(Well, guys. I believe this story you're about to read will be my last one for the summer, NOT my last one for the year though. I'll probably come up with a few more ideas as time progresses, but I have much to plan for my next upcoming Christmas fanfic, so for now, enjoy Henrietta Helps Out!)
Moral: everyone has a talent for different things/different can be good
Short Synopsis: Toby and Henrietta make a great pair and mean much to each other, but Henrietta wishes for a slight change than constantly looking after Toby, who can obviously handle his work independently. Toby understands her very well and arranges for her to Mavis' break van. However, Iron 'Arry and Bert cause trouble for Mavis amongst the troublesome trucks and Henrietta stops a nasty accident just in time!
(Note: in case, you get confused at the beginning here, Roger is a constable character I created for my Adventures Of Toby fanfic, part of my follow-up series to The Adventure Begins. I thought it would be fun of some sort to briefly include him here and actually make him feel like part of the series, so I did. Enjoy!)
(Scene begins at sunrise as Toby trundles slowly along the line with Henrietta. He passes Stanley with a goods train and rings his bell, Stanley whistling back)
Toby is one of the oldest engines working on Sir Topham Hatt's railway. He often works with his faithful coach Henrietta.
(Toby rings his bell at Sidney as he passes by him and Sidney honks his horn)
They both look old-fashioned, but a new coat of paint would always help to smarten them up, even around the time when they came to the Island. But they do have many friends on Sodor, and are proud of it.
(Toby rings his bell at the constable Roger as he trundles over the crossing)
Toby: Good morning, Roger, sir.
Roger: (rings his bike bell back) Good morning, Toby.
Toby and Henrietta were always happy to see their old friend Roger the constable. He was a good friend of Thomas as well, as both engines work together sometimes on Thomas' branch line. This morning, Toby had just finished sorting out Thomas' trucks at the quarry on his branch since there were so many more on than usual, and Thomas usually never always had the time to bother with them.
(Scene shifts to Knapford Station with Thomas at the platform with Annie and Clarabel, Toby pulling in on the other side)
Now Toby and Henrietta were going to run their usual morning route, taking the workmen to Fffarquhar Quarry to work with Mavis and the Ironworks Diesels.
Toby: (ringing his bell) Good morning, Thomas.
Thomas: Good morning, Toby. Thanks again for clearing away the trucks on my branch line. I don't know how I would've gotten around to handling them today with the passenger overload I've had lately.
Toby: No problem, Thomas. Just glad to help. That's what friends are for, eh?
Thomas: Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll see what I can to get around to shunting and pulling them later. (whistles loudly as the guard's whistle blow) Goodbye, Toby. (leaves the station, Toby ringing his bell after him)
Toby and Henrietta waited as all the workmen climbed aboard and were ready to leave as soon as the guard's whistle blew.
As Toby trundled along the line towards Centre Island Quarry, he noticed that Henrietta had been awfully quiet. He decided to find out why.
Toby: Eh, excuse me, Henrietta. But is everything alright this morning?
Henrietta: (confused) Alright, Toby?
Toby: (chuckles) Why, yes. You seem awfully quiet. Usually we work together to keep each other in line, but this morning, you haven't spoken a word since we left Arlesdale End.
Henrietta: (sighs) Nothing's necessarily the matter, Toby. I enjoy helping you stay on track and constantly reminding you when something's bound to go wrong, but from how I see it lately, it looks like you no longer need advice of that sort. I wish there was something I could do to help though.
Toby: Don't worry, Henrietta. You're helpful towards me in your own way, and that's by keeping my trucks in line and helping me brake when we go down hills. It's a natural talent I believe that you have, and you should be proud of it.
Henrietta felt much better. She and Toby meant very much to each other, and they often took each others' kind words at heart, and deep down, she knew that Toby was right.
Meanwhile, at the quarry, the yard seemed to be in a terrible muddle; trucks were standing around all over the place and Mavis had too much to do to even both with them. So the Ironworks twins 'Arry and Bert were left to deal with the trucks. However, the two naughty diesels were up to their usual selves as they went about their job.
('Arry bumps the trucks hard and they go rolling down the line into place)
Trucks: Ow! Ow! Stop it, Arry! That's enough!
'Arry: (speeding up and rolling behind) Keep in line and stay QUIET, you silly delinquents! Take that! (bumps the trucks fiercely once more.
(Bert cackles as he bumps his trucks fiercely into line)
Bert: Silly trucks! Hurry along!
('Arry and Bert cackle as Paxton pulls in on the line across)
Paxton: I'd be careful with those trucks if I were either of you two.
'Arry: (reverse from his line of trucks) And why's that…, Paxton?
Paxton: The way the trucks react to being bumped is what causes accidents, and the yard manager won't like that. Nor will Sir Topham Hatt.
Bert: No matter anyone thinks, Paxton, these trucks deserve to be pushed. So mind your OWN business!
('Arry and Bert cackle as they honk their horns and bump the trucks fiercely away. Paxton sighs and carries on through the quarry)
Paxton was spared from the DieselWorks to help out with sorting the trucks. He did it rather gently in contrast to 'Arry and Bert. Both Mavis and the quarry manager were very impressed. Then, Toby arrived with the workmen aboard Henrietta.
Toby: (ringing his bell) Good morning, Paxton.
Paxton: Good morning, Toby. (looks over at Henrietta) Oh, and good morning, Henrietta as well. (chuckles slightly, as Henrietta smiles back at him)
Toby: What brings you here to the quarry?
Paxton: Oh, Sir Topham Hatt spared me from the DieselWorks to help sort out these works. (speaking softer, as he edges a bit further towards Toby) Apparently, strictly between us, the quarry manager doesn't trust 'Arry and Bert with handling the trucks on their own. Who knows what these two diesels might get up to? (chuckles along with Toby, until he sees the manager approaching) Look, here he comes now.
Manager: Ah, Toby. You're here, and with all the workmen on schedule as well. Splendid. (sighs) Anyway, I have a simple request of Toby, and I do believe Sir Topham has already agreed to it. I just need to make the arrangements.
Toby: Arrangements for what, sir?
Manager: Well, as you might notice, the yard is quite untidy this morning and Paxton is here to help keep the trucks in line…(sighs)…obviously to help 'Arry and Bert as well. And I need an engine to help Mavis with all her usual jobs. If so, then Percy will most likely be spared to work with Thomas on his branch in your place.
Toby: I'd be real honored to work with Mavis, sir. But…what am I going to do about Henrietta?
Manager: Oh, right. Hmm…(thinking)…yes, I'm sorry. I almost forgot about your faithful coach, Toby. It seems though there's not much else to do with her besides leave her in one of these sidings. She has no passengers to carry after all.
Toby: (sighs sadly) As you wish, sir. (rings his bell and trundles away, Paxton watching them with sympathy as the quarry manager turns and walks away)
Toby and Henrietta did not like having to be being parted from one another, but the manager had made up his mind, and there was nothing Toby could do.
Toby: (sighs, as he parks Henrietta in a siding) I'm sorry, Henrietta. You mean the whole railway to me, and I wish there was something I could to make you useful in this sort of situation.
Henrietta: (sighs sadly) So do I, Toby. But it looks like I'm going to be in this siding for quite a long time now. But don't you worry about me. You and Mavis are going to have a great time together, and it's lucky you won't need me to constantly remind where to keep things in place.
Toby: I guess so, and I expect I'll manage anyway to keep the yard in good working order again, and independently too. (rings his bell as he chuffs out of the siding) Thank you, Henrietta. See you later.
(Henrietta expresses a slight smile, but letting out a sigh of isolation)
Toby set to work at once, and it wasn't long before Mavis was back from her morning run.
Mavis: (honks her horn) Good morning, Toby. I'm so glad you're here. Are you ready to get to work?
Toby: I'm more than ready, Mavis. (buffers up to his trucks, jokingly) And this time, perhaps you can teach me a thing or two about trucks.
(Toby and Mavis chuckle as they begin chuffing about with their trucks)
Toby and Mavis were having a splendid time working together. But Henrietta was getting rather Toby passed, Mavis chuffed by on the opposite track, and her best didn't really take notice of her. Henrietta began to feel left out. And 'Arry and Bert didn't do anything to help the situation; instead, they knew how she was feeling and decided to make matters even worse.
'Arry: Ha! Poor ol' Henrietta. Toby's too busy with Mavis to take any notice of her. (shoots a smug look as he stops by Henrietta two lines away)
Bert: (stop by Henrietta three lines away) Not so useful now, are you…, slow coach?
But instead of giving in to them, Henrietta decided to give the two naughty diesels a piece of mind.
Henrietta: (assertively) I'll have you two know how important it is to have a best friend and work as a team. So your choice of words don't mean much unless you know what you're talking about.
'Arry: Oi, but we do. We're not the ones left on a siding in isolation, are we?
Bert: Yeah! At least we have the troublesome trucks to keep us company.
(The two diesels cackle as they go about with shunting, leaving Henrietta to let out a sad sigh once more)
Henrietta couldn't think of anything else to day, so she felt silly for having lost in the confrontation against 'Arry and Bert. Luckily, Paxton was shunting nearby, and understood exactly how she felt.
(Paxton stops on the line by Henrietta, and edges a few inches away from his trucks)
Paxton: Is there anything I can do to help, Henrietta?
Henrietta: I'm afraid there's not much you can do, Paxton. You know, Toby and I always enjoyed the adventures we've had together on the branch line. Mavis is my friend too, but if neither of them need my help, then what use am I just sitting about in a quarry all day? I wish I could be as really useful as they are.
Paxton: You know, Henrietta, sometimes I feel just as different as you do.
Henrietta: (puzzled) You do, Paxton? How?
Paxton: Well, you see, I work at the DieselWorks in Vicarstown almost every day. Some of my fellow diesels tend to give our kind a bad reputation, but all the rest of us are different in some way and that's where I fall in; most of us seem different in terms of performance or the way we look, but I'm proud of it, and it makes me lots of steam engine friends as well, especially the little ones who work up at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Being the diesel I am makes me unique, Henrietta, as I'm really useful in my own way. You have a talent for keeping Toby on track throughout his journies, as well as helping to look after his trucks. That's what makes you special, Henrietta: just being you.
Henrietta: So I understand. (sighs) Well, thank you very much, Paxton. You've certainly cheered me up…(chuckles slightly)…but I still don't think those words are necessarily going to apply to how well I'm going to be of any use in the quarry.
Paxton: Sure it will. (as he edges back towards his trucks) You just have to believe in yourself, and sooner or later, your chance will come. Just you wait and see. (pushes his trucks further and honks his horn, as Toby rings his bell back)
(Toby expresses a look of concern as he stops by Henrietta)
Toby: I'm having a fun day with Mavis, Henrietta. But it sinks my heart to see you so down like this.
Henrietta: I'm glad you're having a good time, Toby. But I just wish for a slight change than just standing around and watching trains go by. I could have potential for looking after the trucks. If you get my meaning, that is.
Toby: I understand exactly how you feel, Henrietta. But just remember that you're really useful in your own way, and that's by helping me in times of need.
Henrietta understood the message her best friend was trying to convey, but she still wished for a slight change. Luckily, she didn't have to for long.
(Mavis honks her horn as she stops on the track between Toby and Henrietta)
Mavis: Hey there, you two. You'll never believe how troublesome these trucks have been all morning, would you? (sighs) Now it's time for me to take them out on a long journey. You'll be fine here at the quarry, won't you, Toby?
Toby: I'm pretty sure I will, Mavis. The trucks have been no bother for me today.
Then the quarry manager appeared. He had slight concerns of his own.
Manager: (sighs) These trucks need to get to Brendam immediately. A huge shipment is due any time now…but 'Arry and Bert have organized the yard in their own ways. It seems difficult to find a brake van in this sort of circumstance.
The engines thought for a moment of what solution could be put into action. Then, an idea flew in Toby's mind.
Toby: Please, sir. I'm sure Henrietta wouldn't mind being of assistance.
Henrietta: (surprised) Me, Toby?
Toby: Why, yes. (as Mavis and the manger listen) If you, Henrietta, were coupled to the back of Mavis' train, you could keep those trucks in line and therefore, they'll have no trouble getting up hills. She could be her brake coach.
Manager: (thinking hard) Mmm, not a bad idea, Toby. I like it.
And so it was arranged. Toby went about his work in the yard while Mavis just a very few errands to finish up before his journey, Paxton got her trucks ready by shunting them into place. "Arry and Bert watched the whole ordeal from a nearby siding and were very cross; Paxton was going to tend to Toby's aid and the two diesels were to be left alone in managing all the trucks.
('Arry and Bert reverse huffily out of their siding and onto the main track, as Diesel pulls in on the line across)
Just then, Diesel passed through on his way back from Brendam.
Diesel: (honking his horn) You two seem rather indignant.
'Arry: Oi, we are.
Bert: Typical Mavis. She gets to take a daily routine journey to the docks, leaving us to deal with her trucks.
Diesel: (feigning shock) Oh, well, that doesn't seem fair, does it? But I have a plan that will help you teach silly old quarry diesel a lesson in respect.
And so Diesel explained his plan to 'Arry and Bert. The two diesels were going to cause trouble for Mavis and Henrietta amongst the trucks, and they had now hatched a clear scheme in mind to do so.
(An instrumental of the E minor opening to I'm Full Of Surprises, in a similar style to The Great Race, occurs as the scene zooms out on the diesels' conversation before Diesel honks and rolls away)
In no time at all, Mavis' trucks were in line as Paxton was ready to shunt Henrietta up to them. She was very happy indeed.
(Paxton shunts Henrietta up to the trucks and the shunter walks over)
Paxton: (as the shunter uncouples) What did I tell you, Henrietta? (edges slowly away towards the point) As long as we all wait our turn, our luck will most likely change for the best.
Henrietta: (chuckles) You were right, Paxton. A surprise awaits for me and Toby every day on the branch line, and what do you know? I'm experiencing one today in the quarry.
'Arry and Bert overheard Henrietta and were ready to begin their tricks. Quickly but cautiously, they edged their way slowly beside the long line of trucks. They stopped right by the middle of the train.
"Arry: I understand you lot like a good joke once in a while. Am I correct?
(The trucks giggle quietly to each other)
Bert: You have been giving us a hard time this whole morning, but we decided we'd cut some slack with you lot and tell you a good joke or two.
The trucks listened hard in their silly ways, as the two naughty diesels went on.
'Arry: Mavis claims she can handle you lot out there on the branch line as well as she can here in the quarry.
Bert: Oh, yes. And that's why she's arranged for ol' Henrietta to keep you lot in line. Now, isn't that a surprise?
The trucks laughed and laughed, and giggled quietly to each other. Nevertheless, they were not very amused at such a thought, and quietly passed the word.
Trucks: (whispering to each other) Pay Mavis out! Pay Mavis out! (gasp as Toby rings his bell and pulls in.
'Arry
And (whispering, to the trucks) Don't tell Mavis we told you.
Bert:
Toby: Tell her what?
('Arry and Bert gasp as they see Toby and roll quickly away)
Toby: (edging forward) Wait! 'Arry! Bert! Get back here!
But they were well out of sight before Toby could catch them.
(Toby stops and listens with suspicion to the trucks' gossiping)
Trucks: (quietly) Pay Mavis out! Pay Mavis out!
Toby: (gasps with realization) Of course. (watches in surprise as Mavis honks here horn and backs down to her trucks, the shunter coupling her up)
Mavis: Are you ready, Henrietta?
Henrietta: Ready as you are, Mavis.
(Mavis honks her horn as she pulls quickly out of the quarry, Toby constantly ringing his bell after them)
Toby: Wait! Mavis! Henrietta! There's something you need to know about those trucks!
But it was too late. Mavis and Henrietta were well out of sight with the train, and there was nothing Toby could do.
Paxton: What's the matter, Toby?
Toby decided to tell Paxton all about it. Little did 'Arry and Bert know how well they may have figure out from their little scheme.
On the route to Brendam, things were running rather smoothly for Mavis and Henrietta with their train.
Henrietta: I'm very glad to have gone out with you, Mavis. Toby and I don't see Sodor like this too often.
Mavis: Oh, well, thank you, Henrietta. And I'm pleased to have your company. I'm never usually given much support as you'd provide with keeping these trucks in line. I don't know how I could have made the trip without you.
Henrietta: Oh, well, just remember: I was the only brake coach available. Nevertheless, I'm glad to conform to my usual job with looking after trucks.
Mavis: Oh, handling trucks in the quarry is a knack for me. It's just when it comes to going about the tracks and beyond where I must be most careful. You can't be too careful with trucks, you know.
Henrietta: I agree. Toby and I have had quite a history with trucks, even if we ended pulling fewer and fewer of them before our old line closed down. They weren't as much trouble though.
(The trucks exchange looks of indignity as the conversation ensues)
Mavis: Well, you know, Henrietta, I was never always perfect with trucks either. Toby taught me a thing or two about them when I arrived on the Island, and to add to that, there was one time I saved him from a falling bridge. (the trucks giggle quietly to each other as Mavis continues) The trucks pushed him past the level crossing and I arrived just in time. It surely was a triumph I had in his aid and now I realize that we can handle them as long as we have steam in our pistons and our sandboxes don't run dry.
The trucks remained not only cross with Mavis, but they grew bitter feelings towards Henrietta as well. They decided they easily would pay her out instead, since Mavis would get into trouble anyway. They waited until the train reached a steep hill.
Trucks: (giggling quietly to each other) Hold back! Hold back!
As she gradually her way up to the top, Mavis found the trucks more and more difficult to handle.
Mavis: Everything alright back there, Henrietta? These trucks seem to be giving me a had time way up here in front.
Henrietta: (panting, eyes shut) I'm…trying…, Mavis. These trucks keep rattling back and forth. We must take caution.
But Henrietta had spoken far too soon, for as Mavis found her way at the very top of the hill, … the coupling snapped…and the trucks rolled back downhill as the wind picked up.
Henrietta: (wailing) Help! (rolls speedily down the track, the trucks laugh after her)
Mavis: (gasps) Oh, no. Henrietta is in trouble with those trucks. I must warn the signalman immediately, or we'll both be in for it.
Mavis hurried down the other side to the nearest signal box, where her driver told the signalman all about it. The signalman wasted no time in switching Henrietta's line. It was too late to switch her into a runaway siding, so he phoned ahead a warning to the next signal box.
Signalman: Clear the line! It's a runaway train!
Back on the line, Henrietta was still having difficulties trying to control the troublesome trucks. There was not much her guard could do about it either, as the strong wind made it hard to maintain the hand brake. The trucks had higher ground over Henrietta, and they were very pleased with themselves.
Trucks: On! On! Faster! Faster! (giggle)
Then, Thomas was chuffing on the same line with Annie and Clarabel. He saw the runaway train and was frightened.
Henrietta: Look out, Thomas!
Thomas: (gasps) Oh no! Oh, my! Help! (shuts his eyes)
But luckily, the points were switched in time to diverge Henrietta to the next track.
Thomas: (opens his eyes in shock) Cinders and ashes! What was that?
Annie and Clarabel weren't so sure, and nor were the passengers.
Mavis: (racing by) Excuse me, Thomas. (hurries away, causing Thomas to rolls his eyes and stop in surprise)
Mavis had reversed around and switched to the other side of her line, and was now heading back towards the quarry as fast as she could.
Mavis: I must warn the quarry. AND stop that runaway train.
But unfortunately, she couldn't catch up with them in time as the train had reached the quarry up ahead. The guard was dropping down sand down on the rails by hand, hoping it would slow the trucks down. It worked a little bit, but not enough to stop the train going so fast.
Guard: (dropping sand over the railing) It's up to you now, Henrietta. The more control you gain with your wheels against the track, the better it will be for you to slow down the train.
Henrietta: (confidently) I can do it, sir. (gulps a little bit as she brakes on her wheels a bit) I must do it.
Trucks: (giggling, rattling back and forth) No, you can't! No, you can't! Silly old tram coach! You can't handle us!
This made Henrietta very cross. As the train rounded the corner into the yard, she pressed hard on her wheels to a screeching stop along the track, giving the guard enough time to put on the brake. 'Arry was on the same line and rolled back in surprise, as Bert rolled up beside him. The two diesels watched as the train came to a hard stop inches before 'Arry's buffers…just in time. Everyone was safe.
Paxton pulled in time to see everything. Henrietta's guard was also very impressed.
Guard: (gasps, stepping down) Henrietta, you did it. You stopped the train.
Henrietta: (dumbfounded) I did…(chuckles)…by accident, as so to speak.
(Henrietta, Paxton and the guard share a laugh until the yard manager walks up)
Just then, the manager arrived. He did not look happy.
Manager: WHAT is going on here? I come into the yard to find this runaway train coming round the bend…you know,…this nearly caused an accident. Henrietta, YOU seemed to be looking after those trucks. I demand an explanation for all of this.
Henrietta: Well, sir, you see…when Mavis and I reached the top of a steep hill, the trucks came loose and pushed me down the other side and…(startles as Mavis honks her horn and rolls in)
Mavis: Oh, Henrietta. Thank goodness you're okay. Is everyone alright?
Manager: No, Mavis! Everything is NOT alright as you can see. Perhaps, since you and Henrietta were the last one to deal with those trucks, YOU could provide me with an explanation.
Mavis: I'm very sorry, sir. I couldn't keep them under control when we were going up that hill. Henrietta and I tried, but they ended up breaking away and causing trouble for both Henrietta AND Thomas.
Manager: Still, that doesn't excuse the accident you nearly caused by NOT paying attention. I thought I could trust you to keep the trucks in line on a consistent basis…(sighs)…but I guess I was wrong. I probably shouldn't have let you and Henrietta work together, because both of you have nearly made a mess with my yard.
(Mavis and Henrietta at each other, ashamed, as 'Arry and Bert look at each other nervously before Bert reverses away and 'Arry switches onto his line)
'Arry and Bert knew the incident was their responsibility, and the two diesels attempted to escape the scene side-by-side. But unfortunately, Toby was trundling along on the same line.
Toby: (ringing his bell) Where do you two think you're going now?
The twins rolled as fast as they could back up the line, but Paxton had blocked the points, well aware of their wrongdoings as well. They looked forward, but Mavis closed in on their line. (Mavis raises an eyebrow at them suspiciously) The two Ironworks Diesels were well and truly blocked.
'Arry: Oh, dizzy diesels.
Bert: We'll surely in for it now.
Paxton: (suspicious) 'Arry and Bert, why were you gossiping to the trucks earlier?
'Arry: (innocently) Gossiping?
Bert: (innocently) Gossiping?
Manager: (surprised) Gossiping?
Toby: Yes, sir. 'Arry and Bert were saying something to Mavis' trucks, and then I heard mutter to each other about paying Mavis out.
Mavis: (glaring across at the diesels) Then obviously they must have done something.
Manager: So? It was YOU two who nearly caused the accident, was it?
Guard: Yes. And Mavis helped me prevent it, sir.
Manager: So I see. (turns to 'Arry and Bert) I would like you two to explain yourselves at once.
'Arry: Well, sir, we…we…
(The manager raises an eyebrow at them, leaving Bert to sigh with impatience)
Bert: Alright, we admit it, sir. We didn't want to be left alone in the yard with all those trucks to sort out.
'Arry: We didn't think it was fair for us having to do so while Mavis and that silly old brake coach got to go out to the docks and see all of Sodor.
Manager: Mmm, I see. Well, whether you know it or not, that "silly old brake coach" prevented a serious accident that you two would've been responsible for had it not been for her. For your punishment, you will spend the remainder of the day sorting out trucks in the yard. I shall have Toby and Paxton constantly keep an eye on you, just to make sure you've learnt your lesson about dealing with trucks.
'Arry: Yes, sir.
Bert: Right away, sir.
(Paxton clears the points as 'Arry and Bert switch lines and back down further into the yard towards the trucks)
Manager: Right. Well, if that covers it, than I believe I owe you both an apology. It's just that you can be too careful with trucks, you see. I'm especially proud of you, Henrietta, for your course of actions. You have been a very great help in that regard. Please, carry on and see how well your journey can improve.
And so Mavis and Henrietta headed back towards Brendam, but not before Toby and Paxton let out a cheer for them
Paxton: Good for you, Henrietta. Good for you.
(Henrietta smiles as Mavis pulls the train out of the quarry)
Mavis made her journey to Brendam all in good time, having no trouble with the trucks at all. Henrietta had surely taught them a valuable lesson, but both were quite silent about it, and saw many sights along the way. They were soon on their way back.
Henrietta: I don't believe I see the island too much like this everyday. Isn't it beautiful, Mavis?
Mavis: Indeed. And you've earned it, Henrietta. Good deeds surely do pay off. I've never met a passenger coach as brave as you are.
Henrietta: Thank you, Mavis. I'm just glad to have been able to help.
And soon the two friends arrived back at the quarry, just as the workmen were ready to go home.
Henrietta: Goodbye, Mavis. It surely was a pleasure to work with you.
Mavis: Thank you, Henrietta. I enjoyed our run. Perhaps we should do it again sometime. If the manager agrees, that is.
(Henrietta smiles as the workmen board her and the guard's whistle blows. Mavis and Paxton honk their horns goodbye, and Toby rings his bell as he leaves the quarry)
As the sun set on their journey home, the two best friends made up with one another, as they discussed their day's experiences.
Toby: Mavis and I make a great team together, Henrietta, and I'm very glad that you and her manage splendidly as well.
Henrietta: This day was just full of surprises, Toby…, (chuckles quietly) …and I was happy to witness it on occasion. It seems like my differences make me who I am after all.
Toby: And that is exactly how proud I am of you, Henrietta. You managed to stop that whole line of trucks in only a brief amount of time. It shows we all have a talent for different things after all.
Henrietta couldn't agree more with Toby, and the two friends chuckled all the way home.
(Well, here you have it, guys. This one was just a quick idea of mine as far as plot and character development goes and I was rather fascinated with the outcome; pairing up Toby and Mavis, Paxton being used as a voice of support and encouragement for Henrietta and 'Arry and Bert causing double trouble as the villains of the story, but Henrietta was just a character I had in mind to explore as soon as I thought of this, and it was a difficult persona to capture for a story when she ends up saving the day. But I hope you guys liked it, and I did use inspiration from other episodes to do this one. E.g. Diesel in No More Mr. Nice Engine inspired me to write 'Arry and Bert as they were here, and the runaway sequence did use some sort of inspiration from Busy Going Backwards and Toad's Adventure, blending in to Henrietta's heroism in this story. Anyway, I will posting a heads up of what to expect next as soon as possible, so stay tuned!)