Chapter 196: Thomas and the Magic Railroad Part 4

At breakfast, Mr. Conductor gathered everyone to explain last night's events.

"Everyone, I'm afraid I have something to tell you. It seems that Diesel 10 is more dangerous than we thought. Last night, he attacked and tried to kidnap me. The claw on his engine's roof ripped a hole in the side of the house, which is why there is now a draft in the living room."
Everyone gasped in horror, not sure what to say.

"There's more. When I tried to teleport away, I couldn't. I had my suspicions before, but now my worst fears have been confirmed: I'm running out of Gold Dust."

Everyone stared in shock, too stunned to speak. It was Percy who found his voice.

"But Mr. Conductor, without your Gold Dust, how will you return home to Shining Time?"

Mr. Conductor shook his head.

"It won't come to that. Excuse me, I have a phone call to make."

Everyone watched Mr. Conductor leave in a hurry, worried for their friend. Once they were certain he was out of earshot, they began whispering to each other.

"Alright, we all know we need to help him, right?"

"Right!"

"But the question is how."

Everyone paused, unsure of how to answer. Finally, Edward spoke up.

"It may be a longshot, but it may be our best shot. A long time ago, I read of a legend about magic buffers that lead to a magic railway that acts as a bridge to other worlds. It was guarded by a beautiful woman; whose control of magic was unrivaled. When she disappeared, the conductor family hid it away to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. But legend has it that someone brave of heart and true in spirit can open the portal once more."

Gordon snorted indignantly.

"That's the plan? Your basing the only way to save Mr. Conductor on a fairy tale?"

"Do you have a better idea, Gordon?"

Gordon said nothing, grumbling to himself.

"That's what I thought. Everyone keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, but be on your guard. I fear Diesel 10 may have the same idea."

Everyone nodded in agreement, before leaving to go about their work.

Far away on a beach in Australia, a blonde youth sipped a smoothie, reclined in his beach chair in total bliss.

"Ah, now this is the life. Don't know why cousin wanted to go into the family business so badly. No worries, no responsibilities, no…"

His train of thought was soon interrupted by his phone ringing. With an annoyed sigh, he picked it up, already knowing who it was.

"Cousin! Long time, no see. How's Sodor treating you?"

"Not well, Junior. Listen, this is very serious. I'm losing my gold dust."

Junior shot up, fear on his face.

"What? Oh no, this is not good. I only have a limited amount, and if you run out, and I run out, then…"

"Junior, listen to me, everything will be alright. Listen I've been doing some digging and I think I've found the way to get more. I need you to get to Sodor ASAP."

"Sure thing, Cous. Anything for family."

"Thank you. And please stop by Shining Time to tell Stacy what's going on, and pick up my reserve supply from the mural. We'll need every drop that we can get."

"You can count on me."

With a click, Junior hung up before slumping back into his chair.

"Aw man, there goes my endless vacation. Oh well, one more shake for the road couldn't hurt."

Taking a straw from his massive (compared to him) milkshake, Junior opened his mouth…

Only for it to shoot out, covering him in sticky, gooey chocolate.

"Or…maybe not."

Yes, The Conductors were in trouble, but help was on the way. That's where I come in.

A young girl and her mother walked through the pouring rain to the train station, an umbrella shared between the two.

"Mom, why can't I stay here with you and dad? I want to be here with you."

The woman patted her swollen stomach before giving her daughter's hand a tight squeeze.

"I know, Lilly, and I wish you could. But your baby brother is on the way, and we need more space to prepare. Besides, don't you love your grandfather?"

That's me alright, Lily Stone, 12 years old. God, I was so cute back then.

"I do, but ever since grandma died, he's been so distant. Sometimes I wonder if he even loves me."

Lily's mother stopped and knelt down, looking Lily right in the eye with a very serious expression on her face.

"Lily Stone, of course he does. And he loved your grandmother very much. That's why he's been so sad. Now I don't want to hear you talk like that ever again, understood?"

Lily nodded, understanding very well. At last, they were inside the station, where Lily's mother handed her ticket to her.

"Alright, now your train leaves from Platform 5 in one hour. I gave you some money for lunch, and there's a bookstore so you can buy something to read on the train. Now if you lose your way, just ask the station staff and they'll be happy to help you. I love you."

Lily smiled and gave her a big hug.

"I love you too."

Lily's mother walked out into the rain, while Lily headed towards the station restaurant. On her way, she held out her stuffed Bluebird she kept on her keychain.

"Well Bluebird, I think this is one journey I'll never forget."

Little did I know how right I would be.