Sodor Island was, and is, known for their railways. However, for now we will focus on its main railway. The North Western Railway is Sodor's most popular railway by far. Not only are the passengers and reviews impressed, but also the railway's workers who keep it running smoothly.

01/22/1990

It was a bright and warm morning on the island. A greyish blue Ford pulled into the railways' parking lot. The driver who got out of the car was a young man in his early twenties. His name was Thomas, and he worked as a No. 1 driver for the railway because he was wearing the NWR driver uniform. "What a lovely day," the man said to the passenger in the car, who was a friend of his. "Hurry up, Percy," he teased. This made his friend Percy chuckle a little and reply, "Wait a minute, Tom. I found it!" "I told you it was in here!" Percy said as he put on his cap, which had the number 6 on the star. He was the NWR #6 Driver.

"Yeah, yeah.." Thomas replied as he rolled his eyes. Thomas then noticed another car pulling up at the parking-lot for the employees, basically where they were.The car door open and not only did a familiar Co-worker came out, but also a newbie who was in the passengers seat?

"Say..Who's Edward talking to? Is she supposed to be new?" Percy pointed out and asked as he saw what Thomas was seeing.The both of them decided to greet Edward and the new Co-worker as they walked towards their direction.

Edward then noticed the two men walking towards him.He smiles warmly at them and gave them a wave.Thomas and Percy greeted him back by waving as well.As soon as they were close to each other,they chatted for a little bit,and that chat had turned into bursts of laughter.Edward then remembered about the new co-worker he brought.

"Ah yes,where are my manners!" Edward said as he was still chuckled. "This is Akira, she just started working here, and i'm supposed to show her how things work here" He finished.Thomas and Percy greeted their new co-worker.

"Hi, how are ya, names Thomas" He greeted as he took his hand out of his uniform pockets for a handshake.

"Hey, I'm fine, thanks!" Akira replied as she gave him a handshake.Percy also held his hand out.

"And I'm Percival, but it's best if you just call me Percy for short".Akira also shooked his hand and smiled at him.

"Well, we best not be tardy!" Edward told the three younger co-workers as he tapped his watch that read "9:50".The four agreed to go into the front so they can check out and get to work.

They walked inside the front, they were greeted by the two ladies who worked for the front, Veronica Snyder and Hilary Weeks.The Ladies have been working there for a pretty long time and are pretty familiar with everyone who worked at the NWR.

"Morning Boys, I see you met the newbie" Veronica said with she smiled at Akira.

Three of them said good morning back at the Ladies, and Edward spoke. "Oh, yes, we have met Akira. Has anybody else arrived yet?"

Hilary decided to answer his question. "Um, there was a couple of them, I'm pretty sure that Gordon was one of them. He was just here a couple of minutes ago"

"Always wanting to be "On Time"" Added in Veronica.They then sign in on the sign in sheet and Akira received a map of the Railway from Hilary.

"Take Care!" Both of the women of the front said as the other four exited out.While they were walking to the main shed, Tidmouth sheds,Akira was having a look at her map.However, she was getting rather curious.

"Say, how am I supposed to go from Tidmouth all the way to Brendam?"She asked.

"That's what our engines are for" Percy replied, which made everyone chuckle for a second as they arrived to the sheds.When they arrived, they saw Gordon and Henry at the sheds as well.

"Hello Gordon, Henry" Greeted Edward.They looked at Edward and smiled.

"Why hello to you, Edward" Henry greeted Edward.

"And I'm Guessing She's new?" Gordon pointed out, he was obviously not amused by this fact, and yet he was focusing his attention at Akira.

"Oh um, yes, I'm new. My name is Akira" She introduced herself to The two taller men.While Henry was looking at her pretty like she was welcomed, Gordon face didn't changed a bit.

"Well it's nice meeting you Akira, But I can't chat for too long, for i have an express to pull" Gordon stated as he walked inside the cab of his Locomotive.Akira saw the big locomotive in awe, as she brushes her dark hair nervously.Percy noticed her behavior, he was very worried.

"Is something Wrong Akira?"He asked

Akira looked at the slightly shorter man and blinked.

"Oh! Yes, it's just..I..." Akira was struggling to answer.

"Yes?" Percy responded.

"It's just that I'm pretty nervous of what Locomotive I'm gonna get, what if I'm not prepared for thi-"

Before she could finish, two more drivers arrived at the sheds, their names were James and Emily.

"Morning everyone, hope we aren't too late nor early.." Emily greeted everyone, her bronze eyes shined in the sun.

"Morning Emily, James" Henry greeted "How come you guys are coming in later than usual?"

"Well James here, Accidentally woke up later than usual and had a bit of a panic attack, luckily I reminded him that we don't get tardy until 10:00.So that's basically why we're here more later than before"

Everyone then had a good laugh because of that, except for James, who was rather embarrassed and defensive about the whole situation.

"You know Henry, I wouldn't be talking!" James Blurted out.

Henry rolled his eyes. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Oh Honestly, Henry, How many times have to been getting ill? It's honestly pretty sad if you ask me"

There was a couple of chuckles coming from the Other Co-workers.

"At least I didn't-"

But before Henry could finish his sentence, Sur Topham Hatt had arrived, looking for the new driver.

"Akira Saito?" Called out Sir Topham

Akira heard her name being called, and answered immediately."Yes I'm here!"

Sir Topham looked around to find her to which he finally did after a couple of seconds.And as soon as he saw his new worker, he smiled in a welcoming gesture.

"Ah there you are, come on, let me show you something.." He said to Akira, to which she followed him to his Car as they drove to the workshop to find her an Engine that she can be capable of driving.

Akira and Sir Topham arrived at the workshop, their eyes scanning over the various engines lined up neatly. Each one had its own unique charm and personality that shone through its appearance.

Sir Topham spoke up, "Now then, Akira, let's see if you have what it takes to be a good driver. Choose the engine that catches your eye."

Akira took a deep breath, trying to keep her excitement in check as she approached the first engine. It was painted red with white stripes, quite eye-catching, but there was something about it that made her hesitate.

"This one looks promising," Sir Topham commented on the engine Akira was inspecting. "It's strong and reliable, perfect for a new driver like you."

After considering the first engine for a moment longer, Akira moved on to the next one. This one was painted Purple, giving it an air of cheerfulness that appealed to her. She ran her hands over its smooth surface, feeling the power beneath her fingertips.

"Say sir, What kind of locomotive is this?" She asked

"This one here," Sir Topham began, pointing to the purple engine, "is a JNR Class 9600. It was originally built in Japan, though I'm not sure about when it was built, I'd say probably around the early 1920's?"

Akira finally chose her Locomotive "Ok, I'll get this one then, me and this one have a-lot in common."She stated humorously.

Sir Topham was rather confused with that last statement. "And that is..?"

"We're wearing Purple and are from Japan".They both chuckle for a good second and moved on.They both got up the Locomotive and got started with how to program it.

"Oh damn!" Cursed Sir Topham."I was supposed to bring Edward to help you with how to program it *sighs* I guess my mind was only focusing on us going straight to the workshop heh.."

"Oh it's fine sir, besides, I'm pretty sure I know how to work most of it from training."

Sir Topham was rather relieved of that fact."Well, what are we waiting for, go ahead".

It was about to become midnight, James, Gordon, and Henry were outside, finished with their task.

"Well a hard work done boys, well actually, except for my task since it was a usual, pulling the ex-"But before Gordon could finish boasting, Henry interrupted him.

"You pull the express Gordon, We know.." Henry then rolled his eyes in a rather aggravated expression, that made Gordon also rather irritated due to him getting interrupted in such a manner.

"Oh Honestly Henry, you have such a woeful attitude, your appearance is already not giving you that so it's best if you change that attitude of yours" Remarked Gordon with a rather sly smirk.Henry didn't even bother answering to that, he just kept a agitated expression on his face.

"Say where's that newbie at?" Asked James

"She's with Sir Topham to find her locomotive at the workshop" Henry answered.

"All the way in the Mainland? No wonder they're taking long.."

They noticed Diesel and Percy having a conversation with each other, which made them question if they should confront the two or not.

"Perhaps we should see what they're on about?" Spoke James.

"Probably nothing.." Uttered Henry.

"I think when Percy comes here, we should ask him about what Diesel and him were talking about" Explained Gordon.

As Diesel began to walk away, Percy was heading to the three.This was now their chance to find Diesels schemes, thats if he does though.

"Percy, we saw that you were talking to Diesel" Stated Gordon, but Percy was rather confused of what they were on about.

"Oh um..yes, I was" Said Percy.

"What were you two talking about, huh?" Questioned James.

"I can't tell you" answered Percy. "Now anyways I'm about to go find Thomas and see what he's up to, see you guys later"And Percy left, leaving three confused Co-workers of his.

"I bet he's keeping it low for Diesel.." uttered James.

It was already dark, and Sir Topham and Akira had arrived at Tidmouth where everyone else was at, Topham decided to make an introduction to the railways new worker.

"Everyone, Akira is officially a driver in our railway" Announced Sir Topham.Everyone clapped in a welcoming manner to Akira and her new Locomotive.

Edward and Akira arrived at the apartment Akira lived in.They both got out the car and said their goodbyes.

"Well, I see your cars here" Edward pointed out.

"My Sister must've came back from her little trip, see you tomorrow Edward"

"See you tomorrow aswell"

Edward gave Akira a smile before stepping into his car and driving off.Akira walked to her apartment that was numbered "90". She opened the door and went inside and smelled an odor of a cigarette, knowing that her Sister was here, that caused her to let out a quiet sigh and go straight to her room that also had a little bathroom.She took a quick shower and got dressed in her night gown.She then went to her bed with the lights off.

"Good night Yumeko" Akira said to her sister, not getting any feedback at all.Despite that she closed her eyes and went to bed, wondering what her jobs adventures takes her.

Author-Thank you for reading this as it's my first time making a fanfic, but you might know me from tumblr and stuff so yeah..