//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: Welcome To Crystal Prep Pt. 2 // Story: Thomas & Equestria Girls 2: Adventures From Sodor // by LPFanFic //------------------------------// Thomas & Equestria Girls 2: Adventures From Sodor! Chapter 15: Welcome to Crystal Prep Pt. 2 The Engines stood in utter shock. There standing next to the Shadowbolts was Devious Diesel himself looking back at the group with pride in his grin. The bus they jumped on earlier took the Engines straight to Crystal Prep Academy. But what reason did Diesel have for taking the same bus to this school? How could he have known this was where the Engines would be? The Shadowbolts looked to each other and shrugged with confusion. Do these people know each other? Thomas stepped back in horror. "D-D-Diesel? Wha-. You're part of the Shadowbolts?!" "That's right, Thomas!" Diesel gloated with arms to his sides and a smug grin. "I'll be racing against you to see which of us is best. Steamie, or diesel." Thomas was cut off before he could answer. "Trick Question!" Diesel laughed in his nasally chuckle. "The answer is diesel!" "He's gotta be teasing us!" Percy Panicked. "We all know Diesel's really here to take us back to Mr. Gisborne!" "I'd like to see him try!" Emily said, sternly. "We're not going anywhere with you, Diesel!" James argued, boldly. "And you can't make us!" Gordon boomed. "I know. That's why I asked these girls to let me compete in the Crystal Race." "We only let him in because our other classmates couldn't and he wouldn't leave us alone until we finally agreed," Sugarcoat said, bitterly. "And he's only a temporary member," Sour Sweet reaffirmed to Diesel. "Nothing more." Diesel smiled and rolled his eyes. "But why?" Percy asked. "How did you even know where we'd be, Diesel?" "I've been following you silly steamies since yesterday." Diesel whipped out the poster he got back at Canterlot High, "I knew exactly where to be and how to lure you right where I want you." It was a poster the Girls originally gave to Paxton promoting the Crystal Race. He showed it off for the other engines to examine before beginning his explanation. The Engines soon learned they were right in assuming Diesel was here for them. Director Gisborne had requested Diesel to bring the remaining escaped engines back to Sodor to be shipped off Sodor properly. Diesel didn't mention Adagio Dazzle much. She only demanded that the engines be kept away from the Girls. This explanation made Thomas and his friends anxious. What was Diesel going to know now that he knew what they're doing and where to find them? What did his involvement with the Shadowbolts have anything to do with capturing them? Diesel went into further detail regarding his meeting with the Shadowbolts before presenting a proposition. "I knew I couldn't convince you all to return to Sodor," Diesel smirked. "So, I thought of an idea. A fair deal that'll make you return on your own whims." The Engines all shared suspicious glances. "What kind of deal?" Thomas asked with a raised brow. "If you stinking steamies win this whole competition, I'll leave you lot to stay in Canterslum City." "And if you win?" Emily asked. "Then you have to agree to return back home, and hop on the next ship off the Island of Sodor. Forever!" The Engines all gasped in horror. Diesel laughed his nasally chortle. Everyone thought over this whole ordeal. If Thomas' team wins, they get to remain in Canterlot City and not have to go anywhere. But if Diesel and the Shadowbolts won, the Engines all had to go back to Sodor, and leave the Island for good. Thomas and the others wondered if they should even agree to such a suggestion. But Thomas already had an answer ready. There was nothing Diesel could do to really force them home, and he knew it. "No deal, Diesel," Thomas said, bluntly. "You can't make us go back. Not until Sunset Shimmer and our friends set things back to normal again." "For once, I actually agree with Thomas," James added. "The only way I'm returning is if Steam Engines can work on Sir Topham Hatt's Railway again." A baffled Indigo Zap leaned in to Sugarcoat. "What is going on?" Sugarcoat simply shrugged, not really caring in the slightest. The rest of the Shadowbolts couldn't say for sure what Diesel and the Wondercolts were playing at. Their conversation was strange, especially hearing references to Thomas like they were actually from his show. Though Diesel's mention of magic friends made them a tad suspicious, they were mostly impatient and waiting to get the race going. "You know very well that can't be done," Diesel said. "Even with your little magic friends causing trouble on Gisborne's railway." "But how did you of all diesels join their team?" Toby asked, annoyed and baffled. "You don't even go to their school." "Principal Cadance said he could," Lemon Zest said. "These events allowed different schools to participate. Even the Wondercolts could've had other students compete with them." "Like I said. Unfortunate," Sugarcoat commented. "You can't let him do this," Thomas pressured to the Shadowbolts. "Diesel is forcing us back to Sodor so the Siren and Mr. Gisborne can send us away!" "Uh, Siren?" Sour Sweet grumbled with an arched brow. "News flash," Sunny Flare said, "Sodor isn't real. And neither are those talking baby trains. Now can we get started already?" "What are you so afraid of, Thomas?" Diesel said, relishing in their fear. "If diesels aren't any better than steamies, then surely you won't have a problem competing against us, especially now that we're people." Gordon groaned. "Can we just agree to his silly deal. Its only Diesel and some snooty teenagers. Competing with them will be easier than a rabbit winning against a tortoise." The Shadowbolts all shot him nasty glares. "Hey!" Diesel snapped. "Wait," Lemon Zest said to Indigo Zap. "He knows how that story actually ended, right?" "I'm not so sure," Emily said. "It sounds too risky. All Diesel has to do is follow the Shadowbolts to victory." "More like he'd be holding them back," James said. "I'll prove to Diesel that steamies are much better at anything diesels do even without agreeing to anything." "How about it, Thomas?" Diesel said. "You're the Wondercolt's leader, aren't you? It's your call." Thomas looked back at his friends, who were now all giving him glares instead with crossed arms. They didn't like Diesel's deal very much or appointing Thomas as their leader, especially with all the attention he gets already in this world. Only Percy and Toby held their reserves, but were still strongly against Diesel and his devious offer. Thomas turned and faced Diesel again, still baring his smug smirk. He then exhaled in frustration. "Alright." Thomas extended his hand. Diesel did the same and the two engines shook to their agreement. James and Gordon exchanged annoyed looks before rolling their eyes. Just then, CPA's gym coach arrived to inform the two teams of where the first event is taking place. The two teams then followed him and made their way across the soccer field, passing a large monitor station with two televised screens on each end. There was even more hostility between both sides. The Engines were just as determined to win against the Shadowbolts now that Diesel was on their team. They weren't going to let them win just so Diesel can have his way. And after their taunting and teasing's, the Engines were ready to prove they can contribute to the fundraiser just as well as Crystal Prep. On their way, Diesel stepped in next to Thomas so he could wallow to his face. Thomas had no patience with Diesel and kept walking. "I'm so looking forward to putting you silly steamies to shame. And how spot on was Emily, eh? All I have to do is lead this team to victory without lifting a muscle, and you'll be sailing off Sodor in no time!" Suddenly, Diesel's laugh was interrupted when he felt himself getting yanked back by Sour Sweet, who held his sweater's collar and pierced her glaring eyes. "Let's get one thing straight, Diesel," She reprimanded. "You're only a Shadowbolt until our school raises enough money for the fundraiser. You're not the leader, not the coordinator, not anything that puts you above us. Got it?!" Diesel smiled a sly smirk. "Whatever you say, Sour Sweet." "Don't mess this up!" She lets go but still bared her scowl. "We take our reputation seriously. A lot of people are counting on us." The Wondercolts and Shadowbolts arrived at the first event. And the playing field they had set up made the Engines gasp in complete shock. The first event was being held in a wide, five-story cylindrical tower. The structure bared five purple flags up on the roof, was painted purple and light blue, and surrounded by chain link windows descending around the structure to the bottom floor where a tunnel and single door entrance way to the stairs met. A large, yellow neon sign hung and shined onto the two teams. The sign read 'the Roller Tower", and was accompanied by purple, animated roller skates which moved and expanded before starting over again. The Engines were captivated by the large and unusual structure, staring up at the very tip with loose jaws. What was this suppose to be? They didn't recognize roller skates, but quickly deduced they were shoes with four wheels and a stopper at the tip. "For our first event," Shining Armor broadcasted from the announcer booth. "We're taking a trip down Roller Tower!" "How did none of us see that on our way in?!" Toby exclaimed. "Each contestant will race in groups of two," Principal Cadance Explained. "Both have to pass the finish line in order to receive points for their team." The coach lined everyone up and went over the rules and reinstructed the proper use of roller skates, something the Engines definitely need despite not helping much to their anxiousness. The Shadowbolts were hardly phased, showing no concern over the Roller Tower. Thomas, Diesel and the other engines, however, shivered and quivered in fright while the coach listed the rules and safety instructions on how to skate. "The rules are very simple," the Coach instructed. "No shoving, no pushing, no biting, no clawing, no kicking, no tripping, no name calling, no spitting, no tackling, no grabbing, no dragging, no lollygagging. And most importantly; NO Stopping! Stopping will stop everyone else, a protentional recipe for disaster!" "This seems awfully dangerous, Thomas," Toby whispered to Thomas. Thomas pretended he wasn't aware or afraid, but did a poor job of showing it. The coach continued his drill. "In case of emergency, medical first aid will be on stand by to provide immediate assistance." "Medical?" Percy stuttered. "First aid?!" Emily exclaimed. "As well as professional advisers to keep an eye on things from going... haywire." "Haywire?!" Toby said. The coach then throws a pare of roller skates to James and Toby, then ones for Indigo Zap and Sunny Flare. "You four will go first! And remember; both members have to pass the finish line. Failure to reach the bottom before the other contestants will cost your team a point!" "Um, is it okay if I go last, actually?" Toby asked, clutching his skates nervously. "No time to be a slow coach today, Toby," James said. "It's full steam a head from here on out." "But this isn't what we signed up for!" Toby dangled his skates by the knots. "I thought we were supposed to be running a race. Not whatever this is." "The offer still stands, dearie," Sunny Flare taunted. "Our challenges really aren't meant for the feint of heart." "But don't faint on the way up if yah do stick around," Indigo Zap joked. Sunny Flare and Indigo Zap shared a laugh. A dejected Toby slouched. He didn't feel like doing this race at all. Neither of the Engines were so sure about their chances either, but were soon reminded of Diesel and regretted their agreement all the more. James, on the other hand, puts on his helmet with a determined glare. "Let's roll!" James, Toby, Sunny Flare and Indigo Zap entered through the door where they had to suit up in red, brown and purple roller derby jump suits, and strapped their elbows and knees with padded protection. Once the two groups were geared up, they made their way to the top level, strapped on their skates, and prepared to get in position. The crowd of students chanted from outside all the while. Juniper Montage didn't really join in. She too could sense the distress her friends were feeling towards this event. The two groups stood in front of their own Fastlane glassgates, looking down at the smooth, inclined track before them. The slope spiraled in a circular direction with chained windows on their right and a chain link fence wrapped around the left side of the track, which faced the hollow, middle spine of the entire tower. And though the track's illuminate reliance were provided by ceiling lights, the incline still fogged a murky draw distance. To Toby's relief, the track itself wasn't very deep, but the descending spiral into nothingness and lack of experience became his new top concern. James pretended he wasn't scared despite some apprehension. But he was more determined to beat Indigo Zap to really worry about anything else. All he knew was to reach the bottom and earn points before she does. "G-good luck, you two," Toby said to the other team. "We won't need it," Sunny Flare bragged. "But thanks anyway." "You guys will definitely need it though. That's for sure," Indigo Zap said. "For one of the fastest red engines on Sodor? Hah!" James teased. "The only ones that'll need luck are anyone not painted red. See you all at the very bottom!" "Whatever," Indigo scoffed rolled her eyes. "That guy is so doing down." "But James," Toby tried reminded. "We have to pass the finish line-" Toby's warning was cut short, as the referee had begun his countdown. "I already know what I'm doing, Toby," James said. "Eyes on the prize!" Sunny Flare and Indigo Zap got into their starting position. James and Toby quickly get into theirs before the referee finished the countdown. The Wondercolts and Shadowbolts watched from outside through the two TV monitors, broadcasting their teammates readying at the starting line. Thomas was worried for his friends, especially Toby, who's known to dislike going too fast. An electric bell gongs a rapid clanging and red siren lights bounded to the ceiling corners flickered and rotated from the top level all the way to the bottom. The glassgates swing open, rock music kicks in, and the two teams charged onto the track. The incline allowed skaters to roll down without having to push on their blades to get themselves going. And going they did. Both Indigo and Sunny rode along the track with ease while James was still playing catch up. Instead of skating in a somewhat straight line, however, Toby was spinning and teetering out of control. He could barely stand on his roller skates and now they were shaking him about while zooming after the other team. James had a rough start with his balancing and began falling behind too. "It looks like the Shadowbolts are off to an early lead," Cadance commented. "The Wondercolts will need to recover from their rough start if they hope to catch up." "They don't seem to be doing so hot, Cadance," Shining Armor said. "Where did these guys learn to skate; a disco rink? The other Wondercolts are in for a sloppy start if the rest are this out of practice." Sunny and Indigo showed no trouble of steadying themselves and continued their trip. James forced himself steady, and pushed on his blades to move faster. He was on his way to catching up with the Shadowbolts, but leaving Toby behind in the process, who still couldn't balance on his skates properly. All he could do was swing his arms and wobble his legs to stay on his feet. It got to the point were poor Toby began bumping into the chain link windows and wall on his way down, bouncing off between each surface like a pinball ricocheting off its clanging targets. He bumped all the way down one by one in a rapid spiral. Crystal Prep Students from the bleachers laughed and pointed at the TV monitor. They thought it was funny watching Toby and James sway and swerve about uncontrollably. Thomas and the others winced upon seeing Toby's wipe outs. Even Cadance and Shining Armor could feel his pain. A frustrated James wouldn't let himself trip up like Toby did, and kept himself going despite difficulties standing straight. "This Wondercolt surely isn't about to give up, Cadance," Shining Armor commented. "But without his teammate," She said, "he won't be able to achieve a perfect score unless both cross the finish line before the Shadowbolts." "And the Wondercolts are already ways away from the Shadowbolts and their first win." James rode side by side with Indigo Zap and Sunny Flare. He was fully intent on getting past Indigo at all cost. Indigo felt the same, as she leaned forward to build up more speed. James saw this and noted that it made her go faster. So, he tried leaning forward too, and built more speed to equal Indigo. But she leaned even further and sped even further. James grew annoyed and leaned top head first as the three teens neared the finish line. Everyone in the audience grew tense. "The Shadowbolts are closing in!" Cadance said. Indigo Zap and James gave it their all to get a head of one another. It was a close one. But ultimately, the top of James' head passed the finish line first, triggering a dinging and a yellow light to flash when a competitor passes the threshold. The crowd went silent. James skidded on his blades slowly until stopping a few feet away from the exit. His face was stunned. He had to process for a second whether he actually made it. When he did, James began letting out a relieved chuckle. "I did it? I did it!" James laughed, stretching his arms out in a victorious pose. "Yes! I win! I'm the winner! Who's the fastest red engine in Canterlot? I am!" "Hey, 'winner'!" Indigo Zap called. James paused his laughing and froze with widened eyes. He looked over at the Indigo and Sunny Flare. "You gotta cross the line with your partner to get two points!" Indigo mocked. "W-what?" He looked over and saw Toby emerging from the course exit. He slid down on his stomach and didn't stop until reaching the threshold, which triggered the dinging and yellow light again prematurely. A panting Toby wheezed with sweat dripping from head to toe. "That's two points for the Shadowbolts!" the Coach called after blowing his whistle. The bleachers were an uproar of cheers. The Engines were stunned. James was just as muddled, stuttering with speechlessness while standing with his arms still stretched out in a victorious pose. The first aid people went over to Toby and immediately went to work patching up any visible sores. Thomas and his friends went up to check on Toby. "Are you okay, Toby?" Thomas asked, concerned. "Frazzle dazzle, mazzle pazzle clazlesplazzle," Toby muttered. "Your friend will be perfectly fine," the nurse assured. "How can you call that fine? This course is way too dangerous!" Emily then pulled Thomas aside. "Maybe Toby was right, Thomas. We shouldn't have signed up for this. None of us knows how to maneuver on those things." "What's this I'm hearing?" Diesel said from afar. "Are we giving up already? Perhaps its time to throw in the towel. We don't wanna miss the next ship off Sodor!" "We can't give up so soon, Emily," Thomas said. "We'll just have to be extra careful, and look out for one another." Emily rubbed the back of her head. Thomas and Emily looked over to James ranting at the apathetic Coach. The two shared worried looks, which then turned to anger as they went up to check on James next. The other Engines soon followed when the nurses told them to give Toby some space. "Hey! What's the big idea?!" James argued. "Toby and I finished the race, didn't we?" "Both Shadowbolts crossed the finish line before your teammate did," the Coach explained. "They earned two points. You only get one." James was fuming. The other engines were just as worried, but were more frustrated with James. They were not off to a good start. Seeing the Shadowbolts high-fiving each other only added to their shame. "James, why didn't you help Toby!" Thomas scolded. "Because we were racing, Thomas!" James argued. "Duh! What was I suppose to do; let those Shadowbolts take all the win?" "Toby's in awful shape because of you." James started to feel bad, but he didn't want to show it. "T-Toby wasn't hurt that bad, was he?" "He can barely stand on his feet without feeling pain." "Not only that, but the Shadowbolts have more points than we do now," Emily sided. "We're behind by one!" "There's still four of us left, Emily," Gordon said. "I'll go next. It'll be a fine sight for Sugarcoat to see me cross the finish line." "Doubtful," Sugarcoat scoffed in disgust from afar. When all was cleared up, the coach handed roller skates to Gordon, Sugarcoat, Lemon Zest and Percy, who was startled when tossed a pare of green blades. "Me?" Percy asked, apprehensive. "But-but. I-I eh, uh!" Gordon grabbed Percy by his shirt's back collar and dragged him to the stairs. "Move it, Percy!" The two teams made their way up to the top-level tower after gearing up in their blue, green and purple derby jumpsuits and protection pads. At the top, they snapped on their roller skates and got into position behind the Fastlane glassgates. Percy shivered with utter terror. After seeing the trouble Toby had, he was terrified the same might happen to him. Lemon Zest saw this and thought of a way to settle his nerves. "This is nothing," Lemon Zest bragged. "Our team has done way more rad courses than this playground knockoff." "Really?" Percy was impressed. "Wow! You must be really brave. I-I can be brave sometimes too, but…" Percy peered down the bottomless track and gulped with shivering knees. "You'll be alright," Lemon Zest said. "Just gotta have guts!" Percy didn't know what to say. "Oh, uh-" "Don't listen to her, Percy," Gordon said. "She's just trying to trick you. Now, concentrate on the race." Lemon Zest glared daggers at Gordon, but soon ceased when she noticed Sugarcoat did the same to her for encouraging Percy. The electric bell clanged and the red siren lights flicker and rotated. The glassgates swing open and the four competitors took off. "And they're off!" Cadance said. Lemon Zest lets out a rocker screech in response to the heavy rock music blaring all around them. Her and Sugarcoat dipped down in a speedy pace while Gordon and Percy were still having trouble making bare of their blades. "Just as predicted," Shining Armor said. "These Wondercolts are having a bit of trouble adjusting to their skates." "Perhaps they've never practice on a course this extensive before," Cadance said. "This is not looking good for the Wondercolts, Shining Armor." "It is not, Cadance. But they seem to be miraculously keeping up with the Shadowbolts somehow. Let's see if this continues. All it takes is one slip to halt anyone in their tracks." Gordon remembered what Rainbow Dash taught him during his training long ago and tried applying it to his skating skills. And at last, Gordon found the right balance and push to get himself going so he could catch up. Percy on the other hand, was having just as much trouble as he predicted. His legs wobbled and arms flailed out of control. Sugarcoat and Lemon Zest found themselves trailing behind Percy and were preparing to pass him. Finally, Percy lost his balance and flipped forward, landing on his stomach and sliding down the surface until coming to a stop. Everyone outside winced and flinched, watching a play back on the Tv monitor of Percy's wipe out. Thomas gasped is horror. "Oh, no, Percy!" "Oooh, that's gotta hurt," Shining Armor winced. "If he doesn't get back up soon, he'll be out of this game," Cadance announced. Diesel laughed a little but the other engines weren't having it. Juniper and the Engines were worried sick for Percy. Back inside, Lemon Zest and Sugarcoat quickly dodged his fall and continued rolling downward. Percy laid on his stomach, groaning from the hardened impact. Gordon spotted Percy just in time to swerve out of the way. But doing so caused Gordon to spin out of control himself until his body slammed and pressed against the chain link fence. Gordon was not happy to say the least. "Percy, you silly green engine!" He shouted. "Why can't you simply-" Gordon immediately stopped and stared at Percy, laying on the course and struggling to get back up. It was then Gordon saw a parallel between Percy and another engine who he had to leave behind after a fall. He could see Henry laying off the rails, calling out and begging him to keep going. Gordon shook his head, horrified by this haunting, guilt ridden reminder. But this reminder ignited something in Gordon he hadn't felt in a long time, and he was all the more intent on not putting himself or any of his friends in that same state again. Then, firmly steadying his legs, Gordon reached his hand over to the other portion of the fence and pulled himself forward. "Cadance, it appears one of the Wondercolts is attempting climb back up the course," Shining Armor. "That's not an attempt, Shining Armor," Cadance beamed. "This Wondercolt is returning to fetch his teammate so they can finish together." Everyone outside watched with amazement. The Engines cheered and praised Gordon's valiant effort. His skates allowed him to seamlessly glide upward. But it was still difficult to climb the steep slope on just his upper arm muscle alone. None the less, Gordon wasn't going to give up, no matter how much the chances of them losing damaged his pride. He climbed faster than he'd ever pushed himself before. After much struggle, Gordon quickly reached Percy, still having trouble getting back up. Percy was surprised to see him. "Gordon?!" He clutched onto the fence and extends a hand to Percy. "I'm not leaving another engine behind today." Percy beamed from cheek to cheek. The TV monitors broadcasted Percy grabbing Gordon's hand, and through much flailing and staggering, Percy was back on his feet once again. A few students in the audience weren't that impressed as they were risking their chances of earning points, something the Shadowbolts and the rest of CPA weren't used to seeing. Thomas and his friends, on the other hand, let out the loudest cheers in the soccer pitch. Gordon helped Percy get steady before he could let go of the fence. "Now hurry up, you silly engine!" Gordon said. "We have to catch up to the other team." Percy smiled determinedly. "Right." Letting go of the fence, the two engines zipped down the track again, this time with Gordon keeping Percy steady as they descended. "And they're off again!" Shining Armor announced. "The Wondercolts still have a lot of catching up to do," Cadance said. "Can they reach the finish line before the Shadowbolts snatch another win?" "Very unlikely, Cadance," Shining Armor commented. "Despite courageous efforts from a fellow teammate, that last roundabout might've cost the Wondercolts their points." Percy still wobbled a bit but was in much better hands as Gordon lightly but barley held his shoulders in case he fell over again. And soon enough, the two engines caught up to Sugarcoat and Lemon Zest. But the two teens were nearing the finish line. "Oh, no!" Percy yelled. "They're gonna win!" "Get ready, Percy! Small green engine coming through!" Percy was confused until Gordon lets him go to ride on his own. A wide-eyed Percy realized too late that he was now speeding much faster than before. He looked back and saw Gordon still skating behind him. But Percy nearly lost his balance again. He twirled and zipped past Lemon Zest and Sugarcoat, both confused by the green, screaming blur. At the very last second, Gordon blurred past the two teens and also crossed the finish line within inches of their blades crossing the threshold. Percy tripped onto his stomach again while Gordon came to a skidding halt beside him. "Two points for the Wondercolts!" the Coach called. Thomas, Emily and James ran over and praised their friends while helping Percy back to his feet again. Both were just as proud of themselves for making it back down in one piece. Especially Gordon, who allowed everyone to shower him with praise. Gordon looked back at Sugarcoat and Lemon Zest sulking and grinned a conceited smirk, irritating them to no end. The Shadowbolts approached Lemon and Sugarcoat. Neither were happy with the outcome. "What was that?!" Sunny Flare scolded. Sugarcoat was just as disappointed. "Obviously we over estimated the probability of their initial trajectory past the calculated placement we practiced before hand." "It won't happen again," Lemon Zest said. Sunny Flare face palmed. "Now the score is two to three. If they earn two more points-" "Well, they won't," Sour Sweet snooted. "We're up next, Diesel. Time to actually dish out what you've been selling us." "O-oh. G-good!" He laughed, nervously. "Just what I've been waiting for!" But Diesel wasn't so confident either. Seeing the engines wiping out wasn't a good sign for how long he might last. He knew there was no way he could pull this off any better than the Wondercolts, but Diesel couldn't let the Shadowbolts know this, not after all the trouble he went through just to get a membership. So, he followed Sour Sweet to meet up with the Coach and receive their gear. Thomas and Emily were the last members to participate. The coach gave everyone their gear, and the two groups headed up to the top level. After strapping on their skates, Thomas, Emily, Sour Sweet and Diesel, dressed in blue, emerald and purple jumpsuits, stood in front of the glassgates and waited for the countdown to start. Everyone outside was tense, especially both teammates. "Come on, Thomas," Juniper Montage rooted from the bleachers. "You can do this. I know you can. Show those Shadowbolts what you can really do!" The audience fell silent. With only one point behind, the Shadowbolts were at risk of losing the first event to the Wondercolts. Thomas was scared but ready. Diesel could barely stand on his feet, and Sour Sweet was deep in concentration. Emily decided to be friendly and wish them good luck. "Well, may the best skater win!" Emily encouraged, happily. "We will," Sour Sweet scowled. The electric bell clanged and the red siren lights flicker and rotated. The glassgates swing open and the four competitors take off. "This is it, everyone," Cadance announced. "The last lap of today's race ending off with both teams close to achieving a win." "That's right, Cadance," Shining Armor said. "It's anyone's game at this point. Never have I seen a close game like this in quite awhile." Thomas and Emily teetered and twirled on their skates. Even Diesel was having the most trouble standing and riding down the slope. Only Sour Sweet seemed to be doing flawless as she continued her trip. "Although the Wondercolts are still off to a rocky start, they seem to be doing a lot better this time around," Cadance commented. "Truly a miracle they're in the lead by one point," Shining Armor said. Sour Sweet was surprised when she looked back and saw that everyone was spiraling and rocking uncontrollably. Diesel was having the worst of it, eventually slipping and falling on his back. Thomas and Emily cling to the fence to avoid tripping themselves. Both knew they couldn't stay like this, but were equally afraid of wiping out. They were quickly reminded of how far behind the must be now. "We got this, Thomas!" Emily called. Emily reached out and grabbed Thomas' hand and held it tight. Thomas saw this and nodded with intent, before firmly grasping his hand over hers. The two engines balanced on their skates, let go of the fence, and eventually zoomed past Sour Sweet. She looked everywhere for Diesel but didn't see him in front or behind. She stopped and held onto the fence. "Sour Sweet!" Diesel called, laying on his back. "I think I may need a crutch!" Sour Sweet growled in annoyance. "You've got to be kidding me!" She then proceeded to climb back up the track and looked down at Diesel struggling to stand back up. "Awe, you poor thing!" She said, before switching to sour. "Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Diesel was too faded by the excitement to really give a reaction. Sour Sweet managed to get him back up and hung his arm over her shoulder. Meanwhile, Thomas and Emily were now rolling fine enough and continued their downward skating. Both were still struggling but kept their balance in check. "The Wondercolts are in the lead," Cadance said. "Can they gain the upper hand this early in the games?" "Or will the Shadowbolts prove once again that they can't be beaten," Shining Armor said, growing a little nervous. "Come on, Thomas!" Percy called to the monitor. But along the way, Thomas had a slip up and fell on his side, sliding down on his hip until coming to a stop. Emily managed to brake on her skates and steadied on the course. She was worried as she called back to Thomas. "Thomas!" Thomas groaned. "Keep going, Emily! I'm right behind you!" "But-" "Hurry!" Emily didn't want to leave Thomas, but did so anyways, looking back to see Thomas struggling to get back up. Skidding and sliding from side to side, Emily finally reached the bottom and breached the bright tunnel light and pass the finish line. Emily hid her face with her arms and didn't move them until she finally stopped. She peaked through her arms, realizing she made it outside. "You did it, Emily!" James congratulated. "But where's Thomas?" Percy asked. Emily and the other Engines looked back at the tunnel when they heard skate wheels rolling along the course getting louder and closer. They weren't sure whose it belonged to, and it was difficult to make out through the dim entrance. The Engines waited in anticipation. Cadance, Shining Armor, Juniper and the audience also waited anxiously. The buzzing of the finish line's bell went off again. Breaching from the dark tunnel was Thomas passing through the threshold. Thomas rolled down while leaning on his knees and panting profusely. "Did… I… win?" Percy and the other Engines grinned from ear to ear. The coach tallied up the scores and held and exhausted Thomas' wrist to the air. "The winner of today's event goes to… the Wondercolts." The audience was completely shocked. Sour Sweet and Diesel were just as dumbfounded when they heard the announcement on the way to the finish line. After a brief silence of processing what happened, the CPA students politely broke out into an unenthusiastic applause. Juniper Montage was the only one to cheer out in excitement. Percy, James, Gordon and Toby cried out in celebration. They ran up to Thomas in the middle of removing his helmet. Emily gave him a hug while the others cheered and hailed their achievements some more, chanting their team name in an enthusiastic frenzy. Thomas was ecstatic in deed. Despite their initial worries and hiccups at the beginning, his entire team had won the first event of the Crystal Race! Neither him nor his friends imagined they could pull this off. And now they felt invincible because of it. "We're number one! We're number one!" Diesel and Sour Sweet emerged from the tunnel, both seeing the Engines praising Thomas and Emily for their victory. Fuming to a boiling point, Sour Sweet drops Diesel and slammed her helmet on the ground in complete anger. "Well that's just fan-tastic!" She complained. The Shadowbolts were ashamed until turning their anger on Diesel, who got up and noticed everyone fixated on him. "How about that, Shadowbolts?" Gordon taunted. "Not bad for a couple of losers, huh?" "That was merely just luck at its finest," Sugarcoat said. "And the way you guys were playing clearly explains the entire last half." "Please!" James boasted. "We won the first race. I think we can handle anything at this point." Then to everyone's surprise, Principal Cadance and Shining Armor both approached the two teams, who stopped in the middle of their arguments to pay attention to them. "Well done, everyone! That was truly an example of valuable teamwork, Wondercolts" Cadance said. "Guess you guys did bring a new flare to the race after all," Shining Armor said. Cadance then turned to the Shadowbolts. "And I hope you girls learn a thing or two from this team. For they've showcased an exemplary display I'd like you all to practice." The Shadowbolts and Engines were too busy staring down one another. Shining Armor and Cadance shared a look themselves and shrugged before walking off. Thomas had just gotten out of his jumpsuit before Sour Sweet stormed up to him with piercing eyes. "Don't think you can just sweep another win from us again!" She said. "I'd watch my back if I were you. Because we are not going easy on you again." "You don't scare me, Sour Sweet," Thomas said. "If today proved anything, I'd say it's your team that needs to be scared." She gasped loudly. "What?! But I thought we were getting along so well!" Thomas knew she was only pretending as she quickly revered back to sour. "You don't deserve to be here. We were on good terms with the Wondercolts. But since they're not here, our team will have no problem sending yours back to last century," She clenched her first and waved it in front of Thomas. "Our reputation will not be tarnished by some train loving fanboys!" Thomas arched a brow, trying not to show visible intimidation. Sour Sweet then pointed two fingers at her eyes then back at Thomas while glaring daggers. She then left to regroup with the Shadowbolts. Diesel went up to Thomas next. "I know what you're thinking of doing, Thomas." "You do?" "You think you can sneak off and warn your friends that I'm in their world and trying to bring you home." "I was?" "Well it won't work!" Thomas smiled. "It won't?" "No! So, you can forget all about doing so." "I can?" He sniggered, cheekily. Diesel was boiling over Thomas' alleged ignorance. He didn't know Thomas was only being cheeky on purpose to mess with him. And seeing an annoyed Diesel steaming smoke from his ears was all he was aiming for. "Just don't try anything sneaky behind my back!" Diesel threatened. "You will run this race and you will lose." Thomas watched Diesel turn his back away and step forward a bit. "A bunch of steamies like you don't stand a chance, even now that we're people. My team shall reign supreme with a diesel on their side." "Oh! So, is that why you costed the Shadowbolts their win today?" Thomas asked in a sassy tone. "Because you 'rained' on their victory with your supremeness?" Diesel fumed. "Drr! There's still plenty of games left to see for yourself, Thomas! You'll see." He then walked away to return to Sodor, but not before dropping a harsh comment on Thomas and his friends. "You're just as out of date in this world as you are on Sodor." At first, he wasn't fazed by Diesel's comments. But when Thomas started thinking about what Diesel said more, it soon started too. He tried convincing himself that Diesel didn't know what he was talking about, that he was only boasting about being modern like he always does. If anything, him and Diesel were technically equal now. Both had the same physique and agility to do anything they wanted. But was there more to being a person? What if Diesel still has an advantage somehow? Diesel seemed to think so, as he had full confidence that the Shadowbolts would single-handedly carry him to victory. Meanwhile, Sunny Flare was with her friends when she saw Toby resting with a cradle arm sling. He looked to be in bad shape. She decided to pay him a visit, approaching Toby with both arms behind her back while poised in a sophisticated manner. Sunny didn't want to appear too concerned. "Hey. How are you holding up?" Sunny Flare asked. This managed to snap Toby out of it. It was completely unexpected. "Um, fine for now, I guess. But why do-" "We might be here to win, but we're not out to get anyone hurt. Such an act is too impudent for a real competitor." She darted the ground. "So, you know, don't get yourself so beat up next time." Toby genially sensed she meant it in her own snide but sincere manner, which made him beam a humble smile, one Sunny Flare reluctantly returned before refuting his actions again. "Seriously, I don't know what kind of coach you guys have, but you really need to step it up or walk away before another accident happens." "I understand," Toby said. "I'm not really good at roller skating to begin with, actually. But thanks for checking up on me, Sunny Flare." Sunny Flare gestured a single nod. "Now if you don't mind, my team and I need to study for tomorrow's next event. Adieu, Toby." She then walked off in an elegant fashion, but didn't get far before Toby called out to her. "Wait! What are you studying for?" Sunny Flare stopped and turned back to face Toby. "For the Academic Decathlon, of course," She grinned a snide smirk. "Hope you're as bad at algebra as you are roller skating. See you in the next event, dearie." She then left to meet up with her friends. Toby's eyes widened. Though he and his friends had no idea was an academic decathlon was, somehow it seemed too far from what Engines can train themselves to understand. The Engines thought a spiraling roller rink and Diesel's threats was their top concern. But by this point it was clear there really was going to be more to this race that neither engine was prepared for. To Be Continued.