(Later, at the shunting yards, Thomas and Timothy were busy laughing their funnels off as they biffed and bashed trucks about.)
Thomas: (laughs) look how that one went.
Timothy: (laughs) ok, my turn.
(then timothy bumped the truck, and it bumped into multiple trucks that were sitting alone, which were now forming a line.)
Timothy: (laughs) that one flew across the yard.
Thomas: (laughs) yeah it did. (laughs)
(as thomas and timothy laughed, percy and lady were shunting nearby. the magical 0-4-0 saw the game and was intrigued.)
Lady: um... What are Thomas and Timothy playing?
Percy: a game that they call Throw the truck. it's basically where you bump the truck and see what happens. though may sound a bit careless, the billinton bros are careful to ensure that they won't cause an accident.
Lady: I see. they seem to be pretty good at it.
Percy: you bet they are. Those two have played this game since they've worked on the LBSCR. And as crazy as it sounds they accidently invented it in a yard mishap.
Lady: interesting.
(as Lady watched thomas and timothy play their game, she couldn't help but think.)
Lady: (in mind) so, Is this the bond between an engine and it's siblings? one that is unbreakable and forever lasting? darn, I wish that I had such a bond with mine, but, as far as I've been in service, I've been alone, and the only one engine I had company with was my predecessor and mentor, who showed me all the in's and out's and yet, he wasn't my class of engine. Either way, I should be thankful for what bonds I do have. although not the same class of engine as me, the engines of sodor are still a family that I'm a part of. (smiles) Even if I'm the only engine that isn't in the big 4, I'm still one of the NWR.
(Lady then looked over to see Thomas who had spotted her. the E2 smiled at the 0-4-0, and she smiled back. then the two engines went back to their shunting.) (that night at barrow in furness, Bowler and D199, arrived back at the sheds there. The two diesels were about two fall asleep, when a class 08 shunter pulled in front of them. The two large diesels then looked at the small one with great annoyance.)
Bowler: what do you want?
D199: state your business or leave. We important engines need our rest.
(the class 08 then chuckled, as he smirked evilly.)
08: I hear you both. and as much as I hate to wake you two in this hour, my boss wishes to meet you two.
Bowler: why?
08: let's just say, he has an offer.
(the two diesels then looked at one another before turning their attention, back at the smaller one.)
D199: right, We'll hear him out, but that's all.
08: right then. follow me. I'll take you to him.
(as so the two large diesels followed the class 08 to the scrapyards and they parked outside the big shed. then as the massive diesel from the inside began to roll towards Bowler and D199, their jaws dropped.)
???????: hello D261, D199. I've been expecting you both.
Bowler: Diesel...
D199: Ten.
Diesel 10: (laughs maniacally)
(The next morning Thomas and Lady were shunting in the yards. The two engines had just finished with a few trains when Edward chuffed frantically in, with his face red as James's paintwork. The K2 then panted as Thomas began a conversation with him.)
Thomas: whoa edward! Why did you come in so fast?
Edward: I was looking for Bill and Ben. Have either of you seen them?
Lady: I'm afraid not edward. Why do you ask?
Edward: because they're not in the china clay quarry.
Thomas: are you sure that they're not just hiding in the tunnels?
Edward: Absolutely sure thomas. The workmen checked there as I checked everywhere else, but to no avail.
(Thomas and Lady then exchanged worried looks as Edward continued.)
Edward: I know Bill and Ben love to play jokes and pranks on everyone, but they wouldn't just leave their quarry at a halt just like that.
Thomas: you're right edward. Though I've found it annoying when I fall for their tricks, they're reliable when you need to be and so, we just can't assume that they're playing a prank. I'll help with your search.
Edward: (sighs) Thank you thomas. But, what about your usual jobs?
Lady: I'll look after them. (looks at thomas) now please be careful thomas. I don't want you vanishing on me.
Thomas: (smiles and looks at Lady) don't worry. I'll be careful. I promise.
Lady: You better.
(Then Thomas and Edward left the yards to go find Bill and Ben, unaware of what plans of an old enemy were being placed into action.)
To be continued...