//------------------------------// // S1E8: Aria Storms The Castle // Story: Thomas & Friends: The Dazzlings (S1) // by SodorSiren //------------------------------// It was a beautiful day in the Island of Sodor. All the engines were working hard to be Really Useful. One morning, Aria was still sleeping in Tidmouth Sheds. Sir Topham Hatt then arrived. "Aria, wake up," said the Fat Controller. But Aria didn't wake up. Sir Topham Hatt told one of his bodyguards to go to his car and get a trumpet. Two minutes later, the bodyguard returned with said instrument. "Alright, this should do." The Fat Controller blew on the trumpet. This caused Aria to wake up. "What are you doing with that trumpet, Sir?" asked Aria as she yawned. "This? I had to use this as an alarm clock for you. Anyway, your job today is to go to Ufstead Castle and take the Earl Of Sodor to the Duke And Duchess' summer house. Then, you will take them to the Mainland to meet with Queen Elizabeth IV because Spencer is spending the day with the king. But first, you must go to the washdown." "Yes, sir," replied Aria as she steamed off to collect Diana and Kaarina, her two coaches. Soon, she was at the washdown. Adagio was there. She had been covered in ballast during her time at Arlesburgh West because she and three small engines don't get along well. "Hey, Adagio, what's with the messy face and paint?" Aria asked. "It's a long story, Aria," replied Adagio. "Why you are here?" "I have to take the Earl of Sodor to the Duke And Duchess' summer house," explained Aria. "Oh, I see," said Adagio. After being washed, Aria hurried with Diana and Kaarina to Ulfstead Castle. Sir Robert Norramby, also known as the Earl of Sodor, was there. "Oh, hello there. You must be Aria, is that correct?" the Earl asked cheerfully. "Yes, Mr. Earl, I am," replied Aria. "Ahem," said the Earl, clearing his throat, seeing that Aria had addressed him incorrectly. "Oops, sorry. I mean 'Lord'," corrected Aria. "Anyway, I am here to take you to the Duke and Duchess of Boxford's summer house. I better not be late." So the Earl climbed aboard Diana. Soon, Aria is on her way to the summer house. "So, Aria, how was your first few months here?" asked the Earl. "Great. Pretty great," replied Aria. "Even my sisters, Adagio and Sonata." "You do happen to have sisters?" said the Earl. "Yes, sir. But you have an important meeting with the royalty on the Mainland today," explained Aria. "Aria, can you please stop asking the Earl a lot of questions?" asked Diana. "Just give him time to relax. It's going to be a long journey," chimed in Kaarina. "Alright, alright, coaches, chill," interrupted Aria. "No need to argue." Soon, they picked up the Duke And Duchess of Boxford. They then set off for the Mainland. Two days later, Aria returned to Sodor. She was speeding down the main line when suddenly, Connor and Caitlin caught up to Aria. "Oh, look, another streamlined engine. And it's a girl," cried Caitlin in excitement. "I'm sure we can be friends with her. Hey, new engine, can we have a race?" asked Connor. "Not now, I'm too tired," replied Aria. "Okay, suit yourself," said the two streamlined engines as they sped off, leaving Aria behind. Soon, Aria arrived back at Ulfstead Castle, looking groggy from the Mainland trip. So was the coaches. Stephen and Glenn were there. "Oh, hello, there. You must look very tired," said Stephen, the old, yellow 0-2-2 steam locomotive. "I'm Stephen." "And I'm Glenn," said the red number 1 coffeepot locomotive. "Nice to meet you two. I'm Aria," she said, introducing herself. "Well, Aria, do you want us to show you around the castle?" asked Stephen. "Sure," Aria replied as she was uncoupled from Diana and Kaarina. "Okay, then," said Stephen. "Let's go then." An hour later, Aria and Stephen were finished looking around the castle. Stephen crossed it first. But when Aria was about to cross it.... *CRRAAAAACCCCCKKKK!* The drawbridge broke, sending Aria down into the pit below. "AHHHHHHHHHH! OOOF!" cried Aria as she fell and banged herself on the bottom. "Oh, no! I must get Rocky!" exclaimed Stephen. And he soon alerted the Earl, who then called the Search And Rescue Center. Soon, Adagio arrived at Ulfstead Castle with Rocky and Thomas. "Don't worry, Aria. You will be back on the rails in no time," assured Rocky. "Yeah, whatever. Just carry me up," replied Aria. First, Rocky placed Aria back on the rails. Then, he placed her tender back on the rails, too. "Hey, Adagio. Hey Thomas," said Aria. "Hey, sister. How was your day at Ulfstead Castle?" asked Adagio. "Pretty great, Adagio. That coffee pot and that yellow Rocket guy treated me nicely," replied Aria, referring to Glynn and Stephen. "She was our greatest guest ever," said Stephen. "We even gave her a tour of the estate," chimed in Glynn. "Until that drawbridge broke." "Oh, I see," said Thomas. "That's why Aria had her accident." "Yeah, Thomas," replied Aria. "Now if you excuse me, I have to get to the Steamworks to get checked on." And so, Aria chugged away. A few days later, she returned to the sheds. It was dark. "Welcome home, Aria," greeted all of the engines. "Hello, there," she responded. "I heard that she got her paint job scratched when she fell off the drawbridge," chuckled James. Aria glared back in annoyance. "James, it's not funny," scolded Thomas. "Well, at least I'm glad she's okay and home with us now," said Edward. Aria smiled. "Okay. Enough talking. I need some sleep. We have jobs to do tomorrow," muttered Gordon. And so, the engines went to sleep. The End.