every continent in the world," said Thomas. "But there's no home for me except Sodor...and it's your emerald sister that truly makes it Sodor for me, just as she did since she ever first came here."
Emily blushed and glittered her eyes to Thomas to such sentimental, yet truthful words toward her. Then she gave a steady look to her brother.
"You've been gone a long, long time, Bernard," said Emily. "I know it's just been a year and a half since you and I saw each other last...but decades went by and I hadn't seen you since I moved to Sodor until David and I took that adventure and I met you again."
"I know," said Bernard. "I missed you, Emily. But no matter how long I'd be away, even if I went to all the places Thomas saw on his big world adventures, I know I always have a sister to return to when I can. And especially with your newfound number and title on this railway, I know beyond all else that I'd never find such a perfect sister as you, Emily."
Emily smiled sweetly and blew a kiss to her brother.
"And I know beyond all else that I will never find such a perfect brother as you, Bernard. As much as I love Donald and Douglas as my brother figures here on Sodor, you are my true and pure brother by flesh, steel and basis, designed and built by the very same Engine Works as your beloved sister...I love you, Bernard, my sweet, perfect brother."
To all of this, Bernard smiled and blew a kiss right to his sister. "I love you too, Emily. My sweet, perfect sister."
Then Bernard began to yawn. Thomas and Emily yawned too.
"Ohh...well, it's been a long journey for me," said Bernard. "And right now, sleeping right in here with my sister and her star would do absolute wonders."
"Ahh...ohh," Emily yawned. "having you sleep right here with me does me wonders too, Bernard. Sweet dreams, my sweet perfect brother."
"Sweet dreams to you, Emily, my No. 12 sister," Bernard smiled. "And you too, Thomas."
"Sweet dreams, Bernard. And welcome to Sodor," Thomas yawned.
And so Thomas, Emily and Bernard all fell asleep together. Thomas slept right beside his angel Emily, and she and Bernard continued to idle and beam together in their bond as true brother and sister. This had indeed been a most gratifying day for Emily after she had gained such immense honours and her very own number...and now she had her very own brother to bask and visit with for as long as he'd stay here. And this would only be the beginning of Bernard's first-ever visit to Sodor...which would soon bring about more experience between him and his sister, finally working with her again at last as their own little Stirling Duo, and beyond that, there was much more to be experienced, discovered and brought about in the days to come.
And thus, Bernard has finally made his first visit to Sodor and reunited with Emily again. This will be quite an eventful story as things will be getting very interesting and darker later on as we address some unanswered questions in regards to previous stories. Definitely going to be an interesting and emotional one, that's for sure. Until next chapter, tell us what you thought of this chapter, and as always, stay safe.