Author's Notes: I can tell that this is another one of the fan favourites. And judging by how much effort atsf put into this story, I'm going to say that this is in his top 10 stories from the Railway Series. I will admit, it's probably in my top 10 as well. Anyway, here we go.

Old Iron

Narrator: One day James and rarity had to wait at Edwards station till Edward's train came in, this made them quite cross.

James: LATE AGAIN!

Rarity: Oh honestly how many times do we have to keep reminding you Edward? You cannot hold up trains on the mainline.

Narrator: Edward just laughed.

Edward: Obviously not James and Rarity. That appears to be your jobs.

James: LOUSY CHEEKY LITTLE! (His wheels spinning furiously as he fumed away. )

Rarity: Easy now darling. Remember your boiler pressure.

James: One of these Edward! One of these days. (muttered darkly).

Narrator: After James and Rarity finished their work they went back to the yards. Both them were still feeling very bad tempered and they weren't shy of expressing their feelings to the others.

James: You know what guys? Edward he is just impossible. Hey clanks about like a load of old iron. And he's so slowly that he makes us wait and work harder.

Rarity: Not to mention his clanking racket has kept me up from my beauty sleep, and on top of that, we have been the ones getting held up by that good for nothing old rust bucket 7 times this month. I don't know why Sir Topham doesn't send that useless pile of junk to breaker yard already where he belongs.

Narrator: William, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Thomas and Percy were furious by this accusation! Edward was they're friend.

Percy: Old Iron?! Slow?!

Pinkie Pie: Yeah, I'm pretty sure that Edward is neither of those things. Besides, 1. he is not a bucket, he is steam engine, and 2. he's painted blue not rust coloured, plus 3. He's made of steel, not iron.

Rachel: I'm ashamed of you Rarity! That's our friend your talk about! He is not useless at all! In 1938, all the other tender engines went on strike because they didn't want to shunt, but Edward didn't mind one bit about shunting and managed to keep trains running that same day!

James: Pah! That was back then. Now he is old and decrepit! He's been late 10 times these last few weeks. He's completely worn out his bearings. The only place that old iron junk pile is useful for is in the scrapyard.

Rarity: I couldn't agree with you more James. That's the only place for that disgraceful useless out of date engine.

William: SHUT UP RARITY!

Rarity: I beg your pardon?!

William: You heard what I said! That's my father's engine you're talking about! Edward has been the most reliable engine in our fleet since 1915 and year after year he always manages to get his jobs done, even if he is sick and doesn't mind any job! So who's the weaker engine here!

Rarity: WELL I NEVER!

James: Pah! Obviously your father and Rachel's mother just never had a taste for engines then. Pathetic! Utterly Pathetic!

Rarity: Agreed James

Narrator: William seethed with rage! But Fluttershy was furious. Edward was her lifelong friend since she and her friends from Equestrian started visiting Sodor. This was the last straw.

Fluttershy: How dare you two! You listen here James! You maybe a newer engine that Edward but that does not give you the right to be a bully. You may be younger than Edward and stronger too and in better condition, James, BUT YOU DO NOT! I REPEAT DO NOT HURT MY FRIEND!

Thomas: Fluttershy is right. Why Edward could beat you two in a race any day.

James: Oh really? Edward beat me in race?

Twilight Sparkle: He really could you know James. Edward is a very special engine, so back off.

James: Pah! I should like to see him do it.

Rarity: And so would I! Good day to you! Hmph!

Narrator: And Rarity backed James into the shed in dignified manner and strode away whilst the others just glared at them. One day, James's driver didn't feel well when he came to work.

James's driver: I'll manage.

Narrator: But when they reached the top of Gordon's hill he could hardly stand.

James's driver : Oooh I think I may have had one too many flim flamtaculars, and a couple of flimmazings, and 7 shots of Flamtastics last night at Knapford pub.

Rachel: (Sighing annoyed) let me guess you drank one of those stupid flim flams again Ross?!

James Driver : Hey…. How'd did…you (hiccup) know?

Rarity: (Crossly) Oh bother. I keep telling to lay off that cheaply made cider. When will you ever learn mister Driver?

James's driver: Hey I (hiccup) never had ( hiccup) one before. The song sounded so… so (hiccup) catchy and it looked good on those commercials.

Narrator: The driver passed out onto the coal pile. Rachel then grimly took over the controls as Rarity with much annoyance took over Rachel's duty. When they reached the next station, Rachel spoke to the signalman. Then she and Rarity put the trucks into a siding and Rarity uncoupled James ready for shunting.

James's driver: (singing terribly) 99 (Hiccup) buckets of (hiccup) oats on the (hiccup) wall…

Rachel: Ross, shut up! Okay Rarity. I'm gonna go take the driver to the station and have them look after him for us while I find a relief. Would you be a dear and watch over James for us?

Rarity: Hey I am not a deer you blithering moron, I am a pony and more so, I am lady.

Rachel: (annoyed) I meant dear. D-e-a-r. Moron!

Rarity: Oh heheh. My mistake. (slightly embarrassed).

Narrator: So Rachel left with the Driver who was still definitely the complete opposite of Sober. They were gone for a long time and Rarity had decided to have beauty nap inside James's cab. This was big mistake. Three young fillies snuck their way inside and were discussing how to get their cutie marks.

Apple Bloom: Maybe railroadin' will be our special talent.

Sweetie Belle: Yeah your right their Apple Bloom. Both our sisters work here on this railway it'll be fun too.

Scootaloo: I don't know. I don't think it's right to be trespassing here. This looks like a pretty busy yard.

Apple Bloom: Don't worry Scootaloo. It's easy. All we need to do is find an engine to drive.

Narrator: But the only engine they saw was James, so they clambered up and started playing with the controls without even waking a very heavy sleeping Rarity. To make matters worse, some boys saw what the three fillies were doing and thought it was a good idea to join in the fun, still without waking Rarity. Suddenly, the signalman shouted.

Kildane Signalman: OY YOU LOT! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR PLAYING AT!? STEAM ENGINES AREN'T TOYS! GET DOWN FROM THERE!

Sweetie Belle: Uh-Oh! Busted.

One of the boys: Run for it!

Narrator: And they all took off like jack rabbits. Rachel heard the commotion and what she saw made her heart pound fast. There was James puffing away down the line with Rarity still fast asleep in his cab.

Rachel: Oh good lord! HE'S RUNNING AWAY DOWN THE MAINLINE!

Narrator: She ran hard but couldn't catch James and so she ran back to signal box. Inside, the signalman was frantically settling all the points along his section.

Kildane signalman: Right. All traffic halted. Up and down mainlines a clear for 30 miles. An inspector is to be coming too.

Narrator: Rachel mopped her face.

Rachel: What happened?

Kildane Signalman: Two boys and three fillies were on James's footplate, probably fiddling with the controls for larks. They tumbled off when James started. I shouted at them and they ran like angel bunny and his little friends.

Rachel: Ugh…. Just let me catch those scallywags. I'll teach them to meddle with one of Sir Topham Hatt's engine.

Narrator: Both of them jumped the as the telephone rang. The signalman answered the call.

Kildane Signalman: Hullo, this, Kildane junction, Nicholas Michael Ernest speaking. Yes… She's here… Right….. I'll tell her. (Puts the phone down) Well good news and bad news. Bad news that there is no railway inspector available due to staff shortage, but the good news is that William Holden and Fluttershy are all coming at once in Edward. They need a shunters pole and coil of wire rope.

Rachel: Hmmm. What for?

Kildane Signalman: Search me. But you better get them quickly.

Narrator: The Rachel was ready when Edward arrived. William saw the pole and rope.

William: Good girl. Jump in.

Fluttershy: Um. I hope we can catch Rarity and James.

Rachel: Me too Fluttershy, I just hope we can catch them before somebody or somepony gets hurt.

William: Well there's only one way to find out. Here goes nothing.

Narrator: William opened the regulator and they started away.

Edward: Don't worry. We'll catch them, we'll catch them. Don't worry about that! There's life still in these old wheels yet.

Fluttershy: That's the spirit Edward. Lets go.

Narrator: Edward Clanked and clunked out of the yards. Meanwhile James was laughing as he left the yards.

James: What a lark! What a lark! This beats shunting any day.

Narrator: But presently, little did he know that he and Rarity were already in a lot of trouble. Rarity started to wake up, slowly as usual.

Rarity: (Yawn) Oh I guess we already got the relief driver then James. That was quick.

Narrator: Then she noticed that they were accelerating faster and faster.

Rarity: (Sleeply) Um James darling, shouldn't we be slowing down here?

James: Oy! You know, your right Rarity. Now that's really odd, I could have sworn that my driver would shut my regulator at this point, I mean we're going downhill from here. Um… Hey could you slow down a bit? Oy, driver, hey could you possibly slow down? (Starting to feel frantic) Oy, driver, are you deaf or mad or something? I said slow down! Watch it driver, we'll come off at that bend if you're not… Woooahhhh!

Narrator: James' wheels screeched as they swerved violently around a sharp bend just barely keeping on the rails. The sudden swerve knocked Rarity into one of the cab walls waking her in startle.

Rarity: OW! James! Watch what you are doing.

James: OY! Don't tell me that to me Rarity, tell that to my….driver… 0_0"

Narrator: At that moment horrifying realisation hit him.

James: No driver on the railway would ever dare to go that fast around that bend… so that can only mean one thing.

Narrator: A sudden shriek of horror from Rarity gave him the terrifying answer.

Rarity: James darling, your driver's not in your cab!

James: WHAT?! OH NO! WHAT DO WE DO, I CAN'T STOP! HELP! HELP!

Rarity: SOMEPONY HHHHHHHHEEELLLLP!

(James and Rarity continued to thunder uncontrollably down line.)

Edward: We're coming James and Rarity. We're coming. Don't worry!

Narrator: Edward was panting and clanking and puffing up behind with every last ounce of steam he had.

William: I see them. Fluttershy take over the controls whilst I get ready for the next stage in the rescue.

Rachel: There they are Edward. Alright Fluttershy, try to get Edward alongside James front buffer beam.

Fluttershy: (tears streaming) Hhhhhnnnnggg I can't.

William: What do you mean you can't!?

Fluttershy: (tearing up) It's Edwards bearings there too worn out, and they'll shatter if we go any faster and I'll be hurting him.

Rachel: But what about poor Rarity? She's only supervised engines crews and never drove an engine before.

William: She right it's are only hope Fluttershy!

Fluttershy: But Edward bearri….

Edward: Don't worry about me Fluttershy. I swore an oath to never let my controller, down especially in an emergency. I plan to keep it that way. Bearings or no bearings, that's final. I'll be alright, I promise. Just help me to help save Rarity and James. I know you can do it.

Narrator: Fluttershy was touched by Edward's statement.

Fluttershy: (Reluctant sigh) Alright Edward, you win. Good luck.

Narrator: And with that, she opened the regulator wider and wider until and at last with a great effort from both Fluttershy and Edward they finally caught up alongside, slowly gaining until Edward's smokebox was level with James's front buffer beam.

William: Right then. Hold him steady Fluttershy.

Fluttershy: Right. Steady now Edward. Steady.

William: Right then leave the rest to me.

Rachel: Be careful William.

William: Don't worry. I promise I'll be careful.

Fluttershy: Good luck William. I'll keep my eye on incase either of you fall and can't catch yourselves.

William: Much obliged Fluttershy.

Narrator: William stood on Edwards's front and held the nuce of rope in the crook of the shunters pole. He was trying to slip the ropes over James's buffer. The engines swayed and lurched violently. He tried again and again more than once they nearly fell off but were just saved by Fluttershy pulling him back on.

William: Whoa!

Rachel: FLUTTERSHY!

(Fluttershy pulled him back while Rachel took the controls.)

William: That was a close one. Whew. Thanks Fluttershy.

Narrator: But at last.

William: Just… A bit….closer… and

Narrator: Rachel and fluttershy each closed their eyes

Fluttershy: I can't look!

William: And…. Got him!

Narrator: He pulled his nuce tightly and climbed safely back into the cab. Then gently braking so as not to snap the ropes, Fluttershy Checked Edward's speed just in time to see Rachel scramble across and take control.

Edward: (Chuckle) So the old iron, caught you two after all.

James: I'm sorry. Thank you for saving us. You were splendid Edward.

Rarity: And I'm sorry too Edward and Fluttershy. I don't how you could still bother with us after we have been so rude. Can you ever forgive us?

Edward: Oh That's quite alright you two. You know this all reminds me of a little old song we used to sing back in the old days on Furness railway.

Narrator: The ponies were amazed.

Fluttershy: I didn't you could sing Edward.

Narrator: Edward smiled and chuckled.

Edward : Well then Have any of you ever heard of something that goes like this. (Singing), Oh any old iron Any old Iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about a treat. You look dapper from napper to your feet, Ya dressed in style brand new tile with your father's old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a tuppence for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Fluttershy: I think I've heard this one before, it's very catchy. (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look pretty from your head to wings your dressed in style brand smile with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a bunny for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

William: OooH that is very Catchy (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look cool from your horn to hooves your dressed in style brand tile with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a book for your old watch and chain old iron old iron,

Rachel: Hey I Know this one (singing) Oh any old iron any old iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about treat, you look handsome from your head to hooves, your dressed in style brand style with fathers old green tie on, but I wouldn't give apple for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Edward: Everyone now.

Everyone: (Singing) Oh any old iron Any old Iron any any any old iron. You look sweet talk about a treat. You look dapper from napper to your feet, Ya dressed in style brand new tile with your father's old green tie on, but I wouldn't give a tuppence for your old watch and chain old iron old iron.

Edward: (Singing) How's your father

Everyone: (Singing) old iron.

Narrator: They soon ended their journey side by side. The fat controller was waiting for them at the station.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done. a fine piece of work indeed… Now then James you can rest and then take your next train. Rarity, you will be learning how to drive James on that same train as well.

Rarity: (almost speechless and ready to faint) What...?

James: Oh blimey, as long as that's tomorrows train your referring too than that's fine by me Sir… (Gulp) …Oh Blimey, I think I'm gonna be sick.

Rarity: That's makes two of us darling.

(Rarity dramatically faints).

Narrator: He then turned to Fluttershy.

Sir Topham Hatt : I'm proud of you Fluttershy. As a reward Fluttershy I've talked with miss Princess Celestia and have made arrangements so that you and your friends from Equestria will have life time passes to visit work and ride on my railway.

Fluttershy: Oh thank you sir.

Sir Topham hatt: And as for you.

Narrator: He turned to Edward,

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm exceptionally proud of you Edward. You shall go to the works to have all of your worn parts mended at once.

Edward: Oh thank you Sir. It will be lovely not to clank.

Fluttershy: Oh Edward I am so happy for you. You amaze me everyday Edward you really do.

Edward: You too Fluttershy if it wasn't for you we would have never saved Trevor or rescued James and Rarity.

Fluttershy: Oh your too modest Edward,

Narrator: Fluttershy blushes then looked up at Edward and giggled, His cheeks were blushing and eyes were smiling just like hers.

Fat Controller: And as for Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden. I am very proud of you indeed. You have really went beyond the call of duty to preform that rescue despite your age and I decided to allow to keep working for my railway.

William: Really? Thank you Sir…

Rachel: Why thank you very much sir, but what about our age?

?: Leave it to me.

William/Rachel: What?!

Narrator: A Bright light shone from the sun and their standing in front of them was none other than Princess Celestia.

Celestia: Greetings everyone. Rachel Marie Raven's and William James Holden, I have heard about your exploits from years long ago. I do admit I had my doubts about your reliability to my little ponies, but I have seen you both grow into wonderful friends. With today's rescue, there is only one thing I can do for you both.

Narrator: Princess Celestia's horn glowed bright gold like the sun. William and Rachel began to levitate in the air around an aura of bright light.

William: Whoa! What's happening!?

Rachel: I don't know William.

Narrator: In a nervous panic, William and Rachel held each other nervously, shut their eyes and then they felt their feet touch the ground. They opened their eyes and couldn't believe what they saw. Instead of seeing a 47 year old William James Holden, Rachel was looking into the eyes of a 23 year old William James Holden. And instead of seeing a 46 year old Rachel Mare Ravens, William was looking into the eyes of a 22 year old Rachel Marie Ravens.

Rachel: William…

William: Rachel….

William/Rachel: Is that really you?

Celestia: Heheheh… that is correct and there is no mistake. I have granted you both the gift of immortality and eternal youth. For saving the life of one of my little ponies I cannot thank you both enough. This all I can offer. You made all of Sodor and Equestria very proud.

Fluttershy: Oh this is wonderful. Now we can see each other more regularly.

William: Oh this truly great your Highness. Thank you so much.

Rachel: Oh thank you very much your highness. You didn't have to do this

Celestia: hmhmhm. It's alright. I did it because I wanted I am very grateful for what you have done for all of us.

William/Rachel: We're greatly honoured your highness.

Celestia: heheheh. Thank you Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, and you can call me Celestia.

Narrator: William and Rachel looked at one another and grinned. Both their eyes were smiling just like Edwards and Fluttershy's. The 2 naughty boys were soon caught by the police and their fathers walloped them soundly. They were also forbidden to watch trains until they could be trusted again. Applejack and Rarity were not impressed when they found out that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were also responsible for James's runaway. The cutiemark crusaders were given a verbal warning. The Flim Flam brothers brewery went out of business due to a bad report made by a health inspector. William and Rachel came to see the other ponies and told them all about the rescue. And they marvelled at the gift that Celestia had given them for now two humans are part of the pony friendship family. James's driver soon got well in hospital and is now back at work. James missed him very much but he missed Edward the most. You'll be glad to know that thanks to Pinkie Pie, when he came home on the same day as cider season he was given the biggest welcome home party in Sudiran and Equestrian history. Though the Fat controller thinks he'll be deaf for weeks.

(At Edwards welcome home party.)

Pinkie Pie: Oh I hope that Edward will like this.

Thomas: Oy! Here he comes now.

(Edward steams in sight)

Every engine and everybody and everypony: Welcome home Edward

(Engines whistling)

Edward: Oh a welcome home party. How lovely. Thank you everyone. You make me feel very happy.

Fluttershy: Oh Edward I'm so happy to see you again.

Edward: Well that makes two of us.

Fluttershy: (Giggles.)

James: Oh welcome home Edward. I really missed you a lot.

Rarity: Oh you look so smashing Edward and your new paint work makes you look as handsome as baby blue sapphire.

Spike: It's great to see you again Edward.

Thomas: We knew you could do it Edward. Welcome home old friend.

Percy: It looks like you still got the good wheels Edward.

Applejack: Thanks again for given us a brand new friend to help out at sweet apple acres when he's available.

(Trevor chuffers in bring a cart load of sweet apple acres cider.)

Trevor: Here you are, freshly made sweet apple acres apple cider and don't worry not a single drop was rushed. Oh watch your step there Mrs Smith.

Granny Smith: Oh (giggle) well now you sure are quite the ladies engine…

Trevor: (blush) Oh, Anything for you my dear Mrs Smith.

(Granny Smith giggles.)

Applejack: Thanks again Trevor. Sorry we doubt your kindness.

Apple Bloom: Yah your a truly great friend to us. Me and my friends enjoy the rides you give.

Big Mac: EEEYUP! Thanks for all your help your really save me from a broken back.

Trevor: I'm just glad to help a friend in need. I have Edward to thank for that.

Trevor: Oh Edward am I so glad to see you again, I owe you, Fluttershy, Rachel and William my life. If wasn't for four, I might have been cut up. Thank you for everything and god bless the 4 of you.

Fluttershy: (Giggle) Oh all in days work Trevor.

Rachel: Pleasure to help Trevor.

William: Indeed Trevor.

Twilight Sparkle: Wow Edward, You, William and Rachel and Fluttershy continue to amaze me every single day.

Narrator: Princess Celestia teleports with Princess Luna, Princess Cadence and Shining Armor.

Celestia: And us too. Edward, Fluttershy, Rachel and William, I am proud of all you.

Twilight: (Gasp in excitement) Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, Shining Armor!

Luna: YES THOU HAS HEARDITH OF THY BRAVE DEEDS BRAVE ENGINE PEGASUS AND HUMANS!

Celestia: (Grinning) heheheh um Luna mind the volume a little bit please.

Luna: Oh oops heheh sorry about that Sister.

Cadence: I am very proud of you too Edward. You really show all of kindness and love in your heart.

Edward: Oh why thank you your highness's.

Luna: Thou should be proudth of thyself Edward.

Shining Armor: Indeed Edward. You have done really well.

Sally: Grand to have you home Edward.

Bridget: The line just wasn't the same without you.

Henry: I really missed you Edward. Welcome home.

Gordon: were sorry for teasing you about the cows, aren't Rainbow Dash and Spike.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah sorry about that, that was very uncool of us but anyway were glad you've come home welcome home Edward.

Spike: Yeah. Sorry Edward. Great to have you back.

Flitter: Fantastic to see you home old friend.

Cloud Chaser: Your right there Flitter.

William: Welcome home old friend. I really missed you.

Rachel: We are very proud to be your engine crew.

Edward: Oh it's so great to be home. You are the nicest engines, people, and ponies an engine could ever ask to be friends with and I'm proud of you too William. You're father and mother would be proudly smiling at you up in heaven and Rachel I am also honoured to be yours and William's engine.

William: Thank you Edward. That really means a lot coming from you.

Sir Topham Hatt: Ahem. (Holding hand up for silence) A long time ago, Edward showed us all how really useful he can be despite his age, and he has surely once again proven that even though he is old he will always remain a really useful engine and credit to my railway.

Celestia: Thanks to the bravery of this engine, Fluttershy, Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens, Edward not only save a traction engine from certain doom but he and his crew risked their own life to save not only one of Sir Topham Hatt's famous engines but he also saved the life of one of my little ponies. Sir Topham Hatt you should be very proud of Edward. Thank you.

Pinkie Pie: Now let's get this party started. I'd like to purpose a toast to the return of Edward the Blue Engine.

Everyone : TO EDWARD THE BLUE ENGINE!

Narrator: All the ponies and humans raise a cup of sweet apple acres cider. As the engines whistled loudly. And indeed this was the most, happiest day for Fluttershy William James Holden, Rachel Marie Ravens and of course Edward the Blue Engine.

The End...

...Of this saga. I must say, making mine and atsf's human selves immortal was a smart move. That way, we can continue to be in the series without the fear of getting too old. Now, what book is next? (Gasps) Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! 'Four Little Engines' is next! I LOVE those stories of the little engines. Got to go!