A/N Small Percy streak again. But only the previous and this, like my other small Percy streak in length.

Every summer, the Island of Sodor is very busy. Holidaymakers love to sightsee. And when the weather is fine, there's not a better place to visit. Some people like to go to the mountains. Others like the valleys. Children love the seaside. One morning, Thomas was puffing along the line that runs by the coast. His two coaches, Annie and Clarabel, were packed with children going to the beach. Everyone was happy. I was taking some freight cars to the Harbor.

"Hello, Thomas. You look cheerful. I wish I can take children today instead of freight cars." I thought my friend's job was more fun.

"They're the vicar's Sunday School," explained Thomas. "I'm busy this evening, but the stationmaster says I can ask you to take the children home.". That's when I promised my friend I would. I was less busy than Thomas that evening, so I could do so.

"Of course I will," I promised. I was glad to take the children then.

Later, I saw Harold.

"Sorry, Percy. Can't talk. I'm on high alert."

"Why?"

"Bad weather's due. My help's always needed. Mind how you go, Percy."

"Pah!" I huffed. "As long as I've got rails to run on, I can go anywhere in any weather, anyhow. Goodbye." That cocky helicopter, Harold. Sometimes, I just didn't get him.

I set off for the beach. It was a beautiful day. But Edward was worried.

"Be careful!" he warned. "There's a storm coming."

A promise is a promise, I thought. No matter what the weather. Even if the weather was bad, as Harold and Edward said, I wasn't about to let my friend down. If I could help it, at least.

The children had a lovely day, but by teatime, dark clouds loomed ahead. Annie and Clarabel were glad when I arrived. I was just in time. Rain streamed down my boiler.

"Oh!" I shivered and thought of my nice dry shed. I struggled on past coastal villages and into the countryside. The river was rising fast.

"I wish I could see! I wish I could see!" I complained. As I battled against the rain, more trouble lay ahead. I fell into the water.

"Oh!" I hissed. "The water is sloshing my fire!"

Driver and my fireman had to find some more firewood.

"I'll have some of your floorboards, please," said the fireman to the conductor.

"I only swept the floor this morning," grumbled the conductor.

But still he helped. Soon, my fire was burning well. I felt warm and comfortable again. Then... I saw Harold.

Oh, dear! I thought. Harold's come to laugh at me!

Something thudded onto my boiler.

"Ow!" I exclaimed. "He needn't throw things!"

"It's a parachute!" laughed Driver. "Harold's dropping hot drinks for us!"

"Thank you, Harold!" I whistled.

"Good to be at service!" replied Harold. And he buzzed away. Water lapped my wheels. I was losing steam again, but I plunged bravely on.

"I promised!" I panted. "I promised!". I made one more big effort and at last, exhausted but triumphant, I brought the train home. I kept my promise because I could, as a loyal friend.

"Well done, Percy!" cheered Thomas. "You kept your promise, despite everything!"

Sir Topham Hatt arrived in Harold. First, he thanked the men, then me.

"Harold told me you were...uh... a wizard. He says he can beat you at some things, but not at being a submarine. I don't know what you two get up to sometimes, but I do know that you're a Really Useful Engine.

"Oh, sir!" I whispered happily. I quite liked getting called a Really Useful Engine, as always. We all feel that way.

A/N I'm not British, they are. Respect my English, as sometimes I'm comfortable with their dialect, but other times I need my English to feel comfortable.