Thomas's POV...

The Gold-Dust crisis. Though I've never really talked about it, I can still remember the events of 20 years ago, when Mr Conductor lost his Gold-Dust, and needed us more than ever, meeting Lily and returning her home, but, the one thing that stayed in my smokebox the most was HER: the engine of the MR herself, Lady. I won't go into too much detail, but, when i met her, there was this new feeling within me, one that I can't describe except it was the pure opposite of hate, and much stronger than a mere friendship. This feeling I'm referring to, is what made my wheels whirring faster and faster, as Diesel 10 chased us across the island. After that chase, me and lady spent a little time together as the gold-dust was collected by Mr C and Junior, but then to my dismay, she soon had to go back to the MR.

(at the magic buffers...)

Thomas: Lady... Do you have to leave?

Lady: Yes, for my railroad needs me.

Thomas: (frowns) so, I guess this is goodbye then.

Lady: (rolls up to thomas) No, It isn't. it's a see you later, thomas. I know it's not going to be easy, but, one day the MR will be strong enough to maintain itself, and when that day comes, I'll come back to sodor, and stay here for it is my home. So until then, be the really useful number 1 engine I know.

(thomas was saddened that lady was leaving, but he put on a brave smile as he looked at her to give his reply.)

thomas: I will.

Lady: good to hear.

(then Lady rolled up until her buffers were touching thomas's, and smiled as she took in the feeling of the E2's buffers, as he did the same. Then the two tank engines looked at each other lovingly, before Lady rolled backwards through the buffers, and leaving thomas with a hopeful smile as he looked towards the sky, before departing.)

since that day, many new engines came to the island, while one was rediscovered. As I worked on my branchline with Timothy, Percy, and Toby, I always kept Lady within my thoughts, wishing for the day when she returned. but, little i know that my wish would become true one day, as I puffed along my branch with Annie and Clarabel one morning.

(Thomas puffs out of tunnel with Annie and Clarabel in tow)

Thomas: come along, we're rather late. Come along, we're rather late.

Annie Clarabel: we're coming along. We're coming along.

(at elsbridge station, Gordon was waiting impatiently for Thomas, as Timothy the elderly E2 was shunting nearby.)

Gordon: (groans) Where is he?! (looks at clock) 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8...

Thomas: (as he pulled into the station) Who do we appreciate! practicing your counting gordon. that's a good engine.

Gordon: oh, ha! ha! very funny. but, what's not funny is that you're running late!

Thomas: I am not!

Gordon: yes you are!

Thomas: aren't!

Gordon: Are!

PEEP-PEEEEP!!!!

Timothy: Thomas! Gordon! enough with the arguing! the train is on time, so there's no need to be in a tizzy.

Gordon: Timothy, you don't understand. I'm one of greasly's finest, and I need to be punctual and proper.

Thomas: says the pompous git who boasted himself off of express duties!

Gordon: hrumph!

(then the guard blew his whistle and gordon fussed away from the station, leaving thomas and timothy with cheeky smiles.)

Timothy: (laughs) you got him good brother.

Thomas: Indeed I did.

(Then the guard blew his whistle and Thomas departed, with him and Timothy laughing as he went back to his branchline. As he chuffed through the countryside, Thomas's cheerful smile turned into a frown as he sighed.)

Thomas: (sighs)

Annie: is everything okay Thomas?

Thomas: (sadly) I guess.

Clarabel: are you thinking about her again?

Thomas: yeah. I'm sorry you two, but, I miss her.

Annie: we know Thomas. We know.

Thomas: (sighs) (in mind) I wonder how Lady's doing.

(Meanwhile in muffle mountain, Lady was sitting cold and alone within the dark abandoned workshop that Burnett Stone once owned. The little engine then sighed as she eyed the tunnel in front of her.)

Lady: I wish I could be with him. (Sheds tear)

Lady's POV...

Not a day goes by without me remembering my promise to the engine I love. To be fair, I wish that I could've stayed on Sodor for many things happened on the Indian Valley. From the death of my beloved caretaker, to shining time almost being destroyed by an earthquake, I'm now all alone up in the workshop, rusting away, being forgotten by many.

Lady: (Sobs) I'm sorry Thomas.

To be continued...