Author's notes: I really love this one. It shows what courage can do to someone (In this case, an engine), and what they can accomplish with good guidance. Let's go.

Barry to the Rescue

Narrator: Barry felt very ashamed of himself for the mishap with the china clay.

Barry: Oh Cheerilee, Edward, Fluttershy, Mr. Hoskins, Mr. Roberts, I'm so sorry for making such a mess with the china clay. I….

Edward: That's alright Barry. We all know you didn't mean to let it happen.

Fluttershy: That's right. We all make mistakes Barry

Cheerilee: That's right Barry. As long as we learn from our mistakes, things won't be so bad.

Narrator: Barry said no more but he still thought a great deal. A few days after the incident, Barry was soon back at work. Barry began to get more accustom to the Sudrian diesels such as Bear, BoCo, Brush the works diesel, Den, Dart, Derek, Salty, Paxton, Frank, Sigrid Of Aresdale, Blister I & Blister II and Rusty. He even got along with Diesel, after hearing that he changed his ways for the better. And thanks to Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts for agreeing on a special firing technique, Barry even improved in his work despite his steam trouble. He tackled both trucks and coaches.

Cheerilee: Well done Barry. Your really improving very well.

Barry: Thank you Miss Cheerilee.

Narrator: The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia were impressed too, and decided to promote Barry to the Norramby Branchline.

Celestia: Barry, Sir Stephen Topham Hatt and I are very pleased with your work.

Fat Controller: Now then Barry, it gives us great pleasure to award you with a branchline of your own.

Narrator: Barry was surprised and very happy.

Barry: Why thank you Malady and thank you Sir. So where will this line be at?

Fat Controller: You will be working the Norramby Branchline at the south eastern section of the island. The tourist traffic is dwindling there and need you to help save the tourist traffic. Your route will be running from the seaside town of Norramby to Crovans Gate for a connection with the Skarloey Railway. Then afterwards, you'll take the train over to Ballahoo station to wait for a connection with British Railways diesels hauled suburban service. Then, you'll take it back to Norramby.

Narrator: Barry stood frozen to the spot, fear flooded his whole boiler like a mighty torrent. He had to work a guaranteed connection to British Railway diesels suburban trains. This was one of the last things he wanted to have. But, he was determined not to let his fear get in the way of his duty, no matter what.

Barry: (Nervously) Um… Y..yes Sir… and yes Malady… I won't let you down Sir and Malady.

Fat Controller: Good. You'll be starting first thing tomorrow morning.

Narrator: And they strode away. As they did, Princess Celestia and the Fat Controller consulted to each other, worriedly.

Celestia: Sir Stephen Topham Hatt I am worried about Barry. He seems very nervous around the diesels and he's seems short of steam.

Fat Controller: Your right there. I'm worried too about how Barry is going to cope with this new responsibility.

Celestia: Hhmmm…. I think we'd better get my sister to talk with Barry tonight.

Narrator: Barry slept badly that night at Wellsworth sheds. He dreamt that he heard some horn in the distance, the sound metal sheering, and the sound of a diesel engine approaching him. Barry tried to escape but he couldn't feel his wheels he tried and tried in vain to move as the headlamp of the diesel came nearer. Just when he thought he couldn't bare it anymore, it happened. One moment the diesel was near him, the next it was gone, and soon after, Barry felt to his relief that his wheels still where they should be. In front of him where the diesel should have been, was Princess Luna.

Princess Luna: A warm welcome to you, Barry.

Barry: Princess Luna! I thought you were one of those British railway diesel engines!

Princess Luna: Well, I'm glad to say that you were mistaken, but I hope not disappointed.

Barry: You are so, so much better than the british railway diesels… well, Pip and Emma are very nice too, but you get the idea. But, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Canterlot or at crovans gate?

Princess Luna: I am the princess of the night. Thus, it is my duty to come into your dreams.

Barry: Oh, yeah... Wait, is this just a dream? But it feels so real!

[reverberating drumbeat]

Princess Luna: I assure you that you are asleep. But when you awake, the thing that frightens you most will still exist.

Barry: [Nervously] Eh... The BR Diesel's?

Princess Luna: Hmmm... Are the diesel engines alone really what frightens you the most?

Barry: Well, partially, but I think the main reason I fear them is because of the scars they left on me and several steam engines all over BR.

Princess Luna: Everyone have fears, Barry. Everyone must must face them in their own way. But they must be faced, or the nightmares will continue.

Barry: [Nervous whine] yes Princess Luna

[rocks tumbling]

Barry: What the what?!

Princess Luna: Face your fears Barry! We all believe in you.

(Dream ends)

Barry: –Princess Luna?! [sighs] It was just a dream but she's right I must face them.

Edward: (Sleepily) Are you alright, Barry?

Barry: Uh, yes Edward. I'm ok. Just trying to get back to sleep is all.

Edward: Want Fluttershy to come in and sing you a lullaby?

Barry: No thank you Edward. Thanks for asking me anyway.

Narrator: The next morning, Barry was coupled up to 6 coaches and set off with his empty coaching stock train on his way to Ballahoo with Mr. Roberts and Miss Cheerilee. All the engines and ponies working on Edwards line wished him good luck and happy runnings as he made his way to Ballahoo junction. He was nervous but he remembered Princess Luna's message and just kept on going. When he arrived at the junction, a suburban train was already there waiting with a BR Class 31. When he saw Barry nervously pulling up onto the platform next to him, he smirked devilishly.

Class 31: Well well well, if it isn't one of those worthless, out of date, feeble Standard class 2 2-6-0. I know a few members of your class were still around, but I still can't understand why they'd want to preserve such weak, feeble steamers that can't steam properly.

Narrator: Barry, embarrassed and ashamed, looked his buffers, but Miss Cheerilee spoke up against the diesel!

Cheerilee: A bad steamer! Weak and feeble?! We'll have you know that this engine whom we've saved from Barry Scrapyard has proved himself a very reliable steam engine!

Mr Roberts: Not to mention is a better friend then you will ever be!

Narrator: The diesel just laughed rudely.

Class 31: Barry Scrapyard? Pah hahahahahaha! Oh this is just too rich! A weak and feeble engine rescued from Barry Scrapyard. Heheh. They must have had to spend a lot of money a resources to repair you weak pile of junk! Beeching made the right decision to scrap your pathetic class!

Narrator: Barry just shut his eyes and pretend not to listen. Then the diesel went to far for Miss Cheerilee and Mr Roberts.

Class 31: OY! LOOK, IT'S BEECHING!

Narrator: Barry Jumped in terror nearly on the edge of tears.

Barry: (Sobbing) AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

Class 31: AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You lot of tea kettle's are all the same, still scared of Beeching.

Narrator: At last Cheerilee and Mr Roberts lost patience.

Cheerilee: THAT IS ENOUGH! YOUR ARE NOTHING BUT A BELLIGERENT BULLY!

Mr Roberts: YOU KEEP THIS ATTITUDE UP AND YOUR GOING TO REGRET THOSE INSULTS! MARK MY WORDS!

Narrator: The diesel just laughed.

Class 31: Oh really? I should like to see that happen.

Narrator: The tourist changed trains from the commuter to Barry's train. The diesel ran round his coaches and set off back to British Railways laughing devilishly, leaving a very hurt Barry and furious Mr Roberts and Miss Cheerliee behind. Barry slunk sadly to the turntable to be turned round to face the right way, then Mr. Roberts drove Barry round to the front of the train whilst Miss Cheerilee coupled him up.

Cheerilee: Don't you ever listen to that Diesel engine! You are a very useful engine.

Barry: I don't see how.

Mr. Roberts: Listen Barry, we know this by working with you. Sure you might have made one mistake with the China Clay train, but that's just it. Since then, you've done better, despite being a shy steamer.

Barry: (Sigh) I suppose so.

Narrator: Barry smiled as he was coupled to the front of his train. With blast of his whistle, he set off down to Norramby, but deep down, he still felt that he had let everyone down before he even got a chance. The line runs for a little ways cross country and for little ways along an estuary till reaches the quaint seaside town of Norramby. Barry loved it. The line was fairly level, the scenery was beautiful and at Norramby, the sea was calm and fresh. The sea breeze couldn't help but brighten Barry's spirits.

Cheerilee: (Sigh) This is a beautiful line. I can see why the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia want to revive tourist traffic here.

Mr. Roberts: I know and not only that, this beautiful line also runs along the Skarloey Railway where some of your student's work with the little narrow gauge engines. I think the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia knew what they were doing and thanks to Barry, we have a good chance of restoring tourist traffic.

Barry: You really think so?

Mr. Roberts: Indeed I do and I know so.

Cheerilee : I think so too.

Narrator: Barry felt happier than he had been in years. The tourist and holidaymakers got out and admired the beauty that Norrmanby had to offer. Everyone had a wonderful time and the tourists were most impressed.

Barry: (Sigh) This reminds me of Blackpool back at my old home in England. It's so beautiful.

Cheerilee: (Sigh) I know what you mean Barry. This also reminds me of when I once went on field trip in school to Horseshoe Bay back in Equestria.

Narrator: Soon after Barry was turned on the turntable serviced and his tender filled with water and coal, the passengers climbed aboard the train again and they set off for the Skarloey Railway. Barry was having such a wonderful time that he even forgot about the rude Class 31 diesel and when he steamed into Crovans Gate Barry was greeted with a big welcome of whistles from all the SKR engines and Barry was so happy that he even didn't get scared of Rusty's toot at all.

Skarloey: Welcome to the SkR Barry.

Rheanes: It's great to have you running the service up to Norramby.

Sir Handel: You'll do a fine job with it, we assure that.

Barry: Thank you everyone. You are very kind.

Narrator: At 4:30pm, Barry set off to meet up with the suburban connection at Ballahoo. He was a bit worried about meeting that rude Class 31. But to his surprise, he found that instead of arriving after the suburban train arrived, he found that he was first to arrive and was very confused.

Barry: That's strange. That meanie class 31 should have been here by now.

Mr. Roberts: Indeed. I wonder what's happened?

Narrator: They soon found out. They heard the horn of the class 31 pulling the suburban train.

Cheerilee: Oh, here he comes.

Narrator: Barry braced himself for worst, but when diesel came into sight he along with Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts all began to laugh. There was the same class 31 belching smoke from it's exhaust vent and coughing badly, then shaking and spluttering the class 31 diesel stopped pathetically, right in front of Barry, Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts who were all laughing so hard that they cried.

Cheerilee: (Innocently) Well well well…. Are you too weak and feeble and out of puff to pull the train?

Class 31: (Choking) I do not puff! My diesel motor has failed! I need my fitter!

Mr. Roberts: Tisk tisk tisk tisk tisk… And I guess your not as young and as spritely as our Standard friend here.

Narrator: The Class 31 seethed with fury and sulked and wailed for a fitter, he was lucky Rarity wasn't there. But it took so long for the Class 31 Diesel engine to reach the area that he wouldn't be ready in time for his return trip to England. The stationmaster came up to Barry, Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts.

Stationmaster: Barry, Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts, we'll need your help to sort out this mess. We need you to help get that rotten diesel and the suburban train back to Barrow-in- Furness. Molly, Coco Pommel and Miss Ravens are coming up at once to look after the holiday train. Do you think you can do it?

Narrator: Barry was doubtful, but then he remembered what Princess Luna said.

(Flashback)

Princess Luna: Everyone has fears, Barry. Everyone must face them in their own way, but they must be faced, or the nightmares will continue.

Barry: [Nervous whine] Yes Princess Luna

[Rocks tumbling]

Barry: What the what?!

Princess Luna: Face your fears Barry! We all believe in you.

(Present)

Narrator: And for the first time in a long time, Barry found courage.

Barry: I'll give it everything I've got Sir! Trains must get through!

Narrator: Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts were both amazed and impressed.

Mr. Roberts: Now that's a good engine Barry!

Cheerilee: That's the spirit Barry! That's the kinda of talk we like to hear. Determination! Now, let's get going.

Narrator: So after Barry was coaled and watered again, he coupled up to the opposite side of the suburban with the failed Class 31 in the back, sulking like anything. The guard blew the whistle and with a tremendous effort, Barry pulled out of Ballahoo on his way to Barrow-In-Furness. It was hard work because of Barry's steaming troubles, but now he was fired with determination.

Barry: Come on! Come on! Come on! Get moving you lazy slacker!

Narrator: But the diesel didn't help. He just sulked all the way. Barry paid no attention as they rattled through Henry's tunnel and thundered passed Vicarstown. Diesel tooted encouragingly as Barry passed by.

Mr. Roberts: Well done Barry! Keep it up!

Cheerilee: Your doing great Barry! Keep up the good work!

Diesel: That's the way Barry. Show them what you got!

Narrator: They were now crossing over the Vicarstown Bridge heading towards Barrow-In-Furness. Barry was starting to lose steam but he forged bravely on.

Barry: I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT! I CAN DO IT!

Narrator: At Barrow-In-Furness, Pip and Emma were waiting for the Suburban train to arrive and were starting to get impatient.

Pip: Oh where is that Class 31 at?

Emma: We're going to be late if he…

Narrator: Suddenly, they heard a faint steam whistle and then making one last brave effort, exhausted, tired but unbeaten, Barry brought the train in just in time.

Barry: Yes! I've done it… Whew!

Narrator: Pip and Emma were impressed.

Emma: Well done Barry. We were expecting the mean old Class 31 to be late with our connection, but you managed to bring home right on time.

Pip: You truly are a very useful engine Barry. We're proud of you.

Barry: (Panting) Thanks Pip. Thanks Emma.

Narrator: Then, Pip and Emma then turned to the class 31.

Pip/Emma: As for you!

Pip: If you thought that our friend Barry was weak and feeble to be of any use, then your wrong!

Emma: Our friend Barry has the maturity, determination and courage to undertake a task without listening to banter or bullying from other engines! Barry is truly not only a really useful engine but he is also a really brave engine too!

Narrator: The Class 31 subsided into silence. The passengers cheered and thanked Barry, Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts and then board Pip and Emma's train home. When Barry returned home to Sodor, they found the Fat Controller and Princess Celestia waiting at Vicarstown platform and both were very pleased with Barry, Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts.

Fat Controller: Well done Barry, I am very pleased with you! We knew that we made the right decision to saving you.

Celestia: You truly showed maturity, bravery and determination under the pressure. We are proud of you. You shall go to the works to have your steaming troubles mended at once.

Fat Controller: And as a reward for your merit, the Norramby branch line is yours to call.

Barry: Oh thank you sir and malady. It will be lovely not have steaming troubles again.

Cheerilee: Barry, for your hard work, I am giving you an A+ for your efforts.

Narrator: Barry smiled broadly. He felt happier than had been when he was first built.

Barry: Sir, Malady, could I be painted in LMS crimson red please? I would like to remind myself of my older cousins.

Celestia: (Chuckles) Of course you can.

Narrator: Barry is now fully mended and has no more steaming troubles. He is now painted in LMS crimson red with the number 13 on his side. He is mostly found working with Miss Cheerilee and Mr. Roberts and on occasion with one of the other main 6 drivers on the now newly reorganised Norramby branchline. He also works the mainline too when the work load gets too heavy. Barry is now a great friends with everyone and ever since his since his rescue of the suburban train, Barry no longer harbour's any fears of diesel engines anymore. The NWR/BR suburban joint service is still there, but it only stops at Ballahoo, for a holiday/ tourist train along the Norramby branchline where many a tourist and many a holidaymaker will often find and ride behind Barry The Rescue Engine.

Yes. Diesel is reformed by now. I'll get to that another time. Another saga done, check. What's next? Ooh! Look out for The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Tank Engines. That saga will be about Jinty and Pug. See you then.