//------------------------------// // Chapter 29: Journey To Muffle Mountain // Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome To Canterlot High Chapter 29: Journey To Muffle Mountain It was morning when everyone met by the Wondercolt Statue. The Girls and Engines were all informed about the news regarding last night; About how Gold Dust will indeed fix Lady's amnesia, the Magic Railroad on the verge of falling a part, and Mr. Conductor's instructions to Thomas. He must go to Muffle Mountain where Burnett Stone will provide them more Sparkles for Thomas to refill his whistle, which Mr. Conductor passed on to him. The amount of Sparkles the whistle can contain will be enough to restore Lady back to her former self again. Everyone knew Percy and Thomas were still upset over Mr. Conductor's departure. They were really hoping that he'd be joining them in saving Lady, but the corrupted magic in the Railroad was too much for Mr. C, and all he could do was point them in the right direction. The other Engines were just sad upon hearing about their friend. The Girls felt sorry for Thomas and his friends and comforted the Engines. Though they've never met him before, they could tell Mr. Conductor meant an awful lot to them. "I'm so sorry about Mr. Conductor," Twilight Sparkle said to Thomas. "We all are," Applejack also sympathized. "Poor Mr. Conductor," Toby said, solemnly. "I can't believe how much worse the Magic Railroad is getting." Thomas tried not lingering on it, for the thought only made him more upset. "When will it start tearing our worlds apart?" Henry asked. "I don't know," Thomas said. "It was already affecting Mr. Conductor. So, I imagine it must be happening right now." Everyone was a little frightened by this. The magic could be getting rid of anything connected to the Magic Railroad as they speak. Everything seemed fine at the moment though. If going to Muffle Mountain was the only way to retrieve Gold Dust so they can save their worlds, nobody objected when Thomas offered to go over and do so himself. "Are you sure Burnett Stone has enough Gold Dust to restore Lady's memories?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Mr. Conductor would never lie to us. That's how he got the Sparkles needed to find us in this world. If Twilight's right, this whistle should carry more than what Lady needs." "So, would Burnett have a water well of his own then?" Edward asked. "It seems so," Sunset Shimmer complimented. "Guess he expected another Gold Dust incident, so he built his own water well to provide an extra supply of Sparkles for Mr. Conductor. Pretty smart." Thomas shifted back at the portal that'll take him to the Magic Railroad from statue's base. He inhaled deeply and exhaled, then turned back to all of his friends. "This is it, everyone. As soon as I get her magic, I can return Lady back to The Magic Railroad. And The Railroad itself will become fully functional again." "We still have a genie and a crazed diesel engine to worry about, though," Rarity mentioned. Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Those guys won't stand a chance against Lady once her powers are back." "Maybe Diesel 10 might also give up once he's out of Gold Dust," Percy suggested. "He'll stop going after her if we all band together to protect Lady." "That's what I'm hoping for too, Percy," Thomas said. "Why would Diesel 10 not wanna go after Lady anymore?" James asked. "You don't still think he can be good, do you Thomas?" Henry asked, confused. "Well..." Thomas was interrupted. "Ugh, are we still on about that?" Gordon complained. "He is EVIL, Thomas. Look what he did to Duck. What he almost did to you, Henry, Edward, and everyone else. You think someone like that wants to be really useful anymore?" "Not to mention everything he said point blank about wanting to annihilate everyone and everything," Spike said. "And terrorizing CHS to the point were Vice Principal Luna had the police investigate the whole school yesterday," Twilight said. Toby chimed in sincerely. "Thomas, I don't think Diesel 10's interested in doing what's right. He wants to destroy us all. It might be a little too late for him at this point." Thomas's eyes were downcast. "Maybe, but maybe not. There has to be a way for him to see his own usefulness. Even if it is a long shot, I still have to try." "I know it seems bad now," Sunset chimed, stepping in next to him. "But Thomas has every right to believe this. He has me as both proof and back up." "Uh, you're still with him on this, Sunset? Applejack asked. She shuts her eyes then opens them again. "I am." "Me too," Percy said, also standing by his side. Thomas smiled at his best friends then continued talking. "You and Princess Twilight all gave her a helping hand when Sunset realized what she did. Why can't we do the same again now? If Sunset Shimmer can be redeemed, then so can Diesel 10. And we're going to help him see this." Sunset smiled. It's moments like these she wished Thomas been around much earlier when she was still gaining everyone's trust. He could probably talk a bunch of people into giving her a second chance for attempting to invade Equestria and rule over it's kingdom. Then again, would Thomas still believe in what he's saying right now back then? Although she managed just fine to gain everyone's respect proper by showing her true self and saving her school from magical Sirens. None of that could've happened though if she didn't have her friends to back her up and believe in her. Maybe Thomas is right after all, she thought. Maybe Diesel 10 can find a good side to him after being shown the magic of friendship, and embracing what makes him really useful. But the other Engines and Girls all shared doubtful glances to each other. Though the Girl did play a part in helping Sunset Shimmer reformation, it wasn't likely Diesel 10 will want the same treatment. How do they plan on showing him the Magic of Friendship the way they did with Sunset? Was he capable of understanding it's magic at all, can Diesel 10 accept their friendship? Thomas seemed to think so; by talking some sense into Diesel 10, to show him the error of his ways, and give him purpose again. Will that be enough? Or is it going to take a powered-up Diesel 10 to subdue his actions with other means of showing him the Magic of Friendship? The Engines knew all about Sunset's history at CHS after the Girls told them what Sunset was like before becoming their friend. From what they could understand, Sunset was a bully who put others down and herself above all else, stemming from her desire to rule over Equestria. Thomas didn't know this, but they were also told she's the one who stole Princess Twilight's crown from the pony world, and used it to transform herself into a she-demon and enslave everyone at CHS. She soon abandoned those ambitions after the Girls used Twilight's crown to stop Sunset by zapping her with the Magic of Friendship, in turn making her realize the faults of her actions, and showing Sunset another way, another different kind of magic to harbor. They didn't feel it was their place to bring this up, but Thomas' friends all believed that the Element of Magic might've somehow had a large part in Sunset's reformation. How could she have gone from a conniving school bully, to a power crazed lunatic, to a friendly, happy, and helping person; all after being shot by a rainbow tornado from Twilight's crown? This made the Engines immensely wary of his belief in Diesel 10 if Thomas really believed Sunset redeemed herself through her own desire, and not after her defeat at the hands of Princess Twilight Sparkle. It seemed the only way Diesel 10 would ever have a chance of finding redemption is by having the magic crown zap him too. A power-hungry diesel like him would never willingly seek out redemption. "Just because Sunset Shimmer is our friend now, doesn't mean the same is destined for Diesel 10," Gordon commented. "Not unless you plan on traveling to Equestria on your way," He was about to bring up the crown's magic transforming Sunset until Thomas interjected, not interested in hearing anymore doubts from his friends. "He can be. You'll see." Thomas then thought of a way to prove his stance, but didn't go into detail right now. "When I get back, I'll show all of you that he can be really useful again." Everyone was still in doubt, and now concerned after hearing Thomas' proposition. Even Percy and Sunset, though on board with redeeming Diesel 10, were a little more open minded to the possibility of him not accepting any help from them. If Thomas' plan doesn't go as well, they'd still have to worry about Diesel 10 destroying Lady. There was no foreseeable end to his pursuit even when her power is fully restored again. The Engines thought the Elements would be Thomas' only way of having Diesel 10 truly reform himself. Despite this belief, they said nothing of it to him in case it wasn't accurate. Thomas seemed too confident already that bringing this up wouldn't do much to halt his crusade, not if he already knew all about Sunset's past to their assumption. But, wouldn't it be better to tell Thomas the real truth about Sunset's redemption so they can avoid getting him hurt? Maybe redeeming him is the only choice. That way he won't chase after Lady anymore. None of the Girls knew for sure if it's possible for Diesel 10 to have a second chance either. They wanted to believe there was a light stocked away in him somewhere too. They've even given some of their own foes from the past a second chance before too, but Diesel 10 was a far cry from someone who believed his actions were of pure intentions. Gold Dust doesn't make others lust over it's power. There was no corrupting dark magic behind his actions. Nothing that made him act the way he does in pursuit of his goals. All they could see in him was destruction and mayhem. Thomas turned to the Wondercolt Statue. "Well. Here goes nothing." Sunset turned also, ready to step in with him. This confused Thomas and their friends. "Wait, are you're coming with me, Sunset?" "Yeah. Why?" Twilight chimed in. "Because, if the same rules apply in the Magic Railroad," "Then You'll Become A Talking Cho-Cho Train Just Like Thomas!" Pinkie interjects. Thomas and Sunset stare at each other. She had initially planned to go with Thomas anyways as soon as she heard where they needed to get more Gold Dust. But she hadn't thought about what might happen to her physical form if she stepped into another world that wasn't CHS or Equestria. "I'm sure I can handle it," Sunset said, a little hesitant. "Thomas needs someone looking out for him, anyways." "Diesel 10 could be in there too," Henry said. "He'll need Sunset's magic to protect him." "Will your magic even work in there, Sunset?" Fluttershy asked. "Um, you know, if you do turn into an train?" "Only one way to find out," Sunset said. "Ugh, I can't bare to imagine what my engine self would be like," Rarity commented. "It's probably all grungy and bulky with so many creases and edging that just wouldn't do," Rarity saw most of the Engines looking at her offensively and quickly corrected herself. "Oh," She chuckled. "But, of course you'd all probably look just as fine as well." "You don't have to go with me, Sunset," Thomas said, facing her. "Yes, I do, Thomas. I want to." He looked at everyone, just as apprehensive about letting her go with him. If she does turn into a train, Sunset won't be used to driving. There'll be no telling what type of train she'll become. But the thought of something bad happening to Thomas while in there by himself with nobody looking out for him worried them even more. Exchanging nods in agreement, the Girls and some of the Engines now supported the notion, seeing how dangerous the journey might be if put in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thomas needed someone with him, and Sunset was more than willing to take on that role. "I guess it would be better to have someone looking out for you," Twilight said. "We're just worried for you Sunset. I'm worried." "I know, Twilight," Sunset said. "It's not like you'll have time to learn how to be an engine. Thomas will have to carry or push you for most of the trip." "I'll be fine. Besides, how hard can it be? We've got each other's back if anything does get in the way. Right?" She was more determined to get more Gold Dust than she was worried about what's waiting for them on the other side. "Okay," Thomas nodded. Percy was a little disappointed. Of course, Thomas would be okay with Sunset going with him. Though even if he were asked, Percy wouldn't want to go back in the Magic Railroad again if Diesel 10 was still in patrolling the tracks. All he wants is for Thomas to be safe, and Sunset would be more than able to ensure that, which relieved some stress from his and the others shoulders. "We'll be right back," Thomas announced to the others. "When we do, we'll be one step closer to saving Lady." "And we'll continue watching over her until the two of you return," Twilight said. Thomas and Sunset said their goodbyes and everyone wished them good luck. The two stared into the portal of the Statue. "You got the whistle?" "Got it!" Thomas held it up. "'Kay. I'll go in first," She volunteered. Sunset stepped forward and looked over her shoulder to face Thomas. Both friends shot each other reassuring smiles. With each small step, Sunset backs herself into the portal until she was leaning against the glowing goo encompassing her current physical form and enters further into the Magic Railroad. Thomas exhales a deep breath and waves at Percy and his friends before walking up to the portal. The others wave back until Thomas' arm then his entire body reach inside the Wondercolt Statue's base, and stepped completely in until he was no longer standing on their side of portal. Looking over himself, Thomas found he was parked on the dim tracks in the direction he entered facing the line a head of him. The Magic Railroad remained desecrated, murky, and magicless. With not one engine running on it's line for a while, it appeared gloomy and bleak. It had been days since Thomas stood on his six small wheels. He was so busy trying to act like a person that he nearly forgot what it was like being an tank engine. Thomas was happy to be an engine again. At the same time, it almost felt alarming that he couldn't move any arms or legs, movements that've almost become second nature. It was such a strange contrast. He looked a head and saw something else parked on the tracks. Positioned in front of and facing him was something everyone suspected. Thomas' jaw dropped with shock. "Sunset?!" The impact upon entering made her a bit weary at first. Sunset slowly opens her eyes to find Thomas in his tank engine form and looking both amazed and concerned. "Thomas?" She said, gaining consciousness. "What is it?" She looked over at Thomas still gawking at the site of her. Sunset quickly caught on what he was so mystified by and tried examining her appearance to see what she looked like. However, the only direction she could really face was directly at Thomas, up and down, left or right. She tried turning her head, shifting her body, or reach her hand out to Thomas. But she couldn't do either motion. Looking down anxiously, she could see only two stumpy buffers and a small, light blue cowcatcher. Sunset stared distressingly back at Thomas, who noticed she was starting to freak out a little more than anticipated. They both knew what she was now. "I'm, I-I'm" Thomas cried out for her. "You're an engine!" Inspecting her new engine form, Sunset Shimmer was now an "N3" Vapor Beyer Peacock type 2-6-0 locomotive. Her funnel and smokebox were painted the same pattern as her hair with reds and brilliant yellows. The base of her boiler, cab, and tender were painted a light amber color. Her driving and tender wheels were painted a deep red. Coupling rods, axle boxes, cylinders, valves, pistons, and the roof of her cab were all black. Her small cowcatcher pilot was painted bright blue with yellow creasing, along with some teal on the railings surrounding the top of her tender. Lastly, a Red and Gold Lantern placed above her face and in front of the funnel glistened brightly. Thomas was impressed. This was in deed a very unnatural feeling for Sunset. Everything felt delicate and condensed in terms of mobility or any form of movement due to lack of any limbs, like she was restrictively leaning forward and resting her hips on a bike designed in a slant positioned. She was dense and hollow at the same time. There was a sense of substantial weight added to her too. This was all just as alien as her first time entering CHS by a mile stone. Her first time being a human wasn't nearly close to comparable. Now she had a pretty good idea how Thomas felt when he arrived at Canterlot High. "What do I look like?!" Sunset asked, trying to stay calm. Thomas chuckled. "Amazing!" "Really? I feel weird. It's so condensed, and heavy. Is this what being an engine is like?" "Not really. Then again, I wouldn't really know if it does feels weird." "Right." "Although, being a tank engine again after a whole week of having arms and legs does leave a very noticeable difference." "I'll just have to take it in while I can." Sunset tried examining herself. "Are you sure I look alright?" "Yes. You look wonderful, Sunset. I haven't seen an engine like your since the Great Railway Show." "Thanks. I think?" She felt a bit flattered. He was probably just being nice like he always is, but she couldn't help but wonder if he really meant it in a demonstrative sense. Sunset reminded herself this was no time for idling but couldn't shake her head to dismiss these thoughts either. Sunset tried moving towards Thomas, but quickly found she couldn't. "I can't move," She grunted. Sunset tried moving her wheels again, only nudging herself a smidge with each tug. For him it was all natural, but as Thomas watched her struggle, he knew she was having trouble. Thomas remembered his own struggle standing on two legs. It wasn't easy at all, and it doesn't seem to be any easier for Sunset to pick up on how to drive yet. "Try going backwards," He suggested. She does so, but to no avail, only nudging herself forward with little to no progression. Sunset eventually gave up, respiring a breath of frustration. No matter how hard she tired, Sunset could not get her wheels to move. "This isn't gonna work. I'm only gonna be in the way at this point." She sighed. "Twilight was right. I don't have time to learn all this engine stuff. Not when we're so close to saving Lady." Thomas felt bad for Sunset. She's only been an engine no more than a minute or two and she's already deciding to give up? Sunset must have overestimated her adaptability and figured being an engine would be just as easy as it is for Thomas, or even when she first became a person. She had to learn a lot in order to adapt at being human. It took a lot of time to figure it out on her own before excelling at it. She took up many activates that required fingers. Being a person was a tough start, but Sunset could barely move as an engine. They'd much rather fast track their mission after all wouldn't they? But Thomas remembered what Sunset said moments ago about having each other's backs. Maybe this is where that comes into play. "Can you pull me back through the portal?" She said, ashamed. "Let's just tell the others going with you wasn't such a good idea." Tooting his whistle, Thomas drove up and shunts himself into Sunset Shimmer by bumping into her. Their buffers meet one another and his couplings swing over and latch onto her. Thrown off by Thomas' collision, Sunset stared back at Thomas just as does, seeing he needed to bash her to get his connecting chain attached to her hook. At this point, Sunset expected Thomas to take her back to CHS, feeling defeated in her self-assumptions. Worst of all, she wouldn't be able to aid Thomas like she hopped to. She's been helping him out this whole time and wanted to continue doing so even now. How will he ever find his way to Muffle Mountain on his own? She wanted to keep him safe and make sure he makes it back. It seemed as though Sunset was in no position to do so this time. Instead of pulling her though the buffers, however, Thomas smiled playfully and instead kept on chuffing forward, pushing Sunset along with him as he built up strength and pace. Sunset didn't know why he was pushing her instead of taking them through the buffers. "Maybe you just need someone to give you a little push in the right direction," He smiled. A grateful Sunset smiled, despite wanting to object to his decision to carry her. Seeing him focus all his heft in getting them going mystified her, however. And so, she said nothing as they made a steady pace along the tracks. Since she couldn't move, Thomas had to do most of the heavy hauling and was already putting in so much effort to heave her down the track. Thomas will wear himself out if he's not careful. But he kept on going. She worried for Thomas' efforts to push her all the way to Muffle Mountain, which could take a long time until they don't find the right tracks. Thomas wasn't going to let her give up just yet. He'd much rather have her with him now since she decided to come. Also, seeing Sunset struggle with driving prompted him to help her out. It was going to be a long while before Sunset could get used to being an engine. All they did during the first portion of their journey was look at their surrounding, from their left to their right, and then at each other for a much longer period. This was Sunset's first-time seeing Thomas as a tank engine. It almost captures his personally a bit better than his human appearance did. He had six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler and a short stumpy dome. His bright blue paint was the only thing visible in the dark railroad other than her own. Though she had a tender, making her longer than Thomas, Sunset was still pretty short compared to his height. They met evenly face to face but Thomas' boiler reached a foot higher than hers. Not by a lot but certainty enough. They almost match how they stood next to one another as people, with Thomas being centimeters taller than Sunset. Eventually, they came across the switched tracks that led Thomas to CHS. Thomas applied his brakes and the two engines came to a stop. Sunset could see the other path on her left. She also saw a gaping hole above her and branches slowly re-growing to fill in the exposed breach. The thorns were charred, bits of smoke billowed off with tiny ignites of fire clinging to the branches. Sunset asked which way went where. Thomas pointed to the tracks behind her as the ones leading to Sodor. The other set of tracks to Sunset's left, however, was a path he didn't know about. Seeing it as the only other set of tracks they've come across so far, they agreed that those were their best bet. Thomas chuffed further up until he passed the switches. The points turned left, and with a heave and a tug, Thomas pulled Sunset Shimmer down the left side of the tracks. There wasn't much to see or do in the Magic Railroad. Everywhere was just a tunnel of thorns. While puffing, Thomas began looking at Sunset even more than he did at his surroundings. He was happy to have her tag along. Thomas didn't realize how much he appreciated Sunset's company until just now. Having someone with him to protect and help with directions made his journey all the more valuable. Since they were such good friends, it wasn't a surprise to either that they felt right going to Muffle Mountain together. He had never felt more grateful to have a friend like Sunset Shimmer. Sunset stared at him as well, happy to see him remain so cheerful through this whole ordeal. He had Sunset and her friends to thank for keeping his spirits high. Whenever something went wrong, it brought Thomas down to a level of doubt and regret. In the end, all he needed to boost his confidence and assurance, not only in himself but onto others as well, was his new friends. By treating him as a good friend, Thomas was able to bounce back whenever he felt down. And much like how she's been supporting him and lifting his spirits, Thomas encouraged her to stay with him by offering to push and pull her around. One of many acts he could do in return for being a good friend. Seeing something a head of her, Sunset told him to stop. Thomas puts his brakes on and comes to a halt. They were parked right were a set of switched tracks laid. One going left, the other right. "There's another set of tracks facing two different directions." "Another?" Thomas said in shock. "Which way should we go now?" Sunset asked. Thomas wasn't so sure. This was the first time he's seen another set of switched track on the line. He didn't know where either of them went. There weren't this many directions on the Railroad before. Last time he was on the Magic Railroad back when it's magic was lost, all he had to do was chuff down a straight line that ultimately lead him to the top of Muffle Mountain. But this time their destination was Burnett Stone's workshop, which is inside the mountain itself. Then, he came up with an idea. Thomas closed his eyes and concentrated real hard. Sunset looked at him perplexedly like he was having a brain freeze. "What are you doing?" He opened his eyes. "When I found the last set of switched tracks on my way in the Magic Railroad, I was about to go down the left line to search for Lady. I was really close to doing so too, until I felt something." "What was that?" "I felt something pulling me back. It stopped me from moving on, almost like it was telling me to go down the other line, the one that leads to Canterlot High. The more I continued going down the left tracks, the more I kept feeling this strange urge to go right." "That is strange." "It is. That's how I ended up in Canterlot High. I think it might've been Lady's Gold Dust calling me. It did take me directly to her, after all." "So, it wasn't just a coincidence that lead you to our world. You think your connection to the Gold Dust was what brought you to Canterlot High?" "That, and the Sparkles Mr. Conductor gave me. I had a lot more then. So, my connection must have been a lot stronger. That's why I was able to feel them guiding me where I wanted to go." "It could've also just been gravitating back to Lady because she's slowly losing her magic. We don't know if it can track anyone else that doesn't have Sparkles on them." "Mr. Conductor found me in Canterlot by using his Gold Dust to track my location." "That's cause you're carrying Gold Dust, Thomas." "But, He told me that everyone's connected to this place as well. He warned us that it'll soon starting doing what it almost did to me and my friends and destroy anything connected to the magic. Doesn't that mean we can find anyone using Sparkles?" "I don't know. Maybe?" She said, uncertain and a little frustrated. Sunset and Thomas pondered for a good minute until Sunset came to a conclusion. "Maybe, by having a strong desire to find Lady, the Sparkles you're carrying guided you straight to where she was located. Which means, if you use the Gold Dust you have left now," "I can find Burnett Stone by concentrating on what I want?!" Thomas interjects. "Just like how we use it to counteract the dark shadow!" "By wanting it to!" They both say in unison. Realizing they repeated themselves again, the two chuckled for a bit. "Only," Sunset questioned. "Why didn't it work earlier when we were searching for Lady?" "I think because I had you and the others searching with me. Maybe I just relied on all of us instead of worrying about finding her myself." "Well, It's worth a shot. Let's see if that's the case," Sunset smiled, confidently. Thomas smirked and shuts his eyes again, focusing on finding Burnett Stone while Sunset waited with anticipation. If he's making more Gold Dust, surely that should also give him some kind of leverage. After a while, Thomas beamed when his eyes finally open. This made Sunset eager, he must have a fix on where to go. He started puffing back slowly down the tracks heading to the right, nearly coming to a stop after the surge began to diminish. Concentrating real hard, Thomas tapped into the Gold Dust's power and focused in on what he sought. The energy boiled inside. Thomas kept going down right, waiting to feel any indication, any spark that'll correct or confirm his direction. As he continued chuffing cautiously, the same impulse he felt urged him to continue where he's heading. Thomas built up speed and zoomed down the line excitedly. They were going the right direction. The two friends smiled as they made their way down the line. "How will we know if we reach any buffers?" Sunset asked. "I can't really see anything past you from this point." "I guess we'll know once we wind up in another world." "Preferably Muffle Mountain though." "Right." Thomas and Sunset giggled. "Don't worry, Sunset. We should be there soon enough. So long as there aren't any more switched tracks, we'll arrive at Muffle Mountain in no time." Their questions were soon answered. Approaching what's presumably a set of buffers, they heard a distorted blaring sound of train whistles and a large, circling spiral of gold manifests behind Thomas. The two friends charged towards the buffers and braced for impact, now finding themselves entering through the portal and onto the other side. If Thomas' instincts were right, then they would be arriving at their destination. The two came to a complete stop as soon they were through, then started up again with Thomas reversing backwards while Sunset remained coupled up to him from the front. It was dark, quiet, and stuffy. Thomas suspected they were in a tunnel. They could make out stone all around them in a horseshoe shaped structure. Sunset could see a small glimmer of light past Thomas and pressed him to proceed with caution. He does so, puffing down vigilantly until the stone walls surrounding Thomas' left side and the roof above them came to a stop when they reach the end of the tunnel arched with straight sides. They could tell upon entering that the place had a lot more space. It was still dark regardless of any tunnels blocking their view and the sheer silence began to worry them. Thomas spots the source of the light Sunset saw from a dusty colman pendant dangling from the ceiling. The light was casting down on a workspace studio. There were two work bench tables clustered with an abundance of different paraphernalia. Various repair, crafting, and cleaning tools were laid about. Metal crates, wooden bricks, and other such old and used welding clutter were scattered all over both desks. Schematics, diagrams, and blueprints were posted up on a wall close by the benches. Thomas bumps into a set of buffers against the wall. Sunset was only halfway past the tunnel while Thomas was well exposed. At first, they began to wonder if they were in the right place, Thomas saw a drawn portrait of Lady chuffing down a grassy field with the sun beaming on her smokebox. "Sunset, I think this is it. We're in Muffle Mountain! This must be Burnett Stone's workshop." Before Sunset could say anything, another light flickered on from above and shined down on them. The entire workshop was now lit up, making the area a lot less dark than it was moments ago. They could see more train repair apparatuses and random items stationed all about the place. Wires, cords, and rope hung from the roof. Stools, buckets, and cylinder tanks laid against the stone wall and all over the floor while collecting dust. Thomas then saw someone standing next to a light switch by a jagged rock entrance. Thomas immediately recognized this man. They wore a brown leather jacket, a mellow apricot colored button-down dress shirt, and beige chino pants. He walked up to the two engines with each step echoing off the serrated stone walls of the cave. "Burnett? Burnett Stone!" Thomas said, happily. He reached the two engines and forced a feeble grin. "Hello, Thomas. It's good to see you again," he said, in a monotonous tone. "It's good to see you too! You know, considering what's happening and all." Burnett hung his head with eyes half-closed. "Yes. It is unfortunate. How safe is she? Is Lady alright?" "She is. Well, at least as well as Lady can be." Thomas hesitated for a moment. "You see, Lady lost her memories of us, even being an engine." He sighed dejectedly. Thomas reeled back on her dire state and tried sounding optimistic. "But, our friends are looking after her until we return with more magic. The Gold Dust you'll give us will help Lady remember herself again." "Thank you, Thomas." Burnett said, looking at him. "I'm relieved to hear that." "I'm really sorry about Lady, Sir," Sunset said. He turned to her. "Who are you?" "Sunset Shimmer. Nice to finally meet you." Burnett examined her perplexedly. Sunset was confused. "You're not from Sodor, are you?" "What gave that away?" she joked. "The livery is too, unconventional. The paintwork on the smokebox and funnel aren't," "Uh, Burnett?" Thomas interrupted. Caught off guard, he looked at Thomas and nodded leisurely. "Right. Sorry." Sunset was a little offended. "So, does that mean you know about the other worlds the Magic Railroad's connected to?" Thomas asked. "I do now. Is she from one of those worlds?" "That's right," Sunset said. "I'm from Canterlot High." "Canterlot High? You're just a student?" "Well, I'm actually from Equestria. It's a kingdom filled with different magical creatures. I was born and raised as a magical, talking unicorn until I ran away to an parallel universe where everything there looks the same but instead of being ponies, we're people." Burnett's eyes were the widest and most bewildered they've ever been. Sunset chuckled sheepishly. Her explanation did sound more outlandish than even Pinkie Pie could have put it. "Sunset's been helping me with Lady, Burnett," Thomas said. "Along with all her friends back at Canterlot High." "Well, that's good. We'll need all the help we can get." He examined Thomas' cab, half expecting Mr. Conductor to climb out. "How did you find my shop?" "Apparently, Gold Dust can trace where Sparkle sources are located. I used them to find which way Sunset and I needed to go." "Hm. Mr. Conductor said something similar about tracing their location. Said it would use up all his magic. Guess he was right." "He also said you're making Gold Dust now?" Sunset asked. "That's right." He said, walking over to one of his work benches. "After last time, I searched for spots nearby the mountain for a water source. When I did, I built a well on top of it. If the conductor family ever ran out of Gold Dust, they'd just come to my shop to restock. Lady creates the shavings needed, and they'd be mixed into the well. Creating a fresh batch of Sparkles." "Gold Dust is made by mixing shavings with well water?" Burnett nodded. He then held a granite plate with a thin scoop at the edge, which caused the sound of wind chimes to scatter with each movement. "I haven't seen any wells in Canterlot though," Sunset said. "How did Diesel 10 manage to get a hold of one after taking some of her magic?" Burnett Stone walked over to them. "He didn't. He's been using it as is, which isn't how Gold Dust should be handled, as I'm sure you've seen." Thomas directed him to his cab where the whistle was stored. "Well, he won't be using them to hurt our friends anymore once we return Lady's magic." Burnett climbed aboard and grabbed the whistle hanging off a valve. He paused for a moment to reflect what Mr. Conductor told him during his visit. "Mr. Conductor said the Magic Railroad is falling apart because of his influence. Instead of giving life to our worlds, he takes it away. And now the Railroad sees that as it's only function. It'll keep on running that way until there's nothing left." Burnett climbed back down. "Gold Dust, whether mixed with well water or not, is still at it's most powerful even in the wrong hands. But it's most effective when they're as pure as Gold itself. That's what Diesel 10 doesn't understand about the magic. Using Gold Dust raw is part of what's caused the Railroad to crumble. It'll end up destroying everything, including him too if he's not careful." "Good thing we've been using the pure stuff then," Sunset said. He then holds the whistle up close to the granite and gently pours out every spec into the whistle until there was none to be added. Burnett then held onto the whistle tightly, clenching it close to his face with his eyes closed shut. He opens them again, then walks off. "I'll be right back," he said, taking the whistle with him. Thomas and Sunset watched him leave through the jagged entrance until he was no longer in sight. The two sat there for a while, talking and celebrating their achievement. Mr. Conductor's whistle was now stocked Gold Dust once again. And with his whistle replenished, they can bring its magic back to Lady to restore her memories and return her to the Magic Railroad. "Burnett seems a bit... vacant," Sunset whispered, searching for an appropriate word. "He's just worried about Lady. She means an awful lot to him." "I guess. But he knows this stuff will save her. I don't know, maybe show a little enthusiasm or something." "I get it. It's a little complicated. You see, Burnett has a lot of fond memories of him and his wife. I think Lady was what brought them together. So, he gets rather upset when something bad happens to her." "Is his wife, you know?" Before Thomas could say anything, they hear foot steps echoing off the cave walls. Burnett walked back into the shop, both with Mr. Conductor's whistle and another dangling from his right hand. This one was an antique brass whistle shaped like Mr. Conductor's but a lot smaller and with a string of rope wrapped around the ring hook as a necklace. He held out the old whistle to Thomas and exhaled a glum breath. "This was a gift I made for Tasha… I told her that when Lady's up and running again, she could use it when we go for a ride. She didn't see a need to keep it. So, she gave it back to me, hoping I'd cherish it forever, in case Lady never..." Burnett cuts himself off. The two engines look at each other. Sunset's question to Thomas was answered. "I've always held onto it. Kept it close. But now I have to let it go… I want you to have it, Thomas. I filled it with Gold Dust, in case either of you get lost." They accept it, as Burnett Stone climbs back into Thomas' cab and hangs both whistles on one of his valves. He climbed back down then went up to place a hand on Thomas left bumper. After shaking his head, he looks up at Thomas. "I can't imagine what Lady's going through. She's been... isolated from the outside world for so long. And now she's even more alone then ever." "She still has you though," Sunset assured. "Thomas, myself. All of us. None of us are giving up on her." Burnett looks over and nodded to Sunset, appreciating her help. Sunset smiled back. He then turned back to Thomas. "Please, Thomas. Bring her back. Save our worlds, save the Magic Railroad. Save Lady." "I will, Burnett," He said, determined. "You can count on me." Burnett Stone smiled. Blowing his whistle, Thomas chuffed forward while pushing Sunset back into the tunnel. Sunset sees Burnett Stone waving back at her. Unable to wave in return, Sunset shoots him a reassuring smile until they disappear in the darkness. Thomas builds up speed and charges through the buffers until both engines disappear through the blaring portal of gold. Back on the Magic Railroad, Thomas and Sunset Shimmer puff down the murky railway line. Its thorns appeared thicker than before. No light is able to shine through the crevices. Both engines were able to make out a purple color of light gleaming between the crooks and crannies of the lianas tunnel, but that was all they could see. Thomas had his eyes closed again, looking like he's concentrating on something. "I think we know where we're going at this point," Sunset joked. "Diesel 10's been running on the Magic Railroad to destroy our worlds." Thomas opens his eyes, "What if I used the Gold Dust to keep them from crumbling? I can keep the railway running long enough until Lady's back." "It's worth a shot. How much do you think you have left?" "I don't know. That's what I'm trying to find out. I might have used it all up looking for Burnett." Thomas closed his eyes again then opened to find and feel nothing different about the Railroad. Thomas groaned. He was sure it would've done something, but it looks as though he was now all out of Gold Dust. There wasn't any surge in him that pointed where they needed to go anymore either. Good thing they had Burnett's spare whistle in case they do get lost. As they rolled down the line, Thomas began thinking about Lady, and what she told him about being teased by other students. None of that didn't sound right to Thomas. Was it because of him that she thinks that now? Why would everyone at CHS tease her? Could it just be her memory acting up and wasn't thinking straight? Thomas didn't know for sure, but Lady seemed very convinced of such. "Did you know Lady was being bullied by other students?" Thomas brought up. "No? Why would they do that?" Sunset asked. "I don't know. That's just what she told me. Apparently, they've been making up stories about her. Because she doesn't remember anything, they think she'll believe anything said to her." "That doesn't sound like something CHS students would do. I mean, I'm sure there are a few but, wow, I didn't know any of that. Now I feel even more awful for how were approached her." "Yeah," Thomas said quietly, thinking about his last encounter with Lady. "She seems to get along with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle though." "Why do you think that is?" "Maybe because they actually treat her like a person, and not as a source of powerful magic or someone's punching bag." "Lady did seem very happy with them." "We all thought she was still alone before you and Twilight told us about them. Even if she is having a hard time, Lady has them keeping her company at least." "I guess so." They reach the switched tracks that took them to Muffle Mountain and proceeded down the tracks. "I have to wonder," Thomas said. "If the same would've happened to me had I never met you and the others. Would everyone pick on me too because I didn't know any better?" "I doubt it. You're pretty good at making friends. It's just how you are." "You'd think so. But, when I first came to CHS, I was very lost. I didn't know anybody or knew how to act like a person. I was ready to give up. I figured Lady couldn't be in your world, so I was inches from stepping back into the portal." Sunset continued listening with investment. "On top of that, the job just felt so big. I couldn't find Lady in one night and it was enough to make me wanna go home. I thought, perhaps, Mr. Conductor chose the wrong engine." "Mr. Conductor chose you because he knew you'd get the job done." "But I almost gave up, Sunset. I didn't want to cause anymore confusion or delay. If Lady hadn't shown her light, I would've gone back to Sodor." "Then everyone and everything would've been wiped from existence," Sunset said, bluntly. Thomas was taken aback by the harsh statement, only because she had a point and didn't want to admit it. "You didn't know what you're doing because you were doing everything alone. You spotted Lady right before you left, but It's because you had us that you were able to find her. I'm not positive you'd even still be standing had we not met." Eventually they found the switches facing down Sodor and back to Canterlot High. Thomas puffed up past the switches and came to a stop. But Sunset kept on talking. "I'm going to say what I did the first night you stayed at my place; You are a good person, Thomas. And you see the good in others. Remember when I wanted to go back because I tried moving once and thought it couldn't be done? Instead of agreeing and sending me back, you took me with you to Muffle Mountain." "Nah, I couldn't let you to go back without getting a feel of it first." "And that's why we stuck by your side. My friends and I saw someone we couldn't stand to see accomplish this on their own. We couldn't let the magic corrupt you or your friends, and you couldn't shake us off from stepping in for a friend who more than earned it. Face it, Thomas, we were kinda destined to run into each other." Thomas sighed then smiled warmly. How did he get so lucky in deed, in finding a friend like Sunset Shimmer? "Thank you, Sunset. You really know how to say it as it is." "That's just my style," Sunset smirked. Thomas then thought of something. "Speaking of which, why don't I leave the rest of our journey home up to you?" "What? B-but, I can't," Sunset was about to object until she looked at Thomas, raising a brow and shooting her a disapproving remark. She eyes the ground nervously. How was Sunset going to move let alone push Thomas the rest of the way? "Just give it a try. I believe in you, Sunset Shimmer." She looked at Thomas, then down at his buffers. If he believed in her, then she'd be more than willing to try. Sunset closed her eyes, hoping it would help channel her concentration, and forced herself to move forward. She grunted and groaned through gritted teeth, putting in all her effort to make herself move. "Come on. You can do it," Thomas said. Struggling and straining, Sunset opens her eyes and exhales a breath of exhaustion. Then closes them again and pushes herself onward. A creek of her wheels nudged forward once, then again, then again, and again, until they rotate into a full spin. They rotate some more. Pressing her buffers against Thomas', Sunset then puts in all her strength to push him. Her face was red, smoke billowed from her funnel and steam hissed from her engine. Finally, they started moving slowly, heading down the tracks to the right lane. Though they weren't moving at a fast-enough pace. Sunset was to busy concentrating to notice they were moving at all. Thomas decided to give her a little boost and reversed down the line while pulling Sunset. They were now at a pretty consistent pace. She looked at him, confused and rather annoyed. "Am I suppose to be pushing you or what?" she asked. Shooting her a sassy smirk, Thomas shuts off steam and bumps into Sunset's buffers, giving her a bit of a jolt. She was irritated at first, until Sunset realized she was the only one driving. Her wheels kept chuffing down the tracks as seamless as moving two legs. Thomas wasn't moving backwards anymore. His funnel wasn't blowing smoke and there was no steam being made. If he wasn't pulling her, then Sunset must be pushing him all on her own. "I'm doing it?" She said, excitement building. "I'm actually moving!" Thomas laughed. "See, I knew you could do it!" Feeling accomplished in their mission and her new-found ability, Sunset started laughing too as she built up more speed, this time jolting Thomas a little too. "Whoa!" Thomas laughed. The two engines charged down the line and thundered along the tracks until they reached the Magic Buffers. Bright, glaring gold and train whistles echoed all around. Sunset Shimmer pushed them through the magic portal and back out to their world, where an unexpected guest was waiting for them. To Be Continued. In Memory of Peter Fonda. Thank you for sharing the magic.