Thomas, Percy and the Dragon
Based upon the story by Andrew Brenner, David Mitten and Britt Alcroft
Adapted by Rachel Ravens
Takes place between TNSDD & R&S
It wasn't long before word about the ducklings spread around the entire island, and Donald and Duck came in the next day with the ducklings riding in their cabs.
"Aww!" commented Henry when he saw them come onto the platform at Knapford. "They are so cute."
"Who knew a prank could turn out to be so adorable?" chuckled Duck, "let alone two?"
The ducklings begged Henry's crew for something to eat.
"Okay," said Henry's driver, breaking off some bread for both of them. "Here's a bit of my sandwich."
As the two ducklings ate the sandwich pieces, Diesel came in to collect Henry's empty coaches.
"Ducklings…" he trailed in surprise; Henry was just leaving to go to the shed. "Heh… where did they come from? They are so cute and fluffy and their quacks aren't so loud yet…"
The ducklings hopped over toward Diesel, and jumped onto his bufferbeam.
"Oh… er… hello." Diesel gasped in surprise. "This is a bit strange."
"I think they like you, Diesel," commented Duck.
"N-no they don't." Diesel gulped. "They were... just leaving."
Just then, Donald's guard's whistle blew, and Dilly hopped back into his tender.
"See ye, laddie." Donald smiled as he puffed away down the main line. Dallas jumped back into Duck's cab too.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Duck said quietly.
"There's nothing to tell!" snapped Diesel.
Duck was silent for a moment before thinking of something else. "I do have another bit of news to tell," he said. "There's a carnival coming to town at Arlesburgh and a lot of trains are to run down there from the main yards."
"Oh." Diesel said in surprise. "Well… er, I can get that under control. Not a problem."
"Okay," Duck's guard's whistle blew and he went back down the branch line, quite surprised by what he had seen. "Diesel has a soft spot for ducklings. Who knew?"
"Does the station pilot qualify to be the island's messenger?" Diesel asked himself.
Later, Diesel was still shunting in the yards, when he heard some workmen chatting to each other.
"You know," said one, "I saw a very interesting movie last night."
"Really?" asked another. "Ooh, what was it?"
"It's called 'The Ghost Train'," replied the first one, and he went on to explain the same story that Percy told Thomas and Toby the previous year. "Ooh, it chilled me to the bone."
Diesel grinned at this. "Hmm, now there's an idea I can use to spook a few engines." He then saw Thomas and Percy coming into Knapford station. "Perfect. I'll tell them the story."
Thomas and Percy meanwhile were in a conversation of their own.
"So wait, Duck pranked Donald with a duckling in his water tank?" Thomas laughed.
"And Donald got back at him with an egg." Percy added. "And that egg hatched into another duckling, and both ducklings live at a pond at Haultraugh."
Diesel did not properly hear that conversation as he sidled up.
"Oh, hello, Diesel," smiled Percy. "Did you hear about the ducklings on…"
"Yes, yes, I did," grunted Diesel, trying to hide his soft smile. He cleared his throat. "Anyway, I heard an interesting story from a pair of workmen."
"You did?" asked Thomas. "What is it?"
"Well, one of them spoke of a movie they saw last night called 'The Ghost Train'."
"T-T-The Ghost train?!" cried Thomas in shock. "W-Where?!"
"Why, it appears on the night of the accident of course," smirked Diesel. "Plunging into the gap, shrieking like a lost soul…"
"Is that my guard's whistle?" Thomas asked suddenly. "I gotta go!"
He shot off like a jackrabbit, taking Annie and Clarabel completely by surprise.
"Thomas, our passengers!" cried Annie.
"Stop, Thomas!" called Clarabel.
"Diesel!" snapped Percy. "What was that for?"
"Hey, the prank worked," Diesel smirked. "He's-"
"That story is worse news to Thomas than you'll ever know!" Percy growled. His gaze softened as he went after his friend. "Thomas, come back!"
"What?" Diesel asked, completely confused. "What does Percy mean by that?"
Percy raced after Thomas; his train wasn't due out for another hour, and he gave a whistle.
"Thomas, please stop!" He called.
"The ghost is after me!"
"No Thomas, it's me, Percy!" Percy managed to draw up alongside. "Thomas, look at me."
Thomas did so, and managed to slow down and stop. "Oh… it is just you, Percy," he sighed.
"Come on, let's get your passengers into Annie and Clarabel," said Percy calmly.
"R-Right…" Thomas sighed, and he slowly backed up to the platform.
"Oh, Thomas…" said Annie quietly.
"You're on firm track, and we're going to have a nice passenger run," Clarabel soothed.
The passengers were cross at first, but when they saw Thomas' terrified face, they immediately realised something had gone down, and respectfully boarded the train.
"Come on, Thomas," said Annie. "Why don't you sing a song?"
Thomas smiled a little and puffed away, singing a tune. Annie and Clarabel smiled as he did so, as he was feeling happier.
That evening, at Ffarquhar sheds, Thomas, Percy and Toby were about to go to sleep. While Percy and Toby had little trouble, Thomas kept on blinking his eyes open and mumbling in his sleep.
"No… no, help me! Not again…. HELP!"
"Thomas!" Toby and Percy cried.
The blue tank engine was suddenly awake. "Huh? Time for the post train already?"
"No," sighed Toby. "You were having a nightmare again."
"Oh… sorry you two…"
"Don't apologise for that," affirmed Percy. "We're right here if you need us."
"T-Thank you," smiled Thomas weakly.
"Think about those ducklings that Donald and Duck befriended recently," said Toby. "And the ducklings swimming in the pond at Haultraugh."
"I wonder if they'll visit Henry's forest when they're bigger," Thomas gave a sleepy yawn and fell back asleep. Toby and Percy, smiling in satisfaction, also went back asleep.
The next day, Percy was talking to Douglas about what happened at Knapford station
"Och, th' poor wee engine." gasped Douglas. "Wis he up a' nicht?"
"He had a nightmare," Percy admitted. "But otherwise, Toby and I managed to calm him down. He's still a bit shaken this morning."
Douglas then pondered for a moment. "Ye ken, Ah wis tasked tae pick up something unusual fae th' harbor fur a carnival th' nicht that wull be happening soon." he said thoughtfully. "Mibbie Thomas cuid pick it up instead."
"Oh, he'll love that," said Percy. "Thanks, Douglas."
"Nae a problem," smiled Douglas.
Douglas quickly arranged it with Sir Topham Hatt, who agreed.
"That's very kind of you, Douglas," he said warmly.
"Tis nothin'. Juist happy tae hulp oot." Douglas smiled. "Besides, Dook 'n' Donnie ur swamped wi' wirk oan th' branch line as is."
Douglas headed off and Sir Topham Hatt quickly checked the time table. Indeed, the Arlesburgh branch was full of trains around the clock.
"Oh dear," he said quietly. "We're going to need another engine at some point. I'll have to look into that later. I'll send Lauren to help on the branch line for now."
Sir Topham Hatt found Thomas with Annie and Clarabel at Elsbridge a while later.
"Thomas," said Sir Topham Hatt, "you are to go to the harbor tonight to pick up something unusual for the carnival at Arlesburgh."
"Wouldn't it make more sense for Duck, Donald or Douglas to do that, sir?" asked Thomas.
"Yes, but their branch line is swamped with work at the moment." Sir Topham Hatt explained.
"Oh my," gasped Annie. "We'll need another engine, and quickly."
"Indeed so," agreed Clarabel. "But where will we get one? The Midland engines are pressed for work on this island as is."
"I'm sure a new engine will come to Sodor before we know it." said Thomas with confidence. "Maybe one from the Great Western Railway like Duck."
Meanwhile, Percy was up at Barrow in Furness again, telling another tale.
"And that was when I zipped right into the harbour! I thought I lost, but my crew pointed out that Harold hadn't landed yet."
"Oh wow!" cried Pug. "You are so fast, Percy."
"I wouldn't mind a little race every now and then," chuckled Rosie.
"It does sound like fun," agreed Jinty.
"You sure do get up to a lot of adventures," said Arthur.
Just then, Percy's crew arrived.
"Time to take the return train," said his driver.
"Oh, bother," sighed Percy. "I was about to finish this story."
"Tell us next time, ol' sport," said Jinty. "You are such a great storyteller."
Percy smiled at the engines and gave a whistle.
"See you later." He coupled up to his trucks and was away. "I hope Thomas is coping better now. Maybe that special Douglas suggested will cheer him up."
He eventually reached the signal box when he was flagged down.
"Something wrong?" asked Percy as he braked to a halt.
"Henry's goods train is behind schedule," the signalman explained. "Can you wait in the siding for him to pass?"
"Of course I can," said Percy, happily shunting his trucks into the siding.
A few moments later, Henry bustled by, giving a cheerful whistle as he did so.
"Hey, Henry," said Percy. "Did you see your forest again?"
"As I was passing by," Henry said, "I couldn't stop there today, may do it tomorrow."
"I hope you get a chance," smiled Percy as Henry disappeared out of sight. "Okay, let's get going back."
But then there was trouble.
"The points have jammed." the signalman explained. "I can't switch them back, the workmen will mend them in the morning."
"Oh no!" gasped Percy. "Now what am I supposed to do?"
"You'll have to stay there, I'm afraid," sighed the driver, and the fireman followed after him.
"Hey, where are you two going?"
"Home for tea."
"Oh, sure, leave me here in the siding while you stay warm in your houses." Percy muttered crossly as his crew departed. He became worried. "I hope Thomas is having a better time than me."
Nighttime fell, and Thomas headed out with a flatbed.
"Okay then," said Thomas. "Just a bit dark, nothing to be afraid of…"
He then heard a rustling noise.
"Ah, what was that?!"
A squirrel came out from the bushes and scampered up a nearby tree.
"Oh… my mistake." Thomas said sheepishly. "Sorry little guy."
"It's alright, Thomas," soothed the driver. "We'll have a surprise when we get to the harbour waiting for us."
"What is the surprise?" asked Thomas.
"Well, that's just it," said the fireman, "we don't know what it is either."
"Ooh, that just makes it even more exciting," smiled Thomas.
When Thomas got there, he patiently waited for the special cargo to be loaded. He looked up, and jumped with shock.
"Cinders and ashes," he cried. "What's that?!"
"It's okay, Thomas," soothed his driver. "It's a Chinese dragon made of paper."
"Chinese dragon?" gasped Thomas. "This is for the carnival coming up?"
"That's right," smiled the fireman. "At least, that's what Sir Topham Hatt said."
"I can't wait for everyone to see this," said Thomas excitedly.
Back with Percy, he was not feeling very cheerful at all.
"Stuck on the siding, are you Percy?" laughed James as he passed with his last passenger train of the day. "Well, looks like we'll see you tomorrow, same place, same time!"
"It's not funny!" snapped Percy as James took off. "Some engines these days…"
Just then, he heard a flapping noise and a 'hoot hoot'.
"Yikes!" Percy yelped. "What was that?"
Of course, this was only an owl, but Percy didn't realise this.
"I wish I had friendly company with me…" Percy sobbed. He felt just as alone now as he did when he had no name on the mainland, and he started crying.
Back at the harbour, Thomas had lights put all around the dragon for protection.
"Okay, Thomas," said his driver. "Signals are green, away we go."
Thomas happily puffed into the night. "This is amazing," he smiled. "Oh, I can't wait to show Percy this. He'll love it."
He had to be very quiet when was due to pass Knapford to get the dragon to the siding, where he'd pick it up to take it to Arlesburgh West in the morning.
In his siding, Percy was finally asleep, despite the fact his firebox was cold. He had no clue Thomas was coming. Suddenly, Percy saw something bright, which got him to open his eyes.
"Huh… what was…" Percy glanced over and saw the dragon. "Ahhh!" he cried, shutting his eyes tight. "Help! I won't open my eyes until my driver comes."
"Percy…" Thomas whispered. "Percy, it's alright, open your eyes."
But Percy wouldn't listen, and Thomas' crew didn't apply the brakes, so Thomas had to keep going.
"Oh, cinders and ashes…" Thomas muttered, "this was not the way I was hoping to reveal the dragon…"
The next day, Donald brought workmen to fix the points.
"Morning… Donald," Percy surpassed a yawn.
"Och, ye'r keekin tired Percy." Donald said sympathetically. "Cauld nicht?"
"No," Percy admitted. "I've seen a huge dragon. It was covered with lights."
"Haud yer wheesht," Donald said quietly, "a dragon, ye say? that mist hae bin th'..."
Before Donald could finish his sentence, a workman called out. "The points are mended." He switched them to Percy's track.
"Thank you!" cried Percy, and he was off like a jackrabbit.
"Percy, 'twas ainlie a… Och, he's tae far awa' noo." Donald sighed.
Not long after that, Percy was at Knapford and saw Gordon with the express.
"You'll never guess what I saw last night."
"I'm a busy engine," grunted Gordon. "I don't have time for your games."
Percy went on to tell Gordon what he told Donald.
"You've been in the sun too long. Your dome has cracked."
"Look out, Percy," teased James as he came into Knapford with his morning passenger run. "Or the dragon may gobble you up."
Percy sighed. "Maybe I did imagine the dragon after all…"
Just then, he saw something out of the corner of his eye.
"HELP!" he cried. "Save me!"
"Percy," Thomas' voice came from behind the dragon. "It's alright. It's a dragon made of paper for the carnival at Arlesburgh."
"Oh," Percy said with understanding. "That… does make more sense. I was scared last night… thought the dragon would eat me."
"Well, Percy," said Thomas, "maybe we do get scared sometimes. But if we are able to admit it, then that means we're very brave too."
Percy smiled. "I guess you're right."
Just then, Diesel arrived, and caught sight of the dragon.
"Ahh!" he cried. "It's a dragon! Help!" he rushed back to the yards.
"You think maybe we should explain to Diesel about the carnival?" asked Thomas.
"What do you mean?" asked Duck when he pulled in. "I told him about the carnival the other day. He was supposed to spread the word. What exactly did I miss?"
Thomas and Percy sighed as they started to piece things together, telling Duck everything. I won't repeat what Duck, Thomas and Percy all said to Diesel, because it wasn't very polite, but I can assure you Diesel's tricks will be halted dead in their tracks for a while.
The End
This episode was just as tricky as Ghost Train because of the shift in tone in the episode. But I think I got it right. Diesel being on Sodor by now was a bit of a lucky break, because he was able to indirectly mention the Ghost Train incident. Granted, he didn't know what Thomas had gone through, but he was still intent on spooking Thomas, so that fit in very well. We also get foreshadowing to Oliver's arrival. Spoiler alert, that is next in the timeline, on Zack's profile page. Boy I'm excited for that. See you then, folks.
