Soon, Thomas was flying along the Mainline tracks, entering the Barrow-in-Furness area. Although it was getting late, Thomas couldn't wait, and just looked around at the new area, full of curiosity. His lamp shone the way as he chuffed along the tracks. It was spooky, but in a mystical sort of way. He continued down the tracks, looking around at the mysterious surrounding.
He puffed around, looking in awe. He didn't notice a dark shadow appearing in front of him.
"Look out!" cried a voice!
"Huh! Wha-" Thomas looked around and saw his light reveal an engine heading for him, "WHOA!"
He braked as quickly as he could, as did the mysterious engine in front of him, "C-Careful there!" The voice cried, grinding to a halt – just inches away from Thomas' buffers!
Thomas was suddenly scared, and was preparing to back away quickly!
"S-Stop young engine! I won't hurt you!" The shadow cried. Thomas looked ahead, unsure whether to cry for help or to go closer. The mysterious engine didn't move, and looked at Thomas with most wonder.
"You, don't look like you're from here." The shadow engine spoke. Thomas was still a little scared, he did not say a word. The engine smiled softly, "Follow me, let's go somewhere with a little more light."
The engine slowly puffed away. Thomas naively followed, curious about this mysterious engine. Shortly, they arrived in a shed, with a light so they could see each other. Thomas looked at the engine in awe.
The engine was painted in an Indian red colour, he had 4 big wheels and a tender behind him. He looked like a very smart engine.
"I don't think you're from here, are you young engine." The engine spoke again. Thomas looked curiously, and now felt unafraid of this new engine.
"N-No, I'm not." He whispered, "My name is Thomas."
The engine chuckled a bit, "My name is Raymond." He introduced himself, "I live and work here, in Barrow-in-Furness."
"Wow..." Thomas listened in wonder, wanting to hear more from his new friend, "How long have you worked here?"
Raymond just chuckled, "Ever since I was made. Ohh, must've been...1863." He chuckled again, "Then again, with my age, you try to forget how old you really are and just work with the flow."
"Wow!" Thomas chuffed, "You're almost as old as a friend of mine. His name is Edward."
Raymond's eyes popped open in surprise, "...Edward?"
Thomas looked at him, "Yeah, his name is Edward. He's one of the older engines on my railway. Have you heard of him?"
"Heard of him?" Raymond smiled and laughed, "I use to be a friend of his! I use to be friends with him, and his sister!"
Thomas just beamed with excitement, "Really?!"
Raymond smiled as he remembered, "Oh yes, those two were really sweet engines back then. Edward was quite the quiet and shy steamer, and his sister Edith, she was so cheerful and bubbly – you never saw those two apart...well...until Edward left to build the North Western Railway on the Island of Sodor...he never came back. He was brought by the controller there apparently..."
"Edward had a sister?" Thomas asked, almost shocked by the news, "I never knew he had a sister. He never told us."
Raymond just gave a small, caring smile, "Edward was always a quiet engine, he kept his most personal and private connections to himself. Not surprising you don't know about Edith."
Thomas looked around curiously, "Where is she? Edith, I mean?"
"I'm not sure." Raymond said honestly, "She was told she was going to have some repairs done, and she's still away. Apparently she told me it's for a very special surprise. Shame she's not here to tell you – she can ramble on about it for hours." He chuckled.
Thomas smiled and looked around, "Where are the others?"
Raymond suddenly went quiet, and looked down sadly, "I'm afraid, other than Edith, I am the only steam engine left here. Most of my work has been overtaken by diesels and electric. Can't say a bad word about them though, they are all really nice engines, and all really useful. That's all you can ask from them."
Thomas looked at him sadly, he felt sorry for Raymond. "That must be hard, being the last of your type."
Raymond suddenly grew a small smile, "I can't complain. They're planning on preserving me once I'm done with service, so I guess I should consider myself lucky, unlike many other unfortunate engines..."
Thomas looked curiously, "Preservation? What is that?" He asked.
"Preservation is when an engine is taken in by a museum or a group of enthusiasts where you can be put on displayed and looked after. Basically you're like a museum exhibit for enthusiasts, both young and old. It means I won't be able to work unless they want me too, but it is better than being sent to the smelters yard." Raymond explained. Thomas just watched in shock as he listened.
Raymond then looked up at Thomas, "Tell me young Thomas – what are you doing here? If you are not from this railway, why are you here?" He asked.
Thomas' boiler shivered, he didn't know whether to tell his friend the truth, or to make up a lie. He stuttered a bit, before he spoke, "I-I...I need to go somewhere, but...I can't remember where. I need to go somewhere, I heard it has nice views and scenes, and somewhere full of adventures." He lied, trying to smile his way out of it.
Raymond saw no reason not to believe the young engine, so he smiled, "Well, somewhere that has a lovely scenario, and plenty of nice engines is York. There is a whole National Railway Museum there, where some of the most famous engines are preserved." he explained.
Thomas smiled brightly, almost whistling in excitement, "How do I get there! Do you know! Can I get there soon!" He kept bursting out questions, axles shivered in excitement!
Raymond just chuckled at the eager young engine, "You have to go south east of here, it's around a 5 hour journey."
Thomas was so excited, he wanted to leave immediately, "Thank you Raymond!" He quickly puffed out of the shed and started to head that direction.
Raymond looked over in concern, "But be sure to fill up on coal and water! It's a very long journey!" he called out. He smiled nonetheless, and watched as Thomas chuffed on into the night.
Meanwhile, back on Sodor, Blake just finished her last journey of the day, and was heading back to her shed. She then saw Percy puff over. He looked really concerned.
"Blake, have you seen Thomas?" He asked, worriedly.
Blake's eyes widen, she promised Thomas not to say a word, "Um...n-no, why?" she asked him.
Percy just sighed sadly, "He was suppose to be back at the sheds, but he hasn't returned. I've gone to look for him – but I can't find him anywhere on his branch line."
Blake started to tremble, she knew she had to speak the truth, but she promised Thomas to not say a word about where he went. And she heard no sign of him returning...
"O-Oh dear, well, sorry Percy – but I gotta go!" Blake immediately tried to steam away, but Percy knew something was up – he steamed backwards, following her and got in front of her to block her way.
"Blake, you know something!" Percy cried, "Please tell me where he is! Please..."
Blake shivered in fear, she hated it when engines started to beg her for something – but she knew Percy was Thomas' best friend. She knew she had to tell someone...she muttered ever so quietly.
"I know where he is..."
Percy's eyes beamed with hope, "Where is he? Please tell me!" He pleaded with her. Blake almost burst out of her boiler, she had to tell him...
"...On the Mainland..."