//------------------------------// // Chapter 35: Universes Crumbling Pt.2 // Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome To Canterlot High Chapter 35: Universes Crumbling Pt. 2 Everyone was now saying their goodbyes. The mood was solemn and depressing. Some tried remaining cheerful while others found it hard to crack a grateful smile. Sir Topham Hatt & Principal Celestia stood by the portal leading to the Magic Railroad watching their engines and students hugging, tearing up, laughing, and talking. Even though he didn't admit it, Sir Topham Hatt felt sorry for his engines. A lot must have happened with them here. And the attachment they grew to the girls strongly showed. Arms crossed, Celestia looks over at Sir Topham Hatt gripping his collar with a dry demeanor. "You sure this is the best thing for your engines?" Celestia asked. "I am," He said. Looking back at her students and Sir Topham Hatt, Principal Celestia sighs then speaks her mind. "Listen, I know I'm not a railway controller, but doesn't it seem a bit unfair having them turn back when we're this close to saving our world?" "You don't understand. I know these engines more than the back of my hand. I know their needs and desires, what kind of engine they are, and their potential to be really useful. All this magic nonsense is far beyond what I'd consider something they can handle." "They seemed to be doing fine from what I've gathered." "I appreciate your observation, Celestia, but after hearing what almost happened Thomas. I just, can't allow something such as that to happen again." "Even with my students and all his friends looking after him?" Sir Topham Hatt gazes at her. "Especially so." Celestia raises her brow then the two go back to supervising the whole group. "I can't afford to lose them," Sir Topham Hatt admits. "These engines and I have been through many trials and tribulations. I've seen them at their best and their worst. But no matter how much confusion and delay there is, I still care for them. And I'd do just about everything to make sure they avoid making any regrettable mistake on a daily. You understand that at least, don't you?" Celestia paused for a while, thinking about everything he said then spoke. "I may have a responsibility for my students. But that doesn't mean I should restrict what they can and can't do. I've taught many who have walked away from my school learning something about themselves that led them to a bright future. If they believe in what they can accomplish, what they can become, then that's all I can ask for. So, if you ask me, you're not getting the best out of your engines by forcing them to do something against their interest. But, that's just my two cents." Sir Topham Hatt shied away. "Funny you say that. I've uh, I had this job switch event set up. To give my engines a chance to try different jobs. It went well at first. Until, you know." "I do. And you still want to bring them back? That's unfortunate." Taking note of her comment, Sir Topham Hatt stares shamefully at random spots then goes back to surveying the Campus. Fluttershy and Henry finish their hug, still holding onto each other's arms as they let go. "This has been the most fun I've had, Fluttershy," Henry said. "I'm so glad I got to spend most of my time here with you." "Oh, Henry. That makes me so happy to hear," She said sweetly. "I enjoyed spending time with you too." "You know, after my visit here, I can't help but appreciate my forest now more than ever." "I wish I can see it one day. Even just one little trip is all I'd ask for." "Maybe one day you can visit. And we'll travel around Sodor's forest together." Henry then looks at Sir Topham Hatt. Upon hearing this, he turns to them and shakes his head. "Oh," Henry eyes stare down disappointed. Out of nowhere, Fluttershy hugged him again with tears welling up. "I'm going to miss you so much." Henry does the same feeling tears building up himself as he hugs her back again as well. "So, will I," "Well," Applejack said. "Ain't this just a darn shame? And Ah barely got a chance to really know y'all." "I know," Toby said solemnly. "It would've been nice to learn more about each other." "Least ah got to know you," She smiles. Toby smiled. "Same with you, Applejack. You know, I really did enjoyed working on your farm. Especially after, well, you know." "Don't you go frettin' about that still. You know better now and that's what matters." Applejack then rested her arm on Toby's shoulder, watching all their friends saying goodbye to one another. "You keep workin' hard when yer gone now, yah hear?" Applejack commented. "Don't matter if yer a tram engine or no, be happy with who you are and be the best at what you can do. Never forget that. Okay?" "For you, Applejack, it'll always be on my mind," He smiled. Applejack playfully flicks the tip of the straw she gave him. Then they chuckle together trying not to let the situation gloom on them. Rarity was adjusting Jame's jacket making it look more pristine to her liking. James just stood there and allowed her to add her own flare to it. She knew best when it comes to appearances and didn't object against it. James and Rarity then found each other gazing at one another. Rarity finishes up and steps back. "Thank you, Rarity, for trying to make better clothes for me," James said. "I think I should be the one thanking you, remember?" Rarity said. "Why yes, that's right," he said proudly. "Why don't you remind me again, so that I won't forget the next time." Rarity smirked. "Thank you for making my fashion show a success, James." "My pleasure!" Her smirk fading away, Rarity began feeling upset. James couldn't help but feel a bit emotional himself. The two looked at each other. They couldn't come to grips with saying goodbye. Seeing water build up in her eyes, James stepped forward and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Rarity." Rarity didn't respond. All she did was hug him back tightly, holding back her tears. While everyone was hugging and connecting, Gordon and Rainbow just stood with arms crossed looking at random spots. They weren't much for mushy goodbyes and weren't quite sure what else to stay to one another. "We had a good run you and me," Rainbow Dash said finally. "We most certainly did," Gordon said. The two still stood there awkwardly rubbing their heads. "Um, so, good luck on pulling that Express thing." "Ugh, I don't need luck. I am the fastest engine on Sodor. Luck has nothing to do me being fast." "Just like magic has nothing to do with me being faster than you, right?" She said crossing her arms. " "Only in your dreams, Rainbow Dash. I can be just as fast no matter what I am." Gordon then smiled. "And, I wouldn't have appreciated it more, If you hadn't taught me so." Rainbow Dash and Gordon smiled to each other. Rainbow Dash bumped his arm playfully with her fist. They couldn't keep it to themselves anymore. As they looked to make sure no one was watching, Gordon and Rainbow Dash embrace in a hug. "Be Sure To Eat Lots Of Candy When You Get Back. And Remember To Laugh And Have Fun. And, And," "I will Pinkie, I will," Percy chuckled trying to slow her down. "There's Just So Much We Haven't Done Yet. So Many Parties We Didn't Get To Have, So Many Sweets You Haven't Tried," She gasped. "We Wont Be Able To Finish Our Rescuing Lady & Our Universeses From Certain Doom Celebratory Celebration Party!" "Oh. Right." Percy was feeling upset the more Pinkie reminded him of this. "How Can We Have The Party Now If You're All Gone? Aw. And There's Not Enough Time To Make It A Going Away Party." "Well, I'm happy I got to do most of that anyways." "Really?" Pinkie said enclosing her hands together. "Of course," He smiled. "Every time I felt down, you were able to make me laugh and take my mind off my problems. I never knew how much fun being a party pal could be until I met you." Pinkie Pie bashfully teetered on her heels with her arms behind her back, starting at random spots as Percy does while rubbing his head. Then she spoke. "Percy? Promise Me You'll Still Be My Party Pal Forever? Even When You're In Sodor?" Percy smiled. "I Pinkie promise." Welling up with tears, Pinkie Pie then bursts into a crying fit grabbing Percy in a tight hug. Percy warned her she was hugging him too tight but couldn't get a word to her through the stream of tears spewing out. Meanwhile, Thomas, Edward and Twilight were saying their goodbyes while watching Pinkie Pie squeezing Percy in her grasp. Thomas then notices Sunset writing in her journal to Princess Twilight. She stopped for a minute and says goodbye to one of the engines. Then as they moved on, Sunset went back and reads over Twilight's response. Thomas watched her all the while, trying to build up courage to approach her. "You know," Twilight said to Edward. "I'm not sure how this would've turned out if you weren't there giving me confidence." "Oh, I'm sure you would've come around eventually. You are very smart, Twilight. All I did was give you a little push in the right direction." "And that was exactly what I needed. Thank you, Edward." "Always happy to help!" Spike hopped and wagged his tail happily. "Don't forget me. I helped to you know." "Why would I ever forget you, Spike?" She smiled while leaning down to pet him. "When I still could never ask for a better canine companion." Edward leans down and pets Spike as well. Twilight looked over at Thomas still watching Sunset. She was about to get up and check on him until Emily stepped in next to Thomas. Twilight smiles and goes back to petting Spike. Emily stares in Thomas' direction seeing what he's looking at then back at him. "What's the matter, Thomas?" She asked. "Oh. Hi, Emily." "I'm sorry we couldn't convince Sir Topham Hatt to let us stay. It may be unusual, but this place seemed like a lot of fun." Thomas slouched. "It is. But there's nothing we can do about it now." "Is something else bothering you?" "No. It's nothing." "You sure?" She could tell something was definitely up. Thomas leaned up again. "How's being a person so far?" Emily hid her arms behind her back and kicked the ground softly. "It's still very strange. How long did it take you to get use to it?" "I don't remember. After I met Sunset, I sorta stopped worrying about," Thomas stopped talking. He was reminded right then and their how difficult it was being a person. It wasn't until Sunset came into his life did Thomas not feel as abnormal about being a person. This suddenly dawned on him and made Thomas even more visibly up set. Emily gazes back and forth at both Sunset and Thomas, then points at her. "Is that Sunset over there?" Thomas hung his head and nodded. "Why haven't you gone over and said goodbye yet?" "We had a fight. I said some things to her and now Sunset's upset with me. I'm probably the last person she wants to talk to right now." "Was she mad at you last time you spoke? After you've had your fight?" "A little. She was more sad than angry I think. I, I made her cry." Emily was shocked. What did he say to make someone cry? He'd never go out of his way to upset anyone. This fight between them was out of left field for her. But, Emily continued talking him through it. "You are sorry for what you did though, right?" "Of course, I am." "Well, maybe she just needs to hear you say so." "But I don't know how to tell her. What if she doesn't except my apology? I want to fix our friendship. But, I'm not sure if she does." Emily felt sorry for Thomas. "I don't know what happened between you two, but you seem to care an awful lot for her. And I imagine she does too, right?" Thomas looked at her. "If she cares about you as well, then I'm sure Sunset will want to hear what you have to say." Thomas looks back at Sunset. After a while, Emily went and patted his back reassuringly. "Now may be your only chance to find out." Emily was right. He had to fix things between them. Inhaling and exhaling, Thomas builds up courage and heads towards Sunset, passing all his friends still saying their goodbyes. Some notice him and realize where he's going, stepping out of his way and allowing him to walk through. Thomas had his eyes set on Sunset reading over her book then closing it. Then, her attention was brought to Thomas, now standing right in front of her. At first, she didn't do anything, and neither did he. She remained frozen for a few seconds while holding onto her journal halfway tucked in her satchel. Letting go, Sunset then stood firmly with her arms crossed and stared angrily at Thomas. She knew he was here to explain himself in some manner, seeing how contrite he appeared, and wanted to hear what he had to say. Worrisome, Thomas stared back seeing her angry eyes piercing his. He didn't know how to properly begin. What could he say after what happened? Knowing that something needed to be said, Thomas finally spoke up. "I know who you really are, Sunset. Actually, I always knew. But I let my own judgement cloud my thoughts. You were nice to me from the very start. Anyone else would've probably turned their backs on me. But you didn't, because you wanted to be my friend." Sunset said nothing and continued staring firmly at him. "I'm really sorry for what I said. Discord may have had a hand in it, but it was still me who said all those things. And that wasn't right for me to do." Emily and everyone paused and watched them talk, anxious to see what her response will be. Thomas rubbed his head. "It wasn't the magic in the Elements that made you who you are now. It was you all along. If I wasn't tricked into thinking Magic changed you, I still would've thought you changed for the better, even after all the awful things you did. Because even though Diesel 10 will never be good, that doesn't mean I have to stop believing in those who want to be." Sunset stopped glaring at him but her arms remained crossed. "I just… I just hope we can fix this somehow. Or maybe some other time when we're both ready to make amends. I don't want our friendship to drift apart. Not after everything. Not like this. But, if you want to stay mad at me, I understand. Just know this; I don't see you as the power-hungry monster that ruled over this school. I see you as Sunset Shimmer, my best friend from Canterlot High. And I always will." Sunset's arms fall to her side. Where did this come from all of a sudden? How did this unexpected flip change his perspective? Sunset was confused at first. But after hearing everything he said, she felt a little less angry with him. He sincerely meant everything he said. Even so, she didn't know how to respond to this. A part of her wanted to be mad at him but knew this never would've happened if Discord came between them. Even after finding out the acts she committed, Thomas was still willing to forgive her, it was just the concept of magic warping her personality that steered him down the wrong path. Sunset still wanted to be his friend. Seeing him opening up like this what she'd hoped for. Her best friend from Sodor, the one she eagerly wanted to be friends with, still has belief in her. Here she was thinking that their friendship wouldn't be the same again. It will be, but for different reasons. And now, Thomas wanted nothing more than to make amends for his mistake. Thomas then takes the magic whistle off around his neck and held it dangling by the string in front of him. He stares dejectedly at the whistle trying to hold back his tears. "I'm sorry, Mr. Conductor." Sunset was confused again. Elegantly, Thomas stretches his arm out to her. Sunset was shocked. He was now offering her the whistle. Thomas wanted Sunset to complete the job. "I really am glad to have met you, Sunset Shimmer. And I hope one day you'll forgive me. Just like someone once did for you." She looks at her satchel where her Equestiran book was tucked away. Then looks at the whistle and Thomas' glum face. There was a long pause. Nobody said anything. Sunset Shimmer has always been glad to have met Thomas as well. To hear and see him having to leave right as they were about to save their world only now just dawns on her. The realization that they've reached the point they've been building towards was finally taking its toll. Only, she pictured this a lot differently then how it's playing out. Sunset agreed with what Thomas said, about leaving their friendship to drift away, about leaving things as they were now. She didn't want that either. And seeing him so depressed not only because Thomas had to leave, but to leave all his new friends and his best friend from Canterlot High behind too, made Sunset want to mend their friendship now more than ever. Before he had to go; before they can possibly never see each other again. He couldn't be here with them anymore. Thomas had to pass on the whistle to someone he trusted. If this was a sign of any regret and a means to ask for her forgiveness, passing on his important job, to give her this whistle specifically, this may very well be it. Sunset stepped forward. Still examining the Whistle hung from Thomas' hand. Eventually, with palms open, she hesitantly reaches for the whistle. Back inside the school, Students were hustling and busting down the hallways trying to get to their class. One of these students, Flash Sentry, was happily making his way to his locker. Then there was trouble. Flash Sentry stopped and stood in the middle of the hallway. He gripped his head as a huge pain began seeping in. His vision became blurry. A tunnel of black encircled and closed in on his line of sight. He teetered and swerved, his head feeling much lighter and his legs became brittle and weak. He found trouble keeping his eyes open. Finally, Flash collapses to the ground, dropping his bag and causing books and notes to spill out. Everyone close by immediately stopped, pointed and gasped at the boy now lying motionless on the floor. Some students gathered and inspected him all over. One of them shouted for someone to get a teacher. Vice Principal Luna and Miss Cheerilee show up just in time and knelt down next to Flash. "What's happened to him?" Luna asked. "We don't know!" Said one of the students. "We just saw him passing out." "Call the hospital now!" Cheerilee nods and gets up to leave. Then, Flash started groaning as a slithering shadow cast begins covering his jacket and peels off stitches of fabric along the seam in it's wake, damaging and leaving ripped shreds hanging loose. The dark shadow manifested from the sleeves and spreads all through out his arm, turning even darker the more it slowly began covering the rest of his being. Everyone was surprised and terrified. "What in Canterlot?!" Luna exasperated. Out of nowhere, Miss Cheerilee began feeling dizzy until she too collapses on the floor. Luna looks over and sees a dark purple beginning to manifest on her vest, tearing away seams of the fabric while she groans in pain. Just as Flash was. Luna couldn't believe what she's seeing. What could be causing all this? What kind of Magic could do such a thing? Then, another student fell to the floor; her clothes being torn while a shadow slithers over her. Another student falls over too. Then another, then another, and another. All being covered and torn apart by this dark umbra. The students grew more terrified as more and more of them were dropping by the second. While everyone kept falling, the ones still up and about screamed and ran away. The whole school was now in a panic. The hallways were a stampede of teens running and crying all while they continue dropping left and right, some tripping over as they ran and found themselves also being eaten by the darkness. The CMC, supporting a weary and confused Mystic Sprinkles, back away into a corner nervously to avoid the onslaught of teenagers running disorderly, confused and worried by the sudden ruckus sweeping the whole school. The floors were covered in students and faculty members motionlessly consumed in the darkness. The lockers were also deteriorating as well, turning into rust and rotting away by the second. Everywhere in the school was covered in shadows and withering away. It was utter chaos. From outside, everyone was alerted to the loud collective screams coming from inside the school. The cries and shrieks confused and terrified them; Principal Celestia the most. Nobody knew what was going on. Thomas and Sunset looked at each other trying to guess who it could be. Discord or Diesel 10? Or worse; the Magic Railroad? If Thomas didn't return Lady's magic yet, then the Railroad is still falling apart. And it was kicking into high gear this very second. Just then, a flashing light appears out of nowhere. And floating right in front of Thomas and Sunset Shimmer was none other than Discord himself. No human, or train form, just Discord in all his glory. "Never fear, good citizens! For I am the answer to all your turmoils." The girls gasped and the engines screamed. Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia didn't know how to feel. They've never seen such a creature before. To see what Discord really looked like frightened Thomas a little. Nothing of this inconceivable monster is possible to imagine on Sodor. "Discord!" Sunset glared. "Sunset Shimmer!" Discord said cheerfully. "How very nice to finally meet you." He teleports beside Sunset and slithers to her left and right side as he spoke. "Although these are rather unfortunate circumstances, when this is all over I hope we can let bygones be bygones and really start connecting on a personal level. Any friend of Twilight Sparkle is a friend of mine after all." Sunset steps away from him. "We are not friends. Especially not after everything you said to Thomas." "Oh, are you still on about that? You really need to let go of the past, Sunset. It's not healthy to linger on things that once where." Sunset was fuming. Everyone else glared at him as well. Except the engines. They weren't sure who this strange, terrifying looking creature is. Discord's attention was brought back to Sir Topham Hatt and the other engines. "Now this is interesting," he smirked. "I figured you'd all be on your way to Sodor by now. I didn't have Sir Topham Hatt find his way here only to have him not force you all back home where you belong." Emily gasped. "He knew Sir would send us back home." "So, it was you who told us where to go?" Sir Topham Hatt said. "In deed it was! Thank goodness I did, otherwise you'd have never found your way here." "Wait, who is this?" James asked. "And what does he want?!" Henry said shaking in his feet. "Discord," Twilight surmised. "The Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony." "He's been a pain in Princess Twilight's neck for a good while before his reformation," Applejack said. "Only it seems he's up to his old tricks again," Rarity said. "Just So He Can Take Over Sodor And Do Whatever He Wants!" Pinkie said. "And now he's looking to get his butt whooped again," Rainbow Dash said. "That thing is from the pony world?!" Gordon expelled. "He is. Discord's the one behind everything," Twilight said. "This is all falling into place because of him." "Ah, just as clever as the real Twilight Sparkle," Discord says teleporting next to her. "Nice to see there isn't much contrast between the two of you." "You mean, he's the Genie?!" Percy said frightfully. "Not a genie," Toby said. "But something much worse." The engines were even more scared now. They've officially met the 'genie' in all his entirety; the creature behind all of this. Twilight was feeling a little hurt by Discords comments. Nobody knew what was to come next. As if things couldn't get any worse, a familiar voice caught everyone's attention. "Hello, Puffball!" Walking towards them was Diesel 10 with Splatter & Dodge not far behind. He must have shaken off the animals, still as determined as ever to steal Lady's magic. Thomas and Sunset glare at him. The engines quivered, the girls readied their guard along with Sir Topham Hatt & Principal Celestia. Diesel 10, Splatter & Dodge rejoin Discord, teleporting to them then bowing his arms towards the school. "She's all yours." Diesel 10 looks over at the school. Canterlot High was now decimating from the looming shadow that covered most the west side of the building. Windows cracked, bricks turned grey and crumbled under the overcast. The horse gargoyles and other metal structures rusted away. The grass around campus dried and shriveled up until every turf willowed away into nothingness. Celestia and the girls watched with grief over their school slowly withering away with everyone inside still screaming. Screams that soon start diminishing as nearly everyone in the school was now under attach by the accursed darkness. Diesel 10 grins, gaining enjoyment from seeing this school falling to the Magic's corruption. "Thank you, Genie. But Puffball here has a much fresher batch of Gold Dust. One that I still plan on prying from him. One way or another!" Thomas grips the whistle protectively. As Diesel 10 made his way over, a flashing light teleports him into Discord's eagle claw grasp. "The name, is Discord! And we had a deal," He said pressing his eyes against his. "One I shall see to it you fulfill whether you like it or not. So, what's it going to be?" Diesel 10 glared then shied away. "Fine. I'll get the stupid engine's magic first." "That's right. And if I didn't make myself clear after your first reckless attempt, allow me to make myself clearer this time. I see one mark of that thing's tooth anywhere on that girl." Discord snaps his paw fingers making Diesel 10 disappears. He reappears again, this time panting while inhaling and exhaling exceedingly. He was pale in the face and shivering with fright. Wherever Discord sent him to, it certainty straightened him out. "Are we clear now?" He asked gravely. Diesel 10 continued panting, too shocked to answer. "Good!" Discord smiled. "Glad we've come to that agreement." He let's go of Diesel 10, sending him falling back on the ground and landing on his stomach. "I should also probably mention that I am laughably aware of your deceitful motives for me. So, don't be surprised if you find yourself back in that dimension the second you do anything seditious." Diesel 10 struggled to get up, leaning on his arms as he scowls Discord before getting back on his feet, still staring angrily at him while Discord smirks with pride. "Splodge, let's go." Before they follow him, Splatter & Dodge look back at everyone giving them nasty looks. They almost didn't want to go with him, until Diesel 10's booming voice alerted them back to him. "Now, Splodge!" They look back angrily at Diesel 10 already making his way towards the school. Splatter & Dodge check on Fluttershy one last time, looking at them with concern, then turn away and followed after Diesel 10. Disappointed, Fluttershy slouched. Thomas wasn't having it. "You're not gonna get away with this!" Impulsively, Thomas chased after Splatter, Dodge and Diesel 10 running straight towards the entrance. Discord smiled and snapped his fingers. "Thomas, wait!" Sunset called. In a flashing light, Thomas went from being a human, to transforming back into his original Tank Engine form. His wheels clanged as they hit the ground hard digging deep into the pavement. He was a train again! Everyone gasped in utter shock. Thomas was just as surprised. How did Discord manage such a thing? With the magic slowly destroying everything, it was clear that they lost their connection to the Railroad, which meant nothing could protect them from Discord's magic anymore. "Thomas?" Percy said. "Now that your tank is deprived of Gold Dust," Discord said. "I get to do whatever I want with you." Glaring a head watching Diesel 10 enter the school, Thomas pushed and pushed with all his might to move forward. His wheels began turning, breaking apart the cement as they rolled along slowly through the rough ground. Discord flies in front of him and creases his face with the finger tip of his eagle paw. "Still determined I see. I think what you need is a little time out." He floats back up in the air. "Maybe a closer look of what Sodor will become thanks to your incompetence will make you see the bigger picture." Thomas stood scared and repentant while Discord goes to snap his fingers. Sunset sees the two whistles dangling from Thomas' buffers. Impetuously, She sprints towards him reaching for the whistles. Twilight Sparkle cries out to her, stretching her arm towards them as Sunset reaches Thomas. "Sunset, No!" "Thomas!" Sir Topham Hatt cries. Sunset grabs hold of Thomas just in time before Discord snaps his fingers. Within a flashing light, both Sunset Shimmer and Thomas disappear completely. Everyone's jaw dropped. Thomas and Sunset were gone, along with the magic whistle. "What? What have you done to my engine!" Sir Topham Hatt called. "Oh relax. They're back on Sodor. When I need Thomas and his whistle again I'll just pop them back here." "You are going bring them back here right his second, Discord!" Celestia demanded. "I'm sorry," He said tauntingly. "But you're not the real Celestia. So, I don't have to take any orders from you." "Discord!" Twilight called. Just Then, Fluttershy began feeling dizzy. Everyone quickly caught on to this. She weaved back and forth until falling on the ground. "Fluttershy!" The girls cried. Everyone gathers around Fluttershy, motionless with a dark yellow shading covering and manifesting from her boots, creeping up and tearing away the materials. Discord gasps at the sight of Fluttershy being torn away by the dark shadow. "Fluttershy!" Henry cried. "NO!" Then Rarity passes out as well, groaning and being covered in dark purple shadow also manifesting and tearing away her boots. "Rarity!" Rainbow Dash shouts. Both Fluttershy and Rarity were being consumed in the Magic's corrupted, dark umbra. Everyone was in distress. They figured out pretty quickly why there was screaming coming from inside the school. The dark shading was spreading like a virus. What could they do though? The only way to fix this is if Lady is fully powered again. But the only object that can fix this is gone now. Along with the Tank Engine and Pony who traveled across the Magic Railroad to get it. Without hesitation, Discord snaps his fingers and the dark shading disappears; both on Fluttershy and Rarity. The engines and girls felt relieved. There wasn't any shadow spreading anywhere anymore. Henry sits on his knees next to Fluttershy and wraps his arm around her head, lifting it gently as she slowly begins opening her eyes again. The black tunnel cleared and a grateful Henry focuses in on her sights. "Fluttershy!" Henry said excitedly. "H-Henry?" She said jadedly. "Is that you?" "It is, Fluttershy. It is." James went over and inspected Rarity, who leaned up while rubbing her head also trying to regain consciousness. "They're all right!" James said astounded. "You, you saved them?" Twilight said to Discord in disbelief. "Why?" Discord examines Fluttershy recovering from her near fatal fall to the magic's corruption. He then turns away from the group and examines the diminishing school. "The Magic Railroad is destroying our universes. At this rate, there isn't going to be anything left standing much longer." Everyone fearfully watches as the west side the school, now nearly gone, being consumed in darkness and continuously spreading through out the rest of the building. "What was Thomas thinking putting everyone's safety aside in favor of refurbishing his friendship with Sunset?" He looks over his shoulder. "Rather selfish if I do say so myself, wouldn't you agree?" Everyone glares at him. They knew what he was trying to do and they weren't about to fall for it. Things were only going to get worse now that Diesel 10's influence on the Magic Railroad is taking it's affect and operating as it was under his run of the line. As soon as Diesel 10 has Lady's magic, Discord now needs to figure out a way to steal it back from him and use it on another engine. But time was running out. An engine needs to run the Magic Railroad. By the time Diesel 10 returns with Lady's magic, Canterlot and Sodor will be lost to the darkness. There was only one thing that could be done now. Discord then begins cracking his knuckles and stretching his back. "No matter, looks like I have no other choice then to keep this world afloat myself now." With the snap of his fingers, the west wing of Canterlot High was fully repair again. No shadow loomed over and destroyed the structure. The grass was green again, the horse gargoyles where as shiny and gleaming as ever, and every brick and window remained together and solid. The screaming heard from inside also went away. Everything was calm. Everything was back to normal. "There!" Discord said cheerfully. "Now nothing can succumb to the dark magic." Before Fluttershy, Rarity, or any of the girls and engines can express their mixed gratitude, everyone was alerted to a city bus being torn by the shadow. It swerved and screeched then drove straight into a street light, knocking it over onto the ground. Snapping his fingers again, Discord repairs the damage, but with his own twist. Instead of turning it back into a normal bus and street lamp, the bus turned green, grew four stubby, webbed feet, and a long tail with scutes along the top and roof. The alligator bus wobbled away with people still inside while the street light, now with elegant eagle wings, few away into the sky. "What are you doing?!" Twilight said. "Oh right. You see, I am a spirit of chaos, not a spirit of keeping things in check. If I'm going to use all my powers to maintain some kind of balance I have to slip in 'some' chaos to even it out. You don't think that's fair?" "But there'll be nothing but complete disorder. Either way, you'll end up destroying everything in this world." Discord stroked his goat beard. "True, true. I suppose I could just let the Magic Railroad tear everything apart then." "Just bring back Thomas and Sunset so they can return Lady's magic!" Rainbow Dash said. "Not happening. You'll just have to wait for Diesel 10 to return before I can allow that. Besides, what I have planned for your world will be a nice sneak peak for your little engine friends." He flies up and floats above the center of campus with his arms spread out. "I give you; chaos, in all it's glorious disharmony!" Using his magic again, Discord's raises his arms in the air and his palms glow a bright light as Discord's chaotic magic spreads throughout their vicinity. Pinkie Pie held her bag of gummy bears from earlier noticing it glaring a bright light. Pinkie drops it on the ground when the bag began to jitter and bounce, watching the baggie stretch out then break as the gummy bears inside grew in size. Petrified, Pinkie Pie and the others watch as they grew bigger and bigger, growing so large they exceeded about two stories tall. There weren't that many in the bag, but as they finished growing, six giant beastly gummy bears now stood alive and moving with one slamming it's stubby foot on the ground causing the area to shake a little with each step. A red gummy bear sees the terrified group and roars a thunderous growl. Pinkie Pie gasped and pointed. "THE GUMMY BEAR CREATURES!" The giant Gummy Bears roar again while stomping around campus. "All of you," Sir Topham Hatt instructed. "Inside the portal, quickly!" But as he goes to touch it, his hand wouldn't seep through it. "What? What's going on?!" Sir Topham Hatt places his other hand on the surface but it wouldn't let him in. The portal was closed for good. None of them could go back home. Twilight Sparkle noticed this and went up to try the portal leading to Equestria. It too wouldn't let her through as she felt around the surface for any means of getting in. "The portals are gone!" Twilight cried. Before they knew it, more and more chaotic nonsense began appearing everywhere. Discord chuckled all the while, watching the engines, girls, Sir Topham Hatt, Celestia, other nearby students and civilians now running about all over campus evading all the chaos popping out of nowhere. An inside out umbrella appears in Discords hands as he lays it on his shoulder. "I believe today's forecast predicts; A New Reign of Chaos!" To Be Continued.