Thomas & Equestria Girls 2: Adventures From Sodor

by LPFanFic


Chapter 17: Power Struggle

Thomas & Equestria Girls 2:
Adventures From Sodor!

Chapter 17: Power Struggle.

It was morning in the world of Canterlot High. Students were arriving and met near the courtyard in a giant crowd. Lines of school buses parked by street rolled up, and in a single line, students and some faculty members boarded the buses. They were on their way to Crystal Prep Academy to watch their team compete in the Crystal Race. Everyone knew that the members who were suppose to compete we're actually contending anymore. They heard about the new members and were skeptical about their ability to go against CPA's best students. However, word about their first victory yesterday had spread to Canterlot High. And all were excited again to cheer for their school's team.

At Crystal Prep Academy, the students there were getting ready for the second event; the Academic Decathlon. Students and staff were given a free day to help set up the hubs and stations, organizing everything to suite their team's needs. Nobody at CPA were taking their loss to the Wondercolts so well, and they were all the more determined to support the Shadowbolts in hopes that they make an immediate comeback.

Even the Shadowbolts, who wondered around the hallways to help set up, were devising tactics to prevent the same loss they received yesterday.

"Ugh! Seriously, though! How did a bunch of nobodies beat us?" Indigo Zap asked.

"Yeah!" Sour Sweet said sweetly while progressing to sour. "Thanks for bringing that up for like the billionth time!"

Indigo shrugged. "Just sayin'. Not even Twilight's new friends could've passed us like they did."

"Uh, sure, they can," Sunny Flare said. "They're actually good. Like Sugarcoat said; these guys just got lucky."

"One of them almost broke a limb from trying to steady on their skates," Sugarcoat said.

"Which one; all of them?" Indigo Zap said, drearily.

The Shadowbolts shared a sarcastic, dreary chuckle.

"These people clearly have no experience," Sunny Flare said.

"Exactly," Sour Sweet agreed. "Which is why I'm confident the next event won't be a problem. Luck can't strike twice."

"I really wish Twilight was still on our team," Lemon Zest said. "She may be a brainiac but she could've swept the other team like it was nothing."

"We don't need her?!" Sour Sweet said. "She's off having 'magical' adventures with her new friends. We're gonna show those donors and wannabee Wondercolts just how smart we all are together."

"Just as long was we're not hurting the other players and taking the games too seriously, right?" Lemon Zest asked.

"Wait, don't tell us you actually feel bad for them, Lemon?" Indigo Zap said.

Sunny Flare stopped the group mid walk.

"That, my dear, is actually why I called you all here."

Just then, the girls heard a panting noise and looked back to see Diesel running down the hallway towards them. The Shadowbolts weren't exactly happy to see Diesel at the very least, not after his stunt on the Roller Tower last night. Diesel caught up and panted a bit before catching his breath. It looked like he rushed over to Crystal Prep in a hurry.

Everyone crossed their arms.

"And where have you been?" Sugarcoat asked.

"Hey! I've got a life outside this silly race too you know!" Diesel said.

"It's not silly," Indigo Zap said. "We're raising awareness for a good cause!"

"Oh, sure you are. I can tell by how badly you want to show Thomas and his friends who's the best school in town."

"Except now that's looking like a pipe dream with you dragging us down!" Sour Sweet grumbled to herself.

"What was that?"

"Just that we're gonna do amazing now that we have someone smart and capable like you on our side!" She said, sweetly.

Diesel frowned in annoyance. The Shadowbolts firmly disagreed but didn't know Sour Sweet was only being sarcastic through her sweetness. Sunny Flare continued on.

"As I was saying, the events of yesterday's accidents have brought some considerations to my attention. As leader of the Shadowbolts, I declare that our next approach should be to-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Indigo Zap waved her hands. "Who said You were the leader?"

Sunny Flare flicked her hair. "Well, obviously I am."

"Uh, no, you aren't," Sour Sweet argued and pointed the tip of her thumb to herself. "I am."

"No one ever said you were in charge either," Lemon Zest said.

"Oh, come on! Isn't it obvious who calls the shots?"

But it wasn't so obvious, as each member shared looks of suspicion and disagreement. Diesel watched from the sidelines, choosing not to get involved, yet.

"If anyone should be in charge, I clearly have all the credentials to formulate decisions on our behalf," Sugarcoat said.

"Yeah right!" Lemon Zest said. "Who'd wanna listen to you yap about how every little thing we do is wrong?"

"What if I wanna be the leader?!" Indigo Zap asked.

All except Diesel laughed. Indigo wasn't so sure what they found funny despite feeling a pit of embarrassment.

"Uh, you can't," Sour Sweet said, condescendingly.

"And why not?" Indigo Zap crossed her arms.

"Because that designation falls under my headship, dearie," Sunny Flare snickered.

"No, it doesn't! I'm the Leader!" Sour Sweet shouted.

"No, I am!"

"I Am!"

"I AM!"

The Shadowbolts all broke into a collective argument, each one shouting and pointing fingers at one another in a fit to settle which of them is the Shadowbolt's leader. Diesel continued watching, not wanting to risk stepping in after Sour Sweet's scolding from yesterday. She told Diesel specifically that he cannot order them around. Diesel was true to his word at first. All he cared about really was getting the steam engines from the other team to lose so they can leave Sodor forever.


Meanwhile, Principal Cadance was walking the halls of CPA with the Wondercolts following her. Thomas, Percy, James, Gordon, Emily and Toby were all present. Even Juniper Montage walked beside Thomas as they discussed preparations.

"Our classrooms are free to use for any preparation your team may need," Cadance explained. "Don't feel discouraged to take advantage of CPA's expansive library and online learning course. The Academic Decathlon isn't going to be a walk in the park so I highly recommend using this time to practice."

"Online… learning course?" Toby looked to Percy, who was just as perplexed.

"Thank you for your help, Principal Cadance!" Thomas said. "We're gonna need all the training we can get."

"Once again taking all the credit," James confided to Gordon. "Now even their principal thinks Thomas is deciding everything for us."

Gordon rolled his eyes in agreement.

"Anything to prevent what happened yesterday from transpiring again," Cadance said.

"Right. Sorry about that," Thomas said, sheepishly rubbing his head.

"You all should've told me about your lack of skate experience beforehand. Which is why I'm more than willing to allow your team full access to CPA. Anything you need, staff and students will provide to make the games more compatible."

The Engines were surprised. They were allowed to use Crystal Prep's resources and classrooms for reference. This was exciting. But seeing the smug, uninterested faces of students passing by and giving them mean looks all the while didn't assure any willful compliance in their assistance that much. Thomas didn't pay any notice. He was too relieved to have something that can give him and his team an advantage.

"Wow, thanks!" Thomas said. "I'm sure this'll come in handy for us."

"Here's our Wifi password," Cadance hands the slip of paper to Thomas. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me or Shining Armor. We'll be setting up the next event around campus."

"I have a question," Percy raised his hand. "Uh, what's a Weefee?"

Cadance gave a perplexed look.

"I have a question too, ma'am," Emily asked. "About this Academic Decathlon. We're not so sure if we're really ready to-"

Before Emily could explain, Cadance overheard the Shadowbolts arguing from across the hall. Cadance slouched with exhaustion and sighed.

"Sorry, I need to take this." She tried mustering enthusiasm, "Good luck in the Decathlon, Wondercolts!"

She then straightened back up and marched over to the Shadowbolts.


Just then, Diesel looked over the group and saw Principal Cadance approaching them. The girls were still arguing and bickering, and from the looks of Cadance's face, she was ready to give them a scolding. Diesel thought of an idea and smirk before getting into character.

"Ladies, ladies!" Diesel said trying to calm them. "Please stop fighting!"

The girls stopped arguing and glared at Diesel, who played up a worried act before switching to high-spirits.

"There's no need to cause a ruckus before the games begin. Remember; we're here to compete for a good cause, not over who's the best."

Sour Sweet was irate.

"Now, shouldn't we continue going over a proper strategy, hm?"

The Shadowbolts were all applaud by Diesel's fake concerns. Sour Sweet stomped over to Diesel.

"What did I say about-"

But her berating was cut short by Principal Cadance clearing her throat. Everyone but Diesel froze and slowly turned their backs to find their school's principal, looking extremely disappointed with hands to her hips.

"P-principal Cadance?!" Sunny Flare stuttered.

"What is going on here?" Cadance scolded. "What's all this arguing about?"

"N-n-nothing!" Sour Sweet muttered. "We were just, we were just-"

But Cadance gave a stern glance. Sour Sweet had built up rage directed at Diesel but couldn't blow it off in front of her principal. She continued smiling sheepishly, making her and her team look more guilty of her suspects. Diesel's arms hid behind his back and walked over to stand beside Cadance in a sophisticated manner.

"I tried to warn them countless times, Ma'am. 'Keep your indifference in check', I said. But it seems these girls are only concerned about who's calling shots and how to defeat the steam- I mean Wondercolts, so they can have all the glory to themselves."

The Shadowbolts were speechless. Cadance became more furious as Diesel continued to throw them under the bus.

"They never once mentioned how we could benefit other schools for better education. Even though that's the whole reason we're here."

No amount of their glaring eyes directed at Diesel could faze him or his smug smirk.

"Girls, I didn't choose you to fight over such nonsense. Diesel is right. This event is about raising awareness, but so far all I'm seeing and hearing here is the exact opposite."

"But we are competing for charity!" Sour Sweet said, anxiously. "We know how important this is!"

Indigo chimed in. "Yeah! Besides, those Wondercolts-"

"If it's a problem with the other team that's hindering any co-operation, perhaps talking it out would settle all this unnecessary conflict."

"Not to mention your poor sportsmanship and power struggle," Diesel added.

"Have you girls really been fighting over which of you is the group's leader?"

The Shadowbolts shared worried looks. Cadance could only sigh and pinch the bridge of her nose. The Girls were anticipating another scolding. But she simply placed a hand on Diesel's shoulder.

"Thank you for trying to keep everyone in line, Diesel," Cadance said. "The Shadowbolts are lucky to have someone as mindful and caring looking out for their teammates."

Diesel beamed the fakest, genuine smile he can make. Cadance then turned to the rest, who were still flabbergasted over his little act.

"I just wish you all learned to do the same like I asked."

Their arms hid behind their backs and heads hung in shame.

"In fact, maybe you should be following in Diesel's steps for now on. Seems him and the Wondercolts are the only ones actually trying to show sportsmanship."

The Shadowbolts gasped. They wanted to be mad but were more disappointed in themselves for upsetting their principal, who has been generously giving them passes for their over-competitive attitude. Cadance was not happy with their performance and seeing how they lost compared to the Wondercolts and their efforts to help one another made them look even worse. An explosion of excitement bellowed in Diesel's gut but he tried to play calm despite his giddiness.

"I need to get going. Don't be afraid to ask me or Shining Armor any questions before we begin. Good luck in the games!"

She then left Diesel and the stunned Shadowbolts, still processing and cycling through utter rage and confusion.

"What just happened?" Lemon Zest said, flabbergasted.

"Oh, I'll tell you what happened," Diesel said, baring a devious grin. "I'm the Shadowbolt's new leader!"

Diesel then lets out his nasally cackle. The Girls were all horrified. Sour Sweet on the other hand was not having it. She stomped up to Diesel mid laugh, getting his face and grabbing him by the collar.

"What game are you playing?" She seethed.

"The Crystal Race, of course!" Diesel said. "What're you all playing; follow the follower?!"

"It's taking everything not to pommel you to the ground," She threatened, about to pull her arm back. "Just one reason is all it takes."

"Now that wouldn't be very sportsmanshipy of you, would it, Sour Sweet?"

A shocked Sour Sweet froze her arm in place. She gritted her teeth and fist tight before mustering all her will to let Diesel go. Unphased, Diesel brushed off his collar and continued relishing in their forced compliance.

"Shall we?" He said, directing to the hallway behind him.

The Shadowbolts never let their glaring sights off Diesel the entire time as they followed him to their next destination.

"We're doomed, aren't we?" Sugarcoat asked.

Sour Sweet slouched. "Yeah."


Meanwhile, Juniper Montage explained to the Engines about the Academic Decathlon. Both Wondercolts and Shadowbolts had to compete in series of tests involving objective multiple-choice tests, two subjective performance events, and a mathematical essay at the very end. She tried stressing the difficulty and advancement involved but most of the Engines didn't seem that phased.

"That's all?" James boasted while blowing his lips. "Easy."

"No, James!" Juniper issued. "It's not. Not for you guys anyway. You're gonna be asked to solve math equations, chemistry, home exc, all the things a steam engine can't do."

"We learned how to use those roller skates in no time at all," Gordon said.

"And won, too!" James added.

"Need I remind you both of my accident with said skates yesterday?" Toby reminded. "Especially you, James?"

"Oh," both Gordon and James said with slouched shoulders.

Suddenly the others were reminded of Toby's fall, as well as Thomas' and Percy's, and how it almost cost them their points. If it was that rough to learn skating on the spot, perhaps the Decathlon would be just as worse. They had to solve complicated questions, face challenging tests, and complete a chemistry course. None of those areas of learning sounded easy at all to Thomas and the others, but some wouldn't admit their apprehension.

"Well, it's not our fault you couldn't adapt quickly enough, Toby," Gordon said. "Thankfully, this decathlon doesn't sound physically demanding. Now anyone of us can earn a point."

"Guys," Emily said. "This is serious. None of us has ever done actual school work before. Principal Cadance said this is gonna be difficult. Imagine how impossible it'll be for us."

"I've taken classes at Canterlot High once," Thomas said. "Sort of. Will that be enough, Juniper?"

Juniper hung her head and shook it. This worried Thomas and the others a lot.

"Is it really that hard, Juniper?" Percy asked.

"You better believe it!" Called Sour Sweet.

Everyone looked over to Diesel and the Shadowbolts who turned their anger and overconfidence onto the Engines. Juniper and the Engines do the same, also crossing their arms while giving them cold shoulders. Both teams stood face to face, glaring daggers at one another.

"What do you want?" Thomas grimaced.

"Just on our way to win the next event," Sour Sweet bragged. "I'd ask if you're prepared but I have a pret-ty good feeling you aren't."

"What makes you think we're not prepared?" Thomas asked.

She stepped closer to him. "No reason. Though it does take a lot of guts for a whole team to compete in an event without studying or having no idea what they're doing."

Thomas was almost shocked. "H-how did you know we haven't studied?"

"Because you just told us, dearie," Sunny Flare smirked.

Her and Sour Sweet shared a laugh while the rest pompously grinned. Thomas' face was now flushed red with embarrassment. The other engines rubbed the back of their heads and whistled with arms behind their backs, pretending they weren't on the same boat. But the Shadowbolts could see right through their act.

After what Diesel had told him the other day, Thomas was beginning to think his team might actually not win this one. It wasn't so much the worry of getting another chance to catch up if they fall behind, its going out on the playing field and being expected to complete high-level academics in front of both schools that's gotten him doubting their chances.

"There isn't any way we can prepare ourselves, is there?" Thomas asked.

"Not unless you know a way to cram in seven years worth of education in under five hours," Sugarcoat said.

"Seven years?!" Percy expelled.

This alerted the other engines into a fright. How much did these girls learn in seven years to gain the knowledge that they have? And how were they suppose to learn the exact amount in order to competently participate. Sour Sweet's snide smile quickly faded when she saw that the Wondercolts really didn't look prepared at all.

"W-Wait, I was only just messing around. Is your team really not prepared at all?!"

A sheepish Thomas could only grin and shrug his arms.

"Wow. Way to ruin the race by making your school look back!" Sunny Flare said.

"Are you guys even taking this event seriously?" Sour Sweet fired back.

"Of course, we are!"

Their comments had finally reached a point that angered all the engines into jumping in on their defense. Juniper knew they were in trouble but didn't like watching the Shadowbolts walk all over the Engines. She stepped in between Thomas and Sour Sweet and their scowling face off.

"I wouldn't underestimate the Wondercolts if I were you," Juniper said in their defense. "They managed to surprise us all yesterday and they can do so again today."

"You really think so, Juniper?" Emily asked.

"Yes! I'm one hundred percent, absolutely, just now on board with the idea!" She said, proudly.

"But you just said-"

"Quiet, James!" Gordon said.

"Oh, I'd still be worried if I were you," Diesel said. "I'm the Shadowbolt's new leader, which means nothing can stop us from wining against you outdated steamies!"

"Ugghh, you are not the leader!" Sour Sweet shouted.

"That's not what Cadance said!" Diesel taunted.

Thomas and the others were confused by what he said, but were still determined to prove him wrong.

Indigo Zap face palmed. "Don't ask."

Gordon lets out a long laugh. "Imagine Diesel leading a group of silly high schoolers! That'll be the day in deed."

This made Diesel fed up the more Gordon teased him.

"The only truth that buffoon's telling is the inevitability," Sunny Flare said. "Luckily, we won't even have to try knowing that you're completely unprepared."

"That's not a fair claim to make," Toby said. "I'm sure we can still earn some points for our team too."

Emily chimed in, trying to sound optimistic. "We may be unprepared, but we actually know how to work together when we need to. Unlike any of you."

"Did you hear that, ladies?" Diesel chortled. "Even these stinking Wondercolts can see you for what you are! There's no denying it. It really is a good thing you have me on your team!"

Diesel continued laughing until Sour Sweet threatened to strike. The Engines and Shadowbolts kept on going back and forth between each other, trying to prove one another wrong or one upping their bragging.


Off to the side, Percy waited to jump in at any moment and argue back against any of the Shadowbolts.

"Oh, Percy!"

A dumbstruck Percy was caught off guard by someone calling him. Lemon Zest stood behind him then tapped Percy on his right shoulder. She moved out of the way before Percy could look back. Then, Lemon Zest puts on a pare of red headphones with cyan muffs and designs on Percy's head.

Percy gasped when he felt the headphones clamp both his ears.

"It's you!"

Lemon Zest, with an evil grin, hovered her finger over the play button on her phone. Percy was terrified.

"Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!"

She finally hits play on her phone after an agonizing pace. A shivering Percy clenched both muffs and shuts his eyes in anticipation.

But instead of extremely loud rock music, a soft rock song slowly began. The music comprised of a B Minor ballad, a simple, melodic song with big, lush instrumentation. It still had a lot of energy, but was much quieter and less rambunctious. Not to mention the volume wasn't all the way at a deafening max.

Percy opened his eyes upon realizing this. He didn't go deaf, and there wasn't a piercing, heavy rock ballad drumming his ears. It was almost relaxing even; a key signature Percy grew to like the more he heard it. But he was still surprised and even wondered why Lemon Zest chose this song for him to hear instead of her louder grunge songs.

Lemon Zest bashfully hid her arms behind her back.

"We got off to a bit of a heavy start, huh? Mind if we try starting over with something a little lighter?"

Percy smiled warmly, relieved he could still hear even over the music, but mostly for Lemon Zest's sudden consideration over last time she played music for him. She seemed to be acting a lot friendlier. This made Percy a tad suspicious. His friends and her teammates haven't been getting along, so how come she was the only one being friendly to him?

None the less, Lemon Zest took his smile as an invitation and stepped closer to him.

"So, you like it?" She asked.

"Do I?!" He said, excitedly. "I never heard anything like it. It's not too loud, not too heavy, and it's just the right volume."

"Nice! We'll work our way up from soft rock to heavy rock in no time."

Percy rests the headphones around his neck.

"Really? But… aren't we suppose to not like each other? We're on different teams, after all."

Lemon Zest hugs her left arm while looking back at her friends and the Wondercolts still picking fights.

"Nobody on my team is that nuts about music like I am. You're kinda the only one who showed any real interest."

"Oh. That's too bad. Friends should try to show interest in each other's favorite things. Why don't your friends ever-"

"Ooh, ooh!" She stammered, waving her hand in front of him. "Here comes the best part!"

Lemon Zest grabbed both sides of her muffs and began bobbing her head. Percy didn't know what she meant until hearing the song coming from his headphones kick up into a louder, build up verse. He admitted that it did sound great when the beat finished paying off.

"How can you hear what I'm listening to?"

Lemon Zest tapped the left muff. "Music's coming from my player, silly. Everything you're hearing is what I'm hearing too."

"These things can play the same music even though they're not connected?"

"Uh, yeah," she said, matter of fact. "They're connected through blue tooth!"

Percy quickly removed the headphones and covered his mouth.

"But I don't wanna have blue teeth!"

Lemon Zest lets out a laugh, so much so she had to lean on her knees for support. Percy didn't know what was so funny though. Lemon Zest continued snorting through her laugh until leaning back up again.

"Dude! You're funny, Percy."

"I am?"

"Totally."

Percy and Lemon Zest both exchanged heartfelt smiles. Whatever suspicion Percy had was long gone. Lemon Zest was just as happy to have found a new friend who was interested in the same things she liked. Percy takes off the headphones and examines them again before handing them over back to Lemon Zest. But she respectfully rejected.

"You can hold onto those. That way you can hear my music whenever I'm nearby."

"Won't you need this though?"

"Nah! I only bought 'em as backups in case my teachers confiscate these," She adjusted her pink headset.

She takes the headphones anyway but only to put them back around Percy's neck.

"I got plenty more where that came from. 'Least now you'll have better taste in music before you know it."

Percy held the headphone's muffs laying around his neck while examining them. He didn't know how to react at first. Lemon Zest was from another team he's supposed to dislike. But here she was offering him her back up headsets so he can hear her music whenever she's around.

"Wow. Thanks! Oh, I never got your name-"

"Ugh, whatever!" Sour Sweet shouted and stormed off. "I don't have to stand for this!"

During their argument, Thomas and the other engines riled up the Shadowbolts and irritated them to the point of frustration. Diesel and the other Shadowbolts begin walking away as well with the Wondercolts all smirking with crossed arms.

"Gotta go," Lemon Zest said. "We'll catch up later, 'kay Percer."

"Percer?"

"That's your new rocker name. Like it?"

"Um, I guess. Yeah! Sure. I like it."

"Let's go, Lemon Zest!" Indigo Zap called, impatiently.

Lemon Zest playfully nudged Percy's shoulder.

"Later, Percer!"

She took off, holding her pink headphones in place while bobbing her head.

"Bye… Lemon Zest."

Percy waved his hand slowly and watched Lemon Zest return to her group. The music playing from her phone still blared in Percy's headphones. He puts them back on and listened to Lemon's music until her and her friends were far enough for his sets to lose connection to her blue tooth, which still worried Percy a little that it would give him blue teeth over time.

Lemon Zest caught up only to see her friends begrudgingly lugging behind a proudly strutting Diesel.

"This'll do just fine until Adagio gives me control over the diesels," He said to himself.

The Girls exchanged looks, all disagreeing on the same notion and agreeing on another. They weren't gonna put up with Diesel and his self entitlement no matter what he or Principal Cadance thinks. So, they each walked in a sophisticated or careless strut pass Diesel, surprised and angry by everyone moving a head of him. Only Sour Sweet stopped and zipped back to startle Diesel.

"Remember, Diesel," She said. "Just one reason is all we need. One reason and you're out."

He gulped. "Right."


Percy was still waving until his friends caught his attention. They were discussing what to do about their dilemma.

"We're definitely not gonna let them win, are we?" Emily asked. "I was never really eager to get competitive, but those girls were asking for it."

"Not on my watch they won't!" James said.

"But how are we suppose to win at something they're good at and we're not?" Thomas asked. "This whole decathlon thing has become a bunch of backed-up steam. We'll burst in front of everyone if we go out there without knowing what we're doing!"

"We're gonna burst?!" The Engines all repeated.

"No," Thomas corrected. "I mean we're gonna look foolish for not knowing anything about school work."

"Impossible!" Gordon said. "Diesel doesn't know anything about school work either."

"But the Shadowbolts do," Emily said. "That's the major problem here, Gordon."

"If only our friends weren't on Sodor right now," Toby said. "They know a great deal about this kind of stuff."

"They would," Emily contemplated. "But I think they'd only try to talk us out of the race like they did before we joined."

Juniper stepped in unintentionally, catching everyone's attention. Juniper wasn't so sure if they could pull this off, but they had to have a fair chance, even if their efforts to do so doesn't get them very far.

She decided to go for broke and played up a confident attitude.

"It's a longshot, but… maybe I can teach you all a few things."

The Engines all exchanged looks, all wondering what their friend had in mind.


To Be Continued.