Twilight & Friends

A Thomas & Friends/The Railway Series & My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Crossover

Written by: ThomasZoey3000

Episode 14: Sunset & Duncan

Sunlight shone through the windows of the Narrow Gauge engine's shed, but they payed little attention to it as they tried to get just a little bit more sleep. However, the calmness of the morning was about to be interrupted by a question.

Sir Handel, a saddletank engine with four driving wheels and two back wheels, opened a sleepy eye, "that you're being an idiot for waking the rest of us up?" he grumbled. "Now shut up and go back to sleep!"

"Did I not just say to shut up? But hey, why listen to me? I'm just the Number three around here," grumbled Sir Handel.

Peter Sam ignored him and answered Skarloey, "well it's just that it's been five years since Sunset Shimmer started working for the Railway, and that next Friday will be her last day working with us." That statement got the other engine's attention, except for Sir Handel and Duncan.

"I had known that Miss Shimmer has been working with us for five years," said Duke, "but I didn't think her time on this railway was nearing an end. It only seems like yesterday."

"Oh yes, the day she was brought here by a police officer," chuckled Duncan, which brought about chuckles from both him and Sir Handel.

"Oi, knock it off!" snapped Ivo Hugh, the railway's Number 7 tank engine. "Sure she was bad back then, but with the aid of her friends, and all of us here, she's been learning to become a better person."

"It's all just for show," grumbled Sir Handel. "Once she's free, she'll be back into doing whatever she did before."

The engines went quiet as the door opened and sure enough, the red and yellow haired girl came walking in with a bucket full of water and soap, "good morning engines, hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all Miss Shimmer," smiled Duke, "we were just made aware that next Friday will be your last day working here with us."

"Yeah it's a shocker for sure," she said. "I've been enjoying my work on the Skarloey Railway, it'll be sad not to come in every day and see you guys."

Duncan was about to open his mouth, but Rusty, the No 5 diesel of the Railway interrupted him, "well who's to say you can't come back for visits? After all, anyone is welcome to visit our little railway, including you."

"That would be nice Rusty, and maybe I will do that. Now Sir Handel, you're up for a passenger run in half an hour, and noticing you have a ton of coal dust all over you, I better get you cleaned up before then. Wouldn't want the passengers to think you're lacking in quality."

Sir Handel said nothing, but watched as the red and yellow haired girl started washing him. As she did, she hummed a little tune to herself.

"Oh it's a song my friends encouraged me to make for an upcoming reunion of the Sonic Rainbooms. It's called 'My Past Is Not Today'." She paused though as she looked at her reflection in the soapy bucket of water, "though looking at myself, it doesn't really look like I've changed."

Later on in the afternoon, Peter Sam was taking the old coaches; Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice the Guard's van. He was thinking about how different the railway would be without Sunset around.

"Driver, do you think you can ask the Thin Controller if Sunset could get a full time job working here?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself, we're coming up to Rheneas Station and he's on the platform."

Sure enough, standing on the platform was a thin man in a suit that looked similar to the Fat Controller's, only difference was the hat and Mr Roger Sam was thinner, hence the nickname.

The Thin Controller smiled, "I heard your question Peter Sam, and I did ask her once, but she declined the offer. She would love to, but she said she's going to get very busy, especially if the Sonic Rainbooms are getting back together again."

"Oh cheer up Peter Sam, she's always going to be a welcome visitor to our railway."

"I know Sir, but it won't be the same without her. I mean, sure when she first came to the railway, we couldn't wait for her to leave." He thought back to that day in 2010...

The Thin Controller stood alongside a policeman and Sunset Shimmer, who looked miserable.

"Engines, as punishment for the crimes she's commited, including the unwanted destruction to Knapford Station's waiting room, Miss Sunset Shimmer will be working with us." The engines looked horrified, "it's either that or she goes to jail."

"Send her to jail then!" snapped Sir Handel. "We don't want troublemakers on our railway."

But the Thin Controller shook his head, "hard work will teach her more than if she sits in a jail cell. Plus," he paused as he looked back to her, "she truely is sorry for her actions, and wanted this."

"Well Mr Sam, I wish you good luck with this girl," said the policeman. "And call us if she does cause trouble."

He left, leaving Sunset under the watchful eyes of the engines. They were sure they weren't going to enjoy this...

"But now," continued Peter Sam in 2015, "we've grown fond of her, well except for Sir Handel and Duncan. I just wish there was more we could do for her."

"Oh but there is..." the Thin Controller looked around and whispered, "keep it under your dome, but we're planning a little surprise party next Friday for Sunset, as a way of thanking her for all her hard work and to congratulate her on becoming the girl she is now."

Peter Sam brightened up at once, and was still beaming when the guard blew his whistle and he had to leave.

"Could you pass me the 3 quarter inch wrench?" Mr Hugh asked. Sunset didn't hestiate, she picked it up and gave it to Mr Hugh, though she was quiet. "What's up girl?"

"Well, I know I can't really do that, but I always wondered of what it would be like to drive the engines here. I sometimes dream about it, but I know I can't do that, not without training and plus, being on punishment work, it's not allowed."

When evening came around, Rheneas asked his Driver to bring the Thin Controller over. They returned quite soon, and Rheneas told him about Sunset's dream.

"Anyways Sir, I was thinking, since we got only one more week with Sunset working with us, would it be possible to let her operate us? I'm sure our crews wouldn't mind teaching her."

"She is a good student," added Mr Hugh, who was looking over Fred, the other diesel of the line.

The Thin Controller thought about it, then agreed, "as long as she obeys every instruction, then I'll allow it." He looked to all the engines, and stated that, "for Saturday's run, she'll drive Rheneas, then Sunday she'll drive Peter Sam. Luke will be Monday's engine, Rusty will be for Tuesday, Skarloey will be for Wednesday, Duke will be for Thursday and..." he paused for dramatic effect, "for her last day here, I would like Duncan to be her engine."

"WHAT?!" exclaimed Duncan. "Forget it! I want to get my jobs done, not be driven off the rails by her recklessness!"

The Thin Controller stared Duncan firmly in the eyes, "she has changed quite a bit Duncan, and I'm sure she won't do that. Besides, it's my word and that's final!"

Mr Brown is the owner of the Skarloey Railway, and the grandson of Mr Sir Handel Brown, the man Sir Handel was named after.

"I'm sure he'll agree with me on this plan. Besides, it will serve you right for being so rude."

The Thin Controller thanked Rheneas for the idea, then walked away to attend to paper work. Once he was gone, the grumbling started from Duncan, "the girl brought in by police will actually be driving us. What is this world coming too?"

"At least she won't be driving me," said Sir Handel proudly. "Though...I will admit..."

"Er, nothing, nothing at all." But deep down, Sir Handel was disappointed that he hadn't been picked. He would never admit it, especially in front of Duncan, but he was growing fond of Sunset.

The next morning, Sunset arrived for work and as she started washing Duke, the Thin Controller came into the sheds, "good morning Sunset, I have a different sort of job for you today."

"Nope," he answered while shaking his head. "Since you're getting close to your last day of working here, we would like to give you the chance to drive many of the engines on the line. Today, you'll be working with Rheneas, his Driver will show you what to do."

Sunset couldn't believe it, she was actually going to get to drive the engines. She wondered how that came about, but a sly smile from Rheneas gave her the answer.

"Thank you Sir, I would love to do that, and I promise to pay very close attention."

After cleaning Duke, Sunset went with the Driver and fireman to get a lesson on all the gauges and levers inside of Rheneas' cab. She absorbed the information quite easily, though once or twice when she wasn't sure about something, she had to ask the fireman what a certain gauge did again.

When they were sure she was ready, she took control of Rheneas and took him over to the coach yard to find the old coaches.

"Easy does it," Sunset muttered to herself, "don't want to bump those old dears."

She didn't need to worry, as she slowed Rheneas to a perfect stop with the buffers touching gently. Rheneas' regular driver coupled him up to the coaches, and once onboard, they made their way to the station. Henry was there with the local train while Gordon shunted trucks nearby, grumbling the entire time. Rheneas slowed to a smooth stop.

"Very impressive," smiled the Driver from Agnes, "you could give Rainbow Dash a few lessons on operating locomotives."

Gordon overhard and blushed. He did not like being reminded of the hold up at the big station that one day.

Lots of passengers changed over from Henry's train and into Rheneas'. Sunset took in deep breaths and did her best to calm herself down, "I've done good so far, now I need to keep that going, otherwise the passengers will get cross." All too soon, it was time to leave, the guard blew his whistle, jumped into Beatrice and slowly but surely, Sunset made Rheneas pull out of the station, gently.

Sunset and Rheneas did have a good run. They stopped at all the right stations, and never went over the speed limits along the line. The fireman made mental notes saying Sunset was better than some of the trainees they get on the railway. And as the run continued, Sunset was able to calm down and really enjoy the run. She even grabbed hold of the whistle chain and blew the whistle proudly at a level crossing.

"I wanted to do that all my life!" she cheered. Rheneas couldn't help but smile at her happiness.

Of course, not everything went perfectly. Whenever Duncan passed by with his trains, he would see Sunset and blow steam right at her and the train. Rheneas grew cross after the third incident, "Oi Duncan, knock it off! We don't need baths out here!" But Duncan payed no attention.

Despite Duncan's rudeness, the run went without any mishaps and they returned to Crovan's Gate in perfect time.

"You're very welcome, but you should be thanking Sunset," said Rheneas, "she was the Driver today." So she did thank Sunset, as did many of the passengers. Sunset was blushing after hearing all those compliments.

I'm sorry to say though while Sunset was enjoying herself as the week worn on, she did still have to put up with Duncan. During each run, he would pass her and the other engines, and like before, he would wheesh steam at them. This upset Sunset, but it made the engines cross. On passenger runs, the passengers got cross too and spoke angrily to the Thin Controller.

On the Wednesday evening, Duncan found the Thin Controller waiting for him, "I've been receiving complaints about you Duncan, and I don't like that. Neither does Mr Brown."

"I can't help it Sir," Duncan retorted. "I am a steam engine, and we do blow off steam. I just never noticed where it was going."

"Stuff and nonsense," he said angrily. "You do know, cause your crew says you only blow steam at the other engines with Sunset in her cab." Duncan looked away, trying to hide a look of guilt, "nice try Duncan, I know that look from you. Now listen, tomorrow Sunset is running with Duke, then it's your turn with her at your controls."

"You will do as you are told, and if I hear of one more incident like this, you will miss out on being at the party, and you will be left outside for a full week, without any steam in your boiler. Do I make myself, one hundred percent crystal clear?"

"Good, and don't think you can hide this from me. Your crew will let me know after your runs tomorrow."

The next day, he had to do all he could to prevent himself from blowing steam at Sunset, though twice during the day, he blew steam off after he passed the other trains.

"Can't believe the Thin Controller's going to make me run with her in my cab, what is he even thinking?" he grumbled to himself.

At the end of the day, he arrived back at Crovan's Gate station to find the Thin Controller waiting for him. He spoke with the crew first, then to Duncan, "can't hold it back can you?"

"No, but you're still complaining. I know it's in your nature Duncan, but for tomorrow, can you please keep it in check?"

Duncan wanted to say 'no', but he remembered the conversation from the night before. "Yes Sir, I'll do my best."

Duncan didn't sleep well that evening, he kept thinking of what Sunset would do at his controls, "maybe I should put you in the ditch, that will show you what happens when you insult me!" He imagined what she would say. This went on throughout the evening until the first rays of sunlight came into the shed.

"Maybe she'll call in sick, and can't make it. Or maybe she'll think yesterday was her last day working here. Or maybe she has a doctor's appointment, and won't make it back on time," he thought to himself.

But he wasn't lucky that morning as the first person to come into the shed was Sunset Shimmer herself.

"So we're really doing this," He muttered to himself. He took in a deep breath and sighed, "I suppose if I must."

Sunset walked over towards him, but as she did, Duncan noticed she looked different. Instead of the bold red and yellow in her hair, her colors were lighter than usual, and instead of her normal attire of the big black jacket, purple shirt with symbol on it, orange skirt and knee high boots, she had a smaller jacket on, a blue shirt with tan skirt underneath, along with blue leggings and high heeled boots that almost went up to the height of her knees.

"I sure did," she smiled. "After work, I went to the spa and got them lightened, then I went out and bought these clothes. I figure if I'm going to be starting a new chapter in my life, I might as well start looking like a whole new person. Now, enough about me, let's get you cleaned up before your fireman arrives."

Duncan went quiet after that, even as Sunset washed and polished him until he seemed to shine as the shed doors opened.

"My word, that is impressive work," said Duncan's Driver. "That brass hasn't shone that brightly in years. What is your secret Sunset?"

The fireman walked into the cab and was amazed to see the controls looking shiner than ever, "Duncan looks like he just came out of the factory," he remarked.

He hated to admit it, but Duncan was impressed too. Once the fire was lit, Sunset drove Duncan over to the goods yard to collect his trucks. They giggled, "that clean job won't last too long, not with us behind him," they sniggered.

Sunset glared back at the trucks, "pull stunts with us, and Duncan will make sure you regret it."

"She didn't say that she would teach them. Huh, well that's different." But the worrying thoughts still floated around in his head.

The Thin Controller came over to speak with Sunset and the crew, "you'll be working out on the line all day, but I ask that you please not return to the yards until seven P.M."

"You'll find out, and don't worry about your trains, either Fred or Skarloey will have them waiting for you at Crovan's Gate Station."

"Oh great, no chance for a rest, and more chances to become derailed," Duncan thought to himself.

The Thin Controller turned to Duncan, "remember Duncan, behave yourself today and no complaining."

Once the trucks were coupled up, and brakes were released, the guard climbed into his van, blew the whistle and the day's journeys began. Duncan muttered to himself, "it's just for today, it's just for today."

"So Duncan, what do you think of the weather? It's nice isn't it?" Sunset asked.

They were silent throughout most of the journey after that. The only times either of them spoke up was when the trucks started giggling, "hey, no stupid plans back there! Pull stunts with us, and you'll be sorry," they would both say. That kept the trucks in their place.

On the second journey with loaded trucks for the Transfer yards, Duncan was stopped by a water tower and Sunset loaded up his tanks with plenty of water, "can't have you running dry," she commented.

As she did her job, Sunset spoke with Duncan, "I know I wasn't always the nicest person in the world. Before coming to work here, I was rude, cunning, and a selfish little jerk who cared about no one but herself, and that included everyone else's safety, and while I admit I would never want to do that ever again, my life experience has been a real eye opener and made me realize that I could use what I know to help others. While I know I can never make up with everyone right now, I hope that one day we can make up and be good friends." She checked the water level in the tank, and after nodding, stopped the flow of water and moved the spout out of the way.

"What I'm trying to say here is, I'm sorry for ever being rude to you and everyone else Duncan." She climbed back into the cab, and after hearing the guard's whistle, they started off once more.

Duncan remained quiet for a few minutes before finally speaking, "You mean what you say, don't you?"

"Of course I do. I rather have friends and family in my life, then unwanted destruction and being alone forever."

"Oi, shut up back there!" snapped the fireman, but the trucks continued to laugh.

Sunset looked down to the floor unhappily. Duncan heard that remark, and for the first time since Sunset arrived on the railway, he said something he never thought he would say to her, "bump them!"

Sunset was surprised, but did as Duncan asked. She warned the guard by blowing the whistle. "Uh Oh, this will hurt," groaned the trucks. And moments later, there came some clanging noises as Duncan bumped them hard. Not just once, but a few times.

"Knock it off you trucks, cause we'll bump you harder next time!" Duncan snapped. He changed his tone before speaking again, "it'll be hard to say we're friends right now, but for being my Driver right now, you're not such a bad kid."

Following that display, the trucks on any of Duncan's trains behaved themselves and they finished each trip without any trouble.

Finally it was nearing seven P.M., and Duncan was finally rolling back towards the sheds for a well deserved rest. He was quiet during the small trip, but he was thinking about everything. The way he thought about Sunset, how she's been over the last few years and today's run, which surprised him.

As they pulled up to the sheds, they noticed how dark it was, "is there a power outage?" Sunset asked as she slowed Duncan to a stop.

The fireman shook his head and grabbed hold of the whistle chain, blowing it three times. Instantly, lights came on, revealing the decorated sheds. Even some of the engines were decorated, and standing along the Skarloey Railway staff were her friends.

"Welcome Sunset Shimmer," smiled Mr Brown the owner, "to our little surprise party for you."

"Yes, it's to thank you for all the work you've been doing over the years, and to wish you good luck on the rest of your life. We're all so proud of you, right everyone?" All the other engines and crews cheered in response.

"It was an enjoyable run Sir," interrupted Duncan. "Sunset's a great driver, and for a kid who once said mean things about us, she sure does know how to keep troublesome trucks in order. Not to mention, she's a good person for not giving a foolish engine a piece of her mind. Thank you Sunset, and I forgive you. Let's be friends."

"Engines, let's give a salute to our friend; Sunset Shimmer!" The engines responded with honks and whistles, even Sir Handel had to join in.

Peter Sam looked to him, "what?!" Sir Handel asked, "she's really knows how to clean us."

The party was a great hit that night, and Sunset even performed her song for everyone. And while she was sad that she wouldn't be working on the Skarloey Railway anymore, she was glad to have made such wonderful friends, especially Duncan.

Twilight & Friends - The Complete Season 1

by ThomasZoey3000

Sunset & Duncan