//------------------------------// // Chapter 27: Lingering Stranger // Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome To Canterlot High Chapter 27: Lingering Stranger The Rainbooms: "Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight. Shake your tail, shake your tail." "Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight. Shake your tail, shake your tail." "Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight. Shake your tail, shake your tail." "Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight. Shake your tail, shake your tail." "Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!" Withering flashes of light shine as the girl's pony ears, tails, and Pegasus wings disappear after finishing their song for the Steam Team. Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and the others offered to show Thomas' friends what happens to them when they play music. So, the whole gang met in the band room during lunch to learn a little more about their powers. Thomas bobbed his head the whole time they were playing, holding onto Spike who was also enjoying their music. He had heard their songs already and was happy to hear them again with his friends all there to watch as well. James and Percy, standing next to Thomas, glanced over to him once perplexed by his head movement. The girls look at the Steam Team eager to hear their response. "So, what do you all think?" Thomas asked. "Pretty great right?" Some of the engines were in deed left gawking in awe shock. Some were still deciding what to make of the strange noises their instruments made, and how they managed to grow wings, ears and ponytails out of thin air only to disappear once they stopped playing. "Yes. It certainty was something," Edward said. "Question; how did they grow wings and ears like that?" "Ever since magic came into this world" Sunset explained, "we've been able to tap into it's energy by expressing the truest part of ourselves. Whether it's through playing music or by embracing what makes each of us all unique." "And is it just you girls that can do this?" Toby asked. "So far," Twilight shrugged. "We were the first ones to use magic when it came to CHS," Fluttershy said. "And we've been the only ones who can use it ever since," . "Saved for the power crazed so and so's bent on world domination and what not," Applejack imputed. "Other than that," Rainbow Dash strummed her guitar, "what do yah think of our awesomely cool song?!" "I liked it!" Percy said. "It made me want to get up and move uncontrollably, but in a good way." "So, it made you want to dance," Thomas chuckled. "Yeah, I think it did!" "Just FYI" Rainbow Dash said, "Awesome As I Wanna Be would've totally made you wanna dance too." "Ah really doubt it would've," Applejack commented. "Um, w-what do the rest of you think?" Fluttershy asked, shyly. "It's a little loud for my liking," Toby said. "I quite agree for once," Gordon said. "How can any that noise be considered music?" "Because it's awesome, that's why!" Spike said. "I didn't think it was that loud," James commented. "Though it's still unlike anything we've heard before." "The noise is a bit strange at first," Thomas started, "But if you listen to it a couple of times you'll start liking it more!" "It does have a nice cheerful sound to it," Henry commented. "I'm still trying to figure out how they make any sounds on those funny looking instruments," James said. "You mean a guitar?" Sunset said after checking her guitar. "I don't think we have gee-tars back on Sodor, do we?" Percy asked. "I've never seen them before," Edward said. "Or a portable piano," Henry pointed. "Keytar darling, keytar," Rarity corrected. "And while, not as refined let's say as the grand piano, it still has an exquisite sound to it you just can't help but adore." "How bout the bass?" Applejack asked. "Pretty nifty tone if ah do say so myself." Some of the engines nodded and agreed, mostly because they weren't sure what the difference between the guitar and bass were. Pinkie Pie started playing her drums again, beating every tom then finishing off with a swing at the cymbal. "What About The Drums? I Bet You've Heard That On Sodor Before Right?" "We do have drums on Sodor," Toby said. "But they're usually worn around the neck." "Those Are For Marching Bands, Silly. These Drums Can Make A Lot More Noise Than A Singular One!" "So we've heard," Gordon said. "I guess this would be pretty weird for engines that live in a place were instruments like these haven't been invented yet or still being conceptualized," Twilight Sparkle said. "Well I have to admit, I am starting to like these songs the more I think about it," Henry said. "Me too!" Percy said. "The song we just heard is even still playing in my head." "That'll happen a lot," Fluttershy giggled. James meanwhile was humming the song to himself thinking no one was paying attention until he looked at everybody smirking at him. "It's alright," He mumbled crossing his arms. The girls share a few looks smiling to one another. Thomas giggled along with some of his friends. While packing away their instruments, Thomas' friends were shown what each of his friends from Canterlot's magical abilities can do. Twilight used her telekinesis to pack away most of the band equipment. Rainbow Dash ran in a streak of blue and rainbows all around the room putting everything away in it's place. The rest decide to show off as well when Rarity used her diamond manifestation ability to create all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Fluttershy called a couple of birds into the room and used her powers to have a conversation with them, as well as a few animals that she sneaked into school again. Applejack used her strength to hoist a grand piano up with just one arm and place it back where it's usually stored. Next, Pinkie Pie poured a bunch of sprinkles in her hands and threw them up in the air, creating an exploding cloud of sweetness. The Engines were stunned. They knew the Girls had magical abilities, but to see them in action threw each of them for a loop. This was the first time any of the other engines got to see some of their powers in use, and were just as amazed as seeing their music talents. However, they also couldn't help but feel a little nervous about them too. It's not every day they see people use magic tricks to cause the most unusual anomalies to transpire. But because they knew theses Girls well enough that they'd never do anything wrong with their gifts, Thomas' friends felt safe to meet people with special talents and abilities. They had nothing to worry about with the magic being used in proper care. "Say, what does your magic ability do, Sunset?" James asked, approaching her. "Give me your arm," she smirked. James stroked his hand. "Why?" "Trust me." James wasn't so sure what she was about to do. He held out his hand to her gingerly. As Sunset grabbed it, her eyes turn a pale snow white and peered deep into James' subconscious. She could see what James was feeling and thinking. What she saw going through his mind, however, was him back on Sodor as an engine. He was pulling red branchline coaches as he bounced around excitedly through Knapford junction. James: "Somebody has to be the favorite! The one that everybody wants to see!" "Somebody has to be better than the rest! Somebody has to be so good that they're the best!" "Somebody has to be the favorite. Somebody has to be meee!" "Say hello, the favorite is here!" Sunset lets go of James as the white vision tunnel fades and brings her back to reality. "Somebody's definitely full of themselves," she said, crossing her arms. James was a little embarrassed. He didn't know Sunset Shimmer could see into his thoughts and knew exactly what he was feeling. Now he did, and so did everyone else in the room. The two of them glare at each other. "Well, I can't help it if I'm Sir Topham Hatt's favorite engine," James boasted. "What?! No you're not, James!" Thomas protested. James sniggered. "I guess we'll find out once we're back home then, won't we Thomas?" After a while, everyone lounged around the band room and chatted. Their conversation brought them back to Lady after Gordon and Rainbow Dash mentioned their recent encounter with her that morning. The Engine's and Girl's were relieved to hear she at least made some friends, Applejack and Rarity especially given how two of them were their younger sisters. Thomas and Twilight brought up Lady as well, revealing what she was doing while obtaining a piece of her hair. "Now that we have a lock of her hair," Sunset said. "We can determine if returning Gold Dust will make her remember who she is again," "I really hope it does," Thomas said. "It'll work," Edward tried to reassure. "I believe it will." "But where will we even find more Gold Dust if it does restore her memory?" Fluttershy asked. Sunset Shimmer went over and sat on the floor next to Thomas leaning against the wall with his arms resting on his knees. "You sure Burnett Stone or Mr. Conductor wouldn't know what to do about Lady?" She asked Thomas. "They would. I just don't know how to reach them." "You could always just go to Muffle Mountain or Shinning Time and ask them yourself," Spike suggested. "We don't know if they'll be there though. And it'll be such a long trip too if I don't end up finding them at first." Thomas sighed, "I wish Mr. Conductor was here. He would know what to do." Both Thomas and Sunset stare blankly at the floor. Then Sunset leaned her head on Thomas' shoulder for comfort. Thomas froze, looking down at her still staring at the ground in a nonchalant manner. He didn't know what to make of this. He felt strangely more relaxed however the longer she remained rested on his shoulder. Gingerly, he rests his head on top of hers. Sunset looks up at Thomas, who was anxiously hoping he wasn't making her uncomfortable. To his surprise, Sunset smiled sweetly at him. Feeling relieved, Thomas smiled back and the two friends remained resting their heads on each other. Percy crossed his arms and turned away, but turned to Pinkie Pie eating a white frosted covered chocolate bar. Pinkie beamed and offered her Party Pal a piece, which he happily excepts, forgetting he was upset as the two friends munch on their bars. As everyone else pondered to themselves, the door opens and in walked Vice Principal Luna. "There you are, Thomas. May I have a word with you outside?" Everyone was alerted and confused. What did Luna want to see Thomas for? He looks at Sunset and the others before getting up and leaving the band room with her. His friends were worried for Thomas, especially Sunset. Did Luna want to see him about something to do with Lady? Sunset then thought about resting on Thomas' shoulder seconds ago. She rather enjoyed it even more after Thomas laid his head on hers. She stared at the floor again but this time smiled to herself, brushing a lose string of hair back behind her ear. "Oh no, I've seen that look on Princess Twilight," Rarity said. "So, don't you start thinking about it either, Sunset Shimmer." "What do you mean?" "Oh, c'mon Sunset," Rainbow Dash chimed in. "We've all seen how you act around him. You think we haven't picked up in it?" "Pick up on what?" James asked. "Just the obvious, amorous correlation brewing between the two," Twilight said, cheekily. "I don't know what you're talking about," Sunset said, hanging her head. Applejack chimed in. "Always sittin' next to him, lettin' Thomas stay at yer place, him singin' to yah, payin' fer his food and vise versa. Ah think it's pretty obvious what's goin' on between the two of you." "It is?" Henry asked. All the Girls began giggling. The Engines had no idea what was funny or what they were leaning towards. Sunset's face turned red. "I think somepony might be head over heels for a certain someone with a number one on his shirt," Spike teased. "Oooo, Sunset Has A Crush On Thomas!" Pinkie exclaimed in a sing song tone. "What? No, I don't!" she said. "You totally do!" Rainbow Dash pointed. "Uh, pff. Darling, it's written all over your face," Rarity joked. "No, it isn't," Sunset blushed. "Of Course It Is!" Pinkie Pie proceeded to point at random spots on her face, much to Sunset's annoyance. "It's Written Right Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, And Here!" "What do you think they're talking about?" Percy asked the other engines. "Something completely beyond your understanding," Gordon said. Sunset tried deviating the conversation. "I don't feel that way about him. Even if I did, I doubt he feels the same way. He sees me more as his friend, just like I do. Besides, he's a Train, and I'm a Unicorn. That just doesn't mix. Right?" "You do have a point," Fluttershy said. "From the looks of it, I don't think Thomas has ever experienced having those feelings, or even knows what they mean." "It's like he's completely clueless," Applejack added. "It's probably for the best," Twilight Sparkle shrugged. "I mean, what does a locomotive even need to feel affection for anyways?" Sunset sighed in disappointment. "Yeah, you're right. I better go check on him." The Girls knew Twilight was right, but also felt sorry for Sunset. Still, they continued holding back their snickers as she left the room. Rainbow Dash nudged Applejack to the Engines. They now began snickering at the Engines, still a bit confused by what was so funny. But then something else came to their attention during the girl's conversation. "Since when was Sunset Shimmer a unicorn?" Edward asked. Twilight and the others exchange several looks, realizing they haven't told the engine's yet about Equestria. "Since always, I guess?" Twilight said. "How is that possible?" James asked. "It's Simple! Pinkie began. "Sunset Shimmer's From A Magical Pony World Were Lost Of Magical Creatures Live, And In That World, There Are Ponies That Look A Lot Like Us Only They're Not Us And Have Lots Of Magic Powers Like We Do, And They Fight All Sorts Of Powerful Creatures Including Sunset Shimmer Who Took Princess Twilight's Crown Which Has A Magical Element Embedded In It That Helps Power Other Magical Elements," Pinkie Inhaled loudly. "So That She Could Take Over CHS By Turning Everyone Into Mindless Zombies And Rule Over Equestria Because Sunset Really, Really Wanted To Be A Princess, But Then Became Our Special Bestest Friend Ever After We Used The Crown Which Also Turned Her Into A Raging She-Demon To Transform Sunset Back Into Her Normal Self Again!" The Steam Team looked at each other, wide eyed and confused beyond apprehension. Where do they even begin from there? "Um, could you repeat that last part?" Henry asked. "Which One?" "Eh, everything after magical pony world." Pinkie Pie inhaled deeply, about to start over the same explanation until Twilight covered her mouth and stepped in. "Allow me to abbreviate it for you," She said, confidently. And so, Twilight went on explaining to The Steam Team the concept of Equestria and how it connects to CHS, as well as a vaguer explanation of how magic came into their world because of Sunset Shimmer and the Element of Magic. "You saw what?" Thomas nearly shouted. Vice Principal Luna brought him out into the hallways to update him on the strange man students have been reporting for the past week. Someone whose been on the hunt for a girl with golden hair. "I saw a man with a claw on his back disturbing some of the students." "Where did you see this?" "Outside in the soccer field. He was leaving right as I arrived. Based on the student's description, I'd say this stranger is the diesel engine Fluttershy and Rarity told Celestia and I about. Diesel 10 is it? The one working with a Genie to destroy our worlds?" Thomas didn't want to admit it, but nodded his head anyways. "Hmm, I thought so." Luna said, stroking her chin. "I'm assuming you knew this was him beforehand as well?" Thomas nodded again, then told her what happened yesterday after his friends from Sodor arrived at CHS, as well as his encounter with the Genie and what he told him about their plan. Luna was a bit surprised. She hadn't seen any of his friends around school yet. Were those boys in the band room his friends? Luna thought. This made her more concerned for Thomas and the others. "I don't know why he's acting this way, Miss Luna," He said. "I mean, sure he can be a bit troublesome, but he'd never actually hurt anyone, not anymore at least. I figured that… that maybe the Genie was making him do all this." "Perhaps he's trying to find Mystic Sprinkles by gaining info off the students. Is that not the reason you're all trying to protect her?" Thomas rubbed his head. "Yeah, but-" "But nothing. I will not allow this man, or diesel or whatever he is, anywhere near my students. IT seems you and everyone in this school are in more danger than we thought." Sunset saw Thomas and Luna talking further down the hall as she walked out from the band room. She stayed by the entrance while leaning against a wall with her arms and legs crossed, and listened in to the conversation. "What are you going to do?" Thomas asked, shyly. "Diesel 10 is not allowed on school property. On top of that, he's been going around frightening everyone at CHS. I know he's from your world, Thomas, but this has been going on longer than needed. I'm afraid I'm gonna have to call the authorities and have him escorted off campus." "No!" Thomas gasped. Luna was taken aback. "I mean, you don't have to do that. I'll go and talk with him. Maybe I can convince Diesel 10 to leave if I tell him what you told me." "Absolutely not. He's out to destroy your world, Thomas. Who knows what he'll do if you meet him face to face." "I'll know. Please, Miss Luna. He'll listen to me. Diesel 10's only around because he has two other diesel engines looking for Lady and is waiting for them to bring her to him. That's all he's here for. But I can convince him to go. Please?" Luna stroked her chin. "How dangerous is this diesel engine? Rarity and Fluttershy made him out like he was some sort of lunatic. I'm not positive I want to send a student out to handle someone like that." "He's not like that. Diesel 10 will leave once he knows about the officers. He won't object to anyone of higher importance than him," Thomas said half telling the truth. He wasn't so sure himself if Diesel 10 could be reasoned with, but he didn't want him to end up being taken away, so he said anything in his defense. Luna pondered over it for a few more seconds. "If you can convince Diesel 10 to leave CHS property, then I'll call off the arrest. You seem pretty confident he'll listen, so I'll continue leaving this up to you and the others." Thomas sighed with relief. "But, I'm still phoning the authorities while you do so. If something should happen while you're alone with him, I want to be be sure it's dealt with right away. Don't take this as me not trusting you. I'm only doing this for your safety, Thomas. You understand that, don't you?" "Yes, ma'am, I do. Thank you, Vice Principal Luna." "In the meantime, I'll inform the police that the situation is being dealt with. However, should they set up an investigation regardless is out of my hands. Do what you must, but be safe, okay?" He agreed, and two went their separate ways. Before leaving, Thomas wanted to tell his friends where he was going, but knew he had very little time to warn Diesel 10 and continued walking down the next hallway. Luna walked by Sunset and stopped in her place. "I'll make sure he's okay," Sunset reassured, leaning up from the wall. Luna smiled with relief and allowed her to catch up with him. Reaching the lobby, Thomas exits the school, stepped down the stairs and walked across the courtyard until he stood in the middle area between the Wondercolt Statue and the entrance. Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer was following Thomas. She came walking through the doors and stood by the entrance surveying him cautiously. He looked to his left at the soccer field. Luna said that's where he was last seen. But he also leaving as she arrived too. If he wasn't there anymore, where else could he be? "Genie said that you'd be looking for me." Freezing up, Thomas looked to his right, seeing who it was that called out to him. Too his utter shock, he saw a man leaning against the wall of the school building with his arms and legs crossed. Thomas instantly recognized the voice and his color scheme upon getting a glance of him. This was him, without a doubt. This was Diesel 10. He turned to his direction, shaking nervously, and approached the man taking one slow, quivering step at a time until he eventually joined him by the wall. "D-Diesel 10?" He got a glimpse of his nasty smirk, and then his entire face as Diesel 10 tilted his head up and looked back at Thomas, still grinning with intrigue. "So, we meet again, Puffball." Every nerve in Thomas' fiber froze with dread. He never got a good look at Diesel 10 in his human appearance until just now. No matter, if he was an engine or a person, Diesel 10 still looked absolutely terrifying to Thomas. His long jacket and worn clothes were ragged; his long brown hair was messy and glimmering grease. He was every bit as uniquely presenting as his original, diesel engine form. Thomas plucked up courage and spoke, waving meekly at him. "Um. Eh. H-hi, Diesel 10." "Hello," He said, casually. He still wouldn't stop smirking. Thomas was too afraid to say anything else. Both continued staring at each other. They had a rough history of schemes that were planned out by Diesel 10 while Thomas and his friends foiled them. It had been a long time since either engine have seen each other. With the circumstance they're both in, the tension building up to their reunion was a little unsettling. All the while, Thomas was wondering what happened to his claw. It didn't see it anywhere on him. Pinchy then slithered out of Diesel 10's trench coat and hung close his face. "You remember Pinchy, don't you?" He asked, patting the Claw's bottom jaw. "Because Pinchy remembers you very much. He's been looking forward to meeting you all again; just as hungry as before." "O-oh? Really?" Thomas stared at Pinchy. The claw remained fixated on Thomas as if it was waiting for a prompt or command to lash out at him. "Let's cut to the chase, Puffball. You're obviously looking for me because I may or may not be after a certain lost engine in hopes of gaining her sparkles and using them to annihilate Sodor and everything it stands for. Right?" "Um, yes? Well, actually that's not the only reason I need to speak with you. Vice Principal Luna saw you bothering some students earlier in the soccer field. She's going to have the police take you away unless I convince you to leave CHS property." "Oh, how noble of you. Trying to save someone who wants to destroy your home and all your friends. You really are a useful engine, aren't you?" "But, why though? Why are you doing all this." "Hmm, could you be specific." "Stealing Lady's magic, forming an alliance with the Genie, and using Gold Dust to hurt other engines. Why are you trying to destroy Sodor, Diesel 10?" He sniggered. "Wouldn't you like to know." "Is it because Sir Topham Hatt sent you away?" "Could be. It's one of the reasons at least." "But didn't he forgive you after what you did?" Diesel 10 shrugged snidely. Thomas grew annoyed by his allusiveness. "You know, if you weren't trying to cause confusion and delay like you always do, you'd still be allowed to work on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway." "Sir Topham Hatt's Railway!" Diesel 10 laughed. He then leaned up and began imitating Thomas. "Oh, look at me, I'm a little blue puffball. I always get my jobs done. I love working on Fatt Hatts Railway. Little engines can do big stupid, stupid, stupid it's all stupid!" Thomas was insulted. "Maybe I just love seeing engines wallow in pain and having their entire being completely stripped from them! Did you ever think of that? Of course not, because you're nothing but a goody tooty little tin kettle." "I don't understand. You used to be a really useful engine. I thought you learned your lessons about causing trouble after the Steamworks and Christmas fiasco?" "The only thing I learned then is that Mr. Fat Hatt doesn't care about diesels. He loves his good for nothing steam engines oh so much. And him sending me away more than proves that to be true!" "No, it's not. Is that what this is all about? Sir Topham Hatt loves his engines; steamies and diesels a like. He only sent you away because you were probably up to your old tricks again." Diesel 10 laughed maniacally, frightening Thomas a little. "If only you knew the whole truth to that little fib. I'd tell you now, but I think I'll savor it when I finally see you and all of Sodor in shambles." "What do you mean?" Diesel 10 chuckled abominably. He knew something Thomas didn't and it amused him all too much. Confused, Thomas urged on to try and convince Diesel 10 of his ways but was interrupted before given a chance to. "If I were sent away because I was up to my old tricks, which I am if you haven't caught on by now, why do you still harbor this delusion that I'm really a good engine?" The Genie must of told him everything. Thomas as surprised at first, but saw his chance to get to the bottom of his schemes. "What about what you did with the Sodor Airport; When we all needed your help and you did so because it made you feel really useful? None of that meant anything to you either?" Diesel 10 crossed his arms. "That Diesel 10 has been scrapped, and restored as the pure all-natural Diesel 10 you now see before you. The way it should be." "It doesn't have to be like that. I know there's still good in you, Diesel 10. Some may not believe it, but what matters is that I'm not going to stop. There's a caring side to you that I know still exist. And I wanna help you see that side again." Diesel 10 pretended to wipe away a tear and start crying. "Oh, boo hoo. Your words have touched this old diesel's soul. I can feel a change of heart. Maybe I should abandon my ways and turn over a new leaf because you believe I'm good inside!" He then leaned in closer to a nervous Thomas while glaring at him. "If you think there's even remotely anything left of what you thought was simply an act of cooperation to avoid getting sent away, which ended up happening anyways after putting it upon myself to be 'really useful' for once, you're only fooling yourself, Puffball, because big bad old McDiesel is here to stay!" Thomas' heart curled up. Diesel 10 arched back up. "But hey, maybe you're right. Perhaps I did change. I mean look at me. I haven't told Pinchy to destroy you this whole time we were talking. And trust me, Pinchy really, really wants to gnaw at you right now. Dontcha, Pinchy?" All the while, Pinchy crept closer and closer to Thomas and gently chomped the air between them. It reclined back and positioned itself beside Diesel 10. "Buuut, I can't allow that. Genie told me to lay off you all and focus on obtaining the lost engine's magic." "He did?" Thomas raised his eyebrow. "I know right? Who does he think I am; A diesel who doesn't destroy steamies? Regardless, you're in the clear, for now." "Well, you still have to leave school property," Thomas said, crossing his arms. "Vice Princapal Luna's already phoning the police right now to take you away." "Is that right?" he grinned. Thomas quivered. He didn't know what he was going to do, or if he'll listen to his warning and leave while he still can. "Fine. I'll go." Diesel 10 hid his hands behind his back and strolled pass Thomas. "Even though they're doing a terrible job, Splodge is on the look out for the lost engine too. Guess there's no real reason for me to stick around until they bring her to me." Thomas fixedly panned around and watched him walk away. His next response was hesitant, but he blurred it out anyways. "You're not going to find her," He said, sternly. Diesel 10 stood in place and pivots to him. "Actually, I already did. She might've slipped through my, uh, hands, but I managed to get some Gold Dust off her. I just need one more encounter to really draw out every, single, last, speck, left." Thomas was surprised. When did he last see her other than their first encounter that led them to CHS? "Also, tell those circus freaks the next time I see them, they'll be getting a word or two from Pinchy after lying to me about your little steamie friends." Pinchy snapped the air ferociously. Thomas gulped. The Genie must have told them they were covering for him and his Sodor friends. Diesel 10 chuckled. "That's right, I know they're helping you locate the lost engine. I also know about their freakish magic tricks, and how they're weak against Gold Dust. Very interesting tidbit if I do say so myself." "I thought you weren't going to hurt my friends?" He turned around and flapped his arms to his sides. "Come on, Puffball. I thought it was perfectly established what kind of diesel I am. I'll leave yah alone so long as you don't save the lost engine. But If you keep trying to restore her memories then I kinda have to do something about it." Thomas gritted his teeth. "You leave my friends alone, Diesel 10!" "Or what? You may have found a way to counteract my Gold Dust, but how do you plan on stopping me from going after those circus freaks when all her Sparkles are mine? How do you plan on stopping me in general even, hmm? Yah gonna rely on your friends to do everything for you?" All Thomas did was glare at him. "I find it interesting that you care this much about them. A little birdie told me they're not as important to you. Makes sense. I mean, I of all engines should know, who'd want to be friends with a bunch of freaks?!" He chuckled. "And those steamies? I thought everyone on Sodor was your friend, Puffball? What happened?" "Nothing! They are important to me. They are my friends. All of them! Don't believe whatever he tells you, Diesel 10. That Genie doesn't know me at all." He turned his back away from him again. "Oh really? In that case maybe I will do this one nice thing, just for you. When I have the lost engine's magic all to myself, the first use of it will be to crush your 'pwecious best friends'. Then, I'll save every last one of those puffballs and circus freaks for the main course!" "No!" Thomas cried. Diesel 10 chuckled in his maniacal laughter and walked away. As Diesel 10 did, he passed by Sunset Shimmer, who leaned against the wall as soon as she heard him approaching. She was hiding behind a corner of the school building and listening in on their entire conversation the whole time. While Diesel 10 was unaware of her presence, Pinchy sensed Sunset and lunged at her as Diesel 10 continued strolling. He grabbed Pinchy by the arm and jerked it to his direction. "Pinchy stop. Didn't you hear what I said? We're not dining today." But Pinchy continued pouncing. It hinged back and munched the air to attach Sunset who stood frozen in fear; trying not to make a sound in hopes he'll just keep walking. "Pinchy what did I just-" As he turned his head to see what Pinchy was chomping at, Diesel 10 saw to his bewilderment a teen girl he didn't know. Sunset's heart began racing as she stared back at him. Diesel 10 turned curiously. He then noticed her red and gold geode locket around her neck. He looked back at her and grew a sinister grin. Sunset did not like the look of her situation. "Hello, Circus Freak!" Diesel 10 crept towards Sunset Shimmer, who pressing herself against the wall, while laughing menacingly as he got closer and closer to her. "Leave me alone!" Thomas was slouching all the while until Sunset's cries alerted him. "Sunset?" Diesel 10 continued laughing while Pinchy glided closer to her face. She turned her head away, shutting her eyes and pressing her forearms together against her chest. Pinchy continued chomping in a ferocious pace in front of Sunset. It's jaw reverberated a heavy mashing noise while releasing sparks and smoke. The scent of oxidized iron, hydraulic fluid and mineral oil infiltrate her nostrils. Heat radiated from the claw's inner workings like a person's breath, only the heat is accompanied by smells of diesel mixed with carbon. Sunset was terrified, all the while Diesel 10 was having the time of his life. "Thomas!" she shouted. Pinchy reclined back ready to lunged at the trembling Sunset. But as the claw was about dive in, Thomas stepped in front of Sunset Shimmer and spread his arms out for cover. Surprised, Diesel 10 grabbed Pinchy by the arm to prevent it from attacking. Pinchy came within inches of Thomas' face. He turned his head away with eyes shut, hearing the claw munching and lunging at him violently trying to get a bite out of anything it catches. Sparks and smoke exhaust, hitting Thomas with the same nauseating scent of oil and carbon. Diesel 10 tried with all his might to pull a crazed Pinchy away from Thomas, successfully lurching it back as the claw slowly began calming down. Thomas' arms remained spread out as he trembled in front of Sunset, who held him by his shoulders just as frightened, but out of concern for Thomas. This girl must be a very special friend to Thomas, Diesel 10 thought. He would've stepped in regardless of whoever it was, but this girl knew him, which meant she must be one of the girls helping him find Lady. He wondered why he didn't see her with the others who misguided him before though. Perhaps she was the one making sure the engines got away while her friends distracted him. She even wore a magic locket around her neck, so she must be with them. She must be the special friend from Canterlot Genie told him about. Knowing this, Diesel 10 bowed down right in Thomas' face, still quivering in fear with his eyes closed and head turned away. He stared at him solemnly with lidded eyes for a few seconds before speaking up. "You won't always be there to protect your friends, Thomas." Thomas opened his left eye to see Diesel 10 looking at him severely. Diesel 10 gave him a condescending smirk after not hearing a response. The look of distress after hearing his threat was all he needed to see. "Remember that the next time we meet," He said, patting him on the head. Diesel 10 arched up and turned away to continue walking down the courtyard. Thomas and Sunset watch as he sauntered his way on. Pinchy however, didn't want to leave just yet and began chomping directly at them again. "Hey, hey, Pinchy. Stop it!" Diesel 10 said, pulling it back. But as he continued walking, Pinchy kept jerking him back to try and munch the two friends. He grabbed the claw and pulled it back again, holding onto the arm while Pinchy still leaped and snapped at Thomas and Sunset. "That's enough! Bad Pinchy. No lullabies tonight unless you behave!" Pinchy immediately stopped and tiled down disappointingly. "Aw, that's a good Pinchy," He said, petting the top jaw. "Come on, I know something that'll cheer you up." As he went back to strolling across the courtyard, Thomas remained positioned with his arms spread out in front of Sunset. He was in too much shock to move a muscle in his body. "Hey. It's okay now," Sunset reassured him. Thomas looked at her then allowed his arms to fall as he exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. Sunset stepped in front of Thomas and gave him a hug, just as relieved. Thomas hugged her back then let's go, holding Sunset by the shoulders. "Why did you follow me, Sunset?" "To make sure you were alright. And that Diesel 10 really didn't try anything." "Oh." Thomas let's go. "I guess you heard all that then huh?" "Yeah. Not exactly looking so good now, huh?" Thomas turned away shamefully, but Sunset turned him back to face her. "Hey. Nothing's changed. We're not gonna let him hurt Lady or any of our friends." "But, what will happen is he still tries going after you? After everyone? He nearly grabbed you a minute ago." "He, might've apprehended me for a second," She said, jokingly. "But we can still handle him. He may have Gold Dust, but we have the Magic of Friendship on our side." Thomas didn't understand what she meant by the Magic of Friendship and continued growing concerned. "I'm worried about them, Sunset. He wouldn't actually destroy us, would he? He laid low on that kind of stuff for a long time. I just thought-" Thomas stopped talking. He was more so asking himself than he was Sunset, but wasn't sure if the answer he knew was one he wanted to be right. "He did try sicking his claw on me, and turned one of your friends into a Husk. So," Thomas watched Diesel 10 leaving school campus until he was no longer in sight. If it wasn't enough for everyone to be telling him Diesel 10 wasn't good anymore, he himself told Thomas straight up that he was never a good engine. Duck was now a Husk and he's slowly but surely closer to gaining all of Lady's magic, which he plans to use on the rest of Sodor as well as the Genie. But even if he wasn't, what's stopping him from being good now? He looks back at Sunset Shimmer, someone who was once in the same boat. If she used to be awful and mean, why can't Diesel 10 realize his wrong doings just like she did? "Hey, if it means anything, I won't stop believing either. It's a bit of a long shot, but If I can be redeemed, then maybe there's still a chance for him as well. It's like I said before, Diesel 10 will come around once he sees what he's doing. He just needs a little guidance; Someone who can show him that there's room for your better self to grow, and discover the most important magic of all. If I know my friends well enough, you, me, and the others can do just that." "You're right! So, does that mean you'll help me with Diesel 10?" "Sure thing," Sunset smiled while bumping Thomas' arm with her fist. He smiled back. "Maybe once he does become good, Diesel 10 will help us bring Lady back home and stop the Genie from taking over Sodor!" "Uh. Y-yeah. That's possible," Sunset said, sheepishly. Although she agreed to see things from Thomas' point of view, Sunset still doubted there was any redeeming qualities left in Diesel 10. Thomas really believed he could be good again because she herself was a prime example of someone who did awful things but turned over a new leaf. All by having princess Twilight and her friends using the element of magic to show Sunset the most important magic of all. The magic of friendship never failed them in that sense, so why should it now? Though it was a risky endeavor, Sunset Shimmer wanted to support her friend as much as she could, even if means getting a power crazed lunatic to discover the true meaning of friendship. "Come one. Let's meet up with the others," he said, walking off happily. Thomas and Sunset leave the courtyard and enter the school. Meanwhile, Diesel 10 saw two civilians walking down the side walk. Seeing the claw mounted on his back, the two ran away as he started chasing after them, laughing manically while Pinchy flops around the air and going berserk. To Be Continued.