Lady Of The Island

The Adventure Begins

Sat at a platform, I jotted down several spots into my notebook - all of which that were quite important for my job. You see, I'm a representive of one of the biggest british news broadcasters and we needed a story that would get our viewers hooked!

I had always been a fan of Thomas The Tank Engine, like the majority of the population, but I drifted away from it as I grew older.
One of my favourite memories of the franchise was the release of "Thomas And The Magic Railroad", a movie which despite my enjoyment, flopped horribly at the box office.

Imagine how I felt when I was told that I was to investigate an old cold case that took place on Sodor and was involved with that specific film! Well, I never believed that the island was real, but I soon ate my only words.
Sodor is right infront of me, across the bridge of which I am to cross.

As if on cue, a diesel pulled onto the platform with an electric sign reading "Vicarstown" on it. That's the train!
I clambered aboard, genuinely shaking in excitement while other passengers looked at me like I was insane while I plonked onto a seat next to an older man in a brown jacket.

"You seem excited for something, what's going on with you?" He asked with a face of stone.

"Oh! I am! This is my first trip to Sodor! What about you?" I responded with a massive grin.

"No, not my first...and I doubt it will be my last."

"Fan of the railway?"

"..sure" The man turned away.

We didn't speak again for the short trip, but I didn't let that get me down! I was heading to Sodor! Land of steam! The best place to be!
As we rolled over the famous rolling bridge, which was much rustier and dirtier than I was told as a child, a flood of memories flew into my head - as did many questions. Who would I meet first? Who would I ask about first? Where would I go first? So many firsts!
But I needed to get ahold of myself. I have a job to do.

Now, you may be wondering 'what's the case?'. Well, that's highly classified information.

...

I'm messing with you. But in all seriousness, a young woman who was working on "Thomas and The Magic Railroad" visited the island and seemingly disappeared over night. Although, they found traces of her blood and determined that she was dead.
Not exactly a family-friendly case to be working on while in the jolly Sudric isles, but it's still a case that needs to be cracked.

***

It didn't take long for us to pull into the Vicarstown Station. It wasn't as described at all...
It was dirty, dingy and had a rancid smell all around. There was a thick smog lurking all around the city. I felt a pang of heartbreak as I stepped out of the coach, along with the Man next to me.

"Excuse me, Sir, but what's your name?" I asked him.

He just shrugged. "What's yours?"

"Gray Marshall, reporter for-"

"Gray Marshall." The old man grunted. "I'll add that to my 'leave me alone' list."
And he walked away.

Honestly, I felt quite disheartened by the reality of Sodor and all magic had seemingly disappeared, but this feeling was brushed aside as I set my eyes on a familiar blue express engine...