Summer was now in steady motion on Sodor, and while Thomas was away on his second visit to Italy, things had sparked out quite passionately after Belle and Flynn had been kept so very busy with emergencies, leaving them little to no time to douse each other's passionate flames until just after Belle gave her hand in helping Nia escort an unfriendly elephant to the Animal Park. After that elephant had been escorted safely to the Animal Park, Belle had returned to find Flynn back from his maintenance check at the Dieselworks and at last, both fire engines were able to quench their desires and douse each other's flames in the steamiest fashion they had yet taken part in together.

Then one early evening, one week had gone by since Belle and Flynn's dousing of each other's flames. Thomas was still away and had yet to return home to tell his new tales of Italy to Emily, Percy and David...and as for Percy, he was sitting right in Knapford Yards, waiting for his mail run to be ready, and for the past while now, he had been thinking in complete silence, thinking about what letter to send to Gina next. He had been wondering what experiences she and Thomas must have been sharing this time with no extreme burdens or crushed spirits to focus on like they did before. Percy knew quite well that Thomas' visit this time would be much lighter in tone and would be more about visiting than working to heal inner wounds he and Gina had to face after Percy's scathing predicament.

Percy knew that Gina wouldn't need to return with Thomas this time and was able to accept that well enough, but ever since Gina left, so much had happened on Sodor, and Percy still thought it best to at least bring her up to date about what had happened since their last visit together. He was also wondering when his next letter from Gina would be, and what words she'd have to offer him through their letters of expression.

"Oh, Gina...I can only wonder what you and Thomas could be doing just now," Percy said aloud to himself. "But whatever you're doing...I know I'm always thinking of you...just as you must me thinking of me."

Just then, Percy heard the office door open, and the Fat Controller came out.

"Ah, Percy. I see you're here nice and early for the mail run. And a good thing too. I have something here for you."

"For me, sir?" Percy asked. "What is it?"

"It looks like a letter...all the way from Italy," said the Fat Controller.

Immediately, Percy felt his heart rush with excitement and eagerness.

"Italy! From whom, sir?" Percy asked.

"As luck would have it," said the Fat Controller. "It's from Gina. I wonder what she has to tell you tonight."

This made Percy perk up even more. His face began to redden with excitement. "Oh! What does she say, sir?"

The Fat Controller opened the envelope and read aloud, all while Percy could hear and feel Gina's voice sounding away in his smokebox.

"Dear Percy,

It's been just over a year now since we last saw each other. Please tell me how
everything has been going. I know you're doing so much better ever since I came
here and heard everything that happened, and I haven't forgotten a single one of
our experiences we shared together during my visit. I'll have you know it has been
very nice to have Thomas visit us again, and under much quieter circumstances as
well. With our strong friendship fully established, we've been able to see on much
gentler terms, and I have simply been enjoying his company every moment he's
been here. Thomas is due to return to Sodor soon, and I must say, having him around
again has made me feel a little less distant from you, knowing that your best friend
could come back to visit us...and may you and I meet up again in due course, my
Perfect Percy.

With love from Italy,
and above all, your Queen of Shunting, Gina."

That it was. Another letter from Gina had come to Percy yet again. After some time of wondering, this was enough to make Percy really smile. Gina had written back to him again, and Thomas would be coming home soon too to share another tale of Italy. It was then that Percy made a decision. After thinking away for quite a while, he knew just what he wanted to do.

"Thank you so much, sir," he peeped. "I...I think there's quite a bit I must have written down. Do I have the time?"

"I think so, Percy," said the Fat Controller. "As long as you have everything ready to be written right in mind."

"Oh, it is, sir. It really is," Percy beamed. "I have everything I need to express to Gina."

"Alright, then, Percy," said his driver as he came down with a pen and paper pad. "What is your return message to Gina? With a little luck, we can send it to her tonight on the mail run."

Percy peeped his whistle gleefully and spoke away over the next few minutes, all while his driver wrote down everything, right until the letter was finished.

"Thank you," Percy smiled. "Gina will surely love my next letter."

"I know she will, Percy," said his driver. "And just in time too. We'd best be on our way with the mail run.

And so with that, Percy smiled and gathered his mail wagons. The sun was beginning to set and he was soon on his way with his mail wagons, delivering the mail as he went, and constantly thinking all about what Gina would think of all he said in his return letter to her.

Before Percy knew it, he had delivered most of the mail, and he was at the Sodor Airport. He watched as his driver ran right to the airport postal office and sent the letter on its way on the next plane bound for Italy. Percy swelled with pride and absolute joy, knowing his letter would soon be in Gina's hold and that she would soon be baring a smile just like his very soon.

"There it goes, Percy," his driver remarked as he came back to his cab. "I can only wonder what Gina will feel when she receives your letter."

"Well, she sent me another from Italy with love," said Percy. "It's only right I send her back my letter, from Sodor with love."

His driver smiled and returned to his cab. Percy then set off again, continuing with his mail run. It went on for a fair while, after sunset and into the night as the stars began to glitter through the sky. But Percy could not stop thinking about Gina now. He kept imagining her touched and flattered face when she would get that letter...and it made him wonder if anything would happen tonight, either for himself or his Italian Queen...

Out in Italy, the sky was full of stars, and Thomas and Gina were settling down at her sheds along with Stella and Giovanni. Gina then looked at Thomas with a deep expression. She knew what would happen the next day, as did Thomas.

"Gina? What is it?" Thomas asked.

"Mmm...I'm just thinking about your whole visit this time, Thomas," said Gina. "A brief one, and certainly much lighter in tone than our first acquaintance together. I'm very glad you could visit us again...now that we're all true and strong friends."

"Indeed, Thomas," said Stella. "And it seems like you had quite good luck in the end on this visit."

"I don't call it luck, Stella. It was positive thinking and working hard," said Gina.

"Well, I was happy to come back, Gina," said Thomas. "Nice to see you all again...and I'm now due to go home tomorrow. I promise to tell Percy and Emily about our tale, just as we all did together when you came back with me. I just wonder if he received your letter today..."

Gina smiled to Thomas...then she and Thomas looked up and saw her controller coming toward the sheds.

"Senor?" Gina asked. "What are you doing here at this hour? Isn't the day over now?"

"Of course it is, Gina," said her controller. "But not quite for you yet...it seems that Sodor has a few words for you again."

Thomas and Gina both perked up and beamed excitedly.

"Is it another letter from Percy?" Thomas asked.

"Oh! Senor! Please read it to us!" Gina exclaimed.

Her controller nodded and opened the envelope. "I thought as much. It's from Percy, Gina...and he has plenty to say for you."

And so Thomas, Gina, Stella and even Giovanni listened as the controller read the letter. Gina could almost hear Percy's sweet, innocent little voice speaking right into her boiler.

"Dear Gina,

It's your Perfect Percy, writing to you yet again. I'm very proud to have you know
I received your letter, and I couldn't be more delighted to hear from my Queen of
Shunting again, especially after all the experiences you and I have shared in. Ever
since we said goodbye and you went home, so much has happened. Thomas was
quite the scoundrel with Emily shortly after you left, then we all faced a flood at
Tidmouth Sheds this past summer, after which, Emily found herself her best friend
in David. Then Thomas made friends with a Fuzzy dog, and he and Emily had quite
a talk with David regarding what could have been if he had been on Sodor earlier
than he was. Quite intriguing.

Now as for this year, after Christmas came and went, I think you'll be happy to know
that Emily has gained a most amazing honour. She is now our official Safety Engine,
and she's No. 12 now. In addition, her navy blue Stirling Brother Bernard came to
see her after their encounters during David's adventure with her, and most recently,
Belle and Flynn have managed to douse each other's flames after too many emergencies
they had to adhere to.

But through everything that goes on here on Sodor, my devotion and love for you
never dwindles, Gina. I still fondly remember all the times you and I were blessed
with sharing together, and I can't wait for Thomas to come home with his tales of
Italy this time. And even more so, when we can see each other's faces again, I know
it will be a truly amazing time for us both. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you,
my love. Thank you so much for your letter to me today, and I wish you a very happy
night tonight, and sweet dreams too.

From Sodor with Love,
And above all, from your Perfect Percy."

Silence fell over the sheds. Thomas stood there, most enthralled by the letter his best friend had sent to the Queen of Shunting. As for Gina, her eyes glittered and gleamed in the starlight, and she bore such a smile to Percy's letter, she let out a small whimper.

"Ohh...oh, Percy!" she squeaked. "Grazie, my love! I love you so, so much!"

"And Percy loves you too, Gina," Stella smiled proudly.

"Admirable sentiments," Giovanni remarked.

Thomas just smiled and looked to the stars. "Thank you, Percy. I'll come right home and tell you everything."

"Ohh...it be bedtime now, Thomas," Gina yawned. "Thank you for another visit here in Italy. And pass on our tale to my Perfect Percy."

"I certainly will, Gina. Sweet dreams," Thomas yawned.

"Sweet dreams, Thomas and Gina," Stella yawned too as Giovanni simply yawned and backed into his berth.

Soon, Thomas, Gina, Stella and Giovanni were fast asleep right there in Italy...but the night wasn't quite over for Percy or Gina...

By this time back on Sodor, Percy's mail run was done and he was plenty tired as he returned to Tidmouth Sheds. He turned right around and backed in beside Emily, who was still awake while waiting for Percy to return. Percy looked and saw her wearing a content little smile on her face.

"Delivered all the mail, did you, Percy?" Emily asked. "Still thinking about Gina?"

"I am, Emily," Percy answered. "All the mail is taken care of...and now that I'm here...I'm happy to tell you I received more word from Italy."

Emily suddenly perked up. "Oh? Is Thomas coming back soon? Has Gina sent you another letter?"

Percy told Emily all about Gina's letter, Thomas' due return, and then the letter for Gina being sent on its way that very night. Emily listened to everything and felt herself tingle happily.

"Oh, thank you, Percy," she gleamed. "Such a sweetie you are to Gina...and I'm indeed happy to hear Thomas will be coming home tomorrow. I wonder what his tales of Italy will be this time?"

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see...both of us will," Percy sighed as he looked to the moon once more.

Emily yawned as she saw Percy was entering deep thoughts again, surely about Gina. "Well, sweet dreams, Percy. See you in the morning."

"You too, Emily. Sweet dreams," Percy whispered as Emily fell asleep and sighed comfortably.

Percy looked out to the sky for a few minutes more, gradually feeling his eyes getting heavier. They flickered a little every few moments, right until they fell completely shut, too heavy to keep him awake any longer as he yawned one more.

"Ohh...S-sweet dreams, Gina...for both of us. Mmm..."

He hummed drowsily as he fell asleep...and Percy's dream began, almost the moment he fell asleep...

Percy felt his closed eye vision merge and shapeshift into the same yellow field he dreamt of just before Gina and Thomas came back together, when he dreamt of seeing Gina and that family right there on the line in front of him. Percy looked far into the field and could see the butterflies he saw once before.

"Such a lovely place to be...nothing to worry about, and everything seems perfect here," Percy peeped. "All I wish is that Gina were right here with me."

And that was when something touched his bufferbeam and he looked right back in front of him. There was Gina, parked right there in front of Percy, smiling away with her eyes gleaming in the near gold sunlight.

"Hello, Percy...Bellissima, isn't it?" she said with her distinctive Italian accent.

"Gina?" Percy breathed strongly. "My Italian Queen? Oh...Oh, Gina!"

"Yes, Percy. I'm here with you, my love," said Gina. "Let us make the absolute Bellissima best in every moment we have here...that is all you need...just as you are all I need. Just forget everything else...except you and I. Please kiss me, Percy. Give your Italian Queen all the joys she knows you can give!"

"Gina...oh, Gina..." Percy breathed, falling under her passionate spells.

"Kiss me, Percy..." Gina gleamed. "Kiss your Italian Queen...please? Make your queen Bellissima happy!"

"Oh, oh, Gina!" Percy gasped as he held her buffers with his. "I'll always make you feel...Bellissima! I love you, Gina..."

And Percy buffered right up to Gina and began brushing his lips all along her cheek. Gina shut her eyes and leaned upwards with a sharp gasp. Then as Percy began softly and feebly kissing her cheek, she began chortling and shaking with bubbling delight.

"Hooh! Ohh! P-P-Percy!" she chittered passionately. "Please don't stop...please?"

"Never, Gina. I promise," Percy whispered. "Ohh...your cheeks are so smooth and soft...so nice and warm too..."

Then Percy trailed his lips right to the tips of Gina's cheeks and began nibbling her right there.

"Oh! Oh, Percy! That tickles! Hooh!" Gina chortled and tittered.

Percy felt himself tingling and twitching all over as he felt Gina's perfect skin on his lips right until he let go and smiled to Gina's blushing face.

"Ooh...by Italy, Percy! Grazie, my love!" Gina gasped and gleamed. "Please...please let me repay my Perfect Percy!"

And that was when Gina began her move on Percy. She pressed her lips to his cheek and began brushing up, down and along his cheek with her lips, almost kissing him, but not quite going there, just to tease Percy in all the perfect ways. Percy jumped and shivered deeply as he felt Gina's lips trailing along his cheek and sending such rushes of joy through his boiler.

"Oh...oh, Gina...you make me shiver so warmly...G-Gina!" Percy quivered and shook with delight.

Gina seemed to shudder as her warm lips trailed all along his cheek. Percy leaned upward a little out of instinct and almost pushed his face into hers, nuzzling her close. Gina then smiled with gleaming eyes as she leaned in closer to Percy...then began to tug on his cheek, sucking it very softly as the perfect centre of her lips caressed his cheek as closely as she could. Percy felt himself swell with excitement and a surge to blow his whistle...and that was when Gina shut her eyes and puckered her little lips right to Percy's...then just as they touched together, Percy felt such a jolt to his heart, he almost fainted, but melted right into Gina's grip to her lips as they kissed and kissed right there, falling deeper into each other's spells and feeling everything becoming more and more perfect...right until their lips let go...and it all suddenly finished.

Percy suddenly woke up and felt that for a few brief moments, Gina had actually come back and was waiting for him right there on the turntable. But no. When Percy looked out, there was no yellow field or butterflies. Only the turntable, moon, stars and town in the distance. His heart sunk a little, but he nonetheless felt rather tingled by the dream he had just had of his Queen of Shunting. To dream of her lovely Italian face was more than enough for him tonight, and he knew that Thomas would be coming home soon with more tales.

"Oh, Gina...I...I wonder if you're dreaming about me right now...sweet dreams, my Italian Queen."

And soon, Percy fell asleep again, awaiting for Thomas to return and tell his tales, and basking in the lovely image he had just bestowed, until maybe more dreams of such intimacy could come along...

Meanwhile, far out in Italy, Thomas was sleeping soundly with Stella and Giovanni...until he heard a few little chortles beside him. His eyes opened a little and he saw Gina wearing a big smile in her sleep, and releasing a few quiet chortles and giggles in her sleep...for she too was entangled in a dream all of her own...

Gina saw herself idling at the Seaside Station, gazing at a most spectacular sunset disappearing over the ocean horizon. It was an amazing sight to behold for her and she found it breathtaking...until she heard one particular whistle that made her freeze right where she was...one she had not heard ever since she left Sodor after her two-week visit there when Percy needed her most. She looked and felt utter disbelief at first. But then as she gazed solidly ahead...there was Percy huffing right along the line, smiling away and he didn't stop or look away for a single instant, right until he slowed down and stopped right at the buffers of the engine he loved above all else in his world.

"M...M...Mamma Mia!" Gina gushed and shuddered. "P...Percy! My Perfect Percy! Whatever are you doing here?"

"Hello again, my Italian Queen Gina..." Percy whispered wholesomely. "I...I don't know what I'm doing here, or how I got here...but...well, I found you."

"Oh, Percy...you...you did..." Gina whispered. "You're right here with me. I...I can barely believe it!"

"Neither can I, Gina," Percy breathed. "And, by my buffers! You look purely Bellissima in this sunset...so beautiful and perfect, Gina...I love you..."

"Oh...Grazie, Percy," Gina whispered. "Please, Percy. For as long as you can be here...will you hold me? Kiss me? Never let go! I love you too!"

"Never will I let you go, Gina," Percy whispered as he pressed his buffers right to Gina's, and all the way into their housings. "I love you, Gina..."

Gina felt her heart pounding and pulsing so much, she felt as though it would jump out of her boiler. Percy was right here with her at the Seaside Station, back in her hold...and then Percy began to kiss her cheek softly and perfectly. Gina felt her cheeks tense up steadily as Percy's little lips pressed to her skin and kissed her with such tender and innocent care. It seemed almost too real to be a dream. Gina could feel Percy's lips kissing her cheeks wherever he went just as purely as if it were truly happening in these very passing moments.

But Percy's gentle nurtures couldn't hold Gina back much longer. She suddenly buffered up to Percy and pressed her lips right to his, holding where she was for a few moments, letting Percy sink into their kiss. Then Percy began kissing her lips right back, almost working his lips deeper into hers, which made Gina whimper and coo all over as she and Percy started kissing deeper and deeper as the sun began to set further over the horizon.

"I love you, Gina...if only every day could be like this for you and I," Percy whispered through their lips.

"As do I wish the same, Percy," Gina cooed. "But never before did we have two entire weeks together...but right now, everything is perfect thanks to my Perfect Percy."

And so it was perfect as Percy and Gina's lips continued to worship and kiss each other nice and deeply for several minutes more...until the vision of perfection had to end in that moment.

Gina suddenly woke up and felt a few flickers of her dream still at work until she realized where she was and what was really going on. Thomas would be going home the next day, and what she had just seen was merely a dream...but a dream of her Perfect Percy...and it made her wonder herself if Percy must have been dreaming about her too.

"Dream on, my Perfect Percy. Your best friend has much to tell you once again. I love you, Percy," Gina whispered.

And so she fell asleep again, but not before looking to Thomas and winking to him as he slept. These dreams would not be over anytime soon...


When morning came, Percy and Emily both woke up with a start and got straight to their work for the day, knowing perfectly well what would happen later today. And so the day passed quite quickly for both engines. And eventually, after plenty of hard work done on the railway, Thomas came back from Italy. Emily heard the news from the Fat Controller that early evening and went right to Brendam Docks just in time to see Thomas be unloaded yet again like all his previous adventures. With Carly's help, he was lowered right down to Emily's line.

"Welcome home again, Tommy," Emily greeted as she buffered up and kissed his lips.

"Thank you, Emily. Lovely to see you again," Thomas beamed as he kissed her nose in turn. "Are you and Percy ready for our tales?"

"Ready as we always are, Tommy," Emily giggled. "Percy's excited to see you and hear everything!"

And with no further ado, Emily took Thomas on their way, right to Knapford Station. Percy was right there, beaming from buffer to buffer as he peeped his whistle and welcomed his best friend home.

"Hello, Thomas! Welcome back from Italy again!" Percy whistled.

"Thank you, Percy," said Thomas. "Are you ready for more tales?"

"I am," David's voice came from the platform. The three engines looked, and there he was. "Hello, you three. Here for the tales, are we?"

"Oh, every time, David," said Thomas. "Now since I've only been away for about a week, what say we just tell our tales right here?"

"No trouble at all, Thomas," said Emily.

"Especially after getting my letter from Gina last night," Percy peeped. "The sooner the better!"

So Thomas, Emily, Percy and David gathered together in the yards to exchange their tales yet again, both eager to hear what had happened in Italy and on Sodor.

"Alright, then," said David. "Who would like to go first?"

"Well, before I share my tale of Italy this time," said Thomas. "I'd like to know...did anything happen while I was away?"

"Hmm. Not very much, Thomas," Emily answered as she remembered. "But there are two little stories you'd probably like to hear."

"What's that, Emily?" Thomas asked.

"One about Nia, and the other...about Belle and Flynn," said Emily.

"Hmm. Well, how were the two fire engines doing while I was away?" Thomas asked. "Let us begin."

"Well, Thomas. Belle and Flynn's story started shortly before you left for Italy," said Emily. "You see, they weren't having it as passionately as you'd think. With these hotter summer days, they've both been kept immensely busy answering emergencies and fighting fires...which meant they had little to no time to quench their passions for each other. It had been building stronger and stronger for quite a while between them...and shortly after you left for Italy, it got even more difficult. Flynn had to go to the Dieselworks for a maintenance test, leaving Belle all on her own...and building their passionate flames even stronger, with no chance of them being doused for a few days further."

"Hmm," said Thomas. "I wonder what that would do to them both. Being fire engines, of course their passion can be quite fiery...like yours and mine, Emily."

"Indeed, Tommy," Emily said with a suggestive smile before she went on. "Belle really struggled to hold herself together...until she got involved with Nia's story. The Animal Park was due to add a new elephant to their exhibit. Nia was excited to pick the new elephant up, but Gordon told her that this elephant wasn't very friendly and didn't like steam engines. Being so in touch with animals, Nia of course felt she could win the elephant over...but this elephant was quite different. Even Nia's singing didn't convince the elephant."

"Hmm," said Thomas. "It's a good thing that elephant wasn't cross...like Henry's elephant when he had to clear that blocked tunnel...only to get hooshed by that elephant."

"Hmm. Maybe so, Thomas," said Emily. "But Nia still had a hard time coaxing that elephant along the line."

"She even borrowed my apples for the job," Percy added. "I didn't understand why at first, but she said it was for a good cause."

"At Vicarstown Bridge, Nia tried leaving a trail of apples into the animal wagon," said Emily. "But that elephant wasn't convinced. That's when Nia went for help...and that's where Belle's story intertwines."

"Really?" said Thomas. "How?"

"Nia thought the elephant would like water," said Emily. "So she brought Belle along to find the elephant. Belle sprayed her water at the animal wagon, and it almost worked...if it weren't for Gordon thundering past and frightening the elephant away from the track. Nia went to find her while Belle stayed put in case the elephant came back...but that meant she spent more time pining for Flynn to come back and finally douse their flames."

"Hmm. I know they're busy engines," said Thomas. "But I don't recall them working separately aside from the time the inspector questioned the matter of too many fire engines."

"That was only a few hours apart for them, Thomas," said Emily. "This story is about being separate for a few days...and chance had it that I had a little part in this story."

"Really?" Thomas asked. "What did you do for her, Emily?"

"Well, after Nia felt like she let the elephant down, Belle told her the elephant must have been scared because everything is strange to her. That gave Nia another idea and so she set off once more. While Belle waited again, I came along and she told me everything, about Nia and the unfriendly elephant...and about her predicament of not quenching anything with Flynn...and then she asked me how I cope with you being away on adventures, Thomas...how I manage it."

This made Thomas look up and look deeply into Emily's eyes. "Oh...I...I see. And what did you tell her, Emily?"

Emily buffered closer, blinking once and kissing Thomas' cheek, right on his love spot, making him blush.

"Well, Thomas. As I told Belle, your first adventure was the hardest time for me to ever manage. Six months without you was extremely tough, but then as your adventures continued, I've of course grown used to it, and I know you always come back in the end...and as far as Belle and Flynn's passion is concerned, I told her that no matter how long you may be away...you and I always make up for that missed passion...you and I...one way, or a steamy other."

Thomas looked away and to Emily again as she gently kissed his lips.

"Hm-hm!" Thomas chortled as Emily softly let go. "So...did Nia help the elephant...and did Belle and Flynn douse their flames?"

"Well, Thomas...as it turned out, Nia had gone to the Animal Park," said Emily. "She had fetched another elephant for her unfriendly elephant to ride with to the Animal Park, and it worked perfectly. She made the elephant happy, and Belle had helped her too. As a reward, the Fat Controller has made Nia the official engine to help out at the Animal Park, bringing feed for the animals, food from the farm, straw for their bedding and even giving safari rides to visitors."

"Oh, well that's wonderful for Nia. She loves animals so very much!" Thomas smiled.

"That's when I came along the Animal Park too," said Percy. "I asked Nia where my apples were...then one of the elephants tossed one at me, and...well, now we know the tale."

"Hm. A cute little story for Nia, I must say," said Thomas. "But...Belle and Flynn? Have they...?"

"Well, Thomas. I had also told Belle that I wished her a very steamy and warm night when Flynn got back," Emily said with a smile. "And as word has it, Belle went back to the Rescue Centre that very evening...and Flynn had come back, looking good as new...and...well, let's just say Belle and Flynn's flames have been doused, in many more ways than one. It's probably best not to think too deeply about it. All I know is that...they're both most satisfied now."

Thomas gave Emily a thin, suggestive smile and raised his eyebrows to her.

"Of course they are, Emily," said Thomas. "Thank you for telling me both these tales. What do you think, David?"

"Interesting," David answered. "Belle and Flynn's flames will always be sparked up, then doused in all the ways they can do for each other...and as Henry had his story about an elephant in the storybooks, now so does Nia."

"So it's been told between us now," Thomas smiled. Then he looked to Percy and remembered right away. "Now...Percy?"

Percy looked right to his best friend, feeling the sensation building. "Yes, Thomas?"

"I'm caught up with Sodor again," said Thomas "And now...are you all ready to hear my second tale of Italy?"

Emily, David and especially Percy all looked intently to Thomas and anticipated whatever he had to tell. Percy in particular felt almost anxious after the passionate and intimate dream he had about Gina only the night before.

"So, Thomas," Emily spoke first. "Now that you've been to Italy a second time, what was it like to enjoy it solely for the adventure?"

Thomas took a deep breath and waited a moment before starting.

"Well, you three...after such astounding escapades of all tracks leading to Rome, saving Gina from that rockslide, working with the whole Pack, then entering the Mines of Mystery, uncovering Lorenzo and Beppe the Lost Engine and Coach, hearing about Dame Bella's soloist musical number...and not to mention me losing my voice, all through working to bring Gina home...this visit was actually very quiet and simple. My friendship with Gina, Lorenzo and Beppe has been established, and it turned out to be a rather interesting visit...especially considering my luck."

David nodded. Emily and Percy looked to each other with a little smile, then looked back to Thomas.

"Luck, you say, Thomas?" Emily pondered. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, everyone," said Thomas. "Most of my visit was simple and straightforward working with Gina, Lorenzo and Beppe...but shortly before my visit ended, I had a not so lucky day...and this is where my tale comes to be told. I think you'll find this particular tale interesting and a little perplexing too."

"Perplexing? Alright, Thomas. We're ready," said Emily.

"Let's express this go-lucky tale, shall we?" said Thomas. "I was at the station with Gina, looking after passengers and beaming over enjoying Gina's company in solid friendship. That was when Lorenzo came along, saying that a most special day had arrived at last. That's when I saw him wearing something strange around his buffer and asked him if that was the special thing."

"Special, you say?" said Emily. "And around his buffer...like my Friendship Chain?"

"I did think of that briefly, Emily," said Thomas. "But that wasn't the special occasion. Lorenzo said it's a cornicello. An Italian good-luck necklace, so he calls it. He said it would be a very lucky day."

"Lucky? How?" Percy asked.

"Well...as Beppe put it, because it was Friday the 13th," said Thomas. "That confused me because where we come from, Friday the 13th is Unlucky...to which Lorenzo said it was lucky I was in Italy."

Of course Emily, as well as everyone else on Sodor were aware of this superstition, but they never paid heed to it themselves. It was a much bigger part of North American culture than it was European culture, even if some people in England and even Sodor took it to mind.

"Oh, Thomas," said Emily. "Thirteen? Don't be superstitious. That's a much bigger deal in North American Culture, so far as I know."

"Maybe so," said Thomas. "But it still means something to me, and I know how some treat the number...and that does make me wonder...David?"

David looked up to Thomas as he asked the question.

"Seeing as you're right here right now, I'd like to know quickly, does thirteen register with you as unlucky? Does it register in any way at all?"

David looked to Thomas and saw him, Percy and Emily looking notably at him. He already had a notable answer to all of this.

"It doesn't," David replied. "I don't consider the number superstitious, and I certainly don't adhere to triskaidekaphobia, the phobia-fear of thirteen. But it's no secret as to what some, if not many people in North America think. So far as I know, plenty of them think, 'Why thirteen'? But from where I stand, and where the British Navy stands, superstition doesn't have any place. My adventure with Emily to find my mother was a total of thirteen days. There were certainly highs, lows, goods and bads all throughout that adventure, but in the end, thirteen just comes after twelve, and that's all I have to say about thirteen."

"I infinitely agree, David," said Emily. "Thirteen is just another number."

Percy had been listening to everything so far, then felt a tingle in his heart as he thought about Gina again.

"Thomas? I'd really like to know what Gina had to say about all of that," he peeped.

Thomas looked right to Percy. "Well, as Gina said to Lorenzo, I'm sure she'd love for you to hear the same. She says nobody in Italy believes in silly superstition like those anymore."

"Hmm. It sounds quite a bit like suspicion," said Percy. "That means a very strong feeling about something dodgy. But...superstition?"

"A superstition is something people believe will bring them good or bad luck," said David. "It's also known as a supernatural belief."

"That's when Lorenzo came forward and bumped into me," said Thomas. "Then he spoke an Italian phrase: 'Tocca il ferro.' I asked him if it meant bumping into me for no reason. But Beppe said it means, 'Touch Iron," which means good luck. And of course, all our buffers are made of iron."

"Of course they are," said Emily. "And perfect for holding each other close."

"They are indeed," Thomas and Percy said together.

"I thought Lorenzo was being a little silly with his superstitions," said Thomas. "But I think you'll love what Gina had to say about all of that, Percy."

"What's that?" Percy asked.

"Gina said Lorenzo and Beppe spent too much time in that mine," said Thomas. "Then she said something that I think you should take considerable note of...from your Italian Queen."

"What's that, Thomas?" Percy asked again.

"She said, and I quote, 'There's no such thing as luck. If you think positively that good things will happen, then you'll have a good day'."

Percy heard Thomas speak and imagined Gina's voice saying the very same thing, and it made him smile rather warmly.

"Oh, Gina," he said dreamily. "Thank you...if that's true, then I didn't need Stephen's lucky horseshoe at all. I remember having some poor luck, then he gave that horseshoe to me, only for me to lose it as soon as I left, and yet I had such good luck and even helped Bill and Ben out of a little scrape. I didn't need luck. Perhaps I was thinking more positively and good things came to happen from it."

"And so they did, Percy," said Thomas. "You didn't need luck. I just wish I knew it myself at the time."

"Well, in my experience, there's no such thing as luck," said David. "We just need to do the best in all that we do."

"That may be so, David," said Thomas. "And I know Gina's words are most admirable...but that didn't stop Lorenzo's superstitions from taking hold of him...or me from having bad luck of my own."

"I see, hence why you called it a not so lucky day," said Emily. "So what happened, Thomas?"

"Later that day, Lorenzo saw my driver with a banana and hoped there were no bananas in the trucks I was taking."

"Why, Thomas?" Emily asked.

"Uhh...well...he said that that carrying bananas is very bad luck," said Thomas. "At sea, anyway. I told him that was the most bananas thing I had ever heard."

Percy and Emily formed very perplexed and puzzled expressions, not sure what to say to such a thing.

"Absolutely bananas indeed," David said, shaking his head. "Superstitious nonsense!"

"I was really delivering salt," said Thomas. "But then Lorenzo told me not to spill it, saying that was even worse luck than carrying bananas."

"Bad luck with salt? Pah!" David let out, shaking his head again. "Absolutely ridiculous! Salt goes on food. It preserves meat onboard the Sea Emperor, as it did with Emily and I on the Emerald Voyage."

"And it goes on roads to melt the ice in winter," said Emily. "In those senses, I'd say salt is very good luck!"

"For Sodor anyway," said Thomas. "As I went on my way, I stopped at the small station and saw Mia. I asked her if she believed in superstitions. She didn't claim as such. She told me the best way to make things go your way is to work hard. That, I can do."

"Of course you can, Thomas. We all can," Emily smiled.

"Later, I met Ester and asked if she was digging for gold," said Thomas. "She said no such luck, just as Lorenzo whistled in and cheered her good luck for turning right."

"Turning right? Good luck?" David asked. "Well, I'm right handed with a sword, no doubt, as are many people..."

"Well, what did Ester say to that sense of luck?" Percy asked.

"Ester dismissed it as another superstition," said Thomas. "She just goes around in circles...then, as luck would have it, she made another dig, and she did in fact find a bucketful of gold coins!"

"Wow! What good luck!" Emily gleamed.

"It was, Emily. And that's when I wondered whether I would have good luck if I turned right. So I did turn right...but then Beppe called out to me not to go under a ladder, saying that was very bad luck...and it was."

"Oh...well...what happened?" Emily asked.

Thomas formed a rather awkward and slightly embarrassed look as he looked perplexingly at everyone there.

"As I passed under that ladder, there just happened to be three seagulls flying over me..." he said very sheepishly.

"And?" Percy asked.

Thomas suddenly looked mildly disgusted. "And one of them...well...dropped a little on me...right on the topside of my smokebox."

Emily and Percy raised an eyebrow and formed a most awkward expression. David curled his lip inward, keeping rather still. They didn't have to ask any further. Thomas' squeamish expression said it all.

"I see, Thomas," said Emily, eyeing his smokebox a little intently, although it was perfectly clean now. "Strangely enough, I've heard the very odd mention every now and then...that a bird dropping on you like that means good luck."

"Huh. That's some 'good luck,' alright," David scoffed indignantly. "The day something like that will mean good luck is the day hens give milk!"

"Hens giving milk?" Emily tweaked as she looked to David...then she sputtered into a slew of laughter. "P-f-f-f-t! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Thomas and Percy suddenly saw the funny side and burst into peals of laughter themselves for a few moments.

"Oh, by my buffers, David!" Emily laughed as she gathered herself together. "You have quite a gift for remarks."

"And so I do...just for you," David winked to Emily.

"Anyway, what did you do...ahem...after that, Thomas?" Emily asked.

"Admittedly, I kept my eye on it for quite some time," said Thomas. "I felt very, very undignified indeed. Then as I approached a tunnel, Lorenzo and Beppe came along me again, then breathed in as much as they could and held their breath through the tunnel."

"Why? They didn't have the hiccups," said Percy.

"No, Percy. They didn't," said Thomas. "It's another sign of good luck for them. Then Lorenzo sang a top C note. The highest note he has ever sung. I thought for sure it had nothing to do with luck...and just my luck in that moment. My signal went red while they carried on."

"I see," said Emily. "It certainly sounds like you weren't having a so-lucky day, Thomas. It's a good thing you didn't try to hit a Top C note."

"It would have blown out my voice if I even tried," said Thomas. "Luckily, I don't think I could ever reach that note anyway."

"Maybe not, Thomas. But your singing with me is more than enough," Emily confided. "What happened next?"

"I was so busy thinking about everyone else's good luck, that I didn't look where I was going," said Thomas. "Before I knew it, I missed a signal and bumped into another set of trucks...and spilt my bags of salt."

"This ought to be rich," David said, rolling his eyes.

"I felt for sure I was in for bad luck," said Thomas. "And that was certainly what Lorenzo emphasized as he came along again and saw it for himself. Beppe said I could reverse the bad luck by throwing salt over my shoulders. I have none, but my driver tried doing that...tossing salt to my face...Bob?"

"Oops. Sorry," Thomas' driver said in a humorous manner. "Lorenzo was probably talking to me."

"Then I saw a black cat on my bufferbeam," said Thomas. "I know those are bad luck."

"Wait-wait-wait. Wait right there, Thomas," said Emily. "Where is it written that black cats are bad luck?"

"Oh, I know this one," David said steadily. "It goes back to the medieval age, Emily, when it was mythicized that black cats were the pets of witches, or could shapeshift. THAT is one superstition I refuse to believe in! I think black cats are nifty little pets. Especially with their glittering, yellowish green eyes. Mysterious, yet attractive, I think."

"Maybe so, David," said Thomas. "I'm glad you see it that way. And of course, I remember seeing the Fat Controller give Lady Hatt her beloved grey kitten. Anyway, as for my tale, I then saw a ladder leaned up against me. I was having such an unlucky day, and it was by that time when I thought to follow Lorenzo's silly superstitions after all. I needed as much luck as I could get if I were ever to deliver those trucks."

"You don't need luck, Thomas," said David. "Not when you think positively and are really useful."

And David turned and winked to Emily, who winked back. Thomas went on.

"Lorenzo said he would teach me everything he knew about luck, as long as I stopped calling them silly. First, he gave me his cornicello. Then he told me to touch iron, turn right at all times, avoid ladders and black cats, and hold my breath in tunnels."

"I see," Emily said with intrigue. "So...did those superstitions help you find a little luck, Thomas?"

"That time...they did, Emily," said Thomas. "So on my way, I touched iron by buffering up to a line of tankers, remarking 'Tocca il ferro,' as I did. I turned right wherever I could, my signals showed green, and soon enough, I saw a workman with a ladder with the black cat at the top. I turned right again and kept on my way, and I held my breath right through the tunnel. Not before long, I was back on track, and I met Gina and Mia at the Small Station."

"Well done, Thomas," said Percy. "Gina and Mia must have been proud."

"They were," said Thomas. "But I told Mia it wasn't down to me. It was thanks to Lorenzo's superstitions that luck on my side...but that's not the way Gina saw it, Percy."

"Oh? What did she say then, Thomas. I'd love to know," Percy peeped.

"She said it was because I felt positive and believed good things would happen...just like you thought on your lucky day, Percy. And Mia said I worked hard. It made me wonder if luck had nothing to do with it."

"Maybe it did, and maybe it didn't," said David. "Good against superstitions good and bad is one thing. Good against the living, that's something else."

"Hmm...interesting you say that, David," said Thomas. "Because it was certainly something else for Lorenzo that evening. I hear he was singing away on the Seaside Line, even singing 'Tocca il ferro!' on his way, only for him to see the black cat himself...and lose his Top C."

"Oh? Hm-hm-hm!" Emily couldn't help but giggle. "That's not anything to do with luck at all, as far as Gina would probably say. That's merely a poorly timed coincidence."

"Perhaps it is, Emily. Anyway, that is my second tale of Italy," said Thomas. "Certainly much lighter in tone and circumstance, wouldn't you say?"

"I fully agree, Thomas," said Emily. "I'm glad you had a gentle, peaceful visit this time. A little strange, I must say, what with all this talk of superstition and luck. And yet, through it all, Gina is still as perfect as she always is in her way. What did you think, Percy?"

"Hmm...I agree too," Percy peeped. "Interesting to hear what Italy thinks of superstitions...and above all, I'm very happy to have heard such a gentle tale of Italy, Thomas. Much gentler than your first time ever being there...and hearing about Gina again...it's just made my day, especially after that...that amazing, lovely letter she sent me yesterday."

"Oh, I almost forgot," said Thomas. "Just last night, Gina and I were resting in her sheds with Stella and Giovanni. She and I were just talking about my visit and how much lighter and gentler it was...and that's when her controller came by...with your letter, Percy. Just so you know, Gina did receive your letter just as you received hers."

Percy really smiled, but then Thomas, Emily and David saw Percy blush and look away for a few moments. He suddenly seemed a little shy.

"What is it, Percy?" Thomas asked.

"Oh...oh, Thomas..." Percy chortled bashfully. "What did Gina think when she got my letter...was she happy?"

"Of course she was, Percy," Thomas answered. "I was there to hear the letter too, and she told me to pass on the tale to you...but why do you seem so jittery all of a sudden?"

"B...because...I...I had a most lovely, and intimate dream about her last night," said Percy. "Absolutely beautiful, it was."

"Really, Percy? I didn't know this," Emily pondered.

Thomas, Emily and David listened as Percy described the dream, and they all smiled very fondly for Percy's little vision of intimacy.

"Oh, Percy. That sounds very sweet," Emily smiled with motherly gleam. "Do you think Gina had any dreams, perhaps?"

"I'm sure she did, Emily," said Thomas. "I saw her smile quite immensely in her sleep that very night...I can only guess she was dreaming of you, Percy...and I'm very sure such dreams won't be leaving her smokebox anytime soon."

"Nor mine," Percy said dreamily. "Not after such a lovely letter she sent me...and especially after hearing her view of thinking positively and working hard. None of us know when Gina and I may meet next, but for as long as we have letters and tales to exchange, she and I can always look forward to when our next meetup comes. Thank you for your tale, Thomas."

"You're very welcome, Percy," said Thomas.

"And I thank you too, Thomas," said Emily. "For bringing Gina's words home with you, back to Percy."

"Indeed, Emily. Most admirable words Gina has," said David. "Now, I must get home. Welcome back again, Thomas."

And so David set off on his way home while Thomas, Emily and Percy settled down for the evening. As the stars began to shine through the sky, Percy backed into Tidmouth Sheds, right between Thomas and Emily, just as they always did. Thomas and Emily looked and could see such a gleeful and blissful smile planted on Percy's face and it told them both just how perfectly he'd be sleeping tonight.

"Ohh...oh, Gina," Percy sighed deeply to himself. "I miss you, and I love you so much..."

"She loves you too, Percy. And it's certainly nice to be home again, as always, Emily," said Thomas.

"Indeed it is, Thomas," said Emily. "And it looks like Percy might be in for a very good night's sleep...Gina's letters never cease to please him."

"Nor his letters to her," Thomas whispered. "Her dreams will not leave her smokebox ever...and neither will Percy's."

But Percy didn't hear Thomas or Emily. He had already fallen fast asleep and stayed perfectly still with his blissful smile right there for Thomas and Emily to see.

"Oh...telling our tales to each other is a great way to fall asleep," Thomas smiled.

"Yes...now let's go to sleep before we rouse him from his dreams...about her," Emily whispered. "Sweet dreams, Tommy."

"Sweet dreams, Emily," Thomas whispered as he and Emily fell asleep.

On into the night, on Sodor and in Italy alike, Percy and Gina slept soundly and deeply for a few hours, still thinking endlessly about the other, and awaiting what would come next for them both, from Sodor and from Italy with love...and then, as the stars and moon glistened over the dark and silent night on Sodor and Italy, Percy and Gina were indeed rejoined together...in the very dream both of them felt themselves slipping into in their own sheds...

In this united dream between the No. 6 Green Engine and the Italian Queen of Shunting, Percy and Gina were huffing on their own stretch of track by themselves under a perfectly clear sky with the sun directly above them both. Both engines were thinking of nothing else but each other. They didn't know for sure where they were, but all they knew was that they only wanted to be together and nothing else.

Then both engines suddenly looked ahead...and both engines saw the other right there coming closer and closer to each other. Gina watched as Percy's eyes gleamed and shone in the sun, and Percy watched as he saw Gina's perfect smile becoming clearer and clearer to his eyes. Gina gazed longingly at Percy's saddle tank engine body and adorable face just as he gazed at Gina's curvy body and her pointy eyelashes, nose and lips...until at last, they came right up to each other, buffered right up and nuzzled each other's faces together in such a close, warm and unbreakable hold together.

"Oh, my Perfect Percy...you're here!" Gina gasped as she held her face to Percy's.

"Gina...Gina, my love," Percy whispered. "My Italian Queen...there's nothing to worry about now. I'm here, my Perfect Gina."

"Yes, Percy," Gina whispered in turn. "It's you and I, Percy. Nothing else to worry or bother with whatsoever. You are more than anything else I could ever ask for in this world, Percy."

"Oh, Gina..." Percy gasped as he kissed her cheek and rubbed his nose to hers. "Everything you say for me, I can only say about you too! I'm so, so lucky to be right here with you, Gina...luck that brought us together since the very start."

"Actually...no, Percy. I don't believe it's luck that holds us together," Gina answered with shimmering eyes. "As I told Thomas, if you think positively that good things will happen, then you'll have a good day. Luck is merely a point of view as far as I see it. Our love never needed luck. It was genuine feeling, attraction and attachment that has brought us together as we are now, my Perfect Percy...I love you above all in this world, Percy."

"Oh...oh, Gina...I love you too. More than all in this world," Percy shivered with absolute attachment to his Italian Queen.

Gina smiled purely...then made her move. She buffered right up to Percy and began kissing, sucking and nibbling him wherever she pleased on both his cute little cheeks, blushing and cooing away as her sensual, smooth lips brushed and fluttered all along Percy's cheeks, leaving soft little lip marks wherever she went.

Percy squirmed a little as Gina pressed her lips right into his cheek, sucking and nibbling almost as if she were nourishing him. Percy's whimpers and jolts would not stop as Gina began to softly lean left and right, letting her lips brush left and right from edge to edge of Percy's cheek. Gina hummed delightfully as she looked and saw Percy's face blushing bright red. She kissed the very middle of his cheek, then moved right to his chin and began kissing and nibbling it too. Percy began to whimper more, but still just as happy, feeling his cheeks tingling and almost tensing up to Gina's warm, tingly lips. Gina giggled against his cheeks and kept leaning left and right, which then brought Percy into the little dance too. He reached his lips out to Gina's and began kissing and brushing his lips on her cheek just the same, leaning left and right as he continued on.

At first, Gina was surprised by Percy's lips suddenly kissing her just as she was, but she melted right into the love ritual and began whimpering and cooing Percy's name over and over and even releasing little chortles of euphoria every few moments. Percy began to pant and chortle himself as he felt his lips tingling every time they pressed to Gina's cheeks and kissed them. Percy then trailed his lips to the tip of Gina's cheek and gently kissed her right there. Gina suddenly jumped, leaned upwards and moaned loudly.

"Oh! PERCY! Si! Si!" she wailed. "Don't stop! Hooh! Ahh!"

Percy blushed deeply and smiled as he nibbled and sucked on her adorable cheek and brushed his lips in little circles, tickling Gina and finding that as he tickled her more and more, her whimpers and wails got louder and happier. Gina wailed and whistled as Percy kept worshipping her face wherever he could. Soon, Gina began begging Percy to keep teasing her and make her go crazy, which made Percy's heart jump and jiggle as he heard Gina's passionate begging. Percy then managed to press his lips right to Gina's and begin pressing his tongue in toward her lips, asking her to let him into her tongue's warm and interlocking grasp...which was exactly what Gina obliged to do. She wouldn't pass this up for anything, and neither would Percy.

Just as they did on their last night together before she left Sodor again, Percy and Gina's lips pressed all the way, and as Gina gently opened her mouth, her tongue and Percy's seemed to collide with quite a lock together, which was exactly what both of them wanted to do so very badly, and now in this moment, be it a dream or not, here they were...until this dream had to end.

Percy woke up again with a little jump as he still felt his senses locked in that dream for a few more instants of time before he looked around and saw he was in Tidmouth Sheds, with all the other engines asleep around him. Then he looked to Thomas, then Emily before looking to the sky once more.

"I love you, Gina...my Italian Queen. Sweet dreams, my love," Percy whispered as he fell back asleep again, smiling all the way.

And in Italy, just as Percy woke up from this dream, Gina woke up herself with a little jump and drowsy blur through her eyes as she felt the present moment rush back to her head. She felt flickers of her dream still coursing through her boiler until she looked again and saw she was in her own shed with Stella and Giovanni. She felt a little twinge of disappointment after such a vivid and intimate dream, but all the same, she was very happy to have shared in such vivid intimacy with her perfect engine...just as she did the very night before.

"I love you, my Perfect Percy. Sweet dreams, my love," she whispered as she fell asleep again.

And so Percy and Gina had exchanged more letters between each other, resulting in an intimate dream for both of them. Then Thomas had returned from Italy and shared his tales with Emily and Percy as usual, which led to the two small green engines dreaming even more through such intimate visions and truly love-struck connections these two engines had. And soon, it would be the time for another couple to have some experiences of their own...a few super experiences at the very least...especially for Molly.


I know I said the next story would be focused on "James the Super Engine", but I came up with the idea for this story and realized it was better taking place before "James the Super Engine", so this story ended up coming first, though I promise that "James the Super Engine" will be the next story. Still, another Percy and Gina story is always welcome, and it was an excuse to recap "Thomas' Not-So-Lucky Day", an episode that reminds you of just how much better "Percy's Lucky Day" is, even though I don't hate "Thomas' Not-So-Lucky Day". Anyway, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.