Author's notes: Part 4 of "Trials And Tests". This is quite a short but sweet one. Hope you like it.

A Friend In Need.

Narrator: Out of all the 7 engines of the Fat Director's railway, Edward was the lines oldest engine. Edward had worked on the Fat Director's railway longer than any of the other engines on the north western railway, (barring Thomas whom had arrived in 1915 a month before Edward). Edward had also helped out with the war effort during the first world war. After the completion of the railway, the Fat Director thought that Edward had worn himself out after so many years good and reliable work. So he had given Edward a good rest. However, ever since the arrival of the newer engines, Edward hadn't been used at all. At that time, the 6 ponies had made their way to Sodor and had befriended the Sudrian locals thanks to the kind deeds of a writer and soon to be engine driver named Rachel Marie Raven and an engine driver and a freelance historian named William James Holden. The ponies often work on the N.W.R when ever they have a chance and soon made friends with the engines... err, barring the rude B-12 Brothers. But I am sorry to say, that through some of their trials 4 of the engines and 2 of the ponies had gotten rather cocky. And often boast about how good they were. Edward sighed.

Edward: I wonder when I'll get a turn to go back out again .

Gordon: Pah, your just too old little Edward. The Director needs new stronger and more modern engines.

Rainbow Dash: You got that right Gordon. I mean seriously old timer. I don't even know why your still here.

Henry: I second that. I mean, we can pull trains better than you can.

Rarity: I couldn't agree more Henry. Besides, look at you Edward, covered in cobwebs and dust. I bet you couldn't even match the prestige of our modern engines here.

98462: Gordon's right. If the Fat Director knows better, he should roll you on the scrap line.

Narrator: Although Edward tried not to listen to them, he couldn't help wondering how long he been in the shed without being maintained. He soon began to feel very sad. Fluttershy was also in the sheds too, doing cleanup work, mostly due to the fact that she was scared of going out with an engine she was schedule to work with, 98462. William and Rachel noticed this and wanted to protect Fluttershy from that rude engine and his brother. One night, Fluttershy was on late night cleaning duties at the sheds with William, when they noticed Edward looking very furlong. Fluttershy was worried and so was William, so they went over to see what was wrong. Meanwhile at Vicarstown Hotel, Rachel, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed that Fluttershy was missing and so was William.

Rachel: Oh dear. Where's Fluttershy and William? They should have been here by now.

Twilight Sparkle: Oh, I hope they're okay out there.

Applejack: Me too Twi.

Pinkie Pie: Me three.

Rachel: Well I'm going out on my bicycle to go and look for them. They're most likely at Vicarstown Station, still working.

Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie: We're coming too. Fluttershy is our friend.

Rachel: Alright then. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, stay here in case Fluttershy and William turn up.

Rainbow Dash: Got it.

Rarity: Right darling.

Narrator: And they set off. When they arrived, they found them all talking to Edward.

Rachel: William, there you are. Me, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were all worried about... Who's this?

Fluttershy: Girls, I'd like you to meet Edward.

Narrator: While Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle all met the engines on their 1st day on the job, they didn't really notice Edward too much. Rachel was very surprised to see Edward again.

Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle: Hello Edward.

Rachel: Edward! I haven't seen you in ages. I didn't know you were still here.

Edward: Oh hullo again Rachel. Hello girls. (sad sigh).

Rachel: Are you alright? You look unhappy.

Twilight: Yeah, what's matter Edward?

Edward: Oh, it's just ever since the line was finished, I haven't been used in ages. I long for a run again on the line.

Applejack: I see Edward. But you shouldn't worry about this. Maybe you will get a job again someday.

Narrator: Poor Edward was still glum.

Pinkie Pie: What did you do?

Narrator: Edward brightened up a bit. He was ready to answer that.

Edward: Well, I was built by Sharp Stewart and Company in Manchester, England in 1896 and worked on the Furness Railway before coming to Sodor in 1915 around the same time as Thomas. The Fat Director purchased me to not only finish the construction of the North Western Railway but also to help out with the war efforts during the 1st world war. After my work was completed and the war ended, I was then kept in a shed because I was considered too worn out and need to have a rest. That's pretty much it.

Narrator: Everyone all stared in amazement.

William: Well I'll be.

Pinkie Pie: How cool.

Twilight Sparkle: How incredible.

Rachel: How Extraordinary.

Applejack: Holy sweet Celestia.

Fluttershy: I wish there was something I could do to help you.

Narrator: Whenever Fluttershy ever felt bad from the rude B-12s, she often talked with Edward whom soothed her ruffled feelings.

Applejack: Don't worry, will think of something to help you Edward. No pal of ours is gonna be left to rust and fall apart.

Pinkie Pie: This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style.

Rachel: Applejack and Pinkie Pie are right. We're not giving up hope on you Edward.

William: I'll go have a meeting with the Fat Director and see if we can sort things out.

Edward: Oh thank you everyone. I do appericate this from all of you.

Narrator: William, Rachel and the ponies soon had to leave. Edward tried to remain hopeful, but secretly he sadly thought never that his wish would never come true. But I must say no more, or I might spoil the next story for you.

The End...

...For now. Ok, can you guess what is coming up next? Well, find out in the next saga. Stay in harmony everyone.