The parade of engines steamed along the tracks, keeping all eyes out for their tank engine friend. They were looking around at this new area, unsure of what bend to turn and which turning to take. It was all very strange to them.
"Where are we?" Percy asked, to no one in particular.
"I believe this is Barrow-in-Furness." Edward answered, "It...does look very familiar to me."
"Wait, your from here?" James asked, actually curious.
"Somewhat. I was built by the Furness Railway. But I worked more on the Cumbrian Coast Line." Edward explained.
"Suppose you know this place like the back of your wheels." Emily chirped. Edward gave a small chuckle in reply.
"Not exactly." Edward answered, "It has been YEARS since I've been here."
Henry gave a small smile, "Well, you did help to build the railway on Sodor didn't you?
Edward smiled, "That's right. That was so many years ago now." Gordon just grunted in annoyance. Edward just rolled his eyes at the rude blue engine.
They continued puffing up the line, until they heard a long and loud whistle in front of them-
"LOOK OUT!"
Gordon looked in front and gasped ins hock as an engine was coming his way! He quickly slammed on his brakes and prepared to back up, only to bump back into Henry and bump back into James!
"Gordon!"
"Watch my paintwork!"
"ENGINE!" Gordon called, bracing for a collision!
The engine in front quickly slammed on his brake, and came to a complete stop – mere inches away from Gordon's buffers...
Everyone just sighed in relief, and Gordon opened his eyes and jumped at the sight of the engine in front of him.
The engine in front of him was Indian red in colour, and had 4 large wheels, "You should be careful! This is my line and I had right of way!" He harked, clearly very distressed and angry, "You almost made my boiler explode!"
Everyone just looked at the engine in shock, Edward just stared in awe.
"L-Look, we're really sorry, we didn't see anyone coming!" Emily tried to persuade the engine. The strange engine quickly calmed down and backed away to give the engines their space. He then looked them all, and gasped in shock. But then, Edward spoke up.
"...Raymond?"
The engine quickly looked at Edward and his eyes popped open, "Edward?"
The two engines continue to gaze, not sure how to react, "Is that you Raymond?" Edward spoke, barely able to grab onto words.
The engine finally smiled and laughed, "Oh Edward! My old friend! It has been so long!"
Edward quickly calmed down and laughed along with the engine. Everyone just looked at him, puzzled.
James broke the silence, "You...know this engine?"
Edward just beamed, "Indeed I do. Everyone, this is Raymond. An old friend of mine. We use to work on this railway back in our younger days."
"And look at you – your still functioning like a young engine!" Raymond chirped. Edward blushed at the compliment as the others giggled and snickered.
Raymond looked at all the engines in wonder, "Who are your friends?" he asked Edward curiously.
Edward smiled, "This is Gordon, Henry, James, Percy and Emily." He introduced them, as they whistled when their name was spoken.
"We're from the Sodor railway!" Percy peeped excitedly.
Raymond chuckled, "So I see. You all look very similar to a little tank engine who popped by here last night."
Everyone gasped and whistled, "Thomas!"
"That's right." Raymond spoke, confused, "Thomas, he popped by here last night. He was asking for directions."
"We have to find him!" Henry called.
"And bring him back to Sodor!" James continued!
"Do you know where he is?" Emily asked.
"Where did he go?" Edward carried on.
"We need to find him quickly!" Gordon huffed.
"Please Raymond, please..." Percy begged, worried for his friend.
Raymond gave a calm smile, "He was asking for directions to somewhere, so I sent him to York-"
"YORK!?" Gordon cried, "B-But that's where the National Railway Museum is!"
"It certainly is." Raymond confirmed, "That's where he's going now."
"Come on! We haven't got time to lose!" Edward chuffed, leading the parade of engines as they started to steam down the lines.
Raymond carried on following them for a few metres, "Make sure you take plenty of water and coal! It is a very long journey! Please be safe! And stay together!" He stopped when he bumped into a set of buffers, listening to the engines puff down the line!
The engine parade carried on down the line, knowing their next destination. They carried on – and they won't stop until Thomas is found!