A few heroes and their friends help an old hero and a new friend
See Thomas and Twilight with their friends help out a new friend who was called master of the railway. I don't own Thomas and friends Hero of the Rails or the characters. I am just trying to make a crossover featuring the steam and the mane 8 as humans. Just remember that anyone can be a hero but a hero always has good friends.
It was the start of summer on the magical island of sodor. The sun shone and the birds sang. The engines were hard at work. Sodor is a beautiful island which is filled with adventure, magic, and friendship. The characters we are focusing on is the steam team and the mane 8. One day Thomas was getting a drink of water from the water tower with the help of his driver Twilight Sparkle, and her dog Spike. They felt really happy. When suddenly there was a whistle and a wheesh and a clackity-clack, as a streak of silver roared by on the track. This startled Thomas, Twilight and Spike.
"Fizzling fireboxes! What was that Twi?" asked Thomas
"I don't know Thomas but this could mean trouble." Twilight replied
And Twilight was right all over sodor the steam team and the mane 8 were blasted and blustered on the tracks.
"Bubbling boilers!" exclaimed Henry and Fluttershy
"Bust my buffers!" Percy gasped
"Confetti and cupcakes!" Pinkie Pie shouted
"Watch my paintwork!" snapped James
"And watch my hair ruffian." scolded Rarity
"Trembling tracks! Who was that Starlight?" asked a surprised Emily
"I don't know, Em." answered Starlight who was just as confused
"Gosh!" called Toby who went into a siding while Henrietta went along the main line.
"What in tarnation was that?" asked Applejack.
"Slowdown speedy!" cries Edward and Sunset Shimmer
"Rail raider!" shouted Gordon and Rainbow Dash
That afternoon at Knapford, the steam team and the mane 8 had a meeting. They were confused on who was speeding along the rails and shaking them.
"Did anybody see clearly on what he looked like?" Sunset asked
Everybody shook their heads because didn't but James, Gordon and Henry did say what they saw.
"Although I did see that he was big." James pointed out
"I saw that he was silver." Gordon added
"And I could obviously see that he was very very fast." Finished Henry
"Wait a minute, did anybody see who was driving that mysterious engine?" asked Starlight
"No. But I saw that she was small." replied Pinkie Pie
"She had grey skin and hair," continued Applejack
"And she was fast with that engine." put in Fluttershy
"Big, Silver and Fast for the engine and small, grey skin, silver hair, and fast with the engine." Spike memorized
"Are you thinking what I am thinking Thomas?" Twilight asked in realization
"Yeah. That can only mean it's..." Thomas started but was cut off as a big, silver, streamlined engine steamed into Kapford. And a girl came off of the engine's footplate. It was someone the steam team and the mane 8 haven't seen in a long time.
"SPENCER and SILVER SPOON!" everyone groaned
"Hello Sodor!" Spencer called "What do you know I am here for the summer."
"Why?" Spike asked in surprise
"We have a V.I.J. Very important job to do for a couple of V.I.P.s," Silver Spoon answered, "The duke and duchess of Boxford are having a new summer house built. It has to be finished in time for the duke and duchess' holiday. We are in charge of building it."
"We are very busy no time to chat." Spencer said slyly And Spencer and Silver Spoon steamed smugly away. Everyone was upset.
"Cinders and Ashes! Having speedy showoff Spencer on Sodor for one day is bad." Thomas groaned
"You said "one day" Thomas and with Silver Spoon it will be double trouble for one day." pointed Starlight
"But for the whole summer..." Rarity said in a solemn voice
"is terrible." finished Rainbow.
Later that day, Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie were hauling freight up Gordon's hill. The freight was heavy and they were trying their hardest. Just then Spencer and Silver Spoon puffed up to them.
"A little more puff and you might make it to the top by tea time." And they laughed rudely away.
"Bossy Boiler and Fusspot!" grumbled Pinkie and Percy
Next Spencer and Silver Spoon caught up with Gordon and Rainbow Dash.
"Get out of my way slowpokes." Silver Spoon called with Spencer whistling loudly
"Oh the indignity!" groaned Rainbow Dash
"Hey! That's my line!" shouted Gordon
"Sorry go ahead."
"Oh the indignity!"
Later Toby was puffing slowly next to a signal with Applejack. (Applejack sometimes drives Edward and sometimes she drives Toby.) They stopped when Spencer and Silver Spoon puffed right next to them.
"You are too old to be really useful now Toby." Spencer said slyly
"You should tell Applejack to drive someone else." Silver Spoon taunted
And the signals turned green but after Spencer and Silver Spoon left Toby's signal turned red. Toby and Applejack gasped. They were upset. They missed their green light.
Edward, James, Sunset and Rarity were puffing cheerfully down the track with a heavy load when Spencer and Silver Spoon steamed up to them.
"Dear oh dear it takes two engines to pull one freight car does it?" Silver Spoon asked in a taunting voice.
"Well I am pulling 5!" Spencer boasted and he thundered away. James and Rarity were so cross that they didn't want to move at all.
That night at Tidmouth sheds the engines and their drivers were having an indignation meeting about the bad behavior Spencer had. They were cross and upset.
"They told Toby he was too old." Sunset said
"They've taken over my express line." huffed Gordon
"Spencer will never have a shiny coat of paint like Jamesy's." Rarity said
"They'll never learn manners." Edward said
"Spencer and Silver Spoon are scary." Spike said in a nervous way "Um could we sleep with you guys?"
"Sure, if you would like to." Henry replied
"We have sleeping bags." Pinkie Pie said energetically "I'm so excited for a sleepover! But not about Spencer."
"We all aren't excited about that silver showoff." said Starlight as she went to get her sleeping bag, "You were right Thomas. Having Spencer here for one day is bad."
And everyone went to sleep worrying about tomorrow
The next day, at Brendam Docks, Thomas was coupled up to some flatbeds of machinery. Spencer and Silver Spoon puffed in with 5 flatbeds of building supplies for the summer house.
"Dear oh dear Thomas." he said in a sly voice "It's just as so the duke and duchess don't have a tiny toy tank engine like you, the summerhouse would never be finished."
"What do you mean by that?" Twilight asked in an indignant voice
"What Spencer means, Twilight is, Thomas just can't pull heavy loads." Silver Spoon answered
This time everyone was cross. It was the final straw for them. This time Spencer and Silver Spoon had gone too far.
"Oh yes I can!" Thomas snapped "I can pull just as heavy loads as you can."
"Yes that's right. Maybe even heavier than you can handle." Pinkie betted
"Thomas is not a toy!" huffed Gordon
"He is a really useful engine. said Edward
"And Twilight is a really useful friend." added Applejack
"And they are very strong." said Rarity
The friends didn't scare Spencer or Silver Spoon, then an idea bubbled in his boiler.
"Very well Thomas and Twilight. You two and Spike meet me and Silver tomorrow morning at the docks. We will each pull 7 flatbeds of heavy loads and see who can pull it longer and further."
And Spencer and Silver Spoon steamed away thinking how clever he was. Thomas began to worry.
"Cinders and Ashes!" he said "I can't do it. Spencer will surely win in a contest of strength."
The others saw that their friend was starting to worry. Then Percy and Twilight decided to encourage Thomas.
"You are the number 1 on sodor for a reason and you will show Spencer just that reason." said Twilight
"Yeah we are all on your side no matter what." assured Pinkie Pie
"After all you told us all after saving Lady, little engines can do big things. I know it because you are my best friend along with Pinkie." Percy said to his best friend.
"If it makes you feel better I could join you and Twilight." Sunset said
Thomas looked at his best friend and all his friends. They all agreed with Twilight and Percy. This made Thomas more confident and he was ready for the contest. The next morning as the dawn broke, the steam team and the mane 8 are waiting for the competition when Spencer and Silver Spoon steamed in. Thomas began to worry again.
"I can't do this Percy. I can't do this Twilight."
"Yes you can Thomas. You told us we can do anything if we put our minds to it, and so can you."
"And besides you have me, Spike and Sunset to help out too."
The tracks were all clear for the contestants and Thomas and Spencer were coupled up to their heavy loads. Edward and Applejack puffed up and explained the rules.
"You will each take different tracks around the island until you get to Knapford."
"Y'all can only stop for coal and water."
And Edward whistled long and hard. The contest began. Thomas was puffing hard. Thomas puffed to himself
"I can do this, I can puff for longer." soon we'll show Spencer we really are stronger."
Spencer just smirked
"I'll show Thomas who is strong and who is weak, he'll puff home with a squeak and a creak."
The others looked ahead with worry, then the engines blew their whistles.
"Good luck Thomas! Good luck Twilight and Spike! Good luck Sunset!" everyone cheered
Thomas and Spencer puffed round the island, their pistons pumped and their funnels puffed. They raced through tunnels and steamed up hills. Spencer was smug. Thomas and Twilight were determined.
"Silly little ones. When will they learn?" Spencer said slyly
"You can do whatever you want to and we want to win." Spike said
Thomas puffed up a hill. He puffed and heaved until his axles ached. At last they reached the top of the hill.
"Hooray! Well done Thomas! Well done!" Sunset cheered
Then there was a loud snap. Thomas, Twilight, Sunset and Spike saw that they were going faster and faster. Thomas realized what happened.
"Cinders and Ashes! My brakes have snapped!"
Thomas was puffing faster and faster. He, the girls and Spike were getting worried
"HELP!" They cried
Thomas went faster and faster. They went past Spencer. "Blistering boilers!" he gasped "That was fast." gaped Silver Spoon Thomas soon crashed into cars of apples. Apples flew everywhere. But Thomas just sped on and crashed into a flatbed of syrup barrels. Sticky syrup flew into the air and landed all over Thomas, and Twilight and Sunset. Spike licked his paw "Maple flavored." Spike thought "Nice but we still can't stop!" And they couldn't stop and just sped on and soon they found themselves on a rickety old track that was overgrown. They crashed into some branches until at last they came to a stop.
"Rattling rails. We stopped. Twilight, Spike, Sunset are you guys ok?"
"Well I sort of broke my left arm but nothing too serious." Twilight said to her sticky friend
"A-Okay Thommy." Sunset assured
"I think I am fine. Are you ok?" Spike asked
"Yeah. But my paint is a bit scratched up and I am covered in jelly and branches. But other than that I am just fine. Now Spencer and Silver Spoon are probably going to be bragging about how they won the contest of strength. And my best friend Percy and the others might be wondering where we are. I don't know where we are. Do you have any idea where on sodor we are Twi?"
"No. I don't. But we are a long way from the steamworks."
Thom, Twi, Sunset, and Spike looked around everywhere was quiet and spooky. They thought they were alone. Until they heard a voice.
"Hello."
The three friends thought they were hearing things. They darted their eyes side to side but they didn't see anything or anyone.
"Maybe it was just the wind." Spike suggested
But Spike was wrong as they heard the voice again.
"Hello."
"The wind never says hello to us." said Sunset.
Thomas, Twilight, Sunset and Spike were a bit scared but they decided to find out who is making that voice. They crunched through branches and then they opened their eyes in wonder for they saw something that will change their lives, forever.
Thomas, Spike, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle were crunching through the brambles and bushes and their eyes opened wide with surprise. There on the track was an old engine. He was broken and rusty, and covered with overgrown plants. He was a japanese national railways (JNR) class D51 2-8-2 Mikado engine from a railway far far away. And next to him was an old man. He had grey skin, blue eyes, and white hair. He also had a beard the same color as his hair. He wore a blue shirt, blue jeans, and black boots, he also had a hat that looked like a wizards hat with bells attached to it and a cloak that has star designs on it.
Thomas, the girls and Spike were a little scared. They didn't dare move. Then the engine and the man smiled. It was a nervous and frightened smile, but it made them look kind and gentle and this calmed the four friends.
"Hello," the engine greeted warmly, "me and my driver heard that you lost your brakes. That's too bad. Doesn't that always happen when you are on the hill?"
The engine and his driver smiled again. TTSS (Thomas, Twilight, Spike, and Sunset) wanted to smile at them too. But they were still scared. They didn't know whether to speak to the strangers, call for help, or race backwards as fast as they could. But they couldn't take their eyes off the engine and his driver. So Thomas decided to talk.
"Hello. My name is Thomas and these are my friends, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and Spike."
"Ah, my name is Hiro and this is my driver and my closest friend, Starswirl the bearded."
"Pleasure to meet you."
The four friends weren't sure what to say next. They never saw an engine as old and strange as Hiro or a driver like Starswirl.
"Why are you two here? Where have you two been?" Asked Spike
"Well, that's a long story. Don't you four youngsters like stories?" asked Starswirl
"Yes we do," Twilight answered, "our friends tell each other stories all the time."
"Then I hope you will like this one." and this is the story Hiro told, "Starswirl arrived here a long long long time ago from another island. I was one of the first steam engines to arrive on sodor and Starswirl was the first driver from Japan to arrive here with me."
Thomas, Sunset, Twilight and Spike were amazed by the start of the story
"Where was your island?" Spike asked
"Well, young Spike, our island was in a far away country called Japan," Starswirl explained, "Japan is a long long way away from sodor but a beautiful place. There were mighty mountains, swirling seas, and majestic snow. There were also lots of railways there."
"That's right Starswirl," Hiro continued, "And I was the strongest and fastest engine in Japan. They called us Masters of the railway."
"But you sounded like you liked Japan so much. Why and how did you two come to Sodor?" Thomas asked
"We came to Sodor to help out with the railway's growth," replied Starswirl, "Hiro and I arrived here on a very big ship. The journey lasted several days, and traveled through many seas. When we arrived at Brendam docks, it didn't look like home at all."
"What was Sodor like for you two back then?" asked Twilight curiously.
"It was quiet and peaceful," Hiro answered, "Me and Starswirl were the only ones on sodor. And they called us master of the Railway here too. We were so happy and Sodor felt like a home away from home."
"But what happened and why are you two here?" asked Sunset
"I started to break down," Hiro sighed sadly, "the engineers didn't have the right parts for me. So Starswirl put me here in this siding. I had to wait for the parts to arrive from Japan. So I waited and waited and the parts never came. Starswirl didn't want to leave me so he stayed with me for as long as I can remember."
"But, Starswirl don't you ever get hungry and thirsty?" asked Spike
"Yes I did get hungry," Starswirl replied, "but the animals around here were so kind that they helped me get food and water and kept me and Hiro company ever since."
The friends' eyes were wide with wonder, misery, and guilt. They felt sorry for their new friend.
"Do you miss your home in Japan?" asked Thomas sympathetically
"Yes we do." Hiro answered
"We also miss being masters of the railway." Starswirl sighed.
The four friends were even more sorry for their sad new friends. Then an idea flew in Thomas' funnel
"I have an idea. We can go get Sir Topham Hatt, he is the controller of the railway and maybe we can let Princess Celestia know too. They will know how to help you two."
"Good idea Thomas." said Sunset "We can do it right now."
"No! No!" Hiro shouted
"You mustn't tell Sir Topham Hatt or princess Celestia." Starswirl pleaded
The four friends were so surprised at the answer they got from their new friends
"Why?" the four friends asked
"I am an old engine that cannot be repaired," answered Hiro worried, "And me and Starswirl know what happens to engines who cannot be really useful. They get scrapped and sent to the smelters yard."
"I just can't stand to let that happen to Hiro I can't." Starswirl said. "My friend would be gone and then I would have no work to do."
"That's not fair. That's not right. That can't happen!" Spike said
But Thomas, Twilight, Sunset and Spike looked at their new friends who were once masters of the railway, were now old, alone, sad, and scared of what might happen if they were discovered by the Fat Controller and the Princess and get scrapped.
Then they made a decision
"Don't worry Hiro. We will look after you and Starswirl." Twilight promised
"Yeah we won't tell Sir Topham Hatt or Princess Celestia until you are fixed. You are safe with us and so is our secret." Sunset added
"I could stay with you until you two until Hiro is fixed and Thomas, Twilight and Sunset can find the parts to fix you up." Spike suggested
"That's right. We promise you two will be really useful. We promise that we will make you Master of the Railway again!" Thomas promised
Then Hiro and Starswirl smiled their biggest smiles they had in a long time.
"Thank you, Thomas." said Hiro gratefully, "Thank you girls, Thank you Spike."
"Thank you for looking after us."
Thomas puffed with pride and Sunset and Twilight were feeling Thomas' energy. So it was arranged. Spike stayed with Hiro and Starswirl to keep them company, meanwhile Thomas, Twilight and Sunset went to the Sodor steamworks. They liked the steam works. There was hustle and bustle. It was lively and friendly and there was Victor and his driver Dr. Whooves. Thomas liked Victor and Sunset and Twilight liked Dr. Whooves. Whooves was bandaging Twilight's arm and Victor spoke to him, Sunset and Twilight.
"Thomas, Sunset, Twilight tell me my friends, what were you doing out in the middle of nowhere pulling 7 heavy flatbeds. Are you three crazy? Please do me and the doctor a favor will you? The next time Spencer wants you to do something silly and dangerous just say no."
"Ok Victor. We will." Thomas promised. Soon he, Twi and Sunset forgot almost about the contest of strength. They were bubbling with excitement over Hiro and Starswirl. They wanted to tell Victor and Dr. Whooves but they think if they tell them about their new friends the story would soon spread and eventually get to Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia. Just then Spencer and Silver Spoon puffed in.
"So there was where you've been with Sunset and Twilight Thomas," said Spencer "Broken down I see? Seven heavy loads of flatbeds were too much for you is that it?"
"Good morning Spencer. Good morning Silver Spoon. Well done." Thomas said in a happy mood
Silver Spoon and Spencer were amazed. They didn't expect Thomas and the girls to be so cheery.
"Um What did you say?" asked Silver Spoon
"Thomas said good morning and well done Silver Spoon." said Sunset Shimmer
"I....I.."
"Spencer don't you and Silver Spoon have a job to do? Do you need fixing or are you standing there gossiping?" asked Dr. Whooves, "You two are taking up a lot of track and space."
Spencer and Silver Spoon gasped
"No one speaks to us like that." And they grumbled out of the Steamworks.
"They are both silver showoffs those two." Victor said "Just ignore them my friends."
Thomas and Sunset and Twilight just laughed. They liked Victor.
"Alright Twilight," Dr. Whooves said "You should be okay driving Thomas again."
"And you're all fixed Thomas." Victor said "Just stay away from Mr. Silver steam and Ms. Bossy boots. Sir Topham Hatt needs you and Twilight on your branch line and Sunset, you need to get to Edward."
"Thank you Victor We will." thanked Thomas Twilight and Sunset and Twilight.
Then a loud clang happened where Sunset was. It was Kevin who dropped something.
"Kevin!" Victor shouted "How many times do me and the doctor have to tell you? You were made to lower things, not drop things. Slowly slowly. Gently gently."
"Sorry boss. It was a slip of the hook." Kevin said. Then behind Kevin Sunset noticed something. It was a wagon with an old piston cylinder on it.
"Thomas I think that part would be perfect for Hiro." whispered Sunset.
"I wonder if the doctor and Victor will let us borrow it." whispered Thomas back
Then after Thomas and Twilight brought Sunset to Edward, they were busy on the Ffarquhar branch line. They wanted to get their jobs done as fast as they could. Just then Percy and Pinkie Pie went up to them.
"Tell us about the race Thomas." Percy said
"Did you guys win?" Pinkie asked
"I'm sorry Percy. I'm sorry Percy but me and Twilight are in a hurry." Thomas said
"Yeah. We'll tell you and the others all about it this evening." Twilight assured them
Thomas and Twilight puffed off leaving Percy and Pinkie Pie disappointed
"Goodbye then Thomas. Goodbye then Twilight." They called
Later after they finished their jobs Thomas and Twilight went back to the Steamworks. They were glad to see that it was quiet.
"What are you two doing back here?" asked Dr. Whooves
"We just wanted to know if you are using that piston cylinder." Twilight asked
"That piece of scrap? It's going to the garbage. It's taking up a lot of space." Victor answered
"Can we take it away for you?" Thomas asked.
"Shall we take it away for you?" asked Twilight hopefully.
"Aren't you two busy already?" questioned Victor
"No." Twilight answered "We can take it easily."
"Would you like a helping hook?" asked Kevin
"No thank you Kevin. We can do it ourselves." assured Thomas.
Soon Thomas was coupled to the flatbed and steamed cheerfully away. He and Twilight were happy. Just then they heard the pounding of rails and a certain whistle.
"Uh Oh. It's Spencer and Silver Spoon." Twilight gasped "We can't let them see us. They might get suspicious if they catch us pulling this old cylinder."
"We gotta hide." Thomas said. "Ah ha. That siding is perfect; there are tall trees to cover us. Let's hide there."
And they did. Spencer and Silver Spoon were closing in on them. Then Spencer stopped and backed up. He and Silver Spoon were on the other side of Thomas and Twilight. Thomas didn't dare puff and Twilight didn't dare breath.
"That's funny." said Silver Spoon, "I could've sworn I heard someone."
"Must have been your imagination Silver." Spencer suggested "These trees and steam can play tricks on your eyes. Come on let's just go to the summer house. We will find out later."
And Spencer and Silver Spoon thundered away. Thomas and Twilight were relieved.
"Cinders and Ashes!" Thomas sighed "That was close."
"Too close for our comfort." added Twilight "Come on Thom, Hiro needs this part. And I am sure Spike is hungry."
Thomas and Twilight got to Hiro. Twilight got the cylinder and placed it on Hiro.
"Thank you Thomas. Thank you Twilight." Hiro gratefully thanked. "Thank you for looking after me and Starswirl."
"Spike was great company." Starswirl told Twilight, "he told us great stories and he promised that nothing will happen to us."
"You're welcome you two. Tomorrow me and Twilight will get another part for you, Hiro." said Thomas
"Now let's get back to Tidmouth Thomas." Twilight said to her blue friend "Our friends will be wondering where we are."
"Thanks again you two." Hiro and Starswirl said. And Thomas and Twilight puffed back to Tidmouth. Then they rounded a bend and saw something that made them worry.
"Cinders and Ashes! The duke and duchess of Boxford's summerhouse!" gasped Thomas
"It is very close to the hiding place where Hiro and Starswirl are." Twilight noticed "And Spencer and Silver Spoon will be here everyday."
"That means trouble." said Thomas, "If Spencer and Silver see Hiro and Starswirl or notice that Spike isn't with us, they are sure to tell the Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia and getting us into trouble is the least of our worries. If they tell Sir Topham Hatt or Celestia about this Hiro is sure to be scrapped and Starswirl could be put into an asylum."
"We must be very very careful then." Twilight told Thomas
That night at Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer told their friends all about the contest with Spencer and Silver Spoon. They wanted to tell them about Hiro and Starswirl, when Sir Topham Hatt arrived. He spoke to the engines.
"Tomorrow will be a very busy day. You're jobs will start extra early. So Thomas, Twilight and Sunset, don't puff around the island pulling heavy loads, or any other silly ideas. I need really useful engines and engineers. Not really broken and injured ones."
"Yes, Sir!" They replied. Now they couldn't tell Sir Topham Hatt or Celestia. They heard what he said, "No Broken engines or injured engineers".
The next day, Thomas and Twilight were working on the Ffarquhar branch line, but they were feeling worried and wanted to be with Hiro and Starswirl, when Percy and Pinkie Pie came up to them.
"Hello Thomas, hello Twilight," Percy greeted them cheerfully.
"Why are you so glum chums?" Pinkie Pie asked noticing their sad faces. "And where is Spike? I don't see him with you two."
Thomas and Twilight looked at each other they knew that they had to tell their best friends the truth about what they were doing.
"Twilight, Sunset, Spike and I have met an Old engine named Hiro and his driver Starswirl." Thomas answered, "Hiro is broken and worried he might get scrapped so Twilight and I are trying to fix him."
"Spike isn't with us because he is staying with them so they can have company." Twilight added "We can't let Sir Topham Hatt or Princess Celestia know or Hiro might get scrapped and Starswirl doesn't want to lose him."
Percy and Pinkie were amazed. They wanted to help out their friends.
"Wow that's amazing." Pinkie gasped "Where are they?"
"We will tell you two later," Twilight promised "They need us to look after them, can you two please help us and promise to keep our secret a secret?"
"Of course. We pinkie promise." Pinkie said. "Cross our hearts and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in our eye."
"What can we do?" Percy asked.
"Could you please take this flatbed of farm machinery to farmer McColl's?" Thomas asked
"Sure we could. But what do I do with my mail trucks?" asked Percy
"Just put them in a siding, somewhere safe, as soon as you deliver the machinery we promise you two will take the mail." Twilight replied, "Now come on Thomas let's get to Hiro and Starswirl straight away."
As Thomas and Twilight puffed away, Percy and Pinkie went in the opposite direction. They were happy to help out their friends. Percy and Pinkie puffed a long way; they soon were on tracks they never went on. They were still trying to find a good place to hide their mail trucks. Then they came up to a siding.
"That is the perfect place Percy Wercy," Pinkie said, "no one will find them here."
"I think I'll be able to remember this spot." Percy said and puffed to the siding. Once they dropped off the mail trucks, they went to deliver the machinery.
Meanwhile Thomas and Twilight puffed to Hiro's hiding place. They were so excited that they didn't see Spencer and Silver Spoon puff alongside the duo.
"What are you two doing here Thomas?" Spencer asked "You two are a long way away from your branch line aren't you?"
"Thomas and I were...um...going to Brendam docks to collect some pipes." Twilight lied to the Silvery duo and Thomas and Twilight steamed away as fast as they could, leaving Silver Spoon and Spencer interested and suspicious of the two friends.
"This is very strange Spencer." Silver Spoon said "Very strange indeed. I think they are hiding something behind our backs."
"I agree Silver Spoon," said Spencer "We should keep a close eye on those two."
Thomas and Twilight didn't dare puff to Hiro and Starswirl until they knew they were in the clear.
"We thought you would never come see us Thomas and Twilight." said Hiro
"Sorry Hiro Sorry Starswirl," said Twilight, "but Thomas and I needed to be in the clear. We still promise that we won't let you down."
Then Twilight got a toolbox and started work. Soon, Hiro's piston rods were in place.
"Tomorrow we will bring you new parts." said Thomas.
"Thank you Thomas. Thank you Twilight." said Starswirl, "just don't get into too much trouble for me and Hiro. We are very old."
"And we promise we will make you look as good as new." said Spike.
"Goodbye Hiro." said Thomas
"Goodbye Starswirl. See you later Spike." said Twilight.
"Bye Thomas and Twilight." said Spike
Thomas and Twilight were puffing home as fast as they could. They were running late. They had to go past the summerhouse. Then Spencer and Silver Spoon caught the two friends.
"Thomas, you and Sparkle are up to something aren't you?" accused Spencer
"Tell us what you are hiding and maybe we will let you two off easy." bargained Silver Spoon
But Thomas and Twilight didn't say a word and just steamed away with Spencer and Silver Spoon following behind.
Thomas and Twilight were going faster. Then they saw Percy and Pinkie Pie at the water tower. Percy and Pinkie Pie looked sad.
"What happened Percy?" asked Twilight, "Why did you stop?"
"I popped a valve while pulling the heavy farm machinery." answered Percy. "Now I can't puff on."
"Oh no." thought Thomas, "I should have thought about the weight of the machinery this is a disaster."
Then Spencer and Silver Spoon puffed up. They followed Thomas and Twilight.
"Dear oh dear Percy and Pinkie." smirked Spencer, "You should get a stronger engine to pull that heavy load."
"Well we can't stop," said Silver Spoon, "we have things to do, supplies to collect."
And Spencer chuffed away.
"We're sorry Percy and Pinkie," said Thomas. "You were helping me and Twilight and now you broke down."
"We are worried Thomas." said Pinkie, "Percy and I still haven't delivered the mail. Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia will be cross with us now."
"Don't worry Pinkie," said Twilight, "tomorrow we will make things better. Thomas and I will shunt Percy to the Steam works. Victor will have you fixed in a jiffy."
Thomas and Twilight pushed Percy and Pinkie Pie to the sodor Steamworks. They were chattering and chuckling about Hiro and Starswirl. The sodor steamworks was quiet. Victor and Dr. Whooves were surprised to see Thomas and Twilight with Percy and Pinkie Pie.
"Surprising sprockets!" exclaimed Victor, "What happened my friends?"
"Twilight and I asked Percy and Pinkie Pie to deliver our special." answered Thomas
"Percy popped a valve because the machinery was too heavy for him." added Twilight
"But why didn't you take it yourselves?" asked Dr. Whooves
Thomas stammered, "Because uh uh..."
"Because they.." Pinkie started to say but was interrupted by a loud clang.
"Sorry boss," apologized Kevin, "It was a slip of the..."
"Hook." sighed Dr Whooves, "we know Kevin."
Then Thomas and Twilight spotted some more parts. They knew Hiro needed them. Now they knew that they have to tell Victor and Dr. Whooves the truth.
"Victor, Dr. Whooves. Twilight and I need your help." said Thomas
"We all need your help." said Percy.
"Of course," said Dr. Whooves, "what do you need?"
And Thomas and Twilight told them about finding Hiro and Starswirl, and how they needed parts to fix Hiro. Victor and Starswirl were amazed.
"Wow, that is very thoughtful of you two," said Victor, "looking after and old engine and his driver. Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia should know about this."
"No please," said Twilight, "Hiro is old and broken. If Sir Topham Hatt learns about that, he may have to scrap him and Starswirl will lose his friend."
"But," added Thomas, "If we can rebuild Hiro in secret, he and Starswirl can be really useful again. And Sir Topham Hatt won't have to scrap him."
"We understand," said Dr. Whooves, "if there are any parts you need we have them for you right here."
"Thank you Victor. Thank you Dr. Whooves." said Thomas and Twilight
"Alright now Percy," said Victor, "Time for you to get fixed."
That night Thomas and Twilight puffed to Tidmouth sheds, Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for them. He was cross.
"Thomas and Twilight," he said sternly, "I heard that Percy and Pinkie Pie were pulling your special instead of delivering the mail; and now Percy's mail trucks are missing. To make matters worse, Spike hasn't been with you two. Where is he?"
Thomas and Twilight felt guilty.
"We're sorry sir," said Thomas, "to be perfectly honest, we don't know where Percy's mail cars are."
"And we aren't sure where Spike is either," lied Twilight not wanting to let the fat controller know that Spike is with Hiro and Starswirl, "but we promise that we will help Percy and Pinkie find the mail cars tomorrow. And after that we will find Spike."
"That's exactly what you two will do tomorrow," boomed Sir Topham Hatt, "By my ORDER!" Sir Topham Hatt's voice boomed all over Tidmouth sheds from top to track as he went back to his car.
The steam team and the mane 6 could see that Thomas and Twilight were worried. Then they looked at Sunset who was equally worried.
"What's the matter Thomas?" asked Henry, "You and Twilight look like you are worried about something."
"And the same could be said to you," added Toby, "you haven't spoken to me all day when you were helping me with work."
"Oh um well it's just that I" Sunset stammered.
"Come on. You three you can tell us what the matter is." said Edward, "we are your friends after all."
"Eddie's got a point there," agreed Applejack, "we are all here to help anyway we can."
"Just tell us what happened after you got lost during the contest of strength." said Starlight.
"Alright you caught us." said Sunset, "we all have something very important to tell you all. And we need your help."
"Of course." said Emily, "what is it?"
"Well we went down a rickety old track after Thomas' brakes broke and sped along the line..." Twilight started to explain.
As the stars twinkled in the night sky, Thomas, Twilight and Sunset told the others about meeting Hiro and Starswirl, how he needed looking after, and how they are trying to fix Hiro and make him and Starswirl really useful. The engines and drivers were amazed. They had never heard such a tale before. And they all wanted to help Hiro and Starswirl. They promised that they will help out their friends.
"Of course we will help darlings," said Rarity
"We can all help out." assured Starlight
"We can all take parts to Hiro when we find enough time to finish up our jobs." James said.
"We promise we will keep it a secret until Hiro is as good as new." Fluttershy promised.
Thomas Twilight and Sunset were relieved. They were very thankful.
"Thank you," said Thomas, "Thank you all."
"It's so great to know that we always have friends to help out," said Sunset
"Now come on," said Twilight, "we all have a busy day tomorrow; so let's get some shut eye."
And that's what everyone did. They all went to sleep thinking about Hiro and Starswirl.
The next day, Thomas and Twilight were really useful. Thomas hauled and huffed. Twilight panted and sweated, without time to relax. Spencer and Silver Spoon watched Thomas and Twilight's every move. They weren't working to build the Duke and Duchess' summerhouse; they were busy keeping a watchful eye on the duo. They were so busy watching Thomas and Twilight, that they didn't see Gordon and Rainbow Dash pulling a flatbed of old engine parts to fix Hiro. Thomas and Twilight saw Gordon and Rainbow Dash; Gordon and Rainbow Dash saw Thomas and Twilight, and they smiled. Then Gordon and Thomas went their separate ways. Later after Thomas and Twilight finished almost all of their jobs, they were heading over to the Sodor Steamworks. Gordon and Rainbow Dash came from the opposite direction. They were beaming from ear to ear.
"Job done, job done," said Rainbow Dash, "We brought the parts for Hiro."
"Now we have to hurry." said Gordon, "The Wild Nor' Wester musn't be late."
"Well done Gordon," said Thomas and Twilight, "Well done Rainbow Dash!"
"Thank you Thomas and Twilight!" called Gordon and Rainbow.
At the sodor Steamworks, there was hustle and bustle again. There were Sparks and smoke. Percy was almost fixed and ready to leave. Thomas and Twilight and Percy and Pinkie Pie smiled at each other. Then Sir Topham Hatt arrived. He was cross.
"Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie," he boomed, "The mail trucks and Spike are still missing. Tomorrow you four must find them."
"Yes, Sir." said Percy and Pinkie Pie
"Of course Sir," said Thomas and Twilight.
Victor and Dr. Whooves could see that the four friends were worried.
"Percy my friend you are all fixed," smiled Victor.
"Come on Thomas and Twilight," encouraged Dr. Whooves, "cheer your friends up."
"We know exactly how to cheer them up." Thomas said
"Come on Percy, Come on Pinkie," Twilight said, "Follow us. We have someone you must meet."
"Oh and Thomas," called Victor, "this afternoon Dr. Whooves and I will leave some more parts for you and Twilight to take to Hiro."
"Thank you Victor." called Thomas and Percy.
"Thank you Dr. Whooves." called Twilight and Pinkie.
Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie went to the hideout where Hiro and Starswirl are. Percy and Pinkie saw Hiro and Starswirl for the first time. They gasped, they never saw an engine or driver like them before.
"Hiro, Starswirl, this is my best friend Percy and his driver Pinkie Pie." introduced Thomas.
"Um hello." said Percy nervously.
"It's nice to meet you two." said Pinkie Pie excitedly, "I just don't even know what to say!"
"Hello Percy, hello Pinkie Pie," greeted Hiro
"You two have very special friends." complimented Starswirl.
"And that makes you special too." Hiro said kindly
Percy and Pinkie Pie blushed being called special friends.
"Did you two have best friends as well?" asked Percy
"Yes we do," replied Starswirl, "We have six best friends who take turns at driving Hiro. Their names were Rockhoof, Mistmane, Flash Magnus, Meadowbrooke, Sonambula, and our personal best friend and my right hand man Stygian."
"They helped out when Starswirl ever gets ill or injured." said Hiro, "But they are still at home in Japan."
"Do you miss them?" asked Spike.
"Yes we do." replied Hiro sadly
"You poor poor friends." sympathized Twilight, "you must be sad."
"We are, but don't be sad." said Starswirl, "Look at Hiro's new funnel. Gordon and Rainbow Dash brought it for us."
"When Gordon and Rainbow Dash smile," continued Hiro, "It changes their whole faces. We like that."
That made Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie Pie smile widely. Just then Twilight checked her watch and gasped at what time it is.
"Oh my, we have to head back home, it's getting late."
"Right you are Twilight." said Thomas. "Goodnight Hiro."
"Goodnight Starswirl." said Percy and Pinkie
"Good night Spike." said Twilight.
"Goodnight my friends." said Hiro
"Stay safe." said Starswirl.
On the way back home to Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie Pie went happily past the summerhouse which was still only half finished. They were so happy that they didn't see Spencer or Silver Spoon hiding in a siding; but Spencer and Silver Spoon saw them. They were hiding in the shadows. Once they passed, Spencer slid silently and slyly out of the siding.
"Alright Silver Spoon, it's time to find out just what tricky tank engine Thomas and troublesome Twilight are up to." said Spencer
"Indeed Spencer my friend," said Silver Spoon, "It's time for Sherlocks sneaky Spencer and Sleuth Silver Spoon to hunt for clues."
The next morning, Thomas and Twilight were helping Percy and Pinkie Pie find the mail trucks. But Percy and Pinkie Pie can't remember where they hid them.
"Are you and Percy sure you don't know where the mail trucks are Pinkie?" asked Thomas.
"No, I can't remember." Pinkie Pie said
"Think very hard to remember where you last saw them you two." said Twilight
"We are Twi," Percy replied, "but we can only think about Hiro and Starswirl."
Emily and Starlight Glimmer were busy working on the Ffarquhar branch line. Spencer and Silver Spoon watched them. But neither Emily nor Starlight took any notice of them. Then they decided to ask the girls questions.
"Why are Thomas and Twilight puffing around the summerhouse?" interrogated Spencer
"And why does Sunset go with Thomas sometimes?" asked Silver Spoon.
"How should we know?" replied Starlight, "Thomas and Twilight are a busy pair."
"They chuff all over the island." added Emily, "And sometimes Sunset helps with the shifts."
And they backed away. This made Spencer and Silver Spoon cross.
"If Thomas and Twilight are so busy, why are you two working on Thomas' branch line?" asked Spencer who was still suspicious.
"As Starlight said, Thomas and Twilight are very busy." answered Emily
"Then where are they if they are too busy to work on their own branch line?" asked Silver Spoon
"You are a big strong engine Spencer." said Emily, "if you want to know you will just have to find out for yourselves."
"And anyway you two have your own job to do." remarked Starlight, "if you two will excuse us, we have work to do and you have a summerhouse to build."
And Emily and Starlight steamed away.
"Well I never." remarked Silver Spoon.
She and Spencer were crosser than ever. They stared hard at Emily and Starlight. They were so cross that they didn't see Percy and Pinkie Pie and Thomas and Twilight go by on the upper track; nor did they see Edward and Applejack go the other way with a flatbed of engine parts for Hiro.
That evening, Sunset joined Thomas and Twilight and Percy and Pinkie Pie to Hiro's hideout.
"Look at me now." Hiro said proudly showing off his new boiler that has been put in place. Hiro was now a colorful patchwork of parts. That made the friends smile big.
"You look wonderful." complimented Thomas.
"You are almost as good as new." added Twilight.
"Hooray!" cheered Percy and Pinkie Pie
"Thank you." said Starswirl, "But Hiro, Spike and I are worried for you."
"Why?" asked Sunset
"The silver showoffs Spencer and Silver Spoon have been snooping around here last night." answered Spike. "I think they were trying to find out what we are up to."
"Please stay away from us for a little while." said Hiro, "your friends have been taking such good care of me and Starswirl."
"Today we saw Edward and Applejack," said Starswirl, "they were very wise and honest. And tomorrow I think James and Rarity are coming."
"Rarity is very generous but James can be a bit vain and bossy." said Sunset
And for the first time, the friends saw Hiro and Starswirl laugh; loud, long and happy.
The next morning, Thomas, Twilight, Percy and Pinkie were searching the Sodor Slate Quarry for the mail trucks. But they didn't find the cars; they did find Spencer and Silver Spoon. They had followed them. Mavis and Diamond Tiara were delighted to see Spencer and Silver Spoon. And soon went in front of them.
"Silver Spoon my old friend." greeted Diamond Tiara, "I see you brought Spencer with you."
"It really is quite an honor." said Mavis, "Let me and Diamond take you two on a tour around the quarry."
The four friends laughed; they thought it was very funny. But Spencer and Silver Spoon didn't; they scowled. And they didn't see James and Rarity go by with a flatbed of engine parts for Hiro. Mavis and Diamond Tiara proudly took Spencer and Silver Spoon under the slate chute.
"Look out Spencer!" warned Silver Spoon, but it was too late.
Spencer puffed to quickly, then he chuffed to slowly, then he rolled back too far; dust fell down Spencer's funnel and slate bounced off his boiler and Silver Spoon who was trying to cover herself.
Later, Thomas and Percy were taking on coal and Twilight and Pinkie were having a snack. Then Emily and Starlight came by, they had a flatbed of old engine parts for Hiro. Starlight and Emily were very excited.
"Good luck Emily!" called Thomas
"Good luck Starlight!" called Twilight.
Then they saw Spencer and Silver Spoon. Percy and Pinkie Pie gasped.
"Cinders and Ashes!" said Thomas, "I think we may have a problem."
Spencer was being pulled by Edward and Sunset and shunted by Henry and Fluttershy. Slate had fallen down his funnel. Silver Spoon had a few bruises and bumps from the Slate. They had to go to the Steamworks to get better.
Now the steam team and the mane 8 can visit Hiro and Starswirl as much as they want without Spencer and Silver Spoon snooping around and following them. One day Sunset Shimmer was with Thomas, Percy and PInkie Pie. Hiro was looking better and better. He almost looked like a really useful engine.
"Thomas, Starswirl and I need to look really useful by the time Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia see us." said Hiro.
"We told you before Hiro, we will make you all better." Spike said.
Meanwhile at the Sodor Steamworks, Spencer was getting his funnel cleaned and Silver Spoon was getting bandaged.
"Listen Spencer," said Victor, "looking miserable like that won't get the job done any faster. Tomorrow you will be fixed and tomorrow Silver Spoon's bruises will heal."
"Come on," said Dr. Whooves, "give us a smile. Just to show us you can."
But Spencer and Silver Spoon just groaned with displeasure. Then Thomas, Sunset, Percy and Pinkie Pie puffed in to the Steamworks. Then Kevin drops something.
"Kevin!" exclaimed Victor
"Wait Victor look." said Dr. Whooves. Then Victor saw that Spencer and Silver Spoon closed their eyes tight because of the noise. Victor winked at Thomas and Sunset.
"No problem Kevin," reassured Dr. Whooves, "those hooks can be slippery, but you are doing a fine job. Keep up the good work."
So while Kevin kept dropping things, and keeping Spencer's and Silver's eyes shut, Thomas and Sunset chuffed carefully and quietly away to Hiro and Starswirl with new parts.
Then Thomas and Sunset talked to Hiro and Starswirl after they brought the parts.
"Hiro, what do you and Starswirl think of when you are alone?" asked Sunset
"Our old home." admitted Hiro, "And since we have been telling Spike and your friends about it, we miss our home and our old friends more and more."
Thomas Sunset and Spike understood on how hard it must feel for Hiro and Starswirl to be away from their home and their old friends. They wanted to cheer them up.
"We understand what you are going through but you are not alone." said Sunset.
"And tomorrow Percy and Pinkie Pie will arrive to you with the last part you need." Spike added.
"You still have us to look after you and once you are ready, you won't have to feel alone anymore." said Thomas
"Thank you Thomas. Thank you Sunset. Thank you Spike." said Starswirl, "You understand us well. We are proud to call you our friends."
That night Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia were waiting for Thomas and Sunset at Tidmouth Sheds. They were cross.
"Thomas the tank engine and Sunset Shimmer," boomed Sir Topham Hatt, "the mail cars and Spike are still missing, Spencer and Silver Spoon are at the Sodor Steamworks, the building materials for the summerhouse are stacked up at Brendam docks."
"And you two and Twilight Sparkle aren't working on your branch line." continued Celestia, "What is going on around here?"
"We are sorry, Sir. We are sorry, your majesty," apologized Thomas.
"Tomorrow, we will set everything right." promised Sunset.
"Tomorrow then Thomas and Sunset." said Sir Topham Hatt as he and Celestia walked away.
The steam team and the mane 7 could see that Thomas and Sunset were starting to worry.
"Don't worry Thomas." said Gordon
"Don't worry Sunset." said Rainbow Dash
"Tomorrow, Percy and Pinkie Pie will deliver the last part that Hiro needs." assured Edward.
"We will all take turns to guard Hiro and Starswirl." added James,
"We will make sure that Spencer and Silver Spoon won't even come close to them." said Rarity.
"We still have time before we can tell Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia." said Toby
"You still have us. And we will be here to back you up." added Twilight.
"Tomorrow it will be alright." said Henry
"We can do this." said Fluttershy
"Don't worry. Just think about tomorrow." said Emily and Starlight.
"Thank you guys." said Sunset
"You have no idea how much we appreciate that." said Thomas, "It is so great that you are all our best friends."
And everybody went to sleep knowing that everything will be alright. Or so they would think.
As dawn broke over the island of Sodor, Spencer and Silver Spoon were back in action and wanting to find out what is going on.
"Today, Silver," Spencer said, "We are going to find out just what Tricky Thomas, Sneaky Sunset and Troublesome Twilight are hiding from us, once and for all!"
"Indeed, Spencer," agreed Silver Spoon, "those three meddlers have kept their secrets from us for too long."
Spencer and Silver Spoon were hunting for clues. They looked behind bushes, and snooped in sidings, and were getting closer and closer to where Hiro and Starswirl were hiding.
James, Rarity, Toby, Applejack and Sunset were guarding Hiro, when suddenly, Spencer whistled loud and hard.
"Uh oh!" said Sunset, "Spencer is getting closer."
Spencer and Silver Spoon looked into a siding.
"What's this you've found Spencer?" wondered Silver Spoon with intrigue.
They went into the siding.
"Come on guys," siad Spike, "let's lead those two away."
"Agreed hop on Spike." said Rarity.
Spike went with Rarity and James and Sunset went with Toby and Applejack. And they went to where they heard Spencer's whistle.
"Well rattle my rods SIlver," said Spencer, "we found Percy's mail cars."
"Thomas and Sunset must've hidden them as a trick." Silver assumed
Just then James with Rarity and Spike and Toby with Applejack and Sunset steamed out.
"Uh Oh!" exclaimed Silver, "they saw us. Let's get out of here."
Spencer and Silver Spoon didn't know that they were too close to Hiro and Starswirl. And James, Rarity and Spike and Toby, Applejack and Sunset chased the mighty Spencer and Silver Spoon away from Hiro and Starswirl, they soon came to a junction where Thomas and Twilight chuffed in front of the silvery duo. Spencer and Silver Spoon were blocked; they couldn't huff forwards; they couldn't puff backwards, and they had Percy's mail trucks.
"Oh no we're busted." said Spencer.
"Any ideas how we can get out of this one Spencer?" asked Silver Spoon. But unfortunately Spencer didn't.
At Knapford station, Thomas, Twilight, Spike, Sunset, James, Rarity, Toby, Applejack told Sir Topham Hatt how Spencer and Silver Spoon found Percy's mail trucks. Sir Topham Hatt was not pleased with Spencer and Silver Spoon.
"Spencer," Sir Topham Hatt scolded, "why did you and Silver Spoon take Percy's mail cars and hide them in a siding in the middle of nowhere? You two have caused confusion and delay."
"But sir," stammered Silver, "this is all a big misunderstanding."
"Yes, we didn't take the," Spencer tried to explain but Sit Topham Hatt interrupted,
"I am not interested in hearing yours or Silver Spoon's excuses Spencer. Spike has told me everything and I am very disappointed in you. Find Percy and Pinkie Pie and give them back their mail cars, At Once!"
Thomas and Sunset puffed away. Spencer and Silver Spoon were cross.
"This is all Thomas and Sunset's fault that we are in trouble!" Silver Spoon scowled
"We are not going to let those two trouble making teenagers get away with this." Spencer caimed
That afternoon, Hiro and Starswirl were waiting for Thomas, Sunset and Spike. They were very excited; Hiro's firebox was fired up and he was also making steam.
"Hello you two." greeted Sunset,
"Hello you three," greeted Starswirl.
"Percy and Pinkie Pie will arrive here soon with the water injector." assured Thomas, "it's the last part you need. With that injector, you can make more steam."
"I wonder if Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia have seen photos of me and Starswirl." said Hiro, "maybe some pictures of us with the Pillars as well."
"Of course they will," replied Spike, "they wouldn't believe their eyes. They are going to be so proud to have you two on our railway. Maybe the rest of the Pillars could visit us too."
"We are so happy." said Starswirl, "you know we have waited a long long time for this."
"How long?" asked Spike
"About 148 years young Spike." answered Hiro.
Just then they heard the sound of a whistle. It was one that everyone knew all too well.
"Oh no!" gasped Sunset, "it's Spencer and Silver Spoon!"
"They found us!" exclaimed Hiro, "those two will make sure I am in the smelters yard and Starswirl is in an asylum for sure."
"No they won't." retorted Spike, "we can escape like what Douglas did with Oliver years ago remember?"
"Of course! You're a genius Spike," said Thomas, "like Spike said, you two are nearly fixed, we can escape those Silver showoffs. Follow us."
Even though it was a slow start, Hiro was on track and he and Starswirl followed Thomas, Sunset and Spike to get away from Silver and Spencer.
Hiro was soon steaming fine, his pistons pumped and his boiler bubbled. Hiro and Starswirl were having the time of their lives.
"You're doing it!" exclaimed Sunset
"Well done Hiro!" shouted Thomas
"Well done Starswirl!" called Spike
"Thank you Thomas!" shouted Hiro
"Thank you Spike, Thank you Sunset!" called Starswirl
Then there was trouble, Spencer and Silver were snaking on the tracks behind Thomas and Sunset.
"Found you Thomas, caught you Sunset!" said Spencer
"And look there is Spike as well." said Silver
"Uh oh! It's Spencer and Silver!" exclaimed Spike.
Thomas wheels whired like the wind.
"You three won't get away from us this time!" called Spencer
Hiro chuffed as fast as he could. He and Starswirl wanted to get away from Spencer and Silver Spoon. Then Spencer and Silver Spoon gasped when they saw Hiro and Starswirl. They never saw an engine or driver as weird looking and strange as Hiro or Starswirl before.
"Who are you two?" exclaimed Spencer and Silver.
"Hiro!" cried Thomas and Spike
"Starswirl!" exclaimed Sunset.
"Thomas! Sunset! Spike!" exclaimed Hiro and Starswirl.
"That engine can't even puff properly." said Silver.
Then Hiro started to clatter and clunk. He and Starswirl were starting to get worried. Without the water injector, Hiro could only sputter. His new headlamp came off and landed on Spencer. Now Hiro and Starswirl were getting more worried as parts fell off and clanged and banged on the tracks.
"No!" exclaimed Hiro and Starswirl.
"Keep going Hiro, keep going Starswirl!" encouraged Spike, "We just need to hold out a little longer!"
"Thomas Sunset help me!" begged Hiro
But the harder Hiro puffed the worse he got. More parts fell off. Soon, Hiro's dome cover, cylinder plates, feedwater heater, smoke deflectors tore off Hiro and fell on the track.
"Please keep it together Hiro!" called Sunset, "Please don't give up!"
But more parts fell from Hiro's engine.
"Thomas! Sunset! Spike!" exclaimed Starswirl and Hiro
"Just a little longer!" said Sunset
"You can do it Hiro!" encouraged Thomas, "You can do it Starswirl!"
"I don't think they can go any farther!" claimed Spencer. "That engine is literally falling to pieces."
"If they don't stop now they will only get worse!" added Silver Spoon
But unfortunately, Hiro and Starswirl knew that Spencer and Silver were right. One of the masters of the railway was once more a heap of scrap. Everyone stopped, Hiro couldn't puff on.
"Is this what you've been hiding from all of us?" asked Silver, "trying to fix an engine that is a heap of scrap and breaking it apart?"
"You have been troublesome, but thanks for doing us a favor and fixing up this heap of scrap so it can be taken to the smelters yard." Spencer said, "That's the only place this engine is good for. Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia will make sure of it."
"And why is that old man in that engine's cab?" Silver Spoon asked, "he must be insane if he think he can drive that hunk of junk. He is sure to go to an asylum."
Thomas and Sunset felt terrible. They have worked so hard, and have come so far, but now their plan crumbled like Pinkie's stale cookies. They had let Hiro and Starswirl down. Spike on the other hand was mad.
"No they won't! I stayed with those two. I have been keeping them company I won't let Hiro get scrapped and I refuse to let Starswirl go to an asylum!"
"It isn't worth it Spike." said Sunset who was holding Spike back, "we have tried our best but now all of our hard work has fallen apart. Just like Hiro."
"Now how will we prevent Hiro from going to the smelters yard and prevent Starswirl from going to the asylum?" asked Thomas,"we tried to keep them a secret, we tried to help fix Hiro, our friends even helped out but now we have let the Masters of the Railway down. This is a disaster! Now Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia will get mad and Twilight will be disappointed with us. This is a catastrophe."
Then they heard a whistle, it was Gordon and Rainbow Dash pulling the Wild Nor' Wester and Twilight was with them.
"Twi, RD and I challenge you and Silver Spoon to Maithwaite, Slowpoke Spencer," taunted Gordon.
"We will win!" added Rainbow Dash.
"Once we win, I will get payback for Thomas, Sunset and Spike after you two humiliated us after the strength competition." said Twilight.
Spencer and Silver were surprised, they wanted had just caught up to Thomas and Sunset but after hearing that they will lose a race really got them angry.
"Oh no you won't Gordon!" Called Spencer, "Silver and I will win!"
"And you will still be humiliated, Sparkle," said Silver Spoon.
And Spencer and Silver Spoon sped after Gordon, Rainbow and Twilight. Way after Spencer and Silver Spoon disappeared, Thomas saw a siding, they didn't realize that it was the same place where Percy and Pinkie hid the mail trucks.
"Don't worry Hiro," reassured Thomas, "we can hide you here."
"It is big enough to keep you and Starswirl hidden until we can get help." Sunset added
"Can I please stay with you?" asked Spike, "I don't want you two to be alone again."
"Thank you Thomas," said Hiro, "Starswirl and I are grateful that you will still keep us alive." But he was sadder than ever.
"We also understand that you want to be with us Spike," said Starswirl, "but you need to be with Twilight Sparkle. It's not that we don't appreciate that you want to keep us company, but your friends must be worried about you."
"We are sorry." said Thomas who was about to cry, "I don't deserve to be your friend, I don't deserve my number. How can I be the number one when I can't even help the masters of the railway?"
"It's not your fault Thomas," said Sunset, "we tried our best. I just hope we can make things better."
"Indeed," said Starswirl, "you all are still our friend. One day you and all your friends could be masters of the railway."
But poor Thomas just shedded some tears and sobbed quietly, he felt it was all his fault. He decided to do the one thing he has to do. But he wanted to tell his friends.
Meanwhile, Gordon, Twilight and Rainbow raced ahead of Spencer and Silver Spoon. Spencer was out of puff after running around the island all day, that he and Silver can't get ahead of the trio. When they got to maithwaite station, Gordon steamed to a stop and Rainbow and Twilight leaned on the lampost.
"I told you two that RD Twi and I will win." boasted Gordon.
"That wasn't fair," complained Silver Spoon, "you three had a head start and the mail trucks were holding us back."
"Sorry, Silver," said Rainbow Dash, "but your loss."
"But we were tired after chasing that tricky tank engine, troublemaking teenager, and that deceiving dog of Sparkles." argued Spencer
"What if that was you?" Twilight replied, "you two have no one to blame but yourselves."
"Well sorry dear cousin, said Gordon, "but it looks like I am still the fastest in the family."
"Wait Spencer is your cousin Gordon?" asked Twilight in surprise.
"Yeah," said Rainbow Dash, "Big G and I had to help Spencer up Gordon's hill one time when that silver showoff ran out of water."
"That wasn't my fault." retorted Spencer. But before he could he could say anymore and ease his axles, the door on one of the express coaches swung open. The duke and duchess of boxford stepped out with Sir Topham Hatt, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They were cross. "Fumbling fenders." groaned Spencer, "we are in big trouble now."
"You think?" asked Silver Spoon.
"Spencer, you and Silver Spoon have let us down!" scolded the Duke, "We left you two in charge of our summerhouse, and it is not even ready for our holiday. Our friends Sir Topham Hatt, Celestia and Luna have been telling us that you two have spent the past few days watching Thomas the Tank Engine, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, taking advantage of them and poking your noses around the island."
"And taking mail cars that are not yours." added Sir Topham Hatt, "you two promised me that you would take them back to Percy and Pinkie Pie, but what do you do instead? Watching Thomas, Sunset and Spike like a hawk."
"You call yourselves grand, but you two are not responsible at all." said Celestia.
Spencer and Silver Spoon's pride shattered like glass.
"But but," Spencer stammered, "that tiny toy tank engine, the troublesome teens left their bothersome dog with an old engine that was a heap of scrap in fact."
"That's true," said Silver Spoon, "and the old engine had an old driver, who is totally crazy to stay with that engine."
"Silver and I were chasing them," continued Spencer, "because Sir Topham your majesties you should-"
But before Spencer could say anything else, the Duke stopped them.
"Spencer the express engine! Silver Spoon! Stop!" said the Duke, "chasing insane drivers and engines that are a heap of scrap and telling us that Twilight left her own dog with them for nine days? We will just have to send you two back to the mainland. You are clearly not fit to work here at all."
"Please Sir," called a voice, "may Twilight, Sunset and I help out?"
And there was Thomas who puffed in.
"We can help Spencer and Silver Spoon with the completion of the summerhouse." said Sunset who winked at Twilight
"Yeah," agreed Twilight, "and while I work with Thomas and Sunset, Spike can work with Edward to make up for his disappearance."
"I promise together, Twilight, Sunset, Spencer, Silver and I will get the summerhouse completed in time for your holiday." said Thomas.
The duke and duchess were delighted.
"Thank you Thomas," said the duke, "That is most generously kind of you Twilight and Sunset. Please do us a favor and keep a watchful eye on Spencer and Silver Spoon; they are clearly not feeling well."
"We promise your grace," said Sunset, "we won't let those two out of our sight."
Spencer just steamed with anger and embarrassment. It was all too terrible and now they can't even tell the Fat Controller, the Princesses or the Duke and Duchess without Thomas, Sunset or Twilight watching them.
It was getting late, as Thomas, Twilight and Sunset went to see Hiro and Starswirl. Hiro and Starswirl were sad.
"You did everything you and your friends could Thomas," said Hiro, "but now I know I will be sent to the smelters yard and Starswirl will be sent to an asylum."
"No!" snapped Thomas, "No you won't!"
"We already failed you once and we are not going to let it happen again." said Sunset
"We promise. Don't give up." said Twilight
And Thomas and the girls steamed sadly away to Tidmouth.
At Tidmouth Sheds everyone was worried about Hiro and Starswirl, and cross with Spencer and Silver Spoon.
"Percy and I are so so sorry that we left our mail trucks so close to Hiro and Starswirl." faulted Pinkie, "we didn't even know they were there."
"It looked like a good hiding place." Percy added
"It wasn't your fault Percy and Pinkie," assured Spike, "we all did our best."
"What should we do now?" asked Henry
"I don't know if Victor has any more spare parts left to fix Hiro." said Fluttershy
"Is there anything else we could do?" asked Toby
"I can't believe I'm saying this," said Thomas, "but Twilight, Sunset and I are going to tell Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia."
"Why?" asked Emily and Edward.
"Wasn't that the exact opposite of what we wanted to do darling?" asked Rarity
"We all tried our best to fix Hiro ourselves but it didn't work." answered Sunset. "We need his help."
"But first, Thomas Sunset and I have to finish the summerhouse with Spencer and Silver Spoon," said Twilight, "Then they will see that we are really useful and he will want to help us."
The others were quiet. They knew that Thomas, Twilight and Sunset were right about getting Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia's help, but they were worried about Hiro and Starswirl. They wanted to look after their new friends. Then Thomas had an idea.
"While Sunset, Twi and I are busy, can you all look after Hiro and Starswirl?"
"Of course we will Thomas." said Starlight
"We can all take turns looking after Hiro and Starswirl like we did with guarding them." said Applejack.
"After all," said Gordon, "we had an alliance, united we stand together we fall."
"You help me and I'll help you." finished Rainbow.
"But wait what about Spencer?" asked Fluttershy, "you told us that he saw you three with Hiro and Starswirl and they might want to make sure that you fail in saving them."
This caused everyone to worry.
"Oh don't worry about Spencer." said Sunset, "we promised the duke and duchess that we would keep a watchful eye on those two."
The steam team were relieved and were so happy to look after Hiro and Starswirl that they blew their whistles loudly.
"You guys are the best." said Thomas.
They were a team for Hiro and Starswirl.
There is still hope, the chase and the happy ending
For the next few days, Spencer, Silver, Thomas, Sunset and Twilight worked on the summerhouse. Even though Thomas and Twilight were focused on the materials, Sunset didn't let Spencer or Silver get out of her sight. Thomas was worried at first that Twilight would be disappointed with him after encouraging Hiro and Starswirl to go even though Hiro wasn't 100% fixed, but Twilight forgave him.
The rest of the Steam team and Mane 8 looked after Hiro and Starswirl, so they were never alone for too long. They laughed and told stories about their old home and their old friends to Emily, Gordon, Percy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Starlight Glimmer. They listened to Edward's wise words and Applejack's honest truths. They cared deeply about the fact that Henry needed special coal and about Fluttershy's sensitive nature. They admired James' shiny red paint and Rarity's beautiful hair and clothes. And they thought that Toby and Spike were very special; the only steam tram and the only talking dog that they ever met. Hiro and Starswirl thought everyone was special that they told everyone that they were masters of the railway in their hearts and they told everyone to never lose their friendship with each other.
After a few days, the duke and duchess arrived to see the progress of the summerhouse, it was nearly complete. They were very pleased. Spencer and Silver Spoon beamed with pride. They boasted and told them all about it. While they talked, Thomas, Sunset and Twilight sneaked quietly away to see Hiro and Starswirl. They got to the siding, Hiro and Starswirl were happy to see Thomas, Sunset and Twilight again
"Hello Thomas, Sunset and Twilight, our best friends." said Hiro
"Hello Hiro and Starswirl." said Thomas.
They could see that the masters of the railway were still worried.
"We won't let you get scrapped Hiro. We won't let you get into an asylum Starswirl." promised Sunset
"That's right," agreed Twilight, "tonight, Thomas, Sunset and I will fix everything."
"Thank you." said Starswirl, "Your devotion and dedication to help us is most appreciated. Your friendship with each other is strong and so is your friendship with the others."
"We know. Our friendship will mend you two." said Thomas, "Count on it."
And Thomas, Sunset and Twilight went back to the summerhouse; just in time to say goodbye to the duke and duchess. The duke had words of praise for the trio.
"Thank you Thomas, Sunset and Twilight," he said, "without you three, Spencer and Silver Spoon would never get the job done on time."
"We were just lending some helping hands your grace." said Sunset, "it was a pleasure to work on the summerhouse."
Spencer and Silver Spoon just snorted.
"We have to go to Knapford now." said Twilight
"Why? What business do you three have at Knapford?" asked Silver Spoon
"To see Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia." answered Thomas.
After Thomas steamed away with Sunset and Twilight, Spencer and Silver Spoon snarled because they knew what that means.
"You three are going to tell the Fat Hatt and Pesky Princess about that Scrap engine and that psycho driver aren't you?"
"Well Spencer and I will make sure we get to Knapford first to make sure your sneaky plan doesn't work at all." said Silver
"That engine will be sent to the smelters yard and that driver will be thrown into the asylum where they belong!" shouted the Silver duo.
The chase was on. It was Thomas, Sunset and Twilight vs Spencer and Silver. Spencer pumped his pistons and chased after Thomas. Thomas and Twilight could hear Spencer's wheels whirring behind them.
"We can't let those two get to Knapford first." said Sunset
"Don't worry Sunset," said Twilight, "That will never happen. Thomas will win."
"That's right." shouted Thomas, "Our friendship will drive us to victory."
Thomas, Sunset, Twilight and Spencer and Silver Spoon had the race of their lives. They went over bridges and under tunnels, slipped through junctions and raced round the bends. Spencer tried and tried but he couldn't get in front of Thomas. Thomas raced ahead and slipped into a siding. Spencer and Silver Spoon went on then screeched to a stop.
"Why are those three going along that narrow track?" asked Silver Spoon
"Obviously Silver," Spencer said, "those troublemaking teenagers found a shortcut. If we take the long way round we will never win the race."
"So? You are the fastest." said Silver, "Forget about that short cut."
"No I'm going to follow those three and get to Knapford first." said Spencer.
And that's what he did despite Silver's objections. However, little did Spencer or Silver Spoon know that they were heading for more trouble. The rickety old track went over marshland. Thomas, Twilight and Sunset knew that it was the fastest way to get back home. So Thomas huffed and Spencer puffed. Spencer was getting closer and closer.
"Come on Thomas," encouraged Sunset, "LITTLE ENGINES CAN DO BIG THINGS!"
Thomas took Sunset's words and he sped on. Then there was trouble; the track was so old that it was broken, and Spencer was too heavy. With a creak and a crack down goes the track. The mighty Spencer was now in a muddy marsh.
"This is why I told you to go the long way round." said Silver Spoon, "You know that you were too heavy for branch lines but you went after them and now we're all muddy."
"Well if you had just gotten us ahead of them then I wouldn't be stuck here." retorted Spencer
Thomas stopped; he, Twilight and Sunset knew what happened, but they can't help out the duo.
"Sorry Spencer. Sorry Silver." said Thomas, "Sunset Twilight and I didn't know that the track was broken."
"We'll get help. We'll be back." said Sunset, "Don't move."
And Thomas sped on. When he, Sunset and Twilight got to Knapford, they were tired. They asked the stationmaster to tell Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia to see them. Sir Topham Hatt, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were having dinner with the duke and duchess of Boxford. The Stationmaster telephoned Sir Topham Hatt and asked him and Princess Celestia to come to Knapford straight away. Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia came with Princess Luna and the Duke and Duchess.
Thomas and Sunset were worried. They knew that they had to tell the Fat Controller and the Princess the truth and why they weren't working on their usual jobs. But they were so scared because they thought they will get punished and Hiro will be sent to the smelters yard. Twilight encouraged them to tell the truth. Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia listened.
"Hiro and Starswirl are old and important." Thomas confessed, "We found them after I lost my brakes. They were alone and scared. We wanted to help them."
"We didn't want Hiro to be scrapped and we didn't want Starswirl in an asylum." Sunset continued, "That's why we weren't doing our normal jobs and why we took some parts from the Steamworks and we asked our friends to help us. But we failed them."
Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia stared at Thomas and Sunset. This made them shudder with fear. They were certain that Sir Topham Hatt and Celestia will scrap Hiro and Starswirl will be sent to an asylum. But they were wrong.
"Did you say Hiro and Starswirl?" asked Sir Topham Hatt
"Yes sir." said Thomas Sunset and Twilight with worry
"You mean the masters of the railway?" asked Celestia
"Yes princess." said Thomas Twilight and Sunset
"Oh they are terribly famous." said the duchess
"Famous? They were the masters of the Railway!" said Sir Topham Hatt
"They were also mine and Tia's old teachers." said Luna
"Why did you Sunset and Twilight ever get the idea that we will scrap the masters of the railway, Thomas?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"Why didn't you tell us the truth?" asked Luna, "We could've helped you."
"It's because we were silly, Sir." Twilight confessed, "And we were worried for them. We left Spike with them so they wouldn't be alone."
"We were afraid about telling the truth," said Sunset, "and Hiro and Starswirl were near to where the summerhouse is, so we knew Spencer and Silver Spoon would eventually find out and tell you themselves."
"We tried to fix Hiro alone. And we needed our friends. But Sunset and I caused him to fall apart again after we were being chased by Spencer and Silver Spoon. Now we feel terrible and alone." said Thomas
"Well you three are not alone anymore." said Princess Celestia, "You did the right thing by looking after them. We must help Hiro and Starswirl at once!"
"Send Hiro to the Sodor Steamworks." said Sir Topham Hatt, "Victor will have Hiro fixed in no time and Dr. Whooves will get Starswirl in perfect condition."
Thomas, Sunset and Twilight were so happy they thought they would burst.
"Thank you Sir Thank you your majesty." said Thomas and Sunset. Then Twilight remembered something.
"But what about Spencer and Silver Spoon?" asked Twilight, "They fell into a muddy marsh when they were chasing us. They need help as well."
"I strictly told Spencer and Silver Spoon to not leave the summerhouse," said the duke, "but what did they do? They did leave the summerhouse to chase you. So those two will have to wait until we are finished helping Hiro and Starswirl."
After the chat, Thomas, Sunset and Twilight went to see Hiro and Starswirl to tell them the good news.
"Hiro, Starswirl, Twilight, Sunset and I have seen Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia." said Thomas
"It's great news they know that you two are the masters of the railway." said Twilight
"And the great news keep coming. They want to send you two to the Sodor Steamworks; not the Smelters Yard." said Sunset
This made Hiro and Starswirl beam with happiness and relief.
"Hooray for Thomas Sunset and Twilight!" they exclaimed
"Hooray for Hiro and Starswirl!" exclaimed Thomas, Sunset and Twilight
The next day, Percy helped Thomas heave and haul Hiro and Starswirl into the Sodor Steamworks. The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia were waiting for them.
"Welcome, Hiro." greeted Sir Topham Hatt
"Long time no see, Starswirl." said Celestia.
"It's a pleasure to meet you two after so long." said Sir Topham Hatt
"Thank you, Sir. Thank you your majesty." said Hiro
"We are very grateful and thank you two very much," said Starswirl, "And we thank you two for Thomas, Sunset, Twilight and Spike."
"Indeed," said Hiro, "We want to thank them for finding us, for helping us, and for making sure we didn't feel alone."
"Thomas, Twilight, Sunset and the others did their best." said Celestia, "Victor and Dr. Whooves will ensure that you two are in perfect condition and the masters of the railway again."
"Of course Sir. Of course Princess." said Victor
"Happy to help. We will do our very best." promised Dr. Whooves.
Then there was a loud clang. Kevin dropped some pipes.
"Sorry Boss!" shouted Kevin
"Terribly sorry, Sir. Sorry, your majesty," apologized Victor.
"Kevin has a very slippy hook." said Dr. Whooves. They were both a bit embarrassed.
"So we see." said Celestia.
"Don't worry Hiro and Starswirl." assured Thomas, "Victor and Dr. Whooves are the best."
"They will have you two fixed up in no time." said Spike
So the work began. It took a lot of work. Making the right parts, repainting Hiro and healing Starswirl. Finally after 5 days, the steam team and the mane 9 gathered around to see Hiro and Starswirl. Hiro puffed out slowly. Everyone gasped. Hiro had a new black livery and golden lining. And Starswirl had his hat and coat all mended. They looked as good as new.
"How do you and Starswirl feel Hiro?" asked Thomas
"We are so happy Thomas." said Hiro, "Starswirl and I were waiting a long time for this moment."
"Job well done Victor, Dr." said Celestia.
"Welcome back, masters of the railway." said Sir Topham Hatt
"Thank you, Sir." said Starswirl
"Now, Thomas, Sunset, Twilight," said Celestia, "Time to get Spencer and Silver Spoon out of the marsh."
An hour later where Spencer is still stuck, Thomas, Sunset and Twilight came.
"Here we are Spencer," said Sunset, "we are back and ready to help you and Silver Spoon."
"Don't waste your time Sunset." said Spencer, "Thomas isn't strong enough to pull someone as heavy as me."
"You're right Spencer," said Thomas, "I'm not strong enough, but we have just the engine who is."
And Hiro and Starswirl puffed into view. Spencer and Silver Spoon didn't recognize them.
"Who are you two?" asked Silver Spoon
"I am Hiro."
"And I am Starswirl."
"Are you the scrap engine and old man?" asked Spencer.
"I was the scrap engine."
"And I am the old man."
"Blistering boilers!" gasped Spencer and Silver Spoon
"Alright Spencer," said Hiro, "it's time to get you and Silver out of the mud."
Then they could see that Hiro and Starswirl brought Rocky.
"Hello Spencer, Silver," greeted Rocky, "What do you know. Time to get you two unstuck from the muck."
Hiro shunted and shifted Rocky into the right position. And Starswirl placed the on the hook. And slowly and gently, Rocky lifted Spencer and Silver Spoon back on track. And with a mighty heave Hiro and Starswirl pulled Rocky and Spencer and Silver Spoon to the Sodor Steamworks. After two days, Spencer was fixed and Silver Spoon were all better and joined Hiro and Starswirl and Thomas, Twilight and Sunset on building the summerhouse. The summerhouse was finally complete and Spencer and Silver Spoon had some things to say to them.
"Thomas, I'm sorry I thought you were a tricky engine." apologized Spencer, "Hiro I'm sorry for calling you a heap of scrap."
"Twilight, Sunset, I'm sorry that I thought you were troublemakers," apologized Silver Spoon, "And Starswirl, I'm sorry for calling you an eccentric old man."
"You are all fine friends and fine workers." said Spencer
"We'll forgive you." said Thomas.
The duke and Duchess came to visit the Summerhouse. They were delighted. It was ready for their holiday.
That night, Thomas and Sunset could see that Hiro and Starswirl were sad. They wanted to know what's wrong so they can help out.
"Hiro, Starswirl, is everything alright?" asked Thomas in concern
"Not exactly Thomas." said Hiro, "You, Sunset and your friends were so kind and generous with taking care of us and helping us."
"Indeed," said Starswirl, "that sort of kindness reminded us of our friends. And we miss our home."
"Oh we understand." said Sunset. Then an idea came to her and she whispered it to Thomas and Twilight who thought it was a great idea.
"We know one last thing to help you two." said Twilight, "wait right here."
And before Hiro or Starswirl could say master of the railway, Thomas steamed away. Thomas and Sunset and Twilight arrived at Knapford and saw Sir Topham Hatt and Princess Celestia.
"Sir, Princess, we need your help." said Twilight, "We know that you two will understand."
"Hiro and Starswirl are homesick. And they want to go home and see their best friends again." said Thomas,
"We understand Thomas and Twilight." said Sir Topham Hatt. "You three did the right thing by telling us."
"We will help you three, tell Hiro and Starswirl that there is nothing to worry about anymore." said Celestia
Thomas, Twilight and Sunset smiled. And that's exactly what they did. Two days later, everyone gathered at Brendam docks. There were decorations and balloons. They were having a farewell party for the masters of the railway.
"Here they come Thomas!" exclaimed Percy
"I can't wait for the party!" shouted Pinkie,
"Well you don't have to wait anymore Pink." said Sunset. And there was Hiro and Starswirl arriving at the docks.
"Alright everybody." said Thomas, "on three. One. Two. THREE!" and the engines blew their whistles and the girls cheered. And then Hiro blew his whistle long and low. Hiro chuffed slowly to Thomas, Percy, Sunset, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Spike.
"It's time for you and Starswirl to go back to Japan, Hiro." said Thomas sadly.
"Indeed it is." said Hiro, "Starswirl and I will never forget you. All of you."
"We will also never forget the kind things you've done for us." said Starswirl.
"Maybe Thomas, Twilight Spike and I can visit you two in Japan." said Sunset.
"Or maybe you could come back and visit us again with your old friends." said Percy
"Maybe young Percy," said Hiro, smiling. "Only time will tell."
"Sodor will always be a home away from home for you." said Twilight
"Indeed Twilight." said Starswirl, "thank you for everything."
And Hiro and Starswirl boarded the ship.
"Do you think we will ever see Starswirl and Hiro again?" asked Spike
"I hope so." said Thomas
A few months later, Hiro and Starswirl arrived at Japan, and there stood the Pillars who were awaiting for their arrival.
"We were on the island of Sodor alone and Hiro was broken." answered Starswirl.
"We thought we would be scrapped," continued Hiro. "Until brave heroes named Thomas the Tank engine, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, and Spike saved us."
"Really?" asked an intrigued Meadowbrooke.
"What happened? Can you tell us about it?" asked Mistmane
"Did they have friends to help?" asked Sonambula, "how did they save you?"
"Well my friends," said Hiro. "That would be telling."