The North Westerners : The Phantom of Ballahoo

The Phantom Of Ballahoo

The Sudrian council had begun a new scheme, the old fishing town of Norramby was being redeveloped. The run down Victorian Houses were either being renovated or knocked down in favour of new, up to date structures. The harbour was busier than it had been in decades, with the newly thriving fishing industry serving as the town's main export.

Perhaps the biggest development was the reopening of the old branch line, from end to end the rails were being relaid, and the two old stations at Ballahoo and Norramby were being refurbished. During this time, the Scottish twins worked together hauling ballast, rails, bricks and timber along the old line. Along with them was Douglas' recently acquired brake van, Toad. The two of them made a grand pair, and made sure that the trucks didn't give them any trouble.

One night, after another long day, the twins returned to the yard at Ballahoo, unfortunately, most of the sidings were clogged up with trucks, so Douglas had to place Toad in an old disused siding near the edge of the yards.

"I'm sorry aboot this Toad, if I could I'd have ye in the shed, but ye know..."

"It's too small, I quite understand Mr Douglas."

"Och thank ye Toad. And don't worry, I'll find ye a better spot tomorrow." And with a farewell toot of his whistle, Douglas departed for the sheds. Leaving Toad all alone.

—

The old yard was small, with only two or three sidings. The rails were old and rusted, evident by their lack of shine in the moonlight, corroding old machinery lay scattered everywhere, an old stone shed stood near the edge of the yard, foliage growing out of every nook and cranny, and overall the whole yard had a very dilapidated look. Coupled with the howl of the wind, created a rather ominous atmosphere.

Toad tried not to pay his haunting surroundings any mind, he closed his eyes and was about to drift off to sleep, when...

"...hello?" Toad's eyes shot open, his eyes darted all around the yard.

"Hello?" There it was again.

"Who's there?" Toad called nervously, no response came.

Toad didn't know what to think, he stayed awake in fear and confusion for some time, until eventually drifting off into an uneasy sleep.

—

"Ye heard a voice?"

"Y-yes Mr Douglas!" The twins exchanged looks.

"Are ye sure ye wasnae just hearing things?"

"I'm certain Mr Donald, I heard something."

"Heard what?" The three looked to the station, there was James, standing at the platform with a suburban train.

"Och, Toad thinks he heard a voice last night."

"...really." James' face twisted into a devilish grin. "Sounds like you heard the ghost, Toad."

"G-ghost...!?!"

"What are ye talking aboot James?"

"The Phantom of Ballahoo!" Said the red engine, ominously.

The twins frowned.

"James, if this is another one of yer childish ghost stories then ye can..."

"Childish!?!"

"Aye, ye wouldn't know a guid ghost story if it bit ye on the bunker!" James seethed.

"Well I'll have you know Donald, that this one is all too true, Edward told me himself." The twins gave him doubtful looks. Toad however, spoke up.