Just like I said in the last episode, the summer months have on not begun kn the island of Sodor. And just like some engines are repaired for the summer, other engines come to help. Or in this stories case cause trouble...

Chapter 7: As Good As Gold

Written by Henryandbrunodude1234

Gordon had been enjoying life in retirement. No one teased him and it seemed like everyone respected him.

He was waiting at the station one morning when Thomas came steaming in. He was quite cross.

"What's wrong Thomas?" Gordon asked. "You'll see soon enough!" fumed Thomas.

Thomas was right. At that moment, a whistle echoed into the station. The station became clouded in steam. "Sodor, I'm back!" a voice cheered from the steam.

The steam set and a silver engine stood there. "Spencer", seethed Thomas.

Spencer laughed. "Hello Thomas", he said. "And Gordon! I've heard they retired you from the express and replaced you with the red one! Don't worry dear cousin! I'll take care of you from now on!"

"Gordon doesn't need to be taken care of", called Edward as he pulled into the station. Henry, James, and Rosie had all arrived as well.

"Edward's right!" James added. "Gordon's still as good as gold!"

"And you're only silver!" Rosie teased.

Spencer saw the crowd of those who had come to insult him. He felt angry at seeing them all. "Fine", he concluded. "I challenge you to a race, Gordon. Then will see if you're still as good as gold!"

Gordon didn't want to. He was about to say no, but he saw James and Henry mouthing, "Do it".

"You're on", Gordon told his cousin. Whistles and cheers erupted the station. Spencer stood there in shock. He was planning on teasing Gordon for turning down the race.

Rosie took one of Gordon's two coaches and coupled it to Spencer. Henry rolled onto the track between the two Gresley's. "On your mark", he started, "get set... GO!"

The two engines set off. Spencer thundered away, while Gordon struggled to keep up behind him.

Spencer thundered flew Ffarquhar Station. Gordon trotted through as fast as he could go. "Keep going Gordon!" called Percy.

Gordon felt better after hearing his friend cheer him on. He puffed on as fast as he could.

Spencer was having a grand time. He was far ahead of Gordon. "Hello Spencer", chuckled a voice beside him.

"Gordon?" gasped Spencer. Gordon grinned. "They are right about me!" Gordon smiled. "I am as good as gold!"

"Faster!" Spencer bellowed at his crew. The fireman threw coal in his firebox as fast as he could and the driver pulled the lever hard. Spencer started gaining speed.

"So long Gordon", Spencer teased as he pulled away. "You'll never be as good as me!"

Spencer turned the bend and went out of sight. Gordon frowned. "Cheer up old chap!" smiled his driver. "We can still finish the run strong! Who knows, we might even win!"

Gordon smiled. "Fastest and best", said Gordon, "I pull the express!" And he set off as fast as he could.

Spencer was far ahead, but he wouldn't let his crew rest. "Keep going, keep going!" he chanted. And they did... until they didn't. Spencer came to a halt with a thud. He had gone too fast, and was paying the price.

Gordon chuffed on down the line happily. He saw his cousin stranded on the track ahead. He rolled up next to him, grinning as he did.

"What happened dear cousin?" he asked teasingly. Spencer uttered no reply. "We'll get you going as fast as we can.

Gordon buffered up behind Spencer and pushed him the way home. He was awaited with cheers as he finally puffed into the station.

Gordon dreamed of the olden days that night. Pulling the express, Edward rescuing him on the hill, him tricking Thomas...

"You really are as good as gold", whispered a voice in the night. Gordon was too far asleep to hear the voice, and so the engine slowly rolled away remorsefully.

Rosie was finishing up work at the yard when she saw a streamlined silver engine rolling away from the sheds. "Goodnight Spencer!" Rosie called to him.

Spencer stopped in his tracks. "Goodnight Rosie", he said quietly. The silver engine headed to the sheds, thinking about his cousin, fast asleep in the sheds.

In his sleep, Gordon smiled happily. Happier than he had been in a long time.