Thomas Adaptations(With My OC's)

As Good as Steven

It was Autumn on the Souther Isle of Britain, and everyone was working hard to get ready for the busy upcoming holidays next month. At the sheds, the American Controller came to speak with the engines.

"Steven," he said, "I have selected you to take the new Mayor of the Southern Isle on a tour of the railway."

Steven was excited, but then he had a thought.

"Who will take the express sir?" he asked.

Annie, John and Lilith were waiting in anticipation. And the American Controller chose, Lilith.

Lilith was excited, but Steven wasn't so sure.

"The express is the fastest, and longest, passenger train on the island," he said, "I always cross twice before Tea Time, you'll never make it."

"I've got big wheels and I'll do my best," said Lilith.

"Big Wheels don't make a big engine," snorted Steven, "Everyone knows, I'm the best."

"Ignore him Lilith," said Smith, "Steven just likes to listen to his own voice."

But Lilith wasn't listening. She was excited as she pulled into Homestead. She buffered up to the coaches, and waited for the guard. When the whistle blew, Lilith pulled, and was shocked at how heavy the train was.

"Bust my boiler!" she said.

Lilith pulled out so quickly, that she left the break coach behind. Lilith puffed down the mainline as fast as she could. She made it across the island once in good time.

"I am as good as Steven!" she said.

Soon, Lilith had to wait for Stacy at the crossing. Stacy went as fast as she could, but it wasn't fast enough for Stacy.

"Hurry up slow coach!" said Lilith, "Or you'll make me late!!"

Stacy retorted, "If you want to be as good as Steven, then you need to learn patience."

Lilith snorted, "Express engines don't wait for anything."

Stacy pulled into Brixie Station. The express was a garenteed connection with Marty the Bus. But Marty hadn't arrived yet. He had been caught in traffic, and was running late. Lilith felt as if her boiler would burst. She counted to 10, three times.

"I'm going to be the slowest engine on the Isle," said Lilith, "And it's not my fault!"

As soon as Marty arrived, Lilith was already gone.

Lilith had to take on more water, but Annie was already at the water tower. Annie was taking the slow goods. Lilith wanted to go first.

"It doesn't matter if you're late," said Lilith.

Annie hissed steam indignantly, "Even Steve has more patience than you! You'll have to wait!"

"Express trains don't wait!" said Lilith, and she left without taking on more water.

Soon, Lilith raced past the County Junction, where Belle was waiting to pick up passengers from the Express. The passengers were bumped and bounced about like peas in a pod. Soon, Lilith could see the Big Station in the distance.

"I knew I was as good as Steven!" said Lilith.

However, she felt herself going slower, and slower.

"What's happening to me?" asked Lilith. Her crew soon found out. Lilith, had run out of water. Lilith tried to move further, but she had no steam left. Finally, she came to a complete stop.

The American Controller arrived on board Belle's train. He was not happy.

"You, should have waited!" he said, "And now, you have cause a real spot of trouble. You left the break coach, stranded Marty's passengers, missed your stop and bumped your carriages. You MUST learn to be more patient."

"I'm sorry sir," said Lilith, looking down at her buffers.

Some passengers who missed their stop at the junction climbed aboard Belle's train, and she backed up to the junction.

Soon, John arrived to take Lilith to the big station. And then, he left to collect the express.

"Now, I need another engine to take the slow goods," said the American Controller.

Lilith then said, "Sir, may I take the goods? I promise to go slow."

The American Controller smiled, "Very well. But, the slow goods takes lots of patience."

"I'll do my best sir!" said Lilith, "Maybe better!"

Robert shunted Lilith to the fuel depo, and Lilith was refilled with coal and water. She then helped Robert shunt her goods train. Lilith set off, whistling Robert goodbye, and headed down the main line. She stopped at all the right stations, and she let all the other engines go first.

Lilith then stopped at a junction, where Steven was waiting for a clear path.

"I must say," said Steven, "You did well Lilith. But you need to be more patient. I should know. It happened with me many times. How are you progressing with it?"

"I'm doing well," said Lilith, "But if only I could learn it faster."

The two engines had to laugh.