Chapter 43: The Trouble with Kings

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Today was an exciting day on Paradise Island. The first rail tour in a series was coming to day. When the engine arrived, they were amazed. He had smart green paint, three large driving wheels, a golden dome, and a bell on his front.

 He had smart green paint, three large driving wheels, a golden dome, and a bell on his front

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The engines were impressed. "Hello," said Toby, "It's nice to meet you. I see you have a bell, just like me." "Indeed," said the engine, "This was given to me when I went to America. Did you know all the steam engines there have bells?" "No I did not," said Toby. "Oh, where are my manners. I am King George V." Soon, an 'Oh no, not again' vibe went along the other big engines. 

That night, they talked about King George. "I bet he's just putting us in a sense of in-security," said Gordon, "So he can bully us like Princess Elizabeth!" Thomas and Percy frowned. "Not all engines are like that!" said Thomas. "Yeah," said Percy, "I know we haven't had the best experience before, but that was one time!" "Say what you will," said James, "But engines like him are just stuck up in his ego!" "Indeed," said Mallard. "I agree," said Scotsman. "You are all certainly ones to talk," said Edward. Any remark they would say, was interrupted by Thomas saying, "Maybe we should give him a chance." 

The next morning, Duck, Oliver and Oltan Hall were talking with King George about the old days of the Great Western. Just then, James came in, and he said, "Hey, leave them alone, you bully!" King George was shocked. "Now James, we..." "Don't worry," said James, "I'm here to help. Now, don't you have a rail tour to take, you buffoon?" King George looked hurt, and he puffed off to collect his coaches. Duck, Oliver and Oltan Hall were very cross indeed. "THAT, was very rude James!" said Oliver. "I was standing up for you!" said James. "He wasn't bullying us, we were talking of the Great Western Railway!" said Duck. James just snorted, and puffed off.

King George soon came to a junction, and Gordon was waiting. "You go first," said King George. "So you can bump me?" asked Gordon, "NO Thank you!" "No, it's because..." "I'M NOT GOING, UNTIL YOU GO!! YOU MIGHT BE ACTING ALL FRIENDLY, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU, I SEE THROUGH THAT DISGUISE!!" King George felt hurt, and headed off.

Soon, Mallard was picking up passengers, and was talking with Scotsman, as they waited for the rail tour to come. King George puffed in, and he greeted the two engines kindly. Soon, Gordon and James came in, and Scotsman said, "Now listen here! You are not welcome on this railway!" "We know your type!" said James. "You're just a bully, and you think you can get what you want!" said Mallard. "So here's how it's going to be, you bully!" said Scotsman. "The only bullies I can see are you four!" said a familiar voice. It was (Y/N). She rode the rail tour with Elizabeth. The four big engines gasped. "Well, you see-" said Mallard, but was soon cut off. "Not only am I disappointed in your lack of judgment, I'm shocked that you all would let his name get in the way of feelings! HE is nothing like Princess Elizabeth!" "Did you say Princess Elizabeth?" asked King George. "Yes," said (Y/N). "I know that engine very well, and she is nothing but a brat and a bully!" "Indeed," said (Y/N), "And as for you lot! I am extremely disappointed in what you thought would happen, instead of what really did happen! Duck, Oliver, and Oltan Hall told me what you did James! For your punishments, you will ALL be taking Goods trains, and ONLY goods trains!" "Yes ma'am," said the four big engines.

Soon, it was time for King George to leave, and Gordon, James, Mallard and Scotsman were waiting for him at the docks. "We're sorry about how we behaved," said Gordon. "The way we acted was not right," said James. King George smiled, "I know what it's like to be misjudged. I once worked with Elizabeth, and she gave all royal engines a bad reputation. It was up to me to give us a good rep. I was kind of expecting this sooner or later." King George then said, "You know, there is a saying I have: There are two ways of doing things, the wrong way...." "...And the Great Western Way," said Duck with King George. "Indeed," said King George, "and what you four did, was the Great Western Way." The engines had to smile.

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