Red Redemption
written by Scrubb1910 and Denngine
Author's note: This story taking place after the season 21 episode "A Shed for Edward" is a team effort made by myself and my good friend Scrubb1910. Be sure to give him thanks for putting great effort into this story as well.
As everyone watched Edward and Phillip leave, Emily couldn't help but wonder.
EMILY: I wonder who will be joining us here at Tidmouth Sheds?
THOMAS: Well, we'll just have to wait and see.
STH: Yes, I shall be looking into it once again, Thomas. James, if this wasn't a happy ending, you'd still be in big trouble. I only let you keep your red livery because I saw how sorry you were. However, you need to learn about common sense, responsibility and carefulness. As I said a long time ago, you must learn from your mistakes. Edward isn't the only one leaving Tidmouth.
James gulped.
STH: I think you're aware of how much trouble you are in right now…
James felt more nervous.
STH: You could've killed someone, wrecking the sheds by going at such a high speed! And without checking your brakes, too! Simply irresponsible! This time, you've gone too far, James. It's clear to me that you've really been out of line recently. I think it's high time, I put you out of service for a while. I'm hereby sentencing you to the out-of-use siding for a month!
The engines gasped at this.
JAMES: The… the… out-of-use siding… sir…?
STH: Yes, James. I think you clearly need a break from being, "really useful"...if you ever knew the true meaning of it! Perhaps this will show you that little actions have big consequences. Now off you go there at once!
JAMES: Yes, sir…
And James puffed sadly away from the sheds and to the siding at Knapford yards.
The engines at Tidmouth Sheds were now talking about James.
GORDON: That's the trouble with- ...him. Always sorry, but does he really mean it? I don't think so! If he was pulling my Express, he'd have surely killed more people with him including his own crew! I never thought I'd say this, but I have been left with no other choice - James is a death-trap on wheels with no regard for the lives of others, let alone their health and safety! I don't want to see James EVER again!
PERCY: Well, he did tease me with a scrap monster once, and before that, the Phantom Express. So, yes - I still don't know why I even saved him from the clay pits all those years ago!
GORDON: Exactly, little Percy! And from what Henry told me, James has been left in the out-of-use siding as a cautionary example to all engines and a good thing, too! Sir Topham Hatt has finally made such an example out of him and that's a good thing, too! Perhaps maybe things would've been much better if James was put to better use and made into a generator like the tale of Smudger
PERCY: Um… I wouldn't go as far as that, Gordon. I hope James doesn't get sent for scrap.
GORDON: Well, little Thomas? Haven't you have anything to contribute? DIdn't you save him from the field of cows all those years ago? Why did you even bother rescuing such a poor excuse of a Really Useful Engine that is James in the first place? Think about it.
Thomas didn't answer. He was thinking a great deal. Would he really try and help James for old time's sake or not? If he didn't, he would still be in the cow field all those years ago. Like Percy, he too was conflicted with mixed-emotions about the red engine. Even Gordon's "death-trap on wheels" comment seemed to sink into his smokebox. What if the Fat Controller was short on money and couldn't afford to repair both James and Tidmouth Sheds at once? What if - he dreaded - what if he ordered 'Arry and Bert to take James to the Smelters and condemn him there? This was all too much for the little blue tank engine to take in.
HENRY: Well, I believe that it's important to give our friends a chance to make up for their mistakes. Of course, if they continue to do wrong, we might want to think about whether or not we really want them for a friend or not. But many wrongdoers do see the error of their ways. All they need is a second chance. Everybody deserves that, don't they?
Gordon just snorted. Emily spoke up.
EMILY: That's right, Henry. When someone does something we don't like, it can be hard to forgive. It's at times like these that we must remember everyone does deserve a second chance. We all make mistakes and when we do, it's nice to have a friend who will understand us and give us another chance.
Gordon just snorted. The other engines had been pretty much overworked. Diesel, who was also overworked, understood their feelings and, in trying to prove that diesels were better than 'stupid old steamies', sought every oppurtunity to relish in it.
One month later, James was allowed out of the siding and to be working again.
STH: But, I'm asking you to be much more careful with your jobs now. I don't want any more accidents, especially from you.
JAMES: Yes, sir. Of course, sir.
James was finally glad to have been released, but he still felt nervous. James had to collect a freight train and deliver it to Brendam Docks. He tried very hard to be careful with the trucks. But what he didn't know was that the trucks were planning to cause trouble for him.
But by the time James was out on the main line, the trucks had made their move.
TRUCKS: On! On! On! Faster! Faster! Faster!
JAMES: Oh no! Stop! Stop!
James applied his brakes, but the trucks were pushing him much too fast.
Henry was waiting at a signal by the junction.
HENRY: I hope Gordon likes these new coaches.
Then suddenly, Henry heard distant puffing of what sounded like a runaway behind him. No sooner than the signal dropped and changed from red to green, he started to trundle on his way. And then he heard a familiar whistle he knew too well.
HENRY: James…? JAMES!
JAMES: Look out, Henry! I can't stop!
Henry was moving as quickly as he could, but before he could clear the crossing, he heard a loud noise which sounded like wood splintering and metal banging. The brake coach was smashed and derailed. James had ploughed right into it.
HENRY: Are you alright, James?
JAMES: Oh no! I'm fine, but I hope everyone else is!
HENRY: What have you done?! You're lucky no one was on board those coaches as they had just come from the Works! Gordon's not going to like this and neither will Sir Topham Hatt!
JAMES: Oh dear…
And Henry was right. Duck arrived with Rocky and Sir Topham Hatt.
STH: JAMES THE RED ENGINE! What did I tell you?!
JAMES: I'm really sorry, sir! I never meant to cause this accident!
STH: No, no, no and again, NO! I've had quite enough of your excuses! It seems I can never trust you to be sensible, or even Really Useful at all! Well, this is it… it's NOT going to go so easy on you THIS time! I shall deal with you later!
James felt completely devastated and broken inside, as Rocky lifted him out of the wreckage. He was now really worried about what would happen to him.
Rosie was shunting trucks at Vicarstown, when Henry came by.
ROSIE: Hello, Henry! What's the matter?
HENRY: James had gotten into an accident with Express Coaches.
ROSIE: Oh no! Not another one! Don't tell me he didn't go to check his brakes again?
HENRY: I'm not sure if that's the case, but he's now in the out-of-use siding and in even more trouble with Sir Topham Hatt. I suppose it's for his own good.
Rosie was horrified. She couldn't believe how bad James' situation could've been.
So Rosie raced out of Vicarstown and all the way to Knapford yards. There, she met Philip resting in a siding. He had been sorting coaches in the yards all day.
PHILIP: Hello, Rosie! You look worried… is everything alright?
ROSIE: Yes, Philip. But, I'm looking for James. Do you know where he is?
PHILIP: Oh, yes… James… Come with me.
So Philip led Rosie down the track, and stopped a distance away from a siding that had a red, mixed-traffic engine sitting in it. Rosie couldn't believe it.
ROSIE: Oh, James…
PHILIP: Poor engine…
ROSIE: Something doesn't seem right… James would never get into another accident on purpose!
PHILIP: Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that, Rosie… I do remember the time he nearly fell off the tunnel and I had to rescue him…
ROSIE: But, it feels like… he's been… framed or something.
PHILIP: Really? Well, who do you reckon we should question, then?
ROSIE: The question isn't who, Philip… but WHAT…
Philip looked confused. Then Rosie stared at the line of trucks. They were the same trucks that caused James' accident.
ROSIE: Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Philip?
PHILIP: Oh, right you are, Rosie!
At Knapford station, Sir Topham Hatt was talking to Edward.
STH: I want to believe James, but he's been far too naughty and irresponsible as of lately. On top of all that, I'm starting to question his so-called desire for "usefulness".
EDWARD: But, sir! There's more to it than you think! James has been trying very hard-
STH: Yes, Edward! Too hard for his own good!
EDWARD: You don't understand the full facts of what happened, sir! There's no way James could have let his trucks run away like that again!
STH: Listen to me, Edward. I am worried about James and the railway! I don't want to have the risk of James causing more damage both to himself and anyone else!
DUCK: Indeed so. If I'm not mistaken, something or someone must've put them up to it.
Sir Topham Hatt breathed heavily.
STH: Alright, I'll think about this rationally. If you engines think there's something else going on behind the scenes, feel free to investigate, but make sure James stays out of trouble!
EDWARD: Yes, Sir. I was his original mentor before Thomas arrived.
Later that evening, the other engines were gathered round at Tidmouth Sheds, except for James. Gordon was still cross and grumpy after having heard what happened that day.
HENRY: From what I heard from Duck, James has been placed into solitary confinement in the out-of-use siding as punishment for his mishandling of the troublesome trucks.
THOMAS: How long would he stay here, I wonder?
HENRY; An undetermined length of time, no doubt.
THOMAS: Oh dear… he's certainly gone too far this time, hasn't he?
HENRY: I guess you can say that, Thomas. I thought James knew how he kept trucks in line or maybe his brakes failed again? I don't know… he was very deeply sorry, though.
GORDON: I don't know why Sir Topham Hatt still keeps that excuse of an engine on this railway anymore…
THOMAS: Pardon?
PERCY: What do you mean by excuse of an engine? Is James coming back to Tidmouth?
GORDON: Not really, little Percy. And I rather you didn't mention that name in front of me… ever.
Percy looked down at his buffers sheepishly.
EMILY: I miss him here at the sheds…
HENRY: We all do, but we all heard what happened about the incident with the Express Coaches. He should've kept his trucks under more control.
EMILY: But it wasn't entirely his fault!
THOMAS: How would you know, Emily?
GORDON: Yes, how would you know exactly? James is guilty as sin alright! I would never EVER trust him around passengers again and neither would the Fat Controller!
Emily felt more worried now.
EMILY: Because he would never dare to put others in danger on purpose!
GORDON: If he's sent away, then he's sent away; simple as that!
Emily couldn't take it any longer.
GORDON: He should have been sent away after the bootlace incident or the tar wagon incident a long time ago anyway!
At this point, Emily didn't want to hear Gordon's rant about James any longer. She backed up as far as she could inside her berth, slamming the doors shut in front of her.
EMILY: Oh James… what will ever happen to you..?...
Soon, Emily began to close her eyes, and fell asleep. And while she was sleeping, she began having a nightmare about James. In her nightmare, a furious looking Sir Topham Hatt had sentenced James away to be scrapped. James was shunted to the smelter yards by 'Arry and Bert.
JAMES: I'M SORRRYYYYY!
STH: Not good enough… Now pay the price for your sins in your past!
Diesel looked almost like a hooded executioner. Emily watched helplessly as James was taken behind a huge iron door.
EMILY: No! Please! Don't do this!
But there was nothing she could do. And then, there came the sounds of his whistle and frightening, painful shrieking, as James began to feel himself being torn apart…
Emliy woke up in such a fright, and then she broke down, sobbing to herself. The other engines around her were still fast asleep. Emily was relieved she didn't wake them up.
EMILY: I must see if he's alright…
She quietly puffed out of Tidmouth Sheds to Knapford. And there was James, in the out-of-use siding. He hardly slept. He was wrecked and overwhelmed with guilt. As James looked up, he saw Emily approaching him.
JAMES: Emily…?
EMILY: James…
JAMES: What are you doing outside of Tidmouth Sheds?
James was all boarded up and a big sign was propped up in front of him, which read "DANGER - KEEP AWAY".
JAMES: I'd rather you didn't see me or talk to me like this.
EMILY: But I want to. I need to…
JAMES: What do you possibly want?
EMILY: I wanted to check on you and see if you were really alright.
JAMES: ...I'm fine...just fine. I only have the moon and stars in the night sky to keep me company. Nobody believes in me anymore, not even Sir Topham Hatt.
EMILY: But I do, James.
JAMES: How do you know?
EMILY: Because I know you would never dare to put anyone else in danger for your own enjoyment.
JAMES: I didn't mean to crash into Gordon's new Express Coaches, but I think everyone's being unfair to say I did it on purpose! Why do you of all engines care about someone like me?
EMILY: Because…
JAMES: Because what?
EMILY: Because, I… I love you, James…
James was taken aback.
JAMES: Really…?
EMILY: Yes, I do, James.
James blushed. He was at a loss for words.
EMILY: And it really pains me to see you in this situation…
JAMES: I - I - I...love you too, Emily. I don't know how I will ever get out of this whole mess. I'll never be a credit to the railway...ever again.
EMILY: You will be, James, just like you've always been. I will help you prove your innocence and show everyone that you're not what they really believe you are.
JAMES: You would? For me? I really did have control over my trucks, I really did!
EMILY: I believe you, James. And I really have a feeling someone else might've been up to this…
JAMES: Like who? I cannot believe what's going on. Whoever's doing this is making things really difficult for me and causing me nothing but misery for no reason!
EMILY: Don't worry. I will find out who is responsible for your accident.
JAMES: I suppose Edward doesn't believe me either. To think he mentored me all those years ago, and I threw it all back at him…
EMILY: He will believe you, James. I know he will. And you will be freed from your miserable grasp. And, I would really love to be with you.
JAMES: I would love to be with you too, Emily.
Tears started to brim in James' eyes and so did Emily's. Emily puffed up to James slowly. Her buffers touched his own. And Emily gave James a kiss. James kissed Emily back.
JAMES: If all this stuff wasn't in the way…
EMILY: It will be over soon, and then you'll be back with everyone on your side. And, we'll be together…
JAMES: Yes, we will.
The next day, Rosie biffed one of the trucks in the yard.
ROSIE: Okay, now who put you up to it?! Talk, Mister!
PHILIP: Sorry I'm late! My alarm clock was slow and I stumbled out of bed and fell down some stairs this morning!
ROSIE: Are we sure we're doing this right, Philip?
PHILIP: Mmmm - I'm not sure. You are the bad cop, right?
ROSIE: I thought you were the bad cop.
TRUCK 1: I'd say you're both pretty good bad cops!
The trucks laughed.
ROSIE: Oh be quiet!
And she gave the truck a mighty biff.
Just then, Edward came by.
EDWARD: Hello, you two. What are you up to?
PHILIP: Oh, hello Edward! Always nice to see you! We were just playing good and bad cop, but I don't think we're doing it right.
ROSIE: What Philip means, is, we've been trying to question these trucks. We know that they were the ones who have been put up for it, but we can't figure out how to tell them who it was…
EDWARD: ...that means… James is innocent! That means someone put those trucks up to it! Oh, thanks, you two. You keep on trying to get the trucks to talk. I'll go and tell Sir Topham Hatt the truth.
PHILIP: Our pleasure, Edward. Always happy to help!
And Edward hurried away to find Henry and Sir Topham Hatt, while Rosie and Philip were still stuck with the trucks.
PHILIP: Soooo, who's the bad cop again?
ROSIE: Never mind, Philip…
Then, Rosie had an idea.
ROSIE: Oh, trucks... If you don't tell us who is responsible for James' accident, then I guess I'll go and fetch Oliver. You probably wouldn't like ending up separated and torn apart, would you?
The trucks got nervous at this, but they still wouldn't tell.
TRUCKS: We're not as old and rusty as you think! We're brand new, tip-top shape, and strongly built.
Rosie realized they were right.
PHILIP: Didn't think that one through, did you, Rosie?
ROSIE: I KNOW!
Edward and Henry were at Knapford Station. They were hoping to bring Sir Topham Hatt to question Gordon.
HENRY: Here he is! Sir, do you have a moment?
STH: I suppose. What's the matter?
EDWARD: There's something very important you must know, sir.
HENRY: The truth!
STH: The truth about what?
HENRY: James had no intention of wrecking Gordon's coaches. The trucks were being very awkward and James really was trying his hardest! It was when I finished the delivery for him that I heard the trucks snickering to themselves. Something that sounded like "Mission Accomplished" or something.
EDWARD: We have reason to believe someone has set him up and ordered the trucks to get James into a heap of trouble! I'm thinking someone has a verge against James.
Sir Topham Hatt thought deeply on what Edward and Henry told him. Then he realised that he made a mistake.
EDWARD: If you ask me, confining him to the out-of-use siding for always and always and always was a step too far.
HENRY: Could've been worse, could've been a tunnel…
STH: Oh dear… I guess I did… I did the same thing with him as I did to you many years ago, Henry…
HENRY: Only because I deserved it, but James didn't, really.
STH: Well, I'd better help you engines get this situation all sorted out. But first, I believe there is someone we should have a little chat with…
HENRY: We know exactly who, sir!
STH: Very well, then. Take me to them immediately.
Gordon was at Tidmouth Station. Edward and Henry approached him.
GORDON: What brings you both here?
HENRY: Gordon, we need to talk.
EDWARD: You're probably aware about what.
GORDON: About what? If it's about that incident between a certain engine and my new Express Coaches-
STH: Indeed it is, Gordon.
GORDON: Sir?
EDWARD: What you thought at first was true from a certain point of view.
HENRY: When you should've considered looking at it from another.
GORDON: On what grounds? James knew what he did and he refuses to admit it!
STH: But do you know what someone else did to set him up?
GORDON: I honestly don't know, sir.
HENRY: We don't know who exactly, but we overheard the troublesome trucks who were pushing James mention something about a plan being completed.
EDWARD: And we're going to find out who's responsible for it.
GORDON: I know exactly who's responsible. And that's James.
HENRY: It wasn't James' fault, Gordon! Stop being so stubborn!
STH: It can't be James, Gordon. And while we're on the subject, I'd like to ask about what you said about him.
GORDON: ...uhhh, what do you mean, sir?
STH: Something about a "death-trap on rails" or whatever it was?
HENRY: A pathetic excuse for a Really Useful engine?
Gordon was rather hesitant.
EDWARD: And giving Really Useful a bad name, too.
STH: I am ashamed of you, Gordon. To think that you would call one of the engines you've known for a long time these words is very shameful! James did make huge screw-ups, but he wasn't the only one who made them, you know.
Gordon began to feel guilty.
GORDON: No, sir.
STH: What about the time you crashed into the wall of Kirk Ronan Station and injured, maybe almost killed your driver and fireman?
GORDON: That was not my fault, sir. My brake handle was too stiff.
STH: And by the way, Thomas did screw up a whole lot on the construction of the Arlesburgh branch line, but who was it that got his patience all stirred up at Knapford station in the first place?
GORDON: Well, I only teased him, sir.
STH: Honestly, Gordon. I would've thought that you should've gotten over being arrogant and bringing up this "tender engines don't shunt" nonsense up again, as well as having no regards to how Thomas could've felt!
By now, Gordon was really beginning to feel uneasy about his behaviour.
STH: Think about it, Gordon. And I'll be expecting forgiveness once James' innocence has been proved.
And he, Edward and Henry set off to find James in the out-of-use siding, leaving Gordon on his own.
GORDON: Perhaps I was so upset by his reckless actions in wrecking the shed and Edward leaving… I feel such a fool.
Now, Gordon really understood everything.
Meanwhile, Edward and Henry had arrived at the siding. James was already catching up on sleep he had missed since his restless time.
HENRY: Wow, he really doesn't look like he's slept well, does he?
EDWARD: Shh! Don't wake him up… I believe the stress must've deprived him of it. It surely would have made him physically - maybe mentally - ill.
STH: Well, we can't have him in this state any longer. Whoever's behind James' misery will have me to answer to. As soon as he is awake, I must apologise to him.
So Edward went off to find Emily and the other engines while Henry carefully buffered up to James. Slowly and steadily, Henry pulled James out of the siding.
STH: Take him to the Steamworks in case he may have had some faults, probably no thanks to the elements.
Sir Topham Hatt watched on until the two were out of sight. He hung his head in shame, having misplaced his misjudgement on one of his own engines once again. The first time with Percy was bad enough, the second with Thomas, and now with James.
STH: Oh, why did I have to act so irrationally towards them?
He headed for home. It was he himself who had a lot to think about. Meanwhile, a certain diesel had been watching from a distance.
DIESEL: Bother, he's going to find out soon…
He had hoped that James would be withdrawn from service, but it seemed his plan backfired. To make matters worse for him, Emily had been watching Diesel from behind and heard everything.
EMILY: So you're the one behind all this… oh, you won't get away with it at all, Diesel…
And Emily sped away to find Sir Topham Hatt.
James was taken to the Steamworks to be checked over, unknowingly. He woke up to the noises around him
JAMES: ...huh? What? What's going on?
VICTOR: You just need to be inspected over, my friend. You've been out in the siding for several days and we must see if you're in perfect working order.
JAMES: I'm… not in the siding anymore…?
VICTOR: No. There's been a change of plan.
James was cleaned up and checked over. James began to feel more nervous.
JAMES: Oh dear… I guess I'm going to be scrapped now…
VICTOR: That's what you think, but no.
Edward then puffed up.
EDWARD: Victor's right, James. There's been a huge misunderstanding regarding your crash into one of Gordon's coaches.
JAMES: No, it was my fault. I wasn't able to stop them in time…
EDWARD: James - you may not believe it, but someone has put your trucks up to it.
JAMES: ...really? Who could've done such a thing?
EDWARD: That's what we're trying to find out. It was someone who has been spoiling your last chance and wanted to make things difficult for you.
JAMES: Well, I really hope that someone doesn't get away with it…
EDWARD: So do I. Anyway, Sir Topham Hatt will be giving your jobs for the day. I hope you don't mind helping me on my branch line for a while. It's just so we can get to the bottom of things.
JAMES: Oh, of course I would love to help you, Edward! It's the least I could do after making you… well… leave Tidmouth Sheds…
EDWARD: It's not your fault, James. You didn't mean to cause so much trouble. All you did was jump to conclusions, even though you were being very careless. Besides, the move to Wellsworth was a good one… most of the time.
JAMES: Well, I'm glad things worked out for you, but I still feel bad for it…
EDWARD: Was it because you were jealous of Rosie?
JAMES: Well, maybe… I really need to apologize to her.
EDWARD: I'm sure she knows how sorry you are. It's only until the matter is resolved.
JAMES: Well, I can't do anything while I'm here…
EDWARD: We all get a second chance. Don't mess it up, or let others mess it up for you.
JAMES: I won't, Edward. I won't.
So, James helped out on the Wellsworth Branch. He was about to take a passenger train when he heard people saying things about him. They refused to get on board.
PASSENGER 1: Forget it!
PASSENGER 2: Not this death-trap on rails!
PASSENGER 3: He'd surely snap your neck!
GRUMPY PASSENGER: I'd rather take a horse and cart than this abomination!
Those comments made James upset. Even the passengers wouldn't trust him anymore. Edward, who had been watching, sidled up to him.
EDWARD: Ahem! James, you don't have to if you don't want to.
JAMES: It's alright, Edward. I don't want to put any more people in danger…
EDWARD: I know you won't. It seems Gordon's harsh words have rubbed off on you. You can always take my trucks to the docks if you like.
JAMES: Yes. That would be great, thank you Edward.
And with that, James puffed off to fetch Edward's freight train while the kind old blue engine back down onto the coaches with a disapproving look towards some of the passengers. They were still saying nasty things about James.
PASSENGER 1: Oh, that's right, then - clear off!
PASSENGER 2: Yeah, better a long walk than a ride with that useless engine!
PASSENGER 1: Finally, a steady and safer engine!
PASSENGER 2: The foil to that red monster, no doubt.
At last, Edward had quite enough and lost patience.
EDWARD: Be quiet! Don't let out one more bad word towards that engine! If the Fat Controller heard any one of you say that, you might not ever travel on this railway ever again! So, just be thankful you still have a way of transportation!
The passengers were silent after that. They shamefully climbed aboard and Edward set off. For the rest of the journey, no one dared to bad mouth James, especially in front of Edward himself.
Meanwhile, James was carefully backing down to a line of trucks. Just then, he heard a familiar diesel horn.
JAMES: Wait a minute... Diesel?!
DIESEL: Oh, it's you! I thought you were in the out-of-use siding!
JAMES: I'm not anymore! And... Why are you interested in me being in that siding?
DIESEL: Oh… no reason. I hear that you are a danger to yourself and others.
Then suddenly, James began to realize the truth…
Duck came pulling in with some vent wagons.
DUCK: Beg pardon, am I interrupting something? Hm - spoken to any trucks, Diesel?
DIESEL: Uhhh, no, Duck…
JAMES: It was you, Diesel! You were the one who set me up with those trucks and tried to frame me! I can't believe this!
DUCK: I thought so, too! The first time was bad enough, but this… this goes too far!
Sir Topham Hatt leaned out of Duck's cab.
STH: And I suppose you thought you could get away with it, didn't you, Diesel?
DIESEL: Sir?! But… how... What…
STH: Emily told me everything. There's no point in trying to cover your guilt up with lies, Diesel!
Diesel then realized he couldn't talk his way out of this one, so he rolled away as fast as he could. James took chase.
JAMES: Oh no, you don't!
James chased Diesel, having learned about the truth. And Duck as well.
Sir Topham Hatt quickly jumped on board the Great Western engine.
STH: After those engines, Duck!
A chase ensued, ending with Diesel crashing into a siding full of tar wagons.
After James pulls him out, Sir Topham Hatt confronts Diesel about the whole incident.
STH: Diesel! I heard the whole thing! You are in so much trouble for this! James has been working very hard to get back into my good books ever since his crash at Tidmouth Sheds, so the last thing he needed was insult to injury as well as salt in his own wounds!
DIESEL: Well... errr…. I never meant…
JAMES: Save it for someone who cares, Diesel! You put those trucks up to it, making Gordon and Sir Topham Hatt think I was careless and destroyed his Express Coaches on purpose!
STH: I know that now, James. I was wrong to blame you for it. I was quick to jump to conclusions like that. I was so cross I did not stop to check the facts before I even knew the truth behind it.
JAMES: Am I or am I not a credit to the railway, sir?
STH: You are most certainly a credit to the railway, James.
JAMES: Am I really? Even though I'm not like the other engines in terms of usefulness? I wouldn't care if some other engine takes my place at Tidmouth, so long as I have a home here.
STH: But James, Tidmouth Sheds has been your home since you first came here.
JAMES: I know, but it's still my fault that Edward moved out and Gordon has always blamed me for that ever since.
STH: Well, that is true…
JAMES: Perhaps I've done more bad than good. I should've been kicked out of Tidmouth with Edward when I was repaired the same time as the sheds or you could've left me in the out-of-use siding for always and always and always or turned me into a stationary boiler or… something.
STH:Why would you think that, James? Sure, you've done bad stuff in the past, but you've always done more good to make up for your mistakes.
JAMES: Like what?
STH: Well, I'll never forget that you first ruined my top-hat and don't get me started on the… "bootlaces". But you also made the troublesome trucks behave and pulled the Express for Gordon when he got diverted on the loop line.
JAMES: I did, even though it wasn't nearly as heroic as some of the other engines' deeds.
STH: James, your deeds don't always have to be heroic to be good enough.
Diesel overheard the heart-to-heart conversation and sneeringly muttered under his breath.
JAMES: They don't, sir? Everyone else has been trying to prove my innocence about the incident with the coaches and at the same time, I've been trying very hard to get back into your good books as well as everyone else's again.
STH: And I think you've been doing a good job at that, too. I believe everyone's forgiven you by now.
JAMES: They have? Even Percy, Toby, Duck, Philip and Rosie?
STH: Even them, James.
JAMES: I'll doubt if Gordon has. He still thinks I'm a death-trap on rails.
DIESEL: Death-trap on rails...hmmm...that doesn't sound like something Sir Topham Hatt would want to keep here…
JAMES: Save it, Diesel!
STH: Yes, from what I've heard, you were making things difficult for James, who was trying to redeem himself for his recent reckless actions!
DIESEL: Ohhhh…
At last, James returned to Tidmouth Sheds to a rousing welcome from the other engines, including Gordon, who then apologized to James for blaming him for wrecking his Express coaches, as well as the death-trap on rails comment.
GORDON: I, er… I don't know what to say, sir.
STH: An apology to James might be a good start.
GORDON: Oh, yes! Yes indeed, sir. James, I know I said some things like…
THOMAS: Poor excuse for a Really Useful Engine?
PERCY: Death-trap on rails?
HENRY: Reincarnation of Smudger?
GORDON: Yes, yes! Those! But, I'm very sorry for those things.
EDWARD: And?
GORDON: And I'm very sorry I blamed you for wrecking my Express Coaches.
STH: Me, too. I should've listened to your side of the story properly.
GORDON: Are we still friends?
James thought for a moment.
JAMES: …I suppose we are.
STH: That's that sorted out. Oh! And one more thing…
JAMES: Yes, sir?
STH: To show how sorry he is, Gordon wants you to take the Express in his place while he handles trucks filled with scrap instead. Fine by you, Gordon?
GORDON: Yes, Sir. Fine by me. If James has taken it before, he can take it again. I don't really mind him, same as Henry.
HENRY: Oh, yes. That sounds perfectly fair, Gordon. Considering that our friend has been through an awful lot of hard luck and hard times over the last few weeks, it's about time good things came to him for a change.
EDWARD: Yes, it's about time James deserved so much better even for once. Where would the Three Mainline Engines be without each other, eh?
HENRY: I certainly can't imagine that!
EMILY: Me neither! I missed James so much!
JAMES: I missed you too, Emily. I missed all of you…
THOMAS: We're so glad you're back with us, James.
GORDON: James? I'm sorry for all the horrible things I've said about you recently. I was just so upset about what you caused, that I acted without thinking clearly and took my anger out on you. Will you ever forgive me, for old time's sake?
James thought for a moment.
JAMES: Oh, certainly. I forgive you.
GORDON: Thank you, old friend… and I would really like it, if you pulled the express for me more often.
JAMES: ...but, Gordon, it's your job-
GORDON: No, James. It's a job for a strong, and really useful engine. You have already proven to me earlier that you could do it well on your own.
JAMES: I did. If I did it before, I can do it again!
GORDON: Of course you could, James.
Diesel was shunting trucks about, when he noticed a familiar big blue engine.
DIESEL: Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?
GORDON: Doing some quiet work for a change. What else?
DIESEL: Since when have you been taking scrap? And I thought you were an Express engine.
GORDON: I am, but I'm letting James take it in my place for a change. After all, it's the least I can do to show him how sorry I am… unlike you.
DIESEL: I don't know what you're talking about…
GORDON: From what I've heard, you were the one who had James' trucks up to it, making him think he damaged my Express Coaches on purpose!
DIESEL: Uhhh, surely you must've misheard…?
GORDON: I did not!
Gordon advanced up towards Diesel.
GORDON: I will NOT have YOU put any of my own friends under such emotional pressure like that again!
Diesel began to shiver with fear.
GORDON: If you so much as put any of my friends under such hardships or set them up in such a way like this again, you'll have either me or Sir Topham Hatt to deal with!
Diesel reversed into some buffers that started to creak.
DIESEL: Now, calm down, Gordon, I never meant any real harm to anyone-
GORDON: Consider yourself lucky I would never inflict harm to my fellow engines. Otherwise I would stoop as low as you!
FOREMAN: Your next train's ready, Gordon!
GORDON: Well, I'd better get going now. But remember what I said, Diesel…
Diesel gulped, as if to say he understood. As soon as GOrdon puffed on his way, Diesel went back to work, still shaken a little.
DIESEL: I'd better not mess with Gordon again…
James was having a good time and the passengers were very pleased and happy. Some of them even felt ashamed and were very sorry. James forgave the passengers immediately. If anything, he was just relieved that they were able to trust him again.
At Knapford yards, Rosie came back to try again. She was still trying to figure out who was responsible for James' situation, when Henry came up to her.
HENRY: Hello, Rosie! What are you two doing?
ROSIE: Hello, Henry. I still haven't been able to get the trucks to tell me who it was…
HENRY: What are you talking about? James is free now. We found out who was the culprit.
ROSIE: Who was it?
PHILIP: Diesel!
Philip had come to the yards.
ROSIE: ...what?
PHILIP: You heard me, Diesel. Didn't you know? I stopped him from getting away by shunting tar wagons in a siding he was going to get diverted in.
Then Philip realized.
PHILIP: Oh, I forgot to tell you, Rosie… sorry…?
ROSIE: ...it's alright, Philip. What matters is that James has been proved innocent…
And then she muttered under her breath:
ROSIE: You won't be lucky next time…
Philip chuckled nervously.
And so, everything returned to normality for James now. Gordon spent a while delivering scrap, as well as garbage to Whiff's waste dump. Diesel had been sent to the Smelters and wasn't allowed to come out until further notice by Sir Topham Hatt. Edward enjoyed his new home at Wellsworth sheds and gratefully thanked James for it.
As for James himself? Well, you wouldn't believe how happy he had felt to regain everyone's trust and feel truly back at home again. He spent time giving his apologies to engines whom he had mistreated earlier on, and they forgave him.
As he began puffing out of Knapford with the Express, Philip grinned.
PHILIP: Maybe James isn't so bad after all.
JAMES: Good day, Philip! Keep up the good work at the yards!
PHILIP: Thanks, James! Have fun with the Express!
JAMES: Oh, I will. Thank you!
And also, James and Emily were able to be together at last. As James arrived at Wellsworth, Emily puffed up to him.
EMILY: May I join you, please James?
JAMES: Of course, Emily…
EMILY: I asked Sir Topham Hatt and he agreed.
So the two engines hauled the Express together that day.
EMILY: I'm flying, James! I'm flying! Where!
JAMES: Haha! Calm down, Emily! You've pulled the Express before.
EMILY: So have you, remember?
JAMES: Of course I do.
Later that day, James and Emily were at Black Loch together. Soon, Emily and James have finished pulling the Express for the day. It was beginning to become evening that day.
EMILY: James? Would you like to go to Black Loch with me?
JAMES: Oh I would love to, Emily.
So that evening, Emily led James to her most favourite place in all of Sodor: Black Loch.
JAMES: Don't you just love the view and the sunset?
EMILY: Oh yes I do, James. But wait! You'll see something even more amazing…
JAMES: What are you talking about?
Then suddenly, black figures began appearing from the water surface. James suddenly felt frightened.
JAMES: Oh no! Is it…? No, it can't be… could it?
The black figures got closer and closer. It turned out to be…
JAMES: Seals?
Emily laughed.
EMILY: Yes, James. Cute, adorable seals.
JAMES: Awww, they are adorable, aren't they?
Then, James looked at Emily herself.
JAMES: Oh, Emily… you are the most beautiful engine I have ever met…
They both reached out and kissed together.
JAMES: I love you, Emily…
EMILY: I love you too, James…
They both stayed there longer, kissing each other with love, as the sun set down.
And when the stars came out, James and Emily decided to head back to Tidmouth Sheds with the others. And the other engines felt really happy when they saw James and Emily return to the sheds together.
THOMAS: It's good to have you back with us, James!
PERCY: Friends forever!
JAMES: Thank you, guys. All of you. I couldn't be more grateful than to have wonderful friends like you. And I couldn't be more grateful than to be a part of Sodor…
The engines whistled in agreement. And then, they all backed inside their berths, and went to sleep. No one could have felt happier to be a part of Sir Topham Hatt's railway more than James the red engine.
THE END