//------------------------------// // Wrong Road // Story: TAF: A Close Shave / The Diseasel / Wrong Road // by Lawton //------------------------------// Thomas' branch line is important and so is Edward's. But, their tracks and bridges are not so strong as those on the main line. Sir Topham Hatt does not allow the heavier main line engines like Gordon to run on them. But one day, the way Gordon was talking, you would've have thought Sir Topham Hatt had given this order for quite another reason. “It’s not fair!” Grumbled Gordon. “Oh boy.” Moaned Applejack. “Here we go again.” “What isn’t fair?” Edward asked. “Letting branch line diesels pull main line trains.” Grumbled Gordon. “Never mind, Gordon.” Said Edward. “He does have a good point.” Replied Edward. “I'm sure Boco will let you pull his trucks sometimes.” Gordon spluttered. “I won’t pull Boco’s dirty trucks! I won’t run on branch lines!” “Why not?” Edward asked. “It would be a nice change.” “Nonsense! Sir Tophom Hatt would never approve.” Huffed Gordon. “Branch lines are vulgar.” “Not to mention not built for heavy express engines.” Added Rainbow Dash as she and Gordon left. Applejack and Edward chuckled and followed them to Knapford Station. Every evening the two engines pulled two fast trains from the station. Gordon always leaves first with an express for the main line. Edward follows five minutes later with his train for the branch line. Usually everything runs like clockwork. But tonight, there was trouble. A lady in a green floppy hat was saying goodbye to her friend. It was nearly time for Gordon to start. The fireman looked back towards the conductor's van and saw something green waving. “Right away, Gordon, Away we go!” Said Rainbow Dash. They thought the conductor had waved his flag. Gordon started, leaving luggage, their passengers and the conductor all standing on the platform. Everyone was very surprised and cross. “Oh no. Wait! STOP!” Shouted Edward. “Get back here!” Shouted Applejack. But, It was too late. Rainbow Dash and Gordon steamed into the distance. They didn’t knew that they raced onto the branch line. To make matters worse, There we’re signs telling all trains to go slow. But, Rainbow Dash and Gordon didn’t see the signs. “Yo, Big G?” Rainbow Dash asked as she looked around. “What’s wrong?” Gordon huffed. “I don’t see any other tracks beside us.” Said Rainbow Dash. Just then, they heard a creek. “Uh oh.” With a crack, The tracks snapped beneath them and Gordon slid off the tracks and fell into a ditch. Applejack, Edward, and Sir Tophom Hatt heard the noise from the distance. “That doesn’t sound good.” Worried Edward. “Yeah. Whatever the hay is going on down there, Those two speedies are gettin themselves into a lot of trouble.” And she was right. Duck later arrived with the breakdown train and helped Gordon back on the tracks. He and Rainbow Dash felt very foolish, indeed. “What will Sir Tophom Hatt say?” Moaned Gordon. By the time Gordon had arrived back at Knapford, Applejack and Edward was already late with their train. They were cross. So was Sir Tophom Hatt. “Rainbow and Gordon, You two have caused confusion and delay!” He said sternly. “Because of your selfishness, Applejack and Edward are already late and their branch line is broken! Now, Applejack and Edward will take the express line instead.” Gordon and Rainbow Dash gasped. Edward and Applejack were going to use their express line! So now, The two buckerooes set off along the main line. Later, Gordon and Rainbow Dash arrived at their destination, Kellsworthe, feeling cold and guilty on 1 of the sidings near the harbor. “We messed up big time.” Moaned Rainbow Dash. “Ooooooh the indignity.” Replied Gordon. The next morning, Bill and Ben peeped into the yard. There were no trucks for them but they didn't mind that. Teasing Rainbow Dash and Gordon will be much better fun. “What's that?” Asked Bill. “Shush!” Whispered Ben. “It’s Gordon.” “It looks like Gordon, but it can't be. Gordon never comes on the branch lines. He thinks them vulgar.” Said Bill. Rainbow Dash and Gordon pretended he hadn't heard them. “If it isn't Gordon.” Said Ben. “It's just a pile of Old Iron.” “Which we better take it to the scrapyard.” Added Bill. “No Bill, this lots useless for scrap, we'll take it to the harbor and dump it in the sea leaving his horsey a stray.” Corrected Ben. Rainbow Dash and Gordon were alarmed. “I am Gordon. Stop, stop!” He wailed. When BoCo suddenly arrived, Gordon thought him the most beautiful sight he had ever been. “Wow! BoCo, can you deal with these two?” BoCo quickly sized up the situation and threatened to take away the cars he brought for Bill and Ben. This made the twins behave at once. Gordon thought BoCo was wonderful. “Those little demons. How do you do it?” Rainbow asked. “Ah well.” Said BoCo. “It's just a knack.” Rainbow Dash and Gordon still believed that BoCo saved his life. But he knows the twins are only teasing. Don't we?