//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: A Night At Sunset's Pt. 2 // Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome To Canterlot High Chapter 15: A Night At Sunset's Pt. 2 Suddenly, Thomas awoke and lets out a heavy breath of air. Worn out, Sunset Shimmer laid her head on a panting Thomas' stomach, hearing his beating heart and rapid breathing pushing her up and down a mile a minute. His breathing started slowing and returned to a much calmer pace. Ray was delighted to see him at a much calmer state than he was a minute ago. Thomas saw a tired but relieved Sunset staring back at him. Thomas could barely get his words out a first. His vision hadn't fully returned to a clear sight yet. However, he didn't need to see to know that Sunset Shimmer was by his side, holding on to him tightly like his well being depended on it. He had no idea what they were doing. Then it all came flooding back. "It happened again, did it?" Thomas said, weary. Sunset nodded, unaware that her hand was still gripping Thomas' arm. Thomas pointed it out, looking down at her while his heart began racing again for some strange reason. "Um, Sunset?" Eventually she saw this and also realized her head was still laying on his stomach, hearing his heart beat to a vigorous pace. Sunset leaned up, let's go of his arm, and placed it gently to his side. She blushed to herself and grinned sheepishly. All Thomas did was muster a smile. Sunset examined her hands to see the Gold Dust was no longer present. "I can't believe that actually worked," she said, surprised. "What worked?" Thomas asked, regaining a clear conscious. "What did you do? How am I alright again?" "I used Gold Dust on stop the shadow from spreading. All I did was focus on stopping it from hurting you. Next thing I knew, this gold magical aura covered you head to toe, and now you're awake again." Thomas sat up on the couch and smiled with relief "Whoa. So, does this mean we don't have to worry about me blacking out anymore?!" "I don't know. That was the last batch the Gold Dust I had on me. If we don't have anymore Diesel 10 could still-" Out of nowhere, Thomas lunged forward and hugged her. Still red in the face, Sunset hugged Thomas back. "You saved me, Sunset!" He said, sincerely. "Thank you so much." "You're quite the hugger, aren't you?" The two let go, both still smiling at each other with gratitude. Sunset rubbed the back of her neck. "The only problem is, I'm not sure if what I did was permanent or not. Diesel 10 could still attack you again at any given moment. I only managed to stop him from hurting you now." Thomas frowned upon remembering that this was Diesel 10's doing. But was it really by his desire? Did the Genie make him do this? There had to be a reason why Diesel 10s out to destroy him and everyone on Sodor. Thomas was relieved to be alright again, but then got frustrated over what Splatter & Dodge said concerning Diesel 10's involvement with the magic misuse. This time the blackout felt much more painful, as if he really was trying to knock him out for good. "Why is he doing this?!" Thomas said, angrily slamming his fists on the couch. "Why can't Diesel 10 realize what he's doing is wrong?!" Sunset didn't say anything at first. She was worried about upsetting Thomas by speculating Diesel 10's malevolence until thinking an appropriate answer. Sunset got up and took a seat next to Thomas. "Maybe some people just don't want to be good," Sunset said. "Doing bad things or just being bad in general is all that they know." "But if you're able to change your attitude, maybe there's still a chance for him to do the same!" "I wouldn't count on it if I were you." "Why not?" Thomas said, discontented. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't? Just think about it, Sunset. If you're able to become good, then so can Diesel 10. He's proved to be really useful before. And after hearing your story, I just know there has to be good in him somehow. I have to believe that. I just have to." Sunset Shimmer knew Diesel 10 was probably far gone from redemption given how he tried wiping out Thomas yet again, something that seemed to be going over his head. But, seeing Thomas struggle with this ideal made Sunset second guess herself a little. Sunset has gone from being a raging she-demon to the helpful and friendly person she is today, but by means of Princess Twilight and her friends instilling her with the Magic of Friendship. Sunset became concerned about Thomas' viewpoint, but didn't want to upset him even more if he knew what she thought. So, she decided to go along with it. "My case is a lot different from his. But I won't try to stop you if that's what you think. Just be careful how you go about it, okay? Like you said, he may not even realize what he's doing yet. Give him time and we'll see if he can come around." "Oh, he will," Thomas said, confidently. "You're all the proof I need to know that even an evil Diesel 10 can be, uh, reformed, is it?" The two friends sat on the couch for a while, thinking over their last talk before the blackout, when Diesel 10 may attempt to destroy Thomas again, and where they were going to find more Gold Dust in case this does occur. Looking to change the subject, Sunset looked over to her TV sitting across from the couch. She smiled then gets up to walk over to the TV set. "What's up?" Thomas asked. He got up as well and followed her. Sunset Shimmer picked up a small case, opened it, took out a round disk like sphere and placed it inside a purple and black electronic box stored underneath the TV. Thomas saw this and crouched down to examine the strange looking device. "Whoa. What is this thing," He asked, poking it. Sunset snickered to herself. "A video game console." "Video, Game, Console?" "Yeah. A virtual gaming system that people play with. You know, for fun." Sunset Shimmer explained the many types of games people play on a console, as well as having to reexplain the concept of a television set and what that's used for. But no matter how much he was told, the technology in this world continued to baffle Thomas. His idea of games involved activates that weren't played on a large projection screen. Do people actually play games indoors through a box? "Here's an awesome game for example," She handed Thomas the poly-box. "The disc goes inside the console and the game appears on the TV screen." The case was turquoise with rainbows marked across the top. The front image for the game itself had a vibrant art style depicting an orangey-red fiery background. Prominently, the head of a buff looking centaur with red skin, white hair, and black horns with bull-like facial features and a goat-like beard took up most of the front box. The game's title was displayed beneath the centaur's head, written in bold italics and colored a deep red with black fiery thorns wrapped around the text. Thomas examined the case. "Rise of Tie-wreck?" he said, pronouncing the name wrong. "Tirek," Sunset corrected. "It's an open world experience where you play as fierce warriors living in a kingdom ruled by the evil Lord Tirek. You can play in any class to build up your skills and take back your home by going on raids and defeating enemies. The more loot you collect, the closer you become the ultimate champion of his dimension." A perplexed Thomas had no idea what any of that meant, and didn't like the sound of its concept. "That sounds kind of dangerous." "I know right! It's such a fun game!" Sunset said, excitedly. She then turned on the TV. Thomas nearly jumped out of his shoes by the moving pictures. The loud noises and blaring music from the television were sounds he wasn't used to. A cutscene played out with a digital Tirek facing the screen and monologuing to the player. Sunset goes to sit over on the couch. "The sequel comes out in a couple of months and I've been waiting to buy it forever! I plan on being the first in line when they finally release it. Until then, I've been playing this in preparation. I heard rumors that his brother will appear in the new game as the players guide." "I am Lord Tirek, and I will take what should've been mine long ago!" The digital character said, laughing from the TV. "How is this even possible?" Thomas asked, sitting beside Sunset. "Is that guy stuck inside the picture or something?" "Huh, funny. I remember asking something similar when I first saw a TV. Luckily, its all just pretend. Though that's the least I can say about the actual Tirek." "What's that?" "Nothing," she corrected. "No one's stuck inside anything. It's all designed to take place in a fictional fantasy realm." Thomas watched Sunset log in and roam around the digitally virtual world with her character looking strikingly similar to her except decked out in brightly colored gear. Though he was a bit dithered by the game' premise and the advanced technology, it was still something new and exciting in a way, and Thomas was interested in learning more about it. If Sunset liked video games, perhaps he will too if he just familiarizes himself with it. "So, is that you?" he asked. "Mm-hm." "How are you making her move?" "With this." Sunset showed Thomas the gamepad, shaped in some what u form. It had four buttons on the left side, a joy stick on the right, and a touch pad in the middle. "That's how you make her walk?" he said, looking at the controller than back at the screen. Sunset then picked up another controller from the coffee table and holds it out in front of Thomas. "You know what the best thing about this game is? It's multiplayer." "Mult-whah?" Sunset rolled her eyes and smirked. "Just take this. Press the center and you'll be logged in as player two." Thomas grew even more confused when Sunset began instructing the game's basics. She showed what the buttons on his controller did, how to make his avatar, and how to walk and use his abilities. Thomas was having trouble catching on, but tried following along the best he can. His avatar looked just like him also, dressed in a sky blue, low level gear with only a level one magical staff as his means of defense. His and Sunset's character explored the vast and expansive virtual world, running into other players who were playing from their own homes. Finding out the concept of other people playing this game from all across town, even across the world completely blew Thomas' mind, especially when some talked back through voice chat. After a while, he got the hand of controlling his character, but still had a lot to learn. He knew how to use defensive magic against enemies while Sunset took care of them with her character's offence abilities. It was now late at night a few hours in. The two had taken off their jacket and sweater halfway though the game and laid them on top each other from another sofa. While Sunset Shimmer and Thomas were trying to boost his character's skills a bit, they found themselves in an area of the game called the Neither Lands. The two were in a middle of a boss battle against a powerful opponent Sunset has yet to defeat. "On your left." "I see 'em." They used their magic abilities on creatures such as Timberwolves, Maulwurfs, and some Windigos, which spawned one after another in an effort to overwhelm the two. The boss being battled against was an old magic wielding centaur named Sendak the Elder. He was guarding a chest inside his cave full of rare loot that will upgrade the player to the next level needed to progress. The battle was intense. It was just Sunset and Thomas against the boss and a never-ending surplus of enemies. Thomas was only a low-level mage and Sunset was never able to go against Sendak on her own. The two were both fixated on the TV screen and fully concentrated on the game. "Use you defense magic!" Sunset said. "Got it!" "Oh no, I'm down. Revive me!" "What?" "Pick me up." "How?!" Thomas panicked. "Press Y, press Y!" Sunset hopped in her seat nervously. Thomas' character revived Sunset's on time and the two kept mashing buttons on their controllers, trying to get by waves and waves of enemies. At last, they now faced against Sendak, giving him everything they've got. Thomas barely left a mark but was able to assist Sunset by using his defense abilities and reviving her when pinned down by Sendak's power. It was a miracle Thomas was able to stay in battle for as long as he did. He had to respawn a lot, but managed to allude the wizards magic. He proved more effective in keeping Sunset's character on their feet then he did when inflicting any damage. "We almost got him!" Sunset said, excitedly. "Use your magic again!" Thomas' character casts his defense magic on Sunset right as her Avatar's energy dropped. "He's almost down. Wait for it, wait for it!" The Buttons on their controllers were mashed intensely as they used the last of all their magic abilities for one final blow. Finally, Sendak the Elder's being was covered in an orangey aura and glowed radiantly as he disappeared from the cave. The wave of Timberwolves, Maulwurfs, and Windigos ended and the cave became quiet. Thomas and Sunset Shimmer held their controllers, waiting to see what would happen. Just then, the chest containing the loot they needed appeared in the center cave and blinked a bright light as triumphant music blasted from the TV. "We did it. We won!" Sunset stood victoriously with her arms raised in the air. "We did?" Thomas asked. "The loot's now available, which means we're able to progress further on in the game." Despite not understanding what any of that meant, Thomas still joined in and cheered as well. All he understood was that they won the game. "Hooray! We won! That was amazing!" Sunset chuckled. "Better than that. Thomas, you were incredible!" She then threw herself onto Thomas and embraced him into her arms. Doing so forced him to fall against the cushions. Thomas laid on his back with Sunset on top of him. He hugged her in return while the two friends continued holding onto each other and laughing together over their hard-earned victory. Ray was hopping on the couch handle in celebration as well. Despite this being Thomas' first time, he was able to help Sunset win a game she had trouble with and won her the reward she needed. He was happy to be of some help, and Sunset was very proud of him for wining the game with her. Both were proud to have worked as a team and accomplish what would've been much more difficult to tackle by oneself. The two friends slowly finished chuckling. Both still held onto each other with their cheeks pressed against one another's. Sunset raised her head to look at Thomas. They were very close to each other, their noses barely coming into contact. Both collectively stared back at each other through half-lidded eyes while smiling vividly. Sunset started getting lost in his eyes again. Thomas almost got caught in the same loop until he ended up just laying there, waiting for Sunset to get off him. But she was too busy staring at Thomas to realize what she was doing. Finally, her own eyes widen, and she quickly got up and embarrassingly shifted herself from Thomas, turning her head away to avoid showing him her fiery red face. Thomas was confused by her behavior and wondered what was wrong. Sunset panned back to Thomas and playfully bumped his shoulder with her fist. "Good job," She said. "Thanks!" Thomas said, happily. Sunset sat awkwardly while fiddling her thumbs. She didn't know why she kept staring into his eyes for that long. Was her curious affection stronger than she thought? Or was it because of a different kind of closeness Sunset was developing towards him; something she was completely unaware of or and denied having, despite secretly wanting this affection to be real? She couldn't think straight. Her thoughts and feelings were running rapid, wondering herself what's gotten into her. "You okay?" Thomas asked, perplexed. She looked back at Thomas and smiled, placing her hand over his shoulder and patting it with reassurance. "All good." Thomas leaned back against the couch. "I don't think I've never had this much fun in a long time. Come to think of it, I never experience anything fun like this. And it's all thanks to you and the others for giving me that chance." "Glad we could make it worth wild." Sunset got up and grabbed her jacket and Thomas' sweater. Suddenly, the sound of wind chimes clattered as Sunset picked up his sweater. She looked down to see where it came from and saw a small collection of Gold Dust sitting on her single seated sofa. "Absolutely!" Thomas went on. "The apple ciders, the video games, the magic you all showed me. This really has been a productive day, and I didn't even have to do any real work to call it that." She picked up a handful of Gold Dust and showed them to Thomas. He gazed at the Sparkles, at his sweater in Sunset's hand, which was dripping little specs of Gold Dust from the sleeves. Sunset threw Thomas' sweater over to him. She then took her locket sitting on the coffee table and poured them into the container. "Just in case," she advised. Thomas nodded in agreement. Though he and Sunset were hoping they won't be needed. She went over to the sofa and collected the remaining pile of Gold Dust, piling them all into her locket for safe keeping. There was plenty of sparkles in the locket now, more so than there was this morning. Sunset puts her black, cropped jacket back on and stored the locket in her backpack. "It's a little late for supper. Do you still want something to eat before going to bed?" Thomas' stomach began rumbling. Being hungry was a very strange feeling for him. He felt peckish and a little low on energy. He didn't like the feeling at all. It was as if his stomach is now a void less pit that curdled up inside him. "I'll take that as a definite yes," She said. She went over to the small kitchen area, opening the fridge door and examining the contents inside. "We've got leftover pizza, roasted root vegetables, leftover pie probably Pinkie's, quarter of a cake, seared chicken with turnips and sweet potato fries, and oh," Sunset pulled out a takeout box. "Forgot I had this." She looked over to Thomas holding onto his stomach indecisively. "Sorry, I don't have anything fresh for us to eat," Sunset said. "I thought the pizza Rainbow Dash bought was really good. Let's have some of that again!" "Sure thing. It's a different brand though. You okay with that?" Thomas nodded. "Alright, leftover pizza it is," She said, taking the box out. She grabbed a plate for her and Thomas and puts one plate of pizza into a microwave. After one plate was done, she repeats the same process with her plate. There were two slices on one and three on the other. Sunset kindly gave Thomas the plate with three slices as the two went over and sat on a small dining table. Thomas happily ate his Pizza while Sunset texted her friends to let them know everything is alright at her place. She even secretly took at picture of Thomas half way through taking a bite from his slice and sent it to everyone. Sunset tried hard not to give away her snickering in front of him while doing so. "I still don't understand how those things work," Thomas said, noticing her cellphone. "Add that to the list," she smiled. "I'm glad you suggested pizza. I was about to throw this all away if I never got around to eating them." "That would have been a waste." "How is it, by the way?" Thomas finished chewing then let out a small belch, making him and Sunset snicker a little. "Just what I needed," He said, padding his belly. "That's good. Hey, maybe if you plan on staying over a little longer, I can make something fresher that's not leftovers." "This is fine too, but I'd still really like that." "Great! Fair warning though, I'd say I'm pretty good at cooking but it's not exactly my strong suit." "What about baking?" "Eh, I have Pinkie Pie to give credit to mostly." "Well, I'm sure whatever you end up making will taste even better than this," Thomas smiled. The two-finished eating their pizza then sat for a while and reflected on their day. "So, how's life in Canterlot treating you so far?" Sunset asked. "It's fantastic! I've made so many new friends, discovered they have amazing magical abilities; not to mention great singers. And best of all, I got to spend the night at my new best friend's house!" "I'm glad you had a good time. Do you often have this much fun on Sodor?" Thomas had to think about that question for a second. "Well, nothing like this. Work is kind of what we do for fun. If it's a job that we really like than it's even more enjoyable. But most of the time it's regular stuff that needs getting done, which is why we're always constantly doing our best so get a special job that's a lot more fun to do." "I guess seeing how your only function is work, that's really the closest thing you have to calling fun." "I mean, there are other things we do. Like organizing parties and special events for example. Those are always the best jobs to have. Afterwards we get to stay around once we set up the events. Sometimes we watch fireworks, a show or performance, all kinds of things. We work all the time, but it's the work we do that allows us to have fun events to take part in." Even though she enjoyed living in Canterlot and going to school with her friends, Sunset Shimmer always wanted more out of her life seeing as how she was pony from Equestria, a place where mythic creatures roam and magic energy is embedded in pretty much every pony. And for a while, Sunset had aspirations about a life outside of CHS and wondered what more is out there besides the places she's currently living in and the lands she's yet to discover in Equestria. When Thomas arrived in Canterlot, and was revealed to be a talking locomotive from another dimension, it was almost as if something had given Sunset exactly what she was missing. What she was really missing in life, what made Thomas special, was him eventually becoming someone she'd now call her best friend, and he just so happen to be from another world. She was all the more curious about Sodor. Though in reality, it's a busy railway full of many types of engines hustling and bustling to make their railway the best one around and prove at the end of the day they are all really useful. But the way Thomas was describing Sodor made it sound more whimsical, a land of pure magic and make believe. Through the average eye, Sodor was just a railway business serving their every need; but to Thomas and the other engines, it was their home. And through their eyes, the Island of Sodor was much more magical than they led on to believe. It was were they belong, with opportunities around every corner. "So, what's it like living on the railway?" Sunset asked astoundingly. "What's the Island of Sodor really like?" Thomas looked at Sunset and smiled. He got up from his chair and walked over to her, reaching out his right hand for her to take. "Let me show you." Sunset was confused. Was he going to actually take her to the Island of Sodor? Either way, she raises her left hand and places it on his. Sunset got up from her seat with their hands fully enclosed together. Thomas walked a head with Sunset right behind him and still holding onto his hand. She was glad Thomas couldn't see her red cheeks. He leads her upstairs and takes her into Sunset's bed room. Still not knowing what was going on, Sunset Shimmer still allowed Thomas to continue leading her further on until they reach the large window looking out into the streets of the small market place. The streets headlights dimly lit the area and some of the shops across the street were closed. What was really lighting up the area was the clear night sky with stars shining bright and the glimmering glow of a full moon radiating an ambiance of luminosity, making their view clearer than even the dark pathway of The Magic Railroad's current state. She didn't know what Thomas had planned, but soon started getting a good idea. Thomas positioned Sunset in front of the window, rested both his hands on her shoulders and faced her in front so she can make out the night sky in its entirety. He stood behind her while keeping hold of her shoulders. That's when Sunset knew, she was about to see Sodor in all of its glory as she whimsically stared up at the moon and all of the shining stars. Through Thomas and his perspective, he began to sing all about the Island of Sodor. Thomas: "Picture a land where the sky is so blue." "Storybook land of wonder." "A magical island just waiting for you." "Island of Sodor, A place where dreams come true." [Sunset overlapped both hands on Thomas' and grabbed hold gently. She continued staring up at the sky, never taking her eyes off the moon or the stars. Finally, a clear, picture-perfect perspective of Sodor began flooding her mind, filling her with an enthralling sentiment of its land, the sun shining down, and all the engines that live there, whistling hello as they puff by.] "Imagine a place where the sun always smiles." "The valleys are green as can be," "And friends that you love are all waiting for you." [Sunset could almost see it all, just by hearing Thomas' voice and looking up at the night.] "Island of Sodor, will make your dreams come true." [Thomas continued singing with Sunset becaming lost in his words. Closing her eyes, she awoke to find herself in a large field of brightly colored green grass, a pond filled with Lillie pads and other such plants. A large Post Windmill rotated slowly against the cool breeze of the fresh air across the distance. A tank engine puffed by carrying two passenger coaches all the while. Thomas stood right beside her, grabbing her hand and leading them across the field.] Thomas: "Wake up, follow the dream," "To a land of make-believe." [The two friends walk across another field of green. This time with an ancient, ruined looking structure known as Suddery Castle in the back drop. The same tank engine was puffing by the ruined castle and whistled to the two friends from across the large open field of grass. Some animals roamed the field as well including deer, squirrels, and birds soared past them while tweeting happy songs.] "The Island... of Sodor." "Magical land where dreams, come true." [Thomas and Sunset were now on a canal boat called the Sodor Maid, flowing down a river while taking in the scenery around them, such as another castle of Sodor; this time along the tracks built for a narrow-gauge engine. The seasons of changes begin to phase in and out while Thomas sings about Sodor and its climate. The snow fell, the sun warmed up, the wind grazed their hair, and peddles of fallen leaves brushed over. Thomas grabbed one and handed it to Sunset.] Thomas: "The winters are snowy, summertime is nice." "Springtime breaks out a fresh breeze." "Falls that rain down a bright happy new day!" "Island of Sodor, a home for you and me." [Both now found themselves on an express train thundering down the line into Henry's Tunnel, rolling up Gordon's Hill, and then stopping at Tidmouth Hault, a station by the seaside piling with happy passengers eager to go on a ride.] "A place you must go to and see for yourself." "Words can't describe its beauty." "Its endless railway will take you anywhere." "Island of Sodor, a place where dreams come true." [Thomas and Sunset were now looking over the seaside town of Arlesburgh. Then they sat on Tidmouth Beach in front of a wide mountain, filled with boats washed up on shore and a light house just off on a land of rocks. The two then rested by three sets of buffers at Arlesburgh Harbour, looking out onto the horizon above the ocean as the sun begins to set and eliminate a perfect twilight shine against the small group of clouds, brightly coating the night sky in their direction.] Thomas: "Wake up, follow your dreams," "To a land, of make-believe." "The Island... of Sodor," "A magical land where dreams, come true." [Through Sunset Shimmers perspective, Thomas takes her through many more parts of the Island. Many areas including a walk down Henry's forest, across the Elsbridge Watermill, and standing on a Road Beside a Rail and Canal Runby, where the moon and stars much like the ones she was starring into glimmered above the sky with the same twinkle, shine, and a shooting star flying by. The air was cool, the breeze delicate, the presence of being outside invited her to remain were she was and watch the sky sparkle.] Thomas (Talking): "Follow the road, that leads to your dream." "Over the hills and mountains." "Look for the skies, with stars in their eyes." Thomas: (Singing): "Island of Sodor, will make your dreams come true." [Thomas and Sunset Shimmer visited a few more landmarks and pathways on his Branchline. They walk past Elsbridge Station where the tank engine took off with it's two passenger coaches, a field where Terence The Tracker was happily doing his job, and stood in Tidmouth Station among crowds of people waiting for their train to arrive; while kids playin with some wooden toy trains pretended to ride them in the air.] Thomas: "Go on, follow the dream," "To a land, of make-believe." "The Island... of Sodor," [Next, they found themselves standing in a wintery field of soft snow. The wind blew a cold but gentle gust, the morning sky still dusk before the dawn, and far enough to see a set of tracks ahead of them. Thomas brings Sunset closer to the long line of tracks while holding up a lantern in one arm and wrapping his other arm around her for warmth.] "Magical land where dreams, come true." [Just then, a large whiff of steam clouds their surroundings. As Sunset was able to get a clear view of what caused it to appear past the smoke, she saw approaching them a 1915, 3700 City Class, 4-4-0 locomotive chuffing down the line with a train of crimson brown passenger coaches tailed behind it.] "Truuuue." [The locomotive, known as the City of Truro, thundered past whilst whistling loudly but not so loud to rattle ears. Sunset gazed at the marvelous tender engine and watched it pass by them and down the track towards the sun rising up in the distance beyond mountains far and wide. Truly a grand, breathtaking sight worth witnessing. Both Thomas and Sunset held each other's hands. Thomas finished his song of Sodor while standing on the Road Bridge above a Rail near a Signalbox, looking at Sunset Shimmer who was beaming with full serenity.] "The Island... of Sodor!" [Thomas leaned in closer bending both their arms in a locked position as they were now face to face.] "Magical land where dreams, come true." [They hear the same tank engine from earlier whistling as the train puffed under the bridge, blowing smoke out from it's funnel and covering them completely in a mystified cloud of steam. The vision was now finished, leaving both teens in a blissful state.] Sunset Shimmer, now in her pajamas, finished brushing her teeth and then went downstairs into the living room to check on Thomas, bringing down a glass of water for him. She gave him enough pillows and a comforter to sleep with on her couch in the living room. Upon entering, she noticed Thomas wearing Big Mac's PJ's, and how loose they were. The sleeves dangled off of his arms and legs. Sunset smiled while resting a hand on her hip in amusement. "Guess they're a little too big for you, huh?" "Um, yeah. It's okay though. I don't mind sleeping in them still." "Good, 'cause I don't have anything else that'll fit you." Thomas yawned and stretched his limbs. His eyes were dreary and his throat was parched. She handed him the glass of water. He takes it and chugs down every ounce. "Alright, time to get some sleep," Thomas said, feeling more refreshed. He laid down on the couch, positioned his pillow and pulled the bed sheets over himself. Sunset leaned over him. "Thanks again, Thomas," She said. "I'm glad you told me all about Sodor. It really does seem like a very special place to you." Thomas smiled. "Sodor is my home. That's why I must save it before something bad happens." "You will. Starting tomorrow we'll get back to searching for Lady. We all will." As he stared up into the ceiling, Thomas felt the weight of his eyes give away and slowly drifted off into sleep. "Thank you, Sunset," he said, through his drowsiness. "Yeah, no problem." But she didn't know what for. "For what exactly?" Thomas didn't answer, for he was now sound asleep. Sunset smiled. Thomas shift around on the couch to get comfy. Before leaving the living room, Sunset looked her shoulders back at Thomas one more time before turning off the light and heads upstairs to her room. She says goodnight to Ray, comfortably sitting in his shelter from inside the glass terrarium, then heads up the wooden flight of stairs to the balcony area where her bed is. She laid down on the bed with her comforter over top and her arms resting behind her head still thinking about today, about Thomas, The Island of Sodor, and his very important mission. Now that she had a good idea what Sodor is like, Sunset knew she couldn't stop at nothing until Lady and her magic are back on the Railroad. Because her mind was racing with all these thoughts, Sunset Shimmer couldn't drift off to sleep yet. She needed to clear her mind until she thought of something. Sunset shifts herself up a little, pulls open her drawer next to the bed, and takes out a book. It was a brown hard cover with the image of a flaming sun on the front with yellow on one side, red on the other, and mixed in between the center. She opens the book and grabbed her pen, sitting and thinking about where she to start. There were so many things to write down, so many thoughts she wanted her friend to know. She stopped over thinking it, and placed her pen on the book, writing down whatever came to her naturally. Letting her thoughts run wild as she began to write to another special friend of hers over in Equestria. 'Dear Princess Twilight, you'll never believe the week I've been having so far.' To Be Continued. Music Used: "The Island Song" From Thomas & Friends. Composers: Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell. Copyright Ownership: HiT Entertainment™, Mattel, Inc.