Thomas & Equestria Girls: Welcome to Canterlot High

by LPFanFic


Chapter 40: Aftermath

Thomas & Equestria Girls:
Welcome To Canterlot High

Chapter 40: Aftermath

Half an hour pasted since Discord's defeat and harmony restored back to Canterlot High and Sodor. When the Girls and Engines combined their magic with Gold Dust, all the previously transformed town houses, stores, and other buildings reverted to normal, along with any other chaotic influence running a muck, which have now subsided and degenerated to how it was before Discord's magic populated the streets. Some locals were left confused, as they could've sworn the whole city was in a mess moments ago. After a beam of light covered the skies in gold, there wasn't anything out of place that altered the town's citizens and their environment anymore. Weirder still, it all felt more like a dream, one that everybody seemed to unanimously share.

Everyone at Canterlot High was working hard to clean up the mess. The Engines and Girls, with Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia supervising and assisting, went around making sure everything was truly back in order. Luna stayed inside the building to care for the students and faculty. Staff members did their best to supervise the students while Luna tended to the locals who hid inside during the whole commotion.

Bringing them back outside, Vice Principal Luna tried reassuring them the best she could despite their persistent questioning. Even with Principal Celestia arriving to check in on things they continue demanding answers. But the bystanders soon began calm, revealing to not even have any memory as to why they were inside the school to begin with. Luna and Celestia took advantage of this and convinced them otherwise. The authorities arrived at one point as to ask questions but eventually left after they were allowed to investigate the school inside and out; only to find nothing out of the ordinary.


Meanwhile, Lady walked to the middle courtyard and sat on both knees. To her surprise, she saw Burnett Stone's brass whistle still laying on the ground. She picks up and stares at it in her open palms. He must've given it to Thomas and Sunset during their trip to Muffle Mountain. This made Lady think about Burnett and how worried he must be for her. She gripped the whistle tightly in her hand and pressed it to her chest and softly spoke his name.

"Burnett."

After helping to clear the mess, the Engines all gathered together, still mourning the loss of their friend Percy, who was now stuck somewhere in another dimension. And with Discord gone as well, the only means they had to him back, there was no way for them to reach Percy. Sir Topham Hatt, Celestia and the Girls did their best to comfort them despite how shaken up they were themselves. Sunset looked over to Lady watching them lament only to turn away when she did.

Lady hung her head in shame, still hugging Burnett's brass whistle clutched in her hands. Sunset walked over to Lady, who got back up on her feet as she reached her. She noticed Lady lowering her arms to reveal the brass whistle in her now open palms.

"I guess Discord knew I wouldn't give up my magic so easily," Lady said. "He kept playing along to his own little game until we retaliated."

Both examined and heard faint clattering from the Gold Dust still left inside.

"So, what exactly happened to him again?" Sunset asked.

Lady lowered her arms. "Discord was sent back to where he came from. He won't be able to enter your world or Sodor ever again. We can be sure of that."

"And the gold, magical light filling the sky?"

"Must have been barrier that reshaped itself around your dimension."

"We did all that without you running the Magic Railroad?"

"I guess so," Lady shrugged. "Combining Gold Dust with this world's magic must have unlocked a dormant ability. I can still use my Magic to power things here without being on the tracks."

"That's sounds about right," Sunset said, stroking her chin. "Which also means no one will be taking over the Railroad anytime soon, seeing how you have a pretty extensive reach."

Lady grew more excited over the thought and possibility of this. Without her running the line, Sodor and other places connected wouldn't be able to remain standing. But now it would seem Lady can travel just about anywhere and still keep the plain of their existence alive and well.

"But I'm sure the expert herself would know for sure if that's the case," Sunset continued.

Caught off guard for a moment, Lady grinned bashfully.

"There's so such more to its power that I haven't discovered. Just a few years ago, I learned there are other worlds connected to the Magic Railroad. And since then, I've been trying to reach them using the Sparkles."

"Guess you could say their peak really is limitless," Sunset smiled, crossing her arms.

"Yes!" Lady nodded in agreement. "I mean, curing my amnesia? Who knew that would work?"

"Twilight Sparkle did for a start. We were just gonna wait for your memories came back," Sunset said, "until she studied the Sparkles herself and the effects they gave off. That's pretty much how we figured out Gold Dust would cure you."

The two looked over to her standing by the other Girls and Engines.

"Seems like you and your friends learned more about Gold Dust then even I could," Lady said.

Then their faces fell upon seeing them still broken up over what transpired prior to their victory. Lady started feeling overwhelmed again. She couldn't help but feel responsible for getting everyone corned by Diesel 10 to begin with.

Lady looks over to the Wondercolt Statue, and sees Thomas sitting on both knees by the portal to the Magic Railroad with his arm leaning on base's edges. She turns worriedly to his direction, then walks over to Thomas and sat next to him. Sunset stayed behind and kept her distance, however. Then she saw a glass jar with some Gold Dust inside by the Wondercolt Statue and goes over to investigate it.


Sitting to his right with knees to her side, Lady tried looking at Thomas, tilting her head to meet his face but found only dismay and grief. Thomas' head leans up and stares at the portal.

"Is there any way we can search for him?" He asked, looking back at her.

Penitent, Lady's eyes shut and shook her head.

"It would take to long,"

"But you can still try?" Thomas interrupted.

"I-I can, but. We don't even know where,"

Thomas sighed dejectedly, half expected this response. More so, Thomas knew he couldn't ask Lady to do all that for him. She was right. It would take to long and she wouldn't know where to start looking. Lady was worried for him though. So, she plucked up determination.

"I promise, I won't stop until I've searched every last world I can reach until I find him. It won't be easy, but since I'm the only one with the power to do so, then I'll use them to search for Percy."

Thomas perked up a skosh. "Thank you, Lady."

"After all you did to save me, It's the least I can do."

"It's everything. And if you're going, then so am I. We can find him together!"

"No, Thomas," She said, soothing his cheek. "You're needed on Sodor. Besides, you've done all you can already. Leave this to me."

Her hand slips away from is cheek as Thomas turns and hangs his head again. All he could think about was Percy disappearing though Discord's portal and taking Diesel 10 with him. Picturing it still made Thomas more upset.

"I know what he was trying to do. But, I wish he didn't." Tears began welling up in him again, "Now my best friend from Sodor is missing. Maybe forever."

Lady felt bad for him even more now. She looked over at Sunset, just as downhearted from hearing him say this. Lady could only explain their events in regards that'll make sense for him.

"I'm not saying it's a good thing, but there's nothing we could've done otherwise had Percy not done what he'd did."

"But, I'm sure there were other ways we could've stopped him," Thomas paused and wiped away a few tears.

With Thomas' eyes finally drying up, he started thinking what would've happened if Percy was with them, celebrating instead of grieving together. If Discord was still making things difficult even after Percy's banishment, there was a strong likely hood the odds would still be against Thomas and his friends. Their persistence would never end. Not unless something was done to end it completely.

"I guess, he really did give us a chance," Thomas remarked. "Percy must have known we would've come together. One way or another, we all ended up helping out in some way."

"Just like you promised," Lady mentioned.

There was a long pause. Her words dawned on him. Thomas did make that promise to him. And just like all his other commitments and undertaking, he fulfilled each one of them, achieving so with the help of his friends from CHS and Sodor. Thomas appeared glum while reflecting this. All this time he wanted to save Lady and his home. But now that he's accomplished so, all he wanted now was his best friend back. Lady tried changing the subject if only just to take his mind off the thought for a little while.

"Thomas? Thank you for saving me," She said, coyly. "I'm very happy you did, even thought I wasn't the easiest person to deal with."

"Only a tad," Thomas commented.

Lady scoffed a chuckle while shooting him a witty stare. Thomas allowed a subtle smile but quickly fell. She tried meeting his face again.

"Our worlds would've gone, I'd be gone, had you all given up on me."

"But we'd never do that," he said. "You needed us more than you knew, Lady. You needed someone to show who you are and what you're meant to be."

She smiled proudly. "And you did. Only true friends can bring out the best in you. And I'd say each and everyone one of us has done just that."

Lady winks at Sunset listening intently upon hearing this, like somehow this was related to her and Thomas in a way. Sunset smiled bashfully. Lady then placed her hand gently back on Thomas' cheek and directed his face to hers. Baring an empathetic smile, she reiterates something Lady once told Thomas during their first meeting.

"Helping each other, brings to life the magic in all of us."

Remembering that moment, Thomas finally smiled as both gazed happily at each other.


Sunset went back to fiddling with the jar of Gold Dust.

"You're gonna wanna brace yourself," She warned Lady.

Sunset reached inside and pressed her finger tips against the last scrap of Gold Dust clinging to the bottom and pulls them out to examine them. Instead of gravitating towards Lady, however, the clattering sparkles light up and floated in a thin stream off her fingers and into the the statues' base; towards the portal that led to Equestria. Splashing onto the surface, the portal began glowing and a rippling wave flowed. Sunset was surprised. Lady and Thomas were also alerted by the flowing, radiant base.

Suddenly, a girl came plowing through the portal with both arms shielding her face before flailing them about as she trips over herself.

"Whoa! Ooh."

Losing her balance, she bumps into Sunset Shimmer with a grunt and thud on the ground. Both laid on top of each other dazed and confused. Recovering, the girl leaned on both arms and stared at Sunset, whose eyes gape open and grinned upon seeing who bumped into her.

"Twilight?!"

Twilight Sparkle heard Sunset say her name and called back.

"Yes?"

But she turned only to see another girl who looked just like her leaning on top of Sunset.

The girl had the same violet eyes and pale, light orchid skin. She had the same long, dark sapphire hair with moderate purple and brilliant raspberry streaks, which flowed out instead of being tied up in a pony tail. She wore a light blue, buttoned blouse with a pink butterfly bow tie, a purple skirt with a printed, six-pointed sparkling pink star surrounded by five small white sparkles, and purple and black boots with pink socks and a diamond pattering.

The other girls looked over as well and gasped.

"Twilight!"

They all got up and ran towards Twilight and Sunset, getting back on their feet as they happily greeted the princess. Human Twilight was very confused and surprised. The Engines especially were just as surprised, sharing collective glances and wondering who that girl was suppose to be. It was apparent then that she must be the pony Twilight their Canterlot friends told them about. They got up and tried wrapping their heads around there being two Twilight Sparkles now.

Twilight Sparkle hugged her left arm sheepishly while watching her friends catch up with Princess Twilight, who happily answered some of their questions. They were overjoyed to see her, Sunset especially from her enthusiasm. Human Twilight's last encounter with her pony counterpart was a bit overwhelming to say the least. And she wasn't sure how to feel about her return. Regardless, she wanted to go up and be polite but felt that talking to herself still felt a little awkward. Her friends were eager to see their old friend again and she didn't want to interrupt their reunion, despite how left out it made her feel.

While talking among each other, Princess Twilight explained her awareness about recent events happening at CHS. How a shadow cast was tearing their dimensions apart, new visitors from another world entering theirs to search for and restore power to a magical engine, and Discord's involvement behind the ordeal. Principal Celestia and Sir Topham Hatt joined the group as well, also surprised to see two Twilight Sparkles.

"Twilight?" Celestia said.

"What on earth?" Sir Topham Hatt said.

She waved happily. "Um, Hi! Again."

Emily looked over at the human Twilight with confusion.

"But, aren't you suppose to be Twilight?"

"Um, yeah."

"Then who's that?"

"Uh. My, pony counterpart," She said, meekly.

Emily glanced at her with wide eyes. "Your what?!"

The Girls filled her in as well regarding their busy week to Twilight's curiosity. Pinkie Pie finished hugging Princess Twilight as she spoke up.

"Thank goodness I made it when I could. We've been trying to get the mirror working again for almost an hour after Ponyville was nearly torn apart by this weird, dark, shadow cast."

"Was it really spreading over in Equestria too?" Sunset said.

Princess Twilight nodded. The Girls looked worried. The magic's corruption nearly spread further then they thought.

"But," Fluttershy said. "Everything's fine now, right?"

"It is," She confirmed. "Weirdly enough, things kinda stopped once the skies were covered in this sparkly gold magic."

"Well that's mighty fine to hear," Applejack mentioned. "But, how in pigs pen did you know to come here after all that?"

"And how did you know Discord was involved?" Rarity asked.

"Twilight and I kept in touch after I wrote about our friends from Sodor," Sunset said.

"And I still have so many questions about where they came from," She said eagerly. "Now that I'm here, I can ask them about their universe and use that information to study the possibility of other worlds that are connected to ours!"

Sunset smiled while rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Twilight twirled her locks bashfully.

"Buut, that can wait." She stepped forward determinedly, "First, we gotta stop Discord from spreading his chaotic magic and-"

Stopping in her place, Twilight saw to her surprise that everything was back to normal as well. There was no sign of Discord or his magic misuse. Not even a speck of shadow was seen. Lady and Thomas stood up after sitting there and reeling in the weirdness of it all.

"Uh, sorry, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said. "But you're kinda late for the whole saving the world party."

"Which Is Too Bad!" Pinkie Pie said. "It Was A Really Fun Saving The World Party Too, Because We Defeated Discord And Saved The World From Being Destroyed!"

"Again."

The Girls proudly smiled at a bewildered Princess Twilight, who turned back and faced them.

"You girls took on Discord?! All by yourselves?"

"Well, we wouldn't say all by ourselves per say, Darling," Rarity said. "We did have help in the form of our new friends from over here."

Twilight looked to were Rarity directed and saw all the Engines grouped together.

"Fact is, if it for one of them," Applejack said. "We'd probably wouldn't been able to save our world."

The Girl's faces fell. Twilight didn't know what they meant at first until a dejected Sunset's arm wrapped around her shoulder. She soon felt the gloom looming over her as well.

"So then, Lady has her memory again?" Princess Twilight asked.

The girls nodded.

"And those are the engines you wrote about?"

They nodded again. All eyes were on the Engines now. They weren't sure why at first, until Princess Twilight approached and stood in front of the Engines gazing back with confusion. She examined each one of them before speaking.

"Thank you all for what you've done. From what I've heard, you've made a huge difference by being here. And a lot of friends too, which is just as wonderful."

"It was nothing," Edward said, modestly.

"But making new friends certainly was," Toby smiled to Edward.

"Of course, it was something," James boasted. "You should've seen us. We were brighter than the sun! There's no way that Discord fellow stood a chance once we were all together."

"We were rather glorious, wasn't I?" Gordon bragged too.

"I'm just glad we don't have to go through any of that ever again," Henry said.

Twilight chuckled a little. Some of the Engines rolled their eyes but still smiled over their praises. Princess Twilight then wore a stern face upon remembering something.

"Which one of you is Thomas?"

Surprised at first, the Engines then all pointed to Thomas and Lady still standing by the portal to the Magic Railroad. She turned and looked at Thomas, wearing a quizzical face upon seeing her and everyone's eyes now fixated on him.

Sharing a glance with Lady, Thomas then tentatively approached Princess Twilight Sparkle and met her face to face. She gave off a friendly, welcoming smile while overlapping her hand on top of the other. Thomas just stood with uncertainty. He never thought he'd ever get to meet Twilight's pony counterpart. From all the things he's heard of her through his Canterlot friends, she sounded very important. Coming back to this world must be a big deal. And low and behold, there she was standing in front of him, never breaking away her warm, sympathetic smile or expecting any sense of formality.

"So, you must be Thomas."

"I am. Are you, the Twilight Sparkle from Equestria?"

Twilight nodded cheerfully. "It's nice to finally meet you. You've had quite the busy week in this dimension, haven't you?"

"I guess? But, how do you know who I am?" Thomas asked.

"I may have written to her about you once or twice," Sunset explained, while tapping her satchel.

Thomas was surprised.

"And from what I gathered off her notes," Twilight explained. "You, Thomas, are a very kind and helpful little engine."

Thomas smiled modestly, but then just stood perplexedly while listening to Twilight talk.

"You and the others went through an awful lot of trouble to save Lady. But knowing you needed all your friends by your side, and displaying the courage needed to believe and embrace another side of them was ultimately how you prevailed over all odds. Not just with curing Lady's amnesia, but also in uniting everyone together from both universes."

"Did Sunset write about that too?" Thomas asked.

Sunset looked at Twilight suspiciously.

"Well, I know none of this could've been fixed by just one pon-err, I mean, person-engine, boy," Twilight chuckled, sheepishly. "But it does take one in order to unite everyone towards a common goal. And that's exactly what I'm seeing here."

"Wow," Thomas said, a little impressed. "You must be a really great princess to figure out all that."

"Noo," She said, bashfully. "I just know a little more now than I did about friendship to say so with certainty."

Human Twilight was a bit surprised when overhearing this. She figured Princess Twilight knew practically everything about Friendship, especially given her title. But just like her, she was still learning a lot about the concept. Were they really so similar? In a weird sense she secretly hoped not. Both only knew so much about friendship, even though it seemed to her that Princess Twilight knew a little bit more. But if even this Twilight still has lots to learn, perhaps that's one thing Human Twilight didn't mind sharing with her pony counterpart.

Thomas tried mustering a smile until his face fell again.

"You're right. I couldn't have done this without my friends. But, now my best friend is gone because of it."

"This is about Percy, isn't it?" Twilight sympathized.

Thomas nodded and brooded dejectedly to himself.

"His bravery brought everyone together to save our worlds," Princess Twilight surmised. "And he saved you from having to make a difficult choice. I can't imagine how you all must have felt after what he did."

He nearly teared up again but managed to kept his cool.

"Now he's somewhere far away. Lady promised to search for him. But," He paused. "I can't help but feel like we're never going to see Percy again."

Thomas buried his face in his palms. Twilight, Sunset, Lady and the rest were concerned. Sunset on the other hand, gazed at Princess Twilight quizzically.

"Wait. I didn't write about Percy disappearing."


Suddenly, the portal behind Thomas rippled and glowed. Twilight and Sunset looked behind Thomas then tried their best to keep themselves from smiling too much. Twilight grinned while Sunset eagerly bit her lip. The Engines and Girls, however, all beamed and gasped.

"Maybe he wasn't as far away as you thought," Twilight said, sweetly.

Thomas looked to the two girls. Still confused, he then looked over his shoulder after hearing his friends failing to hold back their excitement themselves now. Facing the statue base completely, Thomas couldn't believe what he saw. His jaw slowly hung and eyes gradually widened.

Sitting on all fours while searching his surroundings, was none other than Percy.

Thomas' smile grew larger than it ever did. A series of emotions flooded within him. Excitement, happiness, and absolute shock. Could it really be him?

After establishing his appearance and whereabouts, Percy noticed the first person staring back at him; that being his best friend. Percy went though a mix of emotions himself, mostly shock, followed by a nod and a gradual, cheerful smile. He truly was back in Canterlot High, where all his friends were waiting and wished for his return. The excitement and overwhelming countenance on Thomas' and everyone's face more than assured him of this. All Princess Twilight and the other Girls did was happily watch their reunion play out.

"Percy!" Thomas cried, then ran over to hug his best friend. "You're here! I can't believe it!"

Percy struggled to stand on two legs when he found himself caught in Thomas' embrace. Grabbing hold and hugging him back, the two friends chuckled happily as they held each other close. Thomas laid his cheek on Percy's head while his hand held the back, and Percy rested his head under Thomas' neck. The Girls awed while the Engines grinned with just as much ecstatic. Sir Topham Hatt beamed as well, along with Celestia, Lady, Sunset and Twilight; all overjoyed to see their friend and the two of them reunited once again. Thomas, never letting go of Percy, leans back to face him when their laughing settles down.

"But wait. Does that mean the portal you went into was really a portal to Equestria?"

Percy chuckled, "It sure was, Thomas! That's when Princess Twilight found me and worked real hard to get this magic mirror up and running again."

"Looks like it just needed an extra kick," Sunset said, showing Twilight the Gold Dust in her hand.

"And now you're back," Thomas said with serenity, and a few tears leaking down. "Oh, I missed you so much!"

Thomas brought Percy back in for another hug.

"I missed you too, Thomas!"

The two remained holding each other with pure bliss. Both wanted to know more about what went on during their separation. They were able to guess based on their current situation. But the two friends wanted to savor their reunion above all else, and continued hugging until finally letting go.

"Twilight," Thomas turned to her. "Thank you so much for bringing him back!"

"No problem," she beamed. "Seeing two good friends together again is a wonderful feeling to have."

Both Thomas and Percy nodded in agreement. And before they knew it, Pinkie Pie zoomed in out of nowhere and grabbed Percy, who now trapped under her tight hold with both cheeks pressed against each others.

"Oh, Percy!" She said, tearing up. "I-I'm So H-Happy You're Okay."

Percy, overwhelmed to see Pinkie again too, hugged her back. Pinkie Pie tried holding back her shower of cries after feeling Percy's arms wrapped around her to no avail. Feeling much better after letting it all out, Pinkie Pie then reached over and wrapped her arm around Thomas, pulling him towards them as she wrapped her other arm around Percy's neck and brought both in for a tighter hug.

"Aw! Group Hug!"

Still surprised by the revelation, nobody went over to join them. Her grin fading, Pinkie looked around confusingly.

"I SAID GROUP HUG!" She yelled, then sqees back to grinning.

All Percy did was grin while Pinkie's assertiveness caught Thomas off guard. Everyone muttered and quickly went over to join Thomas, Percy, and Pinkie Pie for one giant encirclement. Edward, Toby and the other Engines stepped in on Percy's side while Sunset, Princess Twilight and the other Girls on Thomas'. Sir Topham Hatt, James, Gordon, Henry, and Emily hugged each other behind Percy. Celestia, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were behind Thomas. Human Twilight, holding onto Spike, stepped in next to Thomas and Sunset as they wrapped their arms around her. Everyone started laughing all the while trying to see how many of one another they can hold until they finally let go before nearly tripping over each other.

However, Sir Topham Hatt approached his engines once everything settled. He wore a stern face and spoke strictly.

"Right. Now with that all said and done, I think you all know where I'm about to go with this."

"Uh-oh," Thomas and Percy said to each other.

"You disobeyed orders, almost got yourselves and others hurt, and one of you was nearly trapped in another dimension all because you thought it a good idea to help your new friends face against very dangerous magic."

The Engines grew more anxious as Sir Topham Hatt continued laying out what they did. They stood meekly, already prepared for more of Sir Topham Hatt's scolding.

"And, because of that, you've managed to not only save our Railway, but also this world and possibly many more in the process."

The Engines began feeling awful for disobeying orders. A pause soon followed with Sir Topham Hatt glaring at all his engines. Nobody was sure what he was going to say next. Then, Sir Topham Hatt smiled.

"And, as your Railway controller, I couldn't be any prouder of my Engines for doing so."

Catching nearly everyone off guard, Thomas and the other Engines quickly puzzled what he meant and grinned, relieved and surprised to hear Sir Topham Hatt not scold, but praise his Engines. The Girls were relieved as well. Principal Celestia approached Sir Topham Hatt with his black top hat in hand.

"Almost had them there for a second, didn't you?" She smiled.

Offering it back to him, Sir Topham Hatt gratefully accepted his hat and placed it on his head, shooting Celestia a playful smirk.


All was calm again when the gang began asking even more questions. They had to explain to Sir Topham Hatt and Emily who Princess Twilight was and where she came from. Both were baffled to say the least, making most of the Girls and Engines snigger a bit over their reaction. The concept of different worlds and magic was confusing to process at first, but seeing most of it played out in just one day then having it explained submitted them to just accepting it as is, just as Thomas and the other engines have done.

"Wait, so if y'all found Percy there," Applejack said.

Princess Twilight finished, grimly. "We also found Diesel 10 with him. Let's just say he didn't get far. As of now, Princess Celestia will have him confined and locked up until further notice."

She then approached Sir Topham Hatt.

"He is technically an engine of yours. I'll leave it up to you what should be done with him. Just give me the word and I'll inform Princess Celestia back in Equestria."

Sir Topham Hatt stroked his chin. Some of the Girls and Engines shook heads and waved their arms frantically behind Twilight. They soon stopped as soon as she looks over at them trying to act casual.

"Hmm. You know what?" Sir Topham Hatt said. "I think some time in your world will be good for Diesel 10 to think about his actions. And, if he's ready to be really useful, we'll be more than happy to welcome him back with open arms."

Thomas, Sunset, Human Twilight and Percy shouted in unison.

"What?!"

Rainbow Dash scoffed. "Are you serious?"

"Even after everything he's done?" Rarity said.

"Sending him away was part of what caused all this," Sir Topham Hatt explained. "Perhaps if I'd only listened to Diesel 10 and treated other diesels properly in the first place, then maybe we wouldn't be here."

"Yeah. We wouldn't," Lady said, earnestly.

"Uh? Oh, my apologies. I forgotten how many new friends you've all made."

The Engines and Girls shared a few glances when realizing this. How differently would things have been had Sir Topham Hatt not send Diesel 10 away to be scrapped? Thomas nor his friends would've never gone over to CHS and made friends with the Girls. Lady would've never met the CMC. And none of them would've learned the valuable lessons they learned over the course of their visit. They couldn't help imagine never meeting their friends at CHS. Then again, would Diesel 10 still undertake his job to begin with? Would he have been less cruel and more inclined to redeem himself if he wasn't sent away?

"But, Sir. You do treat diesels properly," Thomas said.

"Diesel 10 was just being delusional," Human Twilight said.

"You do know he tried destroying you and yer railway, right?" Applejack said. "Aren't you worried he'll try and go after everyone again?"

Sir Topham Hatt sighed. "I will, yes. But, I never should've sent him away to begin with. Like it or not, Sodor is where he belongs. And If keeping Diesel 10 on Sodor is the best way to safeguard these other worlds, then I guess my Railway is the place to do so."

"Are you sure about this, Sir Topham?" Principal Celestia asked.

"I am." He then turned to Thomas and the other engines. "Seeing how all my engines showed no issue in handling Diesel 10, I trust they'll do their part in keeping an eye on him, and ensure that everything stays running smoothly on my Railway should I allow him to return."

Thomas and the other Engines beamed. Sir Topham Hatt now trusted his engines to keep the Island safe if Diesel 10 ever does return. Everyone felt proud.

"Don't forget being right on time!" Percy chuckled.

Everyone else chuckled too.

He turned to Twilight. "So, tell your Princess that Diesel 10 shall remain where he is. He's only to come back once he feels ready to be apart of the Railway once more."

Sunset Shimmer was confused at first. "But, wouldn't you have to-"

Sir Topham Hatt finished for her. "Meet up back here to inform one another of such? Why, yes. In deed we would."

"Wait," Thomas said. "Does that mean?"

Sir Topham Hatt grinned and finished for them again. "It means, all my Engines are more than welcome to visit their friends at Canterlot High School anytime they please."

Overjoyed, the Engines and Girls jumped and cheered with some hugging each other. The Engines can now visit CHS whenever they wanted. Celestia nodded proudly at Sir Topham Hatt. He smiled back until speaking again.

"Ah, ah. But, not too often," He specified. "We still have a railway to run after all. I can't have my engines dropping everything they're doing and running off all the time to visit their friends. That being said, I only ask that you inform me this time when you do, so we can arrange a proper time and date."

Everyone was still excited but understood his orders loud and clear; especially Henry and Fluttershy.

"So, if we can visit Canterlot whenever we like now," Henry said to Fluttershy. "Does that mean you and the others can visit Sodor too?"

The two looked to Sir Topham Hatt. He gazed over at them as well then nodded happily. Henry and Fluttershy gasped and shared looks of excitement.

"We can go to your forest now!" Fluttershy said.

"Hooray!" Henry said. "This is the best day ever!"

"You Said It!" Pinkie chimed in.

"Even though I probably could just make a set of tracks to Equestria," Lady whispered to Thomas. "I'll keep that bit of info to myself."

"Thank you, Lady," He whispered back, gratefully.

"Now if only Discord would have some kind of actual punishment," James said.

"Trust me," Princess Twilight said, sternly. "He'll be hearing a lot from myself and Princess Celestia on this matter. Discord will have a lot of explaining to do once I get back."

"So much for being reformed I guess," Spike commented.

"But he is... More or less. I'm sure once we talk it out, we can work around finding ways for Discord to amend his mistakes."

"Are You Kidding?" Pinkie said. "He Would Have To Save ALLL Of Equestria In Order To Make Up For What He Did. And Not Just The Kingdom Itself, But Also Every Pony From Being Abducted By Magic Hungry Creatures Who Can Disguise Themselves And Make It Look Like It's Really Them When Really It Not!"

"That sounded oddly specific," said a perplexed Emily.

"They usually are," Human Twilight said, casually.

"At least Discord sent me to Equestria," Percy admitted. "If he was really all that bad, he would've had the portal take me somewhere else. Maybe he knew I'd find my way back to everyone with Twilight's help."

"Yes. Those were my thought's exactly," Princess Twilight smiled.

"Then," Thomas said. "He really was looking out for us?"

"In his own twisted way, maybe," Applejack said.

"So that's it?" Rainbow Dash said. "He gets off the hook with just a slap on the wrist?"

"It'll be more than that should I tell Fluttershy from my world about it," Princes Twilight teased.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, not knowing if that's severe enough or not.

"Close enough," Sunset said.

After sharing a light chuckle, the gang began wondering what to do next. Lady's back, Discord and Diesel 10 have been defeated, and things are looking like how they should once again.

"Well," Lady spoke. "Seems like everything's nearly back to normal. But everywhere else could be falling apart still. I have to get back to the Magic Railroad and fix everything."

"Oh, right," Thomas remembered. "We still have to bring you home!"

"And I'm sure your railway needs its engines back too," Celestia said to Sir Topham Hatt.

"Does this mean," Percy spoke meekly, "We have to say goodbye now?"

The Engines and Girls were all shocked. Was it really time to say goodbye already? Now that they succeed with their mission, there's no reason for Sir Topham Hat and his engines to be here. Everyone's hearts sank upon realizing this.

"Um, right," Sir said. "I suppose we ought to be doing that then."

Hesitating for a moment, Henry spoke up. "But, I don't want to go home just yet."

"Me neither," James said.

"Or me," Gordon said.

Emily, Toby, Edward, Percy and Thomas all agreed too.

"What's this?" Sir Topham Hatt said. "None of you want to leave just yet?"

The Engines shook their heads. Sir Topham Hatt stroked his chin to ponder over this suggestion. He looked over the Magic Railroad portal.

"Well, I suppose if Lady's fixing the Railway," He stared at his engines, waiting with anticipation. "Would you all like to stay a little longer?"

"Can we?!" They said grinning in unison.

He smiled. "Very well! Let's all stay in Canterlot High for a little while longer."

The Engines and Girls were excited. Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia both smiled while watching the teens laugh and talk about what they could do now with the extra time they have.

"This is great!" Percy said to Pinkie Pie. "Now we can continue our party."

"I Know! Now That We've Actually Rescued Lady, Our 'Rescuing Lady & Our Universeses From Certain Doom Celebratory Celebration' Party Will Be An Even Bigger And Celebratory Celebration!" Pinkie Pie squealed, eagerly. "This Is Gonna Be So Much Fun!"

"In that case," Celestia suggested. "Why don't we invite the whole school to the gymnasium and hold a grand celebration in honor of our victory!"

Everyone eagerly agreed.

"That's very sweet of you all," Lady said, gratefully. "I wish I could join, but, you know."

"Why can't you come, Lady?" Thomas asked.

She didn't say anything and only darted her eyes at random spots while her arms pressed against her chest.

"Actually," Princess Twilight interrupted and approach her. "Equestria was pretty much back to normal after that gold magic appeared in the sky. Maybe things back in your world are holding up a lot better now as well?"

Lady rubbed her head sheepishly. "I don't know. Maybe I should run the Railroad still. Just to be sure."

"I think that's the right call," Human Twilight said. "Besides, it is gonna take a while to set everything up if we're inviting the whole school."

Sunset chimed in. "And by the time she's done fixing everything, Lady can join the party after we've finished setting things up. It'll almost kinda be like a surprise party just for you!"

"Without the surprise of course," Edward said.

"You really think I should?" She said, with pressed forearms. "You'd do all that just so I can be apart of the celebration?"

Pinkie Pie popped up beside Lady and wrapped her arms around her.

"Of Course, We Would, Silly! It Wouldn't Be A Party If The Lady In our Rescuing Lady & Our Universeses From Certain Doom Celebratory Celebration Party Wasn't There."

"And there's still three friends of yours who weren't given a proper goodbye yet," Thomas imputed. "They'll want to see you before we all have to leave soon."

Pinkie let's go, leaving Lady feeling nothing but gratitude, and even a wave of tears building up a little.

"Thank you. All of you. That means so much to me. Okay. Soon as I'm done running the line, I'll join all of you inside for the celebratory," Lady paused, forgetting the name of the party. "Eh, get, together, party thing!"

"Good. Because we won't just be celebrating your rescue," Thomas said.

"We won't?" Percy said. "What else is there to celebrate?"

"How about having good friends like you for a start," Thomas added while wrapping his arm around Percy. "And not just a friend, but as one of the best friends I could ever ask for."

Percy beamed with delight. The Engines and Girls couldn't keep their excitement at bay over the thought of how big their party was going to be. The Engines and Girls then headed back inside the school while Lady gazed over to the portal in the statue's base.


Inside the Magic Railroad, Lady chuffed down the very dim, very thorny tunnel of branches covering the line in all its grimness. Coming to a stop and sighing to herself, Lady looked down at her buffers then at the track a head of her, nearly blocked off by the excess vines and plant life surrounding the line.

"Good to be back."

Flashes of memories riffled through her thoughts. Memories of her time spent with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. From the moment they met to forming the CMC and all the things they've done as a club. Trying different sports, baking, boulder climbing, singing, beauty, sleepovers, and make-up. They were times when Lady felt down, sad, alone, distant, and suspicious of everything. But while all that was going on, the CMC were there to lift her spirits. They may not have been the ones to help her realize who she is, but they still played a very important part none the less during her time of stress and fear. And they did so, by being Lady's friend.

Remembering all this, Lady knew she had to finish up quick so she can be with the CMC one last time before they part ways. She smiled and plucked up determination.

"Let's get you up and running again."

Blowing off steam and tooting her whistle, Lady then charged along the dark tracks while giving off a shower of glistening Gold Dust sprinkling in her wake. The remnants of Sparkles left behind shimmered, clattered, and shined as they bring light back to the golden tracks. The thorny tunnel gradually disappears, wilting and shrinking away, allowing small glimmers of light to shine pass through the once thick passageway of wood branches and vines. Lady laughed all the while, having more fun than she thought while watching her magic do their work and already seeing a huge difference to how it was minutes ago. Still charging with a small tide of Gold Dust showering the tracks behind her, the thorny tunnel was now gone, and the Magic Railroad was open once again to the bright and beautiful landscapes that surrounded the tracks in it's beaming grasslands, tall, snowy mountains, and lakes and ponds that glistened off their own magical light against the warm, shiny sun and cool breezy wind. The tracks themselves became bright as gold once again too and gleamed in it's sparkled covered glory. The land was back to looking mystical, just as it always has been.

Lady almost couldn't believe her eyes. She had forgotten how beautiful her railway was. Seeing it now back to it's full serenity, Lady couldn't be anymore happier and glad that her friends helped her realize who she is. It was important to bring balance and harmony back to the universe above all else. But Lady was more grateful to behold this amazing spectacle of a land and how true it's breath-taking sight was something that was worth protecting.


To Be Continued.