Hello, I know it has been a while since I had upload any of my stories for a while, but work and little play makes story telling a challenge. This will be first part of the cold spell to drop on Sodor, while the next Chapter will be like a crossover but will remain part of the mane series.

It is the coldest time on the Island of Sodor, Thomas and his friends are preparing for the worst storm and winter conditions the Island had seen in decades. Will Thomas and the rest of the homesteaders have enough room when people are left out in the snow? Let us read on and find out.

I do not own Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. They are owned by the following.

Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends

By the Rev W Awdry

Dev by Britt Allcroft

Owned by Mattel

Other Characters by Pinkninjaprime and blackboard26

Coldest day on the homestead.

It was another cold winter's day on the island of Sodor, Thomas Billinton was finishing his job at the shunting yards when his smart phone alerted about a serious winter storm that was about to hit the Island in a matter of days. He knows that it is best to stock up on things they do not have on the homestead, and he waited until his girlfriend Rosie and their friends who work on the railway are done for the day to discuss about what would they be needing before they all head home for the night. Rosie was the first to meet up with Thomas followed by Edward.

Edward. "Hello Thomas, ready to head for home?"

Thomas. "Not until everyone is here, so we can discuss about what we will be needing before a winter storm is to hit the Island in a matter of a couple days."

Rosie. "How serious is the storm? Will it be a simple storm or a vicious blizzard?"

Thomas. "From the looks of the weather alert on my smart phone Rosie, it will start off with heavy amounts of snow that will blanket the Island with three feet of snow. After that the northern winds will start to blow 25 mph making it feel like it was -40*."

It was at this point the rest of their friends came up just as Thomas finished with his announcement about the weather conditions for the next following days.

Henry. "That sounds serious Thomas. WE better stock up on our firewood to make sure we all have enough to last through the worst winter weather in decades."

Gordon. "We also make sure we have enough to eat through the worst of the coldest part of this cold spell that is coming our way."

Rosie. "We also need to make sure all our other friends in the international house and the Diesel house are alerted about the conditions, so that way they can all be prepared just like we did when the super storm hit the island a few months back."

James. "At least we should get started if we also find those who end up stranded, remember how stranded the Narrow-gauge boys were when they had to find refuge from that storm."

Edward. "We remember James, Ryan see to it that Ashima and the others at the international house heard about the winter storm that is on its way."

Ryan. "Oh, ah Sure thing Edward, as soon we are on our way to the homestead, I will be more willingly give Ashima a call." And that's what happened. While everyone got to their respective rides to the homestead, Ashima got the call from Ryan and once again had everyone gathered in the center room of the house.

Ashima. "Alright everyone, I just got a call from Ryan. He told me that there will be a winter storm on the way and has warned that it will be the coldest the Island of Sodor will experience in decades."

Freda. "Zen we must prepare to for the worst this weather is going to bring, Ze must make sure that we have enough food, warm blankets and prepare for if and when the lights go out."

Some of the other residents of the International house was worried especially Carlos, Raul, and Shane. They never experience a very cold winter day. Gina and Ashima had seen this and do know how serious the winter snows can be.

Gina. "Carlos, Shane, and Raul, if we are going to survive this storm, it is best that we prepare for the worst this storm will bring. This is where we be put to the test, as long as we are prepared for the worst that mother nature will bring to us, then we will alright when it is all over."

Axel. "The best thing you can do is to make sure you two have enough food and supplies to make it through this cold spell that is coming. If you feel you need to head outside for anything it is best to dress in layers, so that way you can be kept warm enough and make sure no skin is exposed or you will suffer frost bite. Especially around your hands and feet."

Ivan. "It is also viable for us to Check if the smoke detectors and the carbon monoxide detectors are in perfect working conditions. Especially since the cold weather means to heat up the house with either space heaters. Also, it is best to safely place the space heaters away from anything that can catch fire if they are left unattended, and make sure that we use proper cords to power the space heaters up."

The friends from the warmer places of the world are listening very carefully, especially this will be their first time during a fierce winter storm that is on the way.

Raul. "Then let us get started, the last thing we need is to be unprepared for this winter storm."

Across the Island everyone was getting ready when the first of the snows begin to fall. On the homestead everyone gathered the materials such as the coal from the coal shelf from the lagoon area, as well enough firewood from the woods to heat up the homes and fireplaces. Thomas and Rosie decided it was best to allow the horses some refuge in the barn until the worse of the winter weather has passed.

Thomas whistled through his teeth to get the attention of Nugget and the others. "(Whistles) Nugget, Diamond, hey you lot, time to get into some shelter, cannot allow for any of you out in this frigid weather that is coming our way." Then the horses gather into the barn and waited with the cows until the weather is warm enough for even an equine to handle.

On the other side of the Island, in the home of the Narrow-gauge house, the Skarlowey boys are also helping Mr. Percivel with the preparations of the winter weather that is coming. They all remembered the superstorm they were stranded in, and do not want to follow that same problem again.

Mr. Percivle. "Alright young ones, we need make a list of things we will need during the worst winter storm this Island has seen in decades. After the pilling snow will be blown away, the fierce wind will start to blow to make it feel like -40*. Therefore, we need to make sure that we are prepared long before this storm is to hit."

Duncan. "At least we do not have to wait outside again like we did during that superstorm we had to go through."

Sir Handle. "This will give me enough time to see what games to play during this cold spell that is coming."

Rheneas. "How about we challenge each other in a game of checkers, or other indoor activities that will keep us occupied until this weather clears up."

Luke. "I do not mind arts and crafts, maybe I can use the time to make log homes out of tooth picks."

Peter Sam. "Or we can make our own craft time on a variety of arts and craft. I think of working on some leather crafting, may be a key chain, or even learn how the Early American managed to make those, - Oh Sorry what were they again?"

Skarlowy. "I believe they were called Moccasins, it is what they wore before the early Europeans settled on to the new world on the other side of the globe."

Rusty. "How about we find out how prepared we are first before we decide on what activity we will be doing while this winter storm is to hit."

Duncan. "We wanted to see what we can do while we wait for the winter cold to pass the house."

Rusty. "I know that it has been a while since we were working as engines, but that has changed and so is our situation."

Mr. Percivle. "Rusty is right, it is best to know how prepared we really are, so everyone Check to make sure we all have enough food and Supplies to last through the worst of the storm can bring us. Then it is best to make sure the house is prepared for emergencies, especially since the weather is calling for -40* wind chill once the storm passes over. Alright everyone checks on everything in the house to make sure we are prepared for this storm."

The Skarlowy boys. "Yes Sir." Then all over the house they check to see if everyone had a well-stocked amount of clean clothing. They all investigated the cabinets and cupboards to make sure everyone was ready, and had enough good food to eat and make sure they all know where the emergency kit was located and starting to stock it with flats of drinking water and new batteries and extra flashlights to make sure they can see into the dark, especially if and when the lights go out.

Back on the homestead, Thomas, Edward, Gordon, and Rosie are busy in case there are those who may be stranded in the frigid cold. They managed to bring enough cots into the ball room of the dining hall and managed to fix up some of the cabins along the lagoon area. If there were going to be those out in this storm, and possibly in the bitter cold winds. The cabins are fully stocked with emergency provision until the storm and the cold winds are to die down. Each cabin can fit at least six people not including those who may end up sleeping on the couches of the cabins, and they all look out into the lagoon area. This way they can all see how calm or fierce the winter winds can be. Thomas and the others also managed to stock up as much fire wood and instructions on how to use the fireplaces, in case if there are those who want to make a warm safe fire in the fire stoves or fireplaces.

Thomas. "OK This is the last stable cabin on the lagoon front of the area. The rest of the lagoon cabins I will have to attend when warmer weather allows me to make the necessary repairs and adjustments to their conditions."

Rosie. "For now, this is all we can managed to give the necessary shelters for those who are out in the freezing cold and leaving behind these instructions on how to locate the food and other essentials while waiting out the worst of the cold weather."

Gordon. 'You know when the weather starts to clear up and the area becomes warm again, I would not mind if I can take that cabin over there as a place where the Gresley boys can call home."

Gordon was referring the cabin with the large deck overlooking the whole lagoon area in the middle of the inner circle. It was a huge A Frame cabin with second floor dormers extending from the roof frame.

Edward. "Planning in moving into a larger structure than the Guest cabin Gordon?"

Gordon. "Well with a big strong family such as mine, may need the space needed to stretch our legs and allow for us to have more elbow room."

Thomas. "Plan of letting Scott and Rebecca know what you have planned after the winter snows die away?"

"". "Actually we all sat down last night and discussed about moving into those cabins along the lagoon area." The friends looked to see Rebecca, Ryan and Scott coming down to see how everything went with the preparations with the lagoon's cabins.

Rebecca. "I do not mind the move into a bigger space, even if we had a lot of memories in that guest cabin."

Scott. "We did feel a little cramped in that space that is now getting smaller now that Ryan has joined us since last year."

Ryan. "What can I say, the Greasley boys are big with enthusiasm."

Thomas. "Also, you may want a space where you and Ashima may want some privacy when she comes over for a visit sometimes am I right Ryan?"

Ryan went red in the face from that comment. "Yes Thomas."

Rosie. "Well now that these cabins are fully stocked and have these instructions on how to keep warm and watch while the winter weather plays in front of the cabins. Why don't we all head back up for a nice warm meal with some Pot Roast beef with hearty vegetables for dinner tonight." Then Thomas comes over to her and gave her a kiss for the wonderful idea for the night.

Thomas. "MM, would you like some help with that Rosie?"

Rosie. "You always help me, and if you want just bring in a good quart of firewood for the fireplace this evening."

Then Thomas kissed her again just to be mind full as well as useful. "Anything for you Rosie Rose."

Rebecca. "Come on handsome, why don't we help them out on the meal tonight."

Gordon. "Of course, my love." Then came close to give Rebecca a kiss on the lips before he decided to join Thomas on bringing in the firewood into the dining hall and to the homes on the homestead.

Toby and Mavis had been inside of the dairy barn to collect the milk from their cows before the milk can become sterile enough to drink and managed to bring in the eggs from the hen house. There was enough time to make enough dairy products such as butter for cooking and baking. The eggs were checked through a flashlight to check that none of the eggs ended up becoming fertile. While Toby checks on which of the eggs are clear while checking which may have had signs of fertile eggs when they see strains of blood vessels through the egg shells. If fertile he gives them to Mavis and labels which eggs are to be placed into the incubators where they will be hatched into the new brood of chickens to take the place of the older chickens if they are starting to have less eggs and needed to be removed to bring in the fresh young brood to keep up with the egg production on the homestead.

Toby. "Here is another fertile egg Mavis."

Mavis. "Oh, Thank you Toby."

Toby. "You know, I am glad that I am not a Chicken Mavis."

Mavis. "Why do you say that Toby?"

Toby. "Because I would definitely lose my head if I grew too old to call out the morning and being replaced by the new generation of Chicken whether they by the new hens or roosters."

Mavis. "Also, you have to put up a lot of squawking from the other hens on who was the top chicken in the coop."

Toby and Mavis laughed at that, (Toby) "Well that was the last egg to be checked before the snows start to fall."

Mavis. "And these trays of Fertile eggs are ready to be placed into the incubators for the arrival of the new chickens for the homestead."

Toby. "Well after all we collected from the animals before the worst of the storm is to hit, let us head to the dining hall for a well-earned meal my love." Then both Toby and Mavis came over and embraced each other for a well-deserved loving kiss on the lips, then let go so they will not miss the meal for the night.

Mavis. "MM. OK Toby, let us hold on to that after dinner tonight, then we can bring the fire back to our room." They both kissed again before letting go of each other heading to the dining hall for dinner.

Toby. "Just make sure the fire is between us, and we will have a hot time tonight my love." Both smiled and laughed before letting go as they headed to the dining hall.

In the dining hall everyone gathered around the dining table that sits everyone on the homestead, Thomas and Gordon helped to fix up the hall while Rosie and Rebecca helped make the meal for the homestead as the rest of the homesteaders arrived for their place at the dinner table. While everyone waited for the meal to be ready, James Jessica, Molly and Jasper lounged around the viewing area, where they could not help but to know how and when the storm will be approaching the Island. The snow was not the problem, it was the bone chilling biting winds that can make anyone miserable if they cannot withstand the abnormal chilling temperatures the weather will bring.

James. "I cannot remember such a thing to happen on the Island of Sodor, I mean sure I have lived on this island since long before the outbreak of World War II, but we have not had it that bad before."

Jasper. "Well I do remember times I have been sent to cold places like Alaska, the last frontier of the United states of America. I had to travel from Seward all the way to Fairbanks once to bring Medical supplies to the air base there, and it was the worst possible place to be an engine who is not built for such conditions."

Molly. "Was it really bad to travel on the Alaskan Railway?"

Jasper. "Sometimes yes, other times no. Especially since the state of Alaska has some of the most bizarre weather conditions anywhere above the Artic circle. Other parts of the state are no different, except for a season known as the breakup season when in the spring time the ice starts to break apart, and if there are railway lines along a stretch of ice sheet will definitely cause problems with rail travel."

Jessica. "The state of Alaska also has the most beautiful landscapes anyone could ever be found on earth, and even with the harsh winters in Alaska, there is certainly one thing that makes it wonderful when you see the northern lights shining across the Alaskan Night Sky."

Polly. "I do find it very lovely place to visit Alaska now and then, even the magic railway can find ways up to the Alaskan range and see its many points of interests."

Percy. "I do not mind coming along for that one Polly, maybe one day we can make it our holiday to visit the Alaskan range."

Polly. "I would like that very much Percy, only after when school is over for the year, and you and I can visit the many places in Alaska that is still as wild as it can be." Percy decided to approach Polly on a though about being wild with the one he loves as he comes to embraces her.

Percy. "How about you and I go wild after dinner my wonderful Polly?" She smiled as she wraps her arm around his waist before she comes in close enough to give him a kiss on the lips for being so inviting to her.

Polly. "MM, let us not get too wild my green woolly bear." Percy remembers the time when he was covered from foot plate to dome with some cut hay that make him look like something came out of the stacks of hay one time. Usually that would made him feel indignant, but when Polly says this it to have him believe he was a warming soul to her heart. He could not help but to chuckle about the comment Polly just made to him.

Percy. "Hmph, hmph, only you would say something like that huh Polly?"

Polly just smiled and giggled a bit before kissing Percy again before James decided it would be best that they hold it long enough for the dinner to be served.

James. "Ok you two, I suggest that you hold on to your hunger for each other, until dinner is over with."

The two looked to James and the rest in the lounge area before everyone laughed at Percy's and Polly's situation.

Percy. "You are just lucky that I am in a chipper mood James."

James. "I just want to make sure we all are in the right times and places to do the things we want and must not be seen by anyone else."

Rosie. "Right now, it is time to eat everyone, so come on over and have this wonderful meal we have prepared."

Everyone piled into the dining hall, and everyone passed around either their own helpings or offered them to a respective friend or sibling before handling the dinner items around the dining table. Then everyone held hands around the table, and Thomas began saying grace in hopes they are all ready for the biggest challenge since becoming human.

Thomas. "Dear Lord, we gather around to give you thanks for this bounty we are about to receive tonight. Let us now pray that all we have done this pass year be put to our biggest challenge since becoming human. Let those who travel along the roads during the storm that is about to unleash on us soon, may find refuge where they can find warmth and comfort by those who open their arm to a needing stranger. Amen."

Everyone else. "Amen. "

Emily. "I am not very fond of this freezing weather we are about to have on Sodor, no one has seen conditions as bad as this."

Donald. "Aye, not even Douggie and I never seen snow and winds so bad, not even back in Scotland."

Douglas. "Even if we are to see such horrid conditions as engines, think how it will be now that we are human. This will be our biggest test since becoming human, I just hope we do not have to travel to school and back."

Thomas. "According to the weather reports, if conditions are bad then school will be canceled for the next few days until the weather improves then we may need some make up days for the time lost."

Edward. "Then I should agree about the decisions made, it makes no sense for anyone be out in such horrid conditions."

Gordon. "I agree."

Rosie. "What about the railway Thomas, do you believe we are to continue work on the railway while the storm passes over?"

Thomas. "After asking the controller to be aware of the winter storm that is coming over, he did allow for us some time off during the worst of the winter conditions. Especially since we are still underage to be under such conditions, and he also said that he rather have us all safe at home during the deep freeze."

Henry. "At least it would not be like how it was when the last deep freeze was to hit Sodor last winter Thomas, so no one here will be stranded in the snow like last time."

Thomas. "I just wish I had taken that advise before I had taken that passenger run before my coal ran out that time. Then I could have returned with everyone else, waiting for the new shipment of coal to arrive."

Rosie. "All that matters is that you were alright, safe and sound."

They continued talking and eating until it was time for everyone to return home for the night, as they all slept the night sky became cloudy and it was starting to snow. It was light at first, then before long it grew heavy. Thomas and Rosie were just finish with their love play and kept in each other's arm as they viewed the scene outside their bedroom window and realized the storm had indeed arrived and they need to wait and see how bad the situation will be before they head out to school for the next few days.

Thomas. "Well Rosie, the winter storm is actually here."

Rosie. "It may not be that bad while viewing it from a bedroom window with the one you are with is near."

Thomas. "May be not now while you and I are together Rosie, but we need to see how everything goes in the next few days." Then both Thomas and Rosie gave each other a good night kiss before they drifted off to sleep. The next morning both Thomas and Rosie woke up extra early to check on their animals along with Toby, Mavis, Percy, and Polly. Checking from the dairy barn to the chicken coop and Rabbit hutches. After which they all headed back into the dining hall and waited until everyone gathered around the lounge area and viewed the television while Rosie and Molly helped to make some French toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast.

News man. "Due to the weather conditions The Sodor area Schools are reported to be closed for the next following days due to extreme cold conditions that can dangerous if anyone is to travel during these horrific conditions. It is advised that everyone is to remain in their homes, service personals will be traveling across the Island to make sure the elderly are checked for their well-being."

James. "Well it is official there will be no school for the next two days, so what should we do during the mean time?"

Rosie. "I am sure there are good amount of activities we can do while we wait out the weather. I manage to buy out this book on quilt making, now that I have the time to following instructions on how to make fantastic quilts for our homestead."

Emily. "Mind if I find some inspiration ideas after you are done with it Rosie?"

Rosie. "I did manage to make copies of the pages and made the grouping on how to follow the steps for each quilt since we all may have Ideas on how to make them. Then afterwards we can show what we have done once the quilts are finished."

Molly. "I do not mind doing something like that, but I also wanted to learn how to knit. While you two work on your quilts I can get started on what is called an afghan blanket, I want to make one to commemorate James and My time together during this winter spell."

Thomas. "That may sound interesting, I may have to check if everyone on the Island is doing alright, so I will be texting them to see if they are all alright. If not, then we have to help provide the ball room as a warming shelter to those who may be stranded in the cold frigid weather."

Thomas got up to check up with everyone he knows by using the internet to chat with their school friends and the other students at their places of stay. First, he managed to reach the international house and Gina was present on the other side. "Hello Gina, got word about the closing of the school?"

Gina. "We did Thomas. After learning about the closing of the school, I have found it best not to open the parlor. I prefer for my workers to be safe, and these conditions are not the best to make deliveries."

Thomas. "I understand Gina, how is everyone else. Are they fairing the weather very much?"

Gina. "Yes, we are Thomas, thank you for checking up on us."

Thomas. "It is no problem, let us know if you need anything Gina alright."

Gina. "We will Thomas see you soon." Then Oliver came up to where Thomas just finish with his check up with Gina so he can talk to her now.

Oliver. "Are you done now Thomas, I believe it is my turn to check on Gina for a while." Both former tank engines laughed before Oliver finds his spot in Thomas's place.

Thomas. "Sure, thing Romeo, OK Gina I am now off. However, there is a former little western Engine who wants to say hello to you." Then he stood up and Oliver sat down to talk to Gina.

Oliver. "Hello beautiful."

Gina. "Oliver, good to see and hear from you again cutie." As Gina and Oliver continued to chat away on the computer, everyone else decided to find activities they can try while waiting for better weather to venture out for the next three days.

Ariel decided to make some dress forms by asking for Thomas and the guys to wear t-shirts they are not fond of anymore so she can turn them into male dress forms since she already has the ladies got fitted for their dress forms. Ariel took the time to find interest in sewing, and always want to make wardrobe for her brother and everyone else who lives on the homestead.

Percy remembered he wanted to make some more woven baskets, Donald and Douglas saw this and wondered if they should follow Percy to see how he makes his baskets. James, Jessica and Jasper took the time to tell the stories of the American folk lore even if they happen to be tall tales like Paul Bunion, Johnny Appleseed, and the story of John Henry. Gordon, Rebecca just decided to return to the guest house until dinner time and decided to make a rolling roaring fire in the wood stove to heat up the house and decided to cuddle up under a blanket.

Duck and Nia remained in the dining hall with everyone else and found a spot to be together until everyone can find activates to help pass the time. Henry decided to take up some crocheting, so he decided to make himself a new hat for when he goes outside. Both Rosie and Emily discussing on how their individual Quilts will look like when the finish. Connor Caitlin and Scott decided to talk about their jobs before they were shipped to their now present railways. Toby, Mavis, Polly, and Ryan are at the breakfast nook playing cards, and the game was either go fish or blackjack.

This was the first day of the winter lock-down on Sodor, find out what happens when cabin fever started to come over the Islanders during the colder parts of winter's deep freeze. Next time on a Strange journey through Northwestern High School.

Next time I will be bringing in the Tugs for one chapter, most of the other stories will mostly focus on Thomas and his friends. Til then see you next time.