Thomas & Equestria Girls 2:
Adventures From Sodor!
Chapter 5: Escaping
It wasn't until much later when Adagio Dazzle met up with Diesel again after him and Paxton returned from their journey to Canterlot High. Adagio had just finished taking Gerard Gisborne, Sodor's new controller, to visit the steam engines at Tidmouth Sheds to inform them of the current changes being made to their Railway, and how they'll soon be shipped off once the next ferry arrives to pick them up.
While puffing down the mainline with Adagio, Diesel was hesitant to report the status of his task, until Adagio finally grew impatience. But Adagio wasn't too happy after he did to say the least. This cautioned him into leaving out Paxton, or the fact Paxton was the one who convinced Aria and Sonata to consider her offer after refusing Diesel's failed attempt to recruit them.
Adagio moaned. "Why am I not surprised? So, this is how those two repay me for taking care of them after all this time?"
"They did say once we have control of Sodor that they'll be sure to join us."
"I already have control of this puny world! What more proof do they need?"
Diesel didn't know how to answer. Adagio continued grumbling but didn't appear that upset over their decline. She pretty much excepted their rejection despite her nearing her hostile takeover of Sodor.
"Fine. The sooner those steam engines are gone, the sooner I start regaining my powers again. Aria and Sonata will practically be bowing before me when all is said and done!"
"What exactly have you got against steamies, anyway?" Diesel asked. "Given that you are one, I mean."
"I am not a steam engine, fool! I may be stuck in this hideous form, but in my world, I'm a ferocious, all imposing Siren!"
Diesel looked over Adagio then shot her an unamused glare. Adagio shied away angrily and simply ignored his observation.
"Let's just say I know what they're capable of. I saw a single group, along with these girls I encountered in the past, seamlessly vanquish the Spirit of Chaos himself. Any foreign contrivance that can accomplish such a feat is a threat. And if I'm to conquer this world, I need those engines and their magic out of the picture."
"Rrriiight," Diesel rolled his eyes, unconvinced. "Thomas and all the other steamies have magical powers now too, eh?"
"I may not know how or why, but they do. Those engines, combined with Equestrian magic, possess an unprecedented power that could subjugate my own. This time for good."
"I appreciate everything you've done for us, Adagio, but there's no way I can believe you or any of those silly school girls actually-"
"Oh. Fine with me," Adagio interrupted, smugly. "I suppose you wouldn't like being in charge of the diesels after all."
Diesel pretended he wasn't worried. "Egh, of course, I do! Why do you think I'm still playing along with this nonsense? As long as the deal's still on, I could care less what magical powers you think you're getting."
Night time was approaching with the sun slowly descending from the sky and radiating a twilight night. Adagio was about to initiate the next phase of her plan before inquiring Diesel about his trip to Canterlot High.
"By the way, you haven't told anyone at Canterlot High what you were doing there like I asked by any chance?"
Diesel blew smoke nervously. "Uhh… N-No. W-what makes you think I did?"
"I didn't. Although, when Gisborne and I payed those engines a visit, I was surprised to see one of those girls at the sheds with them."
"What?!" Diesel exclaimed, furiously.
"You heard me. Sunset Shimmer, the one who orchestrated my defeat, is now on Sodor."
"She followed me?!" Diesel growled in frustration. "I knew there was something I didn't like about those-"
Realizing what he said out loud, Diesel looked over to Adagio, pretending to scowl him. Diesel's cheeks turned red.
"I-I-I mean, really?! W-w-what a coincidence."
"It is, isn't it?" She smirked with a raised brow.
Diesel arched a brow himself. "You're not mad, are you?"
"At first. I've even debated on revoking your so-called leadership status."
This made Diesel gasp anxiously. Adagio knew this would frighten him and took amusement over it.
"But the more I think about it, you, Diesel, have made the outcome of our little operation that much more possible."
Diesel was beginning to lose track of Adagio's complex schemes. Both engines came to a stop in front of a signal gantry and waited for the lights to turn green again.
"Wait. You wanted them to know you're on Sodor? But you said not to make a peep!"
Adagio explained. "I was going to reveal my presence once the time was right and lure them here myself. But the difficult part's already taken care of itself."
"Why do you even need them? They don't seem all that special to me. I'm surprised a lot this loony could supposedly cause you so much trouble."
"Trust me, Diesel. These girls are very special. They're going to reinvigorate my true Equestrian magic once again."
Diesel groaned in annoyance. "What-ever."
At this point, Diesel stopped questioning her motives much and just went along with it. He was more looking forward to being in charge of giving out orders when Director Gisborne isn't paying notice. The two took off again once the signal lights turned green and allowed them to carry on.
"But for now," Adagio said. "I'd like you to round up as many diesels as you can and guard the perimeters surrounding those magic buffers."
"Guard the buffers? What for?"
"Sunset now knows I'm up to something. And I have a feeling she'll be escorting those steam engines to rendezvous at Canterlot High." Adagio's sinister grin creased and her eyes glowed green. "I need you to make sure that at least one of them doesn't."
Adagio Dazzle knew exactly what she was doing. Her plan did involve more than replacing steam with diesel. The idea came to her when she first entered their dimension. After witnessing the Engines and Girls defeat the Lord of Chaos, with the combined strengths disabling and sending him back to his own dimension, Adagio knew that not only have the Girls gotten much stronger with their magic, but their new allies also posed as an unforeseeable threat. Knowing this, Adagio knew her chances of taking over not only Canterlot High, but everywhere beyond would be extremely slim. The Girl's have proven their magic can top hers. But now with this new kind of magic in the Engine's possession, Adagio had a lot more up against her.
Once the excitement following Canterlot High's crazy outburst subsided, she discovered the portal leading to the Magic Railroad and traveled through the line until she found herself on the Island of Sodor. She observed and discovered many things about this odd place. How most transportation and delivery is utilized by rail, the group of boys back at Canterlot High originated from this dimension, how to operate and control her engine form herself, and how easy it was to stir up conflict here than at Canterlot High. Once she found and met Gerard Gisborne, Adagio's conquest began to take fold. If she hopes to consume all the negative energy needed to make everyone obey her fully, all Adagio needed was a few people, and engines, to fall into place. Taking their steam engine friends away is sure to lure the Girls to Sodor. Having striped Adagio of her Siren magic before, Adagio still had intentions to utilize their Equestrian magic to enact her plan for revenge.
The Engines were all getting ready for their trip to Canterlot High, where they must hide out and conceive a plan of their own to defeat Adagio. It was no longer safe for Thomas and his friends to be on Sodor. As much as it pained them to leave behind Sir Topham Hatt, his Railway, and all their friends, it was for their own good. But knowing their friends over at Canterlot High will lend them a hand reassured their belief that things will be back to normal once this blows over. They were mostly excited to return to Canterlot High as they themselves haven't seen their good friends in quite a long time.
Night time had come. Thomas and Sunset Shimmer met Toby at his shed and told him everything. He was well aware of steam being withdrawn, but to find out who was pulling the strings surprised Toby a little. The engines had never experience outside forces invading their home before. Toby was even more worried when Thomas told him what they're doing to most of the rolling stock. If Henriette didn't meet Gisborne's expectations, they might have to send her away to be scrapped too. There were very few engines they could trust now, but luckily, Toby knew at least one diesel who could take care of Henrietta.
The three engines had arrived at Edward's Station in Wellsworth. Toby gently parked his coach Henrietta in the little two berthed shed behind the Station's signal box. Once Henrietta was snug in her spot, Toby backed up to face Philip, the diesel boxcab, who was nestled in his berth.
"Thanks for looking after Henrietta for me, Philip!"
"Oh, of course, Toby!" Philip said, excitedly. "This is going to be so much fun! It'll be just like a sleepover!"
"Just be sure to let me have my sleep if I'm to be staying here, Philip," Henrietta advised.
"Aw!" He pouted. "But what fun's a sleepover if all we do is sleep?"
"There'll be plenty of time for chitter chatter tomorrow," Henrietta smiled. "After all, we will be working together for the time being it seems."
"Looks like you two will get along great," Toby teased.
"We'll be better than great!" Philip chimed. "We'll be the best diesel boxcab and coach duo on the line. No; the best team this Island's ever seen!"
"I'm glad to hear," He chuckled. "I better get going now. Goodbye, Henrietta. Goodbye, Philip."
"Wait, Toby," Philip said, suddenly.
He stopped and looked at Philip, appearing troubled and worried, which soon carried over to Henrietta and Toby after he spoke.
"Is it true what some diesels are saying about steam engines; that they're being sent away because they're no longer useful? Is that why you're leaving?"
It was tough to break it to little Philip, but Toby knew he deserved to know. Toby sighs over the thought.
"Its true, Philip. We are being taken out of service. But where we're going is a much better place. We'll be safe there until this whole mess settles down."
Philip was still concerned. "But will we ever see you again? Salty said you might be gone forever, and that the diesels arriving here are your permanent replacements. That's not true is it? Say it isn't true, Toby."
"Nonsense, Philip," He chuckled. "We won't be gone that long. But in the meantime, you need to promise me nothing bad will happen to Henrietta while I'm away. Understand?"
Philip grinned. "Toby, that's what friends are for! We look out for one another. You won't have to worry about us. I got this!"
Toby smiled with assurance. "Then I promise nothing bad will happen to me or my friends either."
"You better hold yourself to that, mister." Henrietta then became apprehensive, "Do stay out of trouble, Toby. Please?"
Toby promised her he would before ringing his bell and backing away from Wellsworth Shed. He went to join Thomas and Sunset Shimmer, waiting by the station platform, as they took off to find the others. Philip kept on saying goodbye until the tram engine was no longer in sight. After which, Henrietta was about to drift off into sleep. But Philip had another ideas.
"So, Henrietta!" Philip began. "What shall we talk about first? Ooh, what about the time I rescued James from falling off a bridge, or when I was almost pushed into a turntable from this big bully? Or, oh! When I rescued sixty-eight sheep from a terrible accident and-"
Shortly enough, Thomas, Sunset, and Toby stopped under a Signal Gantry and waited for the rest to show up. There were no trains running, so it was clear for them to remain parked in the middle of the line. Percy arrived first, puffing in next to Thomas with an excited smile.
"Is everyone ready to go yet, Percy?" Thomas said.
"All set, Thomas! Just got back from picking up a cupcake at the bakery. The one Pinkie Pie made me before was so delicious, that I thought of giving her one fresh from Sodor."
"Good idea, Percy," Toby encouraged. "I made sure to bring the straw-hat Applejack and I made together."
"Pinkie's definitely gonna go wild over a cupcake from another dimension," Sunset commented.
Finally, Gordon, Henry, James, Edward, and Emily all arrived and parked behind the four engines.
"Where have you lazy bones been?" Thomas said, trying to keep spirits high.
Gordon groaned. "We had to wait for Henry to get his silly gift for Fluttershy."
"You see," He said, cheerfully, "I still have Fluttershy's tree bark from Canterlot's forest. And now, I'm bringing a piece of tree bark from my forest to give to her!"
"Why couldn't Fluttershy give you something less troublesome to give back in return?" James asked before bragging about his gift. "Like my shiny ruby that Rarity gave me for example."
"And Rainbow Dash's medal?" Gordon added.
"I'm bringing Twilight's magic tracker," Edward said. "She's probably not missing it much, but I bet she'll be happy to know I've kept it all this time."
"What about you, Thomas," Percy said, cheekily. "Aren't you gonna give back Sunset's gift too?"
Thomas looked flustered. Sunset simply chuckled to herself.
"Percy!" Thomas blushed. "I-deh, I didn't have time to get her anything!"
Percy giggled. "If you say so."
"The whistle was enough," Sunset assured Thomas.
"Do you still have it, Sunset?"
"Always. I mean, I don't have it on me, but… it really could've come in handy actually now that I think of it."
"Never mind that, Sunset," Thomas said. "I love traveling the Magic Railroad."
"It sure is gonna be weird going back to that high school," Emily said. "You've all had lots of time being people, not to mention all the crazy, magic stuff. I barely had any time when I was there."
"Maybe now you can since you'll be staying longer," James said.
"Don't worry, Emily," Thomas said. "You're gonna love their world!"
"I can vouch for them," Sunset joked.
"Aw, thanks, everyone," Emily said, grateful. "I can't wait to actually see what else their world has to offer."
When the Engines first traveled to Canterlot High, Emily had felt left out for being asked to stay on Sodor and not go with them. Now she finally felt more included, and she was proud to accompany them to the strange world they've all grown accustomed to.
With everyone now organized, the cavalcade puffed down the tracks with Thomas and Sunset leading the train. Percy and James rode behind Thomas, followed by Gordon, Henry, Edward, Toby and Emily, as they followed the rest down a single line of track veering off from a set of points towards a spur line of thick, woodland trees.
The moon shined bright, but everywhere they looked was still dark. Their lanterns could only provide so much light, but it was still manageable to see what's in front. But all around them, from the forest trees to the tracks beneath them, almost everywhere was pitch black. The engines passed through the condensed forest with creaking branches and twigs snapping as they went along. They tried being brave, but roaming about this late at night, trying their best to avoid being seen or heard made their excursion just as tense. Sir Topham Hatt would've simply scolded his engines; but imagining what Gisborne would do for if they were caught sneaking off a night was all too unnerving. Sunset Shimmer wasn't phased much and kept on leading the train, trying to stay sharp by watching her surroundings for anything off putting.
Suddenly, a low humming drone, followed by a whirring coming from nowhere alarmed Sunset to stop in her tracks. But as she did, Thomas accidentally bumps into her, along with Percy, and James, and soon the rest found themselves doing the same, with only a few stopping just in time to tip one another's buffers.
"We really need stop doing that," Gordon commented.
"What is it, Sunset?" Thomas asked.
"Something doesn't feel right," She said.
"C-could it be because we're in the middle of the woods where anything s-spooky can jump out and get us at any moment?!" Henry shivered.
"Don't be ridiculous, Henry," Gordon said. "Nobody knows we're out here."
"Yet," Percy said, nervously.
"Even if they do," Emily added. "We'll already be gone by the time someone catches up to us."
"Exactly," Edward said. "So, we better get a move on, quickly, before Mr. Gisborne notices we're gone."
And they did so, with Sunset's guard raised at an all time high. She instructed everyone to move slowly and make as little sound as they can. The Engines all puffed slow and steady through the thicket. Percy couldn't help but thought he saw a shadow zoom by and nearly came to a stop. James, annoyed with Percy for slowing down the train, decided to push him onward until Percy snapped out of it and picked up slack again.
The engines arrived at a long stretch of track with points facing different directions. Sunset came to a stop and gazed down every direction, intimidated by each path. She didn't remember seeing this line here before, and neither have the others. The tracks were old with plant life growing out from under the sleepers. They haven't been used in a long time. Thomas suggested they continue heading straight, to which everyone agreed, still puffing at a cautioned pace.
Just then, a number of white, blinding lights suddenly shined from within the forest and startled everyone. One by one they each flicker on with loud, revving diesel engines roaring and purring all over their surroundings.
Sunset, Thomas and the rest came to a halt. To their shock, various diesels emerged from the shadows with their lantern lights fixated on each engine. The diesel engines came from different sets of points and parked near the track everyone was on. There were many diesels present, including some Thomas and the others knew and recognized. Arry, Bert, Den, Dart, Norman, Dennis, along with new faces; Skinhead, Western, Whistler and various other diesels of similar basis type were all accounted for. Their surroundings weren't clouded by the night sky of darkness anymore, now their track was nearly visible through their small lantern lights.
"These must be the steamies Diesel said to bring back," Skinhead said.
"Thought yous could just puff away whilst we were sleepin', could yah?!" Western said.
"Wait til we turn you lot in," Whistler smirked. "They'll have yah rotting in the scrap yards for sure."
The diesels all laughed and honked their ear piercing, reverberating horns in excitement. Sunset and the frightened engines didn't know what to do. Based on the number or horns heard, there had to have been many more parked around their vicinity besides the ones blocking the points. They were all surrounded; saved for the track they were on, which still bared a clear path to take.
Sunset Shimmer plucked up determination. "Follow me!"
The grinning diesels began closing in one by one. Thomas and the others, in a fit of panic, blew their whistles and followed Sunset Shimmer, now puffing on ahead in a quick take off. The Engines zoomed by the diesels, inches away from clipping their tenders or running boards. Their lanterns flashed by as the Engines picked up speed, and the diesel's creeping faces blurred by from their peripheral vision. Everyone puffed as hard as they could to escape anyone that didn't block their path from a set of points.
Out of nowhere, Thomas, Percy and James found themselves going down a clear path from one of these points. Screaming in fright, Gordon, Henry and Edward also veered off into a path heading to their left, splitting up from the group.
"What's going on?!" Toby said.
Finally, Toby and Emily were led down the last set of points they came across. Sunset finally emerged into a less dense line and stopped after realizing she was now alone. Unknown to any of them, a few diesel drivers were flipping the switches to separate the engines so they could pick them off one at a time. Hearing a diesel's horn approaching her, Sunset Shimmer continued on to find the others.
"Thomas!" Percy said. "We have to go back! We left the others behind!"
"We can't do that!" James said. "Didn't you see how many diesels there were?"
"James' right, Percy," Thomas said. "We'll have to take a different route and meet up with everyone another way."
Soon after, Thomas, James, and Percy found themselves puffing along a track with two other railway lines next to them. Thomas recognized the line the more he inspected it.
"Wait!" He said, excitedly. "I know this line. The Magic Buffers are straight ahead!"
But upon peering ahead, Thomas saw three headlamps seeping into view and closing in. On three rows of track came three rows of diesel engines, lined up behind one another as they oiled towards their direction. Thomas applied his brakes, followed by Percy and James.
"Get back!" Thomas warned. "Get back!"
Percy, James and Thomas quickly tried to reverse away from the oncoming diesels. But another group from behind the direction they came, this one led by Diesel himself, were also catching up and heading their way. Thomas braked again upon hearing their horns and stressed over what to do. The lights were getting closer. No sooner will the three engines be completely over run by diesels approaching them from both directions.
"What do we do, Thomas?!" Percy asked.
Seeing no way out, Thomas then spotted a lone set of points on their line that led away from the wide-open tracks.
"This way, Hurry!"
Thomas puffed down the switched tracks with Percy and James hastily following. Diesel stopped and commanded the diesels from their line.
"After them!"
A few diesel shunters, including 'Arry & Bert, along with class 35s and 24s veered through the points after the three engines in a single file, honking their varying horns all the while.
Lights from the diesel's headlamps peaked into their vision, and frightened Percy into moving faster. A loud air horn startled a screaming James who could only puff as fast as Thomas and Percy did. The three engines were being pursued down a single line passing through a forest of thin, bristled trees. Thomas tried being brave, but even he wasn't prepared when a 4DH Sentinel diesel named Den came into view a head of him. Determined, Thomas kept on puffing and charged towards Den, still oiling towards the speeding steamies. Miraculously, a set of points led Thomas onto another set of tracks to his left, along with Percy and James, just before Den could ram into and nearly clip James' tender. Den incompetently runs into 'Arry & Bert instead, halting the pursuing diesels and blocking their line if only for a brief moment.
As they rode down the tracks, the three engines could hear but barely see three of their friends from across a thicket on another set of tracks. Gordon, Henry, and Edward's lanterns stuck out as this indication, whizzing by on the other side of the crowded trees in a hasty pace with diesel headlamps on their tail. The diesels were chasing all the Engines in a complete circle away from the Magic Buffers. Scared but determined, Thomas, Percy, and James, kept on chuffing, hoping to find a way to reunite with their friends as the diesels chased after the three in hot pursuit from afar.
Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer was off on her own, having lost track of everyone during the ambush. She stopped and hid behind some trees to avoid being spotted. Then, she heard puffing noises coming towards her. Toby and Emily rolled up and parked in front of her, relieved that it wasn't a diesel they almost ran into.
"Where are the others?" Sunset whispered.
"We don't know," Toby said. "We must've gotten separated by the points."
"I thought I saw Thomas, Percy and James heading towards the Buffers," Emily said. "But then a whole swarm of diesels chased them away."
This worried Sunset a little. Regardless, she had to get Thomas and all his friends out of this mess.
"Come on," She said. "I'll take you to the Buffers."
Toby and Emily agreed and followed Sunset who carefully reversed down the line she came. Whenever they weren't chasing anyone, a patrol of diesels rolled along the track, inspecting every corner they could see. Sunset, Toby, and Emily waited on a sheltered siding. They remained silent as a diesel patrol purred by unbeknownst to the hidden steam engines. When the coast was clear, Toby gave Sunset the okay to reverse back again, and puffed along the line that leads to the Magic Buffers.
At last, they reach the Magic Buffers. Toby and Emily were perfectly facing the Buffers, giving them leverage to charge through the portal head on.
"That was close," Sunset said. "You two go on ahead. I'll look for the rest."
"Be careful, Sunset," Toby advised. "Don't let any of those diesels get the better of you."
"We'll wait for you and the others inside," Emily said.
Sunset thanked them and waited for Emily and Toby to build up speed and charge towards the Magic Buffers. A misty spiral of gold sparkles, accompanied by echoing sounds of locomotives passing with signal lights blaring materialized the portal. Toby and Emily entered through the golden portal and into the Magic Railroad. The noises produced by their entrance was sure to draw in diesels to their location. Sunset worried over having to make sure they didn't.
Luckily, half the work had taken care of itself, as more chuffing noises and a shining lantern headed towards an alarmed Sunset. James, crying out with terror, came hurtling by her as he veered onto the siding and straight into the portal. Sunset then watched as Percy and Thomas arrived, with Thomas braking a foot from the siding.
"Go, Percy!" Thomas said. "I'm right behind you!"
Percy did so and charged towards the Buffers without thought, disappearing through the magic, golden portal.
"That's almost everyone," Sunset confirmed.
"Gordon, Henry and Edward are still out there," Thomas said. "We have to go and get them, Sunset."
"And you will. I'll wait here while you bring them back."
"What?! But I can't go out there on my own."
"The diesels can't know where we are. Someone has to make sure they don't enter the Magic Railroad before we can close it off."
Thomas was nervous. Despite his best efforts to put on a brave face, going out there by himself with many diesels out to capture them was not ideal. He preferred being with his friends, knowing they'd each keep each other safe. But his friends were in trouble now, and it was up to someone to help them before they're caught.
"Alright," Thomas said, apprehensive. "I'll be right back."
"You'll be fine, Thomas," Sunset encouraged. "I know you will. And If you're not back soon then I'll find you myself. You know I will, right?"
He smiled. "I do."
"Just, you know, try not to make me look for you," Sunset teased before changing her tone. "Please, be careful, Thomas. For all of us."
Thomas beamed a determined smile and took off to find Gordon, Henry, and Edward. Seeing his familiar determined grin put Sunset at ease again. She puffed forward then backed into the siding, watching Thomas bravely disappear within the murky ambiance of the railway line.
Gordon, howling in terror, along with Henry and Edward veered down a curved bend with a parade of thundering diesels in hot pursuit. There were more than twenty diesels, all riding along three rows of tracks, speeding after the terrified steam engines. The three engines were not having any luck shaking off the persistent diesels. A group of shunters and class 26s, 30s, and 35s had been on their tail since the ambush, and showed no sign of stopping, much to their exhausted distress. Gordon, Henry and Edward were running out of options and out of steam.
Rolling down an open line with three rows of track, Thomas stopped in front of a turnout from a level junction, a line connected with three other points linking one another for engines to cross over onto each track. Far ahead down the same line was Gordon, Henry and Edward. They spotted Thomas from afar and puffed towards him with the diesels still in chase. Along the way, they had to pass a set of points leading into a spur line. But Thomas, at first relieved to see his friends, saw to his horror a blinding headlamp speeding towards the trio from that very siding.
"Oh, no!" Thomas nearly stuttered. "They're almost here! Hurry!"
"We're hurrying as fast as we can, Thomas!" Gordon called in annoyance.
Gordon led the charge with Henry and Edward chuffing behind. Henry saw the blinding light of Western's headlamp getting closer and closer to him, and picking up more speed. Western's light blinded Henry, and the air horn drummed his hearing. What happened next was something Henry and his friends couldn't see coming.
Western charged head on and rammed into Henry, sending him flying off the track.
Everything seemed to move like a blur. At this time, Henry slowly descended off the line, unable to react as he found himself tumbling down to his right boiler side. Thomas gasped in horrific shock. Edward managed to apply his brakes on time, but couldn't stop himself from running into Henry's tender, and nudging him forward a bit more off track. Finally, Henry crashed landed with a loud clang and a clash against the rails. Ballast crumbled and powder spewed everywhere.
The dust cleared to reveal Henry now lying on his side. His coal had spilled out from his tender and all over the second row of tracks. Henry, battered and derailed, whimpered as he realized what had happened.
Diesel, with his illuminating headlamp, oiled up from behind Henry next to the track he derailed from. Edward was still recovering from the collision, until Western pulled up facing him with his blinding headlamp.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?!"
A shocked Edward felt a diesel bump him from behind. More diesels parked near and surrounded the two steamies.
"Nowhere to run now, steamie!" Western said.
The diesel behind Edward tugged him back. A few more from behind laughed and chortled. He was now coupled up with no means of breaking free, even if he could somehow get pass a derailed Henry. Edward was trapped.
"Why are you doing this, Diesel?" Edward said, noticing him from the next line to him.
"We all knew this day was coming, Edward. Now, quite squirming."
Gordon managed to escape the ordeal and met up with Thomas, who was too petrified to say or do anything as he and Gordon met face to face. Gordon had heard the commotion too, and was just as speechless, and just as mind boggled by the sudden ordeal.
"Gordon!" Thomas said. "They're gonna take Edward and Henry away! We have to save them, quickly!"
"Uhh, err… r-right."
A disoriented Gordon began backing up. Edward could see Gordon reversing towards them from across the line. Seeing how many diesels were now closing in on him and Henry, Edward knew Gordon and Thomas wouldn't have any luck escaping either, let alone try to save one of them.
"Thomas, Gordon!" He called. "Listen to me! Don't worry about us!"
Gordon stopped and listened to Edward's calls.
"Save yourselves! There's too many of them! Just get out of here while you can!"
Gordon agreed and tried puffing forward. But Thomas wasn't having it. He wanted to save his friends.
"No, Gordon!" He demanded. "Henry and Edward need us!"
Gordon stuttered, unable to think straight. Staring down at all the diesel's overcasting headlamps, even Henry knew there was no way out. As much as it deeply pained him, Henry had to muster up all the courage he could so he can give his friends a chance to avoid the same fate.
"Just go!" Henry called. "Go before they get you next! Make sure the others are safe. That's all that matters now."
Surprised by Henry's orders, Gordon looked back at Thomas glaring with worry.
"We can't just leave them there, Gordon! We're suppose to all leave together!"
Gordon felt like his boiler was about to burst. He didn't know what to do. Thomas begged him to rescue their friends, but Edward and Henry urged them to get away. He wanted to save his friends, but knew there was very little he could do to help them, let alone Henry. Thomas was not about to leave his friends, however. Gordon didn't want to either but saw no way of rescuing Edward and Henry. He stared back at Thomas, waiting for Gordon to make a move.
"After those engines!" Diesel ordered. "The rest of you spread out! They shant leave this Island."
A few diesels left to get onto the other line while another row rolled towards the two engines. Gordon, trying to shake off all this stress, finally made up his mind and glared determinedly at a confused Thomas.
"Gordon?"
Hissing steam, Gordon biffed against Thomas' front buffers and pushed him along while building up speed.
"Gordon?! Wait! STOP! Gooordooon!"
Thomas called and shouted for Gordon to stop, but he didn't. They were already well up to speed and chuffing down the line, until the headlamps surrounding their trapped friends vanished from Thomas' sights.
Sunset Shimmer was waiting near the Buffers when she saw two engines chuffing towards her. She smiled with relief upon seeing it was Thomas, but soon noticed something missing.
"Gordon! Stop!" Thomas begged. "Don't leave them!"
"Get inside the portal now!" Gordon called to Sunset.
"NO! Stop! Please, Gordon, listen to me!"
Sunset's face fell over Thomas' distressed cries. Realizing something's wrong, she then quickly built up speed and charged back to the Buffers. Gordon, pushing a resisting Thomas, veered down the siding and sped towards the Magic Buffers.
"NO!"
Gordon biffs Thomas into Sunset, right as the misty, golden portal materializes and spirals open for them to enter. The three engines, with a screaming Thomas, pass through the portal and disappear inside the Magic Railroad. The echoing noise of locomotive whistles and signal lights fade away, and the golden portal clears and vanishes into thin air. Just then, Skinhead and Whistler rode down the line while passing the siding leading to the Magic Buffers.
"Dumb, steamies," Skinhead chuckled. "Don't they know not to whistle if they're tryna hide?"
Whistler chuckled in agreement. The two diesels carried on, unaware of the lone buffers off to the siding hiding the very engines they're hunting for.
Diesel caught up and parked near the siding. He was fed up with their sudden disappearance, and went to check on the Magic Buffers to see if that's where they went. He then charged into them only to bounce off upon impact and winding him a little. Recovering, Diesel stared with bafflement at the mossy Buffers, barely radiating a single spec of gold. This angered Diesel to no end. The frustration he's had with the Magic Buffers already and its random nonsense made Diesel storm off. He took one last look, now with a sneaking suspicion. How could it not let him in? One thing was for sure, he wasn't getting into the Magic Railroad tonight. So, Diesel reversed back to fetch Henry and Edward.
Toby, Emily, James, Percy, Sunset Shimmer, Thomas and Gordon were now all inside the Magic Railroad. The engines who arrived earlier had just finished recovering when they heard more commotion going on. Gordon's tender biffed against the Buffers they came in as Thomas kept ramming into Gordon, trying to push them back out and return to Sodor with no success.
"Gotta go, back, gotta go back!" Thomas repeated. "We have to go back!"
Thomas kept on bumping and biffing his buffers against Gordon's. Sunset Shimmer tried getting his attention but Thomas ignored her and kept at it. The Magic Railroad was now closed off to prevent anyone from entering. There was no way of leaving until it was turned back on, which it didn't.
"We shouldn't have left them!" Thomas cried. "You shouldn't have left them!"
Finally fed up, Gordon jerked forward and pushed Thomas away, prompting Sunset to caught him. Her and the others were still not up to speed.
"Enough, Thomas!" Gordon snapped. "There was nothing we could've done!"
"You don't know that! I mean… We could've done something at least!"
"What happened?" Sunset asked.
"Henry got derailed," Gordon explained. "And a swarm of diesels ambushed him and Edward."
"What!" Percy cried.
"They were both captured by Diesel."
A strong silence fell. Now that they all had breathing time to check up, the group counted and noticed they were now two engines short. Realizing this, the news struck everyone much harder. The uncomfortable silence worried Sunset, especially from Thomas.
"Thomas?" She asked.
Thomas continued saying nothing and angrily darted the ground before becoming saddened like everyone else. Sunset didn't know what to say. She wanted to go back and rescue them, but knew just as well as the others that nothing couldn't be done, and the reality of it was too much to bare.
Gordon's face fell, guilt ridden and ashamed to have put Henry and Edward in danger. The Engines all mourned over their friends. It was especially painful knowing they were sentenced to be taken away off the Island soon. How soon exactly was still unknown, and it saddened them even more as the likelihood of it being only a few days from now, or worst of all the next day, was difficult to even have to imagine.
It was difficult for them to continue on, to leave Henry and Edward behind, but they had to. Slowly but surely, they puffed down the golden tracks of the Magic Railroad. Thomas refused to move a wheel. Sunset coupled up and pulled him while Gordon gently pushed Thomas along. Not even the beautiful countryside of the Magic Railroad, with it's purple starry sky, bristling valleys and moonlight night, could put them at ease.
To Be Continued.