After Twilight gets abandoned by her friends she imbarks on an adventure on an Island with talking trains (Wait What?!)
Twilight and Sunset get betrayed by their friends and Celestia after making Cadence upset before her wedding. Feeling abandoned Twilight and Sunset teleported back to Ponyville. Soon a red-violet alicorn appears in the Library and offers Twilight to come with her to her home. Known as The Island of Sodor.
Thomas, Twilight and Sunset train models done by Artthriller94
“Why don’t they believe me?” Twilight Sparkle cried into her pillow as her closes friend, Sunset Shimmer rubbed her back.
The two had just teleported from Canterlot after Twilight declaring that her brother Shining Armour was about to marry her foal-sitting Princess Cadence by saying she was evil and casting spells on her brother. After Cadence ran off in tears and walked off to calm her down, one by one Twilight’s friends walk off abandoning her and Sunset. First Rainbow Dash, the most loyal of them all, then Rarity, then Applejack, then Fluttershy, then Pinkie Pie, Then the Dazzling Sisters, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
Lastly, the pony Twilight and Sunset saw as a mother to them, Princess Celestia. Instead of listening to her students she stared icily at them and responded to them harshly, “You have a lot to think about”.
Twilight felt abandoned and betrayed as watch her friends, her teacher and her number one assistant Spike, trot away.
Twilight was heartbroken as she lay on her bed. Sunset wanted to stay by her side, as she and her grew up together like sisters from different mothers. Sunset didn’t know how to make her feel better.
“Twilight?” Sunset asked, worry pasted on her face, “is there anything you want me to get for you?”
Twilight looked up from her pillow, her mane a mess and eyes bloodshot from all the crying, “C-can you get me a glass *sniff* of water please?” She sniffed weakly.
Sunset nodded and made her way downstairs to the kitchen. Sunset passed the Elements of harmony on display; Twilight’s crown was in the middle while the other nine surrounded it. Sunset ignored them and went into the kitchen. She got out a glass and filled it with water, suddenly a smashing sound echoed throughout the library. Sunset ran out the kitchen to see the glass case holding the elements was smashed on the floor and the elements everywhere. Sunset looked up to see an angry but upset Twilight, standing just next to the wooden stand which held up the elements just moments ago.
“Magic of Friendship, huh?” Twilight said furiously as she used her magic to throw the element of loyalty across the room.
"Magic my flank!" Twilight screamed as she broke down once again.
Sunset Ran up to her fallen friend, putting the class of water down before embracing Twilight.
While Twilight was crying and Sunset was trying to help her, A golden portal opened up behind them. "Hello there, young ones." the voice said.
Twilight and Sunset quickly turn around to see a red-violet alicorn floating in the room before touching down on the ground. She looked the same size as Princess Luna with the mane and tail design as Cadence. Her mane and tail with a golden colour as well as her slippers. Her eyes were a beautiful maroon, a silver crown with a golden highlight sat on top of her head. Her cutie mark was of a pair of puffers with a magic aroura pulsing around them.
" W-who are you and what are you?" Twilight asked wiping her tears.
"I am Lady, the Golden Engine" The one known as Lady said as she walked up to the purple and orange mare. Twilight and Sunset were both amazed and confused by what she said.
“Engine? But you’re a pony,” Sunset said confused by her title.
“I’m an alicorn because I must obey to your worlds rules”, Lady responded with a motherly smile, “where I come from, I am a steam engine and I am the one who looks after the home to a friend that saved my life”.
"The world you come from, you’re from another world? Oh my gosh this is so amazing…. Wait you’re the ruler of your world?" Twilight asked before bowing and forcing Sunset into a bow with her magic. Lady chuckled.
“Rise Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, you need not bow to me. I'm guessing you are wondering why I'm here" Lady said. The two unicorns nodded. “You see, I'm an old friend of Princess Celestia's. She and I met a long time ago, I helped her, her sister and a bunch of other rulers seal away a great evil that plagued Equestria over a thousand years ago.” Lady said.
“Are you talking about Discord?” Sunset asked. Lady shook her head.
“No it was a demon named Tirek and believe me he makes Discord look like a teddy bear.” Lady said. Twilight felt a cold chill up her spine after hearing that.
“Why do I feel like that information will come back to bite me.” Twilight whispered to Sunset.
“But we’re getting off topic, you see throughout the day I’ve been keeping an eye on you as well as the other bearers of Harmony and I must say I am not happy." Lady said sternly. Twilight shuddered at what Lady said, was she here to punish them.
"I saw what your brother, your friends and Celestia did to you. They had no right to treat you like that." Lady said. Twilight’s eyes widened in shock.
“Wait so you’re not here to punish us?” Sunset asked.
"Of course not, you’re not the ones I’m cross with. Celestia should have listen to you and your so-called friends should have stood by you. So since I can’t trust my old friend teach you, I guess it’s up to me.” Lady said.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked suspicious of the golden Engine intentions.
"Twilight Sparkle, I offer you a chance to go to the Island of Sodor.” Lady said. Twilight and Sunset were shocked once again.
“Y… Y... You want me to go with you?” Twilight asked. Lady nodded.
“Yes you see, there is a young engine that I am keeping a close eye on and I believe him, and his friends can help you smile again. He has a very kind heart and has help people and engines alike. I have faith that if you travel and get to know him, he can restore your faith in the magic of friendship." Lady said proudly. Twilight thought about Lady offer.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I get to explore a whole new world and learn how to be an engine... But, what about…” Twilight stopped herself looked at the elements that she'd thrown across the room. “They wouldn’t care, my so called ‘friends’ and brother don't care about me or my feelings. Celestia didn't really care about me either now I think about it, the only real reason she took me as her student was to save her sister and what did she get after saving her...a thank you and sweet lies about 'friendship.” Twilight thought as tears streamed down her muzzle.
Lady and Sunset saw this and felt bad for the young mare. “If you wish not to leave your home and family, I understand.” Lady said, but Twilight shook her head.
“It’s not that, I’m sure they'll all be just fine without me and besides all they cared about was the bucking wedding.” Twilight said angrily.
“Urm… Twilight…” Sunset said with a quiet voice, pointing at Lady as she had an eyebrow raised.
“Ms. Sparkle, language please.” Lady said. Twilight quickly covered her muzzle.
“I’m sorry, I’m just-” Twilight began with a blush on her face.
“I understand, but that’s why I want you to come with me.” Lady said cutting Twilight off. Twilight nodded and looked over to the Element of Magic that was on the floor with the others, she then levitated it onto her head and decide to keep it for herself.
“Equestria will have to find a way to survive without my element.” Twilight said coldly. Lady heard that but said nothing as this was her choice to make. Twilight then turned back to Lady.
“Lady, I would like to take your offer and venture into the Island of Sodor." said Twilight proudly.
Lady nodded and she began to glow. Just then, a golden portal opened behind Twilight. “Just step through the portal Ms. Sparkle and your journey will begin”, she said. Twilight looked at the portal and smiled a bit, she then turned around to face a rather upset Sunset Shimmer.
“I guess this is goodbye Twilight”, Sunset sniffed trying to hold back her own tears.
“Oh”, Twilight realized, “I didn’t think about you Sunset”.
Twilight wrapped an arm around Sunset, and they embraced each other.
“Why can’t I go with Twilight, Lady?” Sunset asked sadly.
“Because I have a tasked for you, Ms. Shimmer”, Lady replied with a smile.
“Wait, what?!” Sunset said in shock.
“I want to find the real Princess Cadence”, Lady responded creating a portal that showed Cadence all battled and bruise in a cave surrounded with crystals. “I believe she’s somewhere under Canterlot in the Crystal Cavens. I don’t know exactly where she is, but I senses a weak source of energy down there”.
Twilight and Sunset looked at each other with sad smiles.
“Good luck, Sunset”, Twilight said as she embraced her closes friend for the last time.
“Thank you, Twilight,” Sunset replied as a single tear rolled down her face. “I hope you find the magic of Friendship again.”
“Well this is, goodbye Equestria.” Twilight thought as she began walking toward portal after she broke her and Sunset’s embrace. “Wait how am I supposed to find this steam engine you mentioned, what’s his name?” Twilight said in a panicked tone. Lady chuckled.
“His name is Thomas, Thomas the Tank Engine.” Lady replied as she stood next to Sunset. “Don’t worry I’ll help you find him.”
“Thomas the Tank Engine, huh?” Twilight thought as the golden light of the portal enveloped her body.
Lady and Sunset stood there where Twilight’s portal was just a few seconds ago. Lady turned to Sunset who was ready for her mission.
“Are you ready to find Cadence?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” Sunset replied as she levitated her element over.
“Then go, you don’t have much time the wedding with be happening shortly,” Lady said, “I shall ask Princess Luna to help you, hopefully she’ll understand”.
Sunset nodded, ran to the portal and jumped through, the portal closed shortly after. Now Lady stood there in the middle on the library. She opened her own portal to join twilight on the Island of Sodor.
*///*
Twilight slowly opened her eyes to see a steam engine with a familiar colour. She then found out she could move. Twilight looked at herself to see that she was a TVR O2 class 0-6-2 tank engine with her element of harmony mounted to her smokebox acting as her lamp. She was paint lavender with her cutie mark on her purple side-tanks. Her smokebox was purple with pink and indigo stripes.
Twilight tried moving again and she still couldn’t.
“Having trouble?” Lady chuckled.
“Yeah”, Twilight sighed, “how do you move?”
“You just got to relax and imagine yourself moving the same if your breaking”, Lady instructed.
Twilight closed her eyes and imagined herself moving. So enough Twilight was rolling down the track with Lady leading the way. As they moved down the track, Twilight saw lots of engine down their work. She saw a black diesel with side-plates pulling truck full of stone and a red tank engine with three domes hauling coal trucks. And a Diesel boxcab racing up behind her looking to have a connotation.
(Wait What?!)
“Hello, I’m Phillip the diesel boxcab but you can just called me Phillip, do you like to race I love racing I once beat an express engine in a race do you want to race?” The boxcab known as Phillip spoke so fast, Twilight swore she heard his teeth chatter. But before Twilight could say anything, Phillip blurted out, “oh no, I’m going to be late, nice talking to you”. And he ran off to do his work.
Twilight just stared, “Well he seems friendly”, she finally responded.
“All the engines are friendly here”, Lady replied with a smile which turned into a frown, “well, all the steam engines”.
Before Twilight could reply, a black diesel shunter oiled up behind her a blow his horn, scaring Twilight so much she wasn’t paying attention to who was in front of her and ran right into the back of Lady.
“Ha, ha, ha, silly steamies”, he laughed as he rolled onward.
"Your face will look silly after I shoved my funnel up your!..."
A train whistle blow, muting Twilight's insult.
“Who in Equestria was that?!” Twilight shouted with annoyance.
“That was Diesel”, Lady replied, “everyone hates Diesel because he likes playing tricks on others.”
10 minutes later…
Twilight and Lady made it to Knapford station where the man in charge was walking up the platform.
“Excuse me sir?” Lady asked the man. The man himself was dressed in a grey shirt under a cream waistcoat, he wore a black tailcoat on top of that. He had grey trousers, black shoes and a black top hat. But what made Twilight snort was the fact that he was a bit on the chubby side.
“Oh hello Lady”, The man greeted the golden engine, “what do I oh the pleasure?”
“Sir, this is Twilight Sparkle, an engine that work on my railroad”, Lady lied, she couldn’t tell the gentleman the truth about Twilight. “I was wandering if she could work on your railway.”
The director eyed Twilight up and down. Twilight tried not to show that she was scared.
“Hmm, well I was thinking of getting more engines to help around the island…” He thought out loud, “Ok, welcome to the North western railway Twilight.”
“Thank you sir”, Twilight thanked The Fat Controller.
“Well I better get going”, Lady said as she started to puff away.
“Thank you, Lady!” Twilight called out which Lady responded with a whistle blow.
“Now, as it’s getting late, I think you should know your way around the island”, the Fat Controller said.
Just then a blue tank engine chuffed into the station pulling two coaches behind him and had the number 1 on his side-tanks.
“Good afternoon sir,” the engine replied to his director before noticing Twilight. “Oh hello there”.
“Thomas this is Twilight,” The Fat Controller introduced, “she’ll be joining us on the island, please show around Sodor”.
“Will do sir,” Thomas replied and then the Fat Controller left.
“So you’re Thomas,” Twilight said, “Lady’s told me a lot about you.”
“You know Lady?!” Thomas questioned.
“Yeah actually brought me,” Twilight responded.
“Well you must be magical then,” Thomas joked, not noticing Twilight nervous face. “Well we should be going my friend Gordon will be along shortly.
For the rest of the day Thomas showed Twilight around the island. Twilight got to see the docks, the forests, the search and rescues centre, quarries and King Godred’s Castle, Twilight even made some new friends. The tour ended with Thomas and Twilight returning to Tidmouth Sheds. Twilight notice that there were nine births at the sheds, and all had an engine in each of them. There were three blue engine including Thomas, three green, one red, one orange and one yellow.
“Twilight let me introduce you to the steam team”, Thomas said starting for twilight’s left.
“These are Henry, Rebecca and Gordon, our big, strong tender engines”, Thomas started.
“Hello”, Rebecca greeted cheerfully.
“Nice to meet you, Twilight,” Henry welcome calmly.
“Evening”, Gordon huffed.
“These are Edward and James our mix-traffic engines”, Thomas continued.
“Good evening Twilight,” Edward greeted wisely.
“Evening Twi,” James said tiredly.
“And these are Nia, Percy and Emily”, Thomas finish.
“Hujambo, that’s means hello is Kiswahili”, Nia said with a smile.
“Hello Twilight,” Percy and Emily greeted her at the same time.
“Good evening Everyone,” Twilight responded, “Is there any room from one more?”
“Sorry but the sheds are full,” Gordon replied harshly.
“Oh… I’ll just find somewhere else to sleep”, Twilight said sadly.
She was just puffing away until Percy said, “You can sleep in my birth tonight Twilight if you want”.
Twilight was surprise, “Are you should?”
“Yeah I got to take the mail tonight anyway”, Percy replied.
So Twilight slept in Percy birth next to Thomas and Emily.
“So Twilight, what did you used to do back where you came from?” Rebecca asked.
And so Twilight told them the adventures she had with her friends without giving to much detail of where she came from. The other engines loved hearing her tales till long after the stars came out.
Dawn was slowly breaking over the Island of Sodor, and the engines in Tidmouth sheds were still asleep having pleasant dreams. However Twilight wasn’t. She was having a nightmare.
*///*
“There am I? Hello?” Twilight called out into the darkness of her mind, “Why am I a pony again? I thought I was a tank engine.”
“Rarity hold her still!” a southern voice cried out.
Suddenly Twilight felt her body freeze in place, she turned to the source to see Rarity using her magic to hold her. But something was different about her. Her eyes where black with red glowing irises and her teeth were much sharper. Soon Twilight could see the other four circling around her, all with sharp teeth and evil eyes.
“Good now we have the monster on lock down”, Rainbow Dash laughed evilly.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked, fear in her voice.
“Shut it Sparkle!” Applejack shouted. Twilight went quiet after hearing the venom in her voice.
The girls began circling Twilight like predators stalking their pray. Twilight was helpless as her friends glared her down. Then she hear a voice than shook the dark atmosphere.
“ENOUGH!!!”
Twilight looked up and saw a fearful sight. Princess Celestia was flying above her, her mane and tail in flames and her eyes that of a dragon’s.
“Twilight Sparkle, for accusing a princess as a monster, I here now band you to Tartarus!” Celestia roared, and with that said she powered up her horn and fired a beam onto Twilight.
*///*
Twilight shot awake screaming, waking up everyone else.
“Twilight, do you have any idea what time it is?!” Gordon yelled, clearly angry that Twilight woke him up.
“Sorry”, Twilight sadly replied. She gloomily blushed as she chuffed away to hide herself from the engines, trying to hold back tears.
Thomas, Nia and Emily watched as Twilight miserably rolled out the sheds.
“Twilight wait”, Thomas called out to her, but she only seemed to chuff faster.
“I wonder what she dreamt about to make her that upset”, Thomas said to Emily.
“I’m not sure”, Emily answered.
Later Thomas, Percy and Nia were trying to find Twilight, she had to bring some truck from the blue mountain quarry to the docks. They finally found her in the carriage shed on the Ffarquhar Branch Line. She had hid in between Annie, Clarabel, Henrietta and Elsie to try and hid herself from the outside world.
“Twilight, are you ok?” Thomas asked with a sympathetic tone. Twilight puffed out her hiding sport to confront him. “No, I’m not”, she replied with a tear rolling down her face.
“Oh my”, Nia expressed with worry, “Twilight whatever is wrong?”
“I… I just had a nightmare,” uttered Twilight, “nothing to fuss over”.
“If a friend is upset, we will do anything to help them”, Percy stated with a smile.
“Ok”, Twilight replied with sad grin. She began to tell the three friends her nightmare. The three engines were saddened to hear their new friend’s story.
“Oh Twilight I’m sorry to hear that”, Thomas finally responded.
“If you don’t mind me asking…” Nia requested, “But could you tell us who your old friends are?”
“Well if they come we’ll make sure they don’t bother you”, Thomas said proudly.
“Really?” Twilight questioned as the last of her tears leaked from her eyes.
“Promise”, Thomas, Percy and Nia whistled together.
“Thank you so much”, twilight retorted.
Twilight’s nightmare and her friends’ names spread like wild-fire as steam engines, diesels and rolling stock alike told her story all over the island. All the engines treated Twilight with sympathy and happy smiles as did her jobs around the island. Soon she had made friends will everyone across half of the Fat Controller’s railway.
*///*
Later the same day, Twilight was shunting truck in the Knapford yard when the Fat Controller came over to talk with her.
“Morning Sir,” Twilight greeted him.
“Good morning Twilight,” Sir Topham greeted back.
“Is there anything you want me to do Sir?” She asked.
“Yes I want you to help Henry up at the Blue Mountain Quarry today”, he asked.
“Sure you can count of me”, Twilight explained.
“Good”, Sir Topham said and he left.
Twilight began backing out the yard. But she wasn’t looking where she was going and didn’t see the black Scottish engine behind her and rammed into him.
“Ow, Twilight what do ye think yer doin’ lass?” Donald asked angrily.
“Oh Sorry, Donald,” Twilight replied, she chuffed quickly out the yard.
Later Twilight was talking to the Pannier tank engine and the GWR class engine about her nightmare.
“Wow that’s some nightmare”, Oliver remarked.
“I agree”, Duck added, “they should know better than to not believe their friend”.
Twilight knew they were trying to help her, but she knew that if Pinkie and Fluttershy were on the island they’re the type that will make friends with anyone and can also be forgiven quicker.
“Just if you do decide to be big boys and protect me,” Twilight joked as her face return to worry, “Don’t give them a hard time if they do show up, they’re the friendlier ones”.
Duck and Oliver wanted to ask why they should take it easy on them but decide not to, it was Twilight’s wish. Twilight thanked and head of the Blue Mountain Quarry.
*///*
Henry was making his own way up the Blue Mountain Quarry when he saw a little cream engine that Henry had never seen before. She was waiting at a red signal. Henry slowed to a halt to meet the new engine. The engine was an E 3/3 3 Benzyl with a cream cab, teal boiler and light pink smokebox and funnel. She had eight light pink drive wheels and cream cylinders. A trio of butterflies were painted on the sides of her cab and a pink lamp sat on her smokebox.
“Hello, are you new here?” he greeted kindly, the engine seemed to shy away at the sudden approach by someone she didn’t know but so calmed down as he voice was kind in tone.
“H-hello, I am new here and Sir Topham has asked me to help out at Blue Mountain Quarry, but I don’t know where it is”, she responded in a soft voice, “Could you help me Please?”
“Of course, I’m heading there now”, Henry replied as the two set off, “By the way my name’s Henry, what’s your?”
I a small, soft voice the engine replied, “Fluttershy”.
*///*
Meanwhile Twilight was making her way up to the Blue Mountain Quarry with her empty Trunks, she hasn’t been there properly by Thomas showed her the route. When she got there, she saw the hussal and bussal of what a quarry should be like, she even saw small engines working there.
“Hello up there”, Twilight whistled to a small blue engine in which he whistled back.
“Afternoon”, she whistled to a small orange Diesel.
“Afternoon”, the diesel tooted back.
A Fletcher Jennings Class engine rolled up to her.
“Hello there”, the engine greeted Twilight in a surprisingly deep voice, “Who might you be?”
“I’m Twilight, you must be Skarloey then”, Twilight introduced herself.
“That I am, Thomas must have told you who I was,” Skarloey replied.
“Yep, well I’m here to help Henry. Is he here yet?” Twilight asked, looking around to try and see the big green engine.
“Yeah he’s here, but he already has a helper”, Skarloey answered.
“Who?” Twilight asked confused.
“Urm a little cream engine named Fluttershy I think”, Skarloey replied.
“F-F-Fluttershy...?” Twilight gasped.
“Yeah she seems like a pretty friendly engine and...” The rest of Skarloey’s statement faded in the background for Twilight, as she slowly moved forward to where she could hear Henry’s voice. Her pupils shrunk to the size of pins to see Henry talking to Fluttershy.
“And then the troublesome trucks made Duck crashed into a barbershop”, Henry said trying not to laugh.
“Oh my”, Fluttershy responded in a worried voice, “I hope your friend was alright after that”.
“Don’t worry he was, but the funny part was that the put shaving cream on his face”, Henry said whilst laughing.
Fluttershy had to emit that is was funny as a little chuckle escaped her lips.
Twilight was about to sneak away but she needed to sort this out.
“Fluttershy!” Twilight called out catching her attention. Fluttershy jumped back in shock in Twilight here.
“Twilight!?” She retorted, shock and worry clearly in her voice.
“Meet me at Ffarquhar Sheds later tonight,” Twilight said sternly.
Fluttershy was scared of what Twilight was going to say but agreed.
*///*
Meanwhile on the main line, Stanley and Paxton had just had an accident, the trucks made Paxton crash into Stanley’s train across a junction, luckily no one was hurt but Paxton lay on his side and Stanley was off the rails. Harvey the crane engine was already cleaning up.
“Again sorry Stanley,” Paxton apologised, “It was the trucks that pushed me, and I tried to stop”.
“It’s ok Paxton,” Stanley said, “keep it up Harvey.”
Harvey whistled in response. Suddenly they both heard a whistle that they had never heard before. Stanley then saw an engine coming down the track with the breakdown train. The Engine was a pink NS 7742 “Bello” with a bright pink smoke box and a trio of balloons on the cap.
“Hi there”, the pink engine said with a big smile on her face, “Bust my buffers, what happened here?”
“The trucks push me into Stanley,” Paxton said getting tired of seeing things at a 90-degree angle.
“Don’t worry I’ll have you back on the rails in no time”, the engine said as she shunted Judy and Jerome into place.
“Sorry you never told us your name,” Harvey said.
“Oh sorry,” the engine said blushing, “My name is Pinkie Pie”.
*///*
Twilight was at Knapford Station talking to Rebecca, Emily and Nia, she was telling them about Fluttershy.
“I’m just saying don’t give her a hard time,” Twilight said, memories replayed in her head like the time Gilda roared at her making her cry.
“I guess we can less harsh on her”, Emily remarked.
“Don’t worry I’ll hopefully talk to her later tonight”, Twilight reassured them.
“I hope so”, said a familiar voice, “she told me how you scare her today at the quarry”.
Pinkie Pie was sitting next to Emily on the far track, Twilight was even more shocked to see Pinkie here as well.
“Whoa,” Rebecca gasped as she swore she wasn’t there a moment ago.
“Pinkie, when did you get here?” Twilight questioned.
“The same time as Fluttershy,” Pinkie replied cheerfully, “anyway Fluttershy says you were going to talk to her later, can I come?”
Twilight sighed “actually Pinkie, you need to come.”
“Ok see you at Ffarquhar Sheds”, Pinkie said as she started to puff away.
*///*
It was 8 P.M. and Twilight was making her way down to the docks, the Fat controller had asked Twilight to take a train Medieval treasures up to the castle. She was hoping to speak with Fluttershy and Pinkie before but that will have to wait. When Twilight got to the docks, she was surprise to she Pinkie and Fluttershy were coupled up to the front of the train.
“Hey Twilight!” Pinkie explained happily.
“Evening girls”, Twilight sighed, as she coupled up to Fluttershy.
So the three equestrian engines were chuffing and puffing down the track to the castle. On the way, Twilight decided to start a convention.
“So… How did you two get to the island of Sodor?” Twilight asked.
“Well…” Fluttershy started.
*///*
One day after Twilight left
Fluttershy and Pinkie just arrived back in Ponyville to try and apologise to Twilight about not believe her. The streets of Ponyville were calm at this hour, Luna’s moon shone bright it the dark sky.
“I hope Twilight and Sunset forgives us”, Fluttershy said, tears building up in the eyes.
“Don’t worry Fluttershy”, Pinkie assured her, “I’m sure Twilight and Sunset will forgive us.”
When they got the library, Fluttershy knock on the door but no one answered, but door was unlocked.
“Twilight, Sunset,” the two ponies called out, but no one responded.
Fluttershy turned on the light and they both saw the Elements of Harmony all over the floor and notices that there were only eight.
“What happened here?!” Pinkie yelled panicking.
Suddenly a golden portal appeared in front of them and Lady stepped out.
“Who are you?” Fluttershy asked amazed.
“I’m Lady the Golden Engine”, she replied.
Then Lady explained what happen to Twilight and Sunset. Pinkie and Fluttershy were saddened by this.
“We never even got to say sorry”, Pinkie sobbed as Fluttershy was crying into her fur.
“there is a way you still can”, Lady responded.
*///*
“So then Lady teleported us there and here we are now”, Pinkie finished the story.
“Oh girls,” Twilight finally replied, tears beginning to fill her eyes, “Of course I forgive you”.
The three engines had just arrive at the castle where the Earl of Sodor was waiting them. After that they made their way back to Ffarquhar Sheds joking all the way. The three had just got back to the sheds when the Fat Controller showed up. He had a special job for them tomorrow.
“Good evening girls”, he said, “Tomorrow I have a special job for you three”.
“What is it sir?” Twilight asked.
“I want you three to bring a goods train from Vicarstown to Great Waterton on the South-Eastern Railway where my joyful brother works,” Sir Topham Hatt said.
“You can count on us sir”, Pinkie said eagerly.
“You should leave by noon and get there by teatime,” the Fat Controller continued, “So you’ll shall stay there for the night and help them for the day”.
“Ok sir,” the three replied, “Goodnight”.
“Goodnight Girls”, Sir Topham Hatt said and he went home to bed.
So Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were so excited to go to the South-Eastern Railway to meet new friends and work, that they fell asleep ready for what tomorrow had install for them.
Night began to fade as the Steam Team slept, at the Ffarquhar Sheds, Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy were also still asleep. Twilight luckily wasn’t having another nightmare, but she was surprised by it.
*///*
Twilight was surrounded by a beautiful starry nexus, she looked around the seeing constellations of stars and she was standing on a path of stars as well. Then out of the blue, a flash of light appeared in front of Twilight. She was shocked but happy to see the Princess of the night with Lady in her alicorn form.
“Good tidings Twilight Sparkle”, Princess Luna greeted her, “hope your doing well in your new life”.
“Princess Luna!” Twilight explained, and without warning she ran on to Luna and embrace her. Luna was a little off guard when Twilight hugged her but returned the embrace.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help you with your nightmare,” Luna apologized, “my magic doesn’t work in Lady’s world”.
“I missed you”, Twilight said as tears ran down her faced.
“You seemed troubled young one”, Luna said after finally breaking the embrace and looking into Twilight’s eyes.
“Don’t worry Twilight,” Lady assured Twilight, “I’ve told her everything”.
“Yes and I must say”, Luna said in an angry tone, “I’m very disappointed by my sister’s behaviour. But don’t worry Twilight, I believe you”.
“You do?” Twilight stared at Luna.
“Yes, I’ve remembered Cadence’s magic aura was a beautiful light blue”, Luna said as she created a portal showing Cadence with no one around.
She was indeed a fake by how her magic aura was green not light blue and how she was talking evilly to herself, only villains talk to themselves.
“Luna how’s Sunset?” Twilight asked, remembering that Sunset was meant to find the real Cadence.
“She’s doing fine but still struggling to find the real Cadence”, Luna replied.
The starry nexus around them started to fade away. Twilight knew why, she was waking up.
“Time for you to wake up young one”, Luna said as Twilight embraced her one more time.
“Goodbye Luna”, Twilight said with a simple tear rolling down her face.
“It’s been a pleasure talking to you Twilight, and I hope you’ll find the magic of friendship once again”, Luna replied a tear of her own rolled down her face.
Twilight was engulfed by a bright light and she woke up in the real world once more.
“Morning Twilight,” Pinkie called out, clearly excited about this morning.
*///*
Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy made their way up the Vicarstown Goods yard where Rosie was finishing shunting a good train for Henry. The three girls whistle to Henry as he pulled out which he whistled in return.
“Good morning Rosie,” Twilight greeted, “Is our train ready to go to Great Waterton?”
“Good morning Twilight, girls”, Rosie replied, “Yes, let me get that for you three, just wait”. And with that she raced off to find the girls’ trucks.
Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie waited for Rosie to bring the trucks around. Just then the Fat Controller walked up to them.
“Good morning Girls”, he greeted them with a smile, “are you three ready yet?”
“Good morning Sir”, the girls said in response.
“Not yet sir, Rosie was just getting our train”, Twilight said just as Rosie came round with the goods train, “Why is something wrong?”
“No nothing’s wrong”, Sir Topham Hatt replied with a chuckle, “it’s just that it will take you all day to get there and my brother’s engines are struggling a bit up there. So I want you three to stay up there for a couple of days to help them out”.
“Ok sir, you can count on us”, the three whistled.
“Oh and Twilight when you get back, I will have a surprise for you”, Sir Topham Hatt said.
The three engines whistled and started to puff down the line towards Great Waterton.
*///*
As three engines made their way down the line, Pinkie began to feel bored.
“I’m bored”, she explained, “normally I would be making everyone happy, but there’s no one to cheer up”.
Twilight and Fluttershy chuckle at Pinkie pouting.
“Oh I missed you Pinkie”, Twilight said. Then she started to sing which surprised the two a bit.
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Her, you, me! Best of friends forever we'll be Yeah, yeah! Better together
Being really useful Everyday Being good and helpful In every way Rock 'n' roll and hauling away Yeah, yeah! Keeping us cheerful
Well there's nothing that I couldn't do When I'm steaming along next to you
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Her, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Her, you, me! We roll along together All the way This made Pinkie and Fluttershy happy to see their friend having a great time with them. Soon Pinkie and Fluttershy joined in.
We need our friends nearby us Everyday So they can help and guide us In every way And we know there's a place they will stay Yeah, yeah! Forever beside us
Well there's nothing that I couldn't do When I'm steaming along next to you
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
So put it all together A B C! Whatever the weather Just you see! Couple up and join the team Yeah, yeah! Getting better and better
Well there's nothing that we cannot do 'Cos together we know we'll get through
Soon the made it to the mile long tunnel that was ‘technically’ crossing the border. So now they weren’t on the North-Western Railway, they were on the South-Eastern Railway. After a few minutes, they came out the end of the tunnel and started singing again.
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
We make a team together One, two, three! We go full steam together Him, you, me! We roll along together All the way
As the trio puffed and sung down the line they whistled and tooted any engines they saw in which they would whistle and toot back. They finally arrived in Great Waterton where Twilight saw someone talking to a LNER V3 Locomotive and a JGR Class 2120. She whistled to get their attention.
“Ah, You must be Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie with my goods train”, said the man, the man was a spitting image of Sir Topham but he had a mustache on his face.
“Hello Sir,” Twilight Greeted, “I assume you Sir Topham Hatt’s Brother”.
“Yes, yes I am”, he replied.
“Oh, oh let me guess”, Pinkie explained excitedly, she thought for a bit until she shouted “Sir Chubham Hatt!”
“PINKIE!” Twilight scolded and gave her a bump.
But the Fat Controller’s brother laughed, “Ha, Ha, Ha, that’s a new one”. Soon he calmed down, “no my name is Sir Lowham Hatt and these fine engines here are Eric and Chisa”.
“Hello”, Eric tooted.
“Kon’nichiwa”, Chisa greeted with a smile.
“They’ll shunt your truck for you while you go and rest you wheels”, Sir Lowham Hatt said.
“Yeah just it to us”, Eric said as he and Chisa got ready to sort out the train.
Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie were uncoupled from the train as Lowham jumped into Twilight’s cab.
“I’ll guide you to the sheds where you can rest”, he said as the three engines puffed away, leaving Eric and Chisa to organize the trucks.
*///*
Meanwhile, three maroon engines were resting in the sheds near the big station. One was an Adams Radial Tank Engine with the number 3 painted on his bunker; another was a LSWR O2 Class engine with the number 2 writing on her bunker and a Peckett Class 1687 industrial tank engine with the number 1 painted on his bunker. They were also talking or teaching the Peckett Class engine how to maths.
“Ok Colin, let’s try this again shall we?” the Adams engine said with a scowl on his face.
“Right this is called adding,” The LSWR O2 said, “If I had two trucks, then I add two more trucks, what do I have?”
“Some trucks”, The Peckett engine replied, clearly not knowing the answer.
“Yes. And no”, The Adams engine responded.
“Let’s do this again ok,” LSWR O2 said calmly, “Two trucks plus two more trucks, what does that make?”
“A very small goods train,” the Peckett said.
“Colin the apes at London Zoo have figured this out,” The Adams said slowly losing his cool, “let’s try again. One, Two, Three, Four. So how many are there?”
“Three,” The Peckett said quickly.
“WHAT!” the other two shouted.
“And that one”.
“Three, and that one”, the LSWR O2 said, “So if I add that one to the three what do I have?”
“Oh, some trucks”, the Peckett said proudly.
“Yes, tell me Colin,” the Adams engine remarked, “was you intelligence a building error”.
Just then they heard a whistle they had never heard before. It was Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie.
“Hello there,” Twilight greeted, I’m Twilight”.
“I’m Fluttershy”.
“And I’m Pinkie Pie”.
“Hello”, the LSWR O2 greeted back, “I’m Lilly”.
“I’m Colin”.
“And I’m Adam”.
“Do you mind if we rest here for a bit?”Twilight asked.
“No come on in, there’s plenty of room”, Adam said as the three girls puffed into the sheds to rest the wheels from their long journey.
*///*
Later Twilight was told to take a train down to Sandy Sea Docks. As Twilight puffed down the line she noticed a LMS Stanier 8F sitting on the track with a very long train. She puffed up to him to say hello.
“Hello there, I’m Twilight”, she introduced herself.
“Hello, I’m Peter” the engine greeted back, “Say, are you that engine that claim her friends betrayed her?”
“Urm... yes, but how do you know?” Twilight asked confused to how the story spread to this side of the island.
“Gordon, Henry and James where down here the other day”, Peter said with a smile, “Don’t worry we engines down here are just as friendly as up there”.
“Well almost everyone”, he remarked with a frown.
“What do you mean?” Twilight questioned.
“ATTENTION! Attention!” shouted new engine, he was a Khaki LNER Class B12. “You, want are you do just standing there?”
“Pardon?” Twilight asked.
“Don’t you that this train load has be on the ship at 1600 hours, it is currently 15:55,” he bossed twilight with a scowl, “what do you have to say for yourself?”
“I’ve properly been here a good three minutes working my way around and maybe two talking to Peter here,” Twilight snapped back.
“Well if that is the case, I deeply apologize,” the B12 said with a softer look.
“That’ll be a first”, Peter thought.
“Now, if you would be so kindly and follow me to where you can unload your train”, the B12 said as he puffed backwards.
“Who was that?” Twilight asked.
“That was Benson; he served in the Great War and helped us in the second war”, Peter replied.
So Twilight whistled goodbye to Peter and followed Benson further into the docks.
*///*
Soon it began to get dark so Twilight puffed back to the sheds with her, Fluttershy and Pinkie stayed in when they first got on the south-Eastern Railway. She was really tired and wanted to sleep for the rest of the day tomorrow. But when she returned to the sheds Pinkie and Fluttershy were already there, with Colin, Lilly, Adam, Peter, Eric and Chisa. Luckily they’re was one more space in between Eric and Fluttershy, Twilight puffed into the space and was about to go to sleep.
“So Twilight did you enjoy your day?” Eric asked.
“Fine, now can I get some sleep,” Twilight replied sleepily. She was about close her eyes until the Colin started to sleep whistle. Twilight couldn’t get to sleep; when she did she wasn’t having a good dream.
*///*
Once again Twilight found herself in a dark starry nexus and as a pony. She looked around to see if she could see anyone. Suddenly she heard a voice.
“TWILIGHT!” it seem to echo everywhere, Twilight know that voice all too well.
“SPIKE!” she called out as she followed his voice. She finally found him tire to a wall.
“Twilight!” he said, glad to see his big sister.
“Don’t worry Spike, I’ll help you out”. Twilight said as tried to remove the vines around her little brother.
“Step away from the dragon Sparkle,” said a familiar voice. Twilight turned around slowly to see Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity standing behind her.
“G...Girls?” Twilight said nervously, fear radiating in the eyes.
Rainbow Dash began running towards her, Twilight braced for impact while protecting Spike. However the attack never hit them, when Twilight turned around to see if she’d been attack, only to see Princess Luna had impaled Rainbow with her horn. Rainbow then disappeared into black smoke. Then Luna fired two beams of magic at Rarity and Applejack in which they too disappeared in big smoke.
Twilight turned back around to see Spike was hugging her tightly; she smile knowing her little brother was safe. Luna walked up to them.
“I’m glad to see you again Twilight”, Luna remarked.
“Is this the really Spike or a dream version”, Twilight asked with tears starting to form in her eyes.
“This is the really Spike”, Luna replied smiling, seeing the two siblings hugging was a very cute sight.
“Where have you been Twilight?” Spike asked while crying softly.
This was melting Twilight’s heart to see her little brother crying like this, “I’ve been away in a different world”, she said while rubbing his head. “Shh, I’m here for you, I’ll always be”.
Luna watched with a sad smile, she knew Twilight and Spike were very close. She knew they had to wake up soon; she walked calmly up to the two.
“You have to wake up soon”, she whispered Twilight and Spike shared one more hug before Luna lit her horn and a warn, white light engulfed the two siblings as their tears flow freely.
The Sun was shining in the sky as Twilight was waking up; she noticed that nearly everyone had left for work except Fluttershy, Pinkie and Colin. Just then Sir Lowham Hatt approached the sheds. He had jobs for the girls.
“Good morning girls,” he greeted them with a smile.
“Good morning sir,” the three replied at the same time.
“Today, you jobs are as followed,” Lowham said, first turning to Twilight, “Twilight I what you to shunt coaches in the yard for the other engines, then take some work supplies up to the Culdee Fell Railway.”
“Ok Sir,” Twilight responded with a toot of her whistle.
Then Lowham turned to Fluttershy, “Fluttershy I want you to help Twilight with shunting trains for the other engines and then go to the fishing village and take some fish to the Docks.”
“Alright Sir,” She shyly replied.
“And Pinkie Pie I want you to take some empty trunks up to the quarry and then take them the docks, then shunt trucks in the yard”.
“Yep-yep-yep Sir,” Pinkie cheerfully replied.
“And when you finished your jobs,” Lowham said, “I want you three to go to Great Waterton to triple head a goods train back to your side of the island.”
The three tooted their whistles in response.
So Pinkie puffed off to get some trucks, while Twilight and Fluttershy made their way to the yard to shunt some couches for the bigger engines. In the station there were already two engines waiting for their couches.
“Fluttershy I do the one on platform 2 if you can do the one on platform 1”, asked Twilight.
“Ok,” Fluttershy replied.
The engines where a dark green LMS Patriot class engine and a lime green LNER B12. After Twilight and Fluttershy shunted their couches, they went around to meet them.
“Hello there,” Twilight greeted the engines.
“Oh Hello,” the B12 replied she seemed really nice; “you two must be the engines that arrived yesterday with that big goods train I saw you bring. I’m Hazel and this is Reginald.”
“Greetings there,” Reginald replied.
“Hello, I’m Twilight and this is Fluttershy”, Twilight said.
“Hello,” Fluttershy softly replied, she was so soft that Hazel and Reginald almost didn’t hear her.
“What’s wrong?” Hazel asked.
“Sorry Fluttershy’s a little shy when it comes to meeting new engines”, Twilight said.
Suddenly the guards whistle went. “Oh that’s our whistle”, Reginald said, his piston pumping, “Come on Hazel these trains aren’t going to take themselves”. And with that, Reginald blow his whistle and started too puffed out the station followed by Hazel.
“See ya soon you two,” Hazel whistle as she puffed out.
“They seem friendly don’t they,” said Twilight.
“Yes they do,” Fluttershy replied, “Reginald was very friendly, he looks so big and strong... and handsome”.
“Urm, Fluttershy are you ok?” Twilight asked a little worried about her friend.
“Oh, sorry”, Fluttershy quickly snapped out her trance, “Let’s get back to work”.
*///*
Pinkie had collected some trucks and was making her way up to the Coal Mining Co. Quarry. On the way, whistled to a big orange BR Standard Class 9F who was pulling a long goods train.
“Hi There”, she tooted.
“Good morning”, the engine replied as he thundered down the line.
Later down the track she saw a blue railway traction engine pulling some trucks for of cement powder.
“Hi there,” Pinkie called out as she sped down the line.
“Slow down and do it right”, the traction engine called back. But Pinkie didn’t hear him.
Soon Pinkie came to a red signal, she slowed down and stopped. Also waiting there was a yellow Moseley Road Kitson tram pulling a green Falcon double-decker carriage and a green Clayton Diesel-electric Type 1 diesel with trucks full of china clay.
“Hello there,” the tram replied in a very sweet and cute voice. She reminded Pinkie of Fluttershy just not as shy.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie”, Pinkie said enthusiastically, “what’s yours?”
“I’m Flora”, the tram replied.
“and I’m Derek,” the diesel replied, “where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“The Coal Mining Co. Quarry”, Pinkie said, she looked down the line. There were some points, one track led up and the other went left. “Which way is it?” she asked.
“Take the left track,” Derek said, “It’ll take you straight there”.
“Thank you”, Pinkie said as her signal turned green and she headed down to left track.
Soon Pinkie arrived at the quarry, once arriving she saw an engine working on their own. The engine resembled Lady but she was red rather than purple.
“Hi there,” Pinkie called out.
The engine stopped what she was doing and went to meet the newcomer.
“Hello,” she replied, “You must be the engine who’s brought me those empty trucks”.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Kate,” the engine replied, “Now can you put the trucks under the coal-hoppers for me while I finish up here?”
“Okie-dokie-lokie”, Pinkie said as she headed to the coal-hopper, while Kate went back to her job. Soon Pinkie’s trucks were full of coal and she started to make her way to the docks.
However the journey to the docks wouldn’t be a smooth run. A maroon LMS Ivatt Class 2MT tank engine was stuck on the mainline, his brakes had locked on and the sudden stop caused a truck to brake and pipes spilled out on the tracks. “That’s just great”, he complained.
“Yeah cheer up Arthur”, the brakevan, “It could be worse”.
“How can it be worse Oscar?” Arthur asked.
Oscar looked down the line to see a small pink engine rushing down the line.
“Hey I see someone,” he remarked.
“Is it Mickey?” Arthur asked.
“No, their pink”, Oscar replied, “and their heading straight towards the pipes!”
“What?!” Arthur shouted before whistling and yelling, “Stop!”
Meanwhile Pinkie was enjoying herself, she was making great time, but she wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. And she didn’t see the pipes until it was too Later. Pinkie braked hard but she crashed into the pipes and came off the rails.
“Ow, that hurt”, Pinkie said.
“That’s how”, Arthur said deadpanned.
30 minutes later…
A rust coloured engine that resembled Edward and a A1X class 55 soon came to the rescue.
“Arthur are you okay?” the K2 asked.
“I’m fine chief, but I don’t know about her”, Arthur pointed out.
“Hey, you there, pink engine,” the K2 called out to Pinkie.
“Who me?” Pinkie asked.
“You are pink are you”, he replied.
“Yeah I’m okay,” Pinkie called back.
“Stepany when I’m done, take Arthur’s train”, the K2 said to the A1X.
“Okay Mickey,” the one called Stepany said.
“Pinks, once we sort out the wreckage, you can go on your way”, Mickey called out to Pinkie.
“Okay I can wait”, Pinkie called back, so she tried to be quiet but this to hear was like trying to keep a secret to herself.
*///*
Fluttershy had finished shunting with Twilight and was now heading to the fishing village. Sir Lowham Hatt said to her that she was meant to help two BR Class 08 diesels, GER D56 class and a SR Bulleid Q1. Once she got to the fishing village, she saw the four engines she was meant to work with. She also saw three long lines of trucks full of fish.
“Ok,” said the foreman “As Neville and Molly are bigger and stronger than Splatter, Dodge and Fluttershy here, you two will take the longer trains”.
“Come on Neville,” Molly said as she started to chuff away followed by Neville.
“So Fluttershy, Splatter and Dodge, you three with have to work together”, the foreman said before turning away.
Splatter and Dodge looked to Fluttershy in which she gave them a shy smile.
“Hey Dodge look,” said the purple one, “We have to work with a sticky steamie”.
“Shut in Splatter!” the green one snapped to his brother, “Sorry about him, he was built with a small battery. Anyway I’m Dodge and this is Splatter”.
“Oh I’m Fluttershy,” the shy engine replied.
“Right let’s take this train to the docks”, Dodge announced. So Fluttershy was hooked up to the front while Splatter and Dodge were at the back, and the train slowly moved out of the Fishing Village and on to the mainline.
The journey was fairly calm, at times they would had to stop and it took awhile to start back up again, but apart from a few hiccups, the journey was smooth. Until they reach a massive hill. Normally Splatter and Dodge won’t have a problem but due to them pushing a long and heavy train, they tend to overheat and brake down. They just got half way up before the whole train came to a stop.
“What happen?” Fluttershy asked, “Why have we stopped?”
“Oh dreadfully sorry Fluttershy,” Dodge apologized, “But me and my brother here, tend to overheat and brake down if we over-do it.”
“It’s all you fault, Dodge,” Splatter spluttered.
“How is it my fault you buffoon!” Dodge retorted.
“Urm guys...” Fluttershy quietly asked.
“Because you know that we weren’t strong enough, you idiot!” Splatter shouted.
“I thought young Fluttershy here would help us, you simpleton!” Dodge yelled, “You probably weren’t pushing hard enough”.
“Guys...” Fluttershy said again slowly losing her patience.
“I was too”, Splatter snapped.
“You weren’t”, Dodge angry reply.
“Was!”
“Weren’t!”
“Guys” Fluttershy called out dead-panned.
“Was!”
“Weren’t!”
“WAS!”
“WEREN’T!”
“Ok that’s it”, Fluttershy uncoupled from the front and came down the track next to Splatter and Dodge and used her stare on them. Once Fluttershy’s eyes locked on to the diesel brothers, they shut up and were frozen by her stare.
“Stop arguing you two”, she growled, Rule number one, is never get on Fluttershy’s bad side, “now that I have your attentions, you should realized that it not either of your faults but it’s because your engines are old. Now I’ll run on ahead to see if I can get some help.” Fluttershy then started to puffed up the track to find some help, leaving Splatter and Dodge to apologize to each other.
Twilight made up to the Culdee railway and was now waiting to go as no soon as she got into a siding, the points jammed. But it wasn’t so bad as workmen were already fixing them. To passed time she was talking to a purple Snowdon Mountain engine.
“May I ask a question Culdee?” Twilight asked her new friend.
“Sure ask away, my cautious friend,” Culdee replied.
“I heard from Murdoch that you had a number one engine, could you tell me about him?” Twilight asked with a hopeful smile.
“Our number one was called Godred”, Culdee began, “and named after a king. Perhaps that went to his smokebox and made him conceited, he would never keep a good look out. He’ll roll down the line looking anywhere but the track. ‘You have an accident’ I told him. ‘Poo’ he said, ‘I’ve got automatic breaks haven’t I and driver’s got his air brake what more do you want’. ‘More sense from you’, I said, ‘no engine can stop at once, if he isn’t ready to obey his driver’s controls’.”
“The first thing a young engine should learn,” agreed Twilight.
“Godred never learnt since,” Culdee continued, “his driver and fireman and the manager all spoke to him, they even took him to pieces to see if anything was wrong. But he still went on in the same old way.”
“What happens next?” Twilight asked.
“One day I was going up and waited at a station for Godred coming down to pass me,” Culdee stated, before his face to one of grief, “as I waited, so It happened. One moment he was on the track, the next his driver and firemen jumped clear as he rolled over.”
“Oh my,” Twilight said surprised.
“No one was hurt,” Culdee clarified, “his couch stay on the rails and the guard braked her to a stop. They brought Godred home next morning, ‘we have no money to mend you’ said our manager, ‘so you’ll go to the back of the shed’. As time went on, poor Godred got smaller and smaller till nothing was left.”
“What happened to him?” asked Twilight anxiously.
“Our drivers used his parts to mend us,” said Culdee mournfully.
“Ok Twilight you’re free to go,” called a workman.
“And on that cheery note, I better get going,” Twilight said as she puffed out the siding, “See ya Culdee.”
“Goodbye my friend,” Culdee called back, “She seems to be a nice girl.”
Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy soon all arrived just outside Great Waterton, the three were telling each other what happened to them today.
“Splatter and Dodge broke down on a hill, but Molly and Neville came back to help us,” Fluttershy said.
“I crashed into a crash which caused a crash,” Pinkie stated.
“The points jammed, and I was stuck in a siding,” Twilight pointed out, “But hey I made a new friend”.
The three friends turned the corner and there was all their new friends waiting to say goodbye to the three tank engines. The engines all blow their whistles as Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy stopped and Sir Lowham Hatt spoke up.
“Thank you so much for helping us out,” Lowham told them, “even thought one of you had an accident.” Pinkie blushed at that, “I hope someday you’ll come back to my part of the island and help once more”. The engines all whistled in agreement, “now be off you three”.
The three tank engines buffed up to the goods train they brought with them, but it was empty now and puffed out of Great Waterton and head back to their side of the island. Soon Twilight began to sing.
Everything we share We care for one another We're a team We like to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
Soon Pinkie and Fluttershy joined in as the race thought the mile long tunnel.
Everything we share We care for one another And that's why We try to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it!We can do it!)
The three engines shoot out the other end as the sun started to set.
Everything we share We care for one another We're a team We like to help each other We all know We puff along together
Everything just works out fine Everything we share We care for one another And that's why We try to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
Everything we share We care for one another We're a team We like to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it! We can do it!) Buffer up and share (We can do it!We can do it!)
Everything just works out fine Everything we share We care for one another And that's why We try to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
The girl delivered the empty trucks and made their way to Tidmouth Sheds.
Everything we share We care for one another We're a team We like to help each other We all know We puff along together Everything just works out fine
"Everything just works out fine" Sung Thomas as the girls chuffed up the Tidmouth Sheds.
Twilight was so surprised, shocked and happy, she just wanted to cry, for she saw that all ten Steam Team members were in the births and what sat next to Emily on the right side was an empty birth. Above the entrance was a sign saying, ‘Welcome to the Steam Team Twilight’.
Sir Topham Hatt walked up to Twilight, “I hope you like your new home Twilight,” he said, “It was Thomas idea to make you feel welcome to the island and the team.”
“Oh Sir,” Twilight sniffed, “I don’t know what to say.”
“Three cheers for Twilight!” Percy exclaimed, as all the engines blew their whistles for Twilight. The former unicorn could only let loose her tears as she puffed into her new shed.
Later that night after Pinkie and Fluttershy went back to the Ffarquhar sheds, the Steam Team where telling Twilight their stories, like the time Thomas showed up for breakfast in the station master’s house and when Gordon took Henry’s special coal and tries to set a new record and he and Henry swapped tenders. Twilight was also telling them stories from when she was back in Equestria like how all her friends wanted to go to the Grand Galloping Gala and how she and her friends were infected by poison joke.
But Soon they all grew tired, said their good nights to each other and one by one the Steam Team fell asleep with Twilight being the last. But before she closed her eyes she swear she saw a green LNER B12 rolling along the track and then just vanished into thin air.
“I must be tired and seeing things which aren’t there”, she muttered to herself, as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Little did she know was that the Island of Sodor had more mysteries than she thought.
Chapter 5: Travis the Terrible and You can do it, Fluttershy!
The time Twilight has spent on the Island of Sodor, she’s enjoyed shunting troublesome trucks. She made not be faster or stronger than Thomas, but she can still fit them harder and faster than any other engine. It’s become one of her favourite jobs.
One morning the Fat Controller had an important announcement. “Duck and Oliver must take extra deliveries of coal,” He boomed, “Twilight you must shunt and fill trucks at the coaling plant, Duck and Oliver, you must collect them this afternoon”, he added.
Twilight was very pleased. Just then two log burning engines chuffed by, Thomas had told Twilight about these engines. These two were Bash and Dash and they lived on Misty Island with their friend Ferdinand. Between them was a big turquoise truck, it was biffing and bashing the little engines.
“What are you two doing?” tooted Twilight, Bash and Dash told her that they were delivering the truck to the coaling plant. “Why does it need two engines to deliver one truck?” asked Twilight.
“Because he really doesn’t like to be shunted”, chuffed Bash.
“His name is Travis,” huffed Dash, “but we call him ‘Travis the Terrible’”. Dash and Bash chuffed slowly away with Travis.
“He does look troublesome”, huffed Oliver.
“Troublesome trucks don’t bother me,” boasted Twilight, “I could biff him firmly into place.”
Later Twilight buffed into the coaling plant, and there was Travis. The other trucks giggled and laughed.
“Big, bad, strong and unbearable, that trucks name is Travis Terrible”, they sang. Twilight puffed closer.
“BACK OFF!” Roared Travis.
‘Bash and Dash were right’, thought Twilight, ‘Travis is scary, and Travis is terrible.’ Twilight decided to keep away.
Twilight spend the morning shunting the other trucks and filling them with coal. All the time, Twilight could feel Travis the Terrible watching her. The plant manager came to see Twilight.
“We need an extra-large delivery,” he said, “So Fluttershy is coming to help you. You must shunt and fill Travis then add him to the back of Duck’s train”, he told Twilight.
Later, Fluttershy puffed into the yard, she saw Travis. “Do we have to shunt and fill that big trunk Twilight?” She asked sweetly.
“Yes,” puffed Twilight, “but he doesn’t want to be shunted, his name is…”
Before Twilight could finish, Travis opened his mouth and let out the biggest roar ever, “BACK OFF!” he bellowed. Fluttershy was so scared, that she shook from funnel to footplate and she steamed straight out of the yard.
This made Twilight cross, Travis had biffed and bashed, Dash and Bash, he had shouted at Twilight and he had frightening Fluttershy so much, that she had buffed away. Now the extra delivery would never be ready, Twilight have had enough. She puffed bravely in front of Travis and gave him a mighty biff. Travis rolled backwards he was very cross. “BACK OFF!” he roared.
“No I won’t”, tooted Twilight crossly, “you are causing confusion and delay, you really are terrible”. Then with one mighty biff, Twilight sent Travis rolling backward into a set of buffers. Travis crashed off the track, Twilight felt very bad, she hadn’t meant to knock Travis over.
Twilight puffed up to Travis, Travis lay on his side looking very sad. Now Travis didn’t seemed so terrible.
“I’m sorry I biffed you so hard,” wheeshed Twilight, “But why don’t want to be shunted?”
“Because I’m scared!” moaned Travis.
“Why?” asked Twilight.
“I’m a new truck!” he groaned, “and I’m scared because I haven’t been filled with coal before! I don’t know what it feels like, that’s why I didn’t wanted to be shunted!” Twilight was surprised.
Later, Rocky and the workmen arrived and lifted Travis back onto the tracks. Twilight wanted to help Travis.
“Sometimes I’m scared when I have to do something new,” she chuffed, “but coal isn’t scary”.
Travis watched as Twilight rolled under the coal hopper. Black dusty coal poured into Twilight’s coal box. When the dust settled, Travis saw that Twilight was smiling.
“See it’s not scary,” tooted Twilight proudly. Now Travis was excited.
“I’d like to be filled with coal too!” he rumbled.
“We must hurry,” puffed Twilight. Twilight quickly pulled Travis under the coal hopper; Travis was quickly filled with coal, it felt wonderful. Then Twilight shunted Travis into place just in time.
Duck, Oliver and Toad puffed into the yard. They saw their waiting trains. Duck was very surprise to see Travis at the back.
“Well done Twilight,” commented Duck. The trains were soon coupled up, Duck and Oliver puffed away with their special deliveries. They where very surprise to hear Twilight whistle.
“Good luck”, but the whistle wasn’t for them, it was Twilight tooting to her new friend, Travis the not-so terrible.
Fluttershy was conceded to be the kindest engine on the whole railway. Although she wasn’t the strongest or fastest, but she made it up with her will to help other engines in need. One morning Fluttershy was delivering some milk trucks. She puffed across the island and up Gordon’s Hill. Gordon’s Hill was very steep, Fluttershy puffed hard. It was a very long climb. Just then, Gordon arrived at the bottom of the hill, but today the Express was heavy, and Gordon had to wait for Edward to help.
“Bother”, huffed Gordon. Soon Edward puffed to the rescue, he puffed up behind Gordon, Edward pushed, and Gordon pulled. At last the Express train started to move.
Fluttershy had finally reached the top of the hill when Gordon puffed past.
“Slow coach”, Gordon huffed.
“I’m trying my hardest”, gasped Fluttershy.
“Pa”, sniffed Gordon, “you’re just a small, little tank engine”. This made Fluttershy very sad.
That night the Fat Controller came to see Fluttershy. “Edward is needed at the docks,” the Fat Controller said, “You are to work at Wellsworth Yard in his place”.
“But I’ll never be able to do Edward’s job,” Fluttershy cried, “I’m just a small, little tank engine”.
“Nonsense”, said Sir Topham Hatt, “You are one of my engines and you must be useful.” Fluttershy was very worried what if she wasn’t useful.
The next morning, Fluttershy puffed nervously out of her shed. “I hope no one needs help pushing up Gordon’s Hill,” Puffed Fluttershy. Fluttershy wished she was a bigger steam engine.
At last, Fluttershy arrived at Wellsworth Yard, there was a lot of trucks and they looked very heavy.
“I’ll never be able to shunt all those”, Fluttershy puffed.
“You can do it, Fluttershy!” called Rebecca.
That made Fluttershy feel much better, then he started to shunt the trucks. She shunted coal trucks for Rosie, and slate trucks for Ryan, she even shunted fruit and vegetable trucks for Arthur.
“Maybe I can do it,” Fluttershy chuffed, but then Gordon puffed passed, he was pulling the Express with lots of couches. Fluttershy watched as Gordon puffed towards the hill.
Gordon puffed with all his might but once again the Express was too heavy, Gordon was struck.
“Bother”, he huffed. Gordon’s driver called the yard manager, and the yard manager came to see Fluttershy.
“You need to push Gordon to the top of the hill”, the yard manager said.
“Yes sir,” groaned Fluttershy, “but Gordon looks much too heavy for me to push,” she puffed nervously.
“Don’t worry,” called Twilight.
“You can do it Fluttershy”, Pinkie called enthusiastically.
“I’ll do my best,” she puffed, and she chuffed off to Gordon’s Hill.
When Gordon heard that Fluttershy was coming, he was very cross. “Fluttershy is just a small, little and weak tank engine,” Gordon huffed, “she’ll never be able to push me up the hill.”
Fluttershy buffed up behind Gordon, and then she pushed with all her might. But Gordon didn’t move.
“Is that the best you can do?” Gordon snorted, “they should have sent a bigger and stronger engine”.
Fluttershy was about to give up, but then she remembered what her friends had said. “I can do it, I can do it,” Fluttershy panted. With a determined look on her face, Fluttershy pushed harder and harder.
Suddenly, Gordon’s wheels started to move, Fluttershy kept pushing, her engine roared and her axles ached. Gordon moved slowly up the hill. When Percy saw Fluttershy pushing, he blow his whistle with excitement.
“You can do it, Fluttershy, go on,” peeped Percy.
Fluttershy puffed, and huffed, and chuffed, but at last she pushed Gordon to the top of the hill. Gordon was impressed now his Express would run on time. Fluttershy was tired, but she was very proud.
“I did it?” She puffed before realizing she did it, “I did it!” she cried happily.
That night the Fat Controller came to see Fluttershy. “Today you were a very useful engine indeed,” he said.
“Thank you sir,” Fluttershy chuffed happily.
“As you were so determined to get Gordon to the top of the hill,” The Fat Controller added, “how would you like to be the secondary back engine of Sodor?”
“Wait really sir?” Fluttershy gasped, “I’ll be honoured”. And even though Fluttershy was a small tank engine, she felt like a big useful engine.
Chapter 6: Fluttershy the Very Useful Tank Engine and Pinkie and the Magic Carpet
The engines on the Island of Sodor are good at different things. Gordon is a very good Express, Twilight is good at organizing the coaches and trucks, and when Fluttershy is not shunting trucks, she very good at being the secondary back-engine. When engine have heavy loads, Fluttershy buffers up behind and helps push but Fluttershy is a small tank engine, some engines think this make her a waste of space.
One day at Knapford Station Gordon was telling the other engines about Fluttershy. “Fluttershy just keeps getting in the way,” Gordon sniffed, “She's just a deadbeat”.
“But she’s doesn’t make a beat when she rolls along the track,” Pinkie said.
“Deadbeat,” said Thomas, “means someone fails to meet a financial obligation or is a waste of space”.
“So she needs to stay out of our way,” said Gordon and the other big engines agreed with him. But Pinkie was very upset. Meanwhile Fluttershy was in the yard gently shunting the coaches and trucks when she heard what Gordon had said, she was so upset by it that she ran out of the yard and into the coach shed.
Later Twilight and Pinkie were shunting trucks in the yard when Twilight noticed that her friend was upset. “Hey Pinkie”, she asked, “why do you look so glum.”
Pinkie told her what Gordon had said about Fluttershy, “The other big engines don’t think she's useful enough to be here”, she said.
Twilight saw the Fat Controller and told him what Pinkie had said. “I will ascend to the matter immediately”.
The Fat Controller had a plan, he went to see Fluttershy who was quietly and slowly shunting trucks in the yard, still hurt from Gordon’s word.
“The Engines on the Arlesdale Railway have no engine to help them deliver the wool to the town across the Island,” he said, “I’ve asked my brother if I may borrow an engine and he gladly sent Fergus. So I want you to work with Fergus delivering wool around the surrounding towns and villages”.
“But sir,” she asked through sniffs, “who will look after the trucks?”
“Nia will do your work”, Sir Topham Hatt replied.
“When the other engines heard that Nia was going to help them, they were pleased.
“Nia is very kind and reliable,” said Donald.
“It makes no difference to me,” said Gordon pompously, “I don’t need a back engine,” and he wheeshed away.
The little engines on the Arlesdale Railway where getting their trucks of wool ready for Fergus and Fluttershy, Fergus was already there waiting for Fluttershy to help him. Mike had just pushed his trucks into place, when he saw Fluttershy, her eyes stung with tears and she was puffing slowly as she stop next to the little engines.
“Oh dear, Fluttershy,” Rex said as Fluttershy parked next to Bert, “What’s wrong?”
“Gordon called me a Deadbeat and waste of space,” Fluttershy sniffed sadly, “like I’m not useful anymore”.
“Big engines always think that,” Fergus said, “but though we may be small, in fact we are more useful than they are.”
“Yeah, Big engine normally look down on us,” Bert chimed in.
“Even though we are the ones on top,” Mike said, as the tiny trio of engines began to sing.
Never overlook a little engine Little ones are really useful too We've got trucks to pull So make 'em extra full I've never known a job that I couldn't do
"With a little help from me maybe!" Rex said as he buffed up behind Mike.
Never overlook a little engine We can take you where you want to go We may have tiny track But we'll get you there and back And hold on to your hats We don't go slow
"Look out, you two!" Mike called out as their drivers' hat flew away and landing on Fergus and Fluttershy's lamp stands.
If you think that bigger's better Then you're making a mistake The ocean isn't wetter than a tiny little lake A cherry might be tastier than a great big cake And we can turn around in half the time those big guys take
Never overlook a little engine We have set our sights upon the sky You need a lot of puff Being big is not enough
I've never known a job that I wouldn't try, Mike sung as he pulled some sheep.
"Ha, ha! Me neither!" Bert laughed as her pulled and elephant.
"Nor me!" Rex exclaimed as he pulled a statue of a dinosaur.
Never overlook a little engine Like me Like me Like me Like us
The group where laughing when it was time to go. “Ok Fluttershy and Fergus,” Rex called out, “off you go.” Fluttershy and Fergus began to chuffed away still humming their little song. Fluttershy enjoyed working with Fergus, it was great for delivering woof to the stations in the beautiful countryside.
But Nia was not happy, without Fluttershy the trucks would sing their silly songs. “Nia pulling us along, Nia pulling us along, Nia pulling us along, let’s hold back,” they giggled. Nia found herself going slower and slower and slower, halfway up Gordon’s hill. Her wheels stopped all together. Nia was stuck.
“Oh dear,” she complained, “this is Gordon’s line.”
Nia’s guard phoned the signalman to warn him.
“It’s too late to switch Gordon to the middle line,” said the signalman, “You’ll have to flag him down.”
Gordon saw the guard as he approached the hill. “If I stop on this hill, I’ll never get started again,” he said crossly, and he buffered up to Nia. Gordon try to set off again, but his wheels spun and spun.
“It’s no use, we need a back engine”, said the driver, “I’ll send for Fluttershy,” Gordon was cross.
Fluttershy was nervous but very excited, she was going to be the back-engine for two trains. Fluttershy cheerfully buffered up and the strange train set off.
They chuffed gently into the station. Thomas, Percy, Twilight, Pinkie, James and Rebecca thought it was very funny to see the great and grand Gordon struck in the middle.
“Look at that”, laughed Thomas, “Fluttershy’s stronger than Gordon!”
Gordon was embarrassed. The Fat Controller spoke severely to Gordon, “You have said rude things about Fluttershy,” the Fat Controller said, “she proved today that she’s useful, reliable and very helpful”. Gordon felt very ashamed.
The next morning, Gordon apologized, “thank you for helping me Fluttershy”, puffed Gordon, “you really are a useful engine”.
“It’s okay Gordon”, Fluttershy chuffed happily, “That’s what friends are for.”
The Fat Controller’s plan had work, there was no more talk about Fluttershy being a waste of space.
It was a windy day on the Island of Sodor, trees were blown, leaves were scattered, and the Fat Controller’s hat flew away. The engines were all looking forward to the annual Sodor Flower Show. At Tidmouth Shed, had news of an important special.
“It must get to Maithwaite Station before the world-famous opera singer Alicia Botti arrives”, he boomed. Alicia Botti was coming to open the flower show. The engines were very excited, they all want to collect the special, but the Fat Controller gave the job to Pinkie.
Pinkie was delighted, but after the Fat Controller left, Gordon and James were sniffy.
“It can’t be that special”, boasted Gordon, “or the fat Controller would have sent me.”
“Or me,” added James, “a red engine would be just the thing”.
Pinkie wondered what the special could be, she steamed out of Tidmouth Shed as fast as he could.
Pinkie arrived at Brendam Docks just as Carly unloaded her special. Pinkie was disappointed to see it was a roll of carpet.
“What’s so special about a carpet?” he wheeshed gloomily.
“Maybe it’s a magic carpet”, said Salty, “I hear teller them that they can fly. Do you know any magic words?”
“You mean like ‘please’?” asked Pinkie asked hopefully.
“No Pinkie,” said Salty, “other magic words like hey presto, hocus pocus and abracadabra”.
Carly had lowered the carpet onto Pinkie’s flatbed, “It’s doesn’t look very magic,” said Pinkie sadly. But as Pinkie puffed away the carpet unrolled itself as if by magic.
Pinkie puffed as quickly as she could. He had to stop at a junction, Gordon was waiting there. When Gordon saw what Pinkie’s special was he sniffed louder than ever. “A carpet, no wonder the Fat Controller gave the job to a small engine”.
Just then the wind whistled and whirled, and the carpet flew into the air.
“Look,” Pinkie cried, “It is a magic carpet, it can fly!”
“That’s not magic,” snorted Gordon, “That’s just the wind.”
Henry passed by pulling a long train, and the carpet suddenly dropped onto one of his trucks.
“It is a magic carpet,” whaled Pinkie, “and it’s going without me”.
Pinkie chased after Henry, “Wait for me,” she cried, “please!” But Henry didn’t hear Pinkie.
Henry passed though Maron Station, James was taking on passengers. “Help!” Pinkie cried, “Henry’s got my magic carpet!”
“There’s no such thing as a magic carpet,” huffed James.
Just then, the carpet lifted off Henry’s truck, and glided onto Douglas’ tender.
“See,” cried Pinkie, “It is magic, it can fly.” Pinkie raced after Donald and Douglas.
Until finally Donald and Douglas pulled into Kellsthorpe Station. Pinkie pulled in as fast as he could, “Wait!” cried Pinkie, and the twins didn’t move, but the carpet did it flew off Douglas and landed on the tracks.
“Help!” cried Pinkie, “my magic carpet!”
Gordon was even more less impressed than before, “Still trying to make your little job seem important,” he grumbled. Then there was trouble.
Thomas and Twilight were coming, and they were on the same track as the carpet, so Pinkie, Gordon, Donald and Douglas blew their whistles as loud as they could, but Thomas and Twilight couldn’t stop in time.
“I’ll say a magic word”, cried Pinkie, “hey presto, hocus pocus, abracadabra!” But the carpet didn’t move, “Please” puffed Pinkie hopefully. Suddenly the wind whistled, and the carpet flapped, it lifted off the track and fluttered onto Pinkie’s flatbed.
“It IS magic”, gasped Gordon.
“And I’m going to be late,” puffed Pinkie. Pinkie’s driver had tied the carpet down and Pinkie steamed off as fast as she could.
Pinkie puffed into Maithwaite Station; the Fat Controller was waiting for her. Pinkie told him about the magic carpet, “It tried to get away,” she gasped, “and caused confusion and delay”.
The Fat Controller laughed, “Ho, ho, ho, there’s no such thing as a magic carpet,” he boomed, “but you Pinkie are on time and a really useful engine.” Pinkie felt very proud.
Soon the carpet was unloaded and put into place. Gordon arrived with Alicia Botti. And the Flower Show was an enormous success and even though the Fat Controller had said the carpet wasn’t magic, Pinkie and Gordon were not so sure.
Chapter 7: Pinkie and the Haunted Mine and Twilight and the Jet Engine
In the summertime the branch line station master’s enjoy a friendly competition for the most beautiful station on the Island of Sodor. The engines loved to help too. One evening the Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“I want Pinkie to collect some flower bushes for Lower-Tidmouth Station”, he said, “they’re at Maithwaite”.
“Yes sir”, Pinkie said happily.
Percy was worried, “be careful Pinkie,” he warned her, “the track to Maithwaite at night is pretty scary”.
“Don’t worry Percy-Wercy,” Pinkie replied, “I’ll be fine. Just trust your Auntie Pinkie Pie.” And she chuffed of to Maithwaite. “I’m not related to you”, Percy said softly.
“Percy was right” Pinkie thought as she chuffed down the line to Maithwaite, “It really is scary.”
Pinkie chuffed anxiously through the thickening fog. She would normally love to puffed through the night but when fog rolls in it’s a different matter. Little did Pinkie knew that the line passes through a junction, next to a spooky old quarry mine.
Pinkie hoped the signal at the junction would be green, she didn’t want to stop. But the signal was red, she had to stop. As Pinkie waited for the light to change, the unthinkable happen. Suddenly she saw a something, an old chimney sank into the ground.
“Sweet cookies and cream!” cried Pinkie, her driver hadn’t seen the old chimney sink into the ground. The signal change, Pinkie was so scared she steamed away as fast as she could.
The next day, Pinkie was telling Charlie and Stanley about the disappearing chimney.
“It’s the naughty gnomes”, teased Charlie, “I’ve heard they do strange things, it’s legendary.”
“They steal your wheels and pinch your funnel”, added Stanley. Pinkie didn’t want to believe them, but she wasn’t sure.
The Fat controller was waiting for Pinkie at Dryaw Station.
“I want you to collect some trucks from the abandoned mine”, he said.
“Y…Y…Yes sir,” Pinkie answered, but she really didn’t want to go there again.
Pinkie hoped she wouldn’t see anything else disappear as she slipped into the sidings and buffered up to the trucks.
“Spooky!” stammered Pinkie, suddenly another building at the old mine sank into the ground.
“What was that?” shouted her driver.
“Sweet sour cream and waffles!” shriek Pinkie, she was so scared she lurched forward and rammed the truck. The truck door opened and out poured…
“NAUGHTY GNOMES!” cried Pinkie.
“Oh hello me old chum”, one seemed to say, Pinkie steamed away faster than before. All the way back to Lower Tidmouth Station.
Pinkie’s driver told the Fat Controller what they had seen.
“It’s the naughty gnomes,” cried Pinkie, “they’d like to cause trouble, it’s legendary.”
“Nonsense,” said the Fat Controller, “the old buildings are collapsing into empty mine shafts that’s all.”
“But I saw the gnomes”, protested Pinkie.
“Of course you did,” said the Fat Controller, “garden gnomes.”
“Garden gnomes?”
“To decorated Lower Tidmouth Station”, the Fat Controller said, “they’re not scary, garden gnomes bring good luck.” And he ordered Pinkie to return immediately and get them.
Pinkie was scared but she knew she had to be responsible, so she carried on.
“I’m not scared, I’m not scared”.
When she arrived back she waited for something else spooky to happen, but it didn’t. And the Fat Controller was right, the garden gnomes weren’t scary at all. Her driver and fireman collected the gnomes and Pinkie took them back to Lower Tidmouth Station.
Later that week the Stationmaster thanked Pinkie. “We wouldn’t have won our competition without your garden gnomes”.
Pinkie was very proud. “You were right sir. Naughty gnomes can be lucky after all.”
Gordon is a very proud steam engine, he’s the fastest engine on the Island of Sodor. He loves speeding along he line with the wind blowing across his funnel.
“You broken the record again!” said his driver.
“I’m the fastest”, boasted Gordon. But not the engines were impressed.
“Speed isn’t everything,” said Stepney smugly.
“But being reliable and useful is,” said Twilight.
“you slow engines will never understand,” snorted Gordon, “because you’ll never go as fast as me.”
The Fat Controller arrived with news of a special for Twilight. “I want you collect a jet engine and take it to the airfield”.
“What’s a jet engine?” asked Pinkie.
“A jet engine goes forward by pushing hot air out its back”, the Fat Controller said.
“Just like when you blow up a balloon and let it go,” added Twilight, “it’s very fast”.
Twilight likes making special deliveries for the Fat Controller, it makes her feel special. But secretly she wished she could go as fast as Gordon just once. Twilight arrived at the docks excited to see the jet engine. It was shiny and modern, and Twilight had never seen anything like it. She just could wait to start her journey but Cranky was taking his time.
“Hurry up”, huffed Twilight, “this is a special, special”.
Cranky didn’t like being told what to do, especially by an engine. He became so cranky that he was careless with his hook. His hook knocked the switch and switch started the jet engine, and the engine became to whine. The whine got louder, and louder, and louder.
“Uh oh…” said Cranky, before he could say anything else, the jet engine was rocketing Twilight up the track.
“Oooooo!” Twilight cried; the driver tried to put on the brakes, but Twilight couldn’t stop. “Oh boy!”
The stationmaster called ahead, “clear the lines, it’s a runaway train!”
Signal were changed and points were switched, Twilight had never been so excited. Twilight flew by Rosie, and rocketed passed Rebecca, and raced by Arthur. They were amazed.
Bertie was excited when he saw Twilight flying down the track.
“Want a race Twilight?” beeped Bertie, but Twilight was didn’t see or hear Bertie as she raced over the level crossing, “never mind.”
No one had ever seen an engine go so fast. Gordon had no idea that Twilight was racing the mainline.
“I am the fastest,” said Gordon proudly. Suddenly Twilight came up from behind Gordon.
“Hi Gordon, bye Gordon.”
Gordon could not believe what he had seen. As Twilight shot out of the other end of the tunnel, the jet engine ran out of fuel and Twilight was back under her own power. She steamed gently back into Knapford Station.
“Sorry for overtaking you back there Gordon,” said Twilight.
“Overtake me, I didn’t notice”, Gordon huffed.
“You mean you didn’t notice the fastest engine on the island,” said Duck.
“Yes I am the fastest”, puffed Twilight.
Fluttershy felt a little sorry for Gordon, “Gordon doesn’t have to go as fast as a jet engine, he’s a steam engine.”
“But he’s still filled with hot air,” whistled Fergus.
While Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were enjoying their time on Sodor, Sunset Shimmer wasn’t happy, she was determined. Determined to find the real Princess Cadence. It was the day of the wedding and she had to hurry, soon Shining Armour was going to married the wrong Cadence if she didn’t hurry.
“Hello?” her voice echoed around her as she called out for Cadence, “Cadence, are you here?”
“Did somepony call me?” came an evil reply, as the Fake Cadence appeared on a large crystal, her eyes glowing green. “What do you want?” Sunset snarled, venom dripping in her voice.
“Ha, ha I just need you to say down there a little while longer, I’ll be marrying Shining Armour shortly,” she cackled.
“Don't you DARE do anything to my best friend's brother, you... you monster!” Sunset snapped her horn glowing with a red aura.
“Only way to stop me is to catch me!” Fake Cadence laughed as she moved from one crystal to another taunting Sunset. Sunset shot a blast over magic at a crystal which it bounced off the gem and almost hit Sunset. “Over here!” she taunted before moving to another gem, “Nope over here! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!”
“That does it,” Sunset muttered, she locked onto Fake Cadence and charged to the crystal she was on, smashing through it. But in the process she damaged her right shoulder and foreleg pretty badly as she skidded on the hard ground, grazing her injures even more. “Ow… that wasn’t worth it. Ow,” she said as she slowly got up.
When she looked up she was both shocked happy to see…
“CADENCE!” she yelled limping towards her former foalsitter. Cadence was laying on her side, but she was breathing, which was a relief, but she seemed dehydrated. Sunset luckily had a bottle of water on hoof, so she rested Cadence’s head on her lap, and she made her carefully drank the water. After she downed the bottle of water, Cadence slowly open her eyes to meet with the happy smile of Sunset Shimmer.
“S…Sunset?” she asked weakly.
“I’m here to rescue you Princess,” Sunset said as she help Cadence to her hooves. “We need to get OW!” Sunset shouted as she fell to the ground, her injured limb made in hard to walk, let alone stand.
“Sunset!” Cadence yelled running to Sunset’s aid, “are you alright?”
“No, I think I broke my foreleg”, Sunset retorted, Cadence lowered her head and as her horn lit up and started to heal Sunset’s limb.
“My magic is weak, so you’ll heal slowly,” Cadence said as she lifted Sunset onto her back, “come on, let’s get out of here and save my wedding”. So with that Cadence galloped off with Sunset on her back to try and find a way out.
Little did anypony know, Lady was in the streets of Canterlot looking to the sky to see a black cloud moving fast towards Canterlot.
“That’s not good,” she thought, “I think our heroes are going to need some help. And I know just the team”. And she opened a golden portal and walked through it.
Back on Sodor, Twilight had just finished her passenger train on Thomas’ Branch line and was now chuffing back into Knapford Station. The Fat Controller had just came out his office.
“Ah, on time like usual Twilight,” chuckled Sir Topham Hatt.
“Yes sir,” Twilight replied with a toot of her whistle.
“Well you can go and rest if you want Twilight,” The Fat Controller said, “there isn’t a job that need to be done yet.”
“Thank you sir,” Twilight said back, but before she could puff away, she heard a familiar whistle, then Lady shot up behind her followed by Pinkie and Fluttershy.
“Sorry Twilight, but you’ll going to have to wait for that break,” Lady puffed, the Fat Controller was very confused to see her.
“Lady? What are you doing here?” he said scratching his head.
“Sorry sir,” said Lady, “But I need to borrow the steam team for an important mission”.
“Well if it’s about you then it must be important,” the Fat Controller pointed out.
“What’s worry anyway?” Twilight asked, as the four engines puffed off to get the team.
“Canterlot is being invaded Twilight,” Lady explained.
“What!” Twilight yelled, “By who?!”
“It was had to tell, but we need you Twilight”, Lady told her. Twilight became to puff slower.
“I… I can’t go back”, Twilight muttered, clearly scared, “I… I can’t face them.”
“Twilight I know you’re both scared and angry at them, but you need to defeat the imposter and win back Equestria,” Lady chuffed.
“Please Twilight,” Fluttershy softly responded.
“We can’t do this without you”, Pinkie said.
Twilight didn’t know what to do, then she remember what Luna had said to her in one of her dream.
‘Remember Twilight, you can face you’re fears with your friends and that will show that you are never alone’.
“Ok let’s do this!” she yelled as she began to puff faster.
First the four met Thomas and Percy in a station and told them.
“We’ll stop them, we’re with you!” they puffed.
Then they saw Edward and Henry in the forest.
“We shall take down this evil!” they shouted.
They found Gordon and James resting in a siding.
“We shall not let anyone get hurt!” they declared.
They met up with Emily, Rebecca and Nia at the Docks.
“We shall not be nice; we’ll force them out if we have to.”
Finally they found and told Toby, Duck, Donald, Douglas and Oliver.
“We will never give up!”
So the whole Steam Team were puffing down the track that led to the magic buffers which would take them to Equestria and one by one the engines puffed through the buffers and starting with Lady and ending with Oliver. Soon the engines were puffing through the magical place known as the Magic Railroad towards Equestria.
“Onward to Equestria, Steam Team!” Twilight shouted and whistled. All the other engines whistled in agreement and Lady led them another set of buffers. Buffers that will take the engines to Equestria, the Steam Team all charged towards the buffers and soon the engines all disappeared through the buffers.
Meanwhile in the main hall, the whole room was full of many guests and with the organ playing the music as Princess Cadence walked up the aisle.
“Hey guys,” Sonata whispered, “have you seen Fluttershy or Pinkie anywhere.”
“I heard they went back to Ponyville to apologise to Twilight,” Aria replied.
“What if Twilight and Sunset were right,” Rainbow thought out loud.
“What do you mean, my darling?” Rarity asked.
“What if Sunset and Twilight we’re both right about this whole thing. I’m starting to think the same thing they’re suspecting,” Rainbow replied. Just as the wedding started.
“Mares and gentlecolts,” Celestia began, “we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor.”
Underground Cadence and Sunset could hear Celestia starting the wedding.
“Oh, we're never going to save him,” Cadence winced.
“We will,” Sunset declared, “we just have to find... There!” She pointed to an exit. Cadence teleport them up to the exit, but were greeted by Minuette, Lyra Heartstrings, and Twinkleshine all hypnotized.
“You're not going anywhere,” they said creepily.
“Princess Cadence and Shining Armour,” smiled Celestia, “it is my great pleasure to pronounce you…”
“STOP!” yelled Sunset, everyone was very confused to hear her.
“Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of Shinning Armour?” Cadence said before realizing she said that aloud, “Why does she have to ruin my special day?” she pretended to sob.
“Because it's not your special day! It's mine!” cried the real Cadence. Everypony was shocked to see two Cadences.
“What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?” the Fake asked angerly.
“I have my ways”, Cadence smiled, looking at Sunset.
Back in the cave Sunset and Cadence were cornered by the three bride’s maids. Cadence then had an idea, she teleported some flowers, the three ponies eyes locked onto the bunch of flowers as Cadence threw them away.
“I want it!” Minuette, Lyra and Twinkleshine shouted as the drove after the flowers.
Cadence and Sunset shared a smile and they continued onward.
“Hmph. Clever,” Fake Cadence commented, “but you're still too late.”
“I-I don't understand,” Applejack spoke up, “how can there be two of 'em?”
“She's a changeling,” Cadence exclaimed, “she takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.”
Then suddenly, the green fire crackled around the fake Cadence and disappeared to reveal a black pony with a crooked horn and was known by the name of Queen Chrysalis.
“Right you are, Princess. And as queen of the changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects,” Queen Chrysalis stated, “Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!”
“They'll never get the chance!” Cadence yelled, “Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!”
“Oh, I doubt that,” Chrysalis chucked, “Isn't that right, dear?”
Shinning uncontrollably nodded his head when Chrysalis asked him. Cadence tried to get closer to him, but Queen Chrysalis blocked her way.
“Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you?” she taunted, “ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it.”
She was right, her changelings were chipping away the barrier. Or more less beating themselves up by ramping into the shield. A small group of ponies with mixed colours of blue green and black looked up seemingly ready form them.
“He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now,” Chrysalis laughed, “And, I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as captain of the Royal Guard.”
“Not my Shining Armor!” Cadence cried out.
“Soon, my changeling army will break through. First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!” Chrysalis yelled victoriously.
“No. You won't,” Celestia shouted back, “You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!”
Celestia fired a beam of magic at Chrysalis but she blocked it with her own. The two beams seem to be evenly matched but Celestia’s slowly started to overpower Chrysalis’. Chrysalis grunted as she summoned all the magical energy inside her, suddenly her beam overpowered Celestia’s as it pushed back against Celestia, connecting with her horn and an explosion happen. The sight and sound that followed was terrible, the sound of a crown clanging against the floor and the sight of Celestia on the ground weakly breathing as smoke flew off her charred horn.
“PRINCESS CELESTIA!” cried Sunset Shimmer.
“Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought!” Chrysalis declared, a little shocked that she was able to take down Princess Celestia, “consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!”
Sunset ran up to the fallen Princess of the Sun, with her friends surrounding her.
“The Elements of Harmony,” Celestia wheezed, “you must get to them and use their power to defeat the queen.”
“But we can’t!” Rainbow Dash declared, “we don’t have, Fluttershy, Pinkie or Twilight”.
Sunset stared at Chrysalis and with out thinking she ran as best she could toward the Queen of Changelings. She charged up her horn, but Chrysalis fired a blast of magic first, striking Sunset in her injured forelegs. Sunset fell to the floor and skidded on the ground and stopped at the queen’s hooves.
Sunset closed her eyes too weak to move. Just then everypony hear a whistle, then a golden portal opened up. And Lady stepped through followed by Thomas, Percy, James, Nia, Toby, Rebecca, Fluttershy, Pinkie and Twilight.
“Steam Team, get ready for action!” Twilight shouted as they all got into a fight pose.
“What is this?” Chrysalis annoyingly asked.
Twilight took one look at Celestia, her old friends expected she would run up to her. But Twilight simply ignored her. Deep down in Twilight she really want to run over to Celestia, but she knew that will be a waste of time. Instead she walked towards Chrysalis.
“How dare you,” she muttered.
“Come again?” Chrysalis asked.
“How dare you!” Twilight yelled, her mane and tail bursting into flames, “How dare you come to Equestria, disguise yourself as Cadence, made my brother blame me and try to steal him from Cadence and for ruining their wedding!” “T…Twilight?” Rainbow tried to call out to her friend.
“Quiet you rainbow-maned ass!” Burning Twilight shouted pointing a hoof at her former friends, “I ran away from here because of you! You didn’t believe me and now look what’s happened! How did I even become friends with such a disappointing group!”
Rainbow and the rest were shocked, Twilight, their friend, called them ‘disappointing’. “That hurts,” Rainbow winced. “I have had enough of your trouble making Queen of the scumbags!” Twilight shouted at Chrysalis again, “I would love to see your horn get cut off and shoved up your…”
“Twilight!” Pinkie yelled, “we’re trying to keep this story E rated!”
Chrysalis stated daggers at Twilight, “How dare you speak to me like that you little purple brat!” Chrysalis shouted back, “If you want to ruin my special day of taking over Equestria and wanted to stop me, then let me make amends by summoning all the magic I have and squishing you like the bug you are!”
“Look who’s talking!” Thomas retorted.
That was it for Chrysalis she fired a bolt of magic at Twilight, but she simply deflected it. Her rage had created a force field around her. Just then outside, the barrier shattered, and hungry changelings descended upon the city of Canterlot. Four Changelings flew into the hall to back up their queen.
“Thomas, Percy, Rebecca, stay here and help me fight those changelings,” Lady instructed, “the rest of you go get everyone to safety, once you’re done help the others outside.”
“Right!” they all said. Lady, Thomas, Percy and Rebecca to aid Twilight while Toby, James and Nia started to get everypony out. The three of them were careful with Celestia and Sunset as they were moved to safety. Once everypony was out the three of them ran out to help the rest of their friends.
Prince Blueblood, Princess Celestia’s nephew, captured by Chrysalis before so he won’t tell Celestia that she was evil. James was being chase by to some changelings and he came running into Blueblood’s cell.
“Let me out! Let me out!” Blueblood yelled.
“Let me in! Let me in!” James yelled back as the changelings cornered him. “Please don’t hurt me,” he pleaded.
“Back off!” called a voice. The changelings turned around to see Henry.
“Hey who’s the mongrel?” said one of the changelings.
“Are you talking to me?”
“Uh oh, you called him a mongrel.”
“Are you talking to me?”
“You should have done that.”
“Are you talking to ME?!”
“Now you’ll in for it.”
“The call me Mr. Green Five!” Henry shouted before yelling out a battle cry and charging headfirst. What followed next was Henry beating the changelings down despite being an earth pony he couldn’t fly or use magic, but it was made up for his strength. He a changeling so hard he knocked it out and through another into the third putting them out the fight.
“Thanks Henry,” James sighed with relief.
“No problem,” Henry replied. They were just about to leave when…
“Hey, you going to help me?!” called Blueblood.
James and Henry seemed to think about it, before James got some tape and taped his mouth shut.
“There you go,” James said before they ran off to help their friends.
Edward was protecting a helpless mother and foal in an alleyway from two changelings.
“Get away!” Edward panted; he may looked like a teen on the outside, but he was still the oldest engine.
The changelings got closer until Toby, Duck and Oliver appeared behind them with a type of… lemonade stand?
“You have got to be kidding me,” Edward said deadpanned.
“Why hello there sirs,” Duck greeted the two changelings, disguising his voice, “would you like glass of lemonade?”
“Or maybe a cup of orange juice,” Toby spoke in an Irish accent.
“Do you know these ponies?” the mother asked Edward.
“I do not know who these guys are!” Edward retorted quickly.
“No maybe some punch will make you feel refreshed,” Oliver said.
“Make It two each,” one said.
“Coming right up sir,” Duck said, “two rounds of punches for each.”
Suddenly the stand seemed to collapse as four dragons, the same size as Spike, jumped out and punched to the two Changelings. The two of them landed on the ground knocked out.
“Wow that felt amazing, wouldn’t you say so Clarabel?” Annie exclaimed.
“Indeed Annie”, Clarabel replied.
“Did I do good Miss. Henrietta,” Toad asked.
“Heh, yes you did Toad,” Henrietta assured him.
“That’s was your guys’ plan,” Edward said walking out the alley.
“Well yeah,” Duck said.
“You know what, let’s just get going,” Edward said before the four ponies and dragons ran off.
Back inside Donald and Douglas were running around the castle confusing some Changelings. The changelings thought there was only one.
“He’s over here,” one called as Donald ran down a hallway.
“No he’s down here,” another called out as Douglas ran down another hallway.
The group of Changelings split up following the twins around the castle little did they knew was that the twins were leading them into a trap. The Twins managed to get the Changelings to follow them down the same hallway, right to Princess Luna’s door. The Princess of the night burst out her room and sent a magical pulse knocking all the changelings out cold.
“Great plan, Donald,” Luna commented.
“I’m Douglas, and I came up with the plan”, Douglas replied.
“No I came up with the plan,” Donald shouted. Soon the twins were bickering once again.
“Lord Tirek, save me,” Luna sighed.
Back in the main hall the real fight had started.
Twilight charged towards Chrysalis and tried to kick her, but she blocked her attack with her leg, but Twilight managed to kick her in the stomach.
“GARGH! Lucky, kick, kid!” Chrysalis gasped, “but you’re luck just ran out!”
Then Queen Chrysalis used her magic to throw some crystals at Twilight, but she dodged them and charged towards her and kicked her in the face again.
Then they charged at each other again and kept punching each other’s hooves trying to punch their faces, but Twilight kicked her again in the stomach and then gave her twenty fast punching blows which sent her flying towards a pillar. Twilight walked slowly towards Chrysalis.
“I will not… lose to… a child,” Chrysalis panted, Twilight used her magic to keep hold on Chrysalis.
“I’m not a child,” Twilight said while levitating Chrysalis to the balcony, “I’m a steam engine before using all her strength to throw Chrysalis as far as she could and then fired a beam on magic causing Chrysalis to fly out of Equestria. The remaining drones watched as their queen went flying out of Equestria and flew after her. The down changelings were locked up.
Twilight was tired as she fell to the floor completely out of breath. Just then The Steam Team came running in followed by the Princess, the rest of the Elements of Harmony, Shining Armour, Spike and the CMC (Because they were there the whole time).
“Twilight you did it!” Thomas cried out as Henry and Gordon helped her up.
“Twilight,” Celestia called out to her former student, “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
But Twilight paid no attention to her. Instead she walked up to Lady.
“Lady take me home to Sodor,” Twilight told her.
“Twilight wait!” Rainbow called out, “where are you going?!”
“Home to Sodor,” Twilight told her bitterly.
“But this is your home,” said Rarity, she was very puzzled.
“Not anymore,” Twilight replied sternly, “you all betrayed me.”
Before Twilight could say anything more Cadence run up to her and hugged her. This broken Twilight out her fit of rage.
“C…Cadence?” Twilight sobbed, “You’re ok?”
“Yes Twilight, I’m fine,” Cadence said as she stroked Twilight’s mane.
“And now you’ll all coming to the Island of Sodor with us,” Lady declared.
“WHAT?!” the Steam Team yelled in shock.
“What?!” the ponies shouted in surprise.
“Why?” Spike asked, wanting the reason he and the rest were going to leave their home.
“Because you all are clearly not good enough at being friends,” Lady stated, “maybe living on Sodor can make you understand what true friendship is.”
“We are not going anywhere!” Rainbow declared.
“Ok let’s have a vote,” Lady said, “All those going to Sodor?” The Steam Team all raised their hooves, Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie, Sunset put their hooves up and surprisingly, Cadence, Luna, Shining, Spike and Celestia also raised their hooves, (or claw in Spike’s case).
“So that’s about…” Lady tried to count how many hooves were in the air, “24 against 9 so you’re going if you like it or not”. “I’m surprise you’re wanting to leave Equestria for Twilight’s sake, Tia,” Luna said.
“If it’s any to make up for what I’ve done,” Celestia replied.
“I mean it was you fault for sending a group of teenagers to do your work while you sit on you comfy throne eating nothing but cake,” Lady ripped into Celestia.
“What are you talking about?” Celestia asked.
“Nightmare Moon, Discord, to name just a couple,” Lady said again.
“Twilight please let me apologize,” Shining tried to get to Twilight. But she responded by giving him the cold shoulder. Cadence walked up to him.
“You and I will talk later,” she said sternly.
Lady lit her horn, and a golden portal opened up, and soon one by one the steam team, Elements of harmony, the Princess’, CMC, Spike and Shining Armour left Equestria.
A couple of days had passed since the Equestrians travelled to Sodor. And their reactions were mixed. Rarity, Adagio and Sweetie Belle were disgusted, Rainbow, AJ, Scootaloo, Aria, Shining, the Princess and Spike were impress their designs, though Spike was a pretty annoyed that he was a brakevan. And Sonata, Cadence and Apple Bloom adored their new looks.
Cadence was a SER O class engine, Celestia was an LMS Coronation Class engine, Luna was an LMS Princess Royal Class and Shining Armour was a LSWR 415 class.
Applejack was a CSD Class 486, Rainbow was a PR E7 Atlantic locomotive and Rarity was an NSB Class 21c locomotive. Adagio was a BR Standard Class 9F, Aria was a BR Standard Class 4 and Sonata was an LMS Fowler Class 3F.
As Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were small, they were turned into narrow gange. Apple Bloom was a Lyd locomotive, Sweetie Belle was a Penrhyn Hunslet and Scootaloo was a Hugh Napier.
During these couple of days, the engines had been treating those that hurt Twilight poorly. Applejack was sent to work with Mavis at the Quarry, but Mavis only gave her the cold shoulder. Celestia, Rarity, Sunset, Rainbow and Aria was sent to work on passenger runs, but the other engines just gave them cold stares except for Sunset. Sonata, Shining sorted out the trucks and coaches for the other engines and Adagio, Luna and Cadence took goods trains.
The engines where always respectable around Luna and Cadence as they would give a friendly toot any time they seen them. Within those two days, Sonata was called to help Twilight, the silly trucks had pushed her into some puffers and had damaged Twilight’s front, bent her wheels and coupling rods and caused her to go off the rails. When Sonata arrived with Rocky, she had a big smile on her face, though on her way the engines were giving her stares.
“Heya, Twily,” Sonata greeted her cheerfully.
“Sonata?” Twilight said surprised that of all engines, Sonata was the one to help, “are you here to help?”
“Yep, yep, yep,” She replied sweetly, “let’s get you back on the rails and to the Steamworks.”
As soon as Rocky had Twilight on a flatbed, Sonata puffed off to the Steamworks. “Urm, Twilight?” she asked her mood dropping a bit.
“Yes Sonata?” Twilight answered having an idea of what Sonata was going to say.
“Urm… I know you probably still hate me because I didn’t believe you but… urm…” she stuttered, “but could you… I mean I understand if you don’t want to…”
“Sonata,” Twilight chuckled, “you are forgiven.”
“Oh thank you thank you thank you Twilight!” Sonata burst out, she couldn’t contend her excitement, soon the two of them where talking like old college friends, all the way to the Steamworks.
Rarity wasn’t having a great time. She was pushing smelly fish trucks from the harbour to the docks, she wanted to get the job over with as quickly as possible. As she was rushing up a hill, she failed to notice that another engine was waiting at the bottom of the hill. Duck was waiting at a crossing at the bottom of the hill, Rarity didn’t see Duck and crashed into the back of his train. Luckily, one was hurt but fish flew all over Rarity and Duck.
“Oof,” groaned Duck, “what was that for?!”
“I was trying to finish this awful job,” Rarity complained, “and you were in my way.”
“Oh it’s you,” Duck said plainly.
“And what’s that meant to mean?” Rarity huffed at Duck.
“I’ve heard about you,” duck answered blandly, “you think of your beauty and fashion first and not what’s more important, that is not the great western way.”
“Oh and what do you know?” Rarity grunted, “You’ll just a little green, grubby tank engine.”
“I know more than you!” Duck shouted.
Soon James arrived with the Breakdown train and help clean up. But once the clean-up was down, Rarity puffed away to the wash down without taking the fish.
“Hey, she left the fish,” James pointed out.
“I’ll take them,” Duck huffed, as his train was connected to most of the trucks, some of them were destroyed from the impact.
Rainbow Dash was having a better time than Rarity. She wasn’t getting bothered by the trucks as she was doing passenger runs along the main line. She was actually enjoying herself, until she heard a deep whistle and mocking laughing.
“Ha, Ha, Ha,” Gordon laughed, “and you call yourself the fastest pony.”
“I can go faster than you any day,” Rainbow shot back, determined to prove herself, “you big, blue, stuck up, beast.”
“Huh, at less I know when a friend is telling the truth,” Gordon dug right into Rainbow heart, “you blue, rainbow smokeboxed, cow.” And he let off a moo for added insult as he puffed away.
Rainbow wasn’t going to let Gordon insult her like that, so she began to speed up to catch up with him. Gordon saw this and began to puff faster until his last coach raced passed Rainbow, she was so focus on him, she didn’t see the trucks of jam Rosie was shunting and ploughed right though the last one making jam go flying and crash down onto Rosie.
“Oi!” called Rosie, but Rainbow didn’t hear her.
Stanley was happily puffing down the track with empty trucks for the Blue Mountain Quarry. When he saw Rainbow flying down the rails.
“Out of my way!” Rainbow shouted, Stanley panicked and when down an old line. Rainbow rocketed by him. Stanley crashed through barriers and onto a jetty causing it to send him straight to the other side of the pond and sink as a toad eyed him. Poor Stanley.
Ryan was waiting for his flour trucks to be unloaded at the bakery. Suddenly he heard a whistle and Rainbow thundered by, she scared Ryan so much he surged backwards and rammed the trucks. The flour flew high in the air and landed all over Ryan.
“A… a… achoo!” sneezed Ryan, shooting flour out his funnel, which landed on the Fat Controller who was seeing how the work was going along.
“Oh, bless you Ryan,” coughed Sir Topham Hatt, brushing the flour off his hat, “who was that? Didn’t they know it’s dangerous to race on the mainline.”
“Probably that blue one with the rainbow smokebox sir”, Ryan said, “she says she the fastest engine on this island.”
“Is that so,” The Fat Controller said, as he turned and walked away.
Later that day, Rainbow Dash held a meeting in the yard with Rarity, AJ, Adagio and Aria. “I don’t like how these engines are treating us,” Rainbow declared.
“Same here,” Applejack said, “I’ve been helping Mavis all day and she still gives me these looks of distrust. And I may have accidently bumped her under the Quarry Hopper.”
“I crashed into that green one that named after a bird and he blamed it on me,” Rarity spoke up, thinking Duck was the one who caused the crash.
“I had a run with Henry,” Adagio chimed in, “he was boasting about he was the strongest engine on the North-Western side of the island and said I wasn’t cut out for pulling train no more than five trucks. I wasn't focusing on my work and got into an accident with Whiff.
“Thomas and Percy were very cheeky to me,” Aria complained, “as I was backing into some trucks, they shunted more trucks in front of me and shouted, ‘big purple boar in the middle’. As I couldn't see where I was going, I crashed into that brown, wooden, square one.”
“What about you Rainbow?” Applejack asked, “have you been teased?”
Rainbow remembered when Gordon insulted her for being slower than himself. “That’s not important at the moment,” Rainbow quickly replied, “What is important is how do we get back at them.”
“And how do you think we should do that Dash?” Aria plainly asked.
“This is how,” Rainbow said with an evil grin on her face.
Little did they knew, Shining Armour was at the station platform listening to Rainbow’s idea.
That night, Thomas, Sunset and Twilight where puffing back to Tidmouth Sheds tired from their busy day on work.
“I’m so tired,” Twilight pointed out, “I was busy helping Sunset all day.”
“Yeah,” Sunset commented, “it was so nice of you friend Percy to let me sleep with you engines.”
“Yeah,” Thomas yawned, “can’t wait until we get back to the sheds and…” before Thomas could finish, he bumped into Rebecca.
“Oof, sorry Rebecca,” Thomas said.
“Oh, it’s ok Thomas,” Rebecca replied.
“Why have you stopped Rebecca?” twilight asked.
“Because five engines have taking over the shed!” James yelled.
James was right, Rainbow’s idea was to take way Tidmouth sheds from the team that helped them defeat Chrysalis’ armada.
“Hey Twilight,” Rainbow called out, “we saved spaces for you, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Sunset and Sonata.”
“These are our sheds!” Emily shouted.
“Give them back!” Edward cried.
“First come, first served losers,” Rainbow mocked.
“Twilight prefers us than you!” Henry shouted.
“We were her only friends,” Rarity commented.
“You betrayed her!” Nia yelled.
This was too much for Twilight, as she was behind Sunset she puffed away as fast as she could all the way to Knapford Station.
Sunset saw James saw Twilight puff away. “Guys, no use arguing with these scum on the earth,” he said before puffing after Twilight, “come on, let’s go find Twilight. Oh and Rarity.”
"Yes?" she replied a bit worried.
"Watch out for Allicia," James said evilly as he puffed away.
The other engines agreed and one by one slow puffed away after Twilight, leaving the five ‘scum of the earth’ in Tidmouth Sheds.
“Was this really a good Idea, Darling?” Rarity asked.
“Don’t bother with them,” Rainbow Dash remarked, “Twilight will come back to us if we keep doing this.”
Twilight had fled to Knapford Station, where she wanted to tell the Fat Controller what has happened. Just then Sunset, Thomas and their friends arrived.
“G…Guys?” Twilight tearfully replied, “what are you doing here?”
“We’re here because you’re our friend Twilight”, Thomas said, “and we will be there for you no matter what”.
Just then Sir Topham Hatt came out his office. He was surprise to see the Steam Team in Knapford at this time.
“Thomas? Twilight?” The Fat Controller asked, “what are you all doing here so late?”
“We got kicked out the sheds sir,” Thomas sighed.
“What?!” Sir Topham quietly yelled, even more surprised, “by who?”
“I think I can answer that for you sir,” a voice spoke from the darkness, it was Shining Armour.
“Shining?” The Fat Controller was confused beyond belief, “do you know anything about this?”
“Well you see sir,” Shining Armour began, “Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze have been causing trouble all over the island and have been blaming the other engines for their mistakes and accidents.”
“No wonder Toby was covered in coal dust, Rosie swathed in jam, Duck coated in fish, Mavis enfolded in quarry dust and dented, Stanley wrapped in pond weed, Whiff plastered in squashed fruit and Ryan enveloped in flour,” Sir Topham Hatt listed, “Vector’s got a lot of time on his puffers.
“Anyway,” Shining continued, “I overheard Rainbow Dash saying that they will take Tidmouth Sheds from them and see how they like it when somepony takes something from someone else.”
“Ok I’ll see what I can do tomorrow,” Sir Topham Hatt said, “right now you engines should go and get some sleep.”
“Pardon me sir,” Twilight asked, “but may we sleep in Knapford Station?”
The other engines were surprised but agreed to stay by Twilight’s side. The Fat Controller was also surprise. “Are you sure,” he said, “it’s going to be cold tonight?”
“Yes, are you guys with me,” Twilight asked her friends.
“Of course Twilight,” Sunset assured her with a toot of her whistle.
“Oh, right, uh, good night everyone,” and with that, Sir Topham Hatt left to the platform.
Shining wanted to apologise for what he had done, “Twilight I’m…”
Shining felt defeated and wondered if he’ll ever get his little sister back. As he puffed away to a shed, Gordon noticed how sad he was and being in conflict with his own brothers and sisters, he knew how it feels.
Gordon found Shining shunting and train for Sonata and Pinkie in the yard. Gordon saw he was still hurt from last night, due to him getting slower when he attached another couple of trucks together. Gordon puffed closer.
“What a hand?” he asked, not that shunting was his favourite things.
“Don’t you need to get the Express ready?” asked Shining, a little confused to why Gordon would want to help him.
“No, Rebecca is taking it today,” Gordon said as he carefully pushed a flatbed into the train.
Soon with Gordon’s help, Sonata and Pinkie were early with their train.
“Now, how about you and I have a little talk,” Gordon said as he puffed to a private spot in the yard. Shining was worried but followed him.
“Now,” Gordon said again, “look everyone makes mistakes, but we learn from them.”
“Have you?” Shining asked.
“Yes. A lot,” Gordon looked down to the rails, remembering an awfully specific memory, “I even drove myself into a ditch just to get of pulling a goods train.”
“Woah,” Shining was stunned while trying to keep in a chuckle.
“I know, I learned from all of them,” Gordon said holding his head up high.
“Is there still hope for me?” Shining asked, “can I get her back?”
“Maybe,” Gordon replied, “if she not too far gone.”
“What should I do now?” Shining asked again.
“Start by thinking how you’re gonna apologize to your sister and it must be up to her standards,” Gordon said before the Fat Controller walked up.
“Ah, Gordon, Rainbow Dash hasn’t learnt her lesson from yesterday and has come off the rails,” he said, “I want you to go get Rocky and then take her goods train to Vicarstown.”
“Yes sir,” Gordon said before slowly puffing away, “remember to think about the apology!” he called out to Shining Armour as he steamed away.
“Now, with Gordon sorting out Rainbow’s train,” the Fat Controller said, as he walked away, “who can I get take those jigsaw puzzles to Ffarquhar.”
While Shining Armour was thinking of his apology to Twilight, Celestia was thinking of one herself. Ever since she came to Sodor the engines had been rude to her, back in Equestria such actions against Celestia would not been have tolerated, but this wasn’t her kingdom. She had been set into some form of depression as any time she wanted to get close to Twilight, she would either puff away or another engine would protect her.
Luna and Cadence had notice Celestia grow quieter and quieter within the past two days. Until Luna realized how Celestia must be feeling. Later that evening Luna spoke with her sister.
“Tia, you can’t keep beating yourself like this,” Luna puffed.
“What am I going to do Luna,” Celestia sighed, “I can’t even get close to her.”
“Look, Twilight is going to be working with Cadence tomorrow,” Luna pointed out, “you can try to apologies then.”
“I hope so, Luna,” Celestia sadly spoke as she puffed into her shed. Luna was starting to worry about her sister, she hadn’t been to same after the wedding.
The next morning Cadence and Twilight were working together in the yard, singing a little song.
“We make a team together,” sung Twilight.
“1,2,3”, Cadence crooned.
“We go full steam together”,
“Him, you, me”,
“Best of friends forever we'll be”,
“Yeah, yeah”,
“Better together”,
Just then Celestia puffed in with Sir Topham Hatt on board. Twilight looked away from Celestia, “Cadence, I want you to take some school children on a trip to the seaside,” the Fat Controller said.
“Ok sir,” Cadence answered before saying, “but what about Twilight? She needs my help.”
“Celestia here will help Twilight,” the Fat Controller added.
Twilight was surprise. She was now going to with the last engine she wanted to work with.
“Oh, and Cadence,” the Fat Controller added again, “could you give me a ride back to the station, Winston is at the Steamworks getting fixed.”
As Sir Topham Hatt jumped into Cadence, Celestia started to get to work, carefully shunting the coaches into place.
As the day went on, Twilight noticed that Celestia was trying to avoid her. As Celestia finished shunting coaches for Donald and Douglas, Twilight came over to talk to her.
“Celestia?” Twilight asked quietly, “I have something I want to say to you.”
“I have something to tell you too,” Celestia replied.
The both took a deep breath, “What I want to say is…” the both said in unison, they both blushed. “That I’m sorry for my action toward you.” they both said in unison again, this time they both laughed. Their laughter caught other engines in the yard to stop what they were doing to see Twilight laughing with her old teacher.
“You first,” Celestia said kindly.
“Ok,” Twilight said taking a deep breath, “I’m sorry for ignoring you and not helping you at the wedding.”
“No Twilight I should be sorry,” Celestia admitted, “I was the one who didn’t believe you”.
“I don’t want to be mad at you anymore,” Twilight spoke hopefully.
“Please Twilight, please allow me to make it up to you,” Celestia pleaded.
“You already made up by just being here”, Twilight chuckled happily.
The engines in the yard had gathered around the two former ponies.
“That was so precious,” Rosie cried happily, tears rolling down her face in joy.
“Three cheers for Twilight!” Harvey called out, and with that, Harvey, Rosie, Paxton, Charlie, Stafford, Scuff and Whiff all tooted their whistles and horns and cheered for Twilight and Celestia.
Later that day, Twilight was taking a passenger train along Duck’s branch line. She whistled to Duck, Oliver, Donald and Douglas as they delivered passengers and goods to different stations adjacent to the seaside and harbour.
“Afternoon Twilight,” Duck tooted as he puffed down the track. Twilight whistled back, soon she saw a diesel she had never seen before parked at the station. The Diesel was a green BR Class 28 Co-Bo diesel-electric engine. She puffed next to him and stopped.
“Hello, I’m Twilight,” she greeted him with a smile. The Diesel looked at her and smile.
“I’m BoCo,” the diesel replied, he seemed more friendlier than Diesel.
“I don’t mean to be rude but,” Twilight asked, nervously, “are you a good diesel or and horrid diesel?”
“Ho, ho, ho,” BoCo chuckled, “don’t worry your little star marks, I am nothing like Diesel or Diesel 10”.
“Mavis told me a bit about you,” said Twilight, “she told me that you once used to work at the Quarry with her right?”
“That is correct,” BoCo agreed.
“Why don’t you work on Sodor anyone?” Twilight asked, wonder in her eyes.
“I work and live on the mainland in London,” BoCo replied, “but I come back to help with important deliveries. You may meet my friends Pip and Emma at some point too.”
“Can’t wait to meet them,” Twilight responded. Just then Shining Armour arrived, he had thought of his apology to Twilight and had asked the Fat Controller where Twilight will be.
“Twiley, can we talk?” he puffed.
“What do you want?” she replied annoyed. BoCo looked at Shining Armour.
“I don’t want to get caught up in this brother-sister relationship,” BoCo said as he started to roll out of the station.
“I’m really sorry for what I said, I'll be learning from that big mistake,” Shining told his sister sadly.
“Have you?” Twilight asked him deadpanned as she started to puff away.
“Gordon and I had a chat earlier about what I did,” Shining called out, but Twilight pretend to not hear him.
“Come up twilight. I don’t want to lose my love of my little sister!” Shining shouted, this caused Twilight to stop.
“You’re the only thing I have left,” Shining was starting to cry, “I already lost my honour, reputation, wedding and my bride. I don’t want to lose you, L.S.B.F.F.”
Twilight slowly puffed back to Shining, her eyes had started to water. “Do you really mean that?” she asked hopefully. Donald and Oliver were nearby and were seeing everything.
“Yes Twiley,” Shining sniffed, “I can’t live without you.”
“Oh, Shining I’m so sorry for being mean to you,” Twilight cried.
“No, I should be sorry Twiley,” Shining corrected, “I was the one who didn’t believe you and banned you from my wedding.”
Donald and Oliver came closer as they had tears stinging their eyes. “That is the cutest thing I have ever seen,” Oliver sniffed with a smile.
“Aye lass,” Donald respond, “You’ll a good engine Shinin’.”
Twilight and Shining Armour puffed back to Knapford Station, happy that they had repaired the broken bond between brother and sister. Cadence, Luna and Celestia were there as well.
“So, did you two make up?” Cadence asked.
“Yes, we did,” Twilight replied.
“Well good because Sir Topham has a surprise for us”, Luna said, “he said to go to Peel Godred Station.”
“I know where that is,” Twilight as she puffed down the track with her mentor, brother, stepsister and princess of the night following her.
They chuffed and puffed down the line until the came to the station. The Fat Controller was waiting on the Platform.
“Ah you all made it,” he said as he climbed into Twilight’s cab. He told Twilight where to go and soon they came face to face with four engine sheds. With Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shining Armour’s cutie marks on the doors.
“Welcome to your new sheds,” Sir Topham Hatt proudly presented them.
“Oh, thank you sir,” Celestia commented.
“I love it,” Cadence cooed.
“Could maybe do with a bite darker on my side,” Luna judged.
“My Cutie Mark has never looked better,” Shining responded, “and the sheds are cool”.
Soon the four royal engines parked themselves in the sheds, and Twilight and Sir Topham Hatt headed home themselves. Twilight herself was happy that she could fixed the bond between her and her brother and mentor as she settled down to sleep in Tidmouth Sheds with her friends.
Chapter 11: A bad day for Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Trucks and Apple Bloom and The Old Bridge
While Twilight and everyone was doing work on the standard gauged rails, Skarloey and his friends were working on the narrow-gauge railway. Skarloey was the number one engine on the Skarloey railway and worked with his friends, Rheneas, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duncan, Rusty, Duke, Bertram, Mighty Mac, Ivo Hugh, Freddie, Luke and Jim, and you’ll see them working on the railway that weaves around the lakes and mountainsides. The coaches are filled with visitors and the engines are proud to run the line come rain or shine.
The engines will never let their passengers down but ever since the blue mountain quarry was built, most of the engines were too busy to pull passengers. The Thin and Fat Controller understood this, and they spoke kindly to them.
“You can never have too much help on my railway,” Mr. Percival said, “So we are getting three more engines to help us.”
Skarloey and the others were pleased with this news and promised to give the new engines a big welcome.
When the three engines arrived, Skarloey, Rheneas and Ivo Hugh were the only ones there to greet them. The three engines where surprise to see that the three engines were female. One was orange with a purple smokebox, the second was light grey with a pink and purple smokebox and the third was greyish olive with an amaranth smokebox. They also found out that they have much to learn.
“What a small group of sheds,” grunted the orange engine, “this won’t do at all I am much to cool for this old Shack.”
“Ah think it’s nice,” said the olive coloured one, “what da you think Sweetie Belle?”
“Hmm,” thought the light grey one, “It could do with a few things where and there, but it should be fine.”
“Huh,” replied the orange one, “what’s that rubbish?”
“Shh,” said the light grey one, “that’s Skarloey, Rheneas and Ivo Hugh, they’re famous.” And she spoke to the three red engines, “Sorry about Scootaloo, she always judge things that don’t look cool to her, but she’s really nice. Anyway, I’m Sweetie Belle and this behind me is Apple Bloom.”
“Well, I hope you three enjoy your time here on the Skarloey Railway,” Skarloey responded.
“Now Scootaloo,” said the fireman, “I will get you ready for work.”
“I’m tired,” complained Scootaloo, “Let Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom go they’d love it.”
“No, you first,” the fireman said as he climbed into Scootaloo’s cab and got her ready for work. Scootaloo puffed away to fetch her coaches. She didn’t like the look of them at all.
“Ok that’s not clever,” screamed the coaches, “such a rude engine.”
“It’s not what I’m used to,” clank Scootaloo.
She rolled to the platform just as Reginald arrived. “Hello, who are you?” Scootaloo puffed.
“I’m Reginald,” he said grandly, “Who are you?”
“I’m Scootaloo, I’ve heard about you, you’re an express engine,” Scootaloo said, “apparently, so am I, but I’ve never pulled coaches before and my first time pulling them are these cattle truck. Do you have smart coaches, I see you do, we should have a chat, sorry can’t stop we must keep time you know.”
Reginald was speechless.
Clouds of steam filled the air as Scootaloo huffed and puffed along the line. She was still cross when they reached the top station. Scootaloo was hoping for a rest but her driver thought otherwise. “We’ll leave the coaches now and fetch some trucks from the quarry”.
“Truck!” snorted Scootaloo, “trucks! I won’t so there.” Scootaloo was about to cause a great deal of trouble, she ran over a rock on the rails and came off the tracks. “Told you,” said Scootaloo.
By the time the workmen came to rescue her, Scootaloo was feeling rather silly. To make matters worse there stood the Thin Controller, his message to Scootaloo was brief and blunt. “I shall talk to you later.” And he and the fireman left in Peter Sam.
Scootaloo felt sillier still. “Come on,” said her driver, “let’s get you back on the rails.”
When Scootaloo crawled, she found the Thin Controller waiting for her. “You’re a very naughty engine,” he said sternly, “I hope I can trust you to behave when you next come out of this shed.”
After hearing that, I’m sure Scootaloo will aren’t you.
Everyday where the little engines work the crisp air is suddenly filled with a familiar noise the lake and mountains have many visitors and Harold the helicopter flies the skies making sure that no one is in trouble.
“All present and correct time to return to base,” he said. Then Harold noticed something. Apple Bloom was sturdily coming around the mountainside. Harold flew lower for a closer inspection. “I’m Harold who are you?” he asked.
“I’m Apple Bloom,” she replied.
“Don’t recall seeing you before, what brings you this way?” Harold asked again.
“I was teleported here by Lady to help the other engines,” huffed Apple Bloom, this was no time for a chat with a helicopter.
“Well done,” said Harold, “cheers and keep up the good work.”
“Cheeky chopper” muttered Apple Bloom.
“Not long now,” encourage the driver, “we will soon be at the top station.”
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were glad to see Apple Bloom even so Scootaloo wouldn’t stop grumbling. The trucks didn’t like Scootaloo and wanted to play tricks on her.
“No one understands our feelings,” sympathize Gordon, “now if you were ill, you couldn’t shunt trucks could you.”
“Good idea,” good replied Scootaloo, “I’ll try it.” She did so next morning. “I don’t feel well,” she groaned.
There wasn’t time to examine her, so some of her trucks were coupled behind Sweetie Belle’s coaches. Apple Bloom promised to follow with the rest. Sweetie Belle didn’t mind the extra work, she left her coaches at the station and trundled cheerfully on.
Soon they reach the slate quarry where the trucks were needed. Empty trucks at the bottom of the slope are hitched to a steel rope, loaded ones at the top are hitched to another by their weight loaded trucks run down the steep slope pulling the empty ones up.
Sweetie Belle gleefully waited at the bottom of the slope for the loaded trucks, she never bumped trucks unless they misbehaved. But the loaded trucks couldn’t see her properly, they thought she was Scootaloo. Their chance for trickery had come.
“Faster, faster!” they yelled.
“No, no!” wailed the empty trucks, “it’s Sweetie Belle.”
But it was no use. “Hurrah, hurrah!” roared the trucks. Sweetie Belle shut her eyes, as the trucks smashed into and one even went flying a broke the guttering above her.
“Peep, peep,” wailed Sweetie sadly.
Apple Bloom and Rusty were working nearby and came to help clear up the mess.
“Bust my buffers,” exclaimed Rusty.
“Sweet apple sauce,” cried Apple Bloom, “never mind Sweetie Belle we’ll get you out”.
Sweetie Belle felt battered, her funnel was cracked, and her boiler dented. “Thank you Rusty and Apple Bloom,” she sighed as Rusty slowly pushed her back to the sheds.
“I’m sorry about your accident,” said Scootaloo, “I always stand well back, trucks don’t like me you see.”
“Why didn’t you warn me,” Sweetie asked angrily.
“I didn’t think,” Scootaloo said quietly.
“You never do,” The Thin Controller said sternly, “you can start thinking now while you’re doing Sweetie Belle’s work as well as your own. That’ll teach you to pretend you are ill.”
Scootaloo did start thinking about Gordon.
When the wreckage was cleared way, Apple Bloom set off along the line.
“Splendid to see you again,” whizzed Harold, “I’m completing my evenings look around.”
“Well done,” replied Apple Bloom, “keep up the good work.” And the little engine chuffed back home.
Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom love puffing through the forests and over the rivers. An old bridge crosses one of the rivers, some of its beams were rotten and had been damaged by a storm a few days ago. Apple Bloom chuffed happily along; she didn’t see the broken rail until it was too late. She dangled dangerously above the water.
“HELP!!!” she screamed.
But Ivo Hugh soon pulled her to safety. A few days later, the Thin Controller came to the sheds.
“The old bridge has been mended and the workers trucks have been left there, Apple Bloom I need you to collect them,” he requested.
“Yes sir,” chuff Apple Bloom. But she didn’t want to go on the bridge again.
When Apple Bloom arrived, she saw the trucks on the other side. She started to cross. But stopped. She looked down at the rushing water. Apple Bloom was scared she remembered what had happened before.
“Come on Apple Bloom,” called her driver, “the bridge is safe now.”
But Apple Bloom wouldn’t cross the bridge. And she and her driver went home instead.
“We’ll pick up the trucks,” said Sweetie Belle’s driver.
“But if you don’t cross the bridge soon,” said Sweetie Belle, “the Thin Controller will be cross.”
Now Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had to take Apple Bloom’s loads as well as their own. Each morning one of them will collect her trucks and puff across the bridge with their heavy load.
Finally, the Thin Controller came to see Apple Bloom. “If you won’t cross the old bridge, you stay here and shunt trucks, I can’t have engines that won’t do as they are told.”
“Sorry sir,” said Apple Bloom sadly.
The next morning, Scootaloo took Apple Bloom’s heavy trucks as usual. Then she puffed and heaved through the countryside towards the bridge. She puffed so hard, that she ran out of water.
“Bother,” she groaned.
The yard manager spread the news. “Scootaloo has broken down,” he said.
“We must go and help her,” Apple Bloom said bravely. They set off immediately.
Apple Bloom was scare but determined. She rolled slowly up to the edge; the bridge creaked loudly. The river seemed deeper than ever.
“I must rescue my friend,” whispered Apple Bloom. She chuffed slowly onto the bridge; the bridge groaned as she rolled forward, but Apple Bloom puffed on.
Finally, her driver coupled up and pulled Scootaloo to safety.
“Thank you,” said Scootaloo, “you were very brave to help me.”
Apple Bloom is no longer afraid of the bridge, and loves her journeys more than ever.
Chapter 12: Spike's Apology, A Sibling Reunion and The Steam Team vs. The Elements of Distrust
Twilight was having a great day. She had helped Fluttershy and Sonata in the yard, helped push a train Pinkie was struggling with and learned the ways of the Great Western from Duck and Oliver. Right now, she was making her way back to the yard, when she saw Spike sitting in the coach shed. He looked sad and alone. Twilight knew he was sorry about what he did. And she could be mad at Spike for too long. She came up to him and whistled hello.
“Hey Spike,” she said giving him a soft smile, “are you ok?”
“Spike I’ve known you since you were born,” Twilight told him, “I can tell when you are sad.”
“Well, it just… I-I know you probably still…” Spike struggled to say.
‘I know what he’s trying to say,’ Twilight thought.
“Look, Twilight,” Spike finally got him words to work, “I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you about Chrysalis”.
“It’s okay Spike,” Twilight said.
“No Twilight it’s okay,” Spike retorted, “I’m your number one assistant…”
“But you’re also my little brother,” Twilight said as she moved closer to him until their buffers touched, “and you will always be forgiven. I love you Spike.”
“I love you too, Twi,” Spike cried, tears leaking from his eyes.
From that point onward, Spike and Twilight worked together. On passenger runs, freight and goods trains, even simply going for a run.
One day, Twilight was sent to work on the Ffarquhar, Thomas and Toby were very busy, so Twilight took care of Annie, Clarabel, Henrietta, Victoria and Elsie with Spike as a ‘backup braker’. As Twilight was puffing down the track, Spike slammed on his brakes halting the train so suddenly, luckily no one was even on the train yet.
“Spike what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.
“Yes, why did you stop so suddenly,” huffed Annie.
“Indeed,” Agreed Clarabel.
“Sorry girls,” Apologized Spike, “but I thought I saw something in the bushes.”
“Spike, Dearie,” Henrietta said, “are you sure you weren’t seeing things.”
“No, I really saw something,” Spike insisted.
“Okay, we got a few minutes before we have to get to the platform to be on time,” Twilight said, “so we’ll have a quick look.”
With that said, Twilight reversed back up the line to find some old points. Her fireman got out and switched the points, and Twilight moved down the old and over-grow track. She pushed passed branches and bushes which scratched her face and her, the coaches and Spike’s paint. After puffing for another 5 minutes, Twilight bumped into something.
“Oof, do you mine?” said a posh feminine voice. Twilight noticed that whoever she bumped into, had puffers and coupling chain. Her driver hooked Twilight up and she pulled whoever this was out the bushes and into the sunlight. She had pulled out a coach that resembled Victoria but old and rusty.
“Hello, who are you?” Twilight asked kindly.
“I’m Helena and thank you for getting me out of there,” the coach replied.
“Wait, Helena?!” Victoria shouted, “It that you?!”
“Victoria?!” Helena yelled, “no, that’s can’t be you surely?!”
“let’s get you to the Steamworks,” Twilight suggested, “you two then can catch up there.”
And with that, Twilight took Helena to the Steamworks to get fixed and restored. But as she puffed out onto the mainline, Rainbow Dash shot past at a dangerous speed.
“Rainbow!” She yelled, but Rainbow Dash didn’t hear her. Twilight was cross. Just then Thomas puffed up the line looking cross too. He was covered from funnel to footplate in muddy water.
“I was talking these coal tucks to the docks and Rainbow comes out of nowhere and splashes me with muddy water,” He complained.
“She doesn’t listen to anyone,” said Twilight, “if only we can teach her a lesson.”
Then Thomas had a cheeky idea. “I have an idea,” Thomas whispered to Twilight, “and I know just the two tricksters.”
Rainbow was waiting at a station for her signal to change, just as Thomas puffed in with a small yellow Bagnall 0-4-0ST steam engine.
“Hello Rainbow Dash,” Thomas greeted her with a fake smile.
“What do you want, urm… Travis?” Rainbow asked forgetting Thomas’ name.
The Bagnall laughed. “Thomas,” Thomas corrected, “and I want you to meet my friend, Bill”.
“Hello, Rainbow Dash,” Bill greeted her.
“Why would I care about meeting a friend of yours?” she rudely replied.
“Oh Okay,” Thomas said defeatedly, “sorry Bill, I guess Rainbow doesn’t was to race the fastest engine in the world.”
Rainbow heard this and laughed, “You think you’re the fastest engine?” laughed Rainbow, “don’t make me laugh.”
“You don’t believe me?” Bill stated pretending to be shocked, “I race Conner the Streamline Engine up to the castle and won.”
Rainbow was now concerned no way this little engine win a race against a streamline engine. “Okay, let’s have a race you to the castle,” but let’s set some rules.”
“Okay,” Bill agreed, “if I win you have to listen to the Fat Controller and a do the jobs you are asked to do.”
“And if I win,” Rainbow thought, “I’m going home to Equestria and I’m taking everypony with me”.
“Deal!” Thomas and Bill said together. The race was set up. Rainbow and Bill where lined up ready to race. The signal turned green and Rainbow shot off, leaving Bill in the dust. Thomas and Bill chuckled and took a shot cut up to the castle knowing who’s waiting up at the castle.
Rainbow raced along the mainline, feeling happy that she was winning the race. She was enjoying her victory so much, she made Toby crash into a mud puddle, Rosie into a bed of roses and Stanley into go down a siding and crash through the puffers. But She didn’t care. Soon she started to climb the massive hill to the castle. But once she got to the top, she was stunted to see the yellow Bagnall from before. Of course, this was Ben, Bill’s twin but Rainbow didn’t know that.
“What took you, slowcoach?” Ben laughed.
“H-how did you…?” Rainbow stuttered, “I didn’t see you run past me!”
“I must of be going so fast, I must have been a blur,” Ben said.
Rainbow was so confused, just then Thomas and Bill puffed up, they were in tears laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Rainbow asked until she saw Bill, “wait there’s two of you! You played a trick on me!”
“The same trick we did on Conner!” Laughed Bill, the twins laughed so hard, they thought they will fall apart.
Rainbow’s cheeks turned red in both fury and embarrassment. Just then, The Earl of Sodor, Sir Robert Norramby and The Fat Controller arrived on board Millie.
“Rainbow Dash, you have cause confusion and delay!” boomed the Fat Controller, “you’ve pushed Rosie into a bed of roses, Toby into a muddy pond and Stanley off the rails.”
“But…” was all Rainbow could say.
“I don’t want to hear it,” The Fat Controller said, “I was told of the race by an orange engine who happened to be at Crovan's Gate at the time.”
As if on cue, Scootaloo puffed around the corner. “Scootaloo!” Rainbow yelled, “Why?!”
“It’s because you’ve been nothing but trouble, in fact you’ve have done nothing since you got here,” Scootaloo bravely said, she had never stood up to her idol before.
Rainbow felt betrayed. “Now as Bill and Ben have tricked you,” The Fat Controller said looking at Bill and Ben, “You are on MY Railway and you will do what I say!”
“Yes sir, sorry sir,” Rainbow said downcast.
“Now, go and shunt trucks in the yard until you learn to be reliable,” the Fat Controller ordered, and Rainbow Dash puffed away slowly.
The next day, Thomas was sent to get some paint for all the engine sheds on Sodor. The Fat Controller had the idea to paint all the doors of the colour of that engine and had a number painted as well for the ones with numbers. Thomas puffed carefully into the yard and buffered up the to paint wagon. But Rainbow Dash was also in the yard.
“Now I’ll show Thomas why you don’t prank the Dash,” she muttered.
She shot forward and rammed the wagon launching the paint into the air and land all over Thomas. There was green, yellow and red paint, Thomas felt very silly indeed.
“Stripy boiler,” laughed Rainbow as steamed away.
“I’ll show those ponies why you don’t mess with the Steam Team.
So, the next Thomas saw Aria and the quarry, he gave her a biff under the hopper, Aria was covered in quarry stone and dust. And when Aria saw James at the oil factory, she bumped oil drum into him, covering James from smokebox to cab. Soon all members of the Steam Team and Pony Engines were biffing and bashing each other all over the island. Applejack bumped Henry into a broken sludge pipe, Gordon bashed Adagio into a truck of flower, Rarity pushed Rebecca into a tar wagon, Rainbow forced Percy into under the coal hopper, Nia shoved Rarity into a ditch and Donald thrust Applejack of the rails and into a mine. By late afternoon, the Steam Team and Elements were in a terrible mess. Everyone needed a good washdown and no work had been done.
That evening the Fat Controller gathered the whole together at Tidmouth Sheds. Twilight was there as well, and she was very disappointed with them.
“So, who’s going to tell me why and how this happen?” the Fat Controller asked sternly.
“I was collecting the paint sir,” Thomas said, “and Rainbow bashed the paint into me, and I got covered in paint.”
“And then you thought it be a good idea to bump Aria under the quarry hopper” the Fat Controller said.
“I wasn’t thinking properly sir,” Thomas replied, his voice getting softer each time.
“I hate to do this,” the Fat Controller sigh, “but all of you are grounded for five days.”
The engines all gasped but they knew that they deserved this.
At the same time, Benson was talking down the five pony engines.
“So, who’s going to be brave enough to stand up to me?” sniffed Benson.
“Thomas, Bill and Ben pranked me yesterday, so I showed them why you don’t prank the Element of Loyalty,” Rainbow said blandly.
“Ah but in doing so you and your friends have caused confusion and delay,” Benson replied bluntly, “You five with never survive a war. I suffered through two world wars.”
“What’s are you going to do with us?” Rarity asked, wishing for a light punishment.
“You all are going to be grounded for a week,” Benson replied harshly, “either that or go Railgate for a month.”
The five didn’t want to go to Railgate, it sounded like a prison, so they choose the former option.
The Steam Team and pony engines were grounded for a week. Twilight wasn’t along to sleep at Tidmouth Sheds with them, so she slept at Knapford Sheds with Arthur, Murdoch, Molly and Fergus. Adagio, Aria, Applejack and Rarity where starting to see where they went wrong and know want to apologize to Twilight, but Rainbow hasn’t see straight and I doubt she’s going to apologize any time soon, don’t you?
The engines were all feeling depressed. After their scuffle with the pony engines, the Steam Team where grounded for a week. Thomas was the most upset. He was so upset, he started to cry.
“Thomas?” Percy asked his friend, “are you already?”
“No Percy,” Thomas snapped, “I’m not.”
Calm down, Thomas,” James said sternly, “he was worried about you.”
“I know,” Thomas responded sadly, “I’m sorry Percy.” Before he started to sob louder.
“Thomas, what’s wrong?” Nia asked, concerned about her friend.
“It’s all my fault,” Thomas replied, “If I didn’t prank Rainbow, we wouldn’t be here.”
“Balderdash!” exclaimed Gordon, “you have made some mistakes in the past like crashing into the Station Master’s house and failing down a mine. But this wasn’t your fault.”
“But…” Thomas said but Henry quickly interjected.
“That prank you and the Twins pulled on her was a great idea,” Henry said enthusiastically.
“And whatever one of us ever do,” Rebecca chimed in.
“We shall all face it together,” added Edward.
“Not just as friends,” Emily commented.
“But as a family,” Percy ended.
“As you know, the most important thing is being friends,” James statement. This put a smile on Thomas’ face.
“So, could you go back to what you said about Thomas crashing into the Station Master’s house and going down a mine?” Rebecca asked.
The engines including Thomas laughed out loud.
“You think that’s funny,” said Edward, “what about the time Henry thought there was a ghost and the truck pulled him along until they hit a landside and fell off the bridge.”
“Oh, what the time I caught some fish,” Thomas added.
“Or when Oliver pulled Scuffey apart,” James stated.
“Or when Gordon crashed headfirst through the station,” Henry included.
And throughout that whole day the engines talked about their accidents and their heroic moments having a fun time telling stories.
Twilight wasn’t having a fun time. She was making her way to the harbour where Rainbow was set to work until she could be trusted to go on the mainline again. But right now, she was napping in a siding. Twilight quietly creeped towards Rainbow and pashed her along the track and out on the siding. Rainbow awoke with a jolt after being hit.
“Twilight, what was that for?!” she asked angrily.
“That was for bashing the paint cans all over Thomas,” Twilight responded crossly.
“OH, is little Twily defending her boyfriend,” Rainbow mocked which in return was bumped by Twilight again. “Why are you on these creeps’ side,” Rainbow shouted, “can’t you see they’re corrupting you!”
Twilight was very cross. “They are not corrupting me or Sunset or anyone else!” Twilight yelled, “They where there for me when I was upset over nightmares about you.”
At that moment, Applejack, Rarity, Adagio and Aria arrived to collect trains of fish, goods and other things. They heard what Twilight and Rainbow were talking about.
“You what Rainbow,” Twilight finally loss patience, “Do what you like, I don’t care anymore. I don’t anything to do with you!” And with that Twilight puffed away, Rainbow smirked to herself.
‘She’ll come back to me, they all will,’ she thought, “If I stage an accident for Twilight, Old Fatt Hatt will see she's not so useful after all, and I get to go home”. She didn’t know that AJ, Adagio, Aria and Rarity hear her. They collected their trains and headed off.
Twilight was furious as she steamed into Knapford yard, but her fury changed to shock to see eight engines she had never seen before talking to the Fat Controller.
Three of them were a black LMS 3F 0-6-0T, a LMS 0F Kitson 0-4-0ST and a red BR Standard Class 2. One was a dark red GER Class A55 steam locomotive and another was a blue green Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 diesel shunter. The last three looked a bit interesting to Twilight. One was a silver LSWR N15 Class, the second was a Greyish brown Aveling & Porter TJ class locomotive with a cab and a lot of cogs. The Finally was a turquoise North Pacific Coast Railroad Cab-Forward steam engine. Twilight was staring at them for so long she ran into the back of Stepney.
“Oof,” grunted Twilight, “Sorry Stepney.”
“I guess you were looking at those three?” He replied.
Just then Sir Topham Hatt saw Twilight, “Come here!” he called.
Twilight puffed up to the Fat Controller. The other engine looked at and smiled. ‘They look like a friendly bunch of engines’ she thought.
“Twilight, I like you to meet, Barry, Jinty, Pug, Hurricane, Frankie, Merlin, Lexi and Theo,” Sir Topham Hatt introduced the new engines, “they’re going to be working on the island for a while.”
“Hello,” Twilight greeted the engines.
“Hello there”, they replied.
“I want you to show these engines where they’ll be working,” the Fat Controller ordered.
“Right sir,” Twilight replied, and the Fat Controller left. “Say you five wouldn’t the engines that work at the Steelworks on the mainland?” Twilight asked the engines.
“Why yes we are,” replied Merlin, “Has Thomas told you?”
“Yes, he has,” Twilight said.
“Speaking of which,” Lexi asked, “but where is Thomas?”
“Ah, that may be the reason why you’re here,” Twilight said sadly, “he and the other engines are grounded.”
“What?!” The eight engines gasped, “What for?” Frankie asked. As if on cue, Rainbow puffed around the corner pulling a heavy goods train. Twilight stared daggers at her.
“Her,” Twilight said sinisterly. The other eight engine looked and saw Rainbow too. Rainbow saw them but ignored them as she continued her way.
After that Twilight showed the engines where they’ll be working. Theo and Lexi where set to work on Thomas’ Branch line, Merlin was set to pull the express, Jinty and Pug were put to work in the yard, Hurricane and Frankie of goods work and Barry on mix traffic duties. And they soon made friends with everyone on the island.
Lexi pulled into the yard to find Annie and Clarabel, Sir Topham Hatt had told her what they looked like and Lexi found them.
Annie and Clarabel were sleeping until Lexi woke them up. “Oh my,” Annie exclaimed, “Who are you?”
“I’m Lexi and I shall be your engine for today,” she replied in the style of an intercom. The passengers where very intrigued by her appearance.
Twilight was showing Jinty and Pug where their trains were, where Rainbow had set up an accident to happen, she had spilled oil all other the track. Twilight was getting closer to the tar trucks she was supposed to take to Ffarquhar. Just then Applejack yelled out.
“Twilight! There’s oil on the track!” she called out. Twilight heard Applejack and braked hard just as her front of wheel touched the oil.
“Busted my buffers,” Twilight panted, “that was close.” She looked to Applejack and saw Rarity, Adagio and Aria with her. Twilight knew she couldn’t stay made at them; she could see they were very sorry. She left Jinty with the trucks and went to see the girls. “Girls, I’m sorry for being cross with you.”
“We are too, Sugarcube,” Applejack replied hopefully, “Please give us a second chance!”
“Of course I will Applejack,” Twilight responded happily, tears stinging her eyes, “of course I will.”
Stepney, Jinty and a few other engines saw this and blew their whistles, happy to see Twilight had forgiven her friends. Meanwhile in the background, Rainbow Dash was growling.
“No, no, no!” She shouted under her breath, “I’ve been betrayed by my friends.” She calmed herself down and gave off a sinister grin. “If they took something from me, I’ll take something from them.” She chuckled evilly to herself as she back way.
Work around the Island of Sodor grew steadily back to normal, thanks to the help of Barry, Theo, Lexi, Jinty, Pug, Hurricane and Frankie. The seven engines made friends with everyone and the engines really enjoyed working with them. The Passengers found Lexi, Theo and Merlin very interesting and loved listen to Lexi hyper personality and Merlin’s disappearing trick. However, there was one engine who did like them, the one and only Rainbow Dash.
Ever since her friends were forgiven by Twilight, or in her eyes, betrayed her, she had been more and more aggressive with her work. She was given the Fat Controller’s railway a bad reputation.
One wet and muddy Saturday, Rarity and Barry were waiting for their passenger, “So, Darling?” Rarity asked her new friend, “How do you like working on the North-Western Railway?”
“Oh, I love it,” Barry replied, “I really love it. Everyone is so nice to me, do you think Sir, Topham Hatt will let me stay here?”
“A big friendly red engine like you,” Rarity smirked, “sure, why wouldn’t he?”
Suddenly there was a whoosh and a wheesh, as a streak of blue roared by of the track and ran through a muddy puddle and splashed muddy water all over Rarity and Barry.
“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity screeched, “look at my paintwork!”
Rainbow laughed to herself as she sped down the line. Meanwhile, along the mainline, Frankie was helping Rosie with some coal trucks.
“Thanks for your help again, Frankie,” Rosie said, “these trucks can be so troublesome.”
“No need to thank me, little tank engine,” Frankie replied, “It’s the least I can do to try and repair my past actions.”
“My name is Rosie,” Rosie responded, “and what do you mean your past actions?”
“Well, remember when Thomas went missing on the Mainland?” Frankie asked Rosie, in which she responded with a yes, “me and Hurricane, imprisoned him and James at our Steelworks.”
Rosie was shocked. “We only did that because we just wanted help, but the other engines were too busy to help us,” Frankie sobbed.
Jus then Rainbow thundered past them, Frankie and Rosie where spooked so much they stopped so suddenly, that their coal trucks bashed into the back of them and coal dust flew all over them.
“Rainbow Dash!” growled Rosie, “She get what’s coming to her.”
That night, the skies darkened deeply, Twilight was spending the night with Pinkie and Fluttershy in Ffarquhar sheds.
“Rainbow is becoming too reckless with her work,” Twilight said to her friends.
“She’s scaring every engine and person,” Fluttershy commented.
“And she is thinks we betrayed her,” Pinkie Pie noted.
“We need to make her stop and see sense,” Twilight said, “but how?”
“Fluttershy are you ok?” Pinkie asked her worried friend.
“When after her trick with the oil on the rails failed, I overheard her say that, ‘if they took something for me, I ‘ll take something for them’”.
“What is she up to?” Twilight asked herself. Just then, the Fat Controller arrived.
“Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie, Neville’s Bridge is started to crumple and break thanks to the rain,” he said, “I want you three to help repair it.”
“Yes, Sir,” the three friends replied at once.
“Pinkie and Fluttershy, I wan to bring iron beams from the docks and bring them to the bridge,” the Fat Controller added.
The Fluttershy and Pinkie tooted in agreement. “and Twilight,” the Fat Controller continued, “I want you to pick up the workmen, take them to the bridge and the back to the nearest station and warn the other engines about the bridge.”
“Right Sir,” Twilight said, “don’t worry Sir, we won’t let you down.”
“Oh, and be careful,” Sir Topham Hatt replied, “there’s supposed to be a storm all day tomorrow.” And he left.
“Let’s try and get some sleep girls,” Twilight instructed.
“Okie, Dokie, Lokie, Nighty-night,” Pinkie replied cheerfully as she puffed back into her shed and well asleep fast.
“For an engine with a lot of energy, she sure can fall asleep fast,” Fluttershy commented, “anyway goodnight Twilight.”
“Good night, Fluttershy,” said Twilight before she too fell asleep.
The Fat Controller was right. The next morning the rain hammered down, the lightning flashed, and the thunder crashed. The engines fell wet as they did their jobs. As Twilight went to went to collect some coaches from the coach shed. But the only coaches she could find were Emily’s green coaches and Elsie.
“Where are Victoria and Helena?” she asked herself as Jinty pulled into the yard. “Jinty, have you seen Victoria and Helena?” she asked him.
“Urm… Are they those blue coaches?” he questioned.
“Yes, they are,” Twilight replied.
“Ah I know who you’re talking about now,” Jinty responded, “yes, I saw Pug shunt them for Rainbow Dash.”
Upon hearing her name, Twilight was enraged. She collected Emily’s coaches and Elsie and made her way to the station platform. She was shocked that Rainbow didn’t just have Victoria and Helena, she also had, Hannah, Henrietta, Annie, Clarabel and Duck’s slip coaches, Johnathan, Maria, and Steven.
“RAINBOW!” shouted Twilight, Rainbow jumped but calmed settled down upon seeing Twilight.
“Oh, Hello Twilight,” Rainbow responded calmly.
“What are you doing with those coaches?” Twilight asked angerly, “they are not yours.”
“I’m need some coaches for my Sonic Rainboom Express”, Rainbow said acting like nothing was wrong.
“That’s not even a real thing,” Annie yelled.
“Shut up, you wooden beach hut on wheels,” shouted Rainbow angerly. That shut them up.
Twilight was enraged by this but before she could say anything else, the guard blew his whistle and Rainbow shot off into the storm.
“Why is she being such a…” Twilight’s guard’s whistle blew, and Twilight set off to Neville’s bridge.
Twilight was still cross with Rainbow as she pulled down the line to Neville’s Bridge. Elsie was listening to Twilight’s ramble about Rainbow.
“… And she’s meant to be the Element of Loyalty,” rambled Twilight, “she couldn’t even tell I was telling the truth”.
“I don’t get it why she is still mad at you Ma’am,” Elsie said, Elsie was like Toad, she would always be formal other engines or coaches.
“Because she thinks I and my friends are being corrupted by Thomas and his friends,” Twilight answered.
By the time Twilight made it to the bridge, Pinkie and Fluttershy where puffing away to get another piece for the bridge. Twilight stood guard all day, until it was time to go home. Twilight dropped the workmen off at Knapford Station, just as Merlin and Hurricane pulled in with their last loads of the day.
“What time is it?” Merlin asked as he yawned.
“It’s 11:45 P.M.,” Twilight replied looking at the cloak.
“Al last I can rest my wheels in our nice, dry shed,” Hurricane sighed, “I was doing so many goods runs, I thought my traction rods were going to fall off.”
“Same here,” Merlin chimed in, “some stations do have rooves of the track and standing still in the rain when you have three funnels, it can be very uncomfortable when the rain goes down your funnels.”
“At least you were moving,” Twilight responded, “I was standing still all day, telling the other engines that Neville’s Bridge was broken.”
Just then Rainbow Dash thundered by pulling her Sonic Rainboom Express. It was hard to see due to the rain, but a flash of Lightning revealed the route Rainbow was taking.
“There goes Miss. Loyalty,” Hurricane mocked.
“She shouldn’t even be on the mainline,” Merlin commented, “Benson’s not going to happy.”
“He’s never happy,” Hurricane chuckled, “what do you think Twilight?”
But Twilight’s face showed great fear, Hurricane and Merlin were worried. “Twilight what’s wrong?” Hurricane asked.
“She going to die,” she whispered to herself before puffing away as fast as she could.
“Twilight?!” Hurricane and Merlin yelled to her. But she didn’t hear them.
Rainbow was charging down the track pulling, Annie, Clarabel, Henrietta, Hannah, Johnathan, Maria, and Steven through the stormy weather. Twilight was chuffing and puffing as fast as her little wheels would let her.
“Rainbow, Rainbow!!” Twilight shouted over the rain and wind.
Rainbow heard Twilight, but she only ignored Twilight as she puffed on. Twilight thought Rainbow didn’t hear her, so she blew her whistle, and yelled again. But the wind changed direction, now it was blowing in Twilight’s face so no matter what she did, Rainbow wouldn’t hear her. Soon they came to Abbey Station, the nearest station before the bridge.
Twilight had to act fast. She puffed right up to Steven and bashed him hard enough until her coupling was hooked up to his. And once she was attached to the train, she applied her brakes. Rainbow was pulled hard and she was going too fast. When she finally saw the barrier, she applied her brakes, but it was too late. Her and Twilight’s wheels skidded of the wet rails as they clash through the barrier and Rainbow was hanging over the edge of the bridge. Her wheels where on the end on the bent rails, she couldn’t move back and Twilight couldn’t move back either, her brakes had jammed.
“Help!” Rainbow blew her whistle but only Twilight could hear her. Twilight meanwhile had her brakes jammed on, holding the train steady.
“Twilight! Pull me back on the track!” Rainbow called hopelessly to her former friend.
“I wish I could,” Twilight replied, “but my brakes have jammed.”
But even though Twilight and Rainbow’s brakes were on, Rainbow was getting closer to the edge of the rails as the rain made the rails wet and slippery.
“Woah! Woah!” Rainbow exclaimed as her front wheels slid off the track. Twilight tried to hold, but even she was slipping. Suddenly they heard a whistle within the storm. It was followed by another and another, until Twilight and Rainbow realized who those whistles belong to. It was Thomas and the Steam Team, with Rocky, Judy and Jerome.
“Twilight!” Thomas called out, “Are you ok?!”
“Yes, but please help us!” Twilight yelled back.
Soon the engines got into position, Gordon, James, Nia and Thomas on Twilight’s right, Rebecca, Edward, Emily and Percy on Twilight’s left, and Henry, Toby, Duck, Oliver, Donald, Douglas, Rosie and Stanley holding Rocky behind her. Twilight was lifted onto a flatbed and was left off to the side, Strong chains where attached to Rainbow’s puffers and Gordon and Rebecca, while Rocky was holding Steven’s back coupling.
“Ready team?!” Thomas called as the engines tooted back in agreement, “Right, Rainbow you’re going to have to let go of your brakes.”
“What?!” Rainbow cried, “I’ll slide off!”
“No, you won’t, Rainbow!” Thomas shouted back, “Just trust us!”
Rainbow knew she was going to have to trust them, so she let off her brakes. She slid a little bit, but the engines had her secured. Then the engines started to puff back and pull Rainbow back onto the track and off the broken bridge.
Dawn had started to peck over the clouds as the storm passed by and the engines got Rainbow on another flatbed. Duck, Toby, Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Stanley and Rosie took the coaches onto the station while the others took Twilight and Rainbow to the Steamworks.
“Twilight,” said Rainbow, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the wedding, I’m sorry for thinking that these really useful engines were corrupting you, I’m sorry for everything.”
“Rainbow its okay,” Twilight assured her.
“No, no it not,” Rainbow detested, “I took these fine engines’ home away. I took their coaches without asking. I’ve just been showing off to everyone. I think I deserve to be sent of scrap.”
Nobody has to be the favourite It's not a competition in the end It doesn't matter if you prove that you're the very best But what will happen when you put your friendship to the test Never mind about who is the favourite The most important thing is being friends!
The most importantthing is being friends!
Everybody can help!Everybody join in!When everybody has a part to play
Then everybody can win!
Everybody can help! Red, green, yellow or blue! When you're ready to try You'll find out what you can do!
Everybody can help! What I'm saying is true! When you give it a try You'll find out what you can do!
Nobody has to be the favourite It's not a competition in the end It doesn't matter if you prove That you're the very best But what will happen when you Put your friendship to the test
Never mind about Who is the favourite The most important thing is being friends
The engines sang as they puffed towards Knapford Station.
Nobody has to be the favourite (Everybody can help) It's not a competition in the end (Everybody join in) It doesn't matter if you prove That you're the very best Everybody can win!
But what will happen when you Put your friendship to the test
Never mind about who is the favourite The most important thing is being friends!
After causing confusing and delay, taking coaches that didn’t belong to her, and almost causing a very serious accident, Rainbow Dash was sent to the Steamworks to have her front be mended. Her only compony was Twilight who was getting her brakes fixed and wheel changed, Victor and Kevin.
“Cheer up Rainbow,” Victor said with a smile, “The Fat Controller can be stern be he means well. I’m should he’ll give you a light punishment.”
“No, he won’t Victor,” Rainbow replied glumly, “I took Thomas, Duck, Toby and Twilight’s coaches without asking, and almost fell off a bridge. When Lady finds out, she send me back to Equestria, and then I’ll go to Tartarus.”
“Rainbow you’re being too hard on yourself,” Victor commented.
“Faces it Victor,” Rainbow gloomily replied, “I’m was a real bitch.”
“Rainbow!” Twilight yelled, “You were stubborn, angry, annoyed and upset. But if I were stubborn, angry, annoyed and upset, would I have saved you?”
Rainbow went silent, just then the Fat Controller walked in, he had a few words to said. “Rainbow Dash, I am very disappointed that you did what you did,” he said sternly, “So as Jinty is work in Twilight's place while we wait for new wheels, I want you to take goods around the island. Can you handle that?”
“Yes sir,” puffed Rainbow, “I’m ready to redeem myself, sir. I really want to be really useful sir!”
“Good girl,” said the Fat Controller and he left.
“Ok, let’s get you finished up my friend,” Victor said, as a loud crashing sound could be heard through the Steamworks, “Kevin!!”
“Sorry boss,” Kevin cried out from somewhere in the Steamworks. Rainbow and Twilight couldn’t help but laugh.
Once Rainbow’s front was mended, she puffed along the line towards the goods yard. On the way, she tooted happily to the other engines, but of course none of the other engines trusted her. Soon she met Applejack at Cronk Station, she was pulling a good train, but she looked very out of breath.
“Good morning, AJ!” she puffed happily.
“What do… you want… Rainbow,” Applejack panted.
“Look I want to say sorry for how I acted,” Rainbow apologised, “I’m really trying to change. I’ve been nice to the other engines on the way up here, but they didn’t trust me. I want to show that I’m a really useful.”
Applejack was surprised, “Hmm, maybe to gain my trust, could you help me up the hill?”
“Sure,” Rainbow said before puffing behind her and started pushing, “But why do you need help? Aren’t you a strong engine?”
“I don’t know why, I just started to feel ill,” AJ replied as she struggled to pull her train but luckily Rainbow was there.
Soon the two engines pulled into Vicarstown, As Applejack puffed to the sheds for a rest, Rainbow collected her goods train and puffed off down the line. All day, Rainbow delivered goods back and forth all around the island. By late afternoon, she wasn’t even tired, she had also impressed some engines as she delivered her goods. She pulled into Knapford Station with a huge grin on her face.
“Hmm, not bad, youngest,” Henry comment.
“That’s right,” Rainbow said cheerfully, “I finish my jobs quickly and flawlessly.”
“I had no idea you were rushing your jobs,” Henry pointed out, “You need to have patience, or something will go wrong.”
“I don’t need patience,” Rainbow snorted.
“Ha, you should have seen Thomas being too impatience and forgot a train,” Henry laughed as he puffed away.
“Blocked up cucumber!” Rainbow huffed.
“I heard that!” Henry called back crossly.
The next morning Rainbow was bored, she had nothing to do. She was sitting outside Tidmouth Station just as AJ shunted some tankers into a siding.
“What are you doing with those?” Rainbow asked.
“I’m getting ready for my train today,” she replied, “I’m takin’ them to Crovan’s Gate to meet Rheneas.
“Do you want me to take them?” Rainbow asked again, “I got nothing to do and I think you’re in no shape to pull this train.”
“Ah guess you can,” AJ said as she puffed to rest.
Rainbow got ready to take the tankers to Crovan’s Gate, until her driver remembered something important.
“BLAST!” he yelled, “we forgot to fill up on water. Your tank is almost empty.”
He went to find some water but returned with bad news. “The water tower is out of order and you don’t have enough water to get you to the nearest working one,” he said, “we’re going to have to call AJ back.”
“No,” declared Rainbow, “we’ll just use some of the water from one of the tankers.”
“Ok,” the driver said before realizing, “wait a minute, we don’t know what’s in them, AJ never told us. What if it’s milk or something.”
“It’s in an ordinary black tanker,” Rainbow pointed out, “so it’s must be water.”
“I guess you’re right,” the driver said, “I guess they won’t mind if we take a little.”
Both the driver and fireman started to pour the liquid from one of the tankers and pass it back and forth to Rainbow’s water tank, until they had enough to get the job over and done with as Rainbow started to puff onto the mainline. Presently, Rainbow started to feel weird.
“What’s happening to me?” she groaned, soon she started to hallucinate.
“Good morning Rainbow!” called pinkie’s cheerfully voice, but Rainbow only saw Trevor puffing along the track.
“What on earth?!” Rainbow yelled as she saw a small green engine that resembled Rheneas puff pass her.
Once Rainbow arrived at Crovan’s Gate, she felt very dizzy indeed. She couldn’t straight. Rheneas was waiting at the station with flatbeds of empty churns.
“Oh, dear Rainbow,” Rheneas comment, “you don’t look so well.”
Just then the Fat Controller saw Rainbow pulling the tankers Applejack was supposed to bring.
“Rainbow Dash?” he asked, “what are you doing here?”
“I brought AJ’s tankers sir,” she replied, she started to feel a bit better. Skarloey and Duncan soon showed up.
“I can see that” Sir Topham Hatt commented, “but why don’t you look so well?”
Rainbow’s driver told the Fat Controller that the water tower was out of water, so they had to use some of the liquid from one of the tankers. The Fat Controller’s eye widened and then he was trying hard not to laugh.
“W-Well taking liquid from a tanker without knowing what it’s carrying is a very foolish act,” he chuckled, “That wasn’t water in those tanks.”
“It was in an ordinary tanker so it must have been,” Rainbow declared.
“Ordinary tanker does not mean it carries water,” Sir Topham Hatt, “sorry, those tanker weren’t carrying water, they were ca… they were carrying… THEY WERE CARRYING BEER!!”
Skarloey, Duncan and Rheneas laugh so hard the thought they would fall to pieces. Rainbow when redder than James with embarrassment.
“Good thing you didn’t get caught by the police,” Duncan commented, “otherwise you could have been arrested for drunk driving.”
“Ok that’s enough,” said the Fat Controller, “I know you wanted to help Rainbow, but you got to learn patience, otherwise something like this will happen.”
“Sorry sir,” Rainbow apologised.
“But I do admire your willingness to help another engine,” the Fat Controller added, “despite feeling a little tipsy. If this good behaviour keeps going, and you learn to be patience, you shall be rewarded.”
“Thank you, sir,” Rainbow replied.
And from that day onward, Rainbow became a very helpful engine. Determined to help anyone who needed it and learnt to be patience. I’m sorry to say that AJ was the one who needed to most help. But that is a story for another day.
Throughout the months The Elements of Harmony, CMC and Royalties had worked really hard around the Island of Sodor. Twilight and Sunset organized the coaches, Pinkie and Fluttershy shunted the trucks, Applejack and Adagio handled the goods trains, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Rainbow, Aria and Rarity took the passenger trains, Sonata worked at the coaling plant, Shining Armour worked along side Mavis at the Quarry. The CMC helped out on the Skarloey railway as well, with Apple Bloom working with Rusty, Sweetie Belle growing an attraction to Peter Sam and Scootaloo been put in-charge of Duncan and Sir Handel.
One morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Tidmouth Sheds to tell his engines his plan. “Good morning engines,” he said happily.
“Good morning Sir,” Thomas replied, “you seem happy today.”
“That’s right Thomas,” the Fat Controller responded, “I have a plan to thank those Equestrian Engines. And I already have gifts for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.”
“What about the others Sir?” asked Emily.
“Well right now,” he told them in a hush voice, “Miss, Jenny’s team is already working on it now. And I want you all to help as well.”
“You can count on us Sir!” exclaimed the engines.
“Good now here are you jobs to do today,” the Fat Controller spoke as he told them what they’ve got to do today.
Twilight came into the yard to collect Helena, Victoria and Spike, but when she arrived at the station, she saw Annie and Clarabel coupled to Helena, Victoria and Spike. Just then the Fat Controller walked out his office.
“Sir?” Twilight asked, “Why do I have Thomas’ coaches with me?”
“Thomas is busy doing a special job,” he answered, “so he won’t be able to work on his branch line for a while.”
“Why?” Twilight asked again.
“Oh… Well…” The Fat Controller stuttered, “it’s a surprise.” He added before darting to his car.
“Weird,” Twilight thought to herself.
Later Twilight met up with her friends and told them about what happened this morning.
“It’s happened to me too,” Rainbow stated, “I saw Donald and Douglas pulling some truck of rails and sleeper. I asked what they where doing, and they replied by saying ‘it’s a surprise lass’,” she mimicked in a fake Scottish accent.
“I saw Duck and Oliver pulling trucks of ballast down a new line that I could have sworn wasn’t there yesterday,” Pinkie chimed in.
“When I took my morning train to Crovan’s Gate,” Fluttershy spoke up, “I was expecting Rusty with his passenger train, but it was Scootaloo.”
“And I hear construction work while taking my noon train,” Rarity pointed out.
“What is going on?” Twilight questioned.
They all found out, half-a-year later. Thomas woke them up with the Fat Controller on board. “Wake up you three!” whistled Thomas to Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy, “it’s finally time for you to see you surprise!”
“Really?!” Pinkie asked excitedly, “I love surprises!”
Once Thomas and the Fat Controller had collected the Elements, they headed down the new branch line. They puffed along the track through a forest, it looked very magical. They then came out the forest and arrived at a small station outside a small village, on the station sign it read: ‘Ponyville.’
“Ponyville!” exclaimed Twilight.
“That’s right”, The Fat Controller confirmed, “We named this branch line and the stations after places in Equestria. With a little help from Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shining Armour.”
“Over there, are your sheds,” The Fat Controller pointed to some sheds, each one of the sheds’ doors showed whose berth was whose. Each door was coloured with their main paint colour and Cutie Marks on the doors.
“Over there, is your coach shed”, he pointed to a shed that house some coaches, “Rainbow, Fluttershy, those coaches are yours.”
“Pardon!?” Fluttershy asked kindly without raising her voice too high.
“Those coaches are yours; the rainbow coaches are Rainbow’s, and the others are Fluttershy’s with fake fur, scales, and feathers for the seats,” the Fat Controller said, Rainbow had seven different coloured coaches for all seven colours of the rainbow.
However, Fluttershy had a bunch of coaches in a barrage of different colours. And Sir Topham Hatt wasn’t kidding about having different fabric for the seats. Scales of a snake, fur of a bear, feathers of a swan etc. For what she could tell, she had twenty coaches, and each one represented an animal, a bear, bunny, owl, cat, dog, tortoise, flamingo, gecko, fish, alligator, lion, bat, deer, donkey and cow.
“If you look near the station, there’s another paths,” the Fat Controller noted, “that is Fluttershy’s Forest.”
“Really?!” Fluttershy’s voice grew in volume.
“Yep, you’ll go down there and show people your beautiful line as animals roam round,” explained the Fat Controller, “sort of like a drive-in zoo or something like that.” Fluttershy was over the moon with this news.
The Fat Controller showed the engines the rest of the line, such as more stations named after places in Equestria, a quarry and narrow-gauge rails and sheds. After Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt showed the Elements their new line/home, Thomas and Sir Topham said their good nights and went home.
“So, girls, do you like our new home?” Twilight asked her friends.
“I love it,” Pinkie exclaimed.
“It’s definitely 120% awesome!” declared Rainbow.
“Certainly divine,” Rarity affirmed.
“Mighty’ fine,” stated Applejack.
“It’s very lovely,” proclaimed Fluttershy.
“Amazingly beautiful,” Sunset asserted.
“Reminds me of home,” Adagio aforesaid.
“Not bad,” Aria indicated.
“It’s quite cozy,” Sonata declared.
“I have the perfect name for our new line,” Twilight told them, “The Equestrian Line”.
“That’s a great idea Twi,” Rainbow exclaimed.
“You know what girls?” Sunset asked her friends.
“What?” they replied.
“I think we’re going to have some wonderful adventures working on this line,” she commented grandly.
“And if they’re any challenges in our way,” Adagio chimed in.
“We’ll face them together,” Twilight finished, “as a family.”
And with that, the Elements fell peacefully asleep.
Meanwhile, high up in the mountains of the Skarloey railway, stood a massive boulder. It had stood for a long time ever since it was let loose back in 16th October 1998 and transported to a hill close by the yard. But after 22 years, the rock underneath the giant boulder started to loosen.
High up in the mountains of the Skarloey railway, stood a massive boulder. It had stood for a long time ever since it was let loose back in 16th October 1998 and transported to a hill close by the yard. But after 22 years, the rock underneath the giant boulder started to loosen.
All of a sudden, the boulder slipped, it rolled off the hill and on to the track. Then as if it had a mind of its own, it started to roll along the track.
One morning, Rusty the little diesel engine was inspecting the line with Apple Bloom but stopped so their crew could clear a branch off the rails next to the old abandoned quarry. Rusty’s driver was just about to leave the cab, when there was a massive jolt in the ground.
“What on earth was that?” explained Apple Bloom.
“That was weird,” said Rusty, “maybe it was an earthquake.”
“Shh, you two, listen,” Rusty’s driver exclaimed.
They rumpling sound grew louder, Apple Bloom grew worried. “Rusty, I think we should…”
But before she could finish, Rusty suddenly drove in reverse, pushing Apple Bloom out the way as fast as he could. Rolling straight towards them was the massive boulder. It missed Rusty by a few feet then crashed down the slope before coming to a stop.
“What the Tartarus is that?!” exclaimed Apple Bloom.
“That is a thing I hoped never to see again,” Rusty replied, equally as shocked.
The Thin and Fat Controller came to inspect the boulder, from a safe distance of course. Many other people came too including a historian.
“Well Boulder, we meet at last,” said the Fat Controller, “My father told me everything about you.”
“How fascinating,” said the historian, “Do you realize how sacred this thing is?”
“Sacred?!” boomed the Thin Controller, “it almost crushed two of my engines. It’s dangerous and needs to be destroyed.”
“No, no, no,” the historian complained, “this boulder is an artifact that dates over a thousand years ago. I say we move it to a museum or something. We will secure it of course.” He added.
The railway was closed for the rest of the day and the engines all the engines talked about the mysterious boulder.
“You three weren’t here,” Rusty said to the CMC, “but that boulder caused massive destruction last time it came loose.”
“but where did it come for?” asked Scootaloo, “no piece of rock would be naturally that round.”
“That’s because it’s technically not natural,” Skarloey replied, “it was created thousands of years ago by the early Sudric tribes.”
“Really?” asked Sir Handel.
“Yes,” he replied again, “no one know what it’s purpose was or how it was created, but it obviously had some spiritual significance. Some even theorized that it may have been used as a weapon to crush the enemies. But whatever the reason, it stood alone for thousands of years, no one dare go near it. Until the Fat Controller decided to build a quarry on the land below in 1998. This of course didn’t end too well. Now the boulder was obviously set loose by Thumper’s drilling back then, but some say that the boulder enacted his revenge for have his land disturbed. Many people believed that this boulder is a real living thing.”
“What nonsense,” declared Duncan, “it’s a blood rock.”
“You wouldn’t think so if it chance you down the line!” Rheneas yelled, “it barely missed Percy and crashed into a shed full of dynamite. Causing the building to explode.”
“Regardless of whether it has a mind of it’s own or not,” Duke said wisely, “That boulder is dangerous, it should be destroyed.”
“I know this sounds silly, ya’ll,” chimed in Apple Bloom, “but ah feel if we destroy it, it’s spirit with come back to haunt us.”
“Rubbish,” Scootaloo called out.
“Why not just return it to where it was before the quarry was built?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“According to Sir Topham Hatt,” Rusty replied, “years of erosion plus the quarry activity made the ground unstable so it would most likely get dislodged again.”
“And that’s why it’s going to be moved to a museum,” cut in the Thin Controller, “They claim they can secure it there, but I don’t believe it.”
“A museum!” Rusty shouted, “I don’t believe it either, that thing needs to be left alone or it’ll just wreak more havoc.”
The next morning, Rusty and Apple Bloom took some men up to the old abandoned line to Boulder’s Site to try and find out what caused it to move. The men inspected the area.
“Last time it got loose,” Rusty told Apple Bloom, “it had rained the previous day, which loosened the rock. However, there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight.”
“You’re right,” remarked Apple Bloom “rocks just don’t move on their own accord.”
They men climbed down from the ledge. “Found anythin’,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Based on the evidence,” a workman said, “we believe that over 22 years, the ledge started to wither away from old age.”
Rusty remembered back to all those years ago, when the boulder went on it’s rampage destroying the newly opened quarry.
“I wounder what happened to that Thumper,” Apple Bloom asked.
“Oh, he’s still around,” Rusty replied, “When I sometimes take passenger trains, I’ve seen him chugging around along the road to various quarries. He’s quite a funny guy very chill and cool, though he does have a serious regret at what happened during his first job.”
“I can only imagine that would be so”, Apple Bloom scoffed.
The next morning, Harold was brought into the hills to move the boulder, it was fastened to a strong cord which was attached to Harold.
“All right Harold,” cried a workman, “ready for take-off.”
“Roger that,” Harold called out, “tally-ho.” Boulder took off into the sky. As Harold flew in the air carrying Boulder, everyone on the ground looked up to see the massive boulder, and hoped the cord was strong enough.
“You have got to be joking,” Duncan exclaimed as he looked up to see Boulder.
“When my driver said, ‘Boulder was high’ I thought he meant to city Colorado,” Sir Handel complained, “not that.”
The journey went fairly well, until Harold reached Crovan’s Gate. “Oh no,” he cried, “the cord’s slipping.”
“Crap,” cried her pilot, “we’ll try and find somewhere to land.”
Harold started to descend, and that’s when it happened. Boulder slipped from the cord and land on the rails with a thud.
“Oh no,” Rusty gasped.
“Would you look at that,” called a workman, clearly never heard of the boulder, “that is one big-ass boulder.”
“Get away from that!” shouted another workman, the ground started to shake as Boulder started to slowly and picking up speed, roll down the track.
A workman watched as the boulder thundered away. “Oh fu…”
Down the line, Gordon, Rainbow Dash and Rebecca where at Kellsthorpe station for their passengers. When they suddenly heard rumbling along the line.
“Good lord,” Gordon stated, “what’s that?”
“Hmm, sounds like landslide,” Rebecca guessed.
“But why would there be a landside on the mainline?” Rainbow asked, “there aren’t any backs near here.”
“Oh my god!” Gordon shouted, “Look out!” as Boulder thunder passed them. Boulder was too big and crashed though and destroyed the bridge behind the station.
“Tell them to clear the line,” Gordon’s driver yelled, as Boulder smashed down a signal box standing above the railway.
“Well that was rude,” replied the signal man. Boulder roared under Neville’s bridge; Douglas was sitting in a siding as Boulder rolled in.
“Holy shi…” Douglas cried as Boulder crushed a line of coal trucks and thundered on.
Meanwhile the Fat Controller had a nice lunch at a BBQ Rib joint and was walking in the street holding his stomach.
“Oof, that was a thick prime rib,” He said as he licked his lips, “I won’t be able to use the toilet for weeks.” He felt some rumbling down below, “Oh damn I can feel that gas churning.”
“Oh Jesus,” yelled a man, “That thing’s rolling straight towards us!”
“What?!” cried Sir Topham Hatt, “OH!”
Boulder crashed through some walls before coming to a stop after smashing against a big rock.
“whew, that was close,” sighed The Fat Controller, “but god damnit how many times does my family have to deal with this wretched ball.”
“Evacuate the town centre!” cried the man’s wife, “we don’t know what will happen next!”
“See that,” said the wife, “the rock’s cracked, it won’t hold the weight of the boulder for much longer.”
“Destroy it then,” said the Fat Controller, “blow it up.”
“Well whatever happens we can’t destroy it here,” stated the husband, “we’d risk setting the town on fire. We should at least try and move it away from here.”
“I already tried moving it with a helicopter and it failed miserably,” Sir Topham Hatt complained.
“Perhaps you could have something push it,” the husband stated, “like I don’t know a tractor with a plow.”
“A tractor wouldn’t be strong enough,” the Fat Controller pouted, “hmm, but there is this very strong machine close by that could help, in fact he’s had an experience with this Boulder before.”
The Fat Controller gave the machine’s driver a call and told him that he was needed. A few minutes later the machine rolled in reliving to be Thumper.
“Yo man what’s up,” called Thumper as he rolled in.
“Well as you can I’m not…” Sir Topham Hatt never finished his sentence, as thumper spoke again.
“I was talking to the Boulder not you dude,” he remarked, “I remember when I accidentally set this thing free. That was not cool at all. But I’ll set you straight this time man.”
“All right,” The Fat Controller said as thumper got ready, “ready, push!”
“Come on man, get moving dude,” thumper groaned as he try to move the boulder. His engine whirred, and his treads ached. “Almost got it,” he groaned again, “Oh crap, I’m losing it!” he cried as the boulder slipped and rolled away.
“NO!” boomed the Fat Controller, as boulder smashed through so fences, crashed through a wall and landed on the rails again. “Damn”.
Meanwhile Percy and Pinkie were sitting on the viaduct as workmen were giving it a routine check then they heard a familiar sound.
“What is that Percy-Wercy,” asked Pinkie, she couldn’t see due to Percy being in front of her.
“Oh crap,” Percy replied as her started puffing backwards, “get out of here!” Percy and Pinkie where running away from the Boulder rolling along the track as they raced through Maron station. “HELP!” they screamed. Luckily for Percy and Pinkie just before Maron was Gordon’s hill. Pinkie and Percy where able to go up it but not the boulder.
“It’s coming back!” yelled the station master, and it did but it went off the rails again. Harold fell over-heard.
As he fell over Boulder, he then dropped a bomb. “I’ve got you now, you son of a…” his insult was cut off as the bomb exploded.
The Magnificent boulder was no more. The Fat Controller came to inspect what was left of it. “So, this is how the story ends for you,” he commented, “22 years later.”
“What a shame,” said Twilight feeling sorry for the boulder, “though this thing stood alone peacefully for thousands of years but we had to come and disturb it, and now it’s gone. I wish we could have Preserved it.”
“There are times when harsh decisions like this must be made,” stated the Fat Controller, “Regardless, of how innocent this thing was, it put many lives in danger and there was no other way.”
“I think we need to preserve the pieces that are left,” the Thin Controller added, “they can go in the museum. It’ll be a good reminder to how we shouldn’t interfere with nature.”
The remains of the boulder were put in a truck and then were taken away bound for the museum. Rusty and Apple Bloom were quite sad when he heard had happened but relieved at the same time.
“I can’t help but feel sorry,” he commented, “It always felt like this thing was a living, breathing creature. We came in and disturb it’s peace regardless I hope it’s spirit doesn’t come back to haunt us.”
“Ah highly doubt that,” Apple Bloom assured her friend, “I think it’s safe to say that the boulder is dead now.”
“I say good riddance,” scoffed Duke, “I can’t believe people were trying preserve that thing. It’s a weapon I tell you.”
“I really hope that something like thing never happens again,” pouted Rusty, “because of our actions, an important part of Sodor’s history had to be destroyed.”
That evening, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Rusty inspected the old abandoned line one last time. They gazed up at where the boulder once stood, proud and silent for 22 years. Even thought the boulder was no longer there, Rusty and the CMC could feel that his spirit was still gazing out into the starry night. I wonder if Rusty and the CMC where right, don’t you?
The Equestrian's First Halloween (6 Days before Halloween)
It was full steam ahead on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were running on time. They wanted to finish their work quickly, because soon was Halloween. The engines love seeing the children in their Halloween costumes. And the engines love to hear tales of ghostly engines and scary steam trains. Thomas and Percy where telling Twilight and Rarity about Halloween.
“So, you don’t have Halloween back in Equestria,” stated Thomas.
“No,” Rarity responded, “but we do have something similar, we call it Nightmare Night, in celebration of the defeat of Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna when she was corrupted by the darkness.”
“What do the children in Equestria say when they knock on ponies doors?” asked Percy.
“They say ‘Nightmare Night, what a fright, give me something sweet to bite’,” answered Twilight.
“Ha, ha,” laughed Thomas, “the children here say, ‘Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something sweet to eat.”
“Ha, Ha, Ha,” Twilight and Rarity laughed. Just then, Sir Topham Hatt came to the yard.
“Twilight and Rarity, you must go to the smelter's yards,” he said, “an important delivery of iron must be collected right away.”
“Yes sir,” they puffed. Percy thought the smelter's yard was spooky. He was worried about his friends.
“Look out for ghosts,” He whistled nervously, “It is Halloween.”
“There's no such things as ghosts,” Twilight said cheerfully.
“It's just silly make-believe Darling,” Rarity added. And they steamed off to the smelter's yard. The sun was setting, and it was getting dark.
“Imagine being scared of Halloween,” puffed Rarity.
“Or the smelter's yard,” Twilight chuckled happily.
“Pah,” added Rarity. The two friends enjoyed feeling brave.
But when they got to the smelter's yard, it was very spooky.
“Oh, my,” whispered Rarity.
“Oh dear,” hissed Twilight.
They puffed slowly through the piles of jagged steel and twisted scrap. The air grew hotter and the smoke grew thicker. 'Arry and Bert were lurking nearby. The two diesels saw a chance to scare a couple of steamies. When Rarity and Twilight rolled by, they moaned and groaned. It sounded spooky.
“What was that?” snapped Rarity, “you said there was no such thing as ghosts.”
“Silly make-believe you said,” gasped Twilight. Suddenly, some freight trucks began to shudder and shake.
“Cinders and Ashes!” cried Twilight.
“Help!” wailed Rarity, “It's a ghost! Let's get away from here!”
They didn't know 'Arry and Bert had been bumping the flatbed's buffers. The two naughty diesels were having great fun. Rarity and Twilight pulled up to the smelting shed. They gasped at the ghostly shadows and fizzing sparks. Their wheels felt as if they were frozen. But they had to go inside.
“I hope the ghost hasn't gone in there,” quaked Twilight.
“Me too,” quivered Rarity. And they both rolled slowly into the smelting shed. Inside, chains clanked, and strange shadows danced across the walls.
“Must be brave, must be brave,” Twilight puffed. But it was spooky.
Rarity was turning around ready to shunt some trucks. Suddenly, a great whoosh of sparks lit up the shed.
“Sweet Celestia!” Cried Rarity. She was so scared; she didn't notice the huge white tarp. It fell covering her from funnel to footplate.
“The ghost! It's got me!” She steamed away as fast as her pistons could pump. Twilight thought Rarity was the ghost and she raced out of the smelting shed.
“Cinders and Ashes!” she cried, “the ghost is after me!”
'Arry and Bert thought Rarity was the ghost too and they raced away. Twilight was right behind them. And Rarity was right behind Twilight. Twilight, ‘Arry and Bert raced backwards through the misty night, as Rarity chased after them.
“Twilight!” cried Rarity, “Help me, the ghost’s got me!”
“Stay back!” Twilight yelled. 'Arry, Bert, Rarity and Twilight raced towards Tidmouth Sheds.
Tidmouth Sheds was quiet and peaceful. All the engines were fast asleep. Until Twilight's whistle soon woke them up.
“It’s Twilight,” cried Emily.
“Something must be wrong,” added Nia.
Suddenly, the Steam Team saw Twilight, 'Arry and Bert racing into the yards.
“STOP!” Thomas shouted. ‘Arry and Bert managed to stop in time before hitting the buffers, but not Twilight, she couldn't stop in time and crashed into the buffers causing her to derail.
“Ow,” Twilight commented, “The ghost is after us!”
Percy was scared. But just then, Rarity raced under a signal and the tarp flew off.
“That’s no ghost,” stated Gordon crossly.
“No, that’s Rarity,” Rebecca remarked.
The engines didn't feel scared anymore, but they did feel foolish. Sir Topham Hatt arrived wearing his pyjamas.
“What is all this fuss and bother?!” he boomed, “It has caused confusion and delay!”
“But sir,” cried Twilight,” the flatbeds were rattling.”
“And we heard moaning,” said Rarity.
“And groaning,” added Twilight.
Sir Topham Hatt looked at 'Arry and Bert. “Do you know anything about this?” he asked sternly.
“It was us sir,” Bert mumbled.
“For your punishment, you’ll go get the Brake down Train, get Twilight back on the rails and then go back to the smelter’s and collect the iron at once,” said the Fat Controller.
“Yes sir,” said 'Arry and Bert and they rumbled away. Whenever Twilight and Rarity went back to the smelter's yard. They knew there was nothing to be scared of. After all, there was no such thing as ghosts. It was all silly make-believe.
"It's all your fault."
Sonata's Ghostly Tale (5 Days Before Halloween
“And every year on the date of the accident it runs again, as a warning to others. Plunging into the gap, shrieking like a lost soul.”
“Sonata, what are you talking about?” Aria asked annoyed.
“The Ghost Train,” Sonata replied, “driver saw it last night.”
“Where?” asked Adagio and Aria.
“He didn’t say,” responded Sonata, “Oooh. It makes my wheels wobble to think of it.”
“huh!” said Aria, “You’re just a silly little engine. I’m not scared.”
“Aria didn’t believe in your ghost,” said Sonata next morning. Her Driver laughed.
“Neither do I,” her Driver replied, “It was a pretend ghost on television.” Sonata was disappointed. That evening, she came back from the Harbour. Sonata knew where she was, even in the dark.
“Crowe’s Farm Crossing,” she thought, “we shan’t be long now.”
She liked running at night. The rails hummed, and the signal lights shone green. But a broken cart load of lime lay ahead. Sam the farmer had just gone for help in Terrence the Tractor. Sonata didn’t see the cart until it was too late. She broke the cart to smithereens. Lime flew everywhere. She puffed quickly to the nearest signal box, where Adagio was waiting to go back to the Ffarquhar sheds. She was startled by Sonata.
“Ah!” Adagio screamed before realizing it was Sonata, “Oh Sonata you scared me.”
“Sorry Dagi,” Sonata responded sweetly.
Sonata’s Driver explained what had happened.
“I’ll see to it,” said the signalman, “but you’d better clean Sonata, or people will think she’s a ghost.”
Sonata chuckled; “Do let’s pretend I’m a ghost and scare Aria. That’ll teach her to say I’m a silly little engine.”
“Are you sure you want to scare Aria?” Adagio asked.
“Yeah,” Sonata replied.
“Ok good,” Adagio stated, she promised to help. Soon Adagio was puffing through the misty night to the Ffarquhar shed where she knew Aria was there.
Aria was being oiled for her night train as Adagio steamed in the sheds.
“Sonata’s had an accident,” cried Adagio.
“Poor engine,” said Aria, “Botheration! That means I’ll be late.”
“They’ve cleared the line for you, but there’s something worse…”
“Out with it, Adagio,” Aria said impatiently, “I can’t wait all evening.”
“… I’ve just seen something,” said Adagio, “It looked like Sonata’s ghost. It said it was-was coming here t-t-to warn us.”
“Huh!” scoffed Aria Don’t be frightened, Adagio. I’ll take care of you.”
Meanwhile Sonata was puffing to the sheds. The Mist was thick, trucks sat in the sidings and the cranes towered of the mist like dinosaurs. Sonata soon came to the front entrance of the middle shed.
“Peeeeep! peeeeeeeeeeeep! pip! pip! pip! Peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! Let me in! Let me in!” wailed Sonata.
“No, no! Not by the smoke of my chimney, chim, chim!” cried Adagio, she looked over to Aria, she could see Sonata’s trick was working because Aria was shaking in fear.
“I’ll chuff and I’ll puff, and I’ll break your door in!” The door slowly creaked open Revealing Sonata with the lime still covering her. That was it for Aria.
“Oh dear!” she exclaimed, “It’s getting late… Oh! I’d no idea… Oh! I must find my coaches.”
It was morning when Aria returned to Tidmouth Station.
“Where have you been?” Adagio chuckled.
“Ah, well,” said Aria, “I knew you’d be sad about Sonata, and I – uh – I didn’t like to intrude. I slept in the Goods Shed, and…”
Just then a ghostly whistle screamed through the fading mist.
“Oh! Sorry… can’t stop… got to see a coach about a train.” And she puffed away, trying to understand what she just said because even the narrator didn't know what she meant.
Sonata was none the worse for her adventure and was still enjoying herself enormously. She had heard everything.
“Well! Well! Well!” she smirked, “what do you know about that?”
“Anyone would think,” chuckled Adagio, “That our Aria had just seen a ghost.”
"You've done this to me."
Flutter Flour Power (4 Days Before Halloween)
It was the 4th night before Halloween night on the Island of Sodor. The moon shone brightly, and the stars twinkled in the night sky. While the children slept, all the engines were kept very busy. Fluttershy was alone at Ponyville Sheds when Sir Topham Hatt arrived.
“You are to collect flour from the mill and take it to the bakery,” he boomed. “You are to work with a new diesel who had just arrived. The island needs its morning bread, and Lady Hatt and I need our crumpets. So, please show her the way to the flour mill, she’s waiting at Tidmouth Station.”
“Yes sir,” said Fluttershy and she puffed away. When Fluttershy arrived at the station, she could see the new diesel anywhere. “I hope she’s friendly”.
I’m sorry to say she wasn’t. The diesel was hiding behind some trucks. She rolled up behind Fluttershy and went...
“BOO!”
Fluttershy screamed until her voice hurt. She looked at the new diesel and was horrified to see who it was. The diesel was a brown British Rail Class 35, with yellow, square front buffers. And she had a name plate with said…
“Gilda!” Fluttershy gasped.
“Missed me Squirt?” Gilda said, “Trust the little timid steamie to be scared on Halloween!”
“I'm not a scared engine!” Fluttershy said firmly, “I’ve gotten braver the last time we met. How did you even get here.”
“That for me to know, and you to not,” Gilda huffed, “so we’re suppose to get flour or something.”
The two engines headed to the flour mill. Gilda thought that teasing Fluttershy would be great fun. When they arrived at the woods, Gilda cried, “It's the haunted forest!” And she called out, “Whooooooooo! Fluttershy!” In a spooky voice.
“Please stop that.” Fluttershy said crossly, but secretly she was pretty scared as the breeze blew and branches creak. Gilda's teasing made it seem spooky indeed. Then they came to the abandoned mine. The buildings were deserted, but they could hear a banging noise.
“What was that?” Fluttershy shook.
“Sounds like the ghost looking for a steamie to scare!” Gilda wailed.
“Well, I'm not scared!” said Fluttershy. But she wished she were as brave as she sounded. Fluttershy and Gilda had to stop at a red signal. It was next to a twisty old tree. The wind whistled, and Fluttershy heard a strange cry. Suddenly, Fluttershy felt something touch her roof.
“Look out!” cried Gilda, “The ghost engine is after your funnel!”
“Sweet Celestia!” Gasped Fluttershy. And she let out a frightening peep.
“Scaredy engine, scaredy engine!” Gilda teased. Fluttershy very cross with Gilda. She wanted to pay her back for all her teasing.
Fluttershy and Gilda arrived at the flour mill. Fluttershy rolled up to collect the flour. Then she had an idea.
“We'll see who's a scaredy engine,” she puffed. Fluttershy biffed the trucks out of the way and rolled up under the chute herself. When Fluttershy puffed out the other side, she was covered from dome to funnel in pure white flour.
“Ooooooooh!” she moaned spookily.
“It's a ghost engine!” cried Gilda, “and it’s come to get me.”
“Stop,” cried Fluttershy, “it’s only me.”
But Gilda was nowhere to be seen. After Gilda had gone, the mill seemed very quiet. But there was still work to do.
“The island needs its bread,” thought Fluttershy, “and Sir Topham Hatt needs his crumpets.”
Fluttershy shunted all the trucks into one long line, and she set off for the bakery all alone. As Fluttershy arrived at the twisty tree, she wish she could go faster. But it was a very long train, and she had to go slowly. Because she was going so slowly, Fluttershy could see that the tree wasn't spooky at all.
“It was just a tree,” she gasped, “And the strange cry was an owl. How did I not know that before?”
Fluttershy was relieved. Fluttershy chugged towards the abandoned mines, she could still hear the spooky banging. She looked to her left, and then to her right, and she saw what was making the noise.
“It's just an old door,” she gasped, “The wind is making it crash.”
Finally, Fluttershy reached the old woods. The breeze still blew, and the branches creaked. Fluttershy took a big brave puff. But without Gilda's teasing, Fluttershy could see the haunted forest was actually Henry's favourite forest.
“It’s not scary at all,” she gasped. Fluttershy arrived at the bakery. She was tired, but happy.
“I-It’s the ghost engine sir,” cried Gilda, “And it’s come to get me!”
“It's not a ghost engine!” boomed The Hat Controller, “that’s Fluttershy, she a really useful engine.”
Gilda felt silly. “Fluttershy, you have done a splendid job,” he said, “you deserve an extra special washdown.”
“Thank you, sir!” Puffed Fluttershy proudly. And while Sir Topham Hatt waited for the first batch of crumpets, Fluttershy looked forward to telling her friends her Gilda Halloween story.
"I was the Pride of the LNER".
Scoots Gets The Spooks (3 Days Before Halloween)
The little engines were busy clearing their railroad of leaves and broken branches. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom often work together. One day, Apple Bloom Helped Sweetie Belle to a water-tower. And once there, whistled goodbye. Sweetie Belle felt much better after his long drink, but the truck were bored.
“Let's break away!” they cried, their loads were heavy and the coupling's old. One snapped. “Faster, faster!” Shouted the trucks as they flew down the tracks. A sign read: Slow Steep Bends and Ravine Ahead. But the silly trucks never saw it. Then, it was too late. All the trucks fell off the bridge and into the ravine.
Sweetie Belle arrived at the scene of the disaster. Her driver sighed. “This was our fault. We didn't secure them properly. We'll have to get help to pull them out.”
“The Fat Controller will be very annoyed,” said Sweetie Belle, and she was right.
“You will shunt trucks in the yards until I can trust you again,” he said sternly.
Scootaloo felt sorry but was also delighted with Sweetie's dilemma.
“Fancy not securing your trucks on a hill,” teased Scootaloo, “They'll come back to spook you. Whoooo!”
“And who's to say you're not afraid of ghosts!” snapped Apple Bloom.
“Pah, ghosts!?” laughed Scootaloo, “things that go bump in the night, Rubbish!”
“Well I'll tell you a story that will make your funnel quiver,” Apple Bloom said. And this was the story she told.
A long time ago, a little engine was returning home. It was a misty moonlight night. As the engine cross the old iron bridge, he suddenly lost control and plunged over the side into the swamps below. He was never found again. But many of workmen will tell you that when the moon is full, they had seen the little engine trying to get home. But he never reached the other side.
“So, what did you think of that, Scoots?”
“Pah, nonsense!” replied Scootaloo and she puffed away.
“Never mind him, Sweetie,” assured Apple Bloom, “she'd be frightened if she really saw a ghost.”
This gave Sweetie Belle's driver an idea.
“Let's play a trick on Scootaloo.”
The next day he spoke to Scootaloo's driver and fireman who agreed.
“We'll do it, tonight,” they said.
Scootaloo had to take coal trucks to the slate mine and then bring slate trucks back. Scootaloo's driver decided as part of a plan to cross the old iron bridge.
“Haunted bridge, pah!” snorted Scootaloo, “It's as tame as a pet rabbit.”
But all the same, she kept thinking about Scootaloo's story. When dusk fell, she was keen to leave.
“If we don't go now, Skarloey will take my favourite place in the shed,” she complained.
“We can't go back until we've collected all the trucks,” Her driver replied. He could see the plan was working because Scootaloo was nervous.
When night fell, they set off. The moon was full, and the mists were rising around the old iron bridge. Scootaloo whistled and the sound echoed everywhere. Then, ahead as she was halfway across the bridge, she saw flickering lights. Her driver knew they were only little insects that shine brightly at night, but to Scootaloo they look like an engine. Next, her driver secretly threw a rock from the cab into the ravine below.
“It's the ghost!” she screamed, “Take me back! Take me back, please!”
When Scootaloo reached the safety of her shed, she closed her eyes tightly.
“Spooked are you, Scoots?” laughed her driver.
“No!” wailed Scootaloo, “I’m asleep.”
And refused to open her eyes. She did though when she thought her driver wasn't looking just to make sure that she was still there.
Haunted Sunset (2 Days Before Halloween)
It was a moonlit night. Sunset was taking a goods train to the station by the lake. When an owl hooted in the trees ahead.
“Whenever that owl hoots, a mist rolls in,” murmured Shining Armour, “I’ve heard of a legend that when the mists about. There's a ghost about, too. Take care on the old line, Sunset.”
“Stupid bird,” said Sunset as she set off into the night, “owls, mists, ghosts. Shining just trying to scare me! There's no mist!”
But Sunset was wrong. As she pulled through the mist, she saw something. “what’s that?” she cried.
“It's an amber lamp,” murmured her driver, “that means proceed with caution. Who's there?”
No one replied. Sunset crept slowly forward. She stopped by a tree. It had a sign nailed to it: ‘Beware of the viaduct.’ The driver was surprised.
“No one warned us about that before,” said her driver, “and look, the signal's red, and the gates are closed... a-a-a-and there's a fogman's coat! But where is its owner?”
Then, they saw a light moved it with the station building.
“G-G-G-G-Ghost!” explained Sunset, “Shining Armour was right.”
“Something very strange is happening, said her driver, “I think it's best we go back.”
“So do I,” agreed Sunset. By morning, the misted cleared. A workman was talking about the unsafe viaduct.
“Lucky you didn't cross last night,” said the workman.
“Yes, but we don't know who warned us,” said the driver.
Later that day, Sunset was down at the docks, tell Celestia, Luna and Cadence what happened last night.
“Oh my,” Celestia responded, “are you ok Sunset?”
“Yeah,” she replied, “just a little shaking up.”
“I hear ya girl,” said Sunset’s Driver, “The viaduct is been repaired. We can take our train back along the old line, tonight.”
Sunset really didn't want to as she set off leaving Celestia, Luna and Cadence worried for her. But when night fall came, she was sizzling nicely. Suddenly, an owl hooted, and then Gordon thundered by.
“Oh, look, Henry spooked,” said a truck and the others laughed.
“Be quiet,” snapped Sunset, “I’m not scared.” But she was.
A little later, the fog came down. As they approach the same area, they saw the amber light again.
“Here we go,” said Sunset's driver. Then, unbeknownst to Sunset, the gates mysteriously closed by themselves, and the signal went red. The trucks seen everything, and they were spooked too.
“Faster, faster,” they shouted, “there a ghost about.”
“Stop, stop,” yelled Sunset.
A mysterious figure watched Sunset go by. Ahead was a landslide blocking the line. Sunset braked hard, but the trucks hit some of the rubble, and plunged into the ravine. The sound of trucks smashing on the bottom of the ravine echoed everywhere. Just then, Sunset's driver saw a strange sight coming towards them.
“What’s that?” asked the Driver, the fireman laughed.
“That’s our ghost,” he chuckled, “it’s Old Bailey, the fogman.”
Old Bailey was very cross.
“I tried to warn you, but the viaduct,” he said, “why didn't you pay attention?”
“We're sorry we ignored your warning,” replied the driver, “Is there anything we can do to thank you?”
“Right, I'd like to operate that old station. If you let me,” Old Bailey requested, “I promise, I won't spook Sunset again.”
“And in a little while, Old Bailey's wish was granted. “You and your station will be really useful,” said Sir Topham Hatt, “let's hear our hardy thank you to the friendliest... uh... ghost on the island.”
Everyone cheered. Especially Sunset who was the happiest of all.
"You will know my name."
Bad Day For The Princess Sisters (1 Day Before Halloween)
It was a beautiful day on the Island of Sodor. Celestia and Luna are sisters. They enjoy working on the Fat Controller's railway. But sometimes, they longed for Equestria, their old home. One day, they along with Cadence were talking with Sunset. She was telling them something that happened to her last night. Before her driver told her that they could take the old line again. The grew worried for her. Just as Sunset left, the Fat Controller show up.
“Lord Callan's castle is finally reopening,” he said, “there is to be a grand Halloween celebration tomorrow. I need you to take the banners, buntings, bagpipes and Halloween decorations to the castle. Cadence, you must help load up the trucks for them straight away.
“Yes sir,” chuffed Cadence, the sisters were excited. Going to Lord Callan's castle would be like going home again. Soon, Cadence had finished helping the workmen loading the trucks.
“Where are you going?” Fluttershy asked.
“Lord Callan's castle,” Luna proudly announced.
“By castle Loch,” Cadence chimed in.
“I'm glad I'm not going to Castle Loch,” wheeshed Fluttershy nervously.
“Scared the monster might get ya,” Luna joked.
“It might,” said Cadence.
“There’s no monster you two,” Celestia spoke up.
“There is too,” snapped Luna.
“There is not,” argued Celestia.
“Is too.”
“Is not.”
“Is too.”
The two sisters stop arguing as they started to puff down the line. Lord Callan's castle is in Misty Valley. Donald and Douglas were determined to get the important goods to the castle in time. They puffed proudly along the loch towards their destination.
“There it is Lulu!” cried Celestia.
“we’re almost there, Tia,” Shouted Luna. But there was trouble ahead, trees had fallen across the line. Celestia and Luna stopped just in time. Then, suddenly, there was a loud crash. The break van had been hit by the landslide and come off the rails. They were stuck.
“We could take the causeway,” said Celestia's Driver. Luna's Driver knew the causeway was old and rickety.
“It's too dangerous,” he said, “that and if we could how would we get on that track as we are blocked both ways.” The sisters were worried.
“We'll never get to the castle now,” huffed Celestia.
“I'll call for help,” Celestia’s driver sighed.
“Splendid outfit sir,” said the tailor.
Sir Topham Hatt was trying on his Halloween costume from Lord Callan when he heard the news.
“Celestia and Luna trapped by the loch?” he said, “I'll send help as soon as I can.”
But the hours passed. It grew dark and cold and still no help had come. Suddenly, the sisters spotted something strange through the mist. It had a long neck and looked like a monster.
“What's that!?” called Celestia.
“Is it the monster!?” cried Luna tensely.
“I think it is!” answered Celestia.
“It's not a monster, it's us.” It was Cadence and the breakdown crane. Celestia and Luna were relieved. By morning, the lines were cleared. Celestia and Luna hurried off to the castle. Lord Callan's workers were waiting to unload the trucks. Soon, the castle was decorated. The grand Halloween party would soon be on its way. Lord Callan was pleased.
“A beautiful pair of engines you have Topham,” commented Lord Callan, this made Celestia and Luna blush.
“And very useful,” added the Fat Controller.
“Oh yes,” agreed the sisters.
“Right I better get ready,” said Luna.
“What for?” Celestia asked.
“Tonight the Steam Team and the Elements are going to be tell spooky stories,” she replied, “And I’m going as Nightmare Moon.” And with that, Luna puffed off to the Steamworks to be repainted.
"I with haunt this railway."
The Brave, The Bold And The Scared (Halloween Night)
The engines on the Island of Sodor have been looking forward to Halloween. They love Sir Topham Hatt's fireworks and the children dressing up as wizards and witches. They also love telling spooky stories. Edward was just finishing one of his stories. His stories seemed to get the other engines scared.
"They say that on Halloween, the ghost engine returns to the smelters looking for his lost, Whoo, whoo whistle!" his finished by blowing his own whistle.
"Ooh, aah, spooky!" The engines said all shivering a little. Later, Sir Topham Hatt arrived.
"Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, I have a special job for you," he told them, "you are to collect some scrap from the smelters yard tonight."
"On Halloween!?" Pinkie cried.
"Don't worry," he assured them, "you'll be back in time for the fireworks."
"Percy isn't worried about missing the fireworks," teased Rainbow, "She's a scaredy engine."
"I am not!" Called Pinkie. But she was, a little. At the smelters, all Pinkie could think about was Edward's ghost engine. Rainbow knew Pinkie was scared. So she teased her even more.
"What's that up there?" Rainbow squeaked, "Is it a spook?"
"It's just a piece of twisted scrap," Pinkie said nervously, "isn't it."
Rainbow was having fun. She kept on teasing Pinkie.
"Careful, the ghost engine doesn't get you," said Rainbow.
"There's no such thing as ghosts!" snapped Pinkie.
Applejack felt sorry for Pinkie. "Nobody's brave all the time," she said.
"But I'm not a scaredy engine," Pinkie inisisted.
The job was nearly complete. "Well done," The yard manager said, "Now I'll need one engine to finish up."
Applejack wanted to pay Rainbow back for all her teasing.
"Please sir," she said, "I'm sure Rainbow wouldn't mind stay."
"Of course not," Rainbow boasted, "I'm not a scaredy engine."
So Applejack and Pinkie left. When Rainbow was by herself, every sound and every shadow was spooky. She was beginning to feel very scared.
"There's no such thing as ghosts," she assured herself, then she thought she heard something, "Who's there?" Rainbow was so busy looking for ghosts, she didn't watch where she was going. she backed into a sheds with chains hanging from the roof. The chains felt like ghost fingers.
"Something's got me". Rainbow wheeshed and set off an old steam whistle. The whistle blow and echoed everywhere. "The ghost whistle!" shouted Rainbow and she raced away as fast as her wheels could carry her.
"The ghost engine is after me!" she screamed as she raced across the bridge. Her voice echoed around the bridge and into the night air.
meanwhile at Callan Station, Applejack and Pinkie were talking while they waited for Rainbow. "It was naughty of Rainbow to tease you Pinkie," said Applejack.
"She was only playing," said Pinkie, "I hope she hurries up. I wouldn't want her to be late for the fireworks."
Suddenly Rainbow shot passed them in a dash of colours screaming, "HE'S AFTER ME!" and disappearing around the corner.
"Ah don't think she'll be late," joked Applejack. Applejack and Pinkie joined the other engines for the fireworks.
"Where's Rainbow?" Pinkie asked, "she'll miss all the fun."
"It would serve her right after all her teasing," said Applejack. But Pinkie was worried. She went to look for her friend. She found Rainbow all alone in Tidmouth sheds.
"Are you all right, Thomas?" she asked.
"Yes. I'm sorry I teased you, Pinkie," Thomas said, "Duck was right. We all feel scared sometimes."
"And we all have to say sorry sometimes," said her friend, "So come on, Dashie, we can watch the fireworks just as well from here."
And she was right. Meanwhile in the shadows, behind Tidmouth sheds lurked an apple green B12, he sneered at Rainbow and Pinkie, he started to move backwards before fading away. but not before saying in a sinister voice with venom dripping from his words.
"And I with get my REVENGE! Soon I with get my revenge."
It was the end of a busy day. The engines have been working hard. They were feeling pleased and proud with themselves, except Applejack. She was feeling ill. She had been feeling when she got to Sodor, she didn’t know what was wrong with her, but she didn’t feel as strong as she used to.
“What's the matter with you, AJ?” Sonata asked.
“My barler's grumbling,” Applejack groaned.
“Maybe it's grumbling at you,” teased Sonata.
“That there's aren't funny,” hissed Applejack, “ya just don’t care.”
But Rarity saw that Applejack was leaving a puddle of water behind. She was worried. The next morning, Sir Topham Hatt arrived at Ponyville Sheds.
“Pinkie Pie, Sonata and Applejack, I want you to collect some trucks and take them to the docks,” he told them.
“Yes sir!” cried Sonata and Pinkie. Applejack watched the engines puff away. She didn't feel well.
“Useful engines don't complayn,” Applejack muttered. She was leaving water everywhere as she chuffed towards the coaling plant. When Rarity saw this, she was more worried than ever. Then, Sonata and Pinkie overtook Applejack.
“Hurry up, AJ!” Pinkie tooted.
“Ay can’t go any fastuurr,” Applejack chuffed miserably.
“You're just being lazy,” teased Sonata. By the time Pinkie and Sonata reached the coaling plant, they had a naughty plan.
“Please sir,” said Pinkie, “Applejack wants to take more trucks.”
“She is bigger,” Added Sonata. The yard manager agreed. Meanwhile, Rarity found the Fat Controller at the docks.
“I'm worried about Applejack sir,” she said.
“What’s wrong at her?” ask the Fat Controller.
“I don’t know sir,” Rarity responded, “she’s leaving a trail of water wherever she goes.”
“Hmm, perhaps her tubes are leaking,” replied the Fat Controller, “You better check.”
By the time Applejack reached the coaling plant, Pinkie and Sonata had already left.
“Why did Pinkie and Sonata leave me so many trucks?” moaned Applejack, “they know ay'm nahwt a-feelin' whel.”
“We'll still have to take them,” Said her driver. Applejack chuffed and puffed and pulled her long line of trucks.
“You can do it, girl,” encouraged her driver as the puffed along the countryside. But it was no use. Applejack ground to a halt. Just then, Rarity arrived.
“Are you all right, darling?” Rarity asked concerned.
“Naw,” moaned Applejack, “I’m stuck.”
Applejack's fireman uncoupled the trucks. Rarity changed tracks and then hooked up to Applejack.
“Oh, thank you, Sugarcube,” wheezed Applejack. Rarity pulled Applejack all the way the docks.
“Well done, Rarity,” said the Fat Controller.
“Thank you, sir,” said Rarity.
Then he spoke to Applejack. “You were brave Applejack. You aren't well, but you still tried to pull the heavy trucks.”
Pinkie and Sonata felt ashamed.
“We’re sorry Applejack,” said Pinkie.
“We didn't think you were really sick,” added Sonata.
“Go back and collect Applejack’s trucks at once,” Said the Fat Controller sternly.
“Yes sir,” whispered Pinkie. In about two days, Applejack was mended and back at work.
“You're looking so much better, darling,” commented Rarity.
“Whel they mended my tubes,” Applejack complained, “but they didn't even look at ma brakes, ma gauges, ma squeaky wheels.”
“All in good time,” Rarity laughed.
Poor Applejack.
One morning, Applejack was feeling very sorry for herself. She had not long ago hard her tubes mended. But sometimes her could pull trains, and sometimes, she felt she had no strength at all.
“Ay suffuurr dreadfully, ayn' naw one cares,” she remarked.
“Rubbish, AJ!” snorted Aria, “you don’t work hard enough.”
The Fat Controller spoke to her, too. “You’re too expensive, Applejack. You had your tubes mended and new paint, too, but they’ve done you no good. If we can’t make you better, we must get another engine instead of you and send you back to Equestria.”
This made Applejack, her driver, and her fireman very sad. The Fat Controller was waiting when Applejack came to the platform of Knapford Station. He had taken off his hat and coat and put on overalls. Applejack managed to start, but her fireman was not satisfied.
“AJ is a bad steamer,” he said to the Fat Controller, “I build up his fire, but it doesn’t give enough heat.”
Applejack tried very hard, but it was no good. She didn’t have enough steam and came to a stop outside Edward’s station where Adagio was waiting.
“Oh dear,” thought Applejack, “Ay shall have ta go away. Oh, dear! oh, dear!”
All she could do was to go slowly onto a siding, and Adagio took charge of the train. The Fat Controller and fireman went on discussing Applejack’s troubles.
“What do you think is wrong, fireman?” asked the Fat Controller.
“Excuse me, sir,” he answered, “but the fact is the coal is wrong. We’ve had a poor lot lately, and today it’s worse. The other engines can manage; they have big fireboxes. AJ’s is small and can’t make the heat. With Welsh coal, she’d be a different engine.”
“It’s expensive,” said the Fat Controller, “but Applejack must have a fair chance. James shall go and fetch some.”
When the Welsh coal came, Applejack’s driver and fireman were excited.
“Now we’ll show them, AJ, old gal!” they carefully made her fire, putting large lumps of coal like a wall round the outside. Then the glowing middle part was covered with smaller lumps.
“You’re sparling my fere,” complained Applejack.
“Wait and see,” said the fireman, “we’ll have a roaring fire, just when we want it.”
The fireman was right. When Applejack reached the platform, the water was boiling nicely, and she had to let off steam.
“How are you, Applejack?” called the Fat Controller.
“Peep-peep!” whistled Applejack, “Ay feel awful fine suurr.”
“Have you a good fire, driver?” called the Fat Controller again.
“Never better, sir, and plenty of steam,” he responded.
“No record breaking,” Warned the Fat Controller, “Don’t push her too hard.”
“AJ won’t need pushing, sir. I’ll have to hold her back,” said the driver as Applejack started to move out the station.
Applejack had a lovely day. She had never felt so well in her life. She wanted to go fast, but her driver wouldn’t let her.
“Steady, old gal,” he would say, “there’s plenty of time.”
They arrived early at the station. Twilight puffed in.
“Where have y'all been, lazybones?” asked Applejack, “Oh, ay can’t wait faw dawdling tank engines like y'all! goodbye!” and she steamed out of the station.
“Whoooosh!” Said Twilight to Helena, Victoria and Spike, “have you ever seen anything like it?”
Helena, Victoria and Spike agreed that they never had.
One winter evening, Applejack’s driver said...
“We’ll be out early tomorrow. We’ve got to take ‘The Flying Kipper’, he told her, “don’t tell Rainbow, but I think if we pull the ‘Kipper’ nicely, the Fat Controller will let us pull the Rainboom Express. The special coal they gave you is working well.”
“Yeeha!” cried Applejack, “That there will be lovely.”
All kinds of ships use the harbour at the docks. There are passenger ships, cargo ships, and fishing boats also come here. They unload their fish on the quay. Some of it goes to shops in the town, and the rest in a special train to other places far away. This is the train the railwaymen call ‘The Flying Kipper’. Applejack was ready at 5 o' clock. There was snow and frost. Men hustled and shouted, loading the vans with crates of fish. The last door banged, the guard showed his green lamp, ‘The Flying Kipper’ was ready to go.
“Come on! Come on! Don’t be silly! Don’t be silly!” puffed Applejack to the vans. The vans shuddered and groaned.
“Trock, Trick, Trock, Trick; all right, all right!”
“That is better, that is better,” puffed Applejack. Clouds of smoke and steam poured from her funnel into the cold air; and the fire’s light shone brightly.
“Hurry, hurry, hurry!” panted Applejack. They were going well, the light grew better, signal lights shone green as they passed. Then a yellow signal appeared ahead. Her driver prepared to stop, but the home signal was down.
“All clear, AJ,” he called, “away we go.”
They didn’t know the points from the main line to a siding were frozen, and the home signal should have been set at ‘Danger’. But snow had forced it down. Applejack wasn’t the only one up early, Fluttershy a goods train was waiting in the siding to let ‘The Flying Kipper’ pass, and the driver and fireman were drinking cocoa in the brake van.
“The ‘Kipper’ is due,” said the guard.
“Who cares?” Said the fireman, “this is good cocoa.”
The driver got up. “Come on, fireman, back to our engine.”
They got out just in time.
Applejack was racing down the line, by time she saw the goods train, everything happened at once. She crashed into the back of the goods train, destroying the brake van and derailing. Applejack’s driver and fireman had jumped clear before the crash, but Applejack laid dazed and surprised. Her front was badly damaged, her boiled was dented and her wheels were bent. The Fat Controller came to see her when Aria and Sunset arrived with search and rescue team.
“The signal was down, sir,” said Applejack weakly.
“Cheer up, Applejack. It wasn’t your fault,” the Fat Controller responded, “ice and snow caused the accident, and you’re not the first one to have this accident. Henry had the same happen to him many years ago. I’m sending you to Crewe, a fine place for sick engines. They’ll give you a new shape and a larger firebox. You’ll feel a different engine and won’t need special coal anymore. Won’t that be nice?”
“Yes sir,” said Applejack doubtfully. Applejack liked being at Crewe but was glad to come home. Her friends waited to see her arrive in her new shape at Ponyville station. She looked so splendid and strong that they gave her three cheers.
“Peep-Peep!” she whistled, “Thank you very much ya’ll.”
I am sorry to say that a lot of little children are often late for school, because they wait to see Applejack go by. They often see her pulling the Rainboom Express. She does it so well that Rainbow is jealous. But that’s another story.
It was in the middle of autumn on the Island of Sodor. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing. All the engines love this time of year. Sunset Shimmer thought the island had never looked so magical. But that night, there was a big and blustery storm. High winds swept across the island. Trees were blown down. A water tower fell over. And the roof blew right off Farmer McColl's farm. Sunset and her friends were very pleased to be safe and warm in their cozy sheds. They could hear the wind outside. But the next morning, as Sunset got up to get ready for the day, she could not believe her eyes. The storm had made a terrible mess. Farmer McColl was looking at the damaged barn.
“The baby calves will be cold at night,” he said, “I must fix the roof right away.” But Farmer McColl didn't have any timber for the roof. So he telephoned the Fat Controller. And the Fat Controller came to see Sunset.
“The storm blew the roof off of Farmer McColl's barn,” he said, “You must take him some timber so it can be fixed.”
“Yes sir,” said Sunset. Sunset steamed over to the timber yards. She buffered up to the timber wagons and raced off to Farmer McColl's as fast as she could. But the storm had caused lots of damage to the lines. Workmen and trucks were clearing branches and rocks from the tracks. Sunset wanted to go quickly, but she couldn't go at all.
“Bother!” Said Sunset crossly. Terence and the workmen were trying to move the tree. But moving it was taking a long time.
“Hurry up!” Sunset puffed impatiently, “you must work harder!” And she blew her whistle. Terence was working as fast as he could. At last, he pulled the tree off the track. But Sunset didn't say thank you to Terence. All she said was...
“About time!” and she puffed off rudely. Every time she came across workmen clearing the track, she blew her whistle and wheeshed her steam. This made the workmen cross. But Sunset thought it made them work harder. Then Sunset came across a fallen water tower. It had crashed onto her line.
“Oh no!” She cried. Isabella was helping the workmen push the tower off the track. The tower was very heavy. Sunset decided to boss Isabella too.
“Hurry up!” She wheeshed and she blew her whistle as loud as she could.
“Not if you ask like that,” Sniffed Isabella crossly.
“I've got an urgent delivery,” Said Sunset. But Isabella didn't listen. She simply went back to work. Sunset blew her whistle again. But the more she blew her whistle, the slower Isabella seemed to go. Sunset thought she would never get to Farmer McColl's. The skies were darkening. And the night was on its way. Twilight arrived bringing more supplies.
“Hello!” Twilight tooted. Sunset complained about Isabella.
“She won't do a thing I'd tell her.”
“That's because you're a big bossy boiler,” laughed Twilight, “You should try asking nicely for a change.”
Sunset didn't like being called a bossy boiler. And she didn't want to ask nicely. But it would be night-time soon. And the baby calves still didn't have a roof over their heads. So Sunset took a deep breath.
“I'm sorry I was rude,” Sunset apologized, “but can you help me get this timber to Farmer McColl's? Please? It's to help the baby calves.”
Isabella smiled. “Why certainly, dear,” She puffed, “I'll get your track cleared in no time.”
Sunset was surprised. Twilight was right. Asking nicely was just like magic. Isabella pushed with all her puff. The tower was heavy. But with a mighty heave, the track was cleared.
“Thank you!” Cried Sunset and she steamed on as fast as she could. It was nearly bedtime. Sunset knew the baby calves would be getting cold. So whenever there was something on the track, she took a deep breath and said please and thank you. At last, Sunset arrived at Farmer McColl's. And the timber was quickly unloaded. The barn was soon repaired. And the baby calves snuggled down on their nice soft hay.
“Thank you, Sunset,” Said Farmer McColl, “The calves will be nice and warm now.” Sunset was pleased she'd arrived on time. Asking nicely was all she had to do.
It was autumn on the Island of Sodor. There had been a terrible storm. Lots of tracks were blocked. And lots of engines had broken down. But Sunset made it to Brendam Docks with her load.
“Well done,” The fat Controller praises her, “You're the only engine to arrive on time. You are splendid, Sunset.”
That made Sunset very proud. ‘Splendid Sunset’ she thought, ‘I like that.’
The Fat Controller had a very important job for Sunset. “Jeremy cannot land at the airport, and my mother is on board,” he said, “The storm has blown some metal tanks across the runway. You must collect Trevor from Farmer McColl's. Take him to the airport so that he can clear the runway. Then Jeremy can land.”
“Oh, yes, sir,” Sunset exclaimed, “Splendid Sunset can do it.”
Then Bear pulled alongside Sunset. “I'm going to Farmer McColl's too. Lots of lines are flooded,” he warned her, “Take the Wellsworth track.”
“I'm not going on that track, it’s much quicker to go through the forest,” Sunset retorted, “I'm Splendid Sunset, I can make it through.”
So Sunset puffed through the forest. But soon, she was up to her axles in water.
‘Nothing will stop me,’ she thought ‘Splendid Sunset will find a way through.’
So she puffed on through the water. It was hard work. At last, Sunset chuffed out of the flood. But now she was late. Soon, she met Fluttershy who was waiting at a junction.
“There's a fallen tree, it’s blocking the tracks,” she warned her, “Harvey's coming to clear it.”
“I'm Splendid Sunset,” she replied cocky, “I don't need Harvey to clear the tracks for me.” And she puffed proudly away.
Sunset soon came up to the fallen tree. “I'll easily push this out of my way.” She huffed to herself. Sunset pushed as hard as she could. But the tree didn't roll out of the way. It stayed in front of Sunset. Now Sunset had to push the tree up a hill. It was very hard work, and Sunset was getting later and later. At last, Sunset came to the top of the hill. The tree rolled away. And Sunset raced down the other side. Sunset met Boco at a junction.
“Trevor's waiting for you,” he said.
“Don't worry,” Sunset assured, “I'll be there soon.”
“Some of the tracks ahead are very muddy,” Boco warned, “If you get stuck in the mud, it's going to take even longer.”
“I'm Splendid Sunset,” she announced, “and I know which tracks to choose.”
Boco was worried as Sunset raced through the villages. She rattled through the valleys.
‘I'm nearly there,’ Sunset thought, Sunset steamed around the final bend and straight into a big puddle of mud.
‘I'll puff through this,’ Thought Sunset. Then there was trouble. The track started to sink. Sunset was stuck. She didn't feel like Splendid Sunset anymore.
“Oh, no, now I'll never get Trevor to the airport,” she panicked.
Further up the track, Sunset saw Bear. “Bear's already there,” She huffed to herself, “I should've listened to Murdoch. I should've taken the Wellsworth track.”
Now she needed Bear's help. Sunset blew her whistle as loud as she could. Bear heard her and rolled over.
“I'm very sorry, Bear. You were right. Please, will you pull me out of the mud?” she asked.
“Of course, Sunset,” said Bear.
Soon Bear was chained up to Sunset. With a whir and a whiz, he pulled her out of the mud.
“Thank you so much, Bear,” Sunset blessed. Sunset puffed up to Farmer McColl's. Trevor was waiting. “I must take you to the airport right away, Trevor.” Sunset pumped her pistons. Then she stopped. ‘I know what I have to do,’ she thought, “Bear, which tracks would you take to the airport?”
“The tracks on Gordon's hill are still being cleared,” Bear told her, “you should take the valley route instead.”
“Thank you, Bear,” And she puffed away. Sunset puffed happily along the valley track. ‘Bear was right,’ She thought. Then Sunset saw a telegraph pole across the track in front of her. Sunset was going to push it out of the way. Then she remembered what Fluttershy had said.
“I'd better wait for Harvey,” She huffed to herself. Soon Harvey cleared the track. And Sunset was on her way again. Sunset pulled up at a junction. Ahead, she saw a shortcut to the airport.
“That track is muddy,” called the signalman.
Sunset remembered what Boco had said about muddy tracks.
‘I don't want to get stuck again,’ she thought, ‘I'll take the longer track.’ Soon Sunset arrived at the airport. Trevor cleared the rubble. Just in time. Jeremy landed smoothly and safely. The Fat Controller was delighted to see his mother.
“Well done, Splendid Sunset. You made it in time.” He congratulated Sunset.
“Oh, that's because everyone helped me, sir,” Sunset admitted, “all of your steamies are splendid steamies.”
One day, Edward was talking to Trevor when Sunset steamed by. She was pulling a train of heavy coal cars.
“Come on, Eddie,” Sunset said, “stop gossiping in the sun when there's work to be done.”
Later, Edward spoke to Sunset. “Trevor and I are old friends and you and he have a thing in common.”
“We do?” Quizzed Sunset, “And what would that be?”
“You two could have been killed,” Said Edward quietly.
Sunset shivered. Edward had reminded her of the time she almost got herself killed by Chrysalis. “I don’t like to talk about that.”
“Neither does Trevor,” said Edward, “He was being sent to the scrapyard, but the Vicar and I saved him and now he's really useful again. Even so, The Fat Controller certainly does need another steam engine here.”
“Yeah, he does,” Sunset agreed, “but why as there’re are so many already?”
“I don’t know” Edward commented.
“Maybe the writer/narrator of the series wants to introduce more characters before the story ends and couldn’t think of a better story to use so he sucked it up and went with ‘Escape’.”
Sunset and Edward looked toward Pinkie who was just standing there.
“What are you talking about?” Edward asked.
“Uh…” pinkie stuttered, “just a hunch?”
That night, Sunset was still working. She had taken the midnight goods train to a station on the mainline where only the diesels worked. She was just shunting, ready for her return journey, when she spotted something. She puffed back to see a depressed, LSWR T9 class stream engine with light purple livery, a dark purple smokebox, and a glimmering star on the tender but most of that was hidden by rust and the word scrap written on her.
“Hello?” Sunset called out; the engine looked at her then back to the rails.
“Are you from Equestria?” Sunset asked.
“Yes,” said the engine, “some princess named Lady, found me all alone in the stress and promised to make me feel happy and have friends to look after you. Then she teleported me here in this scrapyard.”
“How long have you been sitting there?” Sunset asked.
“About 3 months,” the engine replied.
‘That can’t be right,” Sunset thought, “she only been here for a few months and she looks like that she’s been sitting here for 5 years.’
“and soon I’ll be sent for scrap,” the engine said mournfully, “like my life has been any better, I welcome the chance to end it.”
“No don’t say that,” Sunset said, then she remembered Edwards story about saving Trevor, “I help you escape and have a better life.”
“Would you really do that?” asked the engine a little glimmer of hope in her eyes.
“Yes, it’ll have to look like my return goods train is to heavy and you’re helping me.” Sunset puffed out the siding, “Joe, Tyler, you two get her ready while I get my train.”
“Right,” her driver said, as Sunset raced off while her crew tried to sort the engine out.
Sunset came back with her train. Her Driver jumped into her cab while her fireman jumped into the engine’s cab to make seem less suspicious.
“Come on,” Sunset called out, “we are heading to your new home, Sodor!”
Sunset started puffing off down the track with the engine wheezing behind. But before they could clear the station they were stopped.
“Aha!” called the foreman, “London and South Western engine. You can't take her.”
“Uh, she’s with us,” Sunset’s driver said, “our train is too heavy for us so she’s helping us.”
The foreman looked all over the engine. “Seems in order,” he examined, “right away, guard.”
The guard’s whistle blew and Sunset with her new friend, set off for Sodor.
“That was close,” Sunset sighed in relief.
“I had worse,” replied the engine and they forced ahead. It was daylight when their journey ended.
“We're home!” cried Sunset.
“Shh!” said her driver, “There’s the Steamworks. We'll find a place for our friend.”
The Engine said goodbye and thank you, and Sunset puffed away. The next day, when Sunset wasn’t tired, she told the other engines all about her new friend she saved.
“The Fat Controller would have to know,” said Adagio.
“Sunset should tell him at once,” added Rainbow Dash.
“Well, here he is,” said a voice, “now what's this all about?”
“Beg pardon, sir,” said Twilight, “but we do need another engine.”
Twilight Sparkle has worked her branch line for many months, sometimes she would help of Thomas’ branch line and she knows it very well.
“You know just where to stop, Twilight,” laughed her driver, “You could almost manage it without me.”
Twilight knew her driver was joking. Later, she told Pinkie and Fluttershy at the Ffarquhar sheds. At times Pinkie, and Fluttershy would help Twilight when the others were busy.
“Driver says I could take care of myself,” Twilight told them.
“What a joker,” Pinkie laughed.
“I’d never go without my driver,” said Fluttershy earnestly, “Even though we can run without them.”
“Why can we move without our crew anyway,” Twilight asked.
“It’s a reference to the ‘Stories of Sodor’ on YouTube by Victor Tanzig,” Pinkie replied.
Twilight and Fluttershy stared at Pinkie. “What?” she asked.
“PINKIE!” Boomed a voice for the heavens, “STOP BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL!”
“Sorry, Mr. Narrator,” she apologized.
“Anyway,” Twilight said, unsure what that was about.
“Yeah,” Fluttershy retorted, she was on the same paper as Twilight, “I would feel scared going on my own.”
Just then the Fat Controller showed up, “Twilight, Mavis wants help up at the quarry,” he said.
“Ok sir,” Twilight replied as she puffed off.
The next morning, the firelighter came. Twilight drowsed comfortably as the warmth spread through her boiler. Pinkie and Fluttershy were still asleep. Twilight remembered what her driver had said.
“What a joke,” she chuckled, “even though I’m fine moving on my own, when he gets here, I’ll whistle to Pinkie and Fluttershy good morning.”
Twilight then started to move. But really, she was only moving because a careless cleaner had meddled with her controls. She soon found out that she had no crew. She was so scared, that she had forgotten that she could stop on her own! She didn’t dare look at what was coming next. There was the stationmaster’s house. The stationmaster was about to have breakfast.
“Sweet Celestia!” Cried Twilight and shut her eyes as she crashed into the house. The house rocked. Broken glass tinkled. Plaster was everywhere. Twilight had collected a bush on her travels. She peered into the room through its leaves. She couldn’t speak. She was lost for words, her time being on Sodor and this was her first major accident. The Stationmaster was furious. His wife picked up her plate.
“You miserable engine!” She scolded, “Just look what you’ve done to our breakfast! Now I shall have to cook some more!”
And she banged the door. More plaster fell. This time, it fell on Twilight. Twilight felt depressed, her spotless record was broken. Workmen propped up the house with strong poles, and laid rails through the garden. Meanwhile, Cadence arrived.
“Don’t worry, Thomas. I’ll soon have you back on the rails,” she laughed. Cadence, puffing hard, managed to haul Twilight back to safety. Bits of fencing, the bush, and a broken window-frame festooned her front, which was badly twisted. Cadence smiled and left her. Twilight was in disgrace. There was worse to come.
“Twilight, out of the few times you did something wrong, this is the worse,” boomed the Fat Controller.
“I know, sir. I’m sorry, sir,” Twilight’ voice was muffled behind her bush.
“You must go to the works and have your front mended. It will be a long job,” the Fat Controller instructed.
“Yes, sir,” Twilight sighed.
“Meanwhile, a new engine will do your work,” said The Fat Controller.
“A N-N-New Engine, sir?” Twilight spluttered.
“Yes, Twilight. New engines always stay in their sheds till they are wanted. New engines never gallivant off to breakfast in Stationmasters’ Houses,” the Fat Controller said before turning and walking away.
Pinkie and Fluttershy were worried. Twilight’s recent accident had caused a great deal of trouble and the Fat Controller was waiting for them with important news. They found him at Elsbridge where the new engine was. And they were shocked to find out who this engine was. She was a LSWR Class 0298 steam locomotive, with a blue livery, her smokebox was silver and a moon with a magic wand was painted her bunker.
“Here…” the fat Controller said, “Is Trixie, the new engine who has come to help while Twilight is – um – indisposed.”
“Oh poor Twilight,” Trixie acted, “I hope she gets well soon.”
“Please, Sir,” asked Pinkie, “Will she go, Sir, when Twilight comes back, Sir?”
“That depends,” Said the Fat Controller, “Meanwhile, however long she stays, I hope you will both make her welcome and comfortable.”
“Yes, Sir, we’ll try, Sir,” Pinkie and Fluttershy said.
“Good. Run along now and show her the Shed. She will want to rest after her journey,” and he left.
“Now that Twilight is out the way, I can prove that I’m the better pony,” Trixie cackled.
“Hey Twilight’s done much more work than you can to get a crowd,” Fluttershy retorted.
“Ooh burn,” Pinkie laughed.
“Just show me to a sheds,” Trixie growled.
Pinkie and Fluttershy took Trixie to the Engine Shed, and it turns out she was hard to please.
“This is dreadfully smelly,” she complained, “The Great and Powerful Trixie, should deserve something more high class.”
“What does that mean?” Fluttershy whispered to Pinkie.
“I don’t know,” Pinkie whispered back, “All the sheds on Sodor are about the same.” As the led Trixie to the Carriage Shed.
“This is better,” said Trixie, “But whatever is that rubbish?”
The “rubbish” turned out to be Annie, Clarabel, Henrietta Hannah, Helena and Victoria, who were most offended.
“We won’t stay here to be insulted!” Anne fumed, “right, girls?”
“Quite right,” the other replied, just as angry.
Luckily, Thomas, Percy and Toby were nearby and had to take them away and spend half the night soothing their hurt feelings. The engines woke next morning feeling exhausted. Trixie, on the other hand, felt bright and cheerful. She tooted as she came out of the Yard and backed to the station.
“Look at me!” she purred, “I’m the latest steam engine, I am great and powerful.”
She then spotted Eric in the yard. “I say, you over there,” she called out and tooted her whistle, to get Eric’s attention.
Eric puffed back to see who was calling him. “Oh hello there,” he responded happily, “my name’s Eric.”
“yeah whatever,” Trixie replied harshly, “be a good engine and get me some couches.”
“Wow you’re a friendly engine,” Eric talked back, “Who gave you permission to boss me around? You can get your own coaches.”
“I, The Great and Powerful Trixie is far to important to get her own couches,” she boasts, “And if you want to be, whatever you engines say, you will get my couches.”
But Eric didn’t listen, he just went back to shunting trucks. Trixie grumbled and didn’t notice Percy shunting milk vans behind her and was most indignant.
“What is the meaning of this?!” she shouted.
“You’ll be surprise, that Twilight doesn’t do that much passenger trains,” Percy said with a cheeky grin, “she normal helps with the milk runs or helping Mavis at the Quarry.”
“What?!” Trixie gasped angrily, “I won’t pull trucks full of milk, let Toby or Pinkie do it, the love messing around with trucks.” She began to shudder violently.
“Nonsense!” said Percy, “Come on now, back down, gently!”
Trixie lurched backwards. The last milk van crashed into Percy, spilling the milk all over him.
“Told you!” she said, proud with what she did, “Now I’m not moving until I get my couches.”
“I can’t understand,” said the Stationmaster, “Whatever made the Fat Controller send us such a feeble…”
“Feeble? Feeble?!” Spluttered Trixie.
Eric returned to see what had happened, to see Percy covered with milk and Trixie smirking to herself.
Eric helped clear up the mess as Percy went to the Steamworks to get cleaned up. Then Fluttershy took the rest of the milk.
She chuckled, “I’ll do just what work I choose and no more.” But she said it to herself.
Two days later, Fluttershy almost got into an accident with some cows that had strayed onto the tracks. Because of this and her love and care of animals, she went to the Steamworks to have cowcatchers and side plates fitted. They helped to prevent animals from getting hurt if they should stray onto the line. Trixie thought Fluttershy's looked silly.
“You look ridiculous,” she laughed, “You're just afraid of getting hurt yourself.”
“No I'm not,” huffed Fluttershy.
“Yes, you are. I don't have stupid cowcatchers, but I'm not frightened. I just toot and they all go away,” Trixie remarked.
“But they don't,” said Fluttershy.
“They would with me,” Trixie said proudly, “Animals always run if you toot and look them in the eye.”
“Even bulls?” asked Fluttershy.
“Even bulls,” said Trixie. Trixie had never met a bull, but she puffed away quite unconcerned. Down the line she tooted at a farm crossing and the horse and cart halted while she went by.
“Huh!” she said, “It's easy. I just toot and they all stand aside. Poor little Fluttershy. I'm sorry she's frightened.
At the next station, a policeman was waiting, “There's a bull on the line,” he warned, “Please persuade him to return to his farmer.”
Trixie was excited. “Now…” she thought, “I'll show Toby how to manage bulls.”
Champion isn't really a fierce bull, but this morning he was cross. He strayed from his field, crashed through a fence, slithered down a slope and now he didn't know where he was. Though he had the feeling of Déjà Vu. Suddenly, he saw some grass.
“Now for my Breakfast,” he thought. As he ate, Trixie came puffing up behind him.
“Toot-toot,” whistled Trixie, “go on.” Champion was too busy chomping to take any notice. “Toot-toot,” she whistled again. Champion kept grazing.
“This is all wrong,” Trixie complained, “How can I look him in the eye if he won't turn around?”
At last he did. “Moo,” said Champion.
“Ooh, oh,” Trixie murmured, “Why doesn’t he run away.”
“Go on Trixie,” called her driver, “he’s harmless.”
“Yes,” said Trixie unhappily, “You know he's harmless and I know he's harmless. But does he know. Look at his horns. If I bump into him. he might hurt, me, them. The farmer wouldn't like that.”
Champion sniffed at Trixie. “Oooofh!” Said Trixie and that was that. Trixie did no more. She scuttered to back to the station. Fluttershy and Rainbow was bemused and amused to see her back in the station so soon.
“Bulls always run if you toot and look them in the eye. Eh, Trix?” laughed Rainbow.
Trixie stayed silent.
“Oh well,” Fluttershy stated with a snicker, “We can live and learn. I better chase him away for you I suppose. With a secret weapon that us steamies have.”
Trixie then realized what Fluttershy meant as she clanked away to find Champion. When she arrived, Fluttershy tooted her whistle loudly but Champion took no notice. Then Fluttershy whooshed noisily. That did the trick. Fluttershy whooshed a little more and now breakfast over. Champion chuntered away to join the farmer. Trixie was feeling exhausted the evening as she returned to the sheds. She was glad when her day's work was over. Some boys were on the platform of the station before the sheds.
“Hey Trixie,” one teased, “I've got some sweets. They're called ‘Bulls Eyes’. I like them, do you?”
“Ah, keep you own bulls eyes.” And Daisy scuttled to the shed.
After her experience with Champion, Trixie remained lazy and stubborn. Though the other engines found a way to tease her by reminding her that she was now frightened of bulls and cows. One day, Sonata had just pulled into the yard, where Pinkie was grumpily shunting.
“Heya, Pinkie, I see Trixie's left the milk again,” she commented.
“I'll have to make a special journey with it, I suppose. Anyone would think I'd nothing to do,” grumbled Pinkie.
“Tell you what,” replied Sonata, “I'll take the milk; you fetch my trucks.”
“Their Drivers and the Stationmaster agreed. Pinkie had never been to the Quarry before. Mavis had began ordering the trucks for her.
“Hello Pinkie,” she greeted her, “I thought Sonata was coming up to pick these up.”
“We swapped jobs, as Trixie didn’t take the milk again,” huffed Pinkie.
The trucks grumbled to each other as Pinkie coupled up. “This is Sonata’s job;Pinkie's got no right to poke her funnel up here and pull us along.” They whispered and pass the word. “Pay Pinkie out, pay Pinkie out.”
“Come along,” puffed Pinkie, “no nonsense.”
“We'll give her nonsense.” Giggled the trucks, but they followed so quietly that Percy thought they were under control. Suddenly they saw a notice ahead: ‘ALL TRAINS STOP TO PIN DOWN BRAKES’.
“Peep! Peep! Peep! Brakes, Guard, please!” called out Pinkie.
But before he could check them, the trucks surged forward. “On! On!” they cried.
“Help! Help!” Whistled Pinkie. The Man on duty at the crossing rushed to warn traffic with his red flag but was too late to switch Pinkie to the "runaway" siding. Frantically trying to grip the rails, Pinkie slipped into the Yard.
“Peep peep! Look out!” She shut her eyes as she crashes into a brake van destroying it in the process. The brake van was in smithereens. Pinkie's Driver and Fireman had jumped clear, but Pinkie was stranded. Next day, the Fat Controller arrived. Fluttershy and Trixie had helped to clear the wreckage, but Pinkie remained on her perch of trucks.
“We must now try…” Said the Fat Controller, “to find a free engine to be in your place to help the branch line. You have put us in an Awkward Predicament.”
“I’m so sorry sir,” replied Pinkie sadly, if she still had her mane, it would have gone flat.
“You can stay there till we are ready. Perhaps it will teach you to be careful with trucks.” Pinkie sighed. The trucks groaned beneath her wheels. She quite understood about awkward predicaments. The Fat Controller spoke severely to Trixie, too.”
“My engines work hard. I send lazy engines away,” he said sternly, Trixie was ashamed, “However, Fluttershy and the others says you worked hard after Pinkie's accident. So you shall have another chance.”
“Thank you, Sir,” said Trixie, “I will work hard, Sir. Fluttershy and the others say they'll help me.”
“Excellent! What Thomas and the others doesn't know about Branch Line problems isn't worth knowing. Our branch line engine's an Experienced Engines.
Next day, Twilight came back, and Pinkie was sent to be mended. Victoria, Helena and Spike were delighted to see Twilight again, and she took them for a run at once. Trixie had redeemed herself, and Twilight has taught her a great deal. She "shooed" a cow off the line all by herself the other day. That shows you, doesn't it?
Fluttershy is a similar colour as Molly and Rebecca and the same size as Pinkie and Twilight. She can pull coaches and push trucks. And she often works as a back engine. But Fluttershy is small, and not as strong as the other engines. So sometimes, Fluttershy feels left out. The Duke and Duchess of Boxford came to visit Sodor, but Spencer was in the works being mended on the Mainland. So they came on another famous engine called Tornado. Tornado is big and green and very fast. She was a pretty friendly but strict engine but I’m sorry to say that being the Duke and Duchess’ private engine for the day went to her boiler. When Tornado pulled into Knapford, her driver had exciting news for her.
“You have beaten Gordon's record!” he said.
“Of course,” boasted Tornado, “I'm faster than all the engines on Sodor put together.”
The Steam and element bearers were very cross.
“Tornado is just a big green show off,” sniffed Gordon, “Even my own brother wouldn’t let something like this go to his boiler.” And everyone agreed. The Fat Controller spoke to the engines.
“Tornado will take the Duke and Duchess to their summerhouse. Another engine will take the furniture.”
The engines saw a chance for a race. “Please sir?!” called, Rainbow, Rarity, Gordon and James all together, “May I go?!”
“You all have other work to do,” boomed the Fat Controller, “Fluttershy will take the furniture.”
James and Gordon groaned. “Fancy sending a weak, tank engine to do a strong, express engines' job,” sniffed Gordon.
“She'll lose the race and let the whole railway down,” said James. This made Fluttershy said. Rainbow and Rarity were cross. Fluttershy was their friend.
“Tornado has a bigger boiler,” said Rainbow, “but that just fill of hot air.”
“A kind steamie can beat a pouty puffer any day,” added Rarity. Fluttershy struggled to set off as the furniture was heavy, but she managed to puff off, slow and steady.
“Will do my best, will do my best,” She puffed. Tornado set off and quickly passed Fluttershy.
“I’ve won already,” She boasted. And with a whoosh, she was gone. Fluttershy came to the bottom of Gordon’s Hill. The freight was heavy, and she felt very tired. She huffed and she puffed and was soon at the top. She can see Tornado in the distance and chased her at once. Fluttershy raced down the hill. Tornado had stopped at Wellsworth Station where Adagio and Sunset where at dropping off passengers. The Duke and Duchess wanted to buy some tea and cakes from the refreshment lady. Fluttershy teetered into view.
“Hurry, Flutterpuff!” said Tornado, “Have you finishing too far behind me?”
Fluttershy wished she could have a rest too. But Adagio, Sunset, the stationmaster and the porters had heard about the race.
“Hooray for Fluttershy!” the men cheered.
“Go girl!” Sunset called out.
“You can do it dear!” Adagio shouted. Fluttershy picked up steam and proudly puffed pass Tornado. But then, the Duke and Duchess finished their tea. And Tornado was off in a flash. She roared passed Fluttershy.
“Fastest the best, fastest the best!” She boasted. Fluttershy was nearly out of puff. The furniture felt heavier than ever. Up ahead, Tornado had to stop. The Duke wanted to take some photographs of the countryside. The Duke set up his camera. Tornado closed her eyes.
“Nothing to worry about,” She said lazily. Gordon was returning to Brendam Docks. He passed Tornado and knew Fluttershy must be losing the race.
“Fluttershy is a waste of steam,” He sniffed. But when Gordon passed Fluttershy and saw how hard she was trying, he felt bad about what he had said. “Well Done, Fluttershy!” he called, “you are credit to the railway!”
Fluttershy was so happy her boiler tingled. She found puff she never knew she had. The Duke and Duchess had finished taking photographs and were back on board.
“Time to go!” called Tornado’s driver and rang the bell. But nothing happened. Tornado was dreaming of victory. She didn't hear the bell. And she didn't hear Fluttershy puffing passed her. Tornado's driver rang the bell again. When Tornado finally opened her eyes, she could see, Fluttershy heading towards the summerhouse.
“Nearly there, nearly there,” She gasped. Tornado took off as fast as she could. But as she reached the siding, her driver ordered her to slow down.
“These are old tracks, and you are a heavy engine!” he said, “you must go slowly!”
Tornado had no choice she had to slow down. And she trundled slowly down the siding. With every click and every clack, she knew she had lost the race. Fluttershy puffed towards the summerhouse.
“I've won!” She gasped, “I did it!” Fluttershy felt like a really useful engine. “Hooray! I won!” She cheered loudly. Fluttershy felt like a pride of the Sodor railway, and she was right.
Fluttershy the Kind Engine has lived on the Island of Sodor for a long while now. She does miss her own home in Equestria, but she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. She likes every part of Sodor, from the fields filled with flowers to the white, sandy beaches, but there is one place that Fluttershy always enjoyed visiting more than any other. Her driver knew this too.
“Come on, Fluttershy,” he would say, “We’ve made good time today. We’ll stop for a while by the forest.”
Fluttershy loved it here. The forest was full of broad oaks and tall pines and a lot of animals. Fluttershy could remember the day Henry brought her to the forest, and how he and Toby brought some new trees to be planted, and Terence and Trevor helped haul them into place. Now she could see the trees growing amongst the others on the hillside. Fluttershy always felt better for being here. She couldn’t really explain why, but her driver understood.
“It’s peaceful,” he said to Fluttershy, but one night everything changed. The engines were resting in the shed.
“Listen,” said Sonata, “Can you hear a strange whistling sound?”
“It’s the wind blowing outside our shed,” replied Applejack, “But ah’ve never heard it like this before.”
“Do you know what,” added Aria, “If Rainbow wasn’t here now, I’d say it was her thundering by with her Rainboom Express.”
All the engines laughed, except Fluttershy. “I hope the wind won’t harm the forest!” she said hopefully.
By morning, the fierce winds had gone but the damage was done. Fluttershy’s driver came to see her in the yard.
“Trees have fallen on the line,” he said, “we must help clear the tracks.”
Rarity set off with the breakdown train and Fluttershy followed. Trees lay everywhere. The hillside now looked so bare. Fluttershy felt sad.
“What will happen to all the animals who live here?” She thought. When Fluttershy’s flat trucks were full of logs, she took them to the timber mill where they would be turned into furniture and other things. Fluttershy was glad the wood was being put to good use, but she was still sorry to lose part of her forest.
“Oh dear!” sighed Pinkie, “I wish there were something we could do to make things better again.”
“Hello, you two,” said the Fat Controller, “You do look glum.”
“We’re sad about the trees.” said Twilight.
“And so is Fluttershy,” added Pinkie, the forest is a special place to her. Now some of it is gone.”
“We’ll soon put that right. I have an important job for you two,” he told them, “I would like you to take some trucks to the forest.”
“When the trucks arrived, Twilight and Pinkie were delighted. They were full of splendid, young trees, all ready for planting.
“This is the best job we’ve ever had!” Exclaimed Pinkie as she and Twilight puffed to the forest.
When Fluttershy returned, she was most surprised. There were Trevor and Terence busily helping the workmen clear the torn stumps and branches.
“Look, Fluttershy!” called Terence, “now you get to see this happen. The hillside will look better than ever before. You’ll see!”
Now Fluttershy can see the trees growing strong and tall, and the animals are coming back. Sometimes everywhere is quiet. At other times, Fluttershy can hear leaves rustling or a bird’s wing brushing the air. Often, she can hear the sound of children laughing, and always she is happy here.
It had been raining hard for weeks. Fluttershy was feeling miserable. Everywhere was wet, wet, wet. The Equestrian branch line runs through a village. The water in the river had risen with the rain. Only the great wall, known as a dam, was stopping the water from overflowing. Pinkie arrived just as Fluttershy was about to inspect the dam for any damage.
“Driver tells me it may be dangerous up there. Please be careful, Fluttershy,” said Pinkie.
“I’ll try,” replied Fluttershy bravely. Pinkie watched anxiously as Fluttershy trundled away. Her journey took her over a wooden bridge at the end of the village. The river surged dangerously beneath it. Harold the Helicopter was inspecting the dam as Fluttershy arrived.
“Be brave, Fluttershy,” called her driver, “we have to cross to the other side.”
The dam did not look safe at all. Fluttershy was very worried. And soon she knew why. She looked down to see water to seep through some cracks in the dam.
“The dam’s breaking up! We must warn everyone!” Fluttershy yelled as she shunted back as fast as her little wheels would let her. Pinkie was waiting anxiously for Fluttershy by the bridge. The river had risen so high that the bridge was in danger of collapsing. Fluttershy arrived.
“The dam’s breaking up! We must find high ground!” Fluttershy cried out.
“Your only chance is to cross the bridge,” called Pinkie.
“It doesn’t look safe to me!” wailed Fluttershy.
“It’s our only chance,” said her driver, “if that dam breaks, we’ll done for.”
Fluttershy was halfway across the bridge when disaster struck. The dam collapses, and a tidal wave of water poured out. The rushing water causes the bridge to be separated from the riverbanks and sweeps Fluttershy down the river.
“Heeeelp!” called Fluttershy.
“We’ll follow him on our line. It meets the river further down!” Pinkie driver said.
As Fluttershy floated helplessly on the floodwaters, they passed a sign that made them shudder: BEWARE THE WATERFALL!
“If we go over that waterfall, we’re doomed!” said Fluttershy’s fireman.
Then they saw Harold, who swooped low and shouted urgently to them.
“We’re going to drop a rope to you. Attach it to yourself – quickly now!” he called out.
And they did, to one of Fluttershy’s buffers. Just then, Pinkie arrived. Harold flew over to her.
“Catch the rope and pull Fluttershy to safety!” Harold told Pinkie.
The other end of the rope is attached to one of Pinkie’s buffers, then she pulls as hard as she could until the bridge is next to dry land.
Fluttershy was safe at last. When the floods were over and the dam mended, the villagers had a big party for Fluttershy, hosted by the Fat Controller.
“You were very brave, Fluttershy,” he said.
“Thanks to Harold, Sir,” Fluttershy replied.
“I could never have been so brave, Fluttershy,” Pinkie declared.
“Well I was pretty scared, but I’m sure you would be, but you never know till you’ve tried,” Fluttershy pointed out.
Pinkie rather hoped she’d never have to!
All the engines on the Island of Sodor were very excited. There was to be a great banquet at the Scottish castle. Fluttershy loved going to the Scottish castle because on the way, she puffed past her favourite tree in her favourite part of her favourite forest. The tall pine tree towered of the rest of the forest. Fluttershy always stopped to look at it. Seeing the tall pine tree standing tall and proud made Fluttershy very happy. Fluttershy arrived at the Scottish castle. The Fat Controller was waiting for her.
“The castle's flagpole was old and about to break,” he said, “Fluttershy, I need you to collect a new flagpole from the docks in time for the banquet.”
“Yes sir,” Said Fluttershy. When Fluttershy puffed into the docks, she couldn't see the tall flagpole anywhere. She looked around for something tall. She looked above the coal trucks. It was nothing tall there. She looked at the old ship. It had a tall mask. Then Fluttershy looked up and saw Cranky. Cranky was very tall. But Fluttershy didn't see the flagpole. It was on the flatbed in front of her. She bummed into the truck and it rolled onto the track. Just as Arthur ran over it.
“Oops, sorry,” called Arthur.
“I didn't expect to see the flagpole down there,” puffed Fluttershy.
“It's not tall when you lay it down,” said Arthur. Fluttershy felt very silly. Soon, the Fat Controller arrived.
“This is a disaster,” he boomed, “the Scottish castle will not look the same without its flagpole.”
Fluttershy was very sad. It was all her fault.
“Maybe seeing the tall pine tree will cheer me up,” Fluttershy huffed as she puffed to the tree. But nothing could make her feel better. “I wish I hadn't broken the flagpole,” Fluttershy sighed to Aria.
“They could make our new flagpole out of that tall tree,”Aria puffed. Fluttershy looked up at the tall pine tree. She didn't want it to be made into the flagpole. The next morning, Fluttershy had to take some workmen to the forest. But the workmen were carrying axes and saws.
“Oh, no!” moaned Fluttershy, “They must be going to cut down the tall pine tree.”
Fluttershy puffed through the countryside. “Must save the tree, must save the tree,” she huffed. Then Fluttershy had an idea. She didn't take the workmen to the forest. She went to look for a new flagpole. Fluttershy saw some children waving flags, but those flags were much too tiny to have flagpoles. There was a flagpole holding up the windsock at the airfield. But that flagpole was much too short. There was a tall flagpole on the beach, but it wasn't tall enough.
“Bother,” wheeshed Fluttershy sadly, “None of the flagpoles is as tall as the pine tree. Now I'll never save it.”
That evening, the Fat Controller came to see Fluttershy at the sheds.
“Fluttershy, those workmen had a very important job to do. You have caused confusion and delay,” the Fat Controller said sternly, “tomorrow you will collect coal and Cadence will take the workmen to the forest.”
The next day, Fluttershy was collecting coal when Nia arrived. “I can't find another flagpole,” moaned Fluttershy, “I've looked everywhere.”
“Sometimes the thing you want is somewhere you wouldn't think to look,” puffed Nia and she steamed away. So Fluttershy set off to go where she wouldn't think to look. But she couldn't see the flagpole in the county. Then Fluttershy looked at the orchard. But only Trevor was there.
“Hello, Fluttershy,” he greeted her.
“Hello, Trevor. You're very nice,” huffed Fluttershy, “But you wouldn't make a very good flagpole.”
Fluttershy puffed sadly into the docks. Some vacationers were taking pictures of the old ship. Fluttershy looked up at the tall mask.
“What about the ship's mask?” asked Fluttershy.
“It's to be trapped up and used for firewood, me hearty,” said Salty.
“But it will be perfect for the castle flagpole,” Fluttershy chuffed.
“Then you best take it quickly, matey,” said Salty. Cranky soon lowered the mask onto the flatbed. And Fluttershy raced off to the forest. She had to get to the tree before they cut it down. When Fluttershy pulled into the forest, the tall pine tree was still there. And so was the Fat Controller.
“Please don't cut down the tall pine tree, sir,” chuffed Fluttershy, “I think the ship's mask would make a very good flagpole.”
“I will never cut the tall pine tree down,” said the Fat Controller, “the workmen are the only here to collect some firewood. We always have a roaring fire at the Scottish castle banquet.”
Fluttershy was so happy it made her axles tingled. That night, the flag was hoisted on the old ship's mask. It looked wonderful. Fluttershy thought it was the nicest thing she had ever seen. Except for the old pine tree.
The engines on the Island of Sodor want to be responsible, reliable and really useful. They are happiest when The Fat Controller gives important work to do. Rarity thinks her work is very important indeed. She is proud of her shiny white paint and likes to look clean and smart. One day, Pinkie puffed to the washdown.
“My whistle's clogged,” she said, Pinkie tried to blow hard to clean it out, but instead blew mud all over Rainbow.
“Silly,” huffed Rainbow, Pinkie was trying not to laugh.
“Keep your dirt away for me!” Rarity cried, “I'm collecting the mayor today.”
“I should do that,” Rainbow said.
“Really?” Chuckled Rarity, “You'd need a washdown first.”
“Pah!” Snorted Rainbow. Rarity just laughed. Soon, Rarity had collected the mayor, and puffed proudly away.
“Just look at me, Rainbow!” She called out as she puffed past proudly.
“Show off,” Muttered Rainbow. Later that day, The Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“I need an engine to collect the Queen of Sodor,” he asked.
“Who's the Queen of Sodor?” Fluttershy asked.
“A leaky old barge,” replied The Fat Controller, “She needs to go to the workshops. It's dirty work I'm afraid.”
Just then, Rarity arrived at the sheds. This gave Rainbow an idea.
“Is collecting the Queen of Sodor important work too?” she asked.
“Very important work,” The Fat Controller replied, “Do I have a volunteer?”
“Very important work?” exclaimed Rarity, “I’ll do it!”
“Then it settled,” said The Fat Controller, “She's waiting at the canal.”
“Oh thank you sir,” said Rarity. Rainbow was delighted her plan was working.
Rarity puffed along the canal, looking into her reflection in the water. She soon reached the yard. “I'm here to collect the Queen of Sodor!” she announced.
“There she is,” the yard manager said. Rarity was furious to find out the Queen of Sodor was a rusty old boat.
“What?! That old tub?! Rainbow tricked me! She wants me to get dirty. I'll show her. A shiny white engine like me never gets dirty.” Soon Rarity set off with the Queen of Sodor. It was a long journey to the workshops. “Shiny and clean, shiny and clean,” puffed Rarity. As she puffed along the track, there was trouble. The tall funnel of the old barge crashed through a pipe. Rarity was sure she'd get covered in sludge. But she didn't.
“Shiny and clean, shiny and clean!” She declared again. The workmen soon cleared the mess, and then Rarity was on her way. She soon arrived safe and sound and the repair yard, she was pleased that the dirty work was done. When Rarity returned to the library, she was very proud of herself.
“How did you manage to stay so clean?” Rainbow asked.
“I have to stay clean,” boasted Rarity, “In case there's important work to do.”
Just then, Pinkie returned from the quarry, “My whistle is clogged again,” she said, “Watch out, James!” she called out, as dust went everywhere. “I did warn you.”
“You'll need a washdown now,” teased Twilight.
“Good!” Snorted Rarity, “It will make me whiter than ever. I'm such a splendid engine.” The engines all groaned.
Twilight the Tank Engine had been working in the coal yards all day. The little purple engine was covered in coal dust.
“We can’t clean you up tonight, Twilight,” said her driver, “There’s a problem with the hosepipe.”
“Bother,” said Twilight, “A bath would make me feel much better. The others are sure to say I look silly.”
But the engines were too busy arguing to notice Twilight. Rarity was talking loudest of all.
“I deserve a new coat of paint!” she called out, “The Fat Controller says I’m the pride of the line and…”
“Rubbish,” huffed Applejack, “we’re all the pride of the line.”
“It’s been like this all day,” Confided Sunset to Twilight, “Rarity is getting a new coat of paint and won’t stop boasting about it.”
“Why Rarity? I’m the one who needs a new coat – look at me!” Twilight huffed.
“No offence, but I rather not,” retorted Rarity, “You’re not a pleasant sight, and wouldn’t understand the needs of a really important engine!”
Twilight was fuming. Next morning, as Rarity was being repainted, Applejack had an accident. She pushed some trucks too hard, and the front one hit some boxes and derails.
“If you can’t push trucks properly, Applejack, why not hit an apple tree instead, you know how much you like your apples!” Rarity called out.
“As a matter of fact, Bossy Boiler, the Fat Controller is inspecting the island for trees that are too close to the line,” Applejack replied, “He’s worried they might cause trouble.”
“Pah,” laughed Rarity, “If I came upon a tree, I’d just push it aside.”
“Really?!” replied Applejack.
Soon Rarity was showing off her paintwork. “Make way for an important engine,” she chuffed.
“You wouldn’t feel important if one of these trees crashed on you – you’d feel hurt,” reproached Pinkie.
“Rubbish! It wouldn’t dare!” scoffed Rarity.
“You should be careful, Rares – tree can be just as powerful as engines,” advised Luna.
“Pah,” snorted Rarity, “Now excuse me. The Fat Controller needs me to pull the Rainboom Express!” And she huffed away. But Rarity was wrong once she reached the station.
“You must go to the yards and collect an important goods train, James. It’s heavy, so be careful,” Said the Fat Controller.
“But, sir, I’ve just been repainted. Can’t Sonata and Pinkie do it? They’re dirty and like working with trucks,” Rarity complained.
“Really Useful Engines don’t argue,” he replied sternly.
So Rarity didn’t. By the time she arrived at the yards, the weather had changed for the worst. “You’re colour’s nice, James – pity about your face though,” said a truck and the rest started to laugh.
Rarity ignored them and set off. Soon they came to a hill, and her driver knew that they were in for a difficult time. An old tree close to the track was being blown by the strong winds, and rain had weakened the slope. All of a sudden, the tree moved.
The tree slides onto the tracks. As Rarity rounds the bend and spots the tree, she applies her brakes. Rarity slides along the wet rails and comes to stop right in front of the tree.
“Ooh help!” cried Rarity, “go away!”
But, of course, the tree couldn’t. Rarity tried to reverse away from the tree, but the rails were slippery, and her train was too heavy. Then she heard a whistle.
“It’s Twilight,” called her driver.
Rarity felt embarrassed and worried that Twilight would laugh at her. But Twilight didn’t. She knew that this was no time for teasing.
“Peep, peep… I’m ready,” whistled Twilight.
“So am I,” replied Rarity, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
As the train moves back the tree starts falling towards Rarity, but just misses her. They were just in time! Later, Rarity spoke to Twilight.
“Pinkie and Luna were right to warn me,” she said, “Thank you for rescuing me, Twilight.”
“Oh, that’s all right. We engines must pull together, whatever the weather!” Twilight replied.
Just then Cadence bustled in. “The Fat Controller thinks you’re both brave engines. Twilight – you’re going to have a new coat of paint. And Rarity – the Fat Controller says that tomorrow you’ll pull the special Express.”
Everyone was very happy.
Rarity is a mixed traffic engine. She can pull both trucks and coaches. She's proud of her beautiful white paint and so is her driver.
“Everyone says you brighten up their day, Rarity,” he told her.
One morning, Rarity whistled loudly at the other engines. “Look at me, I am the most beautiful and most useful engine on the line!” she declared.
“Rubbish,” replied Duck, “We're all useful. The Fat Controller says so and he's Sir Topham Hatt, head the whole railway.”
“You know what, Rarity?” added Oliver.
“What?” asked Rarity.
“You're getting all puffed up!” Oliver finished.
Rarity huffed away. Later she was still boasting. “I'm the pride of the line.”
“I saw you pulling trucks today. You're only a goods engine!” snorted Gordon. Rarity was furious.
“I pull coaches too!” Rarity said.
“Not as much as I do,” grunted Gordon.
“The Fat Controller has plans for me,” Rarity was only making this up, but Gordon believed her.
“What plans?” he asked.
“Er - wait and see. Oh dear,” thought Rarity, “Now what'll I do?”
Thomas was shunting shining new coaches. “Good morning Rarity,” he said.
"Are those coaches for me?” asked Rarity hopefully.
“No. These are for Gordon's Express,” Thomas told her, “I'll fetch your trucks next.”
But Rarity was going to play a trick on the other engines. “Actually Thomas, I'm taking the coaches. The Fat Controller asked me to tell you.”
“What about the trucks?” Thomas asked in confusion.
“Er - give them to Gordon,” Rarity told him.
“Come on, Thomas,” said his driver, “orders are orders.”
So when Rarity' driver returned, Rarity was coupled to the coaches, and she puffed away. Thomas returned with the trucks. A few minutes later Gordon arrived.
“Where's the express?” he asked.
Thomas told him about Rarity. “And so here are your trucks.”
Gordon was very cross and so was his driver. “Wait till the Fat Controller hears about this!” he responded.
Meanwhile, Rarity was enjoying herself enormously. “What a clever plan, what a clever plan,” she chuffed. Then he saw the Fat Controller standing on the platform.
“Some jokes are funny, but not this one, Rarity. You have caused confusion,” he told her firmly.
“Yes sir,” said Rarity, “You will stay in your shed until you are wanted.”
The other engines teased Rarity. “I wonder who with be pulling the Express today?” said Adagio.
“I expect it would be Gordon,” Rainbow replied, “Rarity is stuck in the shed for being silly!”
Rarity felt sad. Next morning, she went back to work. “Hello,” whistled Thomas, “Good to see you out and about again.”
“I’m sorry I tricked you,” said Rarity, “are these my trucks?”
“Yes,” Thomas replied kindly, “They are pleased to have you back.”
Rarity puffed into the harbour with her goods train of trucks. She bustled about all day, pushing and pulling them into place. She became dirty, but she didn’t mind.
“Time to go home now, Rarity,” said her driver, “No trucks or passengers, just we two.”
But her driver was wrong. “Excuse me,” called a man, “I have a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt, and I mustn't be late. May I ride back with you?”
“Of course,” replied Rarity's driver. Then he whispered to Rarity. “This gentleman is a railway inspector.”
Rarity was most impressed. She steamed along the line as smoothly and as quickly as she could. The Fat Controller was waiting, and the railway inspector greeted him warmly.
“This clever engine gave me a splendid ride. You must be proud of her,” he said.
“Yes indeed. Rarity, once again you are a really useful engine.”
Trevor the Traction Engine was enjoying his work in the Vicarage orchard. Birds were singing and apples were ripening on the trees. It was a lovely day.
“Hello, Trevor,” said Rarity, “you look as bright and cheerful as my white paint.”
“Oh I am,” replied Trevor.
“What’s that noise?” asked Rarity.
“It's the bees!” laughed Trevor, “they're all in these boxy things called beehives. I'm taking them to the station. The Vicar says his bees make good honey and is giving some of them to his friends.”
Just then, BoCo the Diesel Engine hummed in. “Take care you two. Don't make the bees angry – they might sting you.”
Rarity hadn’t gotten use to be told what to do by a diesel and he buzzed away.
“Goodbye Trevor,” called BoCo, and he set off to see Duck at the next station. Bill and Ben, the tank engine twins, were busy arranging trucks but they scampered off when they saw BoCo.
“I remember the first time I met those two,” laughed BoCo, “they nearly made my eyes pop out. Edward soon put a stop to their games.”
“Edward is the only one who can keep Bill and Ben in order,” chuckled Duck, “I sometimes call them ‘the bees’.”
“A good name,” replied BoCo, “They're terrors when they start buzzing around.”
Rarity bustled in, “What's that, Duck,” she snorted, “Are you afraid of bees? They're only insects after all so don't let that buzz-box diesel tell you different.”
“His name is BoCo, and he didn’t. We…”
“I wouldn't care,” interrupted Rarity, “if hundreds were swarming around. I'd just blow smoke and make them buzz off.”
“Buzz, buzz, buzz,” retorted Duck.
The next morning Rarity arrived at the station to collect her coaches. The passengers were excited, and they keen to get on board. The platform was crowded, and the porter was in a hurry. On his trolley, was a beehive.
“Mind your backs,” he shouted. Then there was trouble! The beehive fell and it broke open. The station cleared like magic. Rarity heard a familiar buzzing. The bees were too cold to be cross, so they buzzed around the fireman hoping he’d mend their hive. But he didn't understand. Nor did her driver. So the bees turned to Rarity. Her boiler was nice and warm.
“Buzz off, buzz off,” hissed Rarity.
“One bee burnt his foot. “Oooh, aah… Phew, phew!” he buzzed. The bee thought James had burnt him on purpose. So it stung James right back on the nose.
“AAAAHHHH!” shrieked Rarity. She had-had enough, so had her fireman and driver. They didn't notice till too late that they had left all their coaches behind. They tried everything to get rid of the bees. First, they spun on the turntable, to no avail. They tried washing them off, but the bees clung harder to Rarity’s warm boiler. Then they tried smoking them off by going through a long tunnel… But still the bees wouldn't go away.
“It's no good, Rarity, said her Driver, “We'll just have to go back to the orchard and fetch another hive.”
Rarity’s reply was drowned by the sound of buzzing. The Vicar was waiting anxiously for Rarity. When she arrived the bees swarmed straight into their new home.
“Come on, Rarity,” said her Driver, “What you need now is a good hose down.”
Later that evening Rarity was resting in the shed, with Rainbow, Aria and Applejack laughing at her when the Vicar came to see her.
“Thank you for saving my bees,” he said, It's a pity it's not Christmas, then we could call you Rarity the Red Nosed Engine.”
Everyone laughed, even Rarity. But instead they decided to call Rarity "The Bees-Knees", which means they thought she was more Useful than ever.
Chapter 23: Celestia and Luna the Princess Sister Engines
Celestia and Luna are Sister Engines. They're kind, caring and cute half the time. They nearly always work together. One day, Celestia and Luna were chuffing through the countryside hauling a heavy load. Down the line Trevor the traction engine had been struggling with a big cart load of hay. Crossing the tracks the cart's wheels had broken off. Then Trevor heard a whistle.
“Oh no!” Trevor Cried. As the sisters rounded the corner, Luna could see the cart.
“Stop!” She cried. Luna's driver applied the brakes, but Celestia didn’t know until it was too late! Luckily no was hurt, But Luna lay on her side off the rails.
“Stop being pushy,” Luna snapped.
“Don’t call me Pushy,” Celestia snapped back.
“You shouldn’t have pushed me into the cart,” huffed Luna.
“You pulled me you mean,” argued Celestia.
“Didn’t.”
“Did.”
“Did not.”
“Did too.”
Before long, the track was cleared, and Celestia and Luna were on their way. But the sisters were so cross they refused to speak to each other for the rest of the day. The next day The Fat Controller needed an engine to help Cadence at the smelter's yard.
“May I go sir?” said Luna eagerly.
“I only need one engine,” said the Fat Controller “not two.”
“I am only one engine sir,” said Luna, “and I would like to work with Cadence!”
The Fat Controller was surprised but agreed. Twilight was worried.
“Won't you miss one another?” she asked, “I know I’d miss Spike.”
“I’ll work better on my own,” sniffed Celestia, “I have for 1,000 years.”
“I have work to do,” huffed Luna. At first, Luna enjoyed working with Cadence. But then things started to go wrong.
“Did you shunt those trucks onto the other line?” Luna asked.
“You said you wanted them on the other line,” Cadence replied.
“Not that other line, the ‘other, other’ line,” Luna was cross, “Tia would’ve known what I meant.” She huffed. Celestia was working on her own. She chuffed dutifully through the beautiful countryside. But Celestia had no one to share it with. Although she tried not to, she was beginning to miss her little sister. That night, Celestia's driver took her to visit Luna.
“I was just passing,” said Celestia.
“Have you come to say you’re sorry?” Luna sniffed. This made Celestia very cross.
“I've nothing to be sorry for!” She said and steamed away in a huff. The next day Luna was in a bad mood. Cadence could see she was getting too close to the buffers.
“Look out!”She shouted. But it was too late. Luna crashed through the buffers and fell into the ditch.
Luna's driver was very cross. “This wouldn’t have happened if you were working with Celestia!” He said. Luna knew he was right, and Cadence knew she couldn't pull Luna back onto the rails. So she went for help. Celestia was sadly finishing her work as Cadence steamed into the depot.
“Luna is in trouble!” said Cadence.
“Luna’s in trouble?!” Celestia cried, “I’m on my way!” And she steamed off as fast as she could. When Celestia arrived, she was tied to Luna. Celestia struggled and struggled; she finally pulled her sister gently back onto the tracks. She was relieved Luna wasn't hurt.
“Thank you,” Luna said, “and I’m sorry.”
“No I’m sorry,” said Celestia.
“I’m sorry!” insisted Luna.
“You don't have to have a row about who's sorry,” chuckled Cadence, “Just be glad your back together.”
And they were.”
Summer is a busy time on the Island of Sodor. Vacationers have so much to see and do. There are trips to the seaside, balloon rides in the country and the brass band playing in the park. One morning, Luna was in a hurry. she didn't even stop to say hello to Stepney. Twilight was pleased to see Luna.
“What's up Luna?” Twilight said, “your smile is as broad as your smokebox.”
“I'm on my way to pick up the brass band,” replied Luna, “The concert is tomorrow night.”
“Don't crack your smokebox,” teased Twilight. Luna couldn't wait to hear the brass band play their wonderful music. She was so excited about meeting the brass band that she didn't notice Big Mickey. He was unloading a huge ship's boiler. Suddenly, Big Mickey swung the boiler and knocked Luna right off the track. Cranky had been watching.
“You useless little engines are always in the way,” he laughed. Poor Luna. The Fat Controller came immediately.
“We will take you to the fitters yard and Bertie will have to meet the brass band instead of you,” he said.
Luna was sad. That night a raging storm rolled in. The fitters worked through the night trying to mend Luna. The rain pelted down. Now Luna felt sad and very dammed. Morning came and The Fat Controller arrived.
“Please sir,” pleaded Luna, “Will the fitters be finished soon?”
“Not soon enough and the band can't wait. I'm sorry Luna, Bertie will take them to the concert,” he replied.
Luna felt worse than ever. Bertie collected the brass band and set off immediately. He bummed cheerfully along the country roads. But there was trouble ahead. Last night's storm had flooded the road. Bertie's driver decided to take a shortcut. But it was very muddy. Bertie's wheels did not like the mud. They scooted, they skated, they slid, they slipped.
“I’m stuck,” he groaned, “just great.” Bertie revved his engine, but his wheels spun round and round. He couldn't budge. The brass band were worried.
“We mustn't be late for our concert. Tune up your tuba,” Cried the leader of the band, “We'll call for help.”
By now Luna was mended and hooked up to some branchline coaches, when her driver could hear something. “I can hear music,” he said.
“That's not music,” wheeshed Luna, “That's an alarm.”
And they raced off to the rescue. The musicians were delighted to see their old friend, so was Bertie.
“I'll get you to the concert in time!” Luna said cheerfully that night, the concert was a great success. Everyone loved the music, especially Luna.”
In summertime, Celestia was tasked by the Fat Controller to take some supplies to down and new line that had just opened up, it was called the Sunflower Branch. She loves to visit that place in her free time. The air smells sweet and Celestia thinks there's no better place to be. One day at Marron Station, Percy was passing by with the mail just as Celestia’s passengers got on board.
“Peep, Peep! Good morning,” Percy tooted “your driver looks a little worried. I wonder why.”
“I don’t know,” said Celestia, “But I soon will.”
While she puffed down the line she asked her driver what might be wrong, “Excuse me Driver,” said Celestia, “But is something wrong?”
“yes indeed,” replied her driver, “They need an engine to help run the special line.”
“A sunflower engine,” chuckled Celestia, “maybe I can find one.”
Later, Celestia saw Douglas and Sunset. She had an idea. “Can you help me find another engine?” she asked.
“Where?” Douglas asked.
“Where you found Starlight and Oliver,” Celestia replied.
“You mean on the Other Railway?” Sunset asked.
“Yes. I'm looking for a sunflower engine,” and Celestia explained everything.
“We like to help. But these days it's only Diesels that go there,” Douglas said nervously.
Then Celestia decided, “so that’s where I’ll go. Diesels don’t scare me, I’m the Princess of Equestria.”
“Take care,” Sunset called, Celestia told the driver all about the plan and that night he came to the shed.
“The manager says he'll make a home for a sunflower engine if you find one,” he told her.
“Right,” said Celestia, “We’ll find one tomorrow.”
It took Celestia all the next day to travel to the Other Railway. She tooted to her friends as she puffed along the line, through Vicarstown, and over the bridge. Darkness fell and the cold wind blew as Celestia entered the scrapyard. Even she had to admit, it was pretty scary.
“Ooh, what’s that?” She said, but it was only the sounds of the lonely scrapyard. Diesels, silent and still lined up on guard.
“Who are you?” their voices bellowed.
Celestia plucked up course, “I’m a LMS Coronation Class, with an engine inspector on board. Have you any engines in the sheds?”
“No! none!”
Celestia rallied again, “Then what about the sidings?”
“One! We have one!”
Celestia grew braver still, “then I just take him to inspect.”
Celestia puffed along the track, until she saw the engine on a siding. The engine was a Great Western 1500 Class, it was purple with an indigo with magenta striped boiler, they wore glasses, and had a pink star with six small white stars surrounding it on her side tanks. She stood sad and alone in the shadowy siding. Her driver was huddled in the cab, keeping her company. Celestia was beyond words when she saw the engine, she almost looked like…
‘No that can’t be her,’ she thought, “Excuse me, do you like sunflowers?”
The engine look surprised, “Yes, sunflowers are gorgeous.”
“Then you're soon going to see lots of them because I'm getting you out of here,” Celestia said.
everyone worked fast. Celestia’s driver and fireman, help get the engine’s fire ready until it was nice and hot. The engine slowly moved out off her siding, and Celestia carefully buffered up to her. So off they set, past the bleak and brooding lines of diesels.
“Where is she going?” they hissed.
“Just for a run,” replied Celestia, and they chuffed quickly away.
“We’ve done it,” whispered Celestia, “We're over the board and back on our own railway. Mission accomplished.” They puffed over the bridge and entered Vicarstown. When Celestia and the engine arrived at the station, a big party welcome awaited them.
“We shall mend you and give you your new coat of paint,” Said the manager of the Sunflower Branch.
Her driver was delighted. “You lucky old engine. You've been saved by the Sunflower Railway.”
“And my friend, Celestia. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Celestia.”
“It was my pleasure…” Celestia was about to say her name, but the engine never told her her name.
“Oh, my name is Twilight Sparkle,” the engine replied. Everyone at Vicarstown Station where stunned and loss of words.
“Is something wrong?” Twilight asked.
“It’s just… we have a friend, and her name is Twilight Sparkle,” Pinkie said. “I think we should give you a nickname.”
“Like what?” Twilight asked again.
“How about, Sci-Twi?” Oliver suggested.
“Sci-Twi, I like it,” Sci-Twi said. Now Sci-Twi is as happy as can be and helps the passengers and visit at Sunflower line. Although her real name was Twilight Sparkle, everyone calls her "Sci-Twi the Sunflower Engine".
Twilight had been to the Works to be mended. She had rolled out the Sheds and crashed into the Station master’s house. Now Twilight was as good as new, but she was worried about the trucks. Before she could control trucks, but now they found new ways to trick her. Most of the time, it’s when she’s early and her driver and fireman aren’t in her cab. Other times it’s pushing her when she least expects it.
“I hope I can learn to control them again,” she huffed to herself.
But the trucks sang songs rude and loud. After the old Leader S. C. Ruffey had learnt his lesson, a new leader was chosen by the trucks, and she was much worse than Scruffey. She was named S.C. Arlet or more commonly called Scarlet after her colour. She would sing and led the chorus.
“Twilight's no use at all, she thinks she's very clever.
She thought that she can manage us, that's the best joke ever!
When she orders us about, with the greatest folly, we just pushed her off the rails!
POP Goes Old Twily!”
Pinkie, Fluttershy and Trixie were shocked. “BE QUIET!” They ordered, but they couldn't be everywhere, and everywhere they weren't, the trucks began again.
“Twilight's no use at all, she thinks she's very clever.
She thought that she can manage us, that's the best joke ever!”
At last, the engines gave up. “We’re sorry, Twilight,” they said.
“And look, I’m feeling sorry for you,” Trixie remarked.
“It’s really my fault,” Twilight said sadly, “I can’t control them anymore.”
Spike the Brake Van felt sorry for Twilight too. Next morning, he spoke to Luna.
“I'm worried, Luna,” he told her, “this disrespect for engines. Where's it going to end?”
“Who knows?” Sighed Luna.
“I've got a plan, Luna. May I stay here today and help Twilight?” Spike asked, “We both grew up together and must stand together and help each other as siblings.”
“Certainly, Spike,” replied Douglas and puffed away.
Soon, Spike was explaining his plan. “Goodness gracious Spike. I don't think you should suggest such a thing to Twilight,” said Sunset. But Twilight interrupted.
“No Sunset, Spike's right. It's really my fault. I must put this trouble right.” Twilight responded.
“I meant no disrespect you understand,” said Spike.
“Of course not Spike. Anyway, driver says the same and he's arranged it with the stationmaster,” Twilight assured Spike.
“Very well Twilight,” conceded Sunset, “But I must hurry. My passengers will be waiting. Good luck.”
“So long,” smiled Twilight bravely, but she felt dreadfully nervous inside.
Twilight marshalled the worst trucks two by two. “That's the way Twilight,” whispered Spike, “and if you leave that Scarlet till last, then you'll have her behind you. You can bump her if she starts her nonsense.”
“Hold back, hold back!” whispered Scarlet once she was coupled up, “and pass the word to the others.”
The silly trucks giggled, but Twilight knew what to do. There was plenty of sand on the rails and her wheels gripped splendidly. She gave a great heave.
“Oooooh!” groaned Scarlet, “I don't like this!”
“Go on!” yelled Sunset, “Well done, girl, well done!”
“OOOOOH!” wailed Scarlet, the sound of splintering wood could be heard coming from Scarlet, “I'm coming apart!” And she did. Between the trucks holding back, and Twilight pulling forward, Scarlet was split in two and she was torn off her wheels.
Then there was trouble, “Well, Twilight, so you don't know your own strength, is that it?” The fat controller said.
“N-no sir,” stuttered Twilight nervously. The Fat Controller inspected Scarlet.
“As I thought. Rotten wood, rusty frames,” he said looking her over “maybe if we put you back together, you'll earn yourself a better name.”
Nowadays, Twilight only takes the trucks when the other engines were busy. But they're always quick to warn each other. “Take care with Miss. Sparkle. If you play tricks on her, you'll never be the same truck again!”
Scarlet has learned her lesson and says nothing at all. She now sits on a siding next to Scruffey, to he just looks at her with a face of, ‘that’s why you don’t piss off an engine.’
Spike the Brake van was feeling sad. Everywhere he looked, he could see engines and coaches moving steadily forwards. They all looked confident and cheerful. One day, he decided to talk to Twilight.
“I’m always going backwards, Twilight,” He told her, “I have forward-thinking views – I could be a leader, if you know what I mean.”
“You can’t be a leader without a train to follow you. You don’t have a train,” Gordon said. Spike felt sadder still. Twilight wanted to help.
“You’re a very useful brake van, Spike,” Twilight assured Spike, “you help me brake, and you keep my trucks in order when we go down hills.”
“I know, Twilight,” said Spike, “but it would be so exciting to go forwards for a change instead of always seeing things sliding away from me.”
“The trucks were cross with Spike, “Who’s he to start complaining? He’s lucky to be able to look after us. Let’s teach him a lesson.”
The trucks decided to carry out their plan when they reached Gordon’s Hill. When they were nearly at the top, they played their tricks.
“Ready, steady, go!” Said the trucks, and they jerked at a coupling, which broke, “We’re making your wish come true, Spike! Follow the leader!” yelled the trucks. Spike was still in a state of shock, so didn’t know what to think. And he couldn’t ask the guard – he had jumped clear! Twilight felt the trucks break free, as she puffed down the other side of the hill.
“Faster, faster, as fast as you want!” screamed the trucks. Suddenly, Spike found it all rather fun. But the fun was soon over! A crossing lay ahead, and the gates were closed. Spike couldn’t stop, and he smashed the gates to pieces. Worse still – Spike now realized he was on the wrong track. There ahead was Rainbow Dash. The Signalman changed the points just in time.
“On, on! Faster!” cried the trucks. Suddenly, Spike saw Rarity pulling a long, slow train.
“Yoicks!” cried Spike, “Help! Save me!”
A quick-thinking shunter did, just in time. The shunter changed the points to switch Spike to the other line, then switches the points back for Rarity before she goes over them.
“What was that?!” exclaimed Rarity, “was that Spike?”
The Signalman warned the Stationmaster at the next station.
“There’s a runaway coming!” the Signalman called.
“We’ll sent him into the sidings!” yelled the Stationmaster.
“Help! Help!” called Spike again. Spike races though Crosby station and goes over the points that lead into the sidings.
Spike saw some buffers, “Those’ll stop me,” he said, but the points to the buffers weren’t set, “Oh, no! I’m back on the main line.”
Meanwhile, Twilight was racing to the rescue, “I must catch Spike, I must.”
Spike sped past Henry. More danger lay ahead. Men were working on a bridge, but they had been warned about the runaway Spike and his trucks. They diverted him onto an old siding – straight into a muddy pool.
Spike makes gurgling noises as he floats back to the surface. “Stopped at last!” he gurgled. Twilight arrived, and when he saw Spike, she could only smile.
“A pond’s the only place for a Toad brake van, I suppose!”
That night, Spike spoke to Twilight. “I’m sorry, Twilight, if I caused you any embarrassment.”
“That’s all right, Spike. So what did you think of going forwards?” Twilight asked.
“It was fun. But from now on I’ll be happy to look forward to the future… busy going backwards, so to speak!”
Twilight and Spike are sister and brother. They deliver goods and passengers when the roads are closed by deep snow. Twilight didn’t mind snow as a pony, but as a steam engine, she thinks snow is messy and cold.
“I'm a steam engine,” she chuffed one day, “I shouldn't have to shiver.”
“Begging your pardon, Twilight?” said Spike, “But I think snow is splendid.”
“Pah!” scoffed Twilight.
Later, Twilight saw some children building a giant snowman for their winter festival. Each time, Twilight passed by the snowman grew bigger, and bigger, and bigger, and bigger.
“Just an obviation, Twilight,” Spike said as they puffed passed the snowman for the sixth time, “snow is magical.”
“Ugh!” Twilight moaned.
Finally, the snowman was completed. Twilight chuffed back to her warm cozy shed. The Fat Controller was waiting for her.
“You have to return to the mountain village,” he said, “Some goods are needed for the festival.”
“But all this snow makes my wheels feel chilly,” Twilight groaned, you could tell something was wrong with her, because she wasn’t herself.
“Really useful engines work hard whenever the weather,” the Fat Controller stated.
Soon, Twilight was loaded and on her way. The snow was cold. It had frozen the points and diverted Twilight into the station sidings.
“Oh, shiver my boiler!” cried Twilight. Her driver applied the brakes. But she slid on the icy rails.
“Is there a problem Twilight?” asked Spike.
“Yeah!” Exclaimed Twilight as she crashed through the buffered, and slid straight into the children’s snowman, “there is!”
“That could’ve been a little smoother,” Spike remarked as he slid up next to Twilight on his side. The snowman’s head fell off as well.
Twilight felt awful. She thought the children would be upset about their snowman. Twilight's driver went for help. The Fat Controller was just leaving his office when he got the call.
“Shining Armour will bring the breakdown train first thing in the morning.” He said. Twilight's driver returned and told her the news.
“I'll be out here all night,” moaned Twilight, her cheeks were starting to turn blue.
“I’m afraid so,” Luckily, the village inn had a toasty warm room for Twilight's driver. But Twilight was getting colder and colder. Her fire had gone out and her funnel was covered in icicles.
“I was right all along,” Twilight shivered, “There's nothing magical about snow on Sodor.”
Spike was beginning to think Twilight might be right. “BRRR!” he trembled.
“Next morning the children saw the situation, “Look,” a little girl shouted, “Our snowman has eyes in its tummy.”
“No it doesn’t,” laughed a little boy, “it’s Twilight.” That gave the children an idea. When Twilight woke up he was surrounded by happy children.
“Twilight's a wonderful snow engine!” They cried. Twilight was so relief that suddenly she didn't feel any cold anymore. When Shining Armour arrived with the breakdown crane, Twilight didn't want to leave. She was enjoying the winter festival so much.
“You were right, Spike,” Twilight called, “There are some magical things about snow.”
Pinkie and Fluttershy enjoy their work at the harbour, pulling and pushing trucks full of cargo to and from the quay. But one morning, the engines were exhausted. The harbour was busier than ever. The Fat Controller promised that another engine would be found to help them.
“Huh! It’s about time,” said Fluttershy.
“I ache so much I can hardly get my wheels to move,” agreed Pinkie.
They waited for the engine to arrive. It came as a shock when she did.
“Good morning,” squirmed Gilda in her gruff voice.
The two engines had not worked with Gilda for a long while.
“What are you doing here?” gasped Fluttershy.
“Your worthy Fat er – Sir Topham Hatt sent me,” replied Gilda, “I hope you are pleased to see me. I am to shunt some dreadfully tiresome trucks.”
“Shunt where?” said Pinkie suspiciously.
“Where? Why from here to there…” purred Gilda, “…and then again from there to here. Easy, isn’t it?”
With that, Gilda, as if to make herself quite clear, bumped some trucks hard.
“OOOOOOH!” screamed the trucks.
“Grrrrh!” growled Gilda.
Pinkie and Fluttershy were horrified. They did not trust Gilda at all. They refused to work and would not leave their shed. The Fat Controller was enjoying his tea and iced bun when the telephone rang. “So, there’s trouble in the harbour yard?” he answered, “I’ll be there right away.”
Gilda was working loudly and alone. Cargo lay on the quay. Ships and passengers were delayed. Everyone was complaining about the Fat Controller’s railway. Pinkie and Fluttershy were sulking in their shed.
“What’s all this?” Demanded the Fat Controller.
“Er, we’re on strike, Sir,” Said Fluttershy.
“Yes. added Duck, “Beg pardon, Sir, but we won’t work with Gilda, Sir.” Then, in a quiet hurt voice, she added, “we don’t like her because she’s been mean to us, Sir.”
“Lady has given Gilda a second chance to make up for her actions in the past. I am trying to help you by bringing Gilda here. Now you must help me. She was the only engine available.
Pinkie and Fluttershy went sadly back to work. Next morning, things were no better. Gilda’s driver had not put her brakes on properly and Gilda started to move. She went bump, straight into Pinkie! Pinkie had an awful fright.
“Wake up there, squirt,” scowled Gilda, “You have work to do.”
She didn’t even say she was sorry to Pinkie. Later, Gilda bumped the trucks so hard that the loads went everywhere.
“What will the Fat Controller say?” gasped Fluttershy.
“He won’t like it,” said Pinkie.
“So who’s going to tell him, I wonder?” said Gilda, “Two little goody-goody tell-tales like you, I suppose.”
Pinkie and Fluttershy did not want to be tell-tales, so they said nothing. Gilda, thinking she could get away with her bad behaviour, was ruder than ever. Next day she was shunting trucks full of china clay. She banged the trucks hard into the buffers, but the buffers weren’t secure. The silly trucks were sunk. Soon the Fat Controller heard the news. The trucks were hoisted safely from the sea, but the clay was lost. The Fat Controller spoke severely to Gilda.
“The harbour master has told me everything. Things worked much better here before you arrived. I shall not be inviting you back to help at the harbour,” said the Fat Controller angerly, “Now Pinkie and Fluttershy, I hope you won’t mind having to handle the work by yourselves again.”
“Oh no Sir. Yes please Sir,” replied the engines.
Whistling cheerfully, they puffed back to work while Gilda sulked slowly away.
The engines on the Island of Sodor liked feeling responsible, reliable and really useful. They worked hard to compete their jobs on time. They don't like confusion and delay. But the troublesome trucks delighted mischief, and their mischief causes trouble, as poor Applejack found out. The Fat Controller visited the equestrian engines in their shed.
“Applejack has had an accident and been sent for repairs,” said the Fat Controller, “There are no other engines available. So Gilda will help until Applejack returns.”
“Yes sir,” huffed the engines, but they weren't happy. The engines didn't like Gilda. She was always being rude and always showing off.
“I hope Applejack is mended soon,” said Fluttershy.
“She moves more trucks than three Griffons put together,” agreed Twilight.
“Trucks are no one’s friends,” huffed Rainbow. The next day, Gilda was working at the docks.
“Those stupid engines,” she said to herself, “I’ll show them that Gilda gets to do what Gilda wants. And I’ll show them how better I am than them.”
This gave the troublesome trucks an idea. As Gilda was shunting them together, they started to sing. “Is that all you can haul? AJ’s loads are longer. Is that all you can haul? AJ must be stronger.”
Gilda was cross. She was sure she was stronger than Applejack. “I'll push you all at the same time,” She said.
The trucks giggled, “Push us all, that's the longest, push us all, you'll be the strongest.”
“That’s me,” said Gilda, “The strongest engine in the world!”
And so Gilda shunted five trucks together...
…then ten...
…then fifteen. Soon she had an enormous line of twenty trucks.
“What’s Gilda doing?” cried Pinkie.
“She thinks she's the world's strongest engine,” Replied Twilight. Gilda didn't know the shunters have the brakes on the trucks. The troublesome trucks knew but encouraged Gilda to push anyway.
“Push, push, push!” they yelled.
Gilda pushed, and she pushed, and she pushed, but the trucks didn't move. So Gilda decided to pull the trucks instead. She tried pulling the trucks forward, but she couldn’t.
“Heave ho, heave ho, you can pull but we won't go,” sang the trucks. This made Gilda very cross. She pulled, and she pulled, and she pulled. Until the coupling snapped, and Gilda zoomed down the line.
“Help!” Gilda called out as she crashed through some buffers, fell on the rails and landed on a barge.
“Grease and oil,” Gilda sulked, as the trucks laughed and laughed.
The Fat Controller arrived onboard a mended Applejack and looked down crossly at Gilda, “I thought you would be a proper dockyard diesel, but I was wrong,” he said, “Can you make up for lost time, Applejack?”
“Righty’o sir,” Applejack replied happily. She backed up to the trucks and the shunters released the brakes. Then Applejack pulled away as easy as pie. And the engines cheered. Gilda was sent to the Diesel works in disgrace. But the engines had learned a lesson.
“Even troublesome trucks can do you a favour sometime,” chuffed Twilight.
“Like getting rid of stinky old Gilda,” puffed Pinkie.
A cement works had been opened on the Equestria Branch, and Twilight was told to run it, when she’s not busy on the Thomas’ or the Equestria Branchline. She knows all the rules and obeys them. One day, The Fat Controller brought Gilda to the cement works
“I need Gilda to help for a while,” the Fat Controller said, “Twilight please show her around.”
“Yes, sir,” said Twilight unhappily. She knew how troublesome Gilda could be. Later, Gilda was being careless. She bumped some trucks out her way.
“Not like that,” snapped Twilight, “do it right.”
“Don’t interfere,” sneered Gilda. But Gilda was underneath a hopper and quarry dust poured onto her roof.
“You don't know the rules!” Shouted Twilight. Gilda was very annoyed with Twilight and started plotting a devious plan. Later that day, she pretended to have news for Twilight.
“The fat Controller wants you to work at the smelters,” She lied.
“Me?” Twilight asked, “but I’m meant to work here.”
“Not anymore,” Gilda replied grimly, “the Fat Controller says I'm better than you. So I'm going to stay here.”
“It's not fair, he would never say that,” Twilight said as she puffed away, “I love working here.” But she knew that really useful engines have to do as they are told. As she puffed out of site, Gilda was laughing like a robber.
Twilight and her grew arrived at the smelters, “I wanna go back to the cement works,” wailed Twilight, “None of the other engines like coming here it's so scary.”
“You're right,” said her driver.
Just then, the scrap diesels arrived, “Hello. Are you happy to be here?” they remarked.
“NO!” Cried Twilight, her driver was scared too.
“Come on, Twilight, we're going to escape,” he said as he drove Twilight in reverse. And for the first time, Twilight broke the rules. The Fat Controller was enjoying some tasty kippers when he heard that Twilight was missing.
“That's not like Twilight. There must be something wrong,” he said, “I will send Cadence to look for her.”
Twilight and her grew turn onto a disused track to find a place to hide. Twilight was frightened, so was Cadence. She puffed up and down the line. She couldn't see Twilight anywhere.
“We could search the old mine track,” said her driver.
“That line is dark and spooky,” whispered Cadence But she had to be brave and find her sister-in-law. Twilight was on a siding. Her fire had gone out. Then, she heard a sound.
“It’s an engine,” she cried.
Twilight!” whistle Cadence, “Whatever are you doing out here?”
“Hiding. I don't wanna work at the smelters,” Twilight sniffed, “The Fat Controller is going to be cross with me.”
“What gave you that idea?” Cadence asked, “he’s not. He’s worried about you.”
“Really?” Twilight said hopefully, looking into Cadence’s eyes.
“Of course,” puffed Cadence sweetly. Twilight felt better. Cadence pulled Twilight all the way to the smelters yard where she knew The Fat Controller was waiting.
“Twilight explain yourself,” said the Fat Controller.
“I ran away, it’s scary here,” replied Twilight.
“Gilda told Twilight that you wanted her at the smelters forever,” Cadence chimed in.
“Nonsense, Twilight, you are a pride of the Equestria Branch,” said the Fat Controller, “I shall send Gilda to the smelters and, you can go back to your normal work tomorrow.”
“Oh thank you sir,” said Twilight happily. Twilight knew she could rely on Cadence, and Twilight was still a pride of the Equestria branch.
On starry nights when the moon is full and the air still, you can hear the sounds of faraway ships and distant laughter. They echo over the hills and through the valleys, down calm canals and sleepy inlets. Every engine knows that these are the sounds that say the harbour is hard at work at the big station by the sea. One night, a special load of fish was ordered. The Fat Controller decided that extra vans must be added to the train that the men called The Flying Kipper. The only vans available were old ones. They had not been used for a long time. Henry waited impatiently by the key side as Cadence shunted them into position. Thomas puffed by with the Mail Train.
“Hello, Cadence! Going fishing?” Thomas joked, “I'd take care if I were you.”
“Why?” huffed Cadence.
“Well for one thing...” puffed Thomas remembering his own experience, “...if fish get into an engine's boiler they always cause trouble. And for another, fish can be awfully smelly. And I know what I'm talking about. Good night.”
Henry grunted dreadfully. “You'll just have to put up with it, Henry,” said his driver, “At least the extra load will mean you can have another engine help us up Gordon's Hill.”
Once Henry was ready, he puffed away. Meanwhile, Cadence was waiting at Edward's Station so that she could help the heavy train by pushing from behind. Henry made good progress. When they reached Edward's Station, his driver stopped the train beyond the platform. Then Henry gave a special signal.
“Peep, Peep, Peep, Peep! I need help please?” Henry whistled.
“Peep, Peep!” replied Cadence, “I won't be long.”
Cadence buffered gently up to Henry's train. She was not coupled on. So Henry would then be able to run on without stopping, when they reached the top of the hill.
“Ready!” whistled Cadence and off they went. Soon they reached Gordon's Hill.
“Push hard, push hard,” puffed Henry.
“We're doing it, we're doing it,” replied Cadence. Henry was pulling his train harder than he realized. The tail-lamp from the fourth van comes off all of a sudden. Cadence felt the weight on her buffers slacking. Then Cadence noticed something else.
“There's no sign of a tail-lamp,” She puffed. She whistled, but there was no reply. Meanwhile, Henry had noticed something too.
“My train's getting heavier,” he thought to himself, “I'm slowing down.”
Then there was trouble. Cadence crashes into the vans, causing Henry to come to a complete stop. No one was hurt, but a strong smell of fish hung in the air. Next day, workmen found the broken tail-lamp at the bottom of the hill. The Fat Controller spoke kindly to Cadence.
“The accident wasn't your fault,” he said, “we should've checked that this tail-lamp was fixed on properly. We'll soon have you in working order again.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Cadence sadly, “Thomas told me to be careful about fish. They got me in a right pickle, didn't they?”
Cadence worked hard pulling trains along the main and branch lines. Sometimes she pulled coaches. Sometimes she pushed trucks. But whatever the work, Cadence got the job done without fuss. One day Cadence was resting in the shed when the Fat Controller arrived.
“Your work on the lines has been good,” he said, “Would you like to run your own little line near the Harwick Branch?”
“Yes please sir!” Replied Cadence. So Cadence took charge of her own little part of the Harwick branch. The responsibility delighted her. The line runs along a coast by sandy beaches till it meets a port where big ships come in and then arrives at Harwick Harbour were she sees Ryan and Daisy, as well as Oliver, Duck and Skiff. Cadence enjoyed exploring every curve and corner of the line. Sea breezes swirled her smoke high into the air and her pink paint glistened in the sunlight.
“This is just like running my own Kingdom,” she puffed, “I wonder if Celestia would allow me to rule my own kingdom back home.”
“Well, you know what they say,” laughed her driver, “A change is as good as a rest.”
Soon Cadence was busier than ever. The Fat Controller was building a new station at the port and Cadence pushed the heavy trucks wherever they were needed. Bertie looked after Cadence’s passengers and the other engines helped too, but the work took a long time. Noise and dust filled the air.
“Don’t worry,” whistled Shining Armour, “The station’s nearly finished.”
“And on time, too,” Said Cadence thankfully. Cadence felt her responsibility deeply and talked endlessly about it.
“You don’t understand, Luna,” she said in the sheds, “how much the Fat Controller relies on me.”
“Is that so,” muttered Luna sleepily.
“I’m the princess of love and…”
“Quack, quack, quack,” mocked Luna.
“What?” asked Cadence confused.
“You heard. Quack, quack you go,” Luna repeated, “sounds like you laid an egg. Now quiet and let an engine sleep.”
“Quack yourself,” said Cadence indignantly. The next morning she spoke to her driver and fireman.
“Luna says I quack as if I’d laid an egg,” she told them.
“Quack, do you?” Pondered her fireman. He whispered something to Cadence and her driver. They were going to play a joke on Luna and pay her back for teasing Cadence. The engines were busy for the rest of the day and nothing more was said, not even a quack. But when at last Luna was asleep, Cadence’s driver and fireman popped something into her water tank. Next morning, when Luna stopped for water, she found that she had an unexpected passenger aboard. A small grey cygnet popped out of her water tank.
“Now who could be behind this,” laughed Luna. The cygnet was tame. She shared the fireman's sandwich and rode in the tender. The other engines enjoyed teasing Luna about her. Presently she grew tired of travelling and hopped off at a station and there she stayed. That night, Luna’s driver and fireman got busy and in the morning when Cadence’s crew arrived to look her over, they laughed and laughed.
“Look Cadence. Look what’s under your tender,” they laughed, “It’s a nest box with an egg in it.”
Luna opened a sleepy eye. “Well, well, well. You must laid it in the night, Cadence, all unbeknownst.”
Then Cadence laughed too, “You win, Luna. It’d take a clever engine to get the better of you!”
There’s a pond near the cygnet’s station. Here she often swims and welcomes the trains as they pass by. The stationmaster calls her Susie. To everyone else she’s always Luna’s Cygnet.
Cadence had been working at the harbour all day and was tired of the smell of fish. She liked working at the harbour, but the smelly fish was really annoying her.
“Phew. Come on, Cadence,” said her driver, “time to go home.”
“Please sir,” she asked, “can I have a washdown first?”
“Sorry, Cadence, there isn't time,” replied the driver, “the Fat Controller is waiting for us at the sheds.”
Cadence arrived at the Ponyville sheds, the Fat Controller had just started to tell them the news.
“There is to be a festival of flowers,” announced The Fat Controller, “this sign saying "Best Dressed Station" will be awarded to the winner. Please help with the arrangements.”
The engines were excited. “My favourite station is for Ffarquhar,” said Twilight.
“Mine is Maithwaite,” said Celestia, “Cadence, what's yours?”
Cadence was too tired to think properly. “The Harbour,” she muttered.
“Ha!” sniffed Luna, “we can tell.”
“The harbour are full of fish, not flowers,” Laughed Celestia.
“All right then,” Cadence huffed, “Peel Godred.”
“That’s near our home,” replied Celestia.
“That's why I like it,” snapped Cadence, “especially when you're up there and I’m down here making fun of me. Good night.”
Next morning, Cadence was proud to be sparkling again. Her train of trucks were being loaded with vegetables and flowers. “These are for Maithwaite,” said her driver, “They'll display them on the platform.”
On the way, Cadence saw Harold. “Why is Harold buzzing about?” she thought, “I haven't time for a race today.”
“What's that?” said her driver, “Why bless me, it's a ram.” And he was right. A ram was standing on the tracks blocking the line.
“Now we'll be late!” huffed Cadence, “I've should've know that Harold was trying to tell us something.”
The ram baaed at her. “I've got just the ticket to get him off the track,” cried the fireman, “food.”
He found some cabbage leaves. He then led the ram off the track. The ram chomped happily away. “Please can we go now?” asked Cadence, the ram bleated as the puffed away. When Cadence arrived at the station, her driver told the stationmaster what had happened.
“I've heard about this ram,” he replied, “he's always hungry.”
A little while later, the station was decked with flowers. “Maithwaite will definitely win first prize,” decided Cadence. She left her coaches and went to a siding where no one could see her. “Time for a snooze,” she thought. But it wasn't. In the distance, rumbling and crushing sounds could be heard at the station.
“We better see what all that noise is about,” said her driver. Cadence was shocked, flowers were scattered everywhere.
“It's that ram,” he said, “He's made of meal of the station too.”
Then there was trouble. “We can't get in to the waiting room!” the passengers cried.
“Why not?” asked the stationmaster.
“The ram won't let us,” they replied. Everyone looked at the ram and the ram looked at them.
“He's not alone,” exclaimed Cadence's driver. Also inside the waiting room, were three little boys.
“Let us out!” begged the boys, “we're sorry.”
“Well look at that!” said the stationmaster, “the boys are the culprits not the ram. He was just making sure they did know more damage.”
“We thought it would be fun, but it wasn't,” cried the boys, “we'll put everything back.”
A few days later, the Fat Controller invited some of the engines to Maithwaite, winner of the Best Dressed Station award.
“I'm sorry, Tia. whispered Cadence, “You made the right choice.”
Then the Fat Controller made an announcement. “There is one more prize for our good friend the ram. Here it is.” And he presented a giant pumpkin, “I'll eat my hat if you don't like it.”
Then Harold landed. The wind from his blades blew The Fat Controller’s hat off and it landed in front of the ram. Everyone gasped as the ram ate the top hat.
“Well,” said The Fat Controller, “seems I wouldn't be able to eat my hat even if I had to.”
Everyone laughed and the only sound from the ram was a contended hiccup.
Thomas the Tank Engine was feeling very happy. His blue coat shone in the sun, he was right on time, and all around his branch line the countryside seems prettier than ever before.
“Good morning, Percy,” Thomas greeted, “my branch is the pride of the line. Wouldn't you agree?”
“Uh, yes, Thomas, of course, but...” stuttered Percy.
“But what, Percy?” Thomas hurried, “out with it.”
“Well there is another engine with the famous branch line too,” Percy stammered.
“Who?” Thomas asked shocked, “Where?”
“Well, I heard that she’s Twilight Sparkle, but from this world. So they call her Sci-Twi,” replied Percy, “she's faraway, but the Fat Controller says she may visit us.”
“When?!” Thomas asked loudly.
“Oh someday,” And Percy hurried away. Meanwhile Sci-Twi puffed steadily along her line. It runs through fields and Forests. But isn't very long and that made her feel a little sad. Later she saw Celestia, the Princess had helped saved Sci-Twi from scrap.
“Everyone's been so kind, but my railway is so short, that I do miss a good long run,” she told her.
“I think you should tell your driver,” Celestia replied motherly, “I'm sure he'll understand.”
Sci-Twi soon discovered that indeed he did. “Do you know Twi, I feel just the same way,” he replied. That evening, Sci-Twi's Driver had exciting news. “Guess what Twi? The Fat Controller has invited us to visit the other engines on his own railway. The Manager agreed. It'll be really long run to get there.”
“Oh thank you!” sighed Sci-Twi. They set-off the next morning. By now, all the other engines were talking about Sci-Twi.
“She runs a famous branch line,” Percy said to Thomas, “did you know that?”
Thomas was feeling a little jealous. “Huh! It may be famous, but my branch is the first on the line,” he huffed, “everyone knows that too.” And he huffed away to fetch his coaches.
“Look!” whistled Percy, on the platform people were lined up look out on the track, “Why have they all come? There's no train yet.”
But Percy was wrong. The signal dropped and from faraway an engine whistled.
“Here she comes!” called Douglas.
Sci-Twi puffed proudly through the junction. All the engines were pleased to see her. They all whistled and greet her.
“I hope you'll meet Thomas too,” called Edward, “you both have branch lines to be proud of.”
Then Sci-Twi set-off to help Twilight shunt coaches in the yards, and they worked happily together all afternoon. The two of them were shocked be working with themselves, then they burst into laughed. At last at night, Thomas arrived.
“Sorry, I can't talk. It's time for my last branch line train. I mustn't be late,” and he puffed away. He was hardly out of sight when the engines heard shouting at the station. Moments later came the alarm.
“Stop all trains!” cried a man. The telephone when of in the signal box.
The signalman answered the telephone, “A special, is it? I see.”
Thomas was impatient. “Why are we waiting?” he huffed, “my passengers are being delayed.”
“Sorry, Thomas,” replied his driver, “We’re being shunted to allow another train to pass.”
Thomas was sulking on the siding, soon they heard an unfamiliar puffing sound. There was Sci-Twi with her headlamp swinging and whistle blowing. She gathered speed and disappeared.
“Well bust my boiler!” said Thomas the Tank engine. The next morning, Thomas was still fuming. “Shunted!” he fumed, “And on my own branch too! It's a disgrace!”
“I'm sorry,” apologised Sci-Twi, “I was a special.”
“Why?” Thomas asked.
“An important passenger arrived just as you left,” Sci-Twi replied, “he ordered a special train and Duck let me take it. We had a splendid run, but...”
“But....” finished Thomas, “it can make an engine nervous not to know the line.”
“Exactly,” agreed Sci-Twi, “You're such an expert.” Thomas felt much better. He couldn't be cross anymore and began telling Sci-Twi all about his branch line.
Sci-Twi was busy talking to the Dazzlings. It was her first visit to their railway, and she was having a splendid time.
“You are very lucky engines,” she said, “Your line has got everything. It's long enough to give you a good run, and you have plenty of passengers. Then you have a quarry and a mine, so you'll need plenty of trucks. Trucks are fun. I miss them on our line.”
Sonata was surprised. All the engines thought trucks were trouble. “You're welcome to take some of mine,” she said, “But you better ask driver first.”
Their drivers agreed and the two engines set off. Adagio and Aria were speechless. Sci-Twi took the trucks to the harbour. Then she picked up a load of empty ones and started back. Ahead, near Bulgy’s Bridge, was a cricket field. The game had just begun. Sci-Twi and her driver had to wait at a signal.
“Good,” said her driver, “we can watch the game.” Then there was trouble. The batsman hit the ball. It flew high into the sky towards Sci-Twi's train. Clunk! Went the signal. Thump! Went the ball into a truck, but neither driver nor fireman heard it.
“STOP!” Yelled the players but Sci-Twi didn't hear them.
“Come along, come along,” she puffed to trucks.
“Our one and only ball!” cried the players. “Wake up, Caroline,” they said to their old car, “The chase was on.”
Caroline coughed crossly and rolled down the road. Sci-Twi wasn't hurrying. Caroline soon came up behind.
“Toot! Toot!” She wailed. The players shouted but Sci-Twi was still too far for his driver and fireman to see or hear properly. They completely misunderstood.
“If those jokers wanna race,” said the driver, “They can have one. Faster, Twi, faster!”
Poor Caroline wasn't happy at all. She rattled along at twice her usual speed. “I shouldn't be treated like this,” she grumbled, “This pace is too hot for my system. It'll fuse all my circuits.” Suddenly, Sci-Twi was nowhere to be seen. “Yahoo! That silly train has run into a hole so we can't catch it. I can go home now.” But she couldn't. Her driver pounded Caroline on up the steep hill and then down the other side toward the station. Sci-Twi was already here when Caroline cluttered in.
“We need our ball back!” Cried the players and explained everything. The ball was nestled under some straw in the third truck from the brakevan.
“We found it!” cried a player.
“we’re sorry,” sighed the driver.
“Ah, you couldn't help it,” replied the player, “Now we must get back quickly.”
“You'll be lucky,” said the driver, “Caroline looks worn out.”
And she was. The driver spoke to the stationmaster and the signalman, and they all agreed on a plan. Soon they had rolled Caroline on to a flat truck and a brakevan coupled behind. The players crowded inside, and Sci-Twi pulled the train back to the play field. Everyone enjoyed watching the game. Even Caroline was pleased.
“She doesn't think trains silly now,” said Sci-Twi.
“They have their uses,” Caroline replied, “they can save wear and tale on a poor car's wheels.”
Sci-Twi was enjoying working on the Fat Controller’s railway. She loved puffing along the line, greeted engines left and right with a smile. One day, the Fat Controller came to see him.
“I am very pleased with your work,” he said,” I have a new job for you, I want you to help Toby and Mavis at the quarry.”
“Oh thank you sir,” said Sci-Twi.
“But please be careful,” said the Fat Controller, “It is easy to get lost up there so be back before dark.”
“We will,” Said the driver. Sci-Twi soon arrived at the quarry that morning.
“We're glad you're here to help us,” said Toby.
“Are these my trucks?” asked Sci-Twi.
“Only some of them. There's masses more in the sidings,” replied Mavis.
“The more the merrier,” Sci-Twi was really enjoying herself. The dustier she became, the harder she worked. Mavis and Toby were impressed. Then the foreman spoke to her driver.
“We have a night special to take to building site at the new branch line,” he said, “do you want to pull the train?”
“Yes please,”said the driver. But he should have asked the Fat Controller first. Night came.
“Be careful, Sci-Twi,” advised Toby.
“I will and thank you for a lovely day,” Sci-Twi thanked them, “I do hope I can come back up here again.”
“The line can be spooky,” said Mavis.
“Thank you for the warning,” And with that, Sci-Twi puffed away. Sci-Twi arrived on time and made the delivery of rocks and stones for the workmen. Then she set off for her shed on the Equestrian branch. That's when the trouble began. The fog came down.
“Mavis was right,” remarked Sci-Twi, “Suddenly, everything does look spooky.”
“There's a signal box,” called the driver, “And the signal light is green. Someone must have been expecting us.”
But they weren't. The points had been set in the wrong direction, but Sci-Twi didn't realize this.
“Sheds, here we come,” Sci-Twi called out as she puffed down the wrong track. Then they approached an unknown area. The driver made a decision.
“It's best if we rest here until the fog clears,” he said.
“What are those strange sounds?” wondered Sci-Twi. Then the fog slowly lifted. “Oh no. We're in the scrapyards.”
Her driver and fireman went for help. Sci-Twi was all alone, but not for long. 2 diesels approached.
“Got you this time, Sparkle, you'll make very fine scrap indeed,” the diesel chuckled, “Buffer him, 5463.” The diesels took her to the large smelter shed. “Bye-bye Sparkle,” the diesel laughed.
Sci-Twi looked up. Above her was a huge grabber. “This engine's not for scrapping!” The grabber wasn't listening. But just as it was about to grab hold of her, it stopped. There stood the Fat Controller.
“It's a good thing I'm visiting this yard tonight,” he said, “saving you from scrap is becoming a habit Sci-Twi, please stop it.”
“Yes sir,” Sci-Twi breathed a sigh of relief, “but I have learned something.”
“What's that?” he asked.
“There's no place like home,” Sci-Twi called out.
“And that's exactly where you're going now,” declared the Fat Controller.
“Sunflowers forever!” Sci-Twi cried as she puffed back to her shed.
Sci-Twi's visit to The Fat Controller's railway was coming to an end. “We shall miss you,” said The Fat Controller. Then he turned his attention to all the other engines, “My railway is very busy, and I'm pleased with you, but you need help. A Diesel is all that's available. But as I can’t afford a brand-new diesel, I’m giving one that has visited here before another chance. Please do your best to avoid any *clears throat* disturbances.”
“What does that mean?” Pinkie whispered.
“That means this Diesel is difficult,” snapped James, “And can only guess who this diesel is going to be.”
James was right. The diesel was Diesel 199, he had given himself the nickname, Old Reliable, but had been given the nickname, Spamcan by the other engines. He was Bear’s old friend but after he broke down, moaned for a fitter and was helped by Henry with a failure regulator, he was send back to the mainline. Spamcan surveyed the shed.
“Greetings engines, I have returned to improve you railway, and these sheds aren’t bad, I’ve seen worse. At least you're all clean.” He slided. The engines glared. “It's not your fault, but Your controller should scrap you and get engines like me. A fill of oil, a touch on the starter and I'm off. No bother, no waiting. They’ll have to fuss round you for hours before you're ready.”
The engines were furious! Next morning, they held an indignation meeting around the turntable.
“Disgraceful!” muttered Gordon.
“Appalling!” mumbled Rainbow.
“Disgusting!” said James.
“Atrocious!” exclaimed Rarity.
“Despicable!” spluttered Henry.
“Abysmal!” shouted Applejack.
“He was so rude,” retorted Rebecca.
“To say such things to us,” cried Donald and Douglas, “It's too teach him a lesson we be wanting. But how do we do it?”
Their chance came sooner than expected. Spamcan was purring comfortably. An inspector watched a fitter making final adjustments. The wind tugged the Inspector's hat, suddenly it blow off. Spamcan was ready.
“Look at me, Sunset and Sci-Twi. Now I'll show you something,” He rolled proudly toward his coaches. Then, it happened. Spamcan starts to make bad sounds and breaks down. Shaking and spluttering, Spamcan stopped. Meanwhile, the Inspector was looking for his hat. Spamcan seethed with fury as Sunset and Sci-Twi pushed him back to the Shed.
“My hat!” explained the Inspector, “You've sucked it through your air intake!”
“Bother your hat,” said the Fat Controller, “the heavy trains' due out. You'll have to take it Sunset. Sci-Twi, will you help please?”
“Thank you, sir,” cried Sci-Twi, “I like a good long run on my last day.”
The engines were soon ready. “Gordon will take over from halfway so get the train to there,” the Fat Controller told them, “good luck.”
“Don't worry,” smiled Sci-Twi, “We'll get there and be early too.”
The cavalcade moved carefully over the rails and out to the open line. “Now for a sprint,” puffed Sci-Twi as the turned onto the mainline.
“I'm ready when you are,” replied Sunset. Soon they were whizzing through Edward's Station. And next, they charged at Gordon's Hill beyond. They felt the drag of the heavy coaches here. It was hard work. At last, they were running smoothly along the line toward the big station.
“Hello,” said Gordon, “You're early, that's another in the headlamp for old Spamcan.”
“Nia says he's sick as boiler sludge and sulking in the Shed,” Sci-Twi remarked.
“Serves him right we're saying we're out of date again!” And Gordon chortled away. Next day, everyone came to say goodbye to Sci-Twi.
“Come back and see us soon!” whistled the engines.
“And you're always welcome at my Sunflower Railway too,” replied Sci-Twi. Then she puffed away. And what about Old Reliable? He'd slipped out when no-one was looking. He said goodbye to no one, but he left two things behind: a rather nasty smell and a battered bowler hat.
It was a splendid day on the Island of Sodor. It was also the Day Starlight came out the Steamworks. Fixing her up took a long time, but now she was out on the mainline and heading to Tidmouth Station. Meanwhile, Thomas was taking Annie and Clarabel back to the yards. He heard that Starlight was out the works and he wanted to meet her. He found her talking to the Fat Controller.
“Thomas, meet Starlight,” said the Fat Controller.
“Hello,” Thomas greeted.
“Hello to you,” Starlight greeted back.
“Starlight, go and collect some coaches, please,” the Fat Controller told her, “you and your driver must learn the line.”
“Yes sir,” She answered and puffed away. Thomas was impressed. Later, the only coaches Starlight's driver could find were Annie, Clarabel, Helena and Victoria.
“These aren't your sort of coaches,” said her driver, “But I suppose they'll do.”
Annie, Clarabel, Helena and Victoria felt insulted. “How dare he say we'll do,” Clarabel whispered. Starlight puffed carefully along the track.
“How dare he say we'll do, how dare he say we'll do?” Grumbled the coaches. Thomas and Twilight were double-heading a train, when they saw Starlight coming down the line, pulling their couches.
“Hello you two!” Starlight called. But Thomas and Twilight was cross.
“Those are my coaches,” they muttered, “Give them back!”
But Starlight didn't hear Thomas or Twilight and she went on her way. Then, she passed Edward talking to Molly, and they ignored her. And when she was waiting at a red signal, Gordon puff passed, and he didn’t whistle either. When Starlight whistled hello, the engines didn't whistle back. Starlight couldn't understand why they were so unfriendly. She was upset. Later, The Fat Controller spoke to Thomas and Twilight.
“I want you two to go to the docks to pick up new coaches,” he said.
“New coaches?” Twilight asked.
“But Sir!” Thomas tried to argue but the Fat Controller quickly interrupted.
“Really useful engines don't argue,” Said The Fat Controller. Thomas and Twilight didn't want new coaches, they wanted their own coaches back. When Oliver and Adagio saw Starlight return to the yards, they was surprised.
“What are you doing with those coaches?” Oliver asked.
“They were the only coaches I could find,” replied Starlight.
“We have names you know!” called Helena.
“Those are Thomas' and Twilight’s coaches,” Adagio remarked.
“So that's why they looked cross,” exclaimed Starlight, “I’ll go and apologise.”
Meanwhile, Thomas and Twilight were puffing back to the yard with four new coaches. But Thomas was cross. He felt like the Fat Controller was replacing Annie and Clarabel “Don't want new coaches, don't want new coaches,” he chuffed crossly.
“Quit your moaning,” Twilight snapped at him.
Later, Starlight was still looking for Thomas and Twilight when a signalman flagged her down.
“Oliver and Adagio hasn't cleared their signal box,” He told Starlight's driver, “Please, go and see what's wrong.”
Starlight could see that Adagio had broken down on a crossing, and Oliver was trying to push her off the cross. Then, Starlight heard Thomas' whistle. He could see Adagio. But he knew he could never stop in time.
“Ohhh!” cried Adagio
Starlight charged towards Oliver, she was quickly coupled up, and with a huge effort pulled him and Adagio backward across the tracks, just in time.
Later in the yard, where Twilight was making sure Thomas was ok and Adagio and Oliver were thanking Starlight, The Fat Controller praised her.
“Well Done, you were a very brave engine,” he congratulated her.
“The bravest,” chuffed Oliver.
“It gives me great pleasure to present you with four new coaches,” the Fat Controller continued.
“Oh those were for Starlight,” Thomas responded, “I thought you were replacing Annie and Clarabel.”
“Now why would I do that?” chuckled the Fat Controller. Thomas blushed.
“Thank you sir,” replied Starlight, “I’m sorry that I took your coaches.”
“And I'm sorry I was so cross,” replied Thomas.
“Friends?” Starlight asked.
“Friends,” Thomas and Twilight replied.
Starlight loves her coaches and being part of The Fat Controller's railway.
Starlight had been working for a few weeks on the railway and had made many new friends. Like Rebecca, when she wasn’t pulling her own couches, she takes turns with the express. Gordon would often give her advice on how to handle the Express, but I’m sorry to say that thanks to the information Gordon gave her, she was so as pompous as he was. Early one morning, Starlight's fire would not light.
“I don't know what's wrong,” sighed the firelighter, “There must be gremlins about.”
“What are gremlins?” asked Sonata.
“I've heard that they're little green creatures with big ears and claws who play tricks,” replied Pinkie.
“Can we find one?” asked Sonata excitedly.
“Pah!” said Aria, “Gremlins don't exist. They're just an excuse when things go wrong, and no one knows why.”
“If firelighter says there are gremlins, there are,” Pinkie retorted.
“Come on Aria,” cut in Applejack, “let them have their fun.”
“Hah!” Snorted Aria. The Fat Controller had heard everything.
“Silence!” he said, “I am expecting two VIPs, very important people today. They have heard that all my engines are really useful. Please prove it.”
“Yes sir,” they all said.
“As long as the Gremlins with let us,” said Sonata.
“What Gremlins?” the Fat Controller asked.
“The ones in Starlight's fire, sir,” Sonata replied, “that's why she's not ready yet.”
“I'll see about that,” Thundered the Fat Controller, and he did, “Starlight, I expect you'd be on your best behaviour today. You are to pull the special coach for my special visitor. But no high speeds, please, one of them won't like that.”
Starlight was proud and pleased. Later, she was waiting for her special coach when Sonata puffed in with some trucks.
“What the matter Starlight?” she puffed, “You’re late.”
“Driver says there's gremlins in the turntable,” Replied Starlight.
“They must be everywhere!” squeaked Sonata. At last, the turntable was fixed, and Starlight puffed away with the special coach. She was soon working hard to make up for lost time. After she arrived at the station, the Fat Controller became concerned.
“where’s Twilight?” he wondered, “she's supposed to be bringing my visitor from the docks.”
“Hah!” Huffed Starlight, “Twilight isn't really useful is she's late.”
Soon Salty arrived pulling a brake-down coach behind him. “Ar, sorry I be late,” he said, “Twilight was on her way, but a cow strayed on the line on her way up to the docks and she had to wait for the farmer to take the cow away. But the cow was being difficult. So I took yer visitors, and they are here safe and sound.”
“Indeed they are,” smiled the Fat Controller, “How nice to see you two.”
“Who are they?” asked Edward, who was at the station too.
“I don’t know,” replied Salty, “But the Fat Controller is certainly keen to please them. He's a arranged a special party for them.”
“The girl's got a dog as well,” said Edward. The dog barked.
“Come on, Salty,” said his driver, “you need to get back to work.”
“Pah!” huffed Starlight, “Twilight was just being a lazy little engine. The Fat Controller is expecting me to arrive on time. We're late because of Twilight.”
Soon Starlight was puffing down the line. Her driver decided to make up for lost time. Then, there was trouble.
“I think we better slow down,” he said to the fireman, “this is an old line it could make things uncomfortable for the VIPs.”
And it did. The girl was taking a bath and the water was slopping all over the place. “AAAHHH!” she cried. The boy was laughing his head off at the girls cries.
Starlight was very relieved to reach his final destination where Twilight was waiting to collect The Fat Controller and his special visitors. He blew an extra-long whistle. This frightened the girl's dog so much that he fled from the station and ran into a field where a bull was grazing. The bull turned and roared at the dog. The bull frightened the little dog even more. He ran back again onto the platform and over the bridge. He didn't stop until he jumped straight into Twilight's cab. But he had a wonderful ride all the way to the station were the party was taking place.
“What's the dog's name?” asked the fireman.
"Well, after today's events, I think I'll rename him Gizo," replied the boy.
The Fat Controller chuckled. “In that case, I've met one at last. Ha, ha.”
“Do you like that name?” the girl said to the dog, “Gizo? Do you like it? I think he likes it.”
“Excuse me, sir, but who is your very important visitor?” asked Twilight.
“Why didn't I tell you?” he replied, These two here are my son and daughter, Mark and Joy and this party is a ‘welcome home’ party. They agree with me that all of my engines are really useful.
The engines of the island Sodor were always busy. Thomas and Twilight puffed back and forth to the beaches with happy holiday makers and Starlight proudly pulled the express. When Gordon is busy elsewhere. Starlight thought she was one of the strongest, fastest and cleanest engine on the whole of the railway. But one thing bothered her that the fitters forgot to check. Her firebox rattled as it cooled down at night. Starlight knew her rattle stopped the other engines from getting to sleep. That night, Starlight's firebox went click-clunk, click-clunk. Rainbow and Pinkie started to chuckle.
“Rattler Starlight's keeping us all awake!” peeped Pinkie.
“The only engines keeping other engines awake,” Huffed Starlight crossly, “Are little engines with very bad manners.” But secretly, she felt rather embarrassed. In the morning, Pinkie teased Starlight again.
“Rattle-box is awake at last!” she puffed out loud. Starlight ignored Pinkie. She did not like being called names.
“I'm the strongest and the best pony engine on this island,” she told herself, “Strongest and best, strongest and best, cleanest and fastest and pull the express. Well when Gordon or Rebecca aren’t pulling it.”
She wished the other engines would remember that. Later, Starlight pulled into Knapford Station.
This made Gordon very cross indeed...especially because Diesel overheard. “I hope your click-clunk gets better soon,” oiled Diesel, “See you later, rattler!”
Starlight was very cross indeed. She decided it was time the other engines learned to treat her properly. So later, at the water tank, she pulled up ahead of Fluttershy.
Fluttershy was surprised. At Knapford, Pinkie had brought Starlight's coaches into number one platform.
“Off you go now, Pinkie,” said Starlight, “Number one is the platform for big engines. Little engines shouldn't hang around.”
“You're a boastful, bossy, big purple boiler!” Pinkie muttered to her crossly. Later, Starlight told her friends to give a polite "toot-toot" whenever they saw her.
“But why?” asked Twilight. She was very puzzled.
“Because…” huffed Starlight grandly, “I’m the strongest and the best pony engine here.” And she steamed away.
“The term is Equestrian Engine!” Twilight called out, but Starlight didn’t hear her.
“You can toot at her if you like,” wheeshed Rainbow, “But I'm not going to!”
Starlight steamed across the island pulling her own coaches. She felt very pleased with herself. She was sure the other engines would forget her clunk-click and treat her properly now. She saw Rainbow coming. She listened for her toot-toot, but Rainbow didn't toot at all. This made Starlight very cross. She was so cross that she didn't see the signal telling her to stop...and she didn't see the goods train ahead until it was too late. She applied her brakes, but she was too late as she crashed straight into the tankers. Luckily, no one was hurt. But Starlight came off the rails and she was covered in gooey, red jam.
“Ohhh the indignity!” she moaned.
As Starlight waited to be put back on the rails, Pinkie arrived. Hey Starlight,” she peeped, “I see you're not the cleanest engine anymore!”
Then Rarity puffed up. “I don't think you'll be pulling the express for a while, Starlight!” Joked Rarity.
Finally, Twilight arrived, “Starlight's a mess, Starlight's a mess, she's the largest and jam-est!” Puffed Thomas cheekily.
At last, Starlight was back on the rails. She felt very foolish indeed. Cadence pushed her to the Steamworks. Starlight had to stay at the Steamworks for a long time. It was hard to get the jam out of her engine! Sunset and Rarity took in turns to pull her coaches for her. One evening, at Ponyville Sheds, Sunset huffed...
“It's hard work pulling Starlight’s coaches.”
“Yes,” huffed Rarity, “I didn’t realized how her job was.”
“What is her job anyway?” Pinkie asked, “It was never touched on in Sunset’s chapter and those other two stories that the readers have read.”
“It’s a non-stop passenger run from Borrow-In-Furness to Knapford,” Twilight told her.
“Oh!” Pinkie replied.
“And it’s very hard,” Sunset remarked, “you can only have about a five-minute rest and each end before you have to go out again.”
“I miss Starlight,” Fluttershy peeped, “I miss having her rattle to go to sleep by!”
Starlight knew the other engines were pulling her coaches for her.
“Thank goodness for Sunset and Rarity,” she thought, “I'm sure they're doing a very good job.”
Finally, Starlight was as good as new. The fitters had even managed to fix the rattle in her firebox. That evening, Starlight had something to say.
“Is it about being fastest and the best?” teased Rainbow.
“Not at all,” puffed Starlight, “I knew my rattle kept you awake at night and I'm sorry. And I was also silly about the toot-toots. I realize now that engines toot-toot other engines because they work hard and deserve it, not because they ask for it.”
“But we think you do deserve it, Starlight,” said Twilight, “Because you work hard, and you are a really useful engine.”
All the other engines agreed. Now all the engines greet each other with a cheerful toot-toot...for all the hard work they do on the Fat Controller's railway.
The Fat Controller's engines are proud of how useful they are. It makes them feel important. But none of them feels more important than Starlight.
“Watch out!” Starlight wheeshed when Salty rolled up next to her, “You'll get my paint all sooty.”
“Pulling truck is a sooty job,” teased Salty, “but then you won’t know.”
“Of course not,” Starlight huffed importantly, “Express engines don't pull trucks it wouldn't be dignified.”
“Dingyfried?” puzzled Pinkie, “what’s that?”
“Dignified,” Starlight corrected, “It means…”
“It means that someone's too big for her buffers,” teased Salty.
“Pah!” Said Starlight and he puffed away. That evening, fog covered the Island of Sodor. Everything slowed down and soon the docks were packed with waiting trucks. This caused confusion and delay. The Fat Controller came to the sheds. He was in a great hurry.
“Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy,” he said, “You must go to the docks immediately.”
“Yes sir,” they whistled. Then the Fat Controller turned to the big purple engine.
“You too Starlight,” he said, “I need a big engine to take the trucks where they won't be in the way.”
“Truck?!” huffed Starlight, she could not believe what she had heard. Starlight wasn't happy to be pulling trucks. She waited impatiently while they were shunted into place.
“Hurry up, hurry up!” chuffed Starlight crossly.
“Why the rush Starlight?” asked Twilight.
“If I must pull trucks then I'll show Salty how an express engine pulls trucks,” Starlight huffed.
“Careful Captain,” Salty tooted, “You don’t want to get too big for your buffers.”
But Starlight ignored Salty. The next morning, Starlight raced along with her heavy load. “Now this is how you pull trucks,” she puffed. But the signalman had accidentally left the points switched to the Branch Line. Starlight rattled through the junction.
“That's strange,” thought Starlight, “I'm on the Branch Line.”
“Oh no!” cried the signalman, “Express trains aren't supposed to go that way.”
But it was too late. Starlight had already raced into the distance. The old Branch Line was weak and rusty. There were signs warning all the trains to go slow. But Starlight ignored the signs.
“I'm an express engine I don't go slow,” she said, and she went even faster. The Branch Line couldn't take her weight and the rails buckled. “OH HELP!” cried Starlight as she slid of the track, and into a field.
“Whoa!” she cried as she ran throw a pile of hay.
“AH!” she yelled as she hits some tires making her lose her tender.
“Oh no!” she shouted as she closes her eyes and crashes into a barn and rolled out the other end. Finally stopping in a field of mud in front of a scarecrow. No one was hurt, but poor Starlight felt very, undignified.
“What will the Fat Controller say?” She groaned. The scarecrow had its arms out like ‘I don’t know’. She found out soon enough.
“Well, Starlight,” said the Fat Controller, “You wanted to show Salty a thing or two, and you've certainly done that. You showed him how silly it is to ignore "go slow" signs.”
“Sorry sir,” said Starlight, and she let out a sad wheesh of steam. Starlight was soon repaired and back at the docks for work. But she was very unhappy with herself.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” said Twilight, “even you.”
“Salty's sorry he teased you,” puffed Rarity.
“And I'm sorry I was too big for my buffers,” chuffed Starlight, “I promise that I’ll change my attitude to become a better engine.”
And all the engines gave a jolly toot even Starlight.
The CMC have been working on the Skarloey Railway for a while now, this chapter focuses on one of them, Scootaloo. Now Scootaloo is a hard-working engine, but she lets her important jobs go to her smokebox, and often rushed her normal work. One day, The Thin Controller came to see her.
“Scootaloo, I'm pleased with your work lately, “he said, “Now you must learn a difficult part of the line. We call it ‘The Mountain Road’.”
Scootaloo was excited. “Yes, please, sir,” she whistled.
“So, tomorrow, when you have a new coat of paint, you will go on it. Duke will explain everything,” replied the Thin Controller.
“Huh!” thought Scootaloo, “Duke's an old fusspot.”
Next day came. “Listen,” warned Duke, “The Mountain Road is difficult youngster. I'll lead.”
“No,” replied Scootaloo, “I'll lead. How can I learn the route with you lumbering ahead and blocking the view?”
“Suit yourself,” said Duke, “But never mind the view. Look at the track.”
Once the engines were hooked up to their train, they set off. “Look at the track,” puffed Duke, “never mind the view.”
“Fusspot, fusspot,” replied Scootaloo, “Fuddy-duddy, fuddy-duddy, fuddy-duddy.” The engines' speed grew slower and slower. “Don't dawdle, don't dawdle!” urged Scootaloo.
“No hurry, no hurry,” puffed Duke. Soon, they approach a tunnel. Scootaloo didn't like the tunnel. It was curved and she couldn't see.
“I wanna get out! I wanna get out!” she sighed. One moment, everything seemed safe. But then suddenly, Scootaloo hit a rock that was on the line, Scootaloo had derailed and hung dangerously over the edge. Duke bravely held on with all his strength.
“Stop shaking!” he called, “I can't hold you if you shake!”
Duke's driver and fireman work quickly to make the two engines safe again. Then came more trouble. “Water!” cried Duke's Fireman, “Duke needs water quickly!”
Luckily there was the workers' cottage nearby. Soon everyone was passing jugs, buckets, kettles and saucepans filled with water until Duke's thirst was quenched. All the while, Duke was building more strength. At last, with everyone's help, he was able to pull Scootaloo back on to the rails.
Then they started off once more. The Thin Controller was waiting at the top station. He apologized for that accident.
“Your Duke...” said the passengers, “...is a hero! He stood firm like a bulldog and wouldn't let go.”
Scootaloo was grateful too. “Thank you for saving me, Duke,” she thanked, “I don't know why you bothered after I've been so rude.”
“Oh well,” replied Duke, “you just had a new coat of paint. It would’ve been a pity if you rolled down the mountain and spoiled it.”
After the accident, Scootaloo was fitted with small, more study wheels. They have broad tires and holed well to the rails. But they are unusual. One day, the other engines wouldn't stop teasing her.
“Look at her steamroller wheels,” they joked.
“Be quiet,” snorted Scootaloo, “You're jealous.”
“Don't worry,” soothed Peter Sam, “The engines all teased me about my special funnel until they learned how useful it is.”
“Did you hear that?” Huffed Scootaloo, “My wheels are special like Peter Sam's funnel. I could go faster than any of you.”
Skarloey had a plan to make Scootaloo see sense. “With your grand wheels, Scootaloo,” he said, “You're just the engine to tackle Georgia.”
“Who's Georgia?” asked Scootaloo.
“That hot pink steamroller over there,” replied Skarloey, “listen.”
The steamroller was making rude remarks about the engines. “Railways are no good. Turn them into roads. Pull them up, turn them into roads. Railways are no good. Turn them into roads. Pull them up, turn them into roads.”
“Don’t worry,” said Scootaloo, “Leave her to me. I'll send her packing. Georgia will soon get a run for her money.”
Later that morning, Scootaloo meet Georgia at the level crossing. “huh!” she said, “You’re Scootaloo, I suppose.”
Scootaloo was standing no nonsense, “And you, I suppose, are Georgia? Yes, I've heard of you.”
“And I've heard of you,” Georgia sneered, “you swank around with your steamroller wheels, pretending you're as good as me.”
Georgia chuffed on, fuming. Later that day, Scootaloo brought a special load down after the last train had gone. When she had reached the road she saw Georgia travelling home. Scootaloo tried to attract her attention.
“Peep, Peep, Peep!” she whistled. Georgia took no notice. There was barely room to pass. Scootaloo was cross. “Get out of my way, you great clumsy road hog.”
“Huh! I don't move for imitation steamrollers,” puffed Georgia. They rumbled along as the Insult continued. Then there was trouble. Georgia surged left and crashed straight into Scootaloo’s train. Derailing some trucks in the process.
“Aagh!” cried Scootaloo, “that was your fault.”
“No, it wasn't,” remarked Georgia, “It was yours.”
Everyone was arguing about who was to blame. Until a policeman showed up. “Hello, Hello, Hello,” Said the policeman ominously, “And what's going on here?”
This made everyone stop arguing. They set to work clearing up the mess instead. Next day, the workmen put up a fence between the road and the railway. Then they went away, taking Georgia with them. Scootaloo thought she had made Georgia go away. She talked of nothing but steamrollers, when she got back to the sheds.
“Oh, dear,” whispered Skarloey, “she's worse than ever. I'm sorry my plan was no good.”
“Never mind,” said Apple Bloom, “We'll think of something else.”
But they had no need to do that. Some boys arrived instead. They pointed to the engine and cried…
“Look! Here's Scootaloo. She tried to race a steamroller, but the steam-roller nearly beat her.”
Scootaloo never mentions steamrollers now.
The engines on the Skarloey Railway were excited. A new animal themed park was being built. Everyone was working hard to get the job finished on time. Scootaloo was feeling impatient.
“Get a move on, slow coach!” she puffed crossly to Rusty. “You're so slow, I finished first!” Scootaloo boasted to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle was cross. A little later, she met Rusty at the new park station.
“Scootaloo thinks she's fast,” Sweetie Belle steamed, “But she's just a bossy boiler.”
“Better safe and fast,” Rusty agreed. Scootaloo puffed into the station. She was all puffed up and pleased with herself.
“I've finished first,” she wheeshed proudly.
“In that case,” said the Thin Controller, “I got another job for you. You are to collect the pony from the sidings and take it to the park.”
“Yes, sir!” chuffed Scootaloo.
“This elephant is very important,” the Thin Controller warned her, “You must be very careful.”
When Scootaloo saw the pony, she was surprised that it was an Alicorn. “Why it's only a statue,” she said, “this is an easy job.”
“You must wait for the brakevan,” said the stationmaster.
“Nonsense,” said Scootaloo to her driver, “I pushed heavier loads than this plenty of time.”
“Let’s go Scoots,” said her driver, “but we must be careful.”
So they left, but without the brakevan. But Scootaloo wasn't careful. She was impatient. “We'll show them how fast I can be,” Scootaloo whistled, “We'll deliver this statue and I'll still finish first.”
Scootaloo started to speed up. Soon, Scootaloo was going as fast as her wheels could carry her. Her driver was starting to worry. So she tried to brake. But Scootaloo was out of control. She was scared. she had never gone this fast. People waved and cars tooted as Scootaloo sped by. Suddenly, a tractor trundled across Scootaloo's line.
“Look out!” shouted her driver. The tractor crossed the line just as Scootaloo raced over it. Scootaloo rounded a bend and there was Apple Bloom.
“Slow down!” whistled Apple Bloom.
“I can’t!” Scootaloo cried as she shot passed.
Pony park loomed ahead. Scootaloo's driver applied the brakes, but it was too late. The statue flew into the air and landed in the lake. Luckily, nobody was hurt. In no time, the Thin Controller arrived. He was cross.
“I told you to be careful you shouldn't waited for the brakevan,” he said sternly.
“I'm sorry, Sir,” Mumbled Scootaloo. She felt very embarrassed. Scootaloo was repaired again in time for the grand opening. She was still surprised to see the pony standing in the lake.
“Everyone loves the pony in the lake,” said Lady Hatt.
“Even if it was a mistake,” added the Fat Controller.
“Hooray for Scootaloo's mistake!” Cheered the engines. Scootaloo blushed and went a deep shade red.
Bertram, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom chugged cheerfully through the Sodor countryside. The engines were going to help Scootaloo with an important job at the incline railway. The engines enjoyed working at the incline railway. They like the clever way the loaded trucks roll down the incline pulling the empty trucks up. But they are always careful. Scootaloo doesn't like working at the incline railway. She is always impatient to get back to the junction. This makes her careless and gets her into lots of trouble. Bertram hoped Scootaloo would stay out of trouble today, but she was already in too much of a hurry.
“I'm a plain-speaking engine,” huffed Scootaloo, “So collect your trucks and be quick about it.” And off she steamed.
“Bossy boots,” chuffed Sweetie Belle.
“Pushy puffer,” puffed Apple Bloom. They like Scootaloo really much, but they didn't like Scootaloo telling them what to do.
“She just wants to get back to the bustle of the junction,” Bertram said. Scootaloo wanted everyone to work faster.
“You're supposed to be helping me,” she grumbled, “but you're as slow as snails.”
“We're proper engines,” Bertram huffed crossly, “we follow the rules.”
“We can't send up more than four trucks at a time,” chuffed Sweetie Belle.
“Then work faster,” Said Scootaloo impatiently. Later that day, Scootaloo was working at the incline.
“I'll show you how fast a really useful engine can work,” Scootaloo called as she hastily biffed one truck into another and then another. Soon, Scootaloo had her four trucks. “Nothing to it!” she boasted to Bertram.
“Those trucks will pay you back,” warned Bertram, “Trucks don't like to be biffed.”
“I can handle trucks,” she cried. The three little engines could see Scootaloo was not going to listen. They carefully trundled away from the incline with their trucks full of slate. Scootaloo was so impatient she became even more careless.
“I'll show those lazy steamers,” she said to her driver.
“Careful,” cautioned her driver, “You're asking for trouble.”
And she got it. Scootaloo didn't notice her chain was tangled in the coupling of the truck in front of her. Suddenly, she was being pulled up the track by the empty trucks.
“Bouncing buffers!” she cried, “it’s got me.”
Scootaloo's driver jumped clear. Bertram returned to see Scootaloo being pulled up the incline.
“I tried to warn her,” said Bertram.
“She never listens,” The little old engine's driver said. The chain pulling Scootaloo's trucks couldn't hold the weight. As Scootaloo reached the top, It suddenly snapped.
“Help!” she yelled, as she flew down the line, crashed into some buffers and fell into a muddy pond.
“Glub, glub, glub,” she said, “Bubble my boiler.” her voice was muffled by the mud.
Scootaloo felt foolish, and very wet. When The Thin Controller arrived, he spoke severely to Scootaloo.
“You have not been a responsible engine,” he said, “Your impatience has caused confusion and delay and you owe these engines in apology.”
“Sorry,” Duncan said to Bertram, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom.
“Once you have been repaired,” said the Thin Controller, “You will work the incline until you learn to be patient and careful.”
It was a hot summer's day on the Island of Sodor. The narrow-gauge engines were busy taking trucks full of slate from the quarry. The heat and dust made their axles ache.
“We shunted every truck in the quarry today,” wheeshed Apple Bloom.
“But I'm too thirsty to feel useful,” complained Sweetie Belle.
The summer sunshine made people thirsty too. The refreshment lady was keeping very busy at the tea room. The next day, The Thin Controller had news for Sweetie Belle.
“The refreshment lady needs a place for another tea room,” said the Thin Controller.
“I can find her a beautiful place,” whistled Sweetie Belle.
“I knew it,” replied the refreshment lady, “It will be a piece of cake.”
“But tea rooms don't live in cakes,” commented Sweetie Belle.
“It's just my way of saying it would be fun and easy to find the right place here,” chuckled the refreshment lady. Sweetie Belle puffed along to the woodland way, and the old castle causeway, and the whispering waterfall. “Thank you Sweetie Belle,” said the refreshment lady, “But I don't know what to do. I can't make up my mind. What a shame I can't build a refreshment stand at each place.”
Sweetie Belle was very disappointed. She didn't feel useful. That night, there was a storm. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. The rain poured down. All the engines were talking excitedly about the storm, except Sweetie Belle. She was thinking about the refreshment lady's tea room. The next morning, the Thin Controller came to the sheds.
“Sweetie Belle, I want you to go and help Rusty clear the storm damage,” he told her.
“Yes sir,” Sweetie Belle said and hurried away. At last, she thought she could be really useful. Sweetie Belle soon found Rusty. The storm had swept an old shed onto the line.
“Driver says the shed is useless now,” said Rusty.
“It's not a shed,” exclaimed Sweetie Belle, “It's an old railway coach.” And that gave her an idea. Back at the yards, her driver spoke to the Thin Controller.
“Sweetie Belle thinks this old coach could be a tea room,” said her driver.
“Hmm, I'll call Sir Topham, and see if his buddy Jem can take a look. I'm sure he can repair it,” agreed the Thin Controller. The Thin Controller was right. In no time at all, the old coach had turned into a tea room on wheels. The refreshment lady could hardly believe her eyes.
“Oooh, it's beautiful. I told you it would be a piece of cake,” she cheered happily.
The Thin Controller paused for a moment. “Eh, um, with many cakes in it I'm sure,” he replied. Then he turned to Sweetie Belle. “And you shall pull the Tea Room special.”
“I'll be proud to sir,” Replied Sweetie Belle. Now the refreshment lady serves refreshments at all her favourite places. At woodland way, the old castle causeway and whispering waterfall. Sweetie Belle is a happy engine. “I told you it would be a piece of cake.”
Sweetie Belle is a kind little engine who enjoys working in the mountains on the Island of Sodor. Even though she is little, Sweetie Belle loves feeling like a really useful engine. One day, The Thin Controller came to see Sweetie Belle.
“I have a very important job for you,” he boomed.
“An important job!” cried Sweetie Belle, “Oh thank you sir.”
“You are to take some school children up into the mountains,” he told her, “you must make sure they have a wonderful time and are back in time for their lunch.”
“Yes sir,” Said Sweetie Belle. But as she picked up a coach, she was worried. She wasn't sure she was good enough to make the trip special. When Sweetie Belle arrived at the station, the children and the teacher were waiting on the platform.
“How am I going to make the children's trip really special?” she said to Ivo Hugh.
“You memorized these mountains better than any engine,” said Ivo. But Sweetie Belle wasn't sure her trip will be exciting enough. She felt like a very little engine indeed. The Thin Controller had told Sweetie's driver to point out all the beautiful sights along the way.
“This is Sodor Castle,” called her driver, “It is very special and important.”
Sweetie Belle saw the castle every day. She used to think it was special or important but had gotten bored of seeing it.
“I must think of something exciting to do,” She puffed to herself, and she reached the valley view.
“This is the valley view,” said her driver, then they arrived at the viaduct, “And here's the viaduct.”
“Oooh,” went the children.
Sweetie Belle was still unhappy. The trip didn't seem wonderful to her at all.
“Must be special, must be special,” she thought. Meanwhile, Rusty was working on the rocky ridge line. Heavy rains have washed the ground from under the track.
“These lines are too bumpy and uneven,” said the foreman, “The tracks must be closed for repairs.”
“Must be special, must be special,” Sweetie Belle was still trying to think of something that will make the children's trip special. She didn't know the linesmen have forgotten to switch the points. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle was on the wrong track.
“Oh no! This line is closed for repairs. Bust my buffers!” chuffed Sweetie Belle.
“Be careful!” cried Rusty, “The tracks are very bumpy!”
Sweetie Belle whooshed down the mountain like a roller coaster. The children cheered. Sweetie Belle puffed up the rocky ridge with all her might. Her coach clattered and bumped and bounced along behind. And the children Ooohed and Aaahed. Sweetie Belle huffed and puffed as hard as she could. She steamed across the trestle bridge. She was going so fast the teacher nearly lost her hat. Sweetie splashed under a waterfall, the children laughed happily, and the teacher covered her eyes. At last, they could see the station. Sweetie Belle was very tired and worried.
“What will the Thin Controller say?” said Sweetie worriedly.
“Phew!” said the teacher, “just in time for lunch.”
“It was the best school trip ever!” cried the children. The Thin Controller wasn't cross with Sweetie Belle, he was happy too.
“You gave the children a wonderful trip,” he said, “you really are a very useful engine.”
“Oh thank you sir!” puffed Sweetie proudly. Sweetie Belle didn't feel like a little engine anymore.
Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom are the best of friends. They love working together. And they enjoy shunting Trucks. They biff them and they bash them all day long. One day, some men from the Sodor museum had found some very old bones. When they put the bones together, they made the skeleton of a dinosaur. That morning, the photographer arrived on the island to photograph the dinosaur. Twilight was to take him to the Transfer Yards. At the Transfer Yards, Mr. Percival was talking to his engines.
“The dinosaur will soon be ready to go to the Sodor Museum, “Mr. Percival said, “I will need two very careful engines to collect it.”
Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were very excited.
“We can be really careful,” puffed Sweetie Belle, “watch.”
Sweetie Belle shunted some truck gently together, but Scootaloo and Apple bloom were too excited to be careful and bashed into some coal trucks. The Thin Controller was cross.
“Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, you are not careful engines,” Mr. Percival said, “I will have to choose two other engines to collect the dinosaur.”
“But I can be careful,” said Sweetie Belle, “Let me try again, please?”
“Very well,” said the Thin Controller, “but this is your last chance.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Sweetie Belle happily. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were sad.
“We’re sorry we biffed the trucks,” Scootaloo whistled quietly.
“But ah'm sure we can take the dinosaur together,” Apple Bloom said just as quietly.
“No,” said Sweetie Belle, “I'll show Mr. Percival I can do it on my own.”
And she steamed away. Later, Sweetie Belle had to take some coal to the station houses. The trucks were very heavy for her on her own. Her pistons pounded and her axles ached, but Sweetie Belle kept going.
“Must take the dinosaur, must take the dinosaur,” she puffed. Later at the Transfer Yards, Mr. Percival came to see Sweetie Belle.
“Sweetie Belle, you have worked very hard today,” said Mr. Percival kindly, “and pulled very heavy trucks very carefully on your own.”
This made Sweetie Belle very proud.
“So I have decided you can collect the dinosaur,” the thin Controller added, “But are you sure you can do it on your own?”
“Yes sir, I'm sure,” Whistled Sweetie Belle. She was very happy.
“And Scootaloo and Apple Bloom,” called Mr. Percival, “You will collect empty trucks from the Timber Yards.”
“Yes sir,” Peeped the two engines sadly. they watched Sweetie Belle raced quickly away to collect the dinosaur. Sweetie chuffed cheerfully through the mountains. But when Sweetie arrived to collect the dinosaur, she was surprised. The dinosaur was very, very big, but Sweetie was sure she was strong enough to pull it. She coupled up to the flatbed and pulled with all her puff. She started to puff her way back to the yards. Sweetie blew her whistle as she puffed through middle station. Everyone thought the dinosaur skeleton was wonderful. And they all gave Sweetie a big cheer. Sweetie was very proud. Sweetie was puffing slowly up a hill. But the flatbed was too heavy. Her puff was going, and her pistons could hardly pump. Sweetie puffed slower and slower. Then, she rolled back down the hill. She could go no further.
“Oh no!” she moaned, “I'll never get the dinosaur to the Transfer Yards now.”
Sweetie felt terrible. Then, she remembered her friends.
“I wish Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom were here to help me,” He sighed. Scootaloo was still on their way to collect trucks from the Timber Yards. As they came around the bend in the line, they was very surprised to see a dinosaur blocking the track.
“Out of our way!” Apple Bloom tooted loudly. Sweetie heard Scootaloo.
“Skarloey! Apple Bloom!” she cried, “I need your help. The dinosaur is too heavy for me. I can't pull it on my own.”
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were still upset with Sweetie. They didn't want to help.
“I was silly to think I could pull this own my own,” puffed Sweetie sadly, “It needs three engines and I need you. From now on, I'll always want us to work together.”
That made Scootaloo and Apple Bloom feel much better. And they buffered up to the flatbed to help their friend. Together, they pushed the dinosaur safely up the hill and all the way back to the yards. Scootaloo, Sweetie and Apple Bloom puffed happily into the Transfer Yards just as Twilight arrived with the photographer. Sweetie Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had that picture taken from the dinosaur. They were delighted. They were pleased to be friends again and they agreed that working with your friends is the best job of all.
The engines on the narrow-gauge railway were excited. They were helping to build a new line. It would take visitors to even more beautiful places on the Island of Sodor. The Fat Controller arrived with important news.
“The grand opening is this afternoon,” he said, “I want to see the new line from the air. Lady Hatt and I will arrive on Harold The Helicopter.”
Just then, Apple Bloom chuffed in. “You're late for the announcement,” complained The Fat Controller, “Really useful engines are never late.”
“I'm sorry sir,” replied Apple Bloom.
At the airfield there was another problem.
“Engine trouble,” said the pilot, “Harold's not going anywhere today.”
Lady Hatt was most upset. “But I've been looking forward to the grand opening all week,” she complained.
“And I, my dear, will find a solution,” said the Fat Controller. And he did.
“Topham, you cannot be serious,” Lady Hatt commented, “me ride in this.”
“The wind direction is perfect,” said the Fat Controller, “we'll be there in no time.”
Soon the hot air balloon rose into the sky. But Apple Bloom was upset.
“All this extra work is going to make me late again,” she huffed.
The hot air balloon was floating peacefully through the sky. Lady Hatt was enjoying herself. “The new line looks splendid,” she said.
“Thank you, my dear,” replied The Fat Controller. Down the track, the workmen were still loading their ladders.
“Hurry up, Hurry up!” Apple Bloom puffed.
“If Apple Bloom doesn't hurry,” sighed the Fat Controller, “she'll be late again.”
All the engines were ready for the grand opening. “Where's Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“She promised to be on time,” said Scootaloo.
At last, Apple Bloom was on her way. Then there was trouble. The balloon's flame suddenly went out, the air in the balloon cooled and the balloon started to fall.
“Hold tight!” the pilot called.
“I want to get out!” demanded Lady Hatt.
“Not now, dear,” said the Fat Controller.
“The balloon's going to land in the tree,” cried Apple Bloom. And it came down right in front of Apple Bloom, “there's the Fat Controller!”
“My hat is ruined!” cried Lady Hatt.
“So is mine,” said The Fat Controller.
“Don't worry,” called Apple Bloom's driver, “we'll soon have you down.”
“Am I glad to see you, Apple Bloom,” said the Fat Controller.
“Thank you Sir,” smiled Apple Bloom.
Before long, the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt were safely on the ground. They boarded Apple Bloom's boxcar and set off at once. Everyone was waiting as Apple Bloom brought her important passengers to the grand opening. The Fat Controller declared the new line open.
“With special thanks to Apple Bloom,” He said, “For helping us get here.” Everyone cheered.
“Even so you were still late,” teased Sweetie Belle.
“I know,” said Apple Bloom, “but because I was late, the Fat Controller was right on time.”
Apple Blooms helps Rusty repair the railway that winds through the mountains on the Island of Sodor. The two little engines check that the tracks, tunnels, and bridges are all in good working order. One day, Apple Bloom was crossing the old wooden bridge. There was a big bump in the track. Apple Bloom's driver stopped to check the bridge.
“There are cracks in the supports,” he said.
“Ooh, that could be dangerous,” cried Apple Bloom, “It might fall down if it's not repaired.”
And they hurried off to warn the other engines. The engines were waiting for their coal when Apple Bloom arrived.
“Don't use the old wooden bridge,” said Apple Bloom, “It's dangerous!”
“How would you know?” wheeshed Duncan, “you're only a girl.” And he puffed crossly away. He didn't even wait for his coal. Apple Bloom hurried down the mountain to tell the Thin Controller the bad news.
“Thank you,” said the Thin Controller, “I'll send engineers to investigate the bridge. Meanwhile, nobody is to use it.”
Apple Bloom's driver put up a sign: Line Closed. The engines had to travel a different way. Meanwhile, Duncan needed more coal to get home. But when he arrived at the coal bunker, it was empty.
“Bother! I won't get home without more coal,” he complained, “where's the nearest bunker?”
“On the other side of the old wooden bridge,” puffed Ivo Hugh, “but you can't cross. Apple Bloom says it's not safe.”
“Apple Bloom always makes things sound worse than they are,” Duncan remarked.
“I'm sure one trip across the old wooden bridge won't hurt,” added his driver. When they got to the junction, Duncan's driver removed the sign and they set off towards the bridge. This was a big mistake. Suddenly, Duncan hissed to a halt.
“I'm out of steam,” he had used up all his coal, suddenly he heard something. “What's that?” he asked nervously. His driver looked out. The old wooden bridge was starting to collapse.
“Apple Bloom!” called Ivo Hugh, “Duncan's gone across the bridge.”
“I better check he's all right,” the little farm engine said. But the cracks in the supports were getting larger. A beam snapped. Timber pieces splashed into the water below.
“Help!” whistled Duncan, “I'm going to fall!”
But Apple Bloom was on the way. Soon, the little farm engine reached the old wooden bridge. Duncan had never looked so scared. Apple Bloom chuffed bravely onto the bridge.
“Careful!” gasped Duncan. Soon, they were coupled up.
“Hold on!” said Apple Bloom.
“Whoa!” shouted Duncan. The little farm engine pulled him off the bridge just in time.
The Thin Controller was cross with Duncan. “That was very irresponsible,” he said sternly.
“Yes sir. Sorry sir,” Duncan said sadly, “and Apple Bloom, you were very brave.”
“Ah, thanks,” Apple Bloom blushed.
“Yes, Apple Bloom,” responded the Thin Controller, “you are a really useful engine.”
“Thank you, Sir,” Apple Bloom said, she felt very reliable too.
Apple Bloom loves to puff through the hills on the Island of Sodor. Her favourite place is a pretty village high up in the mountains. But in the winter, the mountain village gets very cold, so it's important that the engines deliver coal to the village. The houses must be cozy and warm. One morning, Sweetie Belle was delivering her empty trucks to the incline. The winch brings empty trucks up the incline and lowers full trucks down to be delivered to the villagers across the island. Sweetie Belle was frightened of the incline. It was very high. So Sweetie Belle shunted her trucks into place and then she backed away quickly.
“You are such a scaredy engine,” laughed Apple Bloom, “I'm not scared of anything.” After saving Duncan from the old wooden bridge, Apple Bloom thought she was the bravest engine in the world. But then, the winches coupling broke.
“Oh, no!” yelled Apple Bloom as she steamed away as fast as she could. Apple Bloom raced right pass Applejack who was waiting on the main line. Apple Bloom switched tracks and the trucks rolled past her. But they were heading straight for Rusty. Rusty hooted loudly to the signalman. Who changed the points, sending the trucks into a siding. Soon the Thin Controller, Mr. Percival, arrived.
“Well done, Rusty,” the Thin Controller said, “you are a really brave engine.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Rusty proudly. But Apple Bloom wasn't happy.
“I want to be the bravest,” huffed Apple Bloom, “I want to show everyone that I'm the bravest engine of all.”
The next day, Apple Bloom was shunting trucks on to the incline.
“How can I prove I'm the bravest?” she huffed to herself. Suddenly, Apple Bloom had an idea, “If I went up the hill of the winch...” she puffed, “…then everyone will see how brave I am.”
The winch hooked on to Apple Bloom’s trucks coupling. Apple Bloom was still coupled up. But she didn't help the workmen. Slowly, Apple Bloom was pulled up the hill. When Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle arrived at the bottom of the incline, they gasped.
“Look where's Apple Bloom is!” puffed Sweetie Belle.
“That is the bravest thing to do,” chuffed Scootaloo. Scootaloo cheered and Sweetie Belle blew her whistle. Apple Bloom felt prouder than ever.
“Look at me! Look at me!” she puffed. At last, Apple Bloom reached the top of the incline. “I'm the bravest engine in all the world!” she called. But Apple Bloom was too heavy and the winch broke.
“Whee!” puffed Sweetie Belle as she raced down the hill. But when she got to the bottom, she couldn't stop. Apple Bloom raced all the way to the Transfer Yards. She raced past a very surprised Applejack and straight into the snow bank. The Thin Controller was very cross.
“Apple Bloom, you have broken the winch,” he said, “the mountain village will get no coal today and it's very cold.
Apple Bloom felt very bad.
“The village won't be cozy and warm,” puffed Apple Bloom sadly, “and it's all my fault.” Suddenly, Apple Bloom had an idea, “there's only one thing to do,” she puffed, “I will have to collect the coal myself.”
Apple Bloom arrived at the top of the incline and found Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had brought the supplies to repair the winch.
“Are you going to take the trucks down the incline without the winch?” asked Scootaloo excitedly.
“That would be really brave,” chuffed Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom wanted to show Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo how brave she was, but then she thought of the mountain village.
“No,” said Apple Bloom firmly, “I'm going to take the coal to the village.”
So she puffed slowly and carefully back down the steep track. No one was there to see her working hard. No one cheered or blew their whistles. But it didn't matter, what matter was getting the coal to the village. It was late when Apple Bloom arrived at the village station. The villagers were very pleased to see Apple Bloom. And they were pleased to have coal to make their homes cozy and warm. They cheered and cheered and cheered. Apple Bloom was so proud it made her axles tingle.
“This is much better than showing everyone how brave I am,” she puffed. And she certainly was.
Rainbow is big and blue and one of the fastest engine on all of Sodor. She loves pulling her Rainboom express. Rainbow thinks it makes her the most important engine on the island. One day, Rainbow was pulling the Rainboom express out of Brendam Docks, but Diesel was on the same line.
“Out of my way!” sniffed Rainbow, “express train coming through!”
Diesel had to back off. This made him cross.
“You steamies are old and clapped out!” he sneered, “When the Fat Controller realizes this, you'll all be scrapped!”
“Scrapped?!” scoffed Rainbow, “pah! I'm as fast as I ever was.”
And she chuffed proudly out of the docks. Rainbow was speeding through the beautiful countryside. She was having a wonderful day. But then she heard a horrible squeaking noise. Rainbow was upset. Squeaking could only mean one thing: Something was wrong.
“What if Diesel's right?” she thought, “what if the Fat Controller scraps me?”
Rainbow squeaked sadly up the hill. The hill was steep, and Rainbow had to slow down. The slower she went, the quieter the squeak became. Rainbow was delighted.
“Aha!” she said, “If I go slowly, no one will hear me squeak.”
And she chuffed slowly back to Ponyville Sheds. That evening, the Fat Controller came to see Rainbow.
“Tomorrow is a very special day,” he said, “I am taking some village children on a boat trip. You, Rainbow, are to take us to Brendam Docks. The boat leaves at 9:00, so you must not be late!”
The next morning, Rainbow waited for everyone to go. Then she puffed slowly away, so no one would hear her squeak. Once out of the sheds, she started to pick up speed. Her pistons pumped, and her wheels spun, and she began to squeak again.
“Oh, my!” said Rainbow. Then he heard something even worse. It was a rattle.
“Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” she cried, “Diesel was right! I'm falling apart! What will the Fat Controller say?
So Rainbow slowed down. Rainbow crawled slowly into the station to collect the children. Rainbow's boiler sank. If she went slowly, the children would miss their boat trip. But if she went quickly, the Fat Controller would hear her squeak and her rattle. He'd know Rainbow was wearing out and send her to the scrapyard. With the children safely on board, Rainbow pulled slowly out of the station. Rainbow chuffed slowly through the countryside. She thought things were going well. But the Fat Controller was very cross. He spoke sternly to Rainbow.
“What are you playing at, Rainbow?” he boomed, “you must go quickly, or the children will miss the boat. And that will never do!”
“Yes, sir,” said Rainbow sadly.
“Remember,” added the Fat Controller, “you are one of the fastest engine on the island!”
This made Rainbow feel proud. “This might be my last trip,” she said, “but I'll get the children to their boat on time.”
Her wheels turned faster. Her pistons pumped harder.
“Must be on time, must be on time,” she puffed. Soon she began to squeak... and rattle, too. And then she heard another noise... a knocking noise! But Rainbow didn't care. If this was her last trip, she was going to go as fast as she possibly could. Rainbow squeaked and rattled and knocked all the way to Brendam Docks. Salty and Henry were surprised. They had never heard an engine make such awful noises.
“Sounds like another steamie ready for the scrapyard!” sneered Diesel. But Rainbow didn't care about Diesel. She had made good time, and the children would catch their boat.
“I made it!” she cried proudly.
“Thank you, Rainbow!” shouted the children happily.
“I knew you could do it!” said the Fat Controller, “but why haven't you been to the repair yard?”
“The repair yard?” gasped Rainbow.
“You have been making lots of noises,” said the Fat Controller, “you need to have your engine looked at.”
“So you're not going to scrap me?” Rainbow asked, smiling.
“Scrap Rainbow?” boomed the Fat Controller, “One of the fastest engine on Sodor? Who would pull the Rainboom express? Anyway, I can’t scrap you even if I wanted to. You’re not from this world after all.”
Rainbow beamed with pride. Rainbow spent the next day having her pistons polished, her axles greased and her wheels well oiled. At last, she didn't make any more funny noises. Rainbow was as good as new, and she felt even better.
It was May day on the Island of Sodor. And the engines were celebrating. They knew there'd be music and lots of fun. The station was being decorated. The Fat Controller said that the engines could be decorated too.
“I'm going to have flags and streamers,” whistled Pinkie.
“I'm going to have a big red banner,” whistled Twilight.
“What decorations will you have, Rainbow?” asked Fluttershy.
“Decorations are indignified for an important engine like me,” Rainbow said, “I pull the Rainboom express.” Rainbow was feeling insulted as she left the station. She had been hanging around Gordon a bit too much and a bit of him rubbed off on Rainbow. “Silly little engines,” she grunted.
Twilight was enjoying herself. She was bringing the maypole. The farmer's children waved. Twilight peeped happily as she passed by. Soon, it was time for the decorating. Pinkie's driver was wrapping streamers and flags around her funnel, Twilight had a big red banner on her tanks, even Fluttershy was being decorated, with blue bunting on her sides. Although she was very shy about it.
“We can have a contest for the best dressed engine,” suggested Rarity. Just then, Rainbow shunted in.
“A contest?” she puffed, “I'm bound to win any contest.”
“You will have to be decorated, darling,” said Rarity, “This is a best dressed engine contest.”
“Not me,” puffed Rainbow, “you never catch me looking so ridiculous.”
The engines felt splendid. But not Rainbow. She was cross.
“Decorations are indignified,” she huffed, “Huh! Who cares about a contest anyway?”
Further down her line a colourful banner was strung across the bridge. Then, as Rainbow steamed across the bridge, it came loose and wrapped around her firebox. She couldn't see the line ahead. Rainbow tried to whoosh the banner off, but the banner wouldn't budge.
“I can't see!” she whistled loudly to her driver, “stop!”
“You can't stop, Rainbow,” her driver called back, “you're the express.”
Trevor was chugging slowly along with his load of apples for the children's apple bob. Trevor heard a whistle. He was going as fast as he could, but it wasn't fast enough as Rainbow crashed through the lever crossing and hit the cart. The apples were all smashed. Rarity was the last engine to join the contest, or so she thought.
“Here comes Rainbow,” cried the passengers.
“We didn't think you wanted to be decorated,” teased Twilight.
“I didn't,” huffed Rainbow.
“Well you're definitely the best dressed engine,” said Rarity. All the engines agreed. Rainbow was secretly pleased, but she didn't think it was dignified to say so. Silly Rainbow.
Twilight felt like she was getting old. Her bearings felt worn, and she clanked as she puffed along. She was taking empty cattle trucks to a market town. The sun shone, birds sang, but Twilight was heading for trouble.
“Come on! Come on!” she puffed.
“Oh! Oh!” screamed the trucks. Twilight puffed and clanked, the trucks rattled and screamed. Some cows were grazing nearby. They were not used to trains. The noise and smoke disturbed them. As Twilight clanked by, they broke through the fence and ran across the line. A coupling was broken, and some trucks were left behind.
Twilight felt a jerk but didn't take much notice. She was used to cattle trucks.
“Bother those cars!” she thought, “Why can't they come quietly?”
She was at the next station before either she or her driver realized what had happened. When Rainbow and Aria heard about the accident, they laughed and boasted.
“Fancy, allowing cows to break your train! They wouldn't dare do that to us,” Laughed Rainbow, “we'd show them!”
Applejack was cross.
You couldn't help it, Twilight,” she said calmly, “they’ve had experience with cows before, I have, and I know the trouble they are.”
Twilight's whistle crossly and puffs away. Some days later, Rainbow rushed through Edward's Station.
“Boop, Boop! Mind the cows! Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!” puffed Rainbow.
“Don't make such a fuss! Don't make such a fuss!” grumbled her coaches.
“Wait you can speak?” Rainbow said confused.
A long stretch of line lay ahead. In the distance was a bridge. It seemed to Rainbow that there was something on the bridge. Her driver thought so too.
“Whoa, Rainbow!” he said, and shut off steam.
“Pooh!” said Rainbow, “It's only a cow! Shoo! Shoo!”
She moved slowly on to the bridge, but the cow wouldn't "Shoo"! She had lost her calf and felt lonely.
“Moo!” she said sadly. Everyone tried to send her away, but she wouldn't go. Aria soon arrived.
“What's this? A cow?” she scoffed, “I'll soon settle her. Be off! Be off!”
“Moo!” the cow bellowed crossly.
Aria backed away nervously.
“I don't want to hurt her,” she said puffing backwards. At the next station, Aria's Conductor told them about the cow, and warned the signalman that the line was blocked.
“That must be Bluebell,” said a porter, “her calf is here, looking for her mother. Sonata will take her along.”
Sonata chuffed to the bridge pulling a cattle truck. At the bridge, Bluebell was very pleased to her calf again, and the porter led them away.
“Not a word, Keep it secret,” whispered Rainbow and Aria to each other. They felt rather silly, but Sonata couldn’t keep her mouth shut and soon the story spread. That night at the sheds, Twilight, Applejack, and the rest were smiling.
“Well, well, well!” chuckled Twilight, “Two big engines afraid of a cow.”
“Afraid? Rubbish!” said Rainbow, “we didn't want the poor thing to hurt herself by running up against us. We stopped so as not to excite her. You see what I mean, Twilight?”
“Yes, Rainbow,” said Twilight. Rainbow felt somehow that Twilight "saw" only too well.
Rainbow was feeling grumpy. This was making Starlight cross.
“Why are you complaining all the time?” she asked crossly.
“Because I'm a big blue engine and I know everything. I shall complain whenever I want,” Rainbow stated back, £you're just a small white engine with ideas above your station.”
“I’m roughly the same size as you,” Starlight said blankly.
“I can't see any,” said Sonata, “where are they?”
“Any what?” Rainbow said rudely.
“Ideas above the station,” Sonata replied, “the sky's empty.”
Like your smokebox, Sonata,” laughed Aria, but Rainbow was still grumpy.
“One day I'll show you just what a big engine can really do,” she said.
“So what can a big engine really do?” Sonata asked innocently.
“Not speak to silly little blue engines for a start,” replied Rainbow, then she puffed away. Later that day, the Fat Controller came to see her.
“Rainbow, you'll be making one stop today with an empty express to test our new station,” he told her, “you can make up time afterwards.”
“Why can't Fluttershy or Pinkie do it?” Rainbow asked, “they likes idling at stations.”
“You will do as you are told,” the Fat Controller said sternly. So Rainbow did. But she was still unhappy, and she grew sick too.
“I just can't get up to speed,” she groaned.
“It's time for your visit to the works. Your pipes are clogged,” said the fireman. At last, they approached the new station. rainbow was impressed but her mood soon changed. In front of her was a blank wall and huge buffers.
“What a boring view! Important engines like me should have a panoramic view where I can see people and people can see me,” and she wheeshed angrily. Rainbow was happy when it was time to leave.
“Now you can really enjoy your run as long as your pipes will let you,” said her driver.
“Come on, come on! I can go faster that this!” huffed Rainbow, “Sick? Me? Never!”
But presently Rainbow began to feel more and more feeble, and soon, she came to a complete stop.
“What happened?” she asked weakly.
Her driver and fireman inspected her. “Something's broken inside you, Rainbow,” said her fireman, “now you're really will have to go to the works.”
Rainbow was still fuming when Starlight arrived to collect her coaches.
“Well, well, well! So much for knowing about everything,” she laughed, “you got too puffed up in your boiler, so it's serves you right.”
When Rainbow returned from the works a few days later, she was still boasting.
“I am the finest engine on the Island of Sodor, probably the finest in the world,” she said proudly.
“Come on, Gordon,” said the Fat Controller, “we're going to the official opening of the new station.”
Then, there was trouble. As Rainbow approached the new station, neither the driver nor fireman could apply her brakes. Something had jammed. The driver reduced steam, but Rainbow was still going too fast. Rainbow whistled loudly as she burst through the wall, hanging over the road below.
“Help me, please!” Rainbow called out.
The Fat Controller is raised up but a lift to look and Rainbow.
“Well, Gordon,” said the Fat Controller, “I knew you wanted a panoramic view, but this is not the way to achieve it.”
“Yes Sir, sorry Sir,” Rainbow replied.
When Gordon was repaired again, she took the Fat Controller to the new station, for its second official opening. This time she arrived safely, and everyone clapped and cheered as she pulled in. The Fat Controller spoke to her.
“Your panoramic view is here to stay,” he said, “I trust you will always see through it, from the safety of your own rails.”
Pinkie works in the yard at the big station. She loves playing jokes, but they can get her into trouble. One morning, she was very cheeky indeed.
“Peep, peep! Hurry up, Rainbow,” she tooted, “the train's ready.” Rainbow thought she was late.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha!” laughed Pinkie and showed him a train of dirty coal cars. Rainbow thought how she can pay Pinkie back for teasing her. Next it was Rarity's turn.
“Stay in the shed today, Rarity,” Pinkie told her, “the Fat Controller will come and see you.”
“Ah!” thought Rarity, “the Fat Controller knows I'm a fine engine. He wants me to pull a special train.”
Rarity's driver and fireman could not make her move. The other engines grumbled dreadfully. They had to do Rarity's work as well as their own. At last, the inspector arrived.
“Show a wheel, Rarity,” said the inspector, “you can't stay here all day.”
“The Fat Controller told me to stay here,” Rarity replied, “he sent a message this morning.”
“He did not,” said the inspector “how could he? He's away for a week.”
“Oh,” said Rarity, “Oh, where's Pinkie?”
Pinkie had wisely disappeared. When the Fat Controller came back, he was cross with Rarity and Pinkie for causing so much trouble. But the very next day, Pinkie was still being cheeky.
“I say, you engines, I'm to take some trucks to Twilight's junction. The Fat Controller chose me specially,” Pinkie boasted, “he must know I'm a really useful engine.”
“More likely, he wants you out of the way,” grumbled Rarity. Rainbow looked across to Rarity. They were going to play a trick on Pinkie.
“Rarity and I were just speaking about signals at the junction,” said Rainbow, “we can't be too careful about signals, but then I needn't say that to a really useful engine like you, Pinkie.”
Pinkie felt flattered.
“Yes indeed. We've had spoken about backing signals,” put in James, “they need extra special care you know. Would you like me to explain?”
“No thank you, Rarity,” said Pinkie, “I know all about signals.”
Pinkie was a little worried.
“I wonder what backing signals are,” she thought, “never mind, I'll manage.”
She puffed crossly to her trucks and felt better. She came to a signal.
“Bother, it's a danger,” Pinkie groaned.
The signal moved to show line cleared. It's arm moved up instead of down. Pinkie had never been that sort of signal before.
“Down means go and up means stop,” she thought, “so upper still must mean go back. I know. It's one of those backing signals.”
“Come on, Pinkie,” said her driver, “off we go.” But then Pinkie started to reveal. “Stop! You're going the wrong way!”
“But it's a backing signal,” Pinkie protested and told him about Rainbow and Rarity. The driver laughed and explained.
“Oh, dear,” said Pinkie, “let's start quickly before they see us.”
She was too late. Rainbow saw everything.
That night, the big engines talked about signals. They thought the subject was funny. Pinkie thought they were being very silly.
The Fat Controller's engines love their work. Rainbow likes pulling the Rainboom express, Twilight likes helping on Thomas’ branch line and Pinkie likes shunting in the yards. But none of them likes being a middle engine. It's no fun being stuck in the middle. One morning, Pinkie was cheerfully collecting coal trucks from the smelter's yards, where Arry and Bert worked. They like to play tricks on steam engines. Pinkie didn't want to fall for their tricks again. But before she knew it, she was stuck in the middle.
“Oh bother!” huffed Pinkie crossly.
“Little pink piggy in the middle!” Arry teased.
Pinkie's driver was cross. With coal trucks in front of her and coal cars behind, Pinkie had to go slowly. Rainbow was in the yards when Pinkie steamed slowly by.
“Ha-Ha! It's Slow-Coach Pinkie!” Rainbow laughed.
“You wouldn't be laughing if you were stuck in the middle,” Pinkie fumed.
And she went all the way to the Coaling Plant. One, by one, she shunted her coal trucks onto the tipper's loading ramp and the coal was unloaded. Percy was not allowed to cross the loading ramp until the tipper had been turned off. It was against the rules. But as soon as her driver and fireman left, there was trouble. Applejack arrived to pick up coal. She bumped into the coal trucks and the coal trucks bumped into Pinkie. Pinkie was pushed onto the loading ramp.
“Help!” cried Pinkie, “I'm not a coal truck!”
But no-one heard him. Pinkie was hoisted up, tipped over and brought back down again. After Pinkie was load back down to the ground, the Manager was very cross.
“You have caused confusion and delay!” he said, “I'll have to report this to the Fat Controller.”
That night, the Fat Controller spoke severely to Pinkie.
“I'm very disappointed in you, Pinkie,” he said, “you know it's against the rules to go on to the tipper's loading ramp.”
“Sorry sir,” Pinkie said sadly, “But it wasn't my fault. It's because those diesels made me a middle engine.”
“Nevertheless, you will shunt trucks in the yards until I can get to the bottom of this,” said the Fat Controller sharply.
“Pah!” said Rainbow, thinking that no one can hear, “I can handle those diesels with bent buffers and a busted boiler!”
“Then you will do Percy's run to the smelter,” said the Fat Controller.
“Yes sir,” said Rarity.
“The next day, Rainbow arrived at the smelter. She was determined to be tricked by Arry and Bert.
“Ello, Rainbow,” oozed Arry, “come to learn a thing or two from those who know?”
“Just get my trucks ready and stay out of my way,” huffed Rainbow importantly.
“Yes, ma’am,” Bert chimed greasily.
Rainbow cheerfully backed up to her trucks. She was certain she had fooled Arry and Bert, but she was wrong. As Arry shunted trucks in front of her.
“Little blue piggy in the middle!” chortled Arry.
“Just like Pinkie!” Jeered Bert.
“I am NOT like Pinkie,” puffed Rainbow, “I am not a middle engine, and I am not moving.”
And she didn't. When the Fat Controller heard the news he sent Pinkie to fetch Rainbow. This made Pinkie happy. She buffered up to Rainbow and took her along with all the trucks to the docks.
“Right on time,” said the Manager, as Pinkie puffed in, “but what does that big blue engine doing in the middle?”
“Learning,” Pinkie replied.
“Learning what?” asked the Manager.
“Learning to be a middle engine,” Pinkie laughed.
Rainbow covered herself in steam hoping no-one would recognize her, but it was good. There is only one big blue engine with a rainbow-coloured smokebox on the island and everyone knows her name is Rainbow!”
It was winter. A thick blanket of snow lay over the Island of Sodor. All the engines were busy carrying passengers and goods from station to station. Sometimes they need to warn people they are coming, so steam engines blow their whistles. And diesel engines sound their electric horns. One day, Pinkie took some troublesome trucks to the smelters' yard. She whistled hello to Splatter and Dodge. But Splatter and Dodge just laughed.
“Call that a whistle?” mocked Splatter, “Just listen to this.” And they blew their horns loudly.
“Diesels can do everything better than steamies,” Dodge sneered.
“My whistle's as good as your horns,” puffed Pinkie crossly, “Just you wait and see.”
Pinkie practiced loud whistling. She blew louder, and louder and louder. At last she was ready to surprise Splatter and Dodge. Later, Pinkie went back to the quarry. She rolled up behind Splatter and Dodge, took an extra big puff and blew as loudly as she could. Splatter and Dodge were surprised.
“I told you my whistle is as good as your silly old horns,” laughed Pinkie. Now that she had a super-loud whistle... Pinkie couldn't wait to use it again. When she saw Thomas in the sidings, she took a big puff... and blew as loud as she could. Thomas was so surprised he shunted back into his trucks, he was cross.
“That wasn't funny,” he sniffed.
Pinkie didn't notice. She was too busy having fun. Pinkie saw Bertie the bus. She took another big puff and blew. Bertie skidded all over the road and fell into a ditch.
“Percy!” he cried crossly, “you nearly caused an accident!”
But Pinkie had already chuffed away. That evening, Twilight told Pinkie to stop surprising her friends.
“You made Bertie skid across the road and Thomas’ trucks got damaged,” said Twilight. Pinkie was sorry.
“I won't do it again,” she wailed, “I promise.”
But the next day, Pinkie was bringing the milk train from the dairy.
“I wish I could have one more loud whistle,” she said to herself.
She couldn't see any people or engines. But there was something else Pinkie couldn't see. Trevor was taking food to the farm animals. With snow on the ground, they couldn't find any grass to eat. Pinkie took the biggest puff of all... and blew. Trevor was so surprised, his trailer bumped into a pile of logs. A log fell and rolled down the hill. Snow stuck to the log. It turned into a snowball. The snowball got bigger and bigger. Pinkie was enjoying herself... until she saw the snowball. The Snowball rolled right into Pinkie, covering her in snow.
“Oh, no!” cried Pinkie, “Oh, no!”
Luckily, no one was hurt. But her driver was cross.
“Now I will have to go for help,” he said. Pinkie waited in the cold. Her funnel was freezing, and her axles were shivering. At last Fluttershy arrived with the Fat Controller. He was very cross indeed.
“Whistles are for safety,” he told Pinkie, “not for playing games. You must only use your whistle when the time is right.”
“Yes, sir,” shivered Pinkie, and she promised to use her whistle properly from now on. The next day, Pinkie was a very quiet engine indeed. She didn't use her whistle once. But as Percy came out of the tunnel, she gasped. A big snowdrift had slipped onto the tracks. Pinkie heard Twilight. She was heading straight for the snowdrift! If she did not stop in time, she would have an accident!
“I must warn her!” cried Pinkie. Pinkie took the biggest puff she had ever taken, and she blew the loudest whistle she had ever blown.
“Something must be wrong!” cried Twilight, and she applied his brakes just in time.
“Cinders and ashes!” she gasped, “thank you, Pinkie!”
That evening, the Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“Well done, Pinkie!” he boomed, “you blew your whistle at the right time and saved Twilight from an accident. You are a really useful engine, and a safe one.”
Pinkie was so proud, her firebox tingled. Pinkie uses her whistle safely now and all her friends are glad to see her.
Fluttershy the little shy engine was very excited. She was wearing a brand-new whistle that shown like gold. She was off to the seaside. Her driver was explaining everything as they puffed along the line.
“There's a seaside village near here, and every year, they have a big parade with a special attraction for all the visitors,” he explained, “this year, Fluttershy, thanks to your unique appearance, you're the special attraction.”
“What does a special attraction do?” asked Fluttershy.
“Oh, just smiles and blows whistles at everyone,” replied her driver, “we're almost there. Listen, you can hear the seagulls.”
Soon, they reached the little station by the village. But instead of a big welcome, there was just one man. He whispered to Fluttershy's driver and turned sadly away.
“Well, if that doesn't take the biscuit,” said Fluttershy's driver, “they've run out of room in the parade and don't need a special attraction after all. We've got to go home Fluttershy. I'm sorry girl.”
“So am I,” sighed Fluttershy. Pinkie was shunting in the yard. She didn't expect to see Fluttershy.
“What are you doing back so soon?” she asked.
Before Fluttershy could reply, the Fat Controller arrived.
“Leave these trucks please Pinkie,” he told her, “there's an emergency at the harbour.”
“Come on, Pinkie,” said her driver. “this'll be trouble with Bulstrode.”
“Who's Bulstrode?” wondered Pinkie. She was still surprised about Fluttershy, and now she had two puzzles to sort out. Her driver explained.
“Bulstrode is disagreeable barge. He never stops complaining,” he told her. Her driver was right about Bulstrode. Today, the barge was more bad temper than ever.
“Come on, come on!” complained Bulstrode, “why aren't you cars where you should be?”
“There's no engine, and we can only go where we put!” shouted the trucks, “you're in the wrong place, not us!”
When Pinkie arrived, Bulstrode was sulking, and the trucks were crosser still.
“Our stone is for Bulstrode,” said the trucks, “please put us in a siding so that we can load him up and be rid of him.”
But the trucks were being careless. As Pinkie was lining them up, they burst through some buffers.
“Help, help!” They wailed, but it was too late.
Pinkie pushes the trucks one by one on top of Bulstrode and is left horrified.
“Oh!” cried Bulstrode, “I'm sinking!”
“Serves you right!” giggled the trucks, “you were always barging in and moaning.”
It took a very long time to clear the mess. Pinkie watched as Bulstrode was towed to the beach.
“There you are,” said the workmen, “now you just stay here. Children can play you all day and at long last you'll be useful.”
Bulstrode just groaned.
When Pinkie got home, she and Fluttershy exchanged all their news.
“Well, we both had seaside surprises today,” laughed Fluttershy, “But driver says that I'm a special attraction anyway, and so are you. Every time we go on our own line.”
“What do you mean?” asked Pinkie, “Well, all we have to do is smile and blow whistles at everyone.”
Sonata was working in the coal yards. She was feeling bored and lonely with only the silly trucks for company.
“Cheer up, Sonata,” said her driver, “the Fat Controller has told me that we must be here again tomorrow. We've just got to make the best of a bad situation.”
“I'll try sir,” sighed Sonata. Next morning, the trucks started teasing Sonata.
“Sonata, Sonata, blue and small, she's no use to us at all, around the yards she'll puff and blow but on the hills, she's oh so slow!” they sung.
“Be quiet!” snapped Sonata.
Then she took the trucks to the coal hopper to be loaded up. Sonata still felt glum as she puffed up to the top of the hill. She parked her trucks and then set off back down the mines. Not even the cheerful sight of Bertie the Bus could bring a smile to Sonata's face.
“What's the matter, Sonata?” asked Bertie.
“Nothing exciting ever happens. That's the matter,” sighed Sonata, “It's just coal, coal, coal and trucks, trucks, trucks. I'm bored, bored, bored.”
“Excitement is surprising,” observed Bertie, “you never know when it'll happen. Otherwise, it wouldn't be exciting. Tootle peep.”
“It would be surprising if something surprising happened,” muttered Sonata. Later, she stopped by the water tower for a drink.
“Hello Sonata. How are things?” asked Toby.
“Boring,” replied Sonata.
“Well, why not have a few fast spins on the turntable? You'll like that.” said Toby.
“I think it would just make me giddy,” Sonata remarked.
“Stop gossiping, you two,” Sonata's driver interrupted.
“Cheer up, Sonata. You'll soon know about trucks than any other engine. That'll be exciting.” called Toby. The trucks were still grumbling and there was more of them than ever.
“You much too small to pull all of us. We want another engine who will be struggling at the hill all night! All night, all right, you can puff and blow, but on the hill, you're still slow! Ha, ha!” they teased.
“Slow yourself!” stuttered Sonata, as she shunted the trucks hard.
“Temper, temper,” giggled the cars. Sonata decided to simply carry on. She started to puff up the hill.
“Go to it, Percy,” shouted her driver. The trucks were still joking.
“Too slow, more power, here all night, tomorrow too!” they mocked.
“Be quiet!” said Sonata angrily. Then there was trouble. A coupling broke.
“Surprise, surprise! Catch us if you can!” called the trucks as the rolled away
“Oh no!” cried Sonata. The trucks sped away from Percy and pass Bertie. Sonata's driver told the signalman, and the yard foreman told The Fat Controller what was happening.
“They're heading for the big hill! It'll slow them down, but they may roll back again right into the village,” he said.
“Then we'll just have to stop them, won't we?” said the Fat Controller.
The chase was on. As Sonata chased after the trucks on the tracks while the Fat Controller and Bertie ran after them on the road. As they approached the hill, they overtook the trucks. The Fat Controller and Bertie screeched to a halt and waited for them near the top. The hill slowed the trucks right down to a standstill. Then the workmen quickly put wooden blocks behind their wheels so they couldn't roll backwards. The trucks were now secured. Just then, Sonata arrived.
“Well, what do you think of that?” Joked Bertie, “A good chase is always exciting.”
“It was certainly a surprise,” decided Sonata, “and you are right, Bertie. A really useful engine should never be surprised by a surprise.”
It was an icy day on the Island of Sodor. The engines were working very hard. They didn't mind the cold because they had toasting hot fireboxes to keep them warm. That evening, the Fat Controller came to Ponyville sheds.
“There's a big freeze coming tonight,” he said, “Starlight and Sonata are to deliver extra coal to the stations.”
“Yes sir,” they said eagerly, and the Fat Controller drove away.
“You better hurry,” teased Rainbow, “or scary Jack Frost might get you.”
“Who's Jack Frost?” Sonata whistled nervously.
“Don't be so silly.” sniffed Starlight, “Jack Frost is not scary.”
“Yes he is,” teased Rainbow, “He's all white with a big spiky face.”
“Rubbish!” said Starlight. Starlight knew Jack Frost wasn't scary, but poor Sonata wasn't so sure. Sonata shivered as she puffed down her route with her coal.”
“Jack Frost is not scary, Jack Frost is not scary, Jack Frost is not scary,” she said to herself.
Meanwhile, Starlight puffed along her route, “Silly Percy,” she thought, “all steamed up over Jack Frost.”
Sonata made her last delivery. The stationmaster was very pleased to see her.
“Oh Sonata,” she cried, “we need twice as much coal to last through this freeze.”
“Don't worry,” Sonata said, “This is my last stop, you can have mine.”
So Sonata's driver parked her in a siding with only a lantern for company.
“Do you think scary Jack Frost will find me?” said Sonata.
“Jack Frost is not scary,” chuckled her driver, “and don't worry, Elizabeth will bring you some more coal in the morning.”
And then her driver and fireman went home to bed. Late at night, the icy wind howled. It started to snow, and icicles started to hang off her boiler. Soon, Sonata's face was so cold, an icicle hung from her nose.
“Oh, b-b-b-bother,” Sonata stuttered, but it didn't sound like Sonata. It was so cold, she could hardly make a sound. At last, Starlight was on her way back to the sheds. In the fog, she saw shadows and strange and scary shapes.
“Scary Jack Frost,” she whispered nervously, “Pah!”
She soon reached Sonata’s siding, but because she was covered in icicles, she didn’t look like Sonata.
“Hello, S-S-S-Starlight,” muttered Sonata icily.
“Scary Jack Frost!” cried Starlight and she raced away as fast as her wheels could carry her. She didn't stop until she got back to the sheds. The next morning, Elizabeth brought plenty of coal.
“Oh my dear,” Elizabeth chuffed to Sonata, “It looks like Jack Frost really got you.”
The firelighter started Sonata's fire. Soon, her ice mask melted away.
“So scary Jack Frost is only frost,” tooted Sonata happily and soon she was as warm as toast. When Sonata arrived at the sheds, Starlight was bragging to the other engines.
“I saw scary Jack Frost last night,” Starlight huffed, “He even knows my name.”
“He also knows that you ran away,” teased Sonata and all the engines whistled including Starlight. But Sonata's was the loudest whistle of all.
The Fat Controller’s engines love being shiny and clean. It makes them feel cheerful as they puffed across the Island of Sodor. Sonata often has the dirtiest work to do. But she likes to be clean as well as any other engine. So washdowns are important to Sonata. But the Fat Controller had bad news.
“Due to a water shortage...” he said, “...No engine shall have more than one washdown a day. Usefulness before cleanliness.” He added and left. Sonata was upset.
“I get dirty,” she complained, “I need washdowns. Rarity only does it to feel because she doesn’t want to do any dirty work.”
“Very true,” Rarity sniffed, “I don’t want to take dirty trucks.”
“You're a pouty puffer, Sonata,” teased Pinkie.
“No I'm not,” wheeshed Sonata and she chuffed away. The next day, Sonata was loading trucks at the docks. She was trying extra hard to stay clean. But the troublesome trucks were being naughty. As Sonata pushed them under the coal chute, they sang out.
“On! On! On!” they cried. Sonata found herself under the chute and coal dust flew everywhere.
“Oh no,” coughed Sonata, “I'm filthy.”
Sonata felt awful, but she knew she had to carry on. On the way to Callan Station, the troublesome trucks teased Sonata even more.
“Clickety clack, don't look back, dirty Sonata's on our track,” they teased.
“Be quiet!” Sonata snapped. When Sonata arrived at Callan Station she was very upset, “from now on I am only doing work where I won’t get dirty.”
Harold the Helicopter was at Callan station picking up medical supplies.
“Hello Percy,” he called. And he took off blowing cinders and ashes everywhere.
“Not again!” cried Sonata, “I want a washdown.”
“Usefulness before cleanliness,” Reminded her driver.
“I want to be useful where I can't get dirty,” Sonata huffed.
“There's a load of sugar going to the chocolate factory,” Her driver said, “we can take the sugar trucks.”
“Sugar,” said Sonata, “that's nice and clean.” Sonata was pleased. Sonata didn't know that earlier a leaky trucks had spilled oil on the track. When she approached the chocolate factory, her driver applied the brakes. But Sonata's wheels just skidded on the oily rails.
“Oh, no!” hooted Sonata.
Sonata crashes into the factory and six windows splat themselves as she pops out.
“Yuck!” she groaned, “I've never been this dirty.”
She was covered from funnel to firebox in sticky gooey chocolate. Back at the sheds, everyone thought it was very funny.
“You look good enough to eat,” Twilight tooted.
“Supper Sonata,” teased Trixie.
“Choc-ice on wheels,” chipped in Sunset.
“Keep away from me,” said Rarity pompously.
“Ahem,” said a stern sounding voice. It was The Fat Controller.
“You've had a trying day, Sonata,” he said.
“Yes, sir,” replied Sonata from beneath the chocolate.
“But you showed us all that usefulness does come before cleanliness. So...” he added, “you shall have your washdown.”
“Oh sir,” Sonata cheered.
“And a new coat of paint,” the Fat Controller finished.
Sonata just beamed.
Aria and Sonata are good sisters, but sometimes Sonata teases Aria about being frightened and she doesn't like that at all. One evening she was dozing happily in the shed, but Sonata wanted to talk.
“Wake up, Aria. Are you dreaming about the time you thought I was a ghost?” she asked.
Certainly not,” Aria snapped, “Anyway, I was only pretending to be scared. I knew it was you’re really.”
Sonata went on teasing her.
“I hope the guard leaves the light on for you tonight,” she said.
“Why?” asked Aria, “I quite like the dark.”
“Oh really?” explained Sonata, “I am surprised. I'd always thought you were afraid of the dark. I wonder why?”
“Sonata,” called Adagio from next to her, “do us all a favour.”
“AND SHUT UP!” replied all the pony-engines all together.
Sonata huffed, Aria just smirked and went to sleep instead. Next day, The Fat Controller came to see her.
“I would like you to go to the docks tonight,” he told her, “you have to collect something rather unusual.”
“What sort of something?” asked Aria.
“Wait and see,” replied the Fat Controller. Meanwhile, Sonata was moving some trucks into a siding. Applejack arrived with her goods train. The signalman changed the points and Sonata waited on the siding until Applejack had steamed by. Then, there was trouble.
The points are jammed,” called the signalman, “I can't switch them back. The workmen will have to mend them in the morning. It's too late now.”
“Hmmm,” said Sonata's Driver, “I'm sorry, Sonata. But you will have to stay here for the night.”
“Where are you going?” asked Sonata.
“Home for tea,” replied the fireman. Sonata was speechless. She watched as the other engines went home to the shed. Night-time came and Sonata began to feel very lonely.
“Oh dear, she murmured, “It's very dark.”
A screeching noise can be heard.
“Oh! Oh! What's that?!” Sonata cried.
It was only an owl, but Sonata didn't realize this.
“Oh, I wish Aria was here too,” she sighed. Aria was waiting for her mysterious load at the docks. Suddenly, there it was. Cranky unloaded a Chinese dragon.
“Cinders and Ashes!” cried Aria, “It's a dragon!”
“Don't worry,” laughed her driver, “this dragon is made of paper. It's for the carnival tomorrow.”
Workmen lifted the dragon onto Aira's load loader and put lights all around it for protection. Then, Aria set off into the misty night. Sonata was asleep on her siding and had no idea that Aria was approaching her.
Aria and the dragon approach Sonata and scare her. Aria wheeshed steam, this covered her, so Sonata didn’t see her. Sonata woke up with a start and saw the dragon roll passed.
“Help! cried Sonata, “I'm not going to open my eyes until my driver comes.”
Next morning the points were mended, and Sonata puffed back to the junction. Gordon was just about to leave with the express.
“You'll never guess what I saw last night,” Sonata said, Gordon was in no mood for puzzles.
“I'm a busy engine,” he stated, “I don't have time for your games.”
“I've seen a huge dragon,” Sonata cried, “It was covered in lights.”
Gordon snorted, “You've been in the sun too long. Your dome has cracked.”
When the other engines heard the news, they laughed too.
“Look out, Sonata!” chuckled James, “Or the dragon may gobble you up!”
“No one believes me,” huffed Sonata, “Maybe I did imagine the dragon after all.”
But Sonata soon found out that she hadn't.
“Help! Save me!” cried Sonata.
“It's alright,” whistled Aria. And she explained about the carnival, “By the way, how was your night out?”
Sonata decided to tell Aria the truth.
“Well, Sonata,” said Aria, “maybe we do get scared sometimes, but if we're not afraid to tell each other, then that means we're quite brave too.”
It was summer on the island of Sodor. All the engines were excited, Rebecca had set a new record for pulling the express. Aria was on her way to pick up two very special coaches. They had been newly painted to celebrate Rebecca’s record. The Fat controller was going to present them to Rebecca. Aria had stopped to take on water. Gilda pulled up alongside her.
“You look very pleased with yourself,” oiled Gilda. Aria told her all about Rebecca’s record and collecting the special coaches.
“Rebecca’s not the only one who’s special,” Gilda oiled proudly.
“Well there’s nothing special smelly old diesels,” pouted Aria, “I haven’t time to listen to you, I have to collect more coal.” And Aria steamed off. This made Gilda very cross, and she rattled away.
Later Aria arrived at the yards, but Rebecca’s special coaches weren’t there. “Gilda had already collected them,” puffed Thomas, “she said it was her job.”
“But that was my job,” huffed Aria, “I’ll have to find them, I mustn’t be late for the late for the presentation.”
Aria puffed quickly across the island, she was looking for Gilda and the special coaches. Suddenly, Aria saw Gilda waiting at a signal, she was coupled up to Rebecca’s special coaches.
“Why have you taken Rebecca’s coaches?” she snapped sharply.
“Because…” Gilda began.
“I haven’t got time to listen to you,” huffed Aria, “give me those coaches.”
“Not if you won’t listen!” grown Gilda, and she sped away.
Aria chased after Gilda. It was getting later and later, and Aria was worried but just like Diesel, Gilda was being devious. She knew all the tricks and many different tracks, Aria couldn’t catch her anywhere. And he made her look silly.
Aria steamed into Maithwaite Station, the Fat Controller was there. “Where are Rebecca’s coaches?” he asked her.
“Gilda took them herself,” Huffed Aria.
“We must find her at once,” boom the Fat Controller and he climbed on board Aria.
Gilda had hidden the coaches in a siding, but she wasn’t feeling well, she started to slow down. Up ahead Gilda saw Aria with the Fat Controller.
“Now I’m in trouble,” she moaned.
“Gilda!” said the Fat Controller sternly, “where are Rebecca’s special coaches?!”
“They’re in a siding sir,” said Gilda quietly.
“Take Aria there at once,” ordered the Fat Controller crossly.
“Yes sir,” oiled Gilda. Gilda showed Aria the trucks in the siding, Aria could see black smoke coming from Gilda’s engine.
“What’s wrong with your engine?” asked Aria.
“My engine is old,” spluttered Gilda, “All that rushing around has worn it out.”
“Then you shouldn’t have taken the coaches off,” said Aria.
“You should have listened to me!” snapped Gilda.
“Why should I listen to a smelly old diesel?” yelled Aria, “especially one that used to be a griffin.”
“Because Rebecca’s not the only one who set a record,” oiled Gilda quietly, “I’ve set one too.”
Aria was surprised, “Have you?” She wheeshed, and this time she listened.
“I’ve pulled the longest line of trucks on one train than any other diesel,” Gilda oiled as she spluttered sadly away.
“Oh dear,” said Aria sadly, “Gilda is just as special as Rebecca.”
Aria raced to Knapford with Rebecca’s special coaches, now she wanted Gilda to feel special too. As she puffed into Knapford station, Aria had an idea, she told the Fat Controller all about Gilda’s record and about her idea to make Gilda feel special. The Fat Controller listened carefully.
“That’s a very good idea Aria,” he said, “tell Gilda to come here this afternoon.”
Aria found Gilda in a siding resting, she told her she had to go to Knapford. Then Aria raced off to collect Gilda’s surprise. Later at Knapford station, the Fat Controller presented Rebecca with her special coaches.
“I really loved them,” puffed Rebecca proudly.
Everyone was happy for her, just then Aria puffed into the station.
“And this new diesel motor is for you Gilda,” chuffed Aria. Gilda was surprised, “I’m sorry I didn’t listen,” said Aria, “Now I know that diesels and steamies are both special.
Everyone cheered for Rebecca and Gilda.
It was a splendid morning on the Island of Sodor. Aria was feeling very pleased with herself. Her pink paint gleamed in the sunshine as she sped along the line. She reached the junction just as Sonata puffed in with some trucks. Aria was surprised to see her.
“What are you doing here, Sonata?” asked Aria, “you should be at the station by now!”
“I know,” sighed Sonata, “these trucks had been troublesome all morning.”
“That's no excuse, Sonata! Nothing should stop us!” Aria remarked, “the Fat Controller relies on us to be on time! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way!” and she puffed importantly away.
“Bossy buffers,” muttered Sonata. Aria arrived at the harbour. It was market day. The harbour yard was filled with the sweet smell of fruits from faraway lands. The fruit was delivered in big ships. Aria watched as strawberries, oranges, melons, and bananas were carefully loaded onto her trucks. Then, he set off for the station on the Main Line. On the way, she met Thomas, Percy, and Toby.
“Really reliable, that's me!” panted Aria, “pity the same can't be sent for Sonata! Goodbye!”
“What was all that about?” gasped Percy and Toby.
“That was trouble,” Thomas told them, “trouble for Aria, just wait and see.”
Sonata was back in the yard and busy shunting. She had the trucks in good order and was making up for lost time. But the stationmaster had bad news.
“What's happened?” asked Sonata's Driver.
“Aria's brakes are jammed we need Sonata's help right away,” the stationmaster said.
Sonata quickly set off to the rescue. Aria was stuck on the line and looking glum. Sonata couldn't help laughing.
“Got yourself in a bit of a jam eh, Aria, a "sticky situation"?” joked Sonata.
“Shut up!” snapped Aria, “It's not funny having jammed brakes!”
“And not very reliable either,” continued Sonata, “I'm surprised you let it happen, Aria. Nothing should stop us engines.”
“That's enough Sonata,” said the driver, “can you push these trucks?”
“Of course I can,” declared Sonata, “there's no time to lose. Aria has done too much of that already.”
Aria angrily hissed steam as Sonata was coupled to the trucks.
“Off we go!” said Sonata, “I'll have to go fast to get there in time. Those big engines are so unreliable.”
“Be careful, Sonata,” Called her driver. But Sonata was in a hurry. She didn't see that the switch had failed and that her had been diverted into a siding.
“Look out, Sonata!” shouted her driver and he applied the brakes, but it was too late. The trucks crashed into some buffers and Sonata crashed into the trucks. The driver and fireman had jumped clear but squashed fruit squirted all over Sonata.
No one was hurt. But soon the Fat Controller arrived.
“Sonata, you were not to blame for the switch failure,” he said sternly, “but I do not run a jam factory.”
“Yes sir, no sir,” Sonata groaned from under the squashed fruit, and Sonata squelched sadly away. That night, the shed was silent. Aria and Sonata felt very sorry for themselves. At last, Twilight spoke.
“You know...” she said to no engine in particular, “there's more than one way to get jammed. We all learned that today.”
Still there was silence.
“What's more,” Twilight continued, “we also learned that sometimes when engines helped each other out of a jam, things can still go wrong.”
“So,” said a voice.
“So,” finished Twilight, “that means we learned a lot today. And there for...”
Then came a chorus.
“We're really useful engines after all!”
It was holiday time on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were working happily, except for Aria.
“Why should a splendid engine like me take messy coal trucks instead of coaches?” she complained, “Pinkie or Sonata or any other tank engine should do it, I'm too important.”
This made Twilight cross.
“Aria why don't you think about something or someone else for a change?” she said crossly, “you'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel if you do.”
“Oh, please. Being important is the only thing for me to think about.” Aria declared and she huffed away.
Down at the Knapford yards, Shining Armour and Cadence were watching Tiger Moth fly around.
“That plane's making a great deal of noise,” said Shinning to Cadence.
“His name's Tiger Moth,” replied Cadence, “and it's flying around telling everyone about the fair that's arriving today.”
“What are you two doing here?” Twilight asked as she puffed into the yard.
“The Fat Controller wants us to pick up a very special load from the harbour,” replied Cadence.
“And I think it's got something to do with the fair,” Shining Armour chimed in. Then they puffed away. Meanwhile, Aria was collecting quarry cars from the yards.
“Dustier and dustier,” she grumbled. Then she saw Mrs. Kyndley, “she looks miserable.”
“What's the matter?” asked Aria's driver.
“My sister has rung to tell me she can't come to stay with me,” she cried, “I was so looking forward to her visit.”
The Fat Controller soon heard the sad news, “We must cheer her up. Send Harold the Helicopter to pick her up immediately.”
A few minutes later there was a surprise for Mrs. Kyndley.
“All present and correct,” called Harold, “I'm uh here on a flying visit. Hurry aboard Mrs. Kyndley and uh fly the sky with me. Compliments of uh, the Fat Controller.”
“Oh how lovely,” said Mrs. Kyndley, as she boarded Harold. Harold took off blowing dust all over Aria.
“Harold's made my paint dustier than ever,” she muttered. But she was happy for Mrs. Kyndley. She was soon flying high with Harold.
“I have never seen the island like this before,” she cheered, “It's wonderful.”
Meanwhile, Shining Armour and Cadence were at the docks. Cranky the Crane was unloading an old tramp steamer.
“Hey down there, you two,” he called out, “I'm paying lucky dip in the tramper's hold, and all these are for you.”
He unloaded a crate and the workmen peeled back the tarpaulin, revealing…
“Wooden horses!” Cadence exclaimed, “for the carousel ride. It's going to be a very exciting fair.”
“It is indeed,” whistled Aria, “the Fat Controller has ordered me to stop pulling coal trucks and go to the station instead. Something to do with Mrs. Kyndley. Goodbye.”
“Well what do you think of that,” cried Shining Armour. Mrs. Kyndley was waiting for Aria with the Fat Controller.
“Now this is your very special treat,” he said, “Aria will take you on a mystery ride and I shall meet you at your destination.”
Aria took Mrs. Kyndley along her favourite coastal route to Tidmouth Bay. When she arrived there, Twilight, Shining Armour and Cadence were already there, a big surprise awaited Mrs. Kyndley.
“Oh!” she cried, “You've brought me to the fairground how lovely.”
Best of all the Fat Controller invited her to make the announcement.
“I declare this fairground open,” she declared, the fair opened, the lights came on and Mrs. Kyndley had the first ride on the carousel.
“You were quite right, Twilight,” Aria whispered, “Making someone happy does cheer you up.”
Adagio was enjoying her life on the Island of Sodor, but she still had a lot to learn.
“You may be a big engine,” said the Fat Controller, “but that doesn’t you can just pull coaches, you can pull trucks just as easily.”
“Be careful with the coaches Adagio,” said kind little Edward as Adagio backed down onto the train and Edward backed down onto her, “they don't like being bumped.”
Everyone came to admire Adagio. “I'm really a splendid engine,” she thought and suddenly let off steam. “Wheesh!” A shower of water fell on the Fat Controllers nice new top hat. Just then, the conductor blew his whistle and Adagio thought they had better go.
“Go on, go on!” she puffed to Edward.
“Don't push, don't push!” puffed Edward. The coaches were grumbling too.
“Don't go so fast, don't go so fast!” they complained.
But Adagio wouldn't listen. When at last they stopped at the next station two coaches were beyond the platform. They have to go back to let the passengers out. But no one seems to know about the Fat Controller’s new hat so Adagio felt happier. Presently they came to the station where Thomas was waiting with his two coaches.
“Hello Adagio,” said Thomas, “Feeling ok? That's good. Oh, that's my conductor's whistle. I must go. I don't know what the Fat Controller would do without me to run this branch line.”
And he puffed off importantly. Edward and Adagio passed the field where long ago James had an accident. They ended their journey and rested before setting off for home. Adagio was still wondering what the Fat Controller would have to say about his new hat. Next morning, he spoke severely to Adagio.
“If you can't behave, I shall take away your yellow coat and have you painted blue,” he said crossly.
Adagio didn't like that at all. She was very rough with the grumbling coaches as she brought them to the platform.
“Don't talk, come on! Gordon never fetches his own coaches,” she thought to herself. “And he's only painted blue.”
To make Adagio even more cross, this time no one came near her.
“I'll show them,” she thought, “they think Gordon, Rebecca and the other express engines are the only engines who can pull coaches.”
“Hurry, hurry, hurry!” puffed Adagio.
“You're going too fast, you're going to fast!” replied the coaches. Adagio laughed and tried to go faster, but the coaches wouldn't let her.
“We're going to stop, we're going to stop!” they cried as James soon came to a complete halt.
“What's the matter?” Adagio asked her driver.
“The brakes are on, leak in the pipe most likely,” he replied, “you banged the coaches enough to make a leak in anything.”
“How shall we mend it?” asked the conductor.
“We'll do it with newspaper and a leather bootlace,” replied the driver.”
“But where's the bootlace coming from?” asked the conductor.
“Ask the passengers,” said the driver.
“You have a leather bootlace there.” said the Conductor to a smartly dressed man, “please give it to me.”
“I won't,” said the man.
“Then I'm afraid the train will just stop where it is,” the Conductor told the man.
The passengers all said what a bad railway it was. Then they told the man how bad he was instead. Everyone was very cross. At last, he handed his laces over. The driver tied a pad of newspaper tightly round the hole in the brake pipe, and Adagio was able to pull the train. But she was a sadder and wiser Adagio, and took care never to bump coaches again.
Adagio had not been out to push coaches or trucks in the yard for several days. She was feeling miserable.
“Oh dear. I wonder how long I shall have to stay in the shed, would anyone else see my coat again?” she moaned, “why did I go so fast that I made a hole in one of my coaches that had to be mended with of all things a passenger's bootlace.”
At last the Fat Controller arrived. “I know you are sorry, Adagio, and I know too that you want to be a useful engine,” he told her, “people are laughing at my railway, and I do not like that at all.”
“I will try hard to do my best,” said Adagio.
“That's a good engine. There's nothing like determination,” commented the Fat Controller, “I want you to pull some trucks for me.”
Adagio was delighted and puffed away. She arrived at the station just as Thomas had finished shunting her trucks.
“Here's your freight train, Adagio,” said Thomas, “have you got some bootlaces ready?” And he ran off laughing.
“Oh, no!” said the trucks and Adagio backed down onto them, “we want a proper engine, not a yellow monster.”
Adagio took no notice and started as soon as the conductor was ready.
“Come along, come along,” she puffed.
“We won't, we won't.” screamed the trucks. But Adagio didn't care, and she pulled the screeching trucks sternly out of the station. The trucks tried hard to make her give up, but she still kept on. Sometimes their brakes will slip on and sometimes their axles will run hot and each time the trouble had to be put right and each time Adagio will start again, determined not to let them beat her.
“Give up, give up! You can't pull us! You can't, you can't!” called the trucks.
“I can, and I will! I can and I will!” puffed Adagio and slowly but surely, she pulled them along the line. At last they saw Gordon's Hill.
“Look out for trouble, Adagio,” warned her driver, “we'll go fast and get them up before they know it. Don't let them stop you.”
So Adagio went faster and soon they were halfway up.
“I'm doing it, I'm doing it,” she panted, “will the top never come?” Then with a sudden jerk, it all came easier. “I've done it, I've done it. Hooray! It's easy now.”
But her driver shut off steam, “They've done it again,” he said “we've left our tail behind. Look.”
The last few trucks were running backwards down the hill. A coupling had snapped. But the conductor stopped the trucks and got out to warn approaching engines.
“That's why it was easy,” said Adagio as she backed the trucks carefully down, “what silly things trucks are. They're might have been an accident.”
“Shall I help you, Adagio?” called Sunset.
“No thank you,” Adagio called back, “I'll pull them myself.”
“Good, don't let them beat you. You're doing well!” whistled Sunset as Adagio slowly struggled up the hill.”
“I can do it, I can do it,” she puffed. She pulled and puffed as hard as she could, “I've done it, I've done it!” she panted as she puffed down the other side towards the next station. Adagio was resting in the yard when Sunset pulled up.
“Peep, peep!” she whistled. Then, Adagio saw the Fat Controller.
“Oh dear, what will he say?” she asked herself. But the Fat Controller was smiling.
“I was in Sunset's train, and I saw everything,” he told her, “you made the most troublesome trucks on the line behaved. After that performance, you deserve to keep your red coat.”
One day, Georgia the Steamroller was waiting for Sonata to take her to a new workplace. Georgia was being rude to Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.
“You're just worn out wheels on worn out rails!” she insulted them.
“You need rocks for your roads,” replied Sweetie Belle.
“Yeah, and we're helping you,” chimed in Scootaloo.
“I need to flatten little engines in the scrapyards,” retorted Georgia. Then Sonata arrived to take Georgia away. She was still rebelling.
“Railways are no good! Turn ‘em into roads!” she chanted.
The little engines were pleased to see her go.
“Rollers are rubbish, so good riddance,” Apple Bloom snapped back.
Georgia grumbled all the way to the old branch line. She was going to turn it into a road. When they arrived, Georgia was rude again.
“Bumpy ride on rotten rails. I'm glad it's over,” she barked.
“So am I,” said Sonata.
“Huh!” Huffed Georgia. Sonata was still fuming when she met Adagio.
“What's up, Sonata?” she asked her sister.
“It's Georgia,” she replied, “she makes me feel down.”
“Just ignore her,” puffed Adagio. Georgia was now enjoying herself.
“Ripping up rails!” she chortled, “What a life. What did you think of this, Adagio?”
Adagio took no notice. Georgia felt insulted.
“You're a useless yellow cheese puff!” she shouted.
But Adagio didn't hear.
“I'll show her who's boss!” she grinned evilly.
At last, the workmen reached the level crossing. “What shall we do here?” a workmen said.
“Tear it up, tarmac it!” said Georgia. So they did, but not properly and Georgia knew it. Later, Adagio was travelling home on the same line. She was pulling trucks filled with vegetables. The signalman had forgotten to warn her driver about the crossing.
“That's nice, We don't need to stop,” said Adagio happily.
“Yes we do!” called her driver. But it was too late. Adagio slides off the rails, rolls down a field and crashes into a barn. Next day, Sonata told Aria all about Georgia.
“Huh!” snorted Aria, “you're just a small engine, That's why she's rude to you! She wouldn't dare cause me any trouble.”
Georgia had been taken to some yards to work. Shining Armour arrived with a train of empty trucks. Georgia was blocking her way and a truck was stuck on the Main Line.
“Let me through!” demanded Shining.
“I’m busy, you'll just have to wait!” replied Georgia.
“There's no time to wait,” Shinning retorted, “I must clear my trucks from the Main Line to let Aria through with the Rainboom Express.”
“Then he'll have to wait too!” said Georgia. Shining's driver went to complain to the stationmaster. But the signalman had set the signal to allow Aria to speed through. Her passengers were singing her praises and she was making express time.
“I feel like the greatest! Just watch me fly by!” she whistled long and loud as she approached the station. Suddenly, she saw a truck on the line ahead.
“Get out of my way!” she shouted, but the truck wouldn't move until Aria forced it... by accident.
Aria sends the truck flying into the air and it lands onto the ground. Aria was worried that the Fat Controller would be cross. He was, but not with Aria.
“Whoever caused this disturbance will have me to answer to,” she said. And he did, a few days later.
“Look who's here,” said Adagio. Georgia had been found out by the Fat Controller and punished. she looked miserable.
“Now we'll get some peace at last,” said Sonata.
“I wanna get rolling again. But I've got to wait a whole week till I do,” Georgia moaned.
“And then you'll be just as rude as ever,” Aria chuckled, “eh, George?”
I hope not. Don't you?
Chapter 37: Shinning Armour the Royal Guard Engine
Shining Armour was racing across the Island of Sodor to get to the Ffarquhar Branchline. He was very excited, and he didn't want to be late.
“Right on time,” said the Fat Controller. Bill, Ben, and Mavis looked up at Shining’s big engine. He looked very impressive. They had never meant Shining before.
“This is Shining Armour, Mavis, Bill and Ben,” said the Fat Controller, “he's here help you on the branchline.”
“Nice to meet you,” Shining puffed politely, “and he's gained a spotless record while working on the railway.”
“What's a spotless record?” whispered Bill and Ben.
“It means he's never been naughty or made a mess,” replied Mavis. The four engines were soon at work. Bill and Ben were bumping trucks. They knew this was naughty, but they were having fun.
“Join in Shining,” said Bill.
“No thank you,” wheezed Shining. He'd never been naughty before. Shining's first job was to push a train load of fruit to market. The troublesome trucks started to sing.
“Root, toot, tow, we want to go, the fruit's going off cause you're too slow!” they sung.
“How rude,” huffed Shining. This gave Bill and Ben a naughty idea.
“The Fat Controller doesn't like the troublesome trucks singing,” said Bill.
“You must stop them,” added Ben.
“Thank you,” said Shining, “I will.”
Shining Armour was glad he could keep the troublesome trucks in order.
“They'll never stop the trucks from singing,” laughed Bill and Ben. Shining Armour chuffed cheerfully through the countryside. Soon the troublesome trucks started singing again.
“Chuff, chuff, chuff, you tug and huff, but you're so rusty, you can even puff!” they sung.
“Stop singing!” huffed Shining, “trucks should do as they are telling.”
The Troublesome Trucks were cross. If they couldn't sing, they will teach Shining Armour a lesson instead.
“We'll show him!” they giggled, “you can't push us around!”
Shining Armour struggled over bridges, and he huffed and puffed through tunnels. He came over the top of a big hill.
“You can't catch us!” laughed the Troublesome Trucks, “Whee-hee-hee!”
But there was trouble ahead. Rarity had stopped at the crossing at the bottom of the hill. Shining's driver applied the brakes, but it was too late! Shining crashes into the back of Rarity's train, squashed fruit flew everywhere on Shining’s driver, the signalman and Rarity! Shining was upset. His spotless record was ruined.
“Shining Armour!” cried Rarity crossly, “look at my paintwork!”
“Peep, peep, what a mess!” puffed Bill and Ben, with the Fat Controller was on board Bill. He was very annoyed.
“What happened here?” he asked.
“The troublesome trucks were singing,” Shining armour replied sadly, “I told them to stop but they made me go too fast.”
“Please sir, it's our fault,” Bill and Ben told the Fat Controller what he had done.
“Shining, it's um... fruitless for me to say more. Ahem. But Bill and Ben, you must help clear up this mess,” The Fat Controller said.
Harvey arrived with the breakdown crane. He could see there was lot of work to be done. Everyone worked hard and Bill and Ben took the loaded trucks away. That evening, Shining Armour and Rarity were having the squashed fruit cleaned out of their funnels.
“Hello, Bill and Ben,” he greeted them as they puffed up to the washdown.
“Shining, we’re sorry we played a trick on you,” said Bill and Ben.
“Thanks for owning up to it,” replied Shining.
“Maybe spotless records are made to be broken,” smiled Rarity.
“And then mended again,” finished Shining Armour, “just like friendships.”
Shining Armour loves working on the Island of Sodor. Although he has been on the island for a while, he had really only explored the Mainline and Thomas’ branchline. One morning, he discovered the fishing village. The sun made the water sparkle and the seagulls called across the harbour. This was Shining's favourite place. That evening the Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“There's going to be a new line to the fishing village. I have to decide which engine shall run it,” he paused impressively. Trixie and Starlight looked away. They had enough work to do. Shining Armour hoped he would be chosen.
“Trixie, you will work on the new line,” said the Fat Controller.
“Yes sir,” said Trixie. But she really didn't like the smell of fish. Shining Armour was disappointment. The Fat Controller sent him to haul coal to the steelworks. That evening, Trixie was at the washdown when Shining puffed in.
“Do I smell a fishy engine?” He teased.
“Yes,” huffed Trixie, “smelly fish, smelly new line.”
Shining wished he could go to the fishing village instead of the steelworks. He'd be much happier than Trixie. The next morning, Trixie was still grumpy. The fishermen had caught lots of fish.
“Hurry up,” Said Trixie, “I'm a busy engine.”
“And a fussy one too,” said the fisherman, “just enjoy the fresh salty smell of the fish.”
“Pee-eew!” puffed Trixie. Trixie steamed as fast as she could along the line. But there was trouble ahead. Some faulty points sent her trucks one way and Trixie onto the old pier rail.
“Whoa!” Trixie cried. The Troublesome Trucks were delighted.
“She's falling in the water!” they laughed.
Luckily, Trixie wasn't hurt, and the fish trucks stayed on the tracks. When the Fat Controller heard the news he checked his time table.
“Shining Armour is the nearest engine,” he said over the phone, “I'll send him right away.”
It was a hot day. The ice that was keeping the fish cold started to melt.
“I hope someone comes quickly,” moaned Trixie, “that fish will spoil soon.”
Shining Armour was surprised to see Trixie in the tidal pool.
“Are you all right Trixie?” Shining asked.
“No,” Trixie replied, “but I'll be much better when you take these fish away.”
“The breakdown van will be here soon,” called Shining Armour's Driver. Shining Armour knew he had to hurry. He raced along the line to the docks and arrived there just in time. Later, Shining Armour went to see Trixie at the fitter's yard.
“Thank you for helping me,” said Trixie.
“Thank you,” said Shining Armour, “I wish I had the fishing village line all the time.”
“Well please tell the Fat Controller,” said Trixie, “because I don't like fish.”
That evening, the Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“I need an engine to go to the fishing village while Trixie is being repaired,” he said, “Any Volunteers?”
“Me!” Shining Armour blurted out, “and please sir may I run on that line all the time? Trixie doesn't like fish, but I do.”
“Then the line is yours,” said the Fat Controller. Shining Armour was delighted. The next morning he puffed into the fishing village right on time. The smell of fish was everywhere. But he was sure he had the most beautiful line on the Island of Sodor.
The Island of Sodor is a busy, bustling place. There is always lots for the engines to do. One morning, Cadence had just arrived in the yard when The Fat Controller came to see her.
“The fishermen are celebrating their biggest catch of fish ever,” he told her, “Cadence, you must help Shining take the fish to the docks.”
Cadence was fed up. She didn't like the smell of fish unlike her husband. And when she got to the fishing village, there were lots of trucks, all stacked full of fish. Cadence had never seen so many fish!
“Phew!” she puffed, “what a horrible smell!”
Then Shining Armour arrived. Shining warned Cadence that the route to Brendam Docks was bumpy.
“Only take five trucks at a time,” said Shining, “and go slow and steady.”
Shining Armour carefully collected five trucks, then he puffed slowly out of the harbour yard. Cadence looked at all the trucks full of fish. She didn't want to go slow and steady, she wanted to get her smelly job over with. So Cadence shunted all the trucks into a long line, and she puffed out of the village. The trucks were heavy, and smelly, but was pleased her job would soon be over. But then, the troublesome trucks decided to have some fun. The trucks wiggled and they giggled. And they made Cadence’s journey very bumpy, and some of the fish were shaken loose.
“Yuck!” Cadence gasped, “I wish I'd taken fewer trucks!”
Cadence puffed hard. She pushed the long line of trucks up the hill. She started to puff down the other side. Cadence tried to go slowly, but the troublesome trucks wanted to go faster.
“On! On! On!” they cheered. Cadence went faster and faster.
“Cinders and Ashes!” Cadence cried. Shining Armour was at the bottom of the hill with his five trucks on fish. He was waiting for a signal. He didn't know Cadence was coming down the hill. Cadence was out of control. She braked as hard as she could, but the trucks of fish were too heavy, and she crashed into the back of Shining Armour.
“Oops,” said Cadence, “sorry.”
Shining Armour was covered in fish.
“Cadence!” shouted Shining, “I told you to take five trucks at a time.”
Cadence's driver telephoned for help, and soon Harvey was clearing the tracks. Cadence wondered what the Fat Controller would say. She found out soon enough.
“You have caused confusion and delay,” said the Fat Controller, “You must learn to be more safe.”
“Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir,” Cadence puffed sadly. So this time, Cadence shunted only five trucks together. she took a deep breath, and she chuffed away. Cadence puffed through the countryside.
“I will get to the docks on time!” she cried. But the troublesome trucks were up to their old tricks.
“Hold back!” they giggled. But this time, there were only five trucks. Cadence biffed and bashed and bumped them, and the trucks weren't troublesome anymore. As soon as she delivered the first trucks, Cadence went back to collect the next five. Her couplings smelled of kippers and her cabin smelled of cod. But she was working so hard, she forgot all about the smell. At last, she had just one more load to take. But it was nearly time for the ship to leave. Cadence raced as fast as she could. Her axles ached, and her buffers were bashed, but she got to the docks just in time. Cadence was very happy to say good-bye to the fish. Then, the Fat Controller came to see Cadence.
“I know you don't like the smell of fish, but you have worked very hard,” the Fat Controller said, “you really are a useful engine.”
Cadence was proud, but she still had the smell of fish in her funnel, and she couldn't wait to be cleaned, so she puffed off to the washdown. Shining was already there with Twilight, she had been working up at the coaling plant.
“Getting clean is lovely,” puffed Twilight.
“Best part of the day,” said Shining.
“Especially when you smell of fish!” said Cadence.
Twilight the Magic Engine was ill. Workmen had tried to make her better, but it was no use.
“Sunset must take you to the works,” said the Fat Controller. Twilight felt very miserable. As Sunset pulled Twilight to the works, the Fat Controller spoke to Fluttershy.
“I want you to help Percy and Toby while Twilight is away.
Fluttershy was delighted. She already knew Percy, Toby, and the others on the branchline. Terence the Tractor gave her a big welcome too.
“Take care of Twilight’s coaches and Spike,” he advised, “she's sure to miss them while she's away.”
Fluttershy was very gentle with the coaches. Victoria, Helena, and Spike were impressed.
“Such nice manners,” the coaches told each other, “It really is a pleasure to go out with her.”
“Of course,” Spike said to them, “Fluttershy takes great care in the things she does.”
Fluttershy blushed at their comments. When Twilight came back, Victoria, Helena, and Spike told her how well Fluttershy had managed. Twilight was so pleased to be home and was grateful that Fluttershy took over her jobs. The works have left Twilight’s handbrake very stiff. It made her brakes seen they were on, when in fact they were not. As a result, she and her coaches often overran the platform. Twilight found this most embarrassing. Gradually, her driver and fireman learned to be extra careful. But one day, Twilight’s fireman was ill, and a relief man took his place. The fireman had fastened the coupling and joined the driver and stationmaster on the platform to wait for Applejack's passengers. The fireman had forgot all about Twilight’s handbrake. Twilight simmered happily.
“Not long now,” she thought. As she saw Applejack slowly approaching. But Twilight’s brakes were not on and suddenly she felt her wheels begin to move. She tried to stop, but she couldn't without her driver and fireman. She tried to whistle a warning, but she couldn't do that either. The Conductor, driver, fireman and passengers were all stranded on the platform.
“Stop! Stop!” shrieked Victoria, Helena, and Spike. But Twilight, with plenty of steam, kept on going. The alarm went down the line.
“Stop the runaway!” called a signalman.
There ready for action was Harold the Helicopter. The inspector had made a plan and together they took off into the sky. At last Twilight was tiring.
“I need to stop, I need to stop,” she panted wearily. As they neared the next station Twilight saw Harold land. They entered the platform slowly enough for the inspector to act. Judging his moment the inspector scrambled into the cab and screwed the brakes on with all his strength. At last Twilight stopped. Both she and the inspector were very relieved. Then they thanked Harold.
Think nothing of it,” he replied, “glad to be at service anytime.”
“Twilight,” remarked The inspector, “we must never let this happen again.”
Wearily, Twilight agreed with him.
It was summer on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were very busy. They were looking forward to the start of the holiday season. One morning, the Fat Controller came to the sheds.
“It's time to get the seaside station ready for the summer visitors,” he said, “Twilight, you ought to pick up the deck chairs and windbreaks and take them to the beach.
“Yes, sir!” tooted Twilight. And she hurried off happily.
“You're looking very cheerful, Twilight,” oiled Gilda. Twilight told Gilda all about her exciting job.
“Haven't you heard about the curse of the cliffs?” oiled Gilda.
“No,” tooted Twilight nervously. Gilda snorted.
“Whenever the first engine of the holiday season goes around the headland. A terrible fog comes down over the cliffs,” Gilda spoke hauntingly.
Twilight did like the sound of that at all.
“The engine loses its way, and nobody knows where it goes,” Gilda chuckled as she chugged away leaving Twilight unhappy indeed. She wished that she didn't have to go to the beach after all. Twilight dread her wheels slowly along the track. She was very worried. Finally, Twilight reached the supply shed. Workers had loaded her trucks with windbreaks and deck chairs. Twilight puffed slowly on her way. She was thinking about the curse of the cliffs. Suddenly, she saw Harold the Helicopter. Harold had bad news.
“Thick fog rolling in on the headland!” Harold shouted, “Puff carefully, Twilight!” And Harold whirred away over the treetops. Twilight was very scared now.
“What if Gilda said about the curse of the cliffs is true?” tooted Twilight, “I could get lost in the fog and never be seen again.”
Twilight puffed fearfully towards the cliffs. Twilight was approaching the tunnel when she saw Sonata. She looked unhappy.
“What's the matter?” asked Twilight kindly.
“I was enjoying myself until I met Gilda,” said Sonata unhappily, “she told me a monster lives in the tunnel. Now I'm too scared to go through.”
“I'm sure Gilda can't be right about the monster,” Twilight said, “why don't I go in to the tunnel first? Then you can follow me.”
Twilight puffed slowly into the tunnel. She heard a strange noise.
“Must be brave, must be brave,” she told herself. Twilight was determined not to show Sonata she was frightened. She screwed up her courage and puffed slowly on. Then the noise grew louder and louder. Suddenly, Twilight saw two eyes peering on her. Now she knew that Gilda was right.
“Bust my buffers!” wheeshed Twilight, “there is a monster.”
Twilight wanted to go back, but she couldn't. She had to help Sonata.
“Must be brave, must be brave,” she chuffed. Twilight had to go forward. But when the smoke started to clear, Twilight saw that the eyes weren't eyes at all. They were lights. And the thud-thud-thud wasn't the noise made by a monster. It came from the machine beside the track. It was a generator to power the lights. Then Twilight saw picks and shovels. She realized the workmen must be working there. Gilda was wrong. There's no monster in the tunnel after all. Soon Twilight came across the workers making tea. Twilight tooted the workmen happily. Sonata was also very relieved.
“You are a very brave engine,” said Sonata, “now I can finish my job.”
And she puffed away. Twilight was happy to help Sonata. Then she remembered that she still had to get to the beach. And she remembered Gilda's warning about the curse of the cliffs. Twilight felt very nervous as she puffed towards the headline. So nervous that she stopped.
“I can't go any further,” Twilight tooted. She began to reverse away from the cliffs. Then, she had an idea, “If Gilda was wrong about the monster in the tunnel, maybe she'll be wrong about the curse of the cliffs,” she puffed. She started to go forward again.
“I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid,” she chuffed as she steamed carefully towards the mist. Suddenly, the mist rolled away, and the sun came out. Twilight saw that the cliffs were beautiful.
“Gilda just wanted to frighten me,” Twilight whistled. Soon the seaside station was up ahead. At last, Twilight reached the station on the other side of the headland. Twilight knew that soon the beach would be filled with happy vacations
“I should not have believe what Gilda said about the curse of the cliffs,” wheeshed Twilight. In future, Twilights decide she would believe in herself.
Twilight the Magic Engine loves working on Thomas’ branch line. One day, when she stopped at a small station, some children looked sad.
“They closed our playground and our favourite sand pit,” said a girl.
“Teacher said the sand is soil and too dirty play in,” said a boy.
“Please help us Twilight,” said the children.
“I'll see what I can do,” replied Twilight kindly. Twilight hoped things weren't quite as bad as the children had made them out to be. But as she passed their playground, a large sign read: Playground Closed Until Further Notice.
“The Children were right,” thought Twilight sadly. She puffed into the yards and was just about to tell the other engines about the playground when Pinkie rushed in.
“You look glum, little Pinkie,” said Rainbow.
“The Fat Controller told driver that he's using Harold to show a visitor the island instead of using any of us engines,” Pinkie said.
“Despicable!” said Rainbow.
“Disgusting!” snorted Aria.
“Engines are meant to take visitors around our island not that whirlybird thing,” Adagio exclaimed. Rainbow was the first to see Harold.
“Harold thinks he can go faster than me. I'll show him,” Rainbow said to herself. Next, it was Applejack's turn.
“The Fat Controller has chosen Harold because he thinks he's more important than me. Well he's not. Harold can't fly through tunnels,” she commented as she went through a tunnel.
Pinkie stopped by a signal on the branch line near a field were sheep were grazing. Harold hovered for a while then buzzed away.
“I know what's he's doing,” she said, “he's just counting sheep.” And Pinkie puffed along her line, feeling much better about her things. That evening, the engines talked about the situation.
“Harold wants to get rid of us,” said Rainbow.
“He doesn't need tunnels,” added Applejack.
“Don't worry, he's just counting sheep,” said Pinkie.
“Counting sheep? Pah!” snorted Aria, “he's counting how many engines he can get rid of. He'll see how useful I am tomorrow.”
Twilight wanted to mention the children's playground but solving the mystery of Harold and the visitor came first. The next day, Adagio was traveling to collect her train.
“We'll show that whirlybird just how fast you can go, Adagio,” said her driver. But because they were watching Harold, they missed a signal and went onto the wrong line. Adagio was traveling to trouble. Ahead was a tunnel under repair. Her driver reduced steam and braked hard, but it was too late. Adagio crashed into the tunnel, as a great dust cloud burst out the entrance. Later, Twilight pulled Adagio clear with the breakdown train. The Fat Controller spoke severely to Adagio's Driver.
“Will Adagio be scrapped, sir?” asked Twilight sadly.
“What makes you think that?” said the Fat Controller. Twilight decided to pluck up courage.
“Because the engines think the visitor is here to see if we can be replaced by Harold,” Twilight said.
The Fat Controller laughed, “Well the engines are wrong, and you shouldn't listened to rumours, Twilight. This gentleman is making a new playground for the children. It was easy to find a suitable site from up in the air,”
“And what's more,” said the visitor, “that tunnel sand would be perfect for the playground. Sand we found by accident you might say.”
The Fat Controller still uses Harold to fly above the island. But all the engines know that Harold isn't spying on them. He is just being very useful.
Although it was still summer on the Island of Sodor, the weather said that snow was on its way. One chilly morning, the Fat Controller came to Ponyville Sheds. He had a special announcement to make.
“A statue is to be put up at Canterlot Station,” he said, “It will celebrate the Sodor Railway.”
The engines were very excited. Twilight was to collect the statue from Brendam Docks.
“I wonder what it will be?” peeped Pinkie.
“as soon as I find out,” puffed Twilight, “I'll come back and tell you.”
And she steamed away. But when Twilight arrived at the docks, Cranky was still unloading the statue.
“Hurry up, Cranky,” said Twilight, “I wanna be the first to see it.”
Cranky didn't like being rushed.
“Why are so excited to see the statue? You think it's gonna be of you?!” He scoffed. Twilight didn't say anything. She was too busy watching the workmen open the crate. The statue was covered by a large waterproof sheet. It had a very familiar look. There was a tall funnel shape at the front and then a wide shape at the back. The shape was just like Twilight's shape. Suddenly, Twilight was very excited.
“Perhaps...” she whistled, “It really could be of me.”
That night, Twilight couldn't wait to tell the other engines about her statue. But when she arrived at the sheds, all the engines were asleep. Twilight was too excited to sleep. She peeped her whistle to wake Sunset up.
“Sunset, Sunset! I think this statue was of me,” boasted Twilight.
“Really, Twilight?” yawned Sunset, “That's nice.”
“It will be wonderful to have my very own statue,” tooted Twilight. She couldn't wait for morning to come. The following day, the Fat Controller told the engines they were go to the washdown. All except Twilight. She was to collect more things for the statue. First Twilight went to Wellsworth Station. She was to collect the special block for the statue to stand on.
“Are you looking forward to seeing my statue?” she called to Trixie.
“It might not be your statue. huffed Trixie. But Twilight wasn't listening. Twilight arrived at Maithwaite Station. She had to collect to special podium for the Fat Controller to stand on.
“Look!” Twilight cried to Starlight, “the Fat Controller will make a speech when they uncover my statue.”
“Who says it's going to be your statue?” Starlight huffed.
“You'll see,” said Twilight and she wheeshed away. Celestia arrived with a passenger train as Twilight’s trucks were being unloaded. Twilight started to talk to Celestia about ‘her’ statue again.
“Please stop talking about your statue,” tooted Celestia. Twilight was surprised.
“No one wants to hear about it anymore. No one wants to talk to you anymore,” Celestia added crossly, “and neither do I.”
Twilight was left all alone. No one was talking to her. Twilight felt very sad. Twilight steamed toward Ponyville Sheds. It had started to snow heavenly. But Twilight kept going as fast as she could. She had to try to put things right with her friends. But when she arrived at Ponyville, the Fat Controller was there. He looked worried.
“The tracks at Canterlot Station are blocked. None of you will be able to get to the ceremony,” he said sternly.
“I'll clear the tracks,” tooted Twilight, “I don't want any of you to miss the party.”
The other engines were very surprised. They knew Twilight didn't like her snowplough and clearing the tracks would make Twilight late to see her statue. But the Fat Controller was pleased.
“You must work very hard, Twilight,” he boomed, “There's a lot to do.”
Twilight steamed off. She could not let them down. Twilight felt silly for showing off. No wonder no one was talking to her. There was still a lot of tracks to clear. Thanks to Twilight, everyone was able to get to Canterlot Station. They gathered nearby. The statue was covered in snow. But the sun had started to shine, and the snow began to melt. The Fat Controller told everyone how proud he was of all his engines. But the engines were still thinking about Twilight. And they were still cross. Just then, there was a loud swooshing noise. A big patches of snow slid off the statue. Then another. Then another. The last of the snow fell to the ground. The engines were so surprised.
“That's not Twilight,” gasped Rainbow.
“No, it's of all of us!” peeped Pinkie. Everyone was very excited. The Statue had everyone in pony form, with Twilight standing in the middle, on her left were Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Sunset with Celestia and Luna behind them On her right were Adagio, Aria, Sonata, Sci-Twi, Starlight and Trixie with Cadence and Shining Armour behind them, the CMC were down at her hooves and even Gilda was flying above Cadence. Then, Twilight rolled up. She was very surprised when she saw the statue.
“It's not of me at all!” she cried. Twilight was very relieved and very happy.
“I'm sorry that I made you all cross,” she puffed, “I think this statue of us all is the best statue that could ever be.”
And all the engines agreed.
Chapter 39: The Punishment is over, It's time to go home
It was a beautiful day on the island of Sodor. The Birds were singing, Flowers blooming, and the engines chuffing. Thomas had just arrived at Knapford, ready pick up passengers, when the he saw the Fat Controller. He looked a little concerned and distracted.
“Good morning sir,” Thomas greeted him, catching the Fat Controller off guard.
“Oh, uh, good morning Thomas,” he jumped.
“Is everything alright sir?” Thomas asked.
“Well, I’m not sure,” the Fat Controller replied, “I found some papers on my desk this morning, and they were signed by… Lady.”
“Wait what?!” Thomas exclaimed.
“Yeah,” the Fat Controller continued, “she’s says she has news to tell you all later tonight at the sheds, and then she’s going to tell Twilight and all of them afterwards.”
“I wonder what news she has for us,” Thomas said.
“you’re guess is as good as mine,” the Fat Controller replied, “she wrote that I have to be there too.”
Once everyone was on board Annie and Clarabel, the guard blew his whistle, and Thomas set off.
“I’m a little nervous to what Lady’s going to say tonight,” Thomas puffed to Annie and Clarabel.
“I’m stumped,” Annie replied, “I don’t know what she’s going to say.”
“Same here,” Clarabel chimed in.
“We’re just going to have to wait as see,” Thomas said as he continued with his jobs.
Evening soon came, and Thomas arrived back at the sheds, where all his friends were already there. Percy whistle evening to his friend but Thomas didn’t reply.
“Is something the matter Thomas?” Percy asked.
“Oh, sorry Percy,” Thomas replied, “something’s just on my mind.”
“What is it?” Percy asked. Thomas was about to tell everyone but then the Fat Controller arrived.
“Right sharpen up everyone,” he said, “Lady is coming with some news.” The engines were all surprise.
“I wonder was the news is,” Nia said.
“I think she’s going to emit having feelings for me,” James boasted.
“Yeah right,” Gordon scoffed, “if she wonder have feelings to anyone, it would be me.”
“Actually, I’m more into Thomas,” said a voice, everyone looked to see Lady puff up the track and onto the turntable, “good evening Steam Team.”
“Hello Lady,” replied the engines.
“now you must be wondering why I’m here,” Lady said.
“Yeah, why are you here?” Edward asked.
“Well, it’s regarding Twilight and her friends,” Lady replied, “their punishment for betraying Twilight has been lifted, and they’re free to go home to Equestria, so tomorrow evening, they’ll be going back to their world.”
Everyone was speechless, they had mixed feelings of happiness, and sadness. They’re friends that they had grown close to were leaving.
“I…I don’t know what to say,” Rebecca remarked.
“Our friends are going to leave,” Emily replied.
“And we’re going to miss them,” Henry chimed in.
“I’m going to tell Twilight and her friends,” Lady said, “goodnight everyone and see you all tomorrow evening to say goodbye to everyone.” And with that Lady puffed away, leaving everyone silent and sad.
“WHAT?!” exclaimed Rainbow, Lady had told everyone the same she did with the Steam Team, “We can really go back home?”
“Yes,” Lady replied, “like I said, your punishment has lifted.”
“Wow,” Applejack remarked, “I don’t know what to say. It feels like we’re not been here long.”
“I agree,” said Rarity.
“I’ll see you all tomorrow evening,” Lady said as she became to puff away.
The Equestrian Engines start to talk about how great it would be to go back home. But Twilight remained quiet, she was overflowing with emotions, and didn’t know what to think.
“I’m… I’m going home,” she whispered, “but Thomas…”
The ponies turned steam engines fell asleep one by one, Twilight was the last to far asleep, she wanted to go home, but she didn’t want to say goodbye to her friends.
The next morning, Twilight and her friends were sent to the steam works to get repainted before they went home that evening. The CMC were the first to finish be repainted and the soon went back to the Skarloey Railway.
“I don’t know y’all,” Apple Bloom said on the way back, “I’m happy we’re going home, but I don’t want to say goodbye to our new friends.”
“I know,” Scootaloo said, “I was really growing close to Sir Handel and Duncan.”
“The same with me, in growing close to Peter Sam and Rusty,” Sweetie Belle declared.
“And me with Skarloey and Rheneas,” Apple Bloom added.
When the three arrived back at the Crovan’s Gate Sheds, they were shocked to see all the engines outside.
“What’s going on guys?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well, we know that you’ll be leaving soon,” Skarloey said, “and we wanted to do something for you.”
“What’s that?” Sweetie asked, “doing our work while we’re gone.”
“Oh, ho, ho, ho,” laughed Skarloey, “no, we want to give you girls a gift.”
“what’s that then?” Apple Bloom asked.
Luke puffed forward revealing buckets of paint. “the workmen are going to paint cutie marks on your coal bunkers!” he exclaimed excitedly.
The CMC were speechless, they smiled happily, “thank you all so much,” the replied, with tears building up in their eyes, “thank you all.”
In no time at all, the CMC had cutie marks painted on their coal bunkers, Apple Bloom had a blooming flower with an apple in the centre, Sweetie belle had a pink bell, and Scootaloo had a scooter. They were very happy, and now they didn’t want to leave even more.
Twilight puffed passed as saw the CMC with their new cutie marks and felt even more nervous, she didn’t want to leave, after making all these new friends, that helped her recover after her friend betrayed her all the months ago. She started to puff slower, she couldn’t make her might up weather she wanted to go home or stay here. She puffed slower and slow until she stopped.
“What do I do?” Twilight said to herself, “I don’t want to say goodbye to my friends, but I do want to go home.” Twilight didn’t know what to do. She wanted some time to herself, so she quickly puffed down they line to find a siding to be alone with her thoughts.
She saw one that led to some buffers. She went to apply her brakes, but then there was trouble, her brakes wouldn’t come on, she puffed onto the siding, hoping the buffers would stop her. But they didn’t. She crashed through the buffers and rolled on the ground before falling onto her side and coming to a stop.
“Ow,” she replied weakly, she whistled for help, but no one was nearly by.
It was getting late, as the Steam Team puffed up the Equestria Branch to Canterlot Station to say goodbye to their friends everyone was up at the top station waiting for Twilight, but Twilight was nowhere to be seen.
“Where is she?” Aria remarked annoyed, “she needs to be here for us all to leave.”
“Calm down Aria,” Sonata said cheerfully, “she’ll be here.”
“It’s not like Twilight to be late,” Sunset remarked, “I’m going to find her.” And she started to puff down the line to find Twilight.
“I’ll come too,” Thomas said as he followed her.
The two puffed down the line, they soon found Twilight laying on her side, crying.
“Twilight!” the two engines called to her.
“I’ll get Rocky,” Sunset said.
“Right,” Thomas replied, as Sunset puffed away to get the crane, Thomas puffed closer to Twilight, “Twilight are you ok?”
“No, I’m not!” she blurted out, “I can’t make my mind up on what to do!”
“What are you mean?” Thomas asked.
“I don’t know if I want to go home, or stay here with you,” Twilight sobbed.
Thomas shocked, “But I thought you would be happy to go home,” Thomas said.
“But I found out that this is my home too,” Twilight added, “I’ve grown to see you more than just a friend Thomas. You were the one that help me get out of my depressed state.”
“Twilight…” Thomas spoke, “you need to go home to Equestria. It’s where you belong. You’re a unicorn pony not a tank engine.”
“But what if Lady disconnects the connection from Equestria to his world,” Twilight sobbed, “what if when I get back to Equestria, I forget everything that has happened.”
“You know every well I won’t do that,” came Lady’s voice as she puffed up the line with Sunset and Rocky in tow.
“Lady!” Thomas and Twilight exclaimed, “I would never make you forget everything you’ve been through here, nor will I disconnect the connection from here to Equestria. I fact, I was going to create magical buffers in Equestria so you or anyone else could come back here anything you want.”
“Really…?” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Lady replied with a smile.
“Now let’s get you back on the line,” Sunset said.
After Twilight was lifted back on the line, Sunset helped her back to the others, where the other engines were waiting, and the Fat Controller was giving speeches to each of the equestrian engines.
Twilight and the rest were pleased and promised to come back when they can. Soon, it was time for everyone to go home Lady had created some new buffers at the back on Canterlot Station that led to straight to Equestria. Gilda was the first, then Shining Armour, then Cadence, Trixie, Starlight, Celestia Luna, Adagio, Aria and Sonata. Until it was just the seven ponies left.
“Sunset, it was a pleasure meeting and working with you,” Emily said.
“The pleasure’s mine,” Sunset replied.
“Keep up the parties and making everyone smile,” Percy sobbed to Pinkie.
“Aww, thanks Percy-Wercy,” Pinkie smiled back.
“Hope your mane will look just as good as my red paint,” James said to Rarity.
“Make sure your paint says clean next time I see you,” Rarity returned with a sly look.
“I’m looking forward to you and me having a race sometime in the future,” Gordon spoke to Rainbow.
“Me too big blue,” Rainbow replied.
“I hope you’re animal friends are all right,” Henry said softly to Fluttershy.
“Anytime you come to Equestria you can come and see them,” Fluttershy replied sweetly.
“Hope the Farm is well,” Edward said to Applejack.
“I’ll get Granny Smith to make you an Apple Pie when you come to visit,” Applejack smiled.
Thomas and Twilight looked at each other. “Take care of Victoria and Helena for me please,” Twilight asked.
“I will,” Thomas said, “you make sure you look after yourself and Spike.”
“I will,” Twilight smiled as a tear fell out her eye, “Goodbye Thomas the Tank Engine.”
“See you soon, Twilight Sparkle,” Thomas replied.
As Sunset, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight and Spike puffed to the buffers with the CMC on flatbeds, the Steam Team whistled loudly, with the whistles of the Equestria engines replying as one by one they went through the buffers.
“See ya,” called Spike as he was the last to disappear through the buffers.
“See ya, Spike,” Thomas replied.
The engines stayed quiet while just staring at the buffers, before one by one, they went back to the sheds. As Thomas puffed into his berth, he looked to the stars.
“They’ll be back, Thomas,” said Percy.
“I know, Percy,” Thomas replied, “I know.”
Twilight woke up on her side in her bed, it was night as she looked around. She hoped that it hadn’t all been a dream, but then she saw something glowing from downstairs. She ran down to see that it was Lady in her alicorn form.
“Lady?” Twilight asked.
Lady smiled and gave her something, it was a photo of all her engine friends smiling. And a handwriting signature from the Fat Controller saying, ‘see you soon.’
Twilight hugged the photo and the hugged Lady. Lady patted her head then after the hug, went through a Golden portal behind her. Twilight smiled as she walked back upstairs and placed the photo down on her bed side table. She smiled, closed her eyes, and fell asleep, cherishing all the memories she had with her friends on the Island of Sodor.
