//------------------------------//
// Chapter 21: Alliance 
// Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High 
// by LPFanFic 
//------------------------------//


Thomas & Equestria Girls:
Welcome To Canterlot High


Chapter 21: Alliance

"James? Percy?!" Thomas called.

Over by the Wondercolt statue were two boys worn-out and trying to make bare of their surroundings. Thomas hurried over to them with Sunset and the others tailing behind.

'That can't actually be them can it?' Thomas thought. 'How did they find me here?!'

One of the boys he noticed right off the bat looked an awful lot like his best friend Percy. He had dark curly hair, green eyes, and light green skin. He wore a light green, long sleeve shirt, a green lightweight fleece vest with red interior and a yellow number 6 patched on the left side. Neon green cargo shorts and green sneakers with red lacing.

The other boy sitting on all fours was without a doubt suppose to be James. He had medium length, wavy black hair, amber eyes, and light grey skin. He wore a red leather jacket with a black zipper hoodie, white on the inside of the hood and a yellow number 5 patched on both upper arms. A red t-shirt that's partially untucked, red pants with a gold belt, and black running shoes.

Percy was standing still with his feet locked together wondering why he couldn't move. When he did try to move forward, everywhere he leaned made him tremble and wobble with the heft of his newfound weight dragging on him. His whole being felt like it was balancing on a tightrope, and one wrong move could send him tumbling. As Thomas got closer his suspicions became true, seeing the number six on Percy's vest. It was then that Thomas smiled ecstatically upon realizing that these two boys were indeed his friends. Finally, Percy couldn't keep his balance any more and stumbled forward. Before he came close to falling however, Thomas ran up and caught him just in time. Thomas held onto both his arms for support while Percy's legs continued to shake. Percy held onto Thomas' arms as well, afraid he might fall. The other girls catch up with Thomas and gathered around where they were.

"I got you Percy," Thomas chuckled, happy to see his friend. "You'll end up falling on your face if you don't watch your footing."

Percy was a bit shorter than Thomas with his eye sight meeting the top of his collarbone. He looked up to the blue boy, squinting his eyes. How did this boy know his name or who he is? And that's when Percy realized who it was; the blue clothing being an obvious indicator.

"Thomas? Is that you?"

"The one and only," he smiled.

Percy gasped. "It is you!"

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle stand next to Thomas smiling at his friend. If he knew who this is or if this really was Percy, they were excited and happy to finally meet him at last. Unaware that he can move his head, Percy took note of the girls and looked left and right at his surroundings.

"Where are we? And why do you look so, differ,"

He looks down at his arms locked in Thomas' palms as his hands rotate upward and gape open. Blinking twice, Percy then screamed and fell onto his buttocks. Thomas and the girls were concerned as he crawled backwards away from them in distress until his back met the edge of the Statue base.

"Whoa, Percy. Take it easy."

"Bu-but I have hands a-and feet!" he said examining his hands and lifting his feet, which only made whimper even more.

"I know. It feels funny at first," Thomas said crouching down on one knee. "But you actually get pretty use to it after a while. It just takes a few falls until you get there."

"But, why do we look like this? How come we're people now and not trains?"

"I guess because everyone else here is a person too?"

Another scream, this time from James, alerted everyone over to him. He was arched upward, seated on both knees and gripping his hair tightly while looking over himself with widened eyes.

"My paint! What happened to my beautiful, splendid red paintwork?!"

"James?" Thomas called.

James looked over at him puzzled. "Thomas?"

Thomas shook his head. "Wait, what's going on? What are you two doing here?"

Percy explained, trying to compose himself despite his alien appearance.

"Sir Topham Hatt sent us all to find you. He's worried sick because he thinks you disappeared. I knew you were somewhere in the Magic Railroad, so I brought everyone to try and look for you."

"Didn't you tell him where I went? Or what's going on?"

"He-he. Uh, not really."

"Percy," Thomas said sternly.

"I know, I know. I should've told him. But, I was too afraid you'd get in trouble if I did."

"Hold on," Twilight Sparkle interrupted. "You said you brought everyone to look for Thomas. Who else did you bring?"

Percy remembered the other engines and gasped looking over at James.

"Oh no! Where are the others?!"

"They're still inside the Magic Railroad with Diesel 10!"

Everyone gasped in terror, except Thomas, who was too speechless to mutter a sound. Gazing at the Statue's base, James noticed the portal they popped through suddenly start glowing. Just then, James found himself mobbed not only by Henry, but also from Gordon, Edward and Toby, all passing through the portal and piling disorderly on top of each other. Thomas got up and ran over to all his friends, very surprised to see them. They were lying on the ground tired and out of breath.

"Gordon, Edward, Toby! I-I can't believe you're all here!"

Then he saw Henry.

"Oh no, Henry!" Thomas said alarmingly.

"What's wrong?" Sunset asked.

Thomas was unable to respond. She stood next to him and saw what he was witnessing. One of his friends were now being consumed in the dark umbra. A completely unconscious Henry laid motionless on his stomach. Seams and threads of his clothing were torn and hanging loose. His face was pale and dripping with sweat. The shadow overcasts almost his entire upper body with the darkest shade of green conceivable. It continued spreading all over Henry, slowly slithering down past his hips and tearing into the seams of his pants.

'So, this is what it looks like,' Thomas thought to himself. This is what he was going through the last time he blacked out. Diesel 10 must've ambushed them in the Magic Railroad and tried using Gold Dust to stop them from escaping, and Henry was his victim. Frightened but calm, Thomas and Sunset Shimmer pan to each other and nodded, knowing what they had to do.

Twilight Sparkle notices Henry being covered in the dark shading as well. She gasped in horror and distraught while her friends ran up to him. Thomas' friend was being eaten away by Diesel 10's use of sparkles. Sparkles that no doubt came from the jar of Gold Dust she lost to Splatter & Dodge, who ended up giving it to their boss. And now, he was using them to destroy Henry. She turned away from the group, trying to hold back her tears. Spike approaches Twilight, burying her face in her hands.

"Twilight?" he said. "What's the matter?"

"What's the matter?! Thomas' friend is being consumed by the shadow and it's all because of me."

"That's not true," he said sternly.

"Yes, it is."

"Twilight, leaving behind the Gold Dust isn't your fault for what's happening right now."

"Unless Diesel 10 already found Lady, then this is my fault. Where else is he getting more Gold Dust from otherwise?" She sighed, "Who am I kidding, Spike? I wasn't ready to understand Equestrian magic and I wasn't ready to study Gold Dust. All it's done is get others hurt."

"Lingering on one mistake won't fix the issue. You left the Sparkles behind, but Splatter & Dodge are the ones who stole it. They're the reason he's like that. If you want this to stop, then we need to help our friends."

Still troubled, Twilight looks back at her friends then down at Spike. He turns around at Twilight and indicates her to rejoin the group, which she does, following Spike and gathering around Henry with the others. Percy couldn't join the others as he was still not use to moving in his new body, but could see Henry being covered in some kind of Shadow from where he sat. He didn't know what was going on. Thomas and the others looked concerned, which could only mean something horrible is happening to Henry.





"We have to hurry," Sunset Shimmer instructed. "If Diesel 10's in there, he likely followed your friends here."

She opened her locket containing the Sparkles collected from Thomas' recent black out and held it out to him. Reluctantly, Thomas opens his hands under it as Sunset pours a little bit of Gold Dust onto his palms. She instructed him to close them and shake until each spec was glowing. He does so, looking at the Gold Dust clinging to his palms and shining brightly. Kneeling down next to Henry, Thomas exhales deeply and releases. He looked down at his poor friend still in a comatose state with the shadow peeling away his clothes. It was horrible for Thomas to watch what happened to him happening to one of his friends. Regardless, Thomas had to remind himself that he can now stop this. James got up and sat next to Henry across from Thomas while all the other engines laid on the ground, still collecting their breath.

"Little engines can do big things. Little engines can do big things," he repeated.

The girls gather around Thomas for support. Pulling down his sleeve, Thomas grabs hold of Henry's right arm tightly, and the magic Gold Dust from within his palms immediately begins to react upon contact. They shined radiantly from beneath his hands as the sparkles did their part in counteracting Diesel 10's misused Gold Dust. Sunset thought of Thomas' well being when using the Sparkles to protect him. So, Thomas tried doing the same, making Henry's well being his single-minded forethought. He nearly lost his grip a few times as the dark force flickered violently fighting back against his and vibrating within Thomas' hands abundantly. Thomas held on tight while turning away to avoid the blinding glow.

What felt like ages of holding on and fighting back, a bright gold magical aura covers his entire being and transfers its energy onto Henry. The wear and tears on his clothes patches up and the dark shading reversing the colors back to it's original brighter green as it slithers all the way back to where it manifested. The gold aura disappears and slowly withers away until there wasn't a spec of shadowing or tear left to be seen. Thomas lets go, panting like he just ran a marathon. Him and the girls gently turn Henry over on his back, no longer pale or sweating and his breathing back at a healthy pace.

Fluttershy sits next to him knees to the side and unzips her backpack. A bunny, cat, bird, and a hamster stroll and fly out of her bag now wondering about with some climbing over Henry. She gently lifts Henry's head and places the backpack underneath him. Weary, Henry slowly opens his eyes, blinded by the sun until Fluttershy leans over him and blocks the rays. Gazing back at her, he had no idea who this person was or why she looked so odd. 'Who is this girl' he thought. It was no person he'd ever seen before.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

As the light still shined past Fluttershy, Henry couldn't help but smile whimsically. She smiled back with comfort, assuming that meant he was alright. Thomas and some of the girls examined his appearance making sure all was clear. Henry appeared as a much older teen than Thomas did. He had green, fairly neat but disheveled spiky hair, hazel eyes and light grey skin. He wore a slim fit, green denim jacket, a green and white button up flannel shirt with a red tee underneath, green pants and green boots with black lacing. He also had a gold number three necklace worn around his neck.

"Henry?" said a voice.

He looked over to his left and saw Thomas as well as a few other girls standing around and sitting beside him to his left. His head was still a bit fuzzy and couldn't make sense of where, what and how of his surroundings just yet. Everything seemed to be flowing normally from his perspective, except for the group of people surrounding him. Not even Thomas' human appearance caught on to him just yet.

"Thank goodness you're okay," Thomas smiled with relief.

Henry blinked confusingly then looked back at Fluttershy.

"Thomas?"

"Yes, Henry?"

"Can you see the angel too?"

He chuckled a little. "What? What angel?"

"The one I'm looking at."

Fluttershy blushed realizing he meant her. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and the others held back their snickers.

"You mean, Fluttershy?" Sunset smiled, raising a brow.

"Are you sure you're okay, Henry?" James asked.

Henry spoke, not taking his eyes off Fluttershy. "I-I remember, going down a dark tunnel. I couldn't see or feel anything. Then I saw a bright light, so I chuffed toward it and then I woke up. That's when I saw an angel looking down at me. Were you the one who woke me up again?"

"Uh, well, um, actually, I, um." She turned away red in the face with embarrassment.

Before Thomas could interject, Gordon, Toby and Edward were struggling to get up not yet used to their new body. Instead they arched up while kneeling.

Gordon was also a much older teen, being around the same height as Henry, making them the tallest out of the engines. He had blue and black mid high hair, hazel blue eyes, and a light blueish grey skin shade. He wore a blue slimming Letterman jacket with white sleeves and a yellow number 4 sewn on the back. A blue shirt, blue jeans, and blue running shoes with white lacing.

Edward was about the same height as James, who were just about an inch taller than Thomas but no taller than Gordon or Henry. He had a blue classic crew haircut, light blue eyes, and light blue skin. He wore an untucked white dress shirt, a blue sweater with an open chest pocket and a yellow number 2 patched on side pocket. Blue twill pants with a red belt and blue suede shoes with red lacing.

Toby was the same height as Thomas. He had a brown side fringe haircut, brown eyes, light grey skin, a brown zipper jacket with four buttoned chest pockets and a grey tee underneath, brown trousers with a red belt, brown dress shoes, and a white beanie with a yellow number 7 stitched on it.

"Wha-what am I?!" Gordon cried, inspecting his arms.

Thomas stood up. "You're a person now, silly."

"I can see that, Thomas. But why? And what kind? I'm all blue, and squishy!"

"That's because you're suppose to be blue, Gordon," he giggled.

Gordon then remembered his job Sir Topham Hatt gave to him and the engines, and realized that the strange looking boy he was talking to was in deed Thomas.

"Wait, Thomas?!"

"Thomas?!" Edward said sitting up. "We found you!"

"Oh, thank goodness," Toby smiled, but then noticed something off. "But wait, is that Thomas? Why does he look so, odd?"

"I could ask you the same thing, Toby," Edward smirked, looking over Toby's appearance.

Toby looks down at himself as well and gasped in shock.

"I-I'm a person too!"

"Looks like we all are," Edward said, taking note of all their friends.

Before Thomas could ask why they were all here, James crawled over to the portal and looked over the base frantically.

"Quickly, how do you close this thing?!" he asked urgently.

"Oh! That's right!" Edward said. "We were being chased by Diesel 10 on our way here."

Thomas stuttered trying to think of an excuse. "R-really? Are you sure it wasn't some other engine? I mean, it is pretty dark in there and,"

"Thomas," Toby interrupted grimly. "It was him."

He was at a loss for words. No matter how many times he tried to deny Diesel 10 was really involved in this, he seems to be popping up pretty much everywhere. Everyone he's meet from Sodor has confirmed sightings of Diesel 10.

"We have to get your friends out of here," Twilight said to Thomas.

"But they can't walk yet?" Rainbow Dash said. "And it's not like we can drag each of them across campus on time."

Sunset examined the Wondercolt base while stroking her chin.

"Maybe we don't have to. Everyone grab one of Thomas' friends and bring them behind the statue."

"What? That's a terrible Idea," Gordon protested. "He's sure to see us all."

"Not if he doesn't look behind the statue he won't," Rainbow Dash said, going over to pick him up.

"And when he does?"

"Trust me," She winked. "We got it covered."

Gordon only groaned as Rainbow Dash brings him up to his feet. Thomas and the girls go to one of the other boys and help them up to their feet as well. Twilight Sparkle went over and got up Edward, Rarity got James, Pinkie Pie got Percy, Applejack got Toby, Fluttershy and Thomas got Henry, who started freaking out upon seeing his appearance. The girls wrap the engine's arms around their shoulders and brought them all behind the statue from the west to the east side, placing them down gently. Sunset surveyed everyone stepping in whenever one of them were having trouble. The portal started to glow again. He was about to come through.

"Hurry!" Sunset called.

With everyone hidden behind the Wondercolt Statue, the girls all ran over to the other side while Sunset Shimmer grabbed Spike and hid with Thomas and the others to make sure they were safe. Twilight Sparkle and her friends stood across beside the statue anxiously as the base started dimming down a little, and out came Diesel 10. He popped through the portal backwards and fell on his back. Groaning in pain, he hastily got up and searched his surroundings until he notices the six girls standing rigidly with their backs turned away from him across the courtyard. Diesel 10 got up on his feet while Pinchy slid underneath his jacket. Smiling cordially, he walks straight over to the girls who turn around and see him approaching them, and a gut wrenching fear suddenly twisting their stomachs.





Fluttershy began quivering the more he got closer. Thomas was right, he did look very scary. He wore a grin that invites a welcomed invitation but with intentions none of them could predict. They only knew it could mean trouble for all of them if they don't play their cards right. Applejack tried calming Fluttershy a little, reassuring her by placing her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. Everyone dreadfully watched with racing hearts as Diesel 10 came up and stood facing them all, never eluding his fake grin.

"Hello there, girls," he said in an oily voice.

Twilight and the others exchanged several looks.

"Um, hi," Twilight said reluctantly.

He looked around again before speaking. "I Just wanted to ask you all something if you don't mind?"

They shook their heads.

"You uh, didn't see any ste-I mean, a group of people passing by here, did you?"

The girls went silent for a moment.

Pinkie Pie scratched her chin. "Hmm. Does This Group Have Two Boys Dressed In Green, One Small And One Tall, With The Numbers 6 And 3?"

"Y-Yeah?" Diesel 10 said surprised.

"Two Blue Boys With The Numbers 4 And 2?"

"Yes,"

"And One Wearing All Red With The Number 5 And The Other Wearing All Brown With The Number 7?!"

"Yes, Yes!" He said, eagerly.

"Nope. Haven't Seen Them," She grinned.

"Oh," he slouched in disappointment.

He looked over and saw Fluttershy hiding behind Applejack while gazing fearfully at him. Diesel 10 went over and leaned in while playing up his friendly smile, which came off as more noticeably cunning than it did inviting.

"I bet you saw them passing by, didn't you little one?"

Fluttershy moved closer behind Applejack while quietly whimpering. Applejack shot Diesel 10 a warning glare. She was more than ready to intervene if he continued upsetting Flutterhsy.

Rainbow Dash stepped in front of him. "Even if we did, what's so important about these people anyway?"

He scoffed, "More like thieves is what I'd call them. Thieves themselves are never important, it's what they're carrying that is."

Meanwhile, Sunset, Thomas and his friends remained hidden behind the Wondercolt Statue keeping quiet and waiting for the girls to get rid of Diesel 10. Some of them had their backs pressed against the base while others kneeled next to one another. Sunset took one quick peak and was able to make out Diesel 10 and her friends still talking. Thomas was sitting next to Percy, who had his knees locked under his arms, when he saw him trembling and rocking a bit. He nearly whimpered trying to remind himself to keep quiet. Feeling someone place their hand on his arm, Percy stops shaking and looks over on his left and sees Sunset smiling at him. Thomas does the same placing his hand on his arm for reassurance. This calmed him down a little, though now Henry was also on the verge of panicking until Edward leans in and instructed him to remain quite. He was still freaking out over them all being people now. On top of that, Diesel 10 was just inches away from finding them all.

"So, what're these people carrin'?" Applejack asked.

"Nothing yet. It's what they plan on stealing that's concerning."

Diesel 10 looked around again to make sure he didn't miss them or that no one else was around to listen.

"Tell me, how much do you girls know about... magic?"

"You mean like the whole hocus pocus, bunny inside the hat trick kind of magic?" Rarity asked.

"No, not exactly. The magic I'm thinking of is much more powerful. So powerful it can destroy everyone and everything if fallen into the wrong, uh, hands."

"Why do you ask?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Because, I'm trying to look for said magic. Those boys want it for themselves, and they're trying to make sure I never get it back."

"What? That's... illogical," Twilight chuckled, sheepishly. "There's no such thing as magic. It's been proven scientifically inconceivably on multiple accounts by numerous research studies."

Diesel 10 glared at her. "Maybe there's no magic here, but where I come from, magic is what keeps the world turning. So if I don't find them before they take it all away, my entire home will cease to function. You wouldn't want that to happen, now would you?"

"N-n-n-no," Fluttershy muttered, catching Diesel 10's attention until the others spoke up.

"Where exactly is yer Magic at?" Applejack asked.

"Hidden."

"Uh-huh. Where though?"

"With the person who originally stole it, someone these boys are after too. They find her, they get my magic."

"And you know what she plans to do with 'said magic'," Twilight asked.

"Something terrible," He said, ominously.

The girls couldn't help but wonder if he was speaking mostly about his intentions for the Gold Dust. Given how he's already twisted the story in his favor, it was easy for them to catch on the fact that the 'something terrible', was what he has planned for the Sparkles.

"Tell you what," Rainbow Dash imputed, "We see these people you're looking for, we'll let 'em know who they're messing with, and to back off of course."

"Until then," Rarity said. "We haven't seen nor do we know anything more about these boys and their malicious magical frolicking."

"No, Siree!" Pinkie Pie Imputed.

Diesel 10 glared at all the girls intensely. Everyone behind the Wondercolt statue froze after things got too quiet. Though he was suspicious of their claims, even more so seeing how Pinkie Pie correctly describe all the engines, they didn't seem to know anything else about magic or the engines he was chasing after. After a long while of the Girls uncomfortable waiting for Diesel 10 to break his scowl, he finally speaks up. The Girls all gazed at him, anticipating his response.

"That sounds reasonable," He sneered, and directed their attention to the school. "Now, I plan on sticking around for a while. But if you can't seem to find me, I have two associates of mine who are also helping me locate this thief. I believe they have a lead on her somewhere in this building right behind you. So if you do see my partners, will you let them know where and if you've spotted the person I'm looking for?"

Twilight Sparkle and the others nodded.

"Good. Friends call me Diesel 10 by the way," He said, offering his hand to Twilight.

Reluctant at first, staring nervously at his affable smile and narrowed eyes, Twilight reaches her hand out and shakes his until they both let go.

"W-what's the 10 for?" Fluttershy asked shyly.

Diesel 10 grinned then quickly switched to anger. "Get on my bad side, and you'll find out!"

The girls gasped in fright. After glaring at them for seconds on end, Diesel 10 then started cackling, making them feel more uncomfortable. There didn't know if he meant it as a joke the way he phrased it. Everyone but Fluttershy chuckled awkwardly along with him until he finally stopped, letting out a relaxing sigh.

"I'm happy I met you girls today. With this many people, I'm sure to find my magic in no time." He looks back at each of them one last time. "You girls have a nice day. I'll be hearing from you shortly."

He then walked away with his arms behind his back. Luckily the direction he headed towards was away from all the engines still hiding behind the statue. The girls noticed a bucket shaped object dangling from within his jacket. They remained standing until Diesel 10 was long gone. The others behind the statue didn't move or come out until Twilight went over and lets them know they were in the clear. The boys all got up still not use to their new balance.

"That was too close," Percy said.

"You okay, sugercube?" Applejack asked Fluttershy nodding nervously.





Everyone gathered together to catch up now that their situation was less convoluted.

"I explained everything to them about Lady and the Magic Railroad," Percy said to Thomas. "After Sir Topham Hatt told us to find you we went through the buffers and tried going to Shining Time, or even Muffle Mountain to see if you were there."

"So, you all came here to look for Thomas?" Sunset asked.

"That's right," Edward said. "But to be honest, we didn't really know where we were going. It was sort of by accident that we all ended up here."

"We only followed the tracks that led us to this place after Diesel 10 showed up," Henry said.

"That must have been really scary," Fluttershy said worrisome. "And he tried using Gold Dust to stop you from escaping."

"Luckily me being the only other strong engine," Gordon boasted, "I was behind him when it happened. Otherwise, we would've all been caught by Diesel 10 had I not pushed Henry to safety."

"We helped too you know, Gordon," Toby said.

"Is that really what happened?" Henry said.

"Sounds like it," Sunset said. "He's been using Gold Dust on Thomas to knock him unconscious as well. A dark shadow slithers all over him, rips up his clothes and turns him pale."

"Hey, that's what happened to me too," Edward said. "Except it was my paint that was being torn up."

"It nearly caused an accident when it happened too," James said. "It's happening to everyone all over Sodor and it's been increasing ever since Thomas disappeared."

"Looks like you aren't his only target then," Sunset said to Thomas both looking at each other.

"So, Diesel 10 is trying to turn us all into Husks?!" Percy said.

Thomas and the girls exchanged looks.

"An outer coating of a maize?" Twilight Sparkle asked puzzled.

"Um, yes?" Percy said. "You tell them, Edward."

Edward and the others tried explaining to Thomas and the girls all about the unusual events taking place on Sodor. The accidents, the dark shading, the job switches being canceled, and Duck's current condition. Thomas and the girls were horrified. They were fortunate to avoid seeing the after math of what becomes of someone when being completely consumed in the dark shading. So, to hear what happened to Duck after the shadow consumed him made Thomas's stomach curl and light headed, knowing that same fate could have fallen upon to him.

"Oh, Duck," Thomas said solemnly. "I can't believe this is happening."

"Does your railway controller still not know where you are or what's really causing all the accidents?" Twilight asked.

Percy shook his head.

"Why didn't you tell him, Percy?" Thomas asked.

"Because, Sir Topham Hatt would've tried to stop you from finding Lady." He then turned to Twilight and the others. "He cares about us all and wants us to stay out of Danger. If he knew Thomas was in the Magic Railroad with Diesel 10 using Gold Dust to cause trouble, he'd try and force him back home."

"I don't think Sir Topham Hatt would go that far to punish us, Percy," Toby said. "Not if he knew the Railway's in danger."

"Well, I was too afraid to take that chance."

"Where is Lady by the way?" James asked. "Is she here too, in this weird looking place?"

Thomas sighed solemnly. "Yeah, she's here."

"Well good," Gordon said. "What are you doing wasting time for, Thomas? Let's grab her and go home already. We can put an end to Diesel 10's mischief and set things back to normal right now."

"I'm afraid it's not as simple as it sounds, dear," Rarity said.

"Why's that?" Henry asked.

"Do you wanna tell them?" Sunset asked Thomas.

He slouched and shook his head. Sunset then explained to Thomas' friends the last few days upon his' arrival, leading up to how they all met, what they've been doing, and Lady posing as a CHS student. She told them when they finally did find Lady, she didn't recognize Thomas or the fact she's a magical, talking train engine. Lady somehow, for some reason, lost all her memory. The Engines were surprised to say the least upon this news, but they only knew as much as Thomas and the Girls regarding Lady's sudden amnesia problem.

"That sounds awful," Toby said. "Poor Lady. She must feel scared and all alone. Does she even remember Burnett?"

"I didn't ask," Thomas slouched.

"Lady may be by herself fer the most part," Applejack assured. "But we're keepin' a close eye on her til she regains her memory,"

"We can't wait for Lady to get her memory back," James complained. "What if she never remembers us or the Magic Railroad? We have to bring her home now."

"Well, Ah hate to break it to yah," She said sternly. "But that's the plan we're goin' for."

"She's, inside the school?" Gordon asked Thomas after examining the building.

Thomas nodded. Then, with legs still wobbly and wiggly, Gordon stormed his way up to the entrance. He passed by his friends and the Girls all staring at him and wondering what he'd doing. Nearly falling over a few steps in, Gordon was just about to cross campus but was soon stopped by Rainbow Dash and Rarity, stepping in front of and holding their arms out in front of them.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Where do you think you're going?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Out of the way," Gordon said. "My railway is in trouble and Lady is the only engine who can fix it. And If none of you will bring her back then I will."

"You can't just drag her somewhere she doesn't want to go," Rarity said.

"I can, and I will. Haven't you tried seeing what would happen if she returned? Perhaps running on the Railroad again will restore her memories."

"Thomas, can you talk some sense into your friend here?" Rainbow Dash leaned to the side.

"They're right, Gordon," Thomas said. "We've already tried asking her to come back. Lady ran away from us because she thought we were making it up. She won't listen to any of us anymore and if you try forcing her, it'll only make things worse."

Gordon scoffed crossing his arms. "So that's it then? We just wait until her memories come back while Diesel 10 picks us off one by one?"

"Don't talk like that, Gordon" Henry said nervously.

"It's the only plan we have until we figure out another solution," Twilight Sparkle said.

"Then think of another solution!" James demanded.

The campus was an echo of both the Engines and Girls arguing back and forth over what the right decision to make is. Thomas and Sunset simply stood neck in neck, awkwardly watching their friends debate then looked back at each other.

"What happens if Splatter, Dodge and Diesel 10 find her?" Toby asked.

"They won't," Sunset promised.

"How do you know?" James asked.

"Because with all of us looking after Lady," Thomas said. "He won't be able to come near her."

"What are you saying, Thomas?" Percy asked. "You're not gonna stay here a lot longer then you already have, will you?"

"Mr. Conductor asked me to bring Lady home. And if staying in Canterlot is what I have to do, then that's what I plan on doing."

The girls all smiled standing by him in support. He looked back at his Sodor friends still unsure of their plan. Is waiting for Lady's amnesia to clear really the only option at the moment?

"Thomas," Percy stated. "Sir Topham Hatt will be very cross if we don't bring you home. Please, come back with us."

"Yeah," Edward said. "I'm sure your new friends can look after Lady until she starts remembering things again. And when she does, they'll just guide her back home. You don't have to do this, Thomas."

The girls didn't want Thomas to leave just yet either. They knew how important Lady and Sodor is to him and he's the only one they know who has some idea of what's going on and what to do. If Thomas left and something else happened to Lady without him there to help it could end up being disastrous.

Thomas sighed. "I'm sorry everyone, but I'm staying. This is a job that I must get done. I'm not ready to leave until Lady is."

"What do we tell Sir Topham Hatt then?" James asked.

Just then, an idea popped into Thomas head.

"Maybe, you don't have to tell him anything."

"We kinda have to tell him something, Thomas," Toby said.

Thomas chuckled. "What I mean is, since you're all here, why don't you stay for a little while longer in Canterlot as well?!"

"What?!" The Engines all shout in unison.

"Y-you want us to stay here? Why?" Henry asked.

"Yeah, why?" Sunset said raising a brow at Thomas.

"Because,"

Gordon interrupted. "I am not staying in this weirdly colored world waiting who knows how long for Lady to never remember herself."

"Me neither," James complained. "Being a person is terrible so far. I smell funny, these feet hurt, and I never know which way this body is going to tumble over next. It just does what ever it wants!"

"We're only here to take you home, Thomas," Edward stated. "We can't all stay in this world. We have jobs to do back on Sodor. And Sir Topham Hatt is probably wondering what's taking us so long."

"He has a point," Twilight said. "Besides, your boss doesn't know you're all in another world. He's probably even more worried now that more of his engines haven't returned."

Toby was reluctant to speak knowing what he was about to say will help Thomas' case.

"Actually, we did ask some friends of ours to let Sir Topham Hatt know what's going on in case we ran into a few bumps on the road. So, once he does, he'll just come find us anyways."

"But, won't he get mad and do what Percy said and make you all to return to Sodor?" Fluttershy asked.

Thomas contemplated for a few seconds, asking himself if this really was a good idea. Then he spoke up again.

"Hopefully by the time that happens, Lady could already be back to remembering us again and we can bring her home without anything going wrong."

"I don't know, Thomas," Percy said reluctantly. "This isn't sounding like such a good idea. We're not really used to these bodies, and we don't know how to act like people."

"Either did I when I first arrived," he said walking up to him. "Please, Percy. With all of you here, we have a better chance of keeping Lady safe from harm."

"Why do you even need us here if they're helping you?"

Thomas smiled. "Because, you're my friends. This matter concerns all of us. Even if it is just for support, I want everyone here with me when we save Sodor."

The boys all looked at each other considering the option given to them. Despite how vague it was, Thomas had a point. They are his friends, and if that says anything to them, it means it's expected that they'd be on board with his decisions and his request for them to stay with him in Canterlot. All that they came to do was find Thomas and bring him back to the Island of Sodor though. They'd had hoped he would've found Lady by this point and was ready to bring her back with them, but some complications have gotten in the way of doing so. They can't seem to convince Thomas to leave with them so now they're left with a whole new dilemma. Do they stay, or do they go? Gordon and James already seemed keen on going home but the others thought about it for a few seconds. Though they failed to see how they were needed here, Thomas did seem to want all of his friends beside him.

Knowing fully well he may be making a big mistake, Edward was the first to speak up.

"I really think we should go back to Sodor, Thomas. Sir Topham Hatt isn't going to like it when he finds out we all decided to stay in another world instead of returning back to work like we're suppose to. But, if you're so insistent on seeing this all the way till the end, then I guess, I'll be staying too."

"You will?" Thomas and the girl said in unison.

"Yes, I will," Edward nodded.

"What? Edward," Gordon called. "What about Sodor? What about Sir Topham Hatt? What about our responsibilities? Surely you of all engines should know better."

Edward gazed away shamefully. He didn't like going against Sir Topham Hatt's orders, but he didn't want to leave Thomas behind either. Henry thought the same as he hesitantly spoke up too.

"I-I'll stay too."

"Henry? You as well?" Gordon said.

"You won't mind if I tag along?" Toby asked Thomas.

"Of course not, Toby! We'll need as many people as we can, and you're all going to be a real help," He said patting his head.

Thomas looks over at James and Percy. James had his arms crossed and looked around with narrowed eyes while Percy hugged his arms sheepishly.

"Well,"

James then interrupts Percy. "Ugh, fine. I'll stay. But I won't like it."

"Percy?" Thomas said sincerely.

Percy sighed after thinking it over. "Okay. Only because, you're right, we are your friends. And if you're not gonna come home just yet, then none of us will leave either."

"Thank you, Percy," he smiled.

"Hey, what are best friends for, right?" he giggled.

Thomas giggled a little too. Then he looked over to Gordon next who was starring at the Wondercolt Statue and the portal they all came through. It didn't matter to him at that moment anymore if he could take charge of the search party. Gordon still wanted to go back home now that they found Thomas. He didn't like the idea of having all of them stay in Canterlot. Sodor was already in total disarray and now all of Sir Topham Hatt's engines have disappeared from the Island. Everyone now seemed to be on board with staying, but all Gordon wanted was for Lady to be brought back to the Magic Railroad as soon as possible. It appeared as though the only way this was going to happen, was if he stayed in Canterlot as well, even though it could mean trouble for all of them.

"Gordon, please?"

He turned around and faced Thomas. Everyone watched in anticipation waiting to see what his response will be as he walked over and stood right in front of Thomas. It was then while staring at each other that Gordon remembered something. Something he and Thomas had promised a long time ago. He places his hand on Thomas' shoulder. Still skeptical, still thinking this is a bad plan, but with Thomas wanting them to stay and the promise they made, Gordon looks down at him and smiles.

"Who am I, to go against our alliance?"

Thomas beamed with happiness. He was reminded of the time he fell down a mine and Gordon came to his rescue, even though Thomas teased him about the time Gordon himself slid into a swampy ditch. After that, the two recognized their disgraceful mishaps and made a promise to look out for each other and formed their own little alliance. For a while it seemed as though both haven't been true to their word in recent years, but the circumstances they face now seemed to spark a new light in their age-old alliance. Thomas laid his hand on Gordon's arm and recited what he told him when forming their pack.

"United we stand."

"Together we fall," Gordon said.

"You help me."

"And I, help you."

The two friends smiled re-solidifying their alliance. Everyone beamed as well. They were surprised Gordon ended up agreeing to tag along despite how disdained he felt the idea of being in Canterlot seemed.

"What's this about an alliance?" Sunset asked.

"We're in disgrace!" They both say proudly in unison.

"Oh-kay then?" Rainbow Dash said looking back at Applejack just as confused.

Gordon spoke up. "Yes, I suppose we'll be staying with little Thomas for a while. And when we get in trouble with Sir Topham Hatt, I can safely say it was your idea that we ended up here to begin with."

Thomas frowned and glared at Gordon, but then started chuckling as Gordon rubbed his head playfully.

"Are you sure you're all okay staying in Canterlot for a little bit?" Fluttershy asked.

The boys all nodded.

"Absolutely," Toby said.

"I suppose it can't be too bad," Henry said.

"As long as it takes," Percy said.

"But not too long though," James said.

"Just until Lady's back on the Magic Railroad," Edward said.

"Yippee! More People In Our Search Party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "This Is Going To Be Biggest Most Stupendously Greatest Thing Ever!"

"But we've already found Lady," Spike said. "So it's not technically a search party anymore. And before any of you ask, yes, I did just talk."

The Engines were all wide eyed and slack jawed while looking down at Spike.

"Maybe we should fill them in more on what the magic our world can do," Sunset said to Thomas, who nodded in agreement.





To Be Continued.