//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2: Great To Be An Engine 
// Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls 2: Adventures From Sodor 
// by LPFanFic 
//------------------------------//


Thomas & Equestria Girls 2:
Adventures From Sodor!


Chapter 2: Great To Be An Engine

Canterlot's Mall was bustling with people. It was a busy Friday, and everyone in town usually gathered at the mall to kick off their weekend. One place people like to go to on a Friday was the movie theater, located on the mall's first floor behind two sets of doors attached to the box office. Inside the burgundy movie theater lobby is were people stand and wait. It was still early in the day, so it wasn't as crowded or packed as it would be at night. There were only two theater rooms to view two different movies. There had arcade machines to pass the time, a condiment counter, and a snack bar to pay for food.

Working at this concession stand was Juniper Montage. She was busily getting food prepped for two customers by the counter. The customers waited impatiently as Juniper brings their popcorn and soda cups and hands it to them.

"There you go!" She waved as they walked away, "Enjoy the show!"

Juniper kept waving with a twitching eye. When they were gone, she slouched and grunts in exhaustion.

She didn't like working as an usher compared to her last job. Before working at the theater, Juniper was a gofer for her uncle and movie director, Canter Zoom, who she assisted with on various movie production sets. She was fired after trying to sabotage one of his films so she could be the lead star instead of the actress they already hired. This was due to the mane 7's interference, and because of this she held a bitter grudge against them. Her betterment was fueled after discovering a magic mirror that showed her whatever she desired and did anything on wish commandment. This got out of control to the point where the Girls had to intervene again and stop Juniper from going on a rampage once the mirror transformed her into a warped manifestation of her inner desires. Realizing she was only acting this way out of her desire to be liked by people, Juniper learned that she can still be liked If she had a friend, and how fame or too much attention weren't needed to be admired.

But despite being forgiven, there was still a lot that Juniper had to make up for. And while she was eager to undo the mistakes she's made, continuing her job at the Movie Theater was more of a chore to put up with than anything she was hoping out of mending her mistakes. But she kept on trying and remained chipper despite her indifference.

Juniper Montage finished reloading the popcorn popper when she turned back to face the counter. Feeling disgruntled at first, Juniper was then surprised to see who her next customer was.

"Sunset Shimmer?!"

Sunset smiled from the other side of the counter. Juniper hadn't seen her in a long time. She looked noticeably different. Sunset was now wearing a leather vest jacket with pointed, golden spikes along the collar, an orange, bare shoulder shirt with a red and yellow shimmering sun image, a purple skirt with two black straps and spiked, black heeled boots.

"Um, hi! How's it going? What are you doing here?"

"What else do you go to a movie for?" She joked with crossed arms.

Juniper felt embarrassed but still smiled. Sunset returned the gesture.

"My boss is on holiday for the week, so he allowed us to take some time off. Figured I'd treat myself to a movie."

"And your friends?"

"Still at work. It's just me riding solo today."

"Oh, neat," She chuckled, sheepishly.

Sunset did the same with hands to her hips. Juniper didn't know what else to say. She simply stood with a nervous smile while her hands tapped the sides of her hip. Even though she was forgiven, there was still a sense of awkwardness between her and the Girls. Sunset didn't think it was that big a deal anymore, but sensed Juniper was still a bit troubled by it.

Sunset rubbed the back of her head. "So... it's uh, been awhile, huh? I mean, I haven't heard from you since-"

A walkie talkie strapped to Junipers hip crackled.

"Juniper, you're needed over by the condiment counter. Some kids spilled their popcorn, again."

Juniper looks over past Sunset to see her boss with a walkie in hand and pointed at the mess beside him.

"Don't know why he had to walkie me for that," She grumbled before answering her walkie. "On my way, boss!"

Sunset watched Juniper grab a broom and dustpan, and make her way over to the condiment counter. She followed her to the spill as Juniper begrudgingly began cleaning.

"I was just saying it's been awhile since we last spoke."

"You mean after I trapped you in a magical mirror I was obsessed with to the point where it transformed me into a freakish monster that was rampaging through the mall?"

Sunset sheepishly rubbed her head. "Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but-"

"I would." Juniper sighed, leaning dejectedly on the end of her broom, "I was just so mad about not getting the lead in that Daring Do film. All I cared about was being famous and admired. I was willing to hurt everyone just to achieve any kind of fame."

Sunset hugged her left arm, knowing exactly what she was going through and empathized with Juniper. Not wanting to be reminded of her old self, Juniper tried to chipper up again.

"But, I'm making up for my mistakes the best I can. We've all gotta start over somewhere, right?"

"I'm proud of you, Juniper," Sunset smiled with a hand on her hip. "It's not easy starting over. Believe me. Give it time and I can promise you the pay off will be worth it."

Juniper blushed, gratefully. She finished cleaning the spilled popcorn and dumped it all in a trash bin.

"So, what movie are you seeing today?" Juniper asked.

"Slaughter Camp LX: The Return of Nightmares!" Sunset explained, excitedly.

"Ooh! I heard that's suppose to be a good one!" Juniper was suddenly saddened. "...My uncle knows the director who worked on it."

She sighed after a faint chuckle, still saddened to have lost the access she once had as Canter Zoom's gofer. The two walked back to the snack bar as Juniper went back behind the counter to take Sunset's orders.

"Guess you really do have your work cut out, huh?" Sunset said, noticing her exhaustion. "No wonder we haven't been able to catch up."

"Sorry for not keeping in touch as much. But you know; duty calls." She tipped her uniformed headband.

Sunset smiled with amusement.

"Even so, I wouldn't want to make any of your friends uncomfortable considering you-know-what."

"Not to cramp your style, but mending your mistakes by reconnecting with people wronged by it can go a long way. Popcorn and Soda, please."

"Ten dollars." Juniper then went to get her snacks. "But, like, how could I show my face around them again? I sabotaged my uncle's movie set and trapped you all inside a magic mirror. I can't imagine they'd get over it that easily."

"How about conquering a distant pony world by turning an entire school into mindless zombies?" Sunset joked.

Juniper slouched with smile. "Alright, fine. You got me there."

She came back with Sunset's snacks and handed them off to her.

"Well, when I find time out of cleaning up other people's careless messes, then maybe we can hang out. But for now, I'm just your usher."

"Sounds perfect."

Sunset then left with her snacks. Juniper waved until another pestering call from her boss crackled from her talkie; to which she simply lets out another groan.





Sunset had some time to spare before seeing her movie. She fooled around with a pinball machine before getting fed up and left to get her seat. Sunset passed a few movie posters while taking sips of her soda. One poster she noticed was still being put up, but the actual image was still visible. She stopped and stared at this particular image, seeing something about it that drew her to inspect it a little closer.

This movie poster depicted a small locomotive displayed on a blue backdrop with railway tracks spread across. The image itself focused on the rear of their red footplate in a low angle shot with two of its giant wheels and a connecting rod sneaking into frame. The engine was painted blue and even bared a yellow number on the side of their water tank. All that was written in a big, silver, glittery text was 'Arriving soon'.

The more Sunset Shimmer inspect it, the more it kept reminding her of someone. The strikingly similar locomotive looked just like, if not close to her best friend from the Island of Sodor; Thomas the Tank Engine. Sunset began to miss him all over again the more she thought about him. She smiled to herself while hugging her drink and bag.

Even though there was a rocky curve they had to overcome, her friendship with Thomas was one she still fondly held deer, and was more than glad to have made. They shared a lot with each other and accomplished great things together. When Thomas had to go back home to the Island of Sodor, Sunset nearly had already began missing him. But she knew her new friends weren't 'that' far away, and they could always visit their world whenever. Only they hadn't for quite a while, and the thought of going over to visit them never occurred to her either. Were they just as busy over on Sodor as Sunset and her friends were with their own little adventures? Still, she reminded herself that no matter how much she missed him, Sunset always had a little piece of him with her. Whenever she looks up to the stars at night, she'd listen to his song playing in her head, and held Thomas' copper whistle filled with Gold Dust; a gift he gave after leaving Canterlot High.

She began to reminisce their last big adventure. This would happen now and then when she'll rifle through her memories with him whenever Sunset was reminded of  her friends. Sunset stared wistfully at the poster, wishing she could see Thomas again, and share more great adventures together. 

Turning her back from the poster, Sunset was startled when she nearly ran into Juniper Montage just staring at her with a wide grin.

"Are you as excited as I am?! I've been waiting ages for another comeback!"

She looks back at the poster then to Juniper.

"Oh, no. I was just thinking to myself."

"What about?"

"Uhh, just a friend of mine."

Sunset walked over to a condiment counter to put her snacks down and leaned against its corner.

"Ooh," Juniper chuckled, cheekily. "What kind of 'friend'?"

"Someone I haven't seen in a long time."

"Is he cute?"

Sunset's eyes widened in surprise.

"What? No. Nothing like that." Sunset hugged her arm, "Although… I guess I do really miss him. A lot actually now that I think about it."

"Him, eh? I knew it!" She noticed a disapproving Sunset crossing her arms and cleared her throat. "I mean, you two should totally hook up again. Kinda like how you and I did!"

Sunset rubbed the back of her head. "I-I don't know. He lives pretty far away. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"But if you miss him that much, why not surprise him by paying a visit. He probably misses you more for all you know. Maybe he might be on his way to visit you?!"

Sunset thought about what Juniper said. It had been awhile since they've last spoken. And it would be nice to reconnect with everyone back on Sodor again. although she has gotten use to continuing on without missing him much, just as Sunset imagined Thomas was able to as well. It would still be nice to catch up with them a bit. She stared back at Juniper and her encouraging grin after pondering over the thought.

"Why don't I sleep on it for a bit," Sunset smiled. "Right now, there's a movie I need to catch. Don't wanna miss any of previews either."

Juniper gasped, "miss the previews?! We can't have that!"

The two then walked to the theater entrance. Juniper unhooks a stanchion while Sunset stood and waited.

"You know, I guess It would be nice to hear from him. It has been a while since we spoke. And It's days like these I do kinda wonder what he could be up to right about now."

"All the more reason to go check for yourself," She winked.

Sunset smiled coyly. Juniper then happily waved her arm towards the theater entrance.

"Your movie awaits!"

"Thanks, Juniper," Sunset chuckled while entering the theater.

"Enjoy the show!"





The Island of Sodor was as beautiful as ever. The trees were full, the flowers bloomed, and the wind carried a cool breeze all around. Birds glided along this windy air while singing in their cheerful chirps. And other animals such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels all galloped on the green grass of the Island's country side and climbed forest trees.

Sodor is home to many means of transportation and goods trafficking. There was more than one way for people to get around the Island. Some people like to ride on road vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cars. Some prefer a simple trip on their bicycles. Wherever the road couldn't take you, the ships and airplanes could, and many rely on these to get to places much further than Sodor. But Sodor's main means of transportation and delivery is by a railway system. Steam locomotives and diesels alike all populate the island's primary goods traffic through The North Western Railway. Tracks spread out far and wide, reaching all corners of the land from north, south, east, and west ends. The tracks even cross the Vicarstown Bridge over onto the Mainland, where there are other Railways that provide the same services. Because it's the most relied upon means of transportation and delivery on Sodor, the North Western's engines must be diligent, punctual, and most importantly; really useful.

At Dryaw Station, everyone waited as their train pulled up along the platform. People got into their coaches, the doors closed behind, and the conductor blew his whistle and waved his green flag to signal the train's clearance to take off.

[The Engine, with six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler, and a short stompy dome, blew their whistle in a proud manner. And with that, Thomas the Tank Engine and his two coaches Annie & Clarabel took off in a happy haste.]

Thomas: "Oh yes it's great to be an engine and go,"

"Steaming along."

[Thomas rocked on his chassis side to side while chuffing down his branchline, blowing his whistle at one point as he did.]

"Puff, puff, puffing along."

Annie & Clarabel: "Peep, peep, peeping along."

[Another loud blow of his whistle came from Thomas who continued speeding down the tracks. He zoomed by a station where large groups of people waved to the blue tank engine.]

Thomas: "All the people waving as you,"

"speed along."

"Speed, speed, speeding along,"

"All day."

[Percy was shunting trucks at Brendam Docks with Bill & Ben. He ramed into a truck before stopping and shifting his body gently to the song. Bill & Ben do the same, not really knowing why but were keen to be apart of the fun either way.]

Percy: "We're all so proud to be famous engines."

[As the seasons change from summer to fall, Toby the Tram Engine with his fateful coach Henrietta, chuffed down the red, orange, and yellow country side of Sodor's fall weather landscape.]

Toby: "And travel through the countryside!"

[Transitioning behind Henrietta, an Express train had been stalled on Gordon's hill. Edward pushed from behind, trying to get the train up to the very top.]

Edward: "We're always brave when there's hills to climb. No mountain-"

[Triumphant but tired, Edward successfully reached the top summit as the Express thundered down the hill.]

"Is too hiiiigh!"

[Next, Thomas was joined by Percy and James. Both engines rode along beside him while teetering side to side.]

Thomas, Percy & James: "Oh yes it's great to be an engine and go,"

"steaming along."

[James, chuffing to Thomas' right, blew his whistle first. Than Percy, chuffing to Thomas' left, peeped his whistle after.]

James: "Puff, puff, puffing along."

Percy: "Peep, peep, peeping along."

[The three engines veered 'round a railway bend, breezing a few flowers in their wake. James' wheels clanked over the tracks in a hasty pace.]

Thomas, Percy & James: "Fly along the rails as your,"

"wheels go 'round."

[Thomas, Percy and James continued shifting, singing, and all around having a good time.]

"Whiz, whiz, whizzing around,"

"All day."

[Gordon puffed through the stormy weather, being pelted by rain as he took the Express through the dark clouds. He looked up to the sky. Miraculously, the clouds cleared to reveal a glimmer of blue skies, and a bright, beaming sunlight peaked through with its sunny rays.]

Gordon: "It doesn't matter come rain or shine!"

[Back on earth along another set of Tracks, Henry was pulling a train of coal while happily steaming through the blooming spring forests.]

Henry: "There's always things for us to do!"

[Now in the winter time, James pushed through the thickening snow with his snow plow whilst flakes gently floated down on top of him.]

James: "And in the cold, cold wintertime, we're ready!"

[Emily emerged from her berth at Tidmouth Sheds beaming with energy. Her fire crackled, steamed hissed, and with a wink of an eye, she takes off to find her friends.]

Emily: "When you light the fire, and stoke the boiler, "

"and we'll be there for you!"

[Emily and the rest of the Steam Team chuffed down a long stretch of track on a lovely spring day. Thomas led the charge and stayed in the middle of three tracks. Percy was on his left while James was on his right. Henry was behind Thomas, Gordon, behind James, and Edward behind Percy. Toby chuffed behind Edward and Emily chuffed behind Gordon]

Steam Team: "Oh yes it's great to be an engine as you're,"

"steaming along."

[Gordon and Edward whistled along with Henry, while Toby's bell tolled to their song as well.]

Gordon and Edward: "Huff, puff, puffing along."

Henry and Toby: "Peep, peep, peeping along."

[The brigade of engines thundered down the tracks with the wind brushing pass the speeding locomotives.]

Steam Team: "Feel the wind around you as you,"

"push along."

"Huff, puff, puffing along,"

"All day."





Three children stood on top a bridge as the Engines made their way under. They hurried to the other side to watch the Engines still carrying on in their journey. A red-haired boy pointed in their direction.

"Wow! Did you see how quick those engines went by us just now?"

"They're so fast and strong!" A girl with blond hair and a light blue ribbon admired.

"I know! Can you imagine if were we engines too?" He continued. "I could speed down tracks just like they do all day long."

"People can't be engines," Said a schoolboy.

"Yeah!" The ribbon girl agreed. "That wouldn't work at all. Just become an engine driver."

But The red-haired boy sighed wistfully, paying no notice to their comments.

"Thomas and his friends must have so much fun. Oh, If only I could be an engine too."

The girl and boy looked at each other and shook their heads in disagreement.





[The Steam Team continued down the line, now joined by Duck, Oliver, Toad, Donald, Douglas, and Bill & Ben. All engines tailed behind Thomas and the others.]

Engines: "Oh yes it's great to be an engine as you're,"

"steaming along!"

[The great western engines blew their whistles, followed by the Scottish Twins.]

Duck & Oliver: "Puff, puff, puffing along!"

Donald & Douglas: "Peep, peep, peeping along!"

[All fourteen engines rattled and clanked along the railway tracks, thundering down a long stretch of rails by an open, spring filled countryside.]

Engines: "Fly along the rails as your,"

"wheels go 'round!"

"Whiz, whiz, whizzing around!"

"All day!"

[At Knapford Station, Gordon parked along Platform one and waited as Stafford the Electric Engine shunted his Express Coaches to the back of his tender.]

Engines: "Oh yes it's great to be an engine and go,"

"steaming along!"

[Edward and Henry backed into platforms three and four then blew their whistles. Along with James and Percy, backing in after them before blowing their whistles too. Percy parked in front of Henry on platform three and James in front of Edward on platform four.]

"Puff, puff, puffing along!"

"Peep, peep, peeping along!"

[Toby and Henrietta rolled in on platform six and Emily puffed along platform five with her green and cream-colored coaches.]

Engines: "All the people waving as you speed along!"

"Puff, puff, puffing along!"

[And finally, steaming into platform two with Annie & Clarabel, Thomas came to an abrupt stop to finish off their song.]

"Peep, peep, peeping and a puff, puff, puffing!"

"We can steam around all daaaay!"





The passengers in Knapford station all broke out into an applause. Everyone cheered and whistled, all while the Engines smiled at each happy face they spotted. It was unexpected to be treated with such a grand performance. The passengers were pleasantly surprised and greatly enjoyed it. All except Sir Topham Hatt, who looked more confused as he hustled through cheering passengers and mumbling to himself over the noisy abruption.

"Wh-what is this? What's with all the commotion?!"

The passengers finished their cheering and went on with their day. They began climbing into their respective coaches such as Gordon's Express coaches, Annie & Clarabel, Emily's Coaches, and Henrietta.

"Good morning, Sir!" Thomas was the first to say. "We were just freshening ourselves up for the big day ahead of us."

"And there's no better way to start off like a fun little vocal practice!" Emily agreed.

Henry chuckled. "Especially with all the visitors we've been getting recently. They just love us, Sir!"

"But nothing is running as scheduled," Sir Topham Hatt argued. "Instead of being a reliable railway, you're all causing confusion and delay!"

James had been making funny faces and moving his mouth to mock Sir Topham Hatt's in a silly way. Percy watched while trying to hold back his laugh, but burst into a light giggle once James finished his mocking and cracked a smile. Sir Topham Hatt leaned over to view the two engines with both fist on his hips and a mean glare in their direction. Percy and James quickly noticed his grimace and stopped giggling; Then tried playing up innocent grins.

Thomas chuckled. "The passengers don't seem to mind much, Sir."

"That may be, Thomas. But the fact remains that we still have to keep things running to a tee. And having random outbursts of singing, dance numbers, or what have you, can wind up distracting us from our duties."

"I tried to warn them countless times, Sir," Gordon boasted, "but those silly engines just simply wouldn't listen."

Sir Topham Hatt hummed under his mouth with a raised brow while both fists remain on his hips and a foot tapped the ground. Gordon stuttered nervously.

"Eh, that is, after I thought of joining in to get their attention, of course," He grinned, innocently.

"What crawled into his smoke-box this morning?" James said.

"I don't think Sir has a smoke-box, James," Percy said.

"As I've told you all time and time again," Sir Topham Hatt continued, "we're here to set a standard that no other railway can match."

Duck and Oliver were parked next to the station's siding along with Donald, Douglas and Bill & Ben. They listened in on Sir Topham Hatt's scolding, also feeling a bit ashamed.

"Engines of the North Western are strong, able workers. And really useful and right on time above all else. That is why we're the most reliable steam driven system there is; because we deliver what others cannot."

"A fun, toe tapping musical number?!" Thomas exclaimed with a grin.

James and Percy found it funny but Sir Topham Hatt simply pinched the bridge of his nose.

"We're sorry for causing so much trouble, Sir," Edward chimed in. "We'll be sure to get back to work and be really useful again before you know it."

Sir Topham Hatt sighed, then switched to a relaxed smile.

"Oh, you've always been really useful, Edward. All of you have. No matter what happens elsewhere, I wouldn't have any other engines working on my Railway. And I'm very proud indeed to call you all my engines. That's why I expect more out of you."

The Engines suspected something off from Sir Topham Hatt. They were confused by the sudden shift in his tone.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" Toby asked.

"Never mind me, Toby. It's time you all get back to work. And please, try to keep minor distractions at a minimal."

"I don't know, Sir," Thomas teased as he blew his whistle. "If the passengers start demanding more, then I might not have a choice but to give 'em what they want."

Thomas took off with Annie & Clarabel. James, Percy and the rest left as well to find work and carried their passengers off to their destinations. Knapford Junction was now bustling with engines once again. But this did little to ease Sir Topham Hatt's worries. He checked the time on his pocket watch. Each ticking arm made his heart sink further.

"Oh, deer, oh, deer," Sir Topham Hatt worried. "Everything's already fallen behind schedule. What will he say if things keep up like this?"

Gordon still had to wait for the doors of his coaches to close. He was about to take off before Sir Topham Hatt stopped him.

"Eh, just a moment there, Gordon. I'd like to have a word with you."

"What is it, Sir? I'm not in any trouble, am I?"

"Well, it does involve you but in no way does it mean you're in any real trouble."

Sir Topham Hatt tucked away his pocket watch and took off his hat, holding the brim nervously.

"You see, it's about your brothers."

Gordon raised a brow. "My, brothers, Sir?"

Meanwhile, a workman was putting up posters around Knapford station. They lined it up against a brick wall, and brushed their broom against it to stick the poster in place. On the poster was an illustration of a green, class 40 diesel engine hauling a long load of freight cars with all sorts of goods. The text written in stylized letters on the bottom reads; 'North Western Railway; A faster, functioning, future.'





To Be Continued.





Music Used: "It's Great to Be An Engine" From Thomas & Friends.

Composers: Mike O'Donnell & Junior Campbell.

Copyright Ownership: HiT Entertainment™, Mattel, Inc.