//------------------------------// // 3. Prologue Pt. 3 // Story: T&EG2 Adventures From Sodor: Short Stories & Prologue // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Adventures From Sodor Short Stories! Prologue Pt. 3 Paxton and Diesel searched all over Canterlot High for Adagio's friends. They tried the Gymnasium, Library, and Soccer Field, but they didn't seem to be anywhere. Diesel was beginning to doubt whether they were even in the school, despite Adagio claiming that's where he'll find them. And while still upset that Diesel keeps saying they're not here to make new friends or explore the school as thorough as he hoped, Paxton was more than happy to still look for Aria and Sonata, feeling that Diesel will be happier when they do. Meanwhile, as they made their way down the hallways, Paxton was happily singing to himself. "Jump up spin around. Clap my hands turn," He paused to ponder than began again. "Jump up yell and sing! Stomping feet turn around!" Diesel was getting irritated with Paxton's singing, especially since he didn't know the actual words and kept making it up as he goes. He tried to remain calm, and simply stopped and turned to face Paxton. "Paxton, you are getting this close to having a pile of rubbish dumped on top of you." "Sorry," He said, sheepishly hugging his arm. "They've got to be here, somewhere," Diesel said, moving on. "We've searched this whole school and not seen any girls with blue and purple hair together." "I don't think we've explored the whole school yet. We haven't even been inside any of these rooms." "You heard the bell, Paxton. Everyone's on their lunch break. So, they must be out and about somewhere we haven't seen yet." Suddenly, as the two diesels came across a section of the halls that veered left and right, they heard yet another source of music approaching them from the right. This music, instead of the upbeat and poppy song they heard earlier, had more recognizable sounding instruments. As usual, Paxton was curious, but this did little to settle a fuming Diesel or is patience. "What is it this time?" He fussed. Parading down the halls was one of the girls from the cafeteria. A singing Rainbow Dash led a marching band while Twilight Sparkle and the others followed from far behind. They all marched passed Diesel, Paxton, and other surprised students in a single file line behind Rainbow Dash. The marching band itself consisted of three girls and four boys playing different instruments. There was a precision snare drummer, a bass drummer, piccolo player, Sousaphone, trumpet, clarinet, and trombone players. Rainbow Dash: "We'll always be Wondercolts forever!" "And now our time has finally arrived." An eager Paxton began marching his feet with his knees kicking high while remaining stationary. Diesel was quite annoyed, especially since the band took their time, and didn't leave an opening for them to pass. "More singing?! Is there nothing else these people ever do?" "I quite like it!" Paxton said. "A school where everyone's always singing. I wish I were going to Canterlot High." "Hrm," Diesel crossed his arms. "That makes two…" But before Diesel finished his sentence, he saw over on the other side of the marching band two distinguishing figures. He tried leaning up and stood on his tip toes to get a better view. He could barely see them, but a small glimpse of their head shots was all he needed. "Two." One girl's hair was in long, high pigtails and colored a moderate purple with light, brilliant, aquamarine streaks. The other girl was in a long ponytail and colored a light, arctic blue with moderate, persian blue stripes. Diesel became excited. These two perfectly fit the description Adagio provided. "Blue and purple haired girls! Paxton, we've found them! They're… Paxton?" Instead of standing next to him, Diesel spotted Paxton following the marching band, which continued to parade towards the left hallway. "Excuse me!" Paxton called out to the marching band. "Has anyone seen two girls? They're names are Aria and Sonata." "Paxton, wait!" He called. But the loud orchestra made it hard for either diesel to hear one another. "C'mon, Diesel!" Paxton beckoned. "Aria and Sonata are bound to be drawn in by the music I bet. Let's follow the marching band and see if it'll lead us to them." "No, you fool! They're right… Here." But Paxton was already long gone, angering Diesel to no end. As the marching band cleared, Diesel got a better look at the two girls, who seemed just as unimpressed as he was regarding the parade. At least one of them was. Sonata looked amused while Aria rolled her eyes and walked away with Sonata following. Anxious, Diesel glanced back and forth between the hall Paxton went and the direction the girls were now heading. Diesel knew he couldn't leave Paxton to get lost, but he also couldn't lose Aria and Sonata while they're in his sights. And with great frustration, he marched over to the two girls, leaving Paxton to naively follow the band. "That's like the second or third time this week," Aria complained. "What are they even rallying about?" "I heard it's something to do with a taco eating competition?" Sonata shrugged. "And if that's the case then sign me up!" "Did your birdbrain tell you that?" She teased. "Um, actually it was my stomach. Obviously!" Aria scoffed. "You're the worst." "You are!" "Then stop following me. We're not with Adagio anymore. Nothing's forcing us to stick together." Sonata was about to speak before getting cut off. "Hello, Laddies," Diesel greeted. "Am I interrupting anything?" "Barely," Aria moped. "Who are you?" Sonata pointed. "Who cares? Just another lame-o student; probably wants to remind us about our stunt back at the Battle of the Bands." Diesel was a bit confused and irritated already by these two girls, but kept his reserve, even as Aria and Sonata began walking away from him. "Wait! Are you two Aria and Sonata?" "Uh, no!" Sonata said. "I'm Sonata, that's Aria. Should be pretty clear by this point." Aria face palmed then spoke. "What do you want?" "Many things, actually. But let's cut to the chase. My name's Diesel. I was sent by Adagio to look for you." Their eye widened. Both girls looked at each other, becoming rightfully suspicious. Last time Aria and Sonata were with Adagio, she had found a way to restore their broken magic amulet, but only managed to repair the red gem she uses to gain magic back for herself only. During this period, Sonata and Aria were left behind to stay in Canterlot while Adagio stumbled her way into Sodor in wake of their escape from a penitently. They have been held prisoner since their last attempt at taking over the world. And while they were glad to be out, high school life was not something Sonata, and particularly Aria, were all fond with. Despite this, they were glad to be rid of Adagio and her waning schemes. "Adagio; sent you to find us?" Aria asked, wary. "For what exactly?" "To bring you to my home on Sodor. She has big plans for the diesels there, and has invited you two to be a part of it." "Uhhh…. What's a diesel?" Sonata asked Aria. "What's Sodor is more like it." Diesel told them all about Sodor, who he is, what his world is like, and how he got here through the Statue's magic portal. Both girls were surprised, especially hearing about the magic railway that took him to this school. "Hold on," Aria interrupted with eyes widened. "You're telling me there was a portal in this school's statue?" "And we've just been stuck in this world for like an eternity when we could've gone home?" Sonata exclaimed. "Not that I know of," Diesel shrugged. "I've only used the Railroad to travel from Sodor to Canterlot High." "So then, it wouldn't," Sonata slouched. "Not like we'd be welcomed back to Equestria anyways," Aria said. "Maybe you wouldn't," Sonata boasted. "At least we wouldn't be stuck in this horrible place." "I guess." She grumbled, "Unfortunately." It was Diesel's turn to be confused. "Is this, Equestria, where you three originally came from?" "Uh, duh! It's a land filled with sooo many talking creatures!" Sonata explained. "And back in Equestria, all three of us are Sirens who can charm other ponies with magical amulets." Diesel's eyes were as wide as can be. Now it was Aria and Sonata who had to explain where they're from. The three Sirens gain their strength and power from magical, ruby pendants. By using their voices, enhanced by the gems, their music can charm any creature into doing their very bidding. However, the only way for Sirens to survive and maintain this kind of power is by string up conflict in any way, shape, or doing. Admittedly, Diesel did not know this about Adagio before hand. And after hearing what she was and what her powers can do, he began piecing together what that big plan of hers for the diesels might be. Whether or not this was a good thing Diesel had yet to figure out, or cared to at least. More specifically, if her intent truly is to help them, Adagio had something planned for the steam engines too. "Did Adagio leave out all that as well?" Aria derided while pretending to check her nails. "Not surprising. It's how she treats most of her minions." "Minion?!" He exasperated. "I'm nobody's minion! Adagio has big plans for me. I'm being put in charge of all the diesels." "While she remains the boss of you, I bet," Aria taunted with a smirked. Diesel growled, rather offended by her comment. He never thought of himself as her minion. But if Adagio really can charm other creatures to her will, maybe that's exactly what she's done to him. Diesel refused to believe this however, thinking about her proposition for him as his sole motive, and continued fussing about it. "Hold on, I'm confused," Sonata said. "Why does Adagio need me and Aria when she's already replaced us with you?" These two girls were really getting on Diesel's nerves. But he still had to bring them along despite his visible contempt. "As much as I despise you two already, Adagio has asked that you'd be there when she unveils her big plan for Sodor." Aria angrily stepped forward and repeatedly taped his chest with her finger. "Listen, haircut, whatever Adagio has planned this time, it's only gonna end up being as big a failure as all her other bright ideas. And we're done getting dragged into them." "It's not like we're of any use to her either," Sonata said. "She's like the only one with a working pendant now." "The second she saw her chance, Adagio left us to get arrested by those secret agents again. She got what wanted. Nothing more." "Good thing we were smart enough to escape," Sonata said, proudly. "Now we're powerless, broke, and with no where to go other than this school. We're doing great without Adagio." Aria sneered. "Maybe I should drop out while I can; if it means getting away from you." "Not before I do! I'm gonna be the school's biggest drop out." Though still confused by their behavior, Diesel simply glared at them. "Enough! I've had up to here with your nonsense. Now, either you lot come back with me and Paxton to Sodor, or I tell Adagio her disobedient henchmen are being naughty, and have her deal with you once she's risen to power." "Go a head!" Aria snapped. "I'd like to see her try!" Her and Diesel stared off and glared at each other. Sonata giggled nervously and got between the two. "Uh, hate to interrupt but… what's a Paxton?" Sonata asked Aria, who only rolled her eyes when she did. "If she really wanted us back," Aria continued, "she'd tell us herself; not send a new lackey to make the effort for her." Diesel stammered in anger. While talking, Aria walked pass Diesel and gave his right hip a bump with hers. Sonata followed and did the same with his left. "Tell Adagio this; leave us out of whatever doomed plan she has, and to not even think about showing her face again after ditching us back at the agency. She'll get the rest." He turned and watched Sonata and Aria strut down the halls and away from him. Diesel was absolutely infuriated. He traveled all this way, put up with all the strange people, things, his human appearance, and Paxton, just to hear from Adagio's former associates that they have on interest in whatever she has planned. All that effort gone to waste. Now, everything suddenly felt like a waste of time. A twitching Diesel gritted his teeth and clenched his fist in anger, all while his face steamed and turned redder than a signal light. Diesel angrily stomped down the hallways of Canterlot High, passing by students who gave a puzzled gaze at him, still fuming to a boiling point. On top of finding and failing to convince Aria and Sonata to go with him to Sodor, he now had to search the school for Paxton, who ran off to watch a marching band. Diesel was so angry, he didn't care or take notice of all the people watching him. He just wanted to go home and demand his proposed position be given to him immediately. Luckily, he didn't have to look for long, as Paxton stopped and spotted him from across the halls down where he stood. He beamed in his blissful smile and ran up to him. Diesel slouched over with hands in his jacket pockets and eyebrows flat with utter annoyance. "Diesel! There you are. I was just," "Not. A. Word," He grumbled through gritted teeth. "Did you manage to find Aria and Sonata?" Nearing another boiling point, Diesel growled and his left eye twitched. A wide-eyed Paxton was both confused and worried. Despite his never-ending anger, Diesel told Paxton what had happened and everything they said, to him and for them to tell Adagio. Scoffing, Diesel then straightened up while pacing the halls. "Those silly girls said they aren't going to Sodor! All because Adagio had to ditch them the second she got her worthless 'magic' jewel working again." "Oh. That's a shame." He then crossed his arms, "Though it's no wonder they didn't want to meet Adagio again. Leaving her friends behind is not a very nice thing to do." "You don't say! Well, I hope this adventure was all fun and dandy, Paxton, because our whole trip was nothing but a waste of time!" Diesel moaned some more as he bashed his back against a set of lockers, and laid on one of the doors with his face buried in his hands. "Well, I wouldn't say that," He beamed with arms behind his back. "I did have lots of fun, truth be told. Even made a few friends," "Don't you see?!" He interrupted, "I couldn't convince them to come with us, Paxton. They wanted nothing to do with Adagio. And now I'll never be put in charge of the diesels." "Is that what she promised you, Diesel? I thought you didn't know," "Well I did!" He snapped. "And I didn't tell you because I saw no need to. But it doesn't matter now, because It's not gonna happen." "Ah, you don't know that for sure, Diesel... Diesel?" Paxton grew concerned after not hearing a response from Diesel, who continued wallowing to himself. He was furious over Aria and Sonata, and afraid of what Adagio will say when he come back without them. From Paxton's point of view, Diesel looked awfully upset. Now that Paxton really thought about it, rifling through moments ago of Diesel's impatience to find them, he realized that their search might've truly been a waste of time after all. Although he barely questioned much about why they needed to bring Aria and Sonata to Sodor, Paxton wondered why Adagio wanted them with her if she had left them behind to begin with. On another downside, seeing Diesel upset again made Paxton feel sorry for him. This job was really important to Diesel, and now they'd have to go home, sad and unsuccessful. He wanted to cheer him up but didn't know how. Perhaps he could convince Aria and Sonata to journey with them to Sodor somehow; if only to at least meet them once and see what he can do. "Um, Is there anything I can do, Diesel?" Paxton asked, shyly. He was ready for Diesel to shoot his mouth off again. But Diesel only sighed dejectedly instead. He didn't have the energy to express much visible anger anymore. There was still contempt in his tone, however, when he spoke back to Paxton. "How about you stop helping me and go home, Paxton." "But I can't leave you, Diesel. What if you have trouble finding your way back to Sodor?" "For the last time, I won't get lost. I know how to get back from here. Now, why don't you go and get lost yourself already!" Paxton chuckled. "That's almost impossible at this point, Diesel. We've been here for only a short time, and yet It's like I know all the ins and outs of this school." Diesel sunk down and sat on the floor. Paxton was surprised to see Diesel not angry at him for once, but disappointed. "You are the last person I need cheering up from right now. So please, Paxton. Just leave me be." The disdain but somber request put Paxton off. Standing for a few seconds while watching Diesel sit and sulk to himself, Paxton did as he asked, and left him alone. Walking away and leaving Diesel by a set of lockers, Paxton slouched forward in dismay. Poor Paxton wasn't feeling really useful at all. Everything he did only angered Diesel more and more. He wondered if he should've come with Diesel to being with. Perhaps Diesel really would've been fine on his own, just as he kept telling Paxton so. Now he really wanted to meet Aria and Sonata, so he can straighten out this confusion once and for all before they head back home. But what could he do? Diesel isn't exactly appreciative of his help. And more and more along their journey, Paxton's patience with him was being tested more and more. Even so, Paxton still had fire in him, a fire that wouldn't go out out until they're job is done. As if by some possible coincidence, Paxton turned down to another hall and spots Aria and Sonata walking in front of him. Paxton had to carefully study them, to make sure they fit the description. But it didn't take him long to realize, even based off some ignorant hope, that these two were definitely the girls they came for. And upon realizing this and almost hesitating to approach them, Paxton came up with an idea. If Diesel couldn't talk them into going to Sodor, perhaps he could. That'll surely make Diesel happy again. He ran up to and waved at the two girls, who turned and shot him annoyed glances, which barely managed to phase him. "Ello!" Paxton greeted. "You must be Aria and Sonata. My name's Paxton." The two girls vaguely recognized his name. "Oh! So, you're a Pax," Aria covered Sonata's mouth before she could speak. If he's looking for them, he must be with Diesel. So Aria, not feeling like talking to anymore people today, decided to do something mean to get rid of Paxton. "Hey, Sonata," She asked, letting her go. "Do you hear something?" "Like what?" "It sounds annoying, and loud." Paxton looked around. "I don't hear anything." "Me neither," Sonata agreed. Aria kept trying. "Ugh, there it is again." "You're gonna have to be more specific." Sonata then turned to Paxton. "Are you hearing something, Paxton?" "I don't think so. Should I be?" "Well, if only Aria can hear it, then clearly it must be something with her." Aria groaned and face palmed. "Know what? One of you is already enough to deal with. I'm outta here." "Wh- Hold on!" Paxton called. "I need to talk to you about Diesel. He," "Not interested," She snapped. "But," "I know you weren't around for it," Aria interrupted, facing to him, "but we already told your jerk of a friend that we're done with Adagio, and we're not going to your dumb world." "But, but, its really important. You two have to go." "We do?" Sonata exclaimed. "Why?" "No, we don't," Aria pressed. After a few seconds of staring back at Aria, Sonata proudly rests her hands on her hips. "No, we don't!" Aria groaned. Paxton tipped his fingers together nervously. He had to convince them to come. For Diesel. "See, Diesel was really hoping to bring you back to Sodor. Adagio promised him something awfully special if he did and, well, Diesel doesn't always get that. I understand now why he'd desperately want to complete this job." "Why should we do anything for you or that dud?" Aria asked, crossing her arms. "Maybe being a big meanie's the reason why he gets nothing special," Sonata sassed. "Ever thought of that, Paxton?" "Not very often, actually. I think he's just in a bad mood a lot because Diesel hardly ever gets anything he likes." "Awe, too bad," Aria patronized. "Look, I'll save you the trouble now 'cause we know Adagio better than anyone. Adagio is gonna ditch Diesel as soon as she has no use for him anymore. Just like she did with us, what she'll do to your diesel friends, and eventually you." Paxton frowned. "I don't believe that. And I think you two do either." "Yeah, well, believe it!" Sonata said. "The thing we said. Well, you said more like. Believe it, that is." "But you three were all friends before." "If you can even call us that," Aria said. "And how can you stick up for someone like him?" Sonata said. "He's like, double worster than us. And that's saying something!" "Because Diesel's my friend. Just like Adagio is with you. If she really didn't like you anymore, why would she send me and Diesel to bring you to her so you lot can be together again?" "Well, can't argue with that," Sonata shrugged. "I can," Aria said. But Sonata playfully nodded and hid her arms behind her back. "You gotta give it to him though, Aria, he brings up a perfectly reasonable logical point." "Oh, why thank you, Sonata!" Paxton said, happily. "You know, you don't seem all as bad as you say." "Nah, you're just saying that!" Sonata beamed, bashfully. "We're like actually the worst." Aria slouched and rolled her eyes. "What she said." Paxton smiled politely then continued. "Nobody deserves to be alone. I know Diesel can be real mean and nasty sometimes, and he's not the easiest engine to get along with. But I think those are the reasons why I find myself trying to be his friend, his only friend if anything." "Sounds like he's just as big of a loser than I thought," Aria teased. Paxton ignored them and kept talking, much to their surprise as he didn't flinch at any mean remark. This was his chance to prove himself to Diesel. "Though if you were to ask Diesel, I wasn't exactly as helpful as I thought I was. Even so, he still needs a friend. And I came with him on this adventure to be exactly that. 'Cause you see, I wanted to be really useful and supportive despite Diesel's troublesome attitude." The two girls drifted in and out from listening to Paxton and not paying any mind to half the things he preached. "And as his friend, its of upmost importance that I convince you to journey with us back to Sodor, and fix your own friendship with Adagio. Who knows, she may need you now more than she realizes. Just like Diesel does." Both Sonata and Aria shared a suspicious glance to one another, deciding on whether or not they should go along with him after sincerely spilling his heart out regarding Adagio and Diesel. He seemed pretty convinced. Too convinced. Both knew if Paxton had any idea who they really were and what the Siren's do, he wouldn't be this persistent in inviting them to basically destroy his own world. They thought about telling him this, hoping it would drive him off for good. But Aria and Sonata had something else in mind the more they shared glances. They both had an answer for Paxton, one which he was more than ready to agree upon. Diesel made his way back outside Canterlot High School's courtyard, feeling much better about himself. Though still a little peeved about Aria and Sonata, Diesel felt more confident that he'll end up getting his way regardless if two of Adagio's former companions won't be with her. As he strutted his way over to the Wondercolt Statue, Paxton came through the school's entrance doors next, and ran up excitedly to Diesel. "Great news, Diesel! I convinced Aria and Sonata to go to Sodor!" Stopping with an abrupt halt, a baffled Diesel looked over to Paxton with his eyebrow arched. "You did?" "That's right, I did!" Suddenly excited, Diesel spun around to face Paxton and eagerly clenched his fist in anticipation. "I-I don't believe it! What did they say?" "Aria and Sonata have agreed to come to Sodor," "Yes?!" "If Adagio manages to successfully pull off her big plan for the diesels." "Oh." Diesel slouched in disappointment, but then rose back up again. "You know what? I'll take it." Paxton beamed the brightest he can. "You will?!" "Sure. There's no way she'll be as cross over them not coming with us. Only, how did you of all engines manage to change their minds?" Paxton raised a finger to the air. "I used something called compromise." "What's that?" "Don't know," He shrugged. "I heard a workman use it once. Guess I must've used it on them. Least I think I did?" "Well, it surely came in handy for us, Paxton. Th- thaaaa-than-" "You're welcome, Diesel!" Paxton chuckled. "Always happy to help out a friend." As usual, Diesel didn't like saying thank you. Paxton knew this and simply gave him a friendly smile. Diesel did the same, trying to muster one the best he can, making Paxton giggle in the process. "Great," Diesel rolled his eyes. "Glad we're done with that. Now, let's go home." As they headed towards the Wondercolt Statue, Paxton noticed a rolled-up posted sticking out of Diesel's jacket pocket. He wondered if it's the same poster Trixie was handing out earlier. Paxton cheekily reached for the poster. "What's that you got there, Diesel?" "Nothing!" He said, pulling it away from him. "But, Diesel." Shooting Paxton an irritated glare, Diesel took the poster and stuffed it into his jacket. The two diesels then made their way to and stood in front of the portal. Paxton's arms hid behind his back. "So, Diesel, would you say that me talking them into going to Sodor made you less angry than when we started out?" Diesel turned to him. "What?" "What I mean is; are you feeling happy again now that we didn't come all this way for nothing?" "Yes, yes, whatever. Now come, Paxton. We're needed back on Sodor." On that note, Diesel nose dived into the portal of the statue's east end side. "We sure are, Diesel," Paxton smiled, warmly. "We sure are." Paxton felt infinitely better now that Diesel appeared to be happier than he was moments ago. Although Aria and Sonata weren't joining them along for the ride, there was still solace in the fact that for them to be convinced of Adagio's new-found ambitions, she must first succeed at accomplishing them before they jump in and find out she couldn't pull it off. And one of the many steps to do so was for Adagio to put Diesel himself in charge of all the other diesels, something Paxton now hoped for the most in light of finishing their job. And while he didn't know either of their true motives, Paxton was positive this decision will at least fast track both their plans into full fruition, and he couldn't be happier for contributing to such. Now Diesel can finally get what he's been begging to have, and finally start feeling happy for once. Paxton then nose dived himself into the portal, exiting Canterlot High and appearing back on the Magic Railroad. Both were glad to be back in their diesel forms again, as they made their way down the golden tracks and passed the open valley of green, gold and blue. Along the way, Paxton remembered something while watching the open, green fields pass by and reminiscing the day he and Diesel spent together. "In charge of all the diesels," Paxton recited. "What an honor! Do you think Sir Topham Hatt will allow Adagio to grant you such a title?" "Who knows," Diesel rolled his eyes. "It's about time Sodor's engines gave us the respect we deserve. And who better than a modern diesel engine like myself to make them do so." "Aren't we the same class though?" "Yes, but I arrived on Sodor first. So it's only fair to have me calling the shots." "I suppose... Say, Diesel, what where you up to while I was busy speaking with Aria and Sonata?" "Oh. Nothing too important, Paxton." He then whispered to himself. "Nothing those girls or silly steam engines can do to prevent at least. They don't even know what's coming." Paxton could faintly overhear Diesel, but not enough to know what he's on about. However, he could now be heard plain and clear as Diesel spoke with a portentous passion in his voice. "The time has come for diesels to rise up and make our mark!" And then, with eyes shining and glowing green, Diesel lets out a small laugh. It started with his regular chuckle, then slowly but surely climbed its way into an evil cackle. Despite being happy for Diesel, Paxton was rather confused by this. Diesel's maniacal laughter carried out through the whole valley, scarring away birds, fishes, and even upsetting the environment, as twinkles of Gold Dust radiating off the rails and surfaces all around can be heard mixing off sync, and shaking in distress to this ominous laughter. Thomas & Equestria Girls 2: Adventures From Sodor (Coming Soon This Week... Hopefully.) More To Come Soon!